Expeditions FAQ

I’ve decided that I would like to join an Overland Missions expedition. Where do I start?
Is travel with Overland Missions safe?
If there is some kind of emergency while I am away, is there any way I can be contacted?
Do I have to be inoculated before going on an expedition with Overland Missions even if I have obtained a religious exemption in the US?
What kind of food will I eat on an Overland expedition?
What do I do when the expedition is over?
How do I pay for my trip?
Does Overland offer any help with the fundraising aspect of the expedition?
Am I too old for an Overland expedition?
How do I know that God is calling me to go?
I have a question that isn’t mentioned here.

I’ve decided that I would like to join an Overland expedition. Where do I start?
Completing an application is the best place to start. Try to narrow down your 1st and 2nd expedition of choice, considering dates, length of expedition and location. Even if you don’t get that far, go ahead and complete the application process. Once we receive your application we aim to contact you within a week to talk with you more at length about your placement on an expedition. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee a spot for you on a particular expedition until you pay a deposit ($200, non-refundable). Once you complete the telephone interview you’ll be notified of your acceptance and we will hold your application and pre-approved status for one year.

Is travel with Overland Missions safe?
We guarantee that while on an Overland expedition you will be out of your usual comfort zone and will experience any number of the following: eating something that doesn’t agree with your body (and the bathroom may be the side of the road), coming into contact with dangerous wildlife, strange rashes or bug bites, and adrenaline rushes (that could have varying effects on your body). However, though there are risks involved in this type of adventure travel (see disclaimer), understand that you will be traveling with experts in the field who have many years of experience and the latest technology at their fingertips to deal with unsafe situations, should they arise. If you are the type of person limited by fears, this type of trip may be just the thing you need to help you to realize how big our God is and that the earth truly is the Lord’s and everything in it. We believe that God has commissioned us and that with that comes His protection. This of course does not mean that everything will be easy, but we do believe that He is bigger than any other force in this world.

If there is some kind of emergency while I am away, is there any way I can be contacted?
Yes, every expedition is outfitted with a satellite phone. In the case of an emergency, instruct your friends or family to contact our US office and we will get in touch with your team leader.

Do I have to be inoculated before going on an expedition with Overland Missions even if I have obtained a religious exemption in the US?
Yes, keep in mind that you will be dealing with third world border patrols who are not given to the ‘politically correct theme’ popular in the States. You must have the required vaccines (see Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov, and speak with your doctor) along with the appropriate paperwork provided by the health care professionals who administer them. Customs will not let you enter their country without the correct paperwork (they are not concerned that you will catch a disease while in their country; they are concerned you will bring one in). Overland Missions recommends every vaccine and preventative measure recommended by the CDC; however, we only require what is mandatory for travel in the regions we take teams.

What kind of food will I eat on an Overland Missions expedition?
While in the third world you will probably find yourself eating better than you did at home. Because of the lack of refrigeration and other modern conveniences, the food is incredibly fresh. There will be available to you many fresh fruits and vegetables (some that you have never tried before) and meats and grains, which will provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet. When traveling through the larger cities or ports, you will find more of the junk food we’re accustomed to in the western world, and at times you will be served local cooking (most meals are prepared by the team) at homes or in restaurants. Be prepared to try some different things to avoid offending those we are ministering to.

What do I do when the expedition is over?
Keep in touch with alumni from your expedition. We also encourage you to keep in touch with at least one person you ministered to during an expedition for at least two years. Attend our annual One Tribe Missions Conference and keep in touch with Overland Missions for future opportunities for other short-term and long-term opportunities. Share your experiences (we won’t have to tell you to do that). Encourage people to get involved in missions in a variety of ways (prayer, financial partnership, going on an expedition, etc.).  If you sense a call to missions as a result of your trip or your calling is confirmed during your expedition; put in your application for the Advanced Mission Training course and don’t look back.

How do I pay for my trip?
Each candidate is responsible for raising his or her own funds for the expedition. You will be responsible to raise the money for your expedition fee, your airfare and any other costs that you might have for the trip. Your Expedition Orientation (found on the Expeditions Portal) comprehensively outlines how to go about making payments for your trip and raising the necessary funds.

Does Overland Missions offer any help with the fundraising aspect of the expedition?
In the Expedition Orientation (found on the Expeditions Portal) you'll find a section dedicated to preparing you spiritually and practically to successfully fundraise for your expedition. Expect to dedicate time to preparing yourself before the expedition departs by reading the orientation thoroughly, making a solid fund raising plan and then doing it! You'll find the journey of raising the necessary funds to go on the expedition will increase your faith and draw you closer to God and His heart before you leave. Do not allow yourself to become overwhelmed or discouraged by the thought of raising funds, your expedition leader will be there to support you but greater than that, the living God of Heaven is on your side!

Am I too old for an Overland expedition?
No. Although the age of most of our candidates ranges from 18-25, we do not put any restrictions on the ages of our candidates. Candidates must be at least 18 years or older (unless accompanied by a parent, pastor or approved chaperone); however, we accept all ages because of the group dynamics involved in each expedition team. Each team member has knowledge of God through life experiences that the other members may not have. We welcome and encourage participation from all ages because every person contributes to the team with his or her wisdom and unique perspective. Our oldest candidate to date was 76.

How do I know that God is calling me to go?
Perhaps the better question is . . . How do I know that God is not calling me to go? Or . . . Is God calling me to stay home? God has issued a call to His followers to spread the Gospel throughout the earth (Mark 16:15, Matt 28:18-20). If you have a desire to bring the Gospel to those in other nations, start putting your foot forward to fulfill that call. Again, don’t let your circumstances dictate whether you’ll participate in an expedition or not. If Paul let his ship wrecks and beatings determine the will of God for his life he would have surely given up. Don’t let your success in raising money determine whether God is calling you or not. God’s call doesn’t come through circumstances. Get on your face and find out what God is saying to you. Get in the Scriptures and ask the Lord to speak to you from His Word. Get the assurance of His call on the inside of you and set your face toward fulfilling the call, whatever it takes!

I have a question that isn’t mentioned here?
Please feel free to contact us with any question. Call the office at 321-452-9696 or e-mail office@overlandmissions.com. You can also write to us: PO BOX 566 Cape Canaveral, FL 32920.