FAQ's
Q. What makes short-term missions with UHM unique, life-changing, and exciting?
A. Your team will be part of an ongoing effort to reach the lost and hurting, working side by side with local churches to impact inner city communities and bring change one person and one family at a time. Your team will be led by urban Christians whose lives have been changed through Jesus Christ. You will hear their stories as you walk the streets of their communities, do strategic outreach and evangelism, and see first hand how Christ can change an inner city community.
Q. What experience does Urban Harvest Ministries have with short-term missions in the inner city?
A. Prior to founding UHM, Dr. Tom Grassano directed a short-term missions agency, commissioning over 2,000 short-termers around the world. Urban Harvest Ministries has received hundreds of short-termers from around the US and Canada, engaging them in life-changing ministry on the streets of our city. Based in the South Bronx, UHM has incorporated short-term missions as a strategic form of outreach for many years. UHM has proven experience with short-term missions!
Q. What does it cost?
A. Anywhere from $30 to $70 per person per day, depending on your choice of lodging. Note: This does not include your transportation to and from your destination, and evening meals.
Q. Is it safe?
A. New York City is now one of the safest big cities in America. Even in other cities where the demographics may be different, you can have confidence in the fact that UHM has more than 18 years experience leading teams in inner city America. We lodge in safe communities, are very careful leading teams, and walk under a prayer cover of strategic intercession. Follow the rules and guidelines, and you'll be safe.
Q. What would my team do on a missions trip to New York City?
A. Participating in outreaches and block parties with drama, puppet ministry, mime and music. Talking, playing and praying with children, youth and adults on the streets and in parks, playgrounds and projects. Prayer Stations, prayer walking, and prayer evangelism. Serving in soup kitchens. All of these and much more depending on the experience and abilities of your team. (See Reaching the World for more ideas on opportunities in outreach.)
Mission trips are open for three types of teams:
#1 "Taste and See" teams - First time experience in inner city. Eager to learn, eager to serve, and eager to grow. Wanting to share God's love in simple ways. Will be exposed to the realities of inner city living and to a ministry philosophy proven to produce results.
#2 Evangelism and Serving teams - More experienced in short-term missions. Spiritually mature. Desire to win souls, serve people, and be engaged in challenging ministry on the streets.
#3 Specialized teams - Specialized ministry such as Kids Crusades, VBS, drama, Basketball/sports camps, construction . . . What is your team skilled to do?
You will also have time for sightseeing. If coming to NYC, you can enjoy Times Square, Broadway, Chinatown, Ground Zero, a Yankees baseball game and much more!
Q. How do I work out the logistics?
A. UHM is a "soup-to-nuts" ministry. We custom build your itinerary around your desires and the skill level of your team. We arrange your housing and itinerary, provide breakfast and lunch on ministry days, and point you in the direction of a variety of NYC's exciting dinner venues. Unlimited travel on NYC's public transportation system is also included. All this, so that once you arrive, you can just concentrate on ministry! Your team will be challenged and motivated AND leave long-lasting fruit in your hearts and in the target communities. All you need to do is get here!
Q. What do I need to do to be a part?
A. Fill out and submit the Short-term Missions Fact Sheet and we will begin the process to arrange a life-changing experience for your team and for the many people Christ will touch through you. Don't delay! Dates fill up fast, so contact us soon to reserve your dates!
