GLOBAL GOOD FAQS
Do you have questions about a global trip?
How do I apply for a trip?
Just fill out the application for the trip you’d like to join. Click here, to choose a trip and select Apply Now. It’s really easy. The application just screens for a few things to make sure you’re a good fit for your trip. We require a deposit to secure your spot. The deposit goes towards the final trip cost. The deposit is used to secure an airline deposit, so you won’t be able to get that back or transfer it to another trip.
How do I raise money for a trip?
That’s a lot of money right? We think so too. That’s why we’ve put together some resources for you to use. Check out our fundraising page here. We’ll also set you up with an online platform called Focus Missions, which has a fundraising capability so friends and family can easily donate online. If you need any additional ideas for fundraising, we have plenty!
Why should I go?
We believe that going on a Global trip is one of the BEST discipleship opportunities we have to offer at Cross Point. You’ll not only learn a lot about the community you travel to, but a lot about yourself too. You’ll also get the chance to meet some pretty amazing people, both your fellow travelers and the people you’ll meet in the country you’re traveling to. And of course, you’ll get the chance to participate in what God is doing around the world. Discipleship, community, and evangelism, that’s what we’re all about!
Where can I go?
We currently take regular trips to Kenya, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, India, Egypt and Cambodia. We are constantly keeping an eye out for opportunities to serve around the world, so make sure to check the website frequently for new trips!
What do we do on these trips?
Each trip will vary slightly based on the community and their needs, but in general, Cross Point trips are highly relational. We spend lots of time with the people of the community – things like meetings, church, home visits, talent shows, games with kids, and community meals. The goal is to establish a real understanding of the people and place we visit. We will occasionally take specialty trips- medical, business training, leadership training etc. These are implemented when the community specifically asks us to bring a team with a certain skill set. We also will respond to any disasters in the community with an appropriate team.
How old do you have to be?
If a student is traveling with their parent/guardian, the minimum age for a trip is 12. If a student is traveling on their own, the minimum age is 16 with parental consent. Of course, if there is a specialty case, just ask and we’ll see what we can do.
Can I apply if I don’t attend Cross Point Church or if I live outside of Tennessee?
Yes, your application will be considered even if you don’t attend Cross Point or live outside of Tennessee. We’ll fly out of Nashville, so you’ll need to get yourself to Nashville before the trip and have a plan to get home. Exceptions can be made on this if it makes sense with the airline routing, just ask!
How will I be prepared for the trip?
You will meet with your team leader (a Cross Point staff person) and the Global Good staff four times before you leave the country. Those meetings will equip you logistically and spiritually to serve in a foreign context. If you’re coming from out of town, we’ll keep you in the loop via email as well as FaceTime or Skype with you for these meetings.
What does the trip cost cover?
Trip costs cover flights, transportation, lodging, food, in-country expenses (a translator and guide), and meetings expenses. You’re on your own for stuff like passport renewals, vaccinations or a safari hat.
Where do I sleep and what do I eat?
The hotels and guesthouses we stay in are all pretty nice, even to American standards. We’re not roughing it by any means. Expect all to have running water and a toilet, hot water (sometimes), and AC (sometimes). You’ll likely have to share a room with another trip member, and will sleep on comfortable twin or double beds. The food is good too! You’ll get to experience local cuisine either prepared for you by a cook or at a local restaurant. If you’re a picky eater we recommend bringing snacks to supplement, but most meals you should be able to find something you like. Please let us know ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
How safe are the trips? Will I get sick? What shots do I need?
Most of the counties we partner in are considered ‘fragile states’ which means that they are low income countries characterized by weak governmental capacities, which leaves the people vulnerable to unrest and disease. We are constantly monitoring different safety concerns and have significant standards of safety that have to be met in order to send a team. Trips will always have an in country guide with them to navigate any tricky situations that may arise. All hotels we stay in are locked and guarded.
Most people do NOT get sick, and if they do they usually kick it in a day or two. The worst that we’ve seen happen is someone having to stay back from the group for a day. If you tend to get sick when you travel or have a weak stomach, a prescription for Ciproflaxicin is a lifesaver.
The CDC has a list of recommended vaccinations for each country on their website. Google CDC and the country you’re traveling to, and you can find all their travel tips.
Can I go early or stay late in a country?
Usually no, sorry. Deviations require extra coordination and there are some liability issues that go along with it. Also, nearly all of our travel is booked as “Group Travel” which restricts us to have everyone on the same travel plans. On rare occasions, exceptions will be made, so ask if you have any questions!
What if I have to cancel?
Life happens, we get it. You may have a new job, a family situation come up, or you may just feel like you want to go on another trip. Keep in mind that the closer to a trip you cancel, the more ripple effects the cancellation has on the rest of the team. Generally, cancellations more than five months out are easy to deal with. The closer we get, the harder it gets.
We book plane tickets about 75-60 days prior to the trip. If we have a ticket in your name and you decide not to go, you are responsible for the full value of the ticket. If there’s extra money leftover after that, you can transfer that to any trip within one calendar year. No refunds will be given.