About Short-Term Missions Trips
how it works
CVM’s short-term mission program functions by building and maintaining a pre-approved pool of volunteers and then announcing trip openings to this pool. Veterinarians, vet techs and vet students apply to join the pool by submitting an application and two references, which are screened for Christian commitment and professional ability. Once accepted into the pool, important information, including specialty is put into a database. Currently there are about 1,343 applicants and active members in the pool.
CVM also develops and coordinates short-term trips. Last year CVM sponsored 112 trips, utilizing 328 volunteers.
Where & with whom we work
- Some trips are in conjunction with another organization
- Geographically they are to almost every continent:
- North America (Mexico, Haiti, Amer-Indian reservations, Alaska)
- Central & South America
- Eastern Europe
- Africa
- Asia
- About half of the trips are to Mongolia to assist the work of V.E.T. Net, a Mongolian NGO, assisted by several long-term CVM missionaries.
- Some trips are to regular locations where short-term veterinary assistance is regularly needed
- Some are in response to a specific request from an indigenous or expatriate mission group and require specialized skills
- Some trips are developed for Christian Veterinary Fellowships at veterinary schools (14 such trips are planned for this year)
- Several trips a year are to provide speakers for foreign veterinary conferences
TRIP LENGTH
The trips range in length from one week to six months. However, the usual length of a trip is two weeks. The groups generally vary from 1 to 12 volunteers.
Focus & impact
CVM short-term trips are always in support of another ministry, enhancing an ongoing gospel ministry. To have a lasting impact they also focus on equipping and training, rather than just treating animals.
Once information about a trip has solidified, the trip is posted on the website on our current short-term trip opportunities page and announced via email to appropriate members of our volunteer pool. The trips are completely funded by the participants, either from their personal funds or by raising support from friends and churches.
next steps
|