Meeting new people makes me uncomfortable.
I love getting to know people and spending time with them, but that first meeting can cause a lot of unease for me.
When I first moved to Minnesota, I tried my best to put myself out there and get connected with people at church. One night, the young adults group hosted a game night, and as someone who LOVES board games, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to meet some new friends. Honestly, immediately after arriving, I wanted to leave. I was so nervous! I ended up stumbling through small talk, connecting with several new people, and getting to know a few familiar faces better. Despite my discomfort, this was good for me, and I had to remind myself of this truth throughout the evening.
This summer, you will experience discomfort. Some of you may have already started to feel it. So when it comes, remember that despite our feelings, it can be a good thing. God draws us out of our comfort zone to meet us in the unknown and remind us to rely entirely on Him.
Consider Psalm 23.
We, like sheep, are in need of a Shepherd. God knows what is best for you. He will provide and care for you this summer. In moments of unrest and unease, you can find comfort in Him.
My prayer for every one of you this summer is that you will embrace the discomfort with open arms. Whether emotional, spiritual, mental, or physical, remember that God is in control, and He is your source of peace and comfort.
Important Information
Travel Documents
Two weeks ago, we mailed all of the travel related documents that you will need. These include an Updated Mission Trip Schedule, Domestic Travel Form, Hotel Request Form, Travel Health Insurance Form, Travel Consultant Form, and Unaccompanied Minor Form (if applicable). These forms were also emailed to you. With the release of the Updated Mission Trip Schedule, you can now arrange your domestic travel. These forms can all be found here.
Visa/Visa Waiver Information
This year, the only teams requiring a visa are our Kenya and Nepal teams. Ireland is now the only team requiring a visa waiver as the European Commission has delayed the requirement until 2026. For those of you on the Ireland, Kenya and Nepal teams, you will be receiving an email from your Trip Leader in the next few weeks with instructions on how you will be applying for the visas/visa waivers. You can contact your Trip Leader or me if you have any questions before then.
Forms Due Soon
Most of the forms that we sent you in your Prep Packet are due May 14th. Make sure to look through the material you were sent to be sure you don't miss a thing; especially the Reference Sheet. Be careful to read through the forms and instructions carefully. Anything filled out incorrectly will be returned to you. If you have questions about any of the forms, please contact us and we'll be happy to help!
Travel Health Insurance Reminder
Royal Servants provides travel health insurance for each participant as part of the cost of the mission trip. If you would like to upgrade your policy, simply contact Bursch Travel and they will assist you with that. Contact information is listed on the Travel Health Insurance Form. Upgrades must be requested at least 28 days prior to leaving home for travel to Training Camp.
Mission Trip International Airfare Amounts & Deadlines
In your prep packet, we let you know that we are required to start booking international tickets at the beginning of May. Listed below are the actual dates we will be booking each trip. That means each participant must have enough money in her or his account to cover that cost on that day. If you have enough funds in your account, we will automatically book your ticket. However, if you don’t have the funds in your Royal Servants account, you may also give us a credit card to cover the cost.
We won’t charge your credit card—really! We will simply put a hold for that amount and then remove the hold when your account has enough funds to cover the ticket. We would only charge the card if you dropped from the program and didn't have enough in your account to cover what we paid for the ticket. Reign Ministries is only able to process holds for Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards (debit cards may be used, but there has to be enough funds in the account and the hold will make those funds inaccessible until released). You can find more information on this under "Financial Deadlines" in your Preparation Packet booklet.
If you want us to purchase your ticket by putting a hold on a credit card, you will have to call the Reign Ministries’ office before the booking deadline. You are not able to use our online giving to place a hold. You can make a tax-deductible donation for your ticket online, but the amount is immediately charged. You can call our office 763-535-9555 ext. 721 for the Royal Servants Department or ext. 718 for the Finance Department. We are in the office weekdays between 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM CDT.
Please note: Donations made online via ACH giving (via your checking account) after April 23 may not clear the bank in time to count towards the airfare. Therefore, this online giving feature will not be available April 24 - May 14.
Trip - Airfare Cost - Booking Deadline
Europe - $1840 - May 1
Kenya - $1600 - May 1
Nehemiah - $2148 - May 1
Nepal - $1780 - May 1
Ireland - $1250 - May 14
Peru - $1440 - May 14
Spain - $1200 - May 14
Packing Tips
Fiber pills/drink mix/bars: Occasional constipation is very normal with the diet and climate changes that can happen on a mission trip. If you are prone to constipation (maybe even if you aren't), we suggest packing some fiber supplements. It's an easy and gentle way to keep your body working the right way!
TIP: If your registration has been accepted, be sure to read through all of the materials sent to you. There is some pretty important info in that packet - make sure you don’t miss a thing!
If you haven't submitted your registration, don't worry, you still have time! Go hit submit today!
If you have any questions about Royal Servants or the registration process, please email us at lmacdonell@reignministries.org.