Mission Program
Plant a bright future for children and adults with disabilities by serving at Mustard Seed Communities.
Mustard Seed Communities has offered immersive short-term mission trips since 1993, featuring meaningful interactions, vital projects, cultural exploration, and global perspectives. Our inclusive program fosters prayer, reflection, and connection for individuals of all backgrounds.
3 Locations
Serve in Jamaica, Dominican Republic, & Nicaragua
1 Week
Mission groups arrive on Saturday and stay for one week
12-20 per Group
Mission groups consist of 12-20 members (age 15 and older)
$1200 Cost
Every volunteer raises a minimum of $1200 (+ airfare)
24/7 Security
Each team has staff dedicated to their safety and wellbeing
A Typical Week at Mustard Seed Communities
Day 1: Saturday
Arrival in country; Orientation and Tour
Day 2: Sunday
Spend time assisting the residents; Opportunity to attend a local mass
Day 3: Monday
Begin work projects and continue spending time with residents
Day 4: Tuesday
Continue work projects and spend time with residents
Day 5: Wednesday
Continue work projects and spend time with residents
Day 6: Thursday
Day out—beach day and exploring local community
Day 7: Friday
Activities with residents and/or celebration
Day 8: Saturday
Depart for home
Enter a day in the life of a Mustard Seed Communities Mission Volunteer.
Serving with MSC: Your Mission Trip Questions Answered
Who Can Go
Mustard Seed Communities warmly welcomes individuals aged 15 and above, fostering an inclusive environment that embraces diversity in all its forms. Regardless of your background, religion, or level of experience, our mission trips offer a transformative opportunity for growth and service. Whether you’re a college student, high school student, church member, medical professional, or simply someone with a passion for making a difference, you’ll find a place to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.
At Mustard Seed Communities, we embrace individuals of all abilities. We value inclusivity and strive to accommodate everyone’s needs, so please inform us in advance of any physical limitations to ensure a suitable schedule and project for the team. For those with serious healthcare conditions, we recommend consulting your primary care physician before embarking on a mission trip with us. Feel free to reach out to our office at missiontrips@mustardseed.com for further discussion and assistance in making your decision to join us on a mission trip.
Mission Trip Costs
All mission volunteers are asked to fundraise a minimum of $1200 per person, excluding airfare.
This amount covers all expenses for meals, accommodation, and transportation throughout your stay with Mustard Seed Communities, while also contributing to our program costs and resident care. We offer support to assist you and your team in your fundraising endeavors, providing ideas and materials to help you reach your target.
Note: Airfare is not included in the fundraising target and is the responsibility of each individual volunteer to arrange and cover.
You might consider having some funds for incidental expenses like souvenirs, leisure activities, or personal purchases during your trip. Rest assured, your essential needs and meals are fully provided for during your stay with us.
About Your Stay
Ensuring the safety and security of mission volunteers is Mustard Seed Communities’ top priority. Dedicated mission representatives, who are full-time employees of MSC and native to the country, oversee all volunteer activities, accompanying groups throughout the day and evening. They possess deep familiarity with the local culture and customs. All homes are equipped with 24-hour security, featuring gated premises for added protection. With nearly three decades of experience, Mustard Seed Communities has a proven track record of facilitating safe and enriching mission trips abroad.
Mission trips with Mustard Seed are one week long, beginning on a Saturday and ending the following Saturday.
During their mission trip, all volunteers are accommodated on Mustard Seed properties. Each location features a dedicated mission house building with multiple spacious dormitories, a fully equipped kitchen, and communal areas. Additionally, accommodations for priests and religious individuals are available in each home.
Mustard Seed Communities ensures that mission volunteers are provided with three meals daily during their stay. While teams are responsible for preparing their breakfast with provided groceries, MSC staff will handle the preparation of lunch and dinner. Emphasizing a full cultural experience, meals are typically Jamaican or Dominican cuisine. Any allergies or dietary restrictions are communicated to staff in advance, who make every effort to accommodate them. Mission volunteers are encouraged to bring snacks or supplementary food if needed, and can reach out to missiontrips@mustardseed.com for further assistance.
Every mission group is supported by a seasoned driver and dedicated representatives from Mustard Seed Communities. From airport pickups to drop-offs, they ensure seamless transportation and provide continuous assistance throughout the entirety of your journey.
Mission Trip Activities
Each day on the mission trip offers the chance to engage with the residents, providing assistance or simply being present with them. Throughout your journey, you’ll foster community bonds within your team and with the residents and staff of Mustard Seed Communities. Every day is rich with opportunities for reflection, sharing, and prayer, alongside experiencing the local culture and enjoying outings in the community.
Above all, every group will have dedicated time allocated for engaging and playing with the residents, which is the primary focus for mission teams. Additionally, each group will undertake a meaningful work project, which could involve tasks such as light construction, painting, farming, or landscaping. As your trip nears, the Mission Program Manager will provide details about the specific project(s) your group will be involved in.
International Travel Requirements
Yes, you need a passport to travel to our Mustard Seed locations. Please make sure your passport doesn’t expire for six months after your scheduled trip. You do not need a visa to travel to our mission locations if you are a U.S. citizen. For other nationalities, please check with the consulate to make sure you have the necessary travel documents.
Please consult the CDC for the latest guidance on recommended and required vaccinations, and consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.
Signing Up
A deposit of $500 is required to reserve the mission trip date for your group. The deposit is applied to your group’s total fundraising commitment.
If you are interested in leading a mission trip, please contact us to learn more. You can contact us by calling 508-544-4681 or emailing missiontrips@mustardseed.com.
Dive into Missions Trips in the Mustard Seed Blog
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Mission Trips