Your one-of-a-kind mission trip Awaits!
Here is EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET READY FOR YOUR VIRTUAL MISSION TRIP WITH Open ARms.
We are excited to have you on this adventure!
Hola! You are officially registered for an incredible journey that will transport you to the land and people of Baja California, Mexico! Our team on base in Mexico is looking forward to taking this journey with you. We are also praying for you as you prepare for this experience. You are going to explore a beautiful country, meet extraordinary people, and grow in faith as you walk with Jesus. But first, a few details to help you get ready for your virtual trip!
Resources For Your Trip
You don’t have to pack your bags for this virtual journey, but there are a few steps we need you to take to get ready.
Create a "Facebook Messenger" Account
We will be using a phone messaging tool called "Facebook Messenger" to connect as a mission team these three days. If you don't have Facebook Messenger, please create an account by this Wednesday so we can add you to our group chat. If you do not use Facebook, you can still download the app without a Facebook account. If your profile name is anything other than your name on the application, please let us know.
Virtual Travel Portal
Each morning of your journey, you will receive a message via Messenger as well as an email with a link to our website for a page only your group can see. This is an online passport to Mexico that gives you access to exclusive content about life in Baja, the ministry of Open Arms, and lots of other great content. Make sure to have groups@openarmsmexico.org in your contacts so our emails don't go to spam.
Devotional Journal
Before the start of your journey, you will receive a devotional journal in the mail (or digitally if you live outside of the U.S.) with daily readings, reflections, prayers, and exercises, as well as a bunch of extras to help you learn more about Mexico.
Zoom Conference App
During the three days of your trip, you will participate in a live conversation with a number of different people from Open Arms Mexico.
Here is the link for those Zoom calls:
https://zoom.us/j/4578361154?pwd=NDhKRlV
iSFp6dHdwUElxQkVqSEhYQT09
Meeting ID: 457 836 1154
Passcode: 7sKn6G
You will also receive this link each day through the Travel Portal.
MEET YOUR HOST!
Your host during this journey will be Jairo (Hi-Row) Pitalua. He is the head of media and the leader of evangelism for Open Arms Church. He and his family serve at our Camalu campus. He also hosts in-person and virtual mission teams.
Virtual Mission Trip Schedule
Your schedule for this journey will mostly be set around times that work best for you. Please watch the video content before your daily zoom call. Your Travel Portal will be available all day for you to access the trip experiences.
Here is the schedule for the live events.
Please note: Each of these times are Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Day 1 - 6:00 pm (PST): Get to know your fellow team members and your hosts. Hear from Hedi Elizarraraz as she shares further about the mission and vision of Open Arms.
Day 2 - 6:00 pm (PST): Meet Abril Fonseca, a Mexican national who grew up in La Mision, and who is now the director of our campus in Camalu.
Day 3 - 6:00 pm (PST): Chat with Heidi and Daniel Elizarraraz, the founders of Open Arms, as they share their hearts and vision for the future.
Preparations for “An Evening in Mexico”
On Day 2, you will have the opportunity to make homemade tortillas and Mexican salsa. Here is the list of ingredients. You may need to stop by the grocery store in order to be ready for Day 2 of your trip.
recipe list:
Tortilla Ingredients:
2 cups white flour
3 tbsp shortening
1 tsp salt
1/3 to 1/2 cup hot water
Salsa Ingredients:
1 can stewed tomatos
1 handful cilantro
2 ounces onion
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Salt to taste
Optional: canned chipotle peppers
Getting Ready for Your Journey
Here are a few tips on getting ready for your Virtual Mission Trip.
Schedule Time for the Trip:
Get out your calendar and schedule the live events taking place during your trip. Also, prepare to spend an additional hour or so each day to explore your daily Travel Portal and read your devotional journal. Block out time in your calendar to fully experience this journey.
Download the Zoom App:
Click on the Zoom link above and download the app on whatever device you plan to use for the live events. If you need help joining a Zoom meeting, click on this link for a brief online tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIkCmbvAHQQ
Watch Your Email:
You will receive your Travel Portal via email the night before each day of your trip. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder. If you still cannot find it, contact us at groups@openarmsmexico.org.
Visit Our Website:
Visit the Open Arms website and learn a bit more about who we are and what we do. Find us at openarmsmexico.org.
Pray:
Spend time in prayer before your trip begins. Invite God to speak to you and guide you throughout your journey. Pray for Open Arms and for the work we do day in and day out to care for vulnerable children and families.
Do you have questions? Contact us at groups@openarmsmexico.org.
