sos mission trips

Serving Overseas With SOS

Woven into the fabric of SOS Ministries are  Short Term Mission Trips .  Each trip is different based on the needs of those being served and based on what God chooses to do on a specific trip.  However, there is one common thread that ties all of these trips together- the fellowship each team has with one another.  Each day, the members of any given  Short Term Mission Team  begin and end in prayer, worship, testimony, opening and teaching the Scriptures, and breaking bread.  It is here that the black and white lines of the day are filled in with the colorful memories of what God did in and through a group of willing servants from different homes, denominations, and cultures, but with a common purpose and a common love of Jesus Christ in whose name they came.

In the fellowship of a missions team, all of the experiences of the trip come together in a concentrated and focused way that really can’t be described in words. The only way to understand it… is to GO…

For information on serving with us on a trip, please e-mail [email protected]

Central America – Month – July 2020

Pin it on pinterest.

CHANGING LIVES

Faces of sos, latest news, join the family.

30 Years of Spreading the Love

In 1993, SOS Outreach was founded in the Vail Valley. While our curriculum and impact has grown over the years, our roots have remained the same. We have always believed in the power of the outdoors to create change and live by our core values to make it possible.

We want to thank you, our community, for riding with us over the years- 15 communities, 24 mountain resorts, countless youth agencies, volunteers, industry partners, Board members and staff. Because of you, we are connecting 3,000+ youth annually to life-changing relationships and opportunities.

Here’s to 30 years of spreading the love and another 30 to come!

The Evolution of Our Progressive Curriculum

At SOS, we empower our young to speak up and advocate for what they believe in. Our curriculum would not be what it was today without kids and teenagers sharing feedback and asking how they could stay involved in the organization. Responding to our youth and working with specialists, we developed a curriculum that would keep participants growing year over year. Read more about it here .

Latest News

Annual Report

Press Coverage

No matter what social, societal, or economic barriers exist— SOS Outreach believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We start with powerful outdoor experiences. Because it’s on the slopes or the trail that kids unearth the courage to step outside of their comfort zones, discover new strengths within themselves and develop lifelong skills. Through our proven curriculum, we empower kids in our communities to discover their true potential.

Adult Mentorship

From the moment our kids step outside with us, they are introduced to positive and consistent adult mentorship. Our mentors provide a strong support system that inspires kids to dream big—cheering them on as they carve a turn, offering a helping hand when the terrain gets steep, and lending an ear when they’re having a rough day. Through these powerful relationships forged on the mountain, youth learn what they are truly capable of and they develop the confidence to share their new skills with the world.

Core Values & Community Service

Outdoor recreation in an encouraging environment is central to developing leaders, but it doesn’t stop there. Our kids look at their communities and determine what challenges need to be addressed, participate in team workshops to develop important life skills, and learn to incorporate our 6 core values in their daily lives. Through our progressive, multi-year curriclum—we empower kids to become informed and engaged members of their communities.

Changing Lives Together

Since 1993, SOS has grown exponentially, serving more than 3,000 youth annually across 15 locations in nine states. 

Faces of SOS

“My first day on the mountain wasn’t anything like my expectations. Constantly falling down and picking myself up was the worst. It was harder than I thought, and I wanted to give up on the program that same day. As time passed, though, learning to pick myself up became easier. Making myself keep going no matter what obstacles were in my way became second nature.”

–  Josue, Summit County, CO participant

“My favorite core value is courage. Courage doesn’t just come out of nowhere. It comes when you push yourself to prove to others that you can become a better person. It helps me prove that I don’t give up. Courage comes from deep within a person who knows they’re scared and will still face their fear.

– Peter, Seattle, WA participant

“I’m Kayla, and I’m in 9 th grade and have been in SOS for 5 years now. I remember my first day of SOS…I was so nervous to go out with the group on the mountain, but excited to meet up with my siblings who were already in SOS.  I love being outside, and I love that I got to learn to snowboard and meet other people. Some of those people maybe didn’t think they had things in common with me because we are different, but we have fun on the mountain and that has brought us together.” – Kayla, South Lake Tahoe, CA participant

Meet Our Team

“When people talk about me, they’re like…‘Oh Noah, he does crazy stuff, he’s the one that goes out and does cool stuff outside.’ But before SOS, it really wasn’t like that at all. I used to be a really shy kid. I’d stay inside and not be active at all. And then SOS just taught me to get out of my comfort zone and go for it. “

-Noah, Eagle County, CO participant

“On my first day of SOS, I was super nervous, but excited. But all the fear and doubt I had about the program left my mind as soon as I started talking to the mentors and other kids. My mentor became a positive role model outside of my family, and I knew if I needed help or just needed someone to talk to, I could confide in them.”

– Mitzi, North Lake Tahoe, NV participant

Join The Family

When we all get behind a singular purpose—to change lives for kids in our communities—our impact is infinite. Join the SOS family, made up of generous donors, committed partners, inspiring mentors, and dedicated volunteers. Together, we encourage youth to unlock the potential that’s already inside of them and discover endless possibility.

Make a gift to help youth discover a new side of themselves they didn’t know existed — a side that can do anything, especially overcome their circumstances and come out on top.

Being a positive mentor is one of the most fulfilling things you’ll ever do. You can help shape a child’s future in your community.

National Partners

SOS Missions

About Our New Ministry

Welcome to the SOS Missions. We're excited to share with you our mission and the practical ways you can get involved. SOS stands for Support, Own Your Faith, and Serve, and we're committed to helping you make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond.

Support by Prayer

• Participate in Bless Every Home
• Sign up for Missions Prayer Newsletter

Support by Giving

• Give toward Denton Family Christmas
• Give to Acts 1:8 Missions Offering
• Give to others going on mission trips or mission scholarship account

Own Your Faith

Sharing Your Faith

• Participate in Gospel Mentoring training

Learning about Mission

• Gospel Conversation Training
• "Across the Street and Around the World" Book Study
• "Sent - Living a Life that Invites Others to Jesus" Book Study
• Serve with one of our local partners (link to list of partners)
• Volunteer for Denton Family Christmas
• Volunteer to Write Christmas Cards for Staff at our Partner Schools
• Participate on a Mission Trip

New Opportunities

Gospel mentoring:.

‍ At First Denton, we are called to equip our church in sharing the Gospel with lost people. To help this process, we are starting a Gospel Mentoring ministry. We want to mentor and walk alongside those who want to learn how to share the Gospel. You can sign up to be mentored one on one in sharing the Gospel and go out to experience it with your mentor until you get comfortable doing it on your own. You can also become a mentor to someone else. Please fill out the form below to show your interest, and we will assign a mentor to you.

Volunteer to Write Christmas Cards for Staff at our Partner Schools:

‍ Join us for a Christmas card writing party on Thursday, December 7th, from 10 am to 12 pm in room W101. We will fellowship together as we write Christmas Cards to all of the staff at our partner schools to bless them as they head home for the holidays. Coffee and snacks will be served.

We hope you find a way to get involved and make a difference in the lives of others. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out to us.

Thank you for your support and dedication to our mission!

Mission trip

To all nations, missions is the heart of sos. we live for the unreached and it is our hearts desire to see jesus brought to every ear that has not yet heard the good news every year we put on massive signs and wonders festivals in africa - where the simple gospel of jesus christ is proclaimed to the hugs crowds that gather. countless decisions are made to follow jesus. thousands of people are baptized in the holy spirit; the blind see again, the lame walk again, and demons are casted out. we live the book of acts, and you will too are you ready yet come experience the adventure for yourself. wherever you are in your walk with jesus, we believe you will be used effectively during your trip and your life will forever be marked by the time you return back home. want more information click on the “button” to begin your journey, here’s a little taste:.

Cote d'ivoire

South africa, philippines, south korea, netherlands, switzerland, el salvador, latinoamérica y el caribe, puerto rico, trinidad & tobago, united states, new zealand.

• How to Know God

Do you ever wonder what Christians believe? Who Jesus is, what he did and why it matters? Get answers to these questions and more.

• Spiritual Growth

Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth.

• Life & Relationships

Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God.

• Bible Studies

Find resources for personal or group Bible study.

• Share the Gospel

Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus.

• Help Others Grow

Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring.

• Leadership Training

Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are.

• Language Resources

View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages.

• Quizzes & Assessments

Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others.

Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others.

Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city.

Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs.

Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation.

Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage.

• High School

Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school.

Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide.

• Locate Cru Near You
• Mission Trips

Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world.

• 1-Year Full-Time Internships

Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries.

If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals.

• Go International

Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact.

• Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? We need you.

Find a Cru event near you.

• Explore Your Interests

Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve.

How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus.

• Donor Relations

Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Cru’s annual report and more.

• Statement of Faith

What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation.

• Our Leadership

Learn about Cru's global leadership team.

• Cru Partnerships

When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen.

Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit.

• Oneness in Diversity

Cru’s position on oneness in diversity.

• Sexuality and Gender

Today we encounter a wide variety of questions related to sexuality and gender. As followers of Christ, we want to navigate LGBT+ questions in a way that is compassionate to people and faithful to scripture.

Showing God in action in and through His people.

Hear what others are saying about Cru.

• Start A New Gift
• Missionaries
• Featured Opportunities
• More Ways to Give

Your Account

• Your Giving
• Payment Methods
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Stock and Non-Cash Gifts
• Cryptocurrency
• Planned Giving with Cru Foundation

Real Life Loading ...

Empower Young Adults: Strengthen Faith and Foster Connections

• Cru22 Recorded Sessions

Sending Your Team

Short term missions.

• Missions , Leadership , World Missions

So what are you doing next year?

Imagine yourself sitting in a café in Florence, walking the streets of Argentina, or perusing a city market in the Middle East while getting to know university students and talking with them about your relationship with Christ. You have the opportunity to take the life-changing message of Christ to students around the world. You’ll be amazed at the similarities you find as you engage in conversation about your lives and be gripped by the spiritual need of the students you meet.

STINT is a one or two-year program on an international university campus. You will be aiding long-term workers in helping to raise up national leaders (individuals from that country) for the ministry.

The focus of STINT is evangelism and discipleship with opportunities for on-the-job training and personal development. You will be doing ministry in the context of a team, ministering alongside other Americans and national students.

On STINT you’ll be involved in creating a dynamic national ministry while you:

• open new ministries
• connect with students and show them their need for the gospel
• disciple and build believers in the ministry
• mentor students to become the ministry leaders God intends them to be, not only on the college campus, but also in the community

The focus of your time overseas can be broken down into four distinct elements.

Love the Lord

Our dream is that you would return from your time overseas more in love with Jesus. While overseas, you will have more time than ever with the Lord, and our desire is that you would learn to love Him with all of your heart.

Love my team

You will be on a team of fellow students and Cru staff from different universities with different personalities, gifts, and ways of looking at the world. You will develop great relationships and learn how to work through conflict. Together you will grow from team to family.

Launch a movement

The locations that we make available have been chosen carefully. In most cases the ministry in a particular location is either non-existent or very young. Our desire is to help establish self-sustaining movements on campuses in each of these locations. You will share your faith, disciple young believers and help train them to win others . . . while dreaming of the day when they lead this new ministry on their own.

Learn a new world

You will experience a host of new stuff and learn a whole new world. You will have the opportunity to live in a different culture, eat different foods and connect with people in a whole new way and it will change the way you live.

QUESTIONS ABOUT STINT

1. What is a partnership?

Your school (plus a few others) pulling together the manpower to start a new ministry in another part of the world. Partnerships are designed to pioneer new campus ministries on strategic universities around the world, with the vision to see a movement led by nationals.

A US campus (or several campuses) join with a receiving country to pioneer a new work on a university location. It is an agreement to work in cooperation to establish a new ministry – and help fulfill the Great Commission in that country.

International Summer Missions teams and STINT teams are strategic in launching the ministry. This helps build vision for American staff and students who may become a part of the resident team. The US end of the of the partnership is fulfilled when a resident team is established but there is always a maintained connection of encouragement and support for the international campus staff team as they build national leaders who will carry the vision to reach their nation and the world.

For example, the Cru ministries at the University of Kentucky and East Carolina University have joined forces to start a new ministry in Saratov, Russia. Two years ago they sent the initial summer project team to that location. This year they established their first STINT team – including the leaders who are now international campus staff (planning on staying at least 5 years). Already they have some good student leaders and hopeful soon they will their first few national leaders choose to join them. This is what we dream for all over the world.

2. What are international campus staff ?

International Campus staff are staff members from the US who choose to become a resident team on one of our partnership locations. These staff are crucial in helping a young ministry become self sufficient by training local students and new staff in the basics of evangelism and discipleship. The goal of each partnership is to establish an ongoing movement led by national staff and students and international campus staff are the key to making that happen. Establishing a resident team of international campus staff is the foremost goal of an international partnership.

3. What does STINT stand for?

STINT is short for Short Term International.

4. What will I do on STINT?

You will be on a team that is responsible for beginning or continuing to build a movement of evangelism and discipleship at your location. Your main activities will involve sharing your faith, doing basic follow up, possibly leading a small group, planning retreats and weekly meetings, and training students to be leading the ministry after you have gone. You will spend time praying for these goals as a team and working together to make it happen.

5. What will a typical day look like?

You and your team will work at building a weekly schedule that focuses on fulfilling your goals in ministry. An average day will involve meeting new friends and sharing your faith, or meeting with old friends and sharing your faith. Evangelism is the mainstay of your year on STINT and most activities revolve around it. During the course of the week you will also have team meetings, team prayer, team socials, outreaches (socials for the students you meet) and possibly language classes (in East Asia for sure). A typical day might look like this:

8 Breakfast & QT 9-12 Language Class 12-1 Lunch with team leader 1-2 Read / work on training / a break 2-5 On campus meeting new people 7 Dinner with Mahmet and Omar 8 Outreach Social with friends from English Department

Or it may look like this: 8 QT 9 Team prayer at our place 12 Lunch as a team 1 Meet Natasha for follow up 6 Dinner with Yulya 7 In Dorms meeting new people

Of course, many STINTers say that there is no typical day, so mileage may vary depending on where you are, how developed the movement is, and even security.

6. Will I be trained in ministry?

You will have the opportunity to complete much of the same training that you would receive as a first year staff member. Much of the training centers on being able to clearly communicate your faith and do basic follow up.

7. What does the ministry look like?

In most cases you are part of a team starting a very new ministry. You will spend a lot of your time meeting new people, sharing your faith and doing basic follow up. It most cases it is very very relational. You are making friends and talking about Jesus. You are building relationships and bringing people to a point of decision. After you see people trust Christ you begin to do basic follow up with them and begin to help them develop the skills they will need to walk with God.

8. Who will I go with?

We are big believers in team, and no intern will be placed in a location without a team. Many times this team will consist of students from particular schools who have planned on being overseas together (in other words, start recruiting some friends to go with you).

A typical team will be somewhere between 5-8 people with a team leader (man) and an associate team leader (woman). Together they will give leadership and direction to the whole team.

9. Where will I live?

In most cases you will live in apartments near campus. In some cases you may actually live in a dorm setting on campus.

10. How long is a STINT?

STINT typically runs from August to August, although STINT in Southern Hemisphere countries sometimes runs from January to December. We ask that each STINTer would stay at least one year to complete the internship.

11. How do I communicate to home?

Email has changed the world and in most locations you can get good reliable email services. There are also phone cards that enable you to communicate substantially cheaper that the normal national rates. Most people in locations we go have cell phones as well. For family and friends that want to call you, there are many online services that have great rates to places all over the world (Skype, Google, etc.)   In other words, it is fairly easy to stay in touch.

12. Where can I go on STINT?

Go to the Locations Page to see where you can go. Remember that though you could go anywhere in the world, your partnership campus will benefit the most if you go there. You can help raise up the students today who will go to raise up more students tomorrow... possibly in a place that you could never go. On the Locations Page, click on your state, and see if your school or area has a partnership.

13. How do I apply for STINT?

All applications are done Online. The application process involves completing information regarding:

• Personal Information • Ministry Experience • Church & Spiritual Background • Financial Information • Moral Convictions • Recommendations • Biographical Information |essay format, including your testimony and why you believe God is leading you to take this step| Statement of Faith |check the boxes you agree with|

14. How long does the application process take?

After completing and returning the application (and with all your references completed and returned) you should hear back from us in 3 weeks. In most cases you will be notified by email.

15. How much money will I need to raise?

The typical STINTer needs to raise $2000 a month and $12000 in one time needs (to cover travel and briefings and things like that). There are 10 Internship conferences (by region) held in April specifically designed to help you learn how to do this. At this conference you will be given a specific breakdown for your ministry location.

16. How will I raise it?

Most of your support will come from individuals you ask to be part of your support team. We call them ministry partners and we will provide extensive training on how to gather a team of ministry partners.

Be encouraged, every staff member in the world is responsible for raising their support and God has done it over and over again. He continues to prove himself faithful and gives abundantly beyond what you can imagine.

In April each region of the US Campus Ministry will host a conference that all STINT and Interns are required to attend (it is a great time). At this time we will give you extensive training on how to develop a ministry partner team, a biblical basis for support raising and strategy for getting started. You are encouraged to have your team completed a month before your departure in order to get plane tickets and visas organized.

17. What is covered in the amount I raise?

There are three basic things covered in the money you raise:

• Salary (money for the basics of life)
• Benefits (health insurance)
• Reimbursable expenses (money for ministry related expenses)

18. How do I get paid?

Out of the money you raise will come your salary, your benefits and money you need to reimburse ministry expenses.

19. What is included in my salary?

You will use your salary to pay your rent, eat, have fun and do the basic stuff of life. Basically, your salary is yours to do with as you please (but obviously you must take care of the basic necessities.)

20. Do I get insurance?

As an intern you are covered by Cru health care insurance. Coverage will begin one month after your hire date. So, if you finish your support August 1st and are hired, your coverage will begin September 1.

More detailed information will be given to you at the April Internship Conference including a benefits notebook. It is important to note that you are not covered until after you are hired. It is your responsibility to get coverage during this period even if you are accepted to the internship program at this point.

21. How are medical needs met?

It varies from location to location, but it most countries you go and get treatment, pay out of your own pocket, file a claim and then get reimbursed. Most locations have adequate if not good medical facilities. If it is an emergency or a serious issue, you will leave the country to get adequate treatment in the best place possible. If it is an extreme emergency you will be air lifted out by our emergency evacuation service (a company called SOS, which every intern will have coverage with.)

22. What about safety issues?

In all locations we follow the instructions of the US State Department (for their information of a specific location check out travel.state.gov). If they say don’t go, we don’t go. If they say get out, we get out. In addition, each country has a specific evacuation plan for the teams associated with that country.

In the case of medical emergencies we have contracted with an emergency evacuation company (SOS) to be able to airlift anyone out of any location.

23. Is language a barrier?

English is a global language. Most of your time will be spent with students who are studying English. You will quickly learn the basics of language to be able to get around. You’ll also make friends who will be able to help you with things like shopping, paying bills, and other necessities of life. In some places there will be long term International Campus Staff who will be able to help as well.

24. Will we go to church?

This will vary by location. In countries where a local church is not available or there are language issues, you will most likely meet as a team and to have praise and worship, and a teaching time.  Obviously, the details will be highly dependent upon your particular assignment.

25. Will we take Holiday breaks?

Yes. Most locations will go to a mid-year conference away from their country, and have a vacation together. There are scheduled vacation times, but the primary focus of your time will be to minister to students.  Any outside travel (including at the end of your stint) must be approved by your US regional director.

26. Can parents and friends visit?

We welcome parents visiting their students in the county where they are located. In some cases, there are organized trips for parents to visit a particular team. Before making plans, check with your US regional director to check on scheduling issues. Friend visits need to be approved by the US regional director and the in-country director.

© 2010, CruPress, All Rights Reserved. CruPress.com

A Legacy of Changed Lives

See how students are making a lasting impact through summer missions with Cru.

Related Topics:

Previous story, the historic role of young people in god's global plans, serving at an orphanage on summer missions, related products, how to survive in the u.s..

Touch of Jesus

Fireseeds of Spiritual Awakening (Ebook)

Transferable Concept 6 - How You Can Introduce Others to Christ

This Change Is Everything

Transferable Concept 7 - How You Can Help Fulfill the Great Commission

PACKED (Ebook)

Ten Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity (Spanish) - Step 7 - The Christian and Witnessing

CoJourners Field Guide

Latest Stories in Sending Your Team

Mission impossible: the biblical story of missions, missional map & how-to guide, finding a coach.

Part 5 to living missionally

©1994-2024 Cru. All Rights Reserved.

~ SOS Newsletters ~ Picture Gallery ~

Follow us on facebook apply now ~ for 2023 save our seed $1000 scholarship award total - 7k granted.

Deadline for Entry ~ Application, Essay, Transcript & Letter of Recommendation ~ April 22, 2023 -~ SOS Partner with SMM VILLAGE EMWI Scholastic Motivation Ministries ACHIEVERS HALL OF FAME EMWI SMM Achievers Hall of Fame Awards Health Occupation Careers *ALL DONATIONS AND PROCEEDS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS ARE USED SOLELY FOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS *   *OTHER DONATIONS MAY BE USED FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES*

SOS PARTNERING WITH SMM VILLAGE MINISTRY ROBOTICS CLASS ~ NEW LIFE COMMUNITY OUTREACH WEDNESDAY, AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM MARVIN ELEMENTARY ~ WAXACHACHIE, TEXAS FIRST Lego League ~ STEM Program EV3 SUPERPOWER CHALLENGE - 2022-2023 SIMS LIBRRARY WAXAHACHIE TEXAS EV3 SPACE MISSION CHALLENGE - 2021-2022 SOS SPONSORS ~ AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM ~ MARVIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROBOTICS CLASS CITY SHAPER ~ 2019-2020 INTO ORBIT CHALLENGE ~ 2018-2019 EV3 SPACE MISSION CHALLENGE ~ 2017-2018 GREEN CITY CHALLENGE ~ 2016-2017 Follow us on Facebook ~ GoFundMe

SAVE OUR SEED NEWSLETTERS

Our mission:.

• To teach integrity, morals and values that will impact youth and young adults to make a difference in their community.
• To inspire youth to further their education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through Robotics Ministry, SOS Scholarship Award and other partnering ministries.
• To serve and develop youth in becoming responsible and productive citizens that will give back to their community and country.
• To provide biblical leadership training to high school seniors and college students by serving.
• To provide SOS Scholarships to encourage high school seniors to further their education.

Paypal - The Safer Easier Way to Pay On-line

Cogic yoam - youth on a mission, yoam ~ youth & young adults have an opportunity to serve in a third world country with youth on a mission 2020 mission trips cancelled due to covid-19 2020 ~ kenya, dominican republic, bahamas, peru 2019 ~ israel, togo, ecuador, zambia 2018 teams ~ san juan, puerto rico 2017 teams ~ tanzania, colombia, and st. lucia. 2016 teams went to cuba and botswana ~ 2016 ., your personalized spiritual gifts analysis, please sign our guest book.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Life on Mission Through Going

We are intentional by going to people in our neighborhoods, communities, and around the world. It is our mission to connect people to Jesus and one another. Consider how you should follow Jesus to go and make disciples across the street, around the city, and throughout the world.

Upcoming Trips

Frequently asked questions.

Do Southeast missions trips comply with COVID safety regulations?

All mission trips are planned in compliance with current regulations from the Center for Disease Control, the U.S. state department, destination country regulations, and state or local health regulations, recognizing these may fluctuate. This includes following common practices such as social distancing 6 feet, wearing masks when in closer proximity or indoors, and the provision of hand sanitizer or hand washing facilities as available. We also consult the airline being used, as well as SOS for international travel information. Airlines and receiving countries currently require proof of a negative COVID test prior to flight departure coming and going. Each country has different requirements, and this includes airports in countries where travelers transit. Many countries now require proof of completed COVID vaccination for immediate entry.

Are Southeast mission trips safe?

Counting the cost is a part of trusting God in going on any trip whether local, U.S. or International. We ask that each mission trip applicant weigh the pros and cons of attending a trip and ask questions (either contact the team leader or send an email to Ruth at [email protected]) prior to applying. This enables our missions’ ministry team and team leaders to hear concerns, pray about and address them. A Pandemic High Risk legal release and indemnification agreement must be signed by each team member while the CDC states COVID-19 and its variants are still considered an outbreak.

How does the Southeast Missions Ministry decide where to take short-term mission teams?

All mission trips serve alongside current ministry partners and church plants.

If I want to serve on a short-term mission team, how do I decide on a trip?

Click on the trip name for a description and details, including skills needed, physical requirements and health restrictions. As rewarding and life-changing a short term trip experience can be, they can also be stressful. Please consider personal factors that may distract or prohibit you from full commitment to the trip mission and adapting to unusual conditions.

Do I have to be a Southeast Christian Church member or attendee to participate on a mission trip?

Trip participants must be an active Southeast member or attendee for at least 6 months with verifiable attendance/participation.

What are the age requirements?

Team members must be 18 years oolder, unless the trip description states otherwise (i.e., student ministry trips or family trips).

How do I apply for a trip?

You must complete the online application, pay the non-refundable trip deposit and submit all required paperwork before your application will be reviewed and processed.

What happens after I apply?

Once completed, your application will be reviewed and processed, and a personal interview may be required. You will be notified when you are approved as team member.

How do I pay for the trip?

Trip participants are encouraged to invite friends and family in their efforts to raise financial and prayer support for the mission trip. Raising support is an integral part of your short-term mission experience. God could be waiting for an opportunity to show you how big He is! Trip participants may begin fundraising after having been notified of acceptance to the team and informed of proper fundraising procedures. Detailed fundraising guidelines, materials, and deadlines will be provided at your 1st Team Meeting. If full support is not raised, any balance is the team member’s responsibility. Each trip has designated due dates for half and final funds. These dates are listed in the application and must be adhered to.

Become a missionary

We will journey with you as you explore opportunities to answer God’s call to the mission field.

Unleashed locally

No time to travel? Find ways to leverage your skills and passions through local opportunities.

WE ARE TWO KIDS FROM PITTSBURGH WHO WERE TRANSFORMED BY THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL AND NOW LIVE THE ADVENTURE OF SERVING JESUS AMONG THE UNREACHED.

JEREMIAH’S STORY

I grew up in a Christian home with two wonderful parents. We moved from Virginia to New Jersey, and then Pennsylvania as my dad served as a pastor at several churches growing up. At an early age, I chose to surround myself with good people who made bad decisions. We got involved with drugs, alcohol, and any other way we could get high. However, my life was radically changed when I was 15 years old.

As I was smoking with friends, the Holy Spirit audibly spoke to me in my friend’s basement saying, “I’ve made you for more than this.” Knowing God had more for me, and considering the deep emptiness I felt, I knew He was asking me to move to Pittsburgh. Shortly after this experience in 2015, I went on my first mission trip to Lusaka, Zambia. On this trip with SOS Adventure I remember standing in the back of the field and watching as thousands came to know Jesus, hundreds were healed, and hundreds set free from demons. The God that I had always heard about growing up was real- not only was he real but he was active! At that moment I realized this is what He wanted to use me for. He wanted to use me to spread the Gospel of Jesus across the world to people who have never heard it. This was where I found purpose for my life.

Two weeks later I moved to Pittsburgh where I was surrounded by a community who helped build my faith and become the person I am today. After I graduated high school in 2017, I attended the Northeast Ministry School (Pittsburgh,PA) and SOS Leadership Academy (Stockholm, Sweden). Since 2015 I have had the privilege to serve in Africa with SOS Adventure. In a way, you could say I got hooked! There is nothing I love more than to see people give their lives to Jesus and be transformed by the Holy Spirit. In short, the rebellious church kid came to actually know who Jesus is and it changed his life forever.

OLIVIA’S STORY

I was blessed to grow up in a home where I always knew the love of Jesus. This was thanks to my two wonderful parents who raised my younger sister Lily and I. For my younger childhood, we lived in a small town called Williamsport, PA. When I was 10 years old, we moved to Pittsburgh, PA where I spent the rest of my childhood. Both of my parents are pastors while my mom is also a History Professor at Waynesburg University. For most of my teenage years, I was following the world and became caught up in partying and bad relationships. All this time, I remember God was tugging at my heart. Every single time I went to a party to drink or got into a relationship that I knew was not good for me, I could sense who I now recognize as the Holy Spirit putting a “red light” in my spirit. He was cautioning me and protecting me from myself and my own sin. He was so faithful and kind towards me all along even as I resisted Him. He even led me to mission trips, youth camps, and conferences growing up where I continued to hear the gospel preached. I remember that at each of these events I got a taste of what life would be like if I gave my life to Jesus, but I was full of fear and believed that when I got home I would just fall back into my old ways. I felt stuck in my sin.

In 2017, I had reached my lowest point as I continued to ignore my conscience. I was ridden with anxiety and fear, deep in sexual sin, and hopeless. I knew I needed a change. I was invited to the the Passion conference where I truly encountered God for the first time. He met me there and spoke loud and clear to me, urging me to repent and leave my old life of sin behind to follow Him. This was the day I surrendered everything to Him and decided that I would follow Him instead of the world. The months following this I began to watch my life change before my eyes. New opportunities opened up for me to go to Geneva College, meet mentors, become part of a Christian community, and serve. The power and grace of God truly transformed me into a new person.

I continued to grow in the Lord and be molded by Him. I was invited into a community at Geneva where I was discipled and raised up. Over these years I began to lead and make disciples as I learned. I met my closest friends that built me up in faith and watched God take hold of my life. Now, it’s hard to remember who I was without Christ. He reignited passions in me for missions, people, community, and adventure. These are things that I had longed for all along, that He is now fulfilling in me. I am thankful for this Holy Spirit adventure that I am on and for the gospel that is the power of God unto salvation.

In God’s continual faithfulness, He brought us together in 2020! We met through two of our best friends and dated for two years until we married on June 17, 2022. Now, we are so privileged to live in Africa and call Kilgoris, Kenya our home! It is our greatest treasure to serve Jesus together and follow Him to the ends of the earth!

MATTHEW 28:19-20

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

OUR MISSION

To equip and launch Jesus disciples to the mission field for the end-time harvest

THE FESTIVAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE

For 7-8 months interns will cross many borders traveling from nation to nation with our festival team. They will help SOS mobilize entire cities for the Gospel. As we go...we will learn in makeshift classrooms, working side-by-side with our leaders, preaching in every venue imaginable, healing the sick, casting out demons, serving the poor and laboring for the lost.

You don't need to have much experience, we will give you that. All you need is a servant’s attitude, and a heart for the lost.

CORE ELEMENTS

Book of acts training.

During the 9 months the Book of Acts will come alive. Our missionaries serve next to you, and will be available to answer questions. During the trips, we will hold informal classes about each area of ministry in which we engage. You will learn how to preach, move in great faith, how to implement festival strategies, processes and more.

RELEVANT BIBLICAL CLASSES

During the SOS Mission Bible School season of your internship, you will receive a powerful mix of sound biblical teaching to build a firm foundation and a strong inner life where you can be led by the Holy Spirit.

IN-ACTION MINISTRY EXPERIENCE 

You will cross many African frontiers with our evangelistic convoy, and rub shoulders with every department head. You will learn by doing the work of an evangelist and be coached in the entire process. 

POST-GRADUATION OPPORTUNITIES

Now that you are fully immersed in evangelism, in the mission field, and you have vast amounts of knowledge and experience, where do you go from here? We will facilitate and equip you for your next move by giving you the training as well as open doors in many departments in SOS.

THE KILGORIS-LIFE EXPERIENCE

Our SOS Africa Headquarters is in Kilgoris, Kenya. That is where our Apostolic Center is located as well as the SOS Kilgoris Church, the Mission Bible School and The Harvest Internship base. For 1-2 months you will bunk with like-minded people. Learn, live, eat, laugh, pray, preach, work, and worship with them and their families as well as other missionaries from our team living in Kilgoris. Oh, your backyard is Massai Mara, one of the wildest game reserves on the planet. It will be an adventure of a lifetime that will give eternal life to thousands.

3 REQUIREMENTS

JESUS SAID: “ASK THE LORD OF THE HARVEST TO SEND OUT WORKERS TO THE HARVEST FIELD”

We asked, are you the worker jesus has in mind.

When does internship begin ?

Normally the program is from the beginning of May until the end of January, with 2 weeks off in December. Because festival dates change, the Harvest internship schedule can also be slightly adjusted. If you need specifics contacts us.

Where exactly will I go ?

This will change yearly according to festivals. Most likely, we will travel to 3-6 nations in Africa. For sure, every intern will spend at least 1 month in Kilgoris, Kenya at our Apostolic base.

How much does it cost ?

The cost is $10,000 + $200 non-refundable application fee. This includes every expenditure in-country. In-country flights, ground transportation, every meal, hotels, visas, health insurance, books, festival shirts, Bible school fees, Internship fees etc. It DOES NOT include your flight to and from Africa, passport fees, immunizations or vacation costs.

What are the financial deadlines?

$200 application fee

$5500 due one month before program begins

$500 due every month for 9 months

What is my first step?

Click the apply button below. Should you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact our team.

PPC takes the call to “Go therefore and make disciples…” seriously and provides opportunities for PPC members to follow this call across the globe.

See details and the application link below for our upcoming trips .

Senior High Summer Mission Trip, Mexico Date: July 6-11, 2024

Joey Turner will be leading a group of fifteen youth and leaders to Back2Back's Mexico Mission Trip. They will serve orphaned and vulnerable children in impoverished communities by working at the Back2Back Community Center and put on a summer camp for junior and senior high school students. The cost is $774+airfare/person..

Learn more about B2B by clicking HERE .

Operation Christmas Child Processing Center, Charlotte, NC Upcoming Trip: December 1-7, 2024

Each year a team from PPC visits the OCC Processing Center to help process shoeboxes that will be delivered to children all over the world. We travel to Charlotte, NC via a charter bus and serve together from 9am-3pm each day. Devotion time in the hotel lobby is from 3:45pm-4:45pm. Each evening activities are planned/eating out for those who want to go.

The trip has a limited capacity. Watch for details on the signup.

Contact David Boucher for any questions.

Service Over Self in Memphis, TN June 23-28 , 2024

One week can transform your life.

High school groups from all over the United States come for one week to partner with SOS as we connect with homeowners in need of critical home repair in the neighborhoods of Memphis, TN.

We hope to instill a heart for gospel-driven service and mission as youth serve others in the name of Christ. As an expression of Christ’s love, SOS seeks to empower people and transform neighborhoods by utilizing volunteers to replace roofs for economically disadvantaged homeowners. $450.

Leader Impact Ministry Trip, Divjaka, Albania July 7-19, 2024

Partnering with the International School Project (ISP) and Leader Impact Cru teams of Albania to staff a 5-day family camp at a seaside resort in the town of Divjake. We will participate in professional seminars, small groups, and various fun activities aimed at sharing the love of Christ with nearly 200 Albanian teachers, other professionals, and their families in this predominately Muslim country. The cost is approximately $2500 per person.

Ghana Medical Mission Trip January 23-February 3, 2024

The focus of this trip will be supporting medical clinics alongside Ghanaian medical personnel in the Oti region of Ghana. We will spend several nights in Nkwanta, which is largest village near the homeland of the Chala and Kotokoli. We will worship with believers at a local church started by our missionaries, visit an AWANA Club meeting in one of the four villages, and serve alongside our local partners. We will spend a night or two in the capital city of Accra. There we will meet with International Needs staff in their headquarters and have some time to debrief, pray and worship. You do not need to have medical training to participate. Cost is $3,700.

See 2023 Mission Report Here

Mission Trips

Step away from your everyday to bring practical help and lasting hope.

Where would you like to go?

We offer well-organized mission trips to our ministry centers in North America and cities around the world.

North America Trips

All North America Trips

Ashland, Ky

Los Angeles

New Orleans

New York City

Oklahoma City

Shreveport, LA

South Dakota

Valdosta, GA

Puerto Rico

International trips.

Europe, Middle East, and Northern Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa

Central & South Asia

Send Relief Serve Tour

Send Relief has launched an exciting new missional experience with events in cities across the United States, and you’re invited!

See tour stops

Ministry Centers

Connect with the Send Relief ministry center closest to you for pre-planned service opportunities that multiply your impact by pairing you with other local teams.

See all Ministry Centers

Moscow Boat Tour

• Page active

Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Celebrate 30 years of SOS Ministries by supporting their mission for another 30

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Every year, Save Our Streets Ministries uses April as an Awareness Month, where they share their mission to transform neighborhoods in the Bryan/College Station area through high-impact discipleship programs, vocational training, life skills education, and outreach.

SOS Ministries has been carrying on this mission for 30 years.

To celebrate the milestone, SOS Ministries is auctioning off unique items and special experiences to support their entire Children’s Ministry, which includes weekday After School Program, weekly activities in Bryan and Hearne, On Location Neighborhood Bible Studies, and several summer camps.

Their goal is to raise $85,000, so they can continue to serve their more than 500 children of the Brazos Valley.

The auction alone can raise more than $30,000 of that goal.

Check out what’s on the auction block !

Fund-A-Need purchases and donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by our Challenge Sponsor, Stylecraft Builders, up to $12,850!

You can view Ministry Fund-A-Need options here.

You can get involved in hands-on work with SOS Ministries at their ““Hit N Run” Neighborhood Outreach” every Friday night.

They host block parties in different BCS neighborhoods, where they spread the good news of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

Plus, SOS Ministries is growing! The team is putting the final touches on one more grant application. They’re hoping to see expansion starting this Fall!

Copyright 2024 KBTX. All rights reserved.

Bryan police investigating shooting

Bryan man accused of threatening to shoot construction workers

Family shares update on Burleson County family involved in deadly crash

DPS shares new details about crash that killed Somerville High School student

Bryan police investigating separate crashes on Harvey Mitchell Parkway

Latest news.

Popular fairytale hits the stage for The Theatre Company

Grill out at the Father’s Day Out BBQ Cook-Off!

Pet of the week: Meet Studley Dudley!

Support Habitat for Humanity and Run for the House

Stranded sailors rescued from tiny Pacific island after making 'HELP' sign with leaves

A "HELP" sign made from palm tree leaves saved three sailors stranded on a tiny Pacific atoll for more than a week, after the U.S. Coast Guard spotted it from the sky.

The three men were found Tuesday evening on the minute Pikelot Atoll, which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia . They had been surviving on coconuts and water from a well on the island, officials said, but were fast running out of food when they were rescued.

The trio, who have not been identified but are all in their 40s and related to one another, used palm tree branches to make their desperate plea. They were rescued in good health — although slightly dehydrated — after coordination by the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in the region and the U.S Navy.

The sailors had traveled on Easter Sunday from Polowat Atoll, around 115 miles away, on a fishing trip in a traditional 20-foot skiff with an outboard motor, the Coast Guard said in a statement.

The Coast Guard's Joint Rescue Sub-Center in Guam got a distress call from a woman who said her three uncles were missing and they had not returned from Pikelot Atoll.

"Their initial goal was to fish around Pikelot, but the skiff was damaged when they approached the island due to the swells surging on the island and surrounding shoal," said Sara Muir, public affairs officer with the U.S. Coast Guard in Guam, via email.

The three men had planned to meet up with another family when they got to Pikelot — but the other party decided not to travel due to bad weather and sea conditions.

The initial search area was more than 78,000 square nautical miles. Only the sailors' palm tree sign alerted authorities to their whereabouts, when a Coast Guard HC-130J Hercules aircraft spotted it from the sky.

“In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out ‘HELP’ on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location,” Lt. Chelsea Garcia said in a statement.

“Every life saved and every mariner returned home is a testament to the enduring partnership and mutual respect that characterizes our relationship, making a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the resilience of communities across the Federated States of Micronesia,” said Lt. Cmdr. Christine Igisomar, who coordinated the rescue mission.

Pikelot Atoll is an uninhabited coral island measuring just 31 acres about 415 miles southeast of Guam that is occasionally visited by fishing boats. An expedition of Micronesian sailors found an abandoned makeshift Catholic chapel there in 2000.

The rescue operation was hindered by poor weather and a lack of planes, the Coast Guard said. “Persistent efforts” eventually saw the USCGC Oliver Henry, already at sea in Micronesia, diverted to join the rescue.

Micronesia is a collection of about 600 islands that cover a huge expanse of the Pacific.

The plane dropped survival packages and a radio onto the island while the Oliver Henry was diverted to pick them up.

Using the radio, the sailors said they were in “good health, had access to food and water, and recovered their skiff, which unfortunately sustained damage, rendering it and its outboard engine non-functional,” the Coast Guard said.

After they were rescued, the trio were taken back to Polowat.

“Whether we’re out there protecting valuable resources or saving lives, we’re not just visitors — we’re members of this vibrant maritime community that connects all these islands,” said Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of the Oliver Henry.

By a remarkable coincidence, one of the Coast Guard rescuers not only spoke the local language of the sailors from Yap State but found out he was related to them.

Eugene Halishlius is normally stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Base Guam but had been temporarily assigned to the Oliver Henry — after talking to them it emerged that he and the survivors are third and fourth cousins.

This is not the first time that authorities have rescued sailors stranded on the island. In 2020, three Micronesians were found on Pikelot by the Australian Defense Force, after they spelled out "SOS" using palm tree leaves.

The Coast Guard added that everyone who goes to sea should carry a radio beacon, which in some places is available to rent, to be able to indicate their location in an emergency.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

3 men stranded on a Pacific island were rescued by spelling 'help' with palm leaves

Ayana Archie

The 'HELP' sign made from palm fronds is shown on the Pikelot atoll. U.S. Coast Guard hide caption

The 'HELP' sign made from palm fronds is shown on the Pikelot atoll.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy were able to successfully rescue three sailors who were stranded on a small Pacific island for over a week, after they spelled "help" in the sand with palm tree leaves.

The three men, all in their 40s, left Easter Sunday on a 20-foot skiff from Polowat to Pikelot (both places are two small Pacific islands that make up the Micronesia archipelago), the Coast Guard said.

Six days later, on Saturday, a woman called the Coast Guard to report that her uncles had not returned from Pikelot, which is about 100 nautical miles from where they began. A Coast Guard rescue center in Guam began a search, but had challenges due to weather and the availability of resources. A Navy aircraft stationed in Japan and the Coast Guard ship, Oliver Henry, then joined the mission.

Crews searched an area of more than 78,000 square nautical miles, and the Navy aircraft spotted the trio's palm leaf message the following day.

Strange News

Stranded mariners rescued from island in micronesia, thanks to 'sos' etched in sand.

"This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location," said Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator.

Aircraft crews deployed a radio and other supplies down, and the men said they had food and water, were in good health and had their boat, though it was damaged. On Tuesday, the men were returned to Polowat.

"Whether we're out there protecting valuable resources or saving lives, we're not just visitors – we're members of this vibrant maritime community that connects all these islands," said Lt. Ray Cerrato, the commanding officer of USCGC Oliver Henry. "This recent operation near Pikelot Atoll hits home the kind of difference we can make. It's about more than just performing a duty; it's about the real human connections we forge and the lives we touch."

• coast guard

Explore Moscow

Plan Your Trip to Moscow: Best of Moscow Tourism

Essential moscow.

Trending in the forums

Moscow Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Art & history

Historic sites

Concerts & shows.

• Hotel Metropol Moscow
• Ararat Park Hotel Moscow
• Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
• Lotte Hotel Moscow
• Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow
• Cafe Pushkin
• Sabor de la Vida Restaurant
• Metropol Restaurant
• Restaurant White Rabbit
• Pasta Na Solyanke
• Crocus City Hall
• Nudist Beach in Strogino
• Moscow Metro
• Moscow: Ultimate Dog-sledding Tour in Russian Nature
• A Journey to Christmas in Moscow, Russia
• Snowmobile tours
• Marvellous Moscow Self Guided Audio Walking Tour
• Moscow CityPass

FAMU players raising money to interconnect faith and football on mission trip to Argentina

Florida a&m football players nay’ron jenkins and lamar clark are raising money for a may mission work trip work in buenos aires, argentina. the duo works under the fellowship of christian athletes..

When he isn’t looking to attack the ball carrier on the football field,  Florida A&M  linebacker  Nay’Ron Jenkins  serves a bigger purpose.

The junior is  raising money  to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for mission work under the  Fellowship of Christian Athletes .

Founded in 1954, the FCA is an interdenominational Christian sports ministry that sees the world impacted by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes, its website says. The FCA headquarters is based in Kansas City, Missouri, and has offices across the United States and abroad.

With a goal of raising $2,500, Jenkins began the campaign in early April and hopes to reach the threshold by the end of the month. The money will be used for flights, food, and lodging.

Jenkins and FCA’s Argentina trip is scheduled for May 4-11. Jenkins’ teammate, junior FAMU defensive back  Lamar Clark , also plans to attend and is  actively raising money .

“I’ve been working with FCA since high school, and I met a guy named Ryan Sprague (FCA College Director and former Florida State football player), who has allowed me to teach them football and get them closer to Christ,” Jenkins told the  Tallahassee Democrat .

“Lamar and I are trying to go over there and raise the money so we can be as beneficial as possible to help them.”

A well-versed student-athlete, Jenkins, a Broadcast Journalism scholar from Alachua, is a  Southwestern Athletic Conference Honor Roll Student  and represented the league in last weekend’s  NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum .

He’s excited to share his faith and introduce American Football to Argentinian children while he spends a week in Buenos Aires.

“We’re doing mostly camps for the kids,” Jenkins said. “We’re going to set up football drills because the FCA leader over there said that the sport they haven’t learned much about is American Football. We want to be able to teach them that and help them gain a relationship with Christ.”

On the football field, Jenkins enjoyed the success of his  FAMU football team winning the SWAC and Black College Football National Championships  during the 2023 season.

Jenkins said part of that triumph has been because of the giving nature of Rattler Nation and all who love FAMU.

Jenkins hopes the FAMU faithful financially supports him and Clark as they travel to Argentina for a bigger purpose in two weeks.

“Rattler Nation, I love you guys and know you will go above and beyond. I want to thank you in advance for all the support that’s already been given,” Jenkins said.

“I will do my best to represent us well when I go to Argentina and ensure the Rattler joy is not only through the US but also around the world.”

Support FAMU football player Nay'Ron Jenkins on his mission trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Support FAMU football player Lamar Clark on his mission trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at  [email protected]  or on the app formerly known as Twitter  @3peatgee .

No one covers the Rattlers like the Tallahassee Democrat. Subscribe using the link at the top of the page and never miss a moment.

• Budget 2024
• Pearson gold heist
• Canada Olympics
• Molly The Magpie
• Local Change location
• Entertainment
• Perspectives

TV Programs

• Global National
• The Morning Show
• Video Centre
• More…
• Email alerts
• Breaking News Alerts from Global News
• License Content
• New Brunswick
• Peterborough

Close Local

Your local region.

• All event types

Quick Search

Trending now.

Add Global News to Home Screen Close

Instructions:

• Press the share icon on your browser
• Select Add to Home Screen

Comments Close comments menu

Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.

Edmonton Elks player Eugene Lewis says recent trip to Africa changed his life

If you get Global News from Instagram or Facebook - that will be changing. Find out how you can still connect with us .

It was a life-changing experience for Eugene Lewis .

The Edmonton Elks receiver was among six CFL players who spent a week on a mission in Africa last month. Like many, Lewis had seen the commercials that request support for the less fortunate there but they didn’t come close to preparing Lewis for his up-close-and-personal visit.

“It opened up my eyes to seeing a different part of the world and understanding what being grateful really, really is,” Lewis said. “You just understand that in North America we have so many options.

“We can decide, ‘Do I want to go to work today? Do I feel sick?’ In Kenya and other places in Africa, you don’t have a choice but to get up. You need to have a purpose each and every day to help your family live and survive and be successful.”

Lewis was among nine CFL players who served as World Vision ambassadors. Montreal Alouettes safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy, receivers Tim White (Hamilton Tiger-Cats), Reggie Begelton (Calgary Stampeders) and Nic Demski (Winnipeg Blue Bombers) were involved on a mission to the Philippines.

Lewis, linebackers Bo Lokombo (B.C. Lions) and Henoc Muamba (retired Toronto Argonaut), receiver Dominique Rhymes and linebacker Tyron Vrede (both Ottawa Redblacks) and defensive lineman Miles Brown (Saskatchewan Roughriders) all participated in the mission to Africa.

The players flew into Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and visited Mathare, which is a collection of settlements/slums that roughly 500,000 people call home. Afterwards, they flew to Lodwar then drove approximately 120 kilometres north to Kakuma, which is where they spent most of their time at refugee camps as well as with local people.

Lewis, a native of Norristown, Pa., said he saw poverty growing up but it was unlike what he viewed in Africa.

“You see a different type of poverty in the U.S. than you see in Africa,” he said. “They don’t have access to many things in Kenya, the slums of Nairobi or refugee camps in Kakuma but you see what community really is all about there.

“There would be kids — one-, two-, three-year-olds — walking around by themselves and their noses were running and people walking past would wipe the kids’ noses clean then keep going.

“They might not know the children but they knew each other because of the community and just wanted to help. Everyone is trying to build each other up.”

• Toronto Pearson gold heist: Multiple people charged in historic $20M theft
• Here’s what to know about changes to capital gains taxes in Budget 2024
• El Niño looks to be fading. What Canadians can expect in the months to come
• Gas prices in Ontario, Quebec to jump to highest level in 2 years: analyst

And life in Africa made Lewis appreciate the many things North Americans take for granted. Like ice, for example.

“Ice in Kakuma is like gold because it’s so hot and it hasn’t rained there in so very long,” Lewis said. “When you get a bottle of water with ice in it, everyone is like, ‘Wow, where’d you get this?

“I had never seen a river before that was literally dried up but there was one there that people were walking on and cars were driving on. We also saw camels walking across the street in Kakuma, which was a little out of ordinary for me.”

But especially tough for Lewis was seeing the harsh conditions children there must endure.

“I have seven brothers and sisters, six nieces and nephews and so for me it’s always been about the kids and making sure they’re good,” Lewis said. “As adults, we can figure out ways to do what we have to do but we have to guide the kids and point them in the right direction.”

During the mission, Lewis met a pastor who also operated a chicken farm. Her outlook definitely resonated with the CFL star.

“Pastor Pauline started her business with seven chickens, then went to 20 and got to 200,” he said. “She was then able to buy her son a motorcycle so he could deliver the chickens further away.

“What she’s trying to do for the people in her community is reform their minds, to reform their hearts, and that will reform their pockets. That was some of the greatest advice I’ve ever heard.”

Lewis was so captivated by the mission that he wants to return to Africa.

“I absolutely and 100 per cent want to go back and do more,” he said. “I’d love to go build a basketball court, a football field, help those soccer teams with cleats and stuff like that.

“I saw how World Vision is bringing people together and sports — it doesn’t matter what colour you are — brings people together.”

Sponsored content

Report an error, subscribe here.