Frequently Asked Questions about SMP

What is SMP all about?
The Summer Mission Program (SMP) exposes interested college-age students and young adults to cross-cultural missions and has them working and learning alongside CRWM missionaries.
Why would I participate in SMP?
Many SMP participants sense that God is calling them to cross-cultural service, and SMP is a great way to get a feel for what it’s really like to live and interact in another culture. You will also have your eyes opened to what God is doing in other parts of the world and will return to North America with a broader view of God’s global kingdom.
Why can’t I get more specific information on the website regarding cost, dates, or programs?
We update the information on cost as we receive it. However, changing world conditions or needs on the field may alter the focus of a particular program, its cost, or its location.
Do I have to wear a skirt all summer?
Well, not if you’re a male. Program participants are asked to follow guidelines on dress and social interaction that are appropriate to the cultural setting in which they work. Use of tobacco and drugs is prohibited. In most ministry locations, use of alcohol is also prohibited.
Wait a minute--you want to give me a shot?
If accepted, you will be given information about required immunizations in your country of service. CRWM will reimburse you for the cost of necessary immunizations as part of your support-raising package.
Um, I can’t find my passport.
Well, now would be a great time to find it! There will be a number of key deadlines involved with this program, and the sooner you act on some of these things, the better off you will be. Waiting until the last minute for your passport and the like can lead to increased fees and a lot of unnecessary frustration.
How am I going to raise all of that money?
We will assist you with creating and distributing materials that will help you approach friends and family, as well as your home church and other supporting churches. Money should never be the sole deciding factor in considering whether you will participate in SMP. If God is calling you to this, He will provide the means.
How can I spend a summer away and not earn money for college?
Check with your school. Calvin and Dordt both provide a grant to students seeking to spend their summer in ministry, and the Student Senate at Redeemer has a similar program available.
What is included in the program cost?
Travel to Grand Rapids for orientation, round-trip airfare to the country of ministry, food and lodging during the program (orientation and on-field). Not included are passport fees (visa fees, where needed, are included) and any cost for personal equipment and purchases, including souvenirs.
Do I have to have 100% of my funds in place before I leave for the field?
We ask that you have at least 60% of the total cost of your program either paid or pledged prior to your departure. In previous years, most participants have raised 100% of their funds. If you have made every effort to raise the full amount, denominational ministry share funds may be available to make up the difference.
What happens at pre-field orientation? And is it really mandatory?
While we are not able to teach you everything that you need to know in a few days of orientation, our goal is to introduce you to the basics and hopefully begin to prepare your heart for what you will experience during the subsequent seven to eight weeks. Orientation topics include verbal witnessing, language learning, teaching English as a second language, cross-cultural sensitivity, and more. Once you're on the field, your host missionaries will give you training that is specific to that country and to your work there. And yes, all SMP participants are required to attend pre-field training.
What kind of debriefing and follow-up do you offer?
You will experience debriefing with your team on the field before returning to North America . If you are in the Grand Rapids area, you will also have the opportunity to share about your experiences with our home office staff. Participants in other areas may have a debriefing session via phone or other means. The training staff typically follows up with a one-on-one phone call as well.
Will I have to go to a zillion churches and talk about my experience?
We expect you to connect with supporting churches and individuals when you return to North America. We may also ask your permission to allow local Christian Reformed Churches in your area to contact you for opportunities to speak about your experiences. Sharing about what God is doing through Christian Reformed World Missions is an important part of your SMP commitment, and we do expect that all participants will be involved with this on some level.