Welcome!
We are excited that your son or daughter is considering going on a Mission Trip with Power to Change – Students. We firmly believe that this is one of the best things a university student can do with his or her summer. Our desire is that these experiences will help your son or daughter grow in their character, in their spiritual lives, as well help him or her develop in their leadership abilities, laying a foundation of who they will be for a lifetime.
We desire that you be informed about our Mission Trips and what they involve. We support you, both as a parent and in your role as a guide and guardian of your child. We encourage you to explore the information on this site and contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Power to Change is an interdenominational Christian organization established in Canada in 1967, with the purpose of helping to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20.
Josh McDowell launched what was then called Campus Crusade for Christ, at the University of British Columbia in 1967. 50 years later, Power to Change is comprised of eleven different ministries serving in multiple domains of society. The campus division (called Power to Change – Students) maintains a presence in every province on approximately 50 campuses, where we seek to change the world by helping students discover Jesus.
Evangelical Christian beliefs are at the core of the Power to Change ministry. We hold to the essential claims of Christianity. We have no ties to any one particular denomination, but work instead in cooperation with many local churches and ministries to aid in the spiritual development of young men and women. See our Statement of Faith for more information.
What’s it Like to Go on a Mission trip with P2C-S?
For over 30 years, we have sent thousands of students around the world, bringing the gospel to the nations. We desire that your son or daughter will have a positive experience that includes quality training and depth of reflection, producing life-long change.
For one to six weeks, participants will…
- Live and minister in a transformational community
- Experience powerful prayer
- Be discipled by a P2C staff or intern
- Receive training by an experienced P2C staff or intern in contextualizing the gospel
- Walk day by day in the power of the Holy Spirit
- Directly engage in evangelism and discipleship with university students
Mission Trips are a life changing opportunity. Thank you so much for supporting and encouraging your child to come join us in bringing the gospel to the world. Our desire is that they would take what they will experience on this Mission Trip, and use it to inspire others in their faith community!
What About Safety?
Upon their arrival, your son or daughter will have several days of orientation to life in their location, which includes street smart travel and what to do in case of an emergency. Each location has its own policies that help to create a safe experience for your son or daughter.
How do I know these trips are safe?
During every phase of the trip, safety is taken seriously. Before a location is even selected as a destination, it is evaluated for political and social stability, recent history, as well as any unrest that may have the potential to escalate. Locations are monitored continually to ensure stability.
Our Crisis Management team constantly monitors all travel advisories issued by the Canadian government. This team is also in frequent communication with local Crisis Management teams in our various partnerships to assess the safety and stability of potential Mission Trip locations. Our Mission Trip Directors are also thoroughly trained to handle any potential crises and contingency plans are developed for each location. If at any time during the preparation process a locale becomes too unstable, participants will be rerouted to another location.
If conditions become unsafe during the Mission Trip itself, the appropriate emergency protocol for that destination would be followed. Our Crisis Management team will be notified of the emergency and will communicate the information as it becomes available.
Your son or daughter will also be covered by AIG health insurance while on the Mission Trip. AIG is a comprehensive health coverage that allows our Project Services team to respond quickly and congruously if a health need or emergency should arise.
If you or a family member has an emergency that you need to notify your son or daughter about during the Mission Trip, our Project Services team is available to help connect with your son or daughter to relay information, as well as help re-book a flight home if necessary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at projects@p2c.com.
Who Leads the Trips?
On a typical Mission Trip with P2C-S, one male and one female director, along with a team of staff, will oversee all leadership, as well as directional and operational needs of the Mission Trip. This team is also responsible for scheduling, logistics, teaching and training of the team. Each Director has been vetted for their proven leadership ability, experience, and character. Together with their team, Directors strive to create an environment that will create opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, leadership development and ministry exposure.
What About Finances?
What is included in the cost?
The cost of each Mission Trip includes international airfare, orientation, all ministry-related costs, debrief, in-country transportation, housing, and meals. Personal expenses (such as souvenirs) are not included in the Mission Trip cost.
In addition, participants are able to raise additional funding to cover their transportation to and from orientation (if applicable) and immunizations.
Why Support Raising?
Support raising is an opportunity to grow in faith by trusting God to provide the financial resources needed to participate on a Mission Trip. We will provide tried and tested training, resources, and coaching to help your son or daughter learn how to invite others to partner with him or her through finances and prayer. Each one of our staff and interns are responsible for building a team of ministry partners and have extensive personal experience in seeing God provide for them in this way.
How does Support Raising work?
Each year P2C-S helps hundreds of students raise up a partnership team to come alongside them in their journey toward Missions. Once the participant has been accepted to a Mission Trip with Power to Change, they will receive expert coaching in writing support letters, making phone calls, and following up with potential ministry partners.
We have seen that there are two major sources of ministry partners that will rally students as they seek to support raise. As we think about support raising, it’s always important to remember that God is the source of all blessing!
Family and Friends: It is very important for your son or daughter to share the story of what God has done in their heart with family and friends. We will help your son or daughter write a support letter to share where they are going, why they are going, and how the family member or friend can be a part of what God wants to do through them. Regardless of religious belief, family and friends are often extremely excited about partnering in this way.
Pastor and Youth Pastors: Churches desire, and are often able to be a part of sending participants on Mission Trips. We would encourage your son or daughter to set up a meetings with the Pastor and/or Youth Pastor to share what God has placed on their heart and invite the church and its members to participate in praying and giving toward the Mission Trip.
Financial Responsibility
Power to Change Ministries is a charter member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Your financial support is very important to our ministry. We take every step necessary to ensure your money is used in a responsible and Christ-like manner. Our Canadian charitable organization number is 118827849RR0001. For US source donations only, your donation will be received by us in trust for Power to Change International, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. If you have any questions, please contact our Partner Care Centre at 1.855.P2C.GIVE (1.855.722.4483)
What About Communication?
Once your son or daughter has been accepted, they will have access to an Acceptance Packet that can be downloaded with financial, travel, and Mission Trip specific information. The Mission Trip leadership teams have the most current and specific information regarding their location. If you and your son or daughter have questions not answered in this packet, we encourage you to contact the Directors. Their contact info will be in the welcome packet.
How do I communicate with my son or daughter while they are gone?
We know that simply hearing how your son or daughter is doing while on the Mission Trip can set your mind at ease. Each week, the Mission Trip Directors will send an email update to parents via Project Services. Depending on the location and accessibility, participants may also be able call home during the Mission Trip, as resources and time allow.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at projects@p2c.com.