BSU Summer Missions Q&A

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What is BSU “Summer Missions”?

“Summer Missions” is a volunteer program that offers college students an opportunity to work alongside a career home or international missionary. Terms of service range from a few weeks to two months in the summer. The program is sponsored by the Mississippi Baptist Student Union and the Collegiate Ministry Department in cooperation with the North American and International Mission Boards.

Who pays the expenses for summer missionaries?

BSU Summer Missions is a student sponsored program which is supported by the State Collegiate Missions Fund. The money received in the Collegiate Missions Fund comes from Mississippi BSU student contributions. These funds pay the travel costs and expense allowances for most student missionaries.

What kind of supervision will I have?

NORTH AMERICAN – Usually, the field supervisor will be a career home missionary, associational director of missions, or a local pastor. The student will be responsible to a state supervisor and to the Collegiate Ministry Department.

INTERNATIONAL – The field supervisor will usually be a career international missionary. The student will be responsible to both the International Mission Board and to the Collegiate Ministry Department.

What are the financial arrangements?

NORTH AMERICAN – Mississippi BSU is responsible for transportation to and from the field, and expenses related to orientation and debriefing. The field provides lodging, meals, and transportation needs. In addition, NAMB provides a $75 per week assistance to each student which is payed in one lump sum at the end of their term of service.

INTERNATIONAL – Mississippi BSU is responsible for expenses related to orientation and debriefing. The student is responsible for travel and field cost. However, each student receives a $125 per week scholarship from Mississippi BSU, up to $1250. Each student, upon the completion of the term of service, receives a $125 honorarium after completing debriefing requirements.

Who will handle my travel arrangements?

NORTH AMERICAN – The Collegiate Ministry Department usually handles all travel arrangements through approved travel agents. Travel to and from the field will usually be by commercial airlines.

INTERNATIONAL – Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements. However, the International Mission Board has a suggested travel agent that they strongly recommend the students use. Detailed information is given about this agency upon appointment.

What kind of orientation is given to student summer missionaries?

An orientation for Mississippi BSU summer missionaries is held in the spring before departure. Additionally, many supervisors will hold an orientation once the students arrive on the field.

When will I be notified about my appointment?

NORTH AMERICAN – At the completion of state interviews, local BSU directors will be notified of the appointments made by the State Collegiate Missions Committee. Most students will receive that information from their local BSU Director. An appointment letter will be sent to each student immediately following state interviews.

INTERNATIONAL – Students will be notified directly by the International Mission Board when they are approved for appointment. Approval cannot occur until all parts of the application process are complete.

Will I be serving alone or with a partner?

Most summer missionaries serve with at least one partner. In some instances, there may be a team of students assigned together. As a BSU summer missionary, one’s partner(s) may be other BSU summer missionaries or those appointed directly by the North American or International Mission Boards.

Will I stay in one area or move often?

The field of service will be responsible for missionary living arrangements for the summer. These vary with location. The most common living arrangement is with church families in the community of one’s service. Many students live in the home of their supervisor. Be prepared to move at least occasionally.

Are visits by parents, family members, or friends permitted while I am on the field?

Visits to the field of service by parents, family, or friends are not encouraged. The term of service is usually such a short period of time that visits to the field would be a distraction to the work of the student missionary. However, any necessary visit to the field should be cleared with the Collegiate Ministry Department as well as the local field supervisor of the student summer missionary.

What are my chances of being appointed to one of the positions I prefer?

While appointment to a specific location or position cannot be assured, the Collegiate Missions Committee and International Mission Board will make every effort to appoint applying students to the region and work assignment preferenced. Local committee recommendations and competing applicants also affect appointments.

Revised: 8/07