ETI Missions Information
E.T.I. welcomes all inquiries regarding our overseas mission trips, focusing on the vast continent of Africa (more specifically South Africa). Please read the materials following this section for information on visiting South Africa. Once you travel to South Africa you will see the great need that God's people have for short term missionaries. Their hearts and minds are open and hungry for the Word of God to be taught to them. Come to South Africa with E.T.I. and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.
Once you read the materials you will need to complete our Short Term Missions Questionnaire. The questionnaire is available at this link: ETI SHORT TERM MISSIONS QUESTIONNAIRE. Complete this form and mail it to our address found on the Contact Us page.
ETI Africa Missions Facts:
What are the entry requirements for the country of South Africa? A U.S. Passport is required for entrance into the country of South Africa (www.travel.state.gov/passport). A Visa is not required. However for travel from South Africa to other African countries, a Visa is generally required.
Do I need certain immunizations before I travel to South Africa? You do not need immunizations for entrance into South Africa. Malarial preventatives may be suggested for travelers of certain bush areas (www.travelersvaccines.com).
What will the weather be like in South Africa? South Africa lies below the equator, therefore the seasons are just the opposite of the U.S. The summer months include November through mid-March.
Should I be concerned about HIV/AIDS during my trip? AIDS is not contracted via casual contact. Reasonable precautions should be taken (i.e. do not share razors, toothbrushes, and avoid physical contact with people who have open sores/wounds) (www.travelersvaccines.com).
How much will my trip cost? Your part for the 10 day Safari will be $1500 US. ETI will provide information about fundraising.
What do I need to pack? If you decide to go, and you are accepted by ETI, you will receive a detailed packing list during a training meeting.
What languages are spoken in South Africa? English is widely spoken throughout South Africa, as well as Zulu, Afrikaans, Xhosa and several other less predominate languages.
What is the South African currency? The Rand is the official South African currency. So far this year, the U.S. Dollar has equaled about 7 Rand.
What is the electrical voltage in South Africa? The voltage in South Africa is 220-240v. You will need to plug your electronic equipment into a transformer, not just an adaptor plug.
Where can I learn more about South Africa? The following websites may be helpful in learning more about the country, culture and people of South Africa: www.southafrica.info, www.go2africa.com, www.exploresouthafrica.net. There are many good travel books like South Africa Eyewitness Travel Guide, by DK Publishing, available through places like www.amazon.com/books
When can I go with ETI? See the available mission trip dates on the ETI Short-Term Missions Information Form.
Where can I find out more about ETI and God’s Love In Africa? You can go to their respective websites (www.evangelismtraininginternational.org and www.godsloveinafrica.org).
What about travel insurance? Each missions participant will receive special international travel insurance which will be active for the duration of the trip (www.aaintl.com).
How can I prepare myself for the foreign mission field? Pray to be used by God on the foreign field. Read about Jesus in the Gospels. Remember, Jesus was the greatest missionary of all. He traveled the farthest, He loved the most and He sacrificed all! Ask the Lord to make His goals, your goals… to seek and to save that which was lost. Read books about missions: Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper and A Mind for Missions by Paul Borthwick (from www.christianbook.com). Also, The Heavenly Man by Brother Yen and The Art of Listening Prayer:10 Day Devotional/Trip Journal (from www.missionsresources.com ).
What is the time difference between the U.S. and South Africa? The country of South Africa is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (www.timeanddate.com/worldclock).
What will I be doing in South Africa? Each missions trip will be tailored to the experience and skills of the team members. Normally, teams minister in AIDS shelters, orphanages, public schools, market places, community centers and in local churches. Teams have the opportunity to sing, teach, preach, share the gospel, present skits, prayer-walk, face-paint, lead VBS, visit orphans and get to know and love the people of South Africa.
ETI Short-Term Mission Team Member Policy
• Use of alcohol and tobacco products is prohibited during pre-trip meetings, during travel to and from the field and for the duration of the mission trip.
• Any form of dating behavior (i.e. holding hands; kissing, etc.) between single team members or between team members and nationals is prohibited.
• Team members must dress modestly at all times. Team members may be asked to change clothes if it is determined by leadership that the team member’s clothing is too revealing, too suggestive or deemed to have culturally offensive artwork. Also, in some national churches, the proper attire for the worship services for males is dress shirt and tie. Females may be expected to wear a modest dress to worship services. Pack accordingly.
• Teams must travel together, minister together and play together…in other words, “stay together!” Team members are not allowed to leave the group in order to “go off by themselves”. Team members should take extra precautions to stay together in busy areas like market places, airports or when swimming.
• Any team member who willfully disobeys the team leadership, including violations of the above policy, may be sent home from the field at their own expense.