Here is a list of questions you may have about the upcoming trip, and as questions are more frequently asked we may add to this page.

Do I have to be a Carmichael Church member/attender to come on this trip?

No, this is open to anybody that is willing to work hard and serve.

What does my Mission Trip money pay for?

We are providing, Airfare, building materials, food, lodging and at least 1 day of vacation fun. Some of this is due to our partnership with Maranatha.

I can’t afford the cost of the trip but I want to go, what should I do?

We realize that this is expensive, especially when considering taking a whole family. At this time we will do not have scholarships available, but as the trip gets rolling there will be fundraising efforts. We also have seen success in writing letters or starting a ‘go fund me’ campaign online. There are lots of creative ways to earn/raise money for the trip. Also on or forms page you can see a sample fundraising letter. We encourage you to personalize it as much as possible.

How do I pay for this trip?

The easiest method is to write a check payable to Carmichael SDA Church and make sure the memo section of the check says Mission Trip Participant. If you want you can also put account 714.1 on your check. Check with your tax professional about how to best get a tax deduction for your trip. With all the new tax laws we don’t feel comfortable giving you tax advice. Also, if you have someone donating money for you to go on the trip your name cannot be on the check or they won’t get a deduction so please have them write the check to the church and send it with the fundraising letter signed by you. Donors must realize that if you’re account is already covered their donation will go to cover others who need assistance.

It sure would be nice to be able to pay for this trip online. Can I do that?

You can make a donation to either the Mission Trip building fund (Acct. 714) or the Mission trip participant (Acct 714.1) online by using the other space on the giving website www.carmsda.org/give.

What will we be doing on the trip?

Our main project is building a large school building. This will take the majority of our time and people. We are also exploring doing some medical/dental/vision/health work depending on who signs up to go on the trip.  (Update after the site visit: The local pastors have told us that what they need most is simple healthful living programs) The final thing we plan to do is a children’s ministry while we are there.

Since this is a family trip, what will my kids be doing and is there an age limit?

No, we are not setting a specific age limit. The goal of the trip is to serve and not to take a family vacation or babysit your kids. We are asking that you use your judgement. Much of the work will be done on the construction site and there will be places for kids to serve there. We also see younger children helping our with the VBS and children’s ministry program. For all participants we strongly encourage them to get medical clearance from the Doctor if they have any questions about being able to serve on the trip.

Is this all work or do we get some time to play?

We are planning several opportunities for doing tourist activities including shopping, and of course Machu Picchu. Also each evening there will be time for recreation and games at the place we are staying. Many people play card/board games and we also have a worship each morning and evening.

Can I book my own airfare?

We believe that the best experience you will get is travelling with the rest of the team down to Peru on the flights we have booked. However we also realize that some are coming from other parts of the country/California. If you do book your own airfare you will be charged $800 for the trip and we are strongly encouraging that you arrive on March 17 with the rest of the team. Getting our start date together makes a big difference on the cohesiveness of our trip. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

What if I signed up but can’t go?

Once we receive your deposit for the trip it is non-refundable. There are expenses that we have to pay for and by signing up we are counting on you coming. We do have a wait list for this trip. If somebody fills your spot we may be able to issue you a refund. However any monies that have come in to help with your participation from other individuals will go to others participating on the trip.