The first step is to pray and connect with one of our mobilizers. We know stepping into missions comes with a lot of questions, and you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our team is here to listen, pray with you, and help you discern next steps.

Once your application is submitted and approved, you’ll receive a preparation packet with everything you need to move forward. This includes guidance for getting ready to serve, writing your support letter, and raising financial support.

All participants are responsible for raising 100% of their support before departing for the field. We’ll equip and walk with you through that process so you can go with confidence.

Trip expenses typically include lodging, meals, travel, insurance, administrative expenses, and, if needed, a small stipend.

We see support raising as more than covering expenses. It is an invitation to build a team of people who will pray for you and partner with you in what God is doing. Our staff will provide guidance, tools, and accountability throughout the process.

Some participants choose to cover the cost themselves. While that’s an option, we encourage you to raise at least part of your support so you can invite others into the journey and trust God to provide.

After you’re approved, we’ll walk through your specific budget and timeline so you know exactly how much to raise and when.

Trip costs vary depending on location, length, and ministry focus, so the total will look different for each opportunity.

For short-term trips, costs are calculated on a per-day basis and typically cover all essential expenses, aside from personal purchases like souvenirs.

For mid-term opportunities, you will receive a support plan similar to what our long-term missionaries use. This is designed to cover the cost of living and ministry needs so you can serve well in your context.

Once you are approved, we will walk you through the details so you have a clear understanding of your budget.

Housing looks a little different in each location, but we make sure you have a safe and welcoming place to stay.

Short-term participants may stay with missionaries, a host family, or in a short-term rental. If you are serving at a camp, housing is typically in a cabin or dorm setting.

For longer stays, such as a year or more, you may live in an apartment.

As you move through the process, your mobilizer and field team will share the specific details so you know what to expect.

We believe the local church plays an essential role in every believer’s journey. Because of that, we ask all applicants to be actively involved in a local church and to provide a pastor reference.

We also recognize that life circumstances are not always simple. Moving, attending school away from home, or transitioning between churches can make this more complex. We understand each person’s situation is unique and are glad to talk with you as you navigate what this looks like.

We strongly recommend that all participants are up to date on standard vaccinations. We follow CDC guidelines for recommended and required vaccines based on your specific destination.

A completed physical is also required prior to departure to ensure you are prepared and healthy for your time on the field.

Safety is a priority as you travel, meet new people, and experience new cultures.

First and foremost, we trust that God is with you and caring for you. You can always bring your fears, concerns, or anxieties to Him.

We also take practical steps to help ensure your safety. Avant works closely with field missionaries, local leadership, and global security teams to make thoughtful decisions about where and how we send people. We do not intentionally place participants in environments where known threats to safety exist.

That said, we recognize that uncertainty can be part of global travel and ministry. You will receive pre-trip training and an on-field orientation to help you navigate your context wisely. Our teams closely monitor current events, and if we ever determine that a situation has become unsafe, we will take appropriate steps to relocate you.

We ask that you stay attentive to guidance from Avant staff and field personnel so you can serve wisely and safely in your context.