OUTREACH INFORMATION

While outreaches can be designed uniquely by individual teams, the following is general information that will apply to most outreaches.

LENGTH OF STAY

Most outreaches are eight days in length, usually beginning on an early Saturday morning and ending late the following Saturday night.

MINISTRY SITE

Unless specifically requested otherwise, all of IFM's outreaches are to the El Paso/Juarez area.

Juarez is an industrial city of nearly two million people, most of whom are extremely poor. Many have recently come to the area, having migrated up from the interior of Mexico in search of work and a better life.

IFM has been involved in ongoing ministry in Juarez for many years now. Because of IFM's reputation and the trust relationships that have been built, short-term outreach teams find that ministry opportunities can be deep and develop quickly.

ACCOMMODATIONS

IFM has a base in Fabens, Texas, a rural community 25 miles east of El Paso. Outreach participants will be housed in the dorms with families rooming together.

FOOD

We will provide American food and water throughout the outreach both in the US and across the border every day.

TRANSPORTATION

Most outreaches originate from the Denver area. Travel is usually furnished by one of IFM's coach buses equipped with air conditioning and a bathroom. Travel time from Denver to Fabens is about 14 hours. We use the time on the bus for team building, ministry training, and other preparation for the outreach. There is also always an abundance of sweet fellowship on the bus, and it is surprising how quickly the day goes by.

Out of state teams can arrange to meet us either in the Denver area and take the bus down from here or have the team fly directly to El Paso. Arrangements can also be made to charter a bus from IFM to pick up the team where they live and take them to Fabens.

PREPARATION

Out-of-state teams will have a two-day training session while Colorado teams will have one all-day seminar. For those who have joined an outreach team whose location is different than their own and are unable to attend, we will provide all training through the mail and by phone.

CONTRIBUTION

The actual amount that we suggest as a contribution for your outreach cannot be determined until the specifics of your outreach are planned.

Your contribution pledge to IFM may include, but is not limited to, the outreach's training and preparation materials, food, transportation and lodging, various ministry supplies and materials, certain administrative and logistical expenses, various project and/or building supplies and materials, offerings and assistance to others, and other items of expense related to a missions outreach and associated ministries.

** Outreach expenses are factored and based on a minimum number of persons contributing to the whole effort. If a minimum number is not reached, the requested pledge may need to be adjusted. Because participants in an outreach pledge and contribute their own time, energies, resources, etc., outreach expenses are deductible for tax purposes as a missions donation through IFM - a recognized, non-profit, 501(c)(3) religious organization. (This can also include expenses related to getting to and from the point of departure provided details are arranged and paid through IFM).

MINISTRY POSSIBILITIES:

Prior to the outreach, we will work as a whole team to develop the ministry for the outreach, seeking God together to see what He desires for our group. Our ministry goals will be to see that all of the participants, regardless of age, will have meaningful involvement in the outreach. We will be mindful of the ages of the team members when planning the outreach. The main emphasis of the outreach will be RELATIONAL, visiting our Mexican neighbors in Jesus' name.

HOW TO PROCEED

Contact the IFM office if you are interested in a specific outreach or would like to be included on a list for upcoming outreaches.

It is our strong encouragement that you seek God first concerning your participation on an outreach before you consider any hindering circumstances. Once you know if it is His will for you to be involved, you can proceed ahead in FAITH, seeing His grace in all He leads you to do.