Mission Trips: Why Do A Mission Trip?

Every day we hear about the struggles of other people throughout the world. We see them on TV and hear their cries for help. This does and should motivate us to do what we feel we can to help our fellow man, woman, or child. A mission trip can truly be an unforgettable, life-changing event.
Padre Fuentes encourages all who are able to travel to El Salvador for a week of experiences. His favorite expression on this subject is “Come and see us.” This phrase is simple, but it says so much. He knows that by experiencing El Salvador, you will understand the people better. You will get to experience the problems that are always present, but you will also see an incredibly beautiful people, a happy, welcoming culture. You will meet a people that love their homeland and their families and just want to make enough money to raise their children to be productive members of society. Of course, you will also get to know Padre Fuentes on a personal basis. You will see how he truly believes that his mission in life is to help the poor. This is what God put him on this Earth to do.

Mission Trips: What You Will Experience

Each mission trip is different. You will likely get to visit the Cathedral, where Archbishop Romero is buried, as well as the hospice where he lived. You may also visit the site where 6 Spanish Jesuit priests were murdered during the civil war.
You will be driven out the bumpy country roads to the village of Agua Caliente, site of the Colegio Católico Padre Nicolas Antonio Rodriguez. You will spend several days there, and get to meet the great teachers and the bright, happy students. You might visit some of the extremely impoverished families in Agua Caliente or the clinic that Padre Fuentes built in the town of Chalatenango. You can attend Mass high in the mountains with Padre Fuentes. He says several each weekend and you might get to ride in the back of his pickup truck as he goes to the churches. Of course, along the way he will stop and pick up people that are walking to Mass, so you will have lots of company!
The last full day of the trip the Padre might take you to a beautiful beach on the ocean where you can collect your thoughts and enjoy the water and sunset.
The trip will be filled with delicious food, time for reflection, and hopefully, new friendships. This trip is not meant to be a self-contained experience, but rather something you will carry with you after you leave El Salvador. Become involved. Spread the word. Come and see us!

Mission Trips: Planning a Trip

When to Come

The best time to plan a pilgrimage is during the months of January, February, and March. This is the dry season in the country, which makes it most convenient for transportation and the activities usually planned for a trip. Other schedules can be accommodated, however.
Groups typically spend about 7 days in El Salvador.

Who Should Come

All groups of people should consider a mission trip – church, civic, school, or even family and friends. Recommended group size is between 6 and 10 people. This will allow you to interact closely with the students at the school and the community. Each group should assign a leader to co-ordinate the trip details with the Missions of Padre Fuentes

Cost

Each group will be responsible for arranging their own airfare to San Salvador.
On average, weekly cost per person is $350. This covers transportation, food (breakfast, lunch and dinner), and lodging. A donation to the Missions is also recommended for each pilgrim, if possible.
Individuals will also be responsible for their own spending money.

Contact Information

Please contact Padre Rafael Fuentes as well as Jim Nugent, US Project Coordinator, to plan a trip.
Jim Nugent
nuge42@icloud.com
Phone: 614-353-5285

FAQ

What is the exchange rate in El Salvador?
The official currency of El Salvador is the US Dollar. However, most items are less costly than their US counterparts.

Do I need a Passport to travel in El Salvador?
Yes, a passport is required to get into the country. Further information about obtaining a passport can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State.

Do I need a visa to travel in El Salvador?
Not for a mission trip. A visa is only necessary if you are staying longer than 90 days. However, there is a $10 customs fee to entry the country.

Is it safe to travel in El Salvador?
There are challenges to travel in most third world countries, and El Salvador is no exception. Padre Fuentes and those who will be part of your team know San Salvador well and will avoid dangerous areas of the city. The colegio and other rural areas you might visit have lower crime rates and are generally safer than any big city.
If you have concerns for your safety, we recommend you review the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory.

What immunizations to I need before my trip?
It is recommended that you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend the follow: Hepatitis A & B. typhoid, malaria prescription. For further information, visit the CDC Travelers’ Health website.

What if I get sick in El Salvador?
Padre Fuentes will take excellent care of you. There is a health clinic near the school. For anything more serious, you will be directed to the best hospital in the country. It is recommended that you check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered outside the country. You may also wish to look into travel insurance.

Is the trip tax-deductible?
Generally, if the money spent on the trip is not gifted to a specific person, it is tax deductible. Please contact your tax advisor for further details.