South Asia

Focus

This trip is designed to support and serve global workers and local ministry partners in South Asia through discipleship, training, and hands-on ministry. Whether you have a background in education, healthcare, leadership, or just a willing heart, you’ll have opportunities to pour into others, encourage the local Church, and experience cross-cultural outreach in an incredible setting.

Trip Activities (Sample)

Here’s a general idea of what the trip may include: Exact schedule and team roles may vary based on the final itinerary and team composition.

•  Conference Childcare:
  Help care for kids during an annual conference. You’ll serve alongside local volunteers to care for infants through teens. 

• Discipleship & Ministry Trainings:
  Partner with local leaders to equip church planters and believers in urban slums and rural areas. Expect deep relational investment.

• Healthcare Training & Outreach:
  Train nursing students through workshops and simulations. Join health camps led by local doctors, including one focused on refugee care.

• School Ministry:
  Lead a fun day at a local primary school with crafts, a story, and a snack.

• Sports Outreach:
  Host a weekend sports club for both kids, creating space for connection and gospel conversations.

• Cultural Adventure:
  Explore historic and cultural landmarks to understand the region and its people better.

• Discipleship Encouragement:
  Support local discipleship training, helping believers navigate spiritual challenges and share their faith.

Logistics

Transportation

The team will travel together by air from Austin, TX to South Asia. Once in-country, the team will stay together and use pre-arranged transportation, including airport pick-ups, local taxis, rideshare apps, and private vehicles for longer trips outside the city. All in-country transportation for ministry activities will be coordinated by our partners on the ground.

• A valid passport is required for international travel.
• Visa information and application instructions will be provided.
• All transportation costs (airfare, airport transfers, local travel) are included in the trip cost.

Lodging

While in South Asia, participants will stay in a mid-range guesthouse with secure, comfortable accommodations. The facilities include:

• Single or shared rooms with heating and air conditioning
• Private bathrooms with hot water
• Internet access

Meals
All meals during the trip are included in the total trip cost.

• Breakfast is provided daily at the guesthouse.
• Lunches and dinners will be arranged at local restaurants or provided during ministry activities.
• When traveling outside the city, accommodations typically include three meals per day.
• Meals are covered through the funds raised by the team.

Trip Cost

The total cost of the trip covers:
✔ Round-trip international airfare from Austin
✔ Housing accommodations
✔ Airport transfers and all in-country transportation
✔ All meals
✔ Ministry supplies and outreach materials

Participants are responsible for any additional personal expenses such as souvenirs or optional recreational excursions.

Packing & Preparation
A detailed packing list will be provided closer to the trip, but participants should plan to bring:

• Comfortable clothing appropriate for cultural sensitivity and ministry activities
• Closed-toe shoes for outreach and travel
• Any necessary medications and travel documents
• A small daypack for daily outings

Trip Leader

Being a short-term mission trip leader is a rewarding experience. As a trip leader, you'll encourage your trip members in their individual walks with Jesus; create and facilitate relationships that can change people’s lives; plant seeds of faith; see people cared for, prayed for, saved, and baptized; and witness disciples being made. Learn more about what it means to be a Team Leader here. If you are interested in being a trip leader, you apply through the application and select "Yes" on the "Trip Leader" question. A Global Outreach team member will reach out to help walk you through the process.

Trip Trainings

Our goal is to send fully prepared teams that are a blessing to our partners. To ensure readiness, all participants are required to attend four mandatory training sessions.

Trainings are designed to help you:

• Grow as a disciple of Jesus
• Prepare spiritually, culturally, and practically for your time on the field
• Build team relationships before travel
• Clarify your ongoing role in fulfilling the Great Commission

Once your application is approved, training dates will be listed in your ServiceReef profile under "Meetings." Trainings are typically held on Sunday afternoons.

If you must miss training due to a prior commitment or illness, you must contact your Team Leader to review all missed material.
Missing more than one training is grounds for removal from the team.

Support Raising

All trip participants are encouraged to raise funds for their trip. Support raising is an opportunity to invite others to partner with you in God’s work and to see firsthand how He provides.

A support-raising packet will be provided to walk you through the process.

Financial Information

The cost of the trip includes:

• Travel (airfare, airport transfers, in-country transportation)
• Trip insurance
• Lodging
• Meals
• Ministry supplies

The cost does not include souvenirs or optional recreational excursions.

IRS Guidelines:
For contributions to be tax-deductible, Hill Country Bible Church must maintain complete control and discretion over how donated funds are spent. Therefore, all financial gifts are non-refundable.

If a participant withdraws from the trip for any reason, they are responsible for covering any expenses already incurred on their behalf.