Overview – All STM Opportunities
2019 short-term missionaries in Quebec, Puerto Rico, and Uganda; Czech Republic, Zoar Wisconsin, and at the Boardwalk Chapel
Links to Current Opportunities:
- Click here for current short-term missions (STM) opportunities
- Click here for current opportunities to serve with OPC Disaster Response
- Print your own copy of our opportunities.
Overview of All STM Opportunities:
Provided below is a brief overview of each short-term missions (STM) opportunity that may be available in the OPC, with links to further information. You are encouraged to write to the Contacts listed below for complete details or with any questions.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES:
Global:
- Asia: Teach English to University Students for One Month
- Czech Republic: English Family Camp
- Czech Republic: Team Praha
- Japan: Service and Outreach Projects through Reformed Mission Services
- Quebec: English for Kids Bible Camps (Quebec City)
- Quebec: English for Kids Bible Camp (St-Georges)
- Quebec: English for Teens Bible Camping Trip (outside Quebec City)
National:
- Naples, Florida: Service and Outreach Projects for Teams
- Wildwood, New Jersey: Boardwalk Chapel Volunteer Staff
- Wildwood, New Jersey: Boardwalk Chapel Ministry Teams
- Wildwood, New Jersey: Boardwalk Chapel House Parents
- San Antonio, Texas: Service and Outreach Projects for Teams
- Zoar, Wisconsin: Menominee Missions
YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITIES:
Global:
- Asia: Teach English to University Students for 1-2 Years
- Quebec: English Café
- Uganda: Serve with the OP Uganda Mission
- Uganda: Preschool Teaching Assistants
- Uruguay: English Club Outreach
National:
- Key West, Florida: Evangelism Training
OFF-SEASON OPPORTUNITIES:
- May: Wildwood, New Jersey: Spring Work Weekends at the Boardwalk Chapel
- September: Wildwood, New Jersey: Fall Youth Group Weekends at the Boardwalk Chapel
MISSIONARY ASSOCIATES (MA):
- MA's serve for 1-2 years on OPC foreign mission fields
- MA's do not fall under the auspices of OPC Short-Term Missions
- MA's are appointed by the OPC Committee on Foreign Missions
- Click here for an overview and current openings for Missionary Associates
- Contact: Rev. Douglas Clawson, Associate General Secretary of the Committee on Foreign Missions
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES: Global
Asia: Teach English to University Students:
What: Volunteers (college junior or older) teach daily English Conversation classes to university students in Asia. Living with the students in the “English House” residence provides further opportunity to get to know them and practice English. Volunteers will also interact with OPC missionaries in Asia.
When: Summer
Duration: One Month
Sponsored by: OPC Committee on Foreign Missions
Costs: Transportation to and from Asia, and spending money
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Douglas Clawson
Associate General Secretary, OPC Committee on Foreign Missions
[email protected]
Czech Republic: English Family Camp:
What: The English Camp team helps OPC missionaries Marilyn and Jerry Farnik lead a popular family camp at which English is taught using lessons from Scripture. Day trips, sports, games, and talent shows round out the activities.
When: Summer (except for every third year, when the Farniks are on furlough)
Duration: 12 days
Sponsored by: Bayview OPC, Chula Vista, California
Costs: In 2019, $2,500-$3,000 including airfare
Further Information:
Contact:
Sherry Wagner
English Camp Coordinator
[email protected]
Kathleen Winslow
English Camp Coordinator
[email protected]
Czech Republic: Team Praha:
What: Team Praha helps OPC missionaries Marilyn and Jerry Farnik with two VBS programs for children, and a friendship evangelism “Mountain Adventure” for teens and young adults.
When: Summer (except every third year, when the Farniks are on furlough) Duration: 3 weeks Sponsored by: Youth Committee of the Presbytery of Southern California Costs: In 2019, $800 registration fee, plus airfare estimated at $1,400
Further Information:
Contact:
Kathleen Winslow
Team Praha Coordinator
[email protected]
Haiti: Team Haiti:
What: Team Haiti serves with OPC missionary Ben Hopp and his family to present VBS programs based on Reformed catechetical instruction in the Creole language with the assistance of local translators.
When: Summer Duration: 10 days Sponsored by: Youth Committee of the Presbytery of Southern California Costs: In 2019, $1,650 plus airfare to and from Ft. Lauderdale, as well as any necessary immunizations
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. David Thibault Team Haiti Coordinator [email protected]
Japan: Outreach and Service: What: Teams serve local churches and communities in Japan, helping with ongoing cleanup and reconstruction from the tsunami of 2011, and/or leading VBS, youth conferences, or ESL Bible camps.
When: Summer Duration: Average 4-6 weeks Sponsored by: RP Missions (Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America) Costs: In 2019, $1,600 to $2,000 plus airfare
Further Information:
Contact:
Matt Filbert Director, RP Missions [email protected]
Quebec: "English for Kids" Bible Camps in Quebec City: What: Teams lead three Bible-centered, English-immersion day camps that seek to share the gospel with non-believing, French-speaking families who seek opportunities for their children to learn and practice English.
When: Summer Duration: Each camp is 1 week long Sponsored by: St-Marc's Reformed Church, Quebec City, Quebec Costs: Transportation to and from Quebec, most meals, housing at about $1,000 per team, program costs of about $500-$1,000 per team.
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Ben Westerveld OPC Missionary and Pastor, St-Marc's Reformed Church [email protected]
Quebec: "English for Kids" Bible Camp in St-Georges de Beauce: What: A team leads a Bible-centered, English-immersion day camp that seeks to share the gospel with non-believing, French-speaking families who seek opportunities for their children to learn and practice English.
When: Summer Duration: 1 week Sponsored by: Presbytery of New York and New England Costs: Estimated at $175-$200 per team member
Further Information:
Contact:
Mrs. Olivia Durham Director, St-Georges English for Kids Camp Presbytery of New York and New England [email protected]
Quebec: "English for Teens" Bible Camping Trip: What: A team leads a Bible-centered, English-immersion camping trip that seeks to share the gospel with non-believing, French-speaking families who seek opportunities for their teenaged children to learn and practice English.
Where: Outside Quebec City. Quebec When: Summer Duration: 1 week Sponsored by: St-Marc's Reformed Church, Quebec City, Quebec Costs: Transportation to and from Quebec, and a few meals.
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Ben Westerveld OPC Missionary and Pastor, St-Marc's Reformed Church [email protected]
Ukraine: English Camp for University Students: What: Volunteers serve with OPC Missionary Heero Hacquebord at the popular “Leopolis Green English Camp,” which offers local university students an opportunity to learn and practice English in a fun-filled camp atmosphere that includes Bible lessons and discussions.
Where: Carpathian Mountains outside L’viv, Ukraine When: Summer. As needed. The OPC does not participate in this program on a regular basis. Duration: 9 days Sponsored by: lvivcamp.com Costs: Transportation to and from Ukraine
Further Information:
Contact:
Trish Duggan, Administrative Assistant, OPC Short-Term Missions [email protected]
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES: National
Naples, Florida: Service and Outreach: What: Church groups travel to Naples, Florida, where Pastor Eric Hausler leads them on an adventure of local outreach and service projects to help increase the church’s testimony in the community.
When: June through August Duration: 5-7 days Sponsored by: Christ the King OPC Naples, Florida Costs: Transportation to and from Naples; local transportation, food, and lodging
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Eric Hausler Pastor, Christ the King OPC [email protected]
Wildwood, New Jersey: Boardwalk Chapel Volunteer Staff: What: Volunteer Staff members live and serve as a team for the summer, receive evangelism training, evangelize on the boardwalk, and put on nightly programs of drama, music, and testimony.
When: Memorial Day through Labor Day Duration: Ideally 3 months; shorter terms available Sponsored by: Presbytery of New Jersey Costs: $2,000 plus transportation to and from Wildwood
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Jim Zozzaro, Director, Elizabeth Horst, Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Wildwood, New Jersey: Boardwalk Chapel Ministry Teams: What: Church groups serve for one week, assisting the Volunteer Staff in the areas of evangelism, music, drama, and support. The staff provide all evangelism training needed to share the gospel on the Boardwalk.
When: Father's Day through Labor Day Duration: 1 week (Saturday to Saturday) Sponsored by: Presbytery of New Jersey Costs: $2,000 per team for lodging; plus meals, plus transportation to and from Wildwood
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Jim Zozzaro, Director Elizabeth Horst, Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Wildwood, New Jersey: Boardwalk Chapel House Parents: What: A couple that loves to work with energetic young people that are passionate about the things of the Lord provide oversight, safety, and counsel for the Volunteer Staff.
When: Summer Duration: Memorial Day through Labor Day Sponsored by: Presbytery of New Jersey Costs: Free room and board
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Jim Zozzaro, Director Elizabeth Horst, Administrative Assistant [email protected]
San Antonio, Texas: Service and Outreach: What: Church groups travel to San Antonio, where Pastor Andrew Moody leads them on an adventure of local outreach and service projects to help increase this OPC church plant’s testimony in the community.
When: June through August Duration: 5-7 days Sponsored by: San Antonio Reformed OPC, San Antonio, Texas Costs: Transportation to and from San Antonio, local transportation, food, and lodging (Note: lodging in church members' homes may be available)
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Andrew Moody Pastor, San Antonio Reformed Church (OPC) [email protected]
Zoar, WI: Menominee Missions: What: A team is trained in cross-cultural missions, then leads a VBS on the Menominee Reservation, including Bible lessons, skits, games, and sharing the gospel one-on-one with the children.
When: Summer Duration: 1 week Sponsored by: Menominee OPC, Zoar, Wisconsin Costs: Estimated at $100-$150 per team member
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Micah Shin Pastor, Menominee OPC [email protected]
YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITIES: Global
Asia: Teach English to University Students: What: Missionary Associates with at least a Bachelor's degree and two years of teaching or tutoring experience teach conversational English in the classroom at a university in Asia.
When: Start in September or February Duration: 1-2 years Sponsored by: OPC Committee on Foreign Missions Costs: Must be able to raise one's own support to cover all expenses
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Douglas Clawson Associate General Secretary, OPC Committee on Foreign Missions [email protected]
Haiti: Work Teams: What: On occasion, the OP Haiti Mission will request a team of skilled volunteers to help with construction, maintenance projects, or mechanical repairs.
When: Year-Round, as needed Duration: Variable Sponsored by: OP Haiti Mission Costs: Transportation to and from Haiti
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Benjamin Hopp OP Missionary to Haiti [email protected]
Puerto Rico: Outreach and Encouragement: What: Individuals or teams travel to Puerto Rico to encourage two OPC churches in San Juan, and the OPC church plant in Arroyo, by helping them with home repairs and other projects, and by participating in local outreach efforts.
When: Year-Round Duration: 1 week Sponsored by: OPC Short-Term Missions Costs: Travel to and from Puerto Rico; most meals, possibly lodging
Contact: Trish Duggan, Administrative Assistant, OPC Short-Term Missions [email protected]
Quebec City: English Cafe: What: Teams of 3-8 people, aged 18 and over, who are at ease giving a Christian testimony, set up tables in parks or malls in Quebec City to offer local French-speaking citizens a highly desirable opportunity to practice speaking English. Can lead to sharing the gospel!
When: Year-Round Duration: Optional Sponsored by: St-Marc's Reformed Church, Quebec City, Quebec Costs: Transportation to and from Quebec, local transportation, housing, meals, and $200 per team towards advertising the cafe
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Ben Westerveld OP Missionary and Pastor, St-Marc's Reformed Church [email protected]
South Korea: Teach ESL to Missionary Trainees: What: Volunteers live at the residential Missionary Training Institute in South Korea and teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to missionary trainees for one or more terms.
When: Four terms each year Duration: 10 weeks per term Sponsored by: Missionary Training Institute, South Korea Costs: Transportation to and from South Korea
Further Information:
Contact:
Ms. Mihyang Choi-Yoon Missionary Training Institute [email protected]
Uganda: OP Uganda Mission: What: Short-term volunteers help the OP Uganda Mission (OPUM) with its medical clinic, farm project, village evangelism, maintenance work, construction projects, education outreach, homeschooling, and more!
When: Year-Round Note: Mid-March is the deadline to apply to serve during the summer Duration: Optional Sponsored by: OP Uganda Mission Costs: Expenses include vaccinations, airfare, local transportation, housing, meals
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. David Robbins OPC Missionary to Uganda [email protected]
Uganda: Preschool Teaching Assistants: What: Volunteers help the Missionary Associate with teaching, assistant teaching, classroom management and supervision, administrative work, and collaborating with Karamojong supervisors and teachers to keep the Karamoja Education Outreach (KEO) preschool running smoothly.
When: Year-Round Duration: It is recommended that you be able to stay a few months at least Sponsored by: OP Uganda Mission Costs: Must be able to raise one's own support to cover all expenses
Further Information:
Contact:
Angela Voskuil Missionary Associate, OP Uganda Mission [email protected]
Uruguay: English Club: What: Volunteers with teaching experience help the OP Mission in Montevideo, Uruguay, reach out to their community with an English Club for adults and children that includes English conversation classes, games, and a daily gospel message.
When: Summer and/or Winter Duration: 5 days Sponsored by: OP Uruguay Mission Costs: Transportation to and from Uruguay, and some meals
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Mark Richline OPC Missionary and English Club Director [email protected]
YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITIES: National
Key West, FL: Evangelism Training: What: Church groups receive classroom instruction and practical experience in evangelism from OPC Pastor Bill Welzien, who has been presenting the gospel in an open-air fashion three times a week for over 30 years at Mallory Square in Key West, Florida.
When: Year-Round Duration: Up to 1 week Sponsored by: Keys Evangelistic Ministries (KEM) Costs: Transportation to and from Key West, local transportation, and meals
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Bill Welzien Keys Evangelistic Ministries [email protected]
OFF-SEASON OPPORTUNITIES
Wildwood, NJ: Boardwalk Chapel Work Groups: What: Work teams help with maintenance and construction projects at the Chapel and its auxiliary buildings.
When: May Duration: Weekend Sponsored by: Presbytery of New Jersey Costs: Meals, transportation to and from Wildwood
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Jim Zozzaro, Director Elizabeth Horst, Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Wildwood, NJ: Boardwalk Chapel Youth Groups: What: Youth groups visit the Chapel for weekends of fun, fellowship, free concerts, and a taste of Chapel outreach.
When: September Duration: Weekend Sponsored by: Presbytery of New Jersey Costs: $500 fee per team for lodging, plus meals, plus transportation to and from Wildwood.
Further Information:
Contact:
Rev. Jim Zozzaro, Director, Elizabeth Horst, Administrative Assistant [email protected]