Do Mom and Dad have questions about the Summer Missions Program?

First of all, thank you for allowing your son/daughter to apply for summer missions. We realize that it is a huge sacrifice financially and personally that affects the entire family. Since 1950, we have been helping students connect with the mission field in summer misisons. The way God uses this in their life is truly amazine!

Below you will find a Frequently Asked Questions list. It will begin to answer the questions you may have about the process, finances, etc...

What is BCM Summer Missions?

Summer Missions is a volunteer program that offers college students an opportunity to work alongside a career missionary in North America or internationally. Most appointments are for a 4-10 week period during the summer. The Louisiana Baptist Collegiate Ministry and the Division of Collegiate Ministry of the Louisiana Baptist Convention cooperate with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and International Mission Board (IMB).

Who pays your son/daughters expenses?

Most of the expenses are covered. You don’t have to pay them out of your own pocket. BCM Missions is a student-sponsored program, which is supported by the State Collegiate Missions Fund. Each campus sets a missions goal. Students do various fund raising projects and make personal contributions to meet their campus goals. These funds pay various expenses related to summer missions.

• If you are appointed by NAMB you will receive:
• NAMB provides trip transportation, meals, lodging, local transportation and insurance while serving, and a miscellaneous expense stipend.
• BCM will pay your expenses related to the Missions Cross-Cultural Training and a miscellaneous expense stipend.
• Students appointed by IMB can receive:
• A max $1000 towards the cost of your trip through the BCM. The additional cost will be your responsibility. The actual expense of each trip varies but $2500 is a fairly consistent average.

Who will be their daily supervisor?

A representative from the Louisiana BCM will always be available for your student. However, throughout the summer your student will work directly with missionaries who live on the field.

NAMB – Usually, the field supervisor will be a career home missionary, associational director of missions, or a local pastor. Your student will also be responsible for reporting to a state supervisor and to the Louisiana Baptist Convention Division of Collegiate Ministry.

IMB – The field supervisor will be a career international missionary. Your student will also be responsible for reporting to the International Mission Board and to the Louisiana Baptist Convention Division of Collegiate Ministry.

How does my son/daughter decide where to serve?

Your student will be directed to the needs lists that are posted on the North American Mission Board or International Mission Board web sites. They will:

• Pray about where God wants them to serve.
• Go to the appropriate web site.
• Indicate their top 3 choices on the application.
• If approved, they will be notified by the appropriate agency (NAMB or IMB).

How are appointments determined?

To apply they will:

• Fill out an on-line application,
• Fill out and distribute on-line references forms,
• Schedule and complete a local interview through the local BCM.
• Appointments will be finalized by NAMB or IMB. They will receive notification from them when the assignment is finalized. They make appointments once all information has been submitted to them.

Who will handle the travel arrangements?

Travel to and from the field will generally be by commercial airlines.

• NAMB will send your student the information that you need to contact the appropriate travel agent.
• If appointed internationally, IMB will instruct your student on how to make reservations.

Will my son/daughter have a partner?

Most likely, yes, they will have a partner. In some instances there may be a team of students assigned together. A few positions are without a partner. If you do not want them to serve alone, ask them not to select a position only requesting 1 student.

How do I get more information about the appointment?

The agency that makes your students appointment (IMB or NAMB) will give them the contact information needed to get in touch with the field supervisor.

What kind of training does your son/daughter need?

Training is to be handled by the local BCM ministry and on field personnel.

Will my son/daughter stay in one location or move often?

The field of service will be responsible for missionary living arrangements for the summer. These vary with location. The most common living arrangement is with church families in the community of one’s service. Some students live in the home of their supervisor. Students should be prepared to move at least occasionally others may move weekly.

Are visits by parents, family members or friends permitted while I am on the field?

Visits to the field of service by parents, family, or friends are discouraged. Ten weeks is such a short period of time that visits to the field would be a distraction to the work of the student missionary. Any planned visit to the field should be cleared by the Louisiana Baptist Convention Division of Collegiate Ministry as well as the local field supervisor of the student summer missionary.

 For other questions, who do I contact?

Feel free to call your students local BCM Director. They can answer any other questions.