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Trinidad is a wonderful place to come for a missions trip! We would love for you to come and see what God is doing in this
part of the harvest field. With some planning and prayer, your trip is sure to make a great impact, for Christ, on your group
and also on the people here in Trinidad. Here are some things you need to know:
Initial Cost
Average cost for a missions trip to Trinidad (not including airfare) is $100 US per person per day. If your church does
not currently support the ministry here on a monthly basis then we ask that your group make a one time gift of $1500 US to
the ministry and prayerfully consider taking us on for monthly support. Many times people ask me what is the greatest need
we have as missionaries here in Trinidad, without a doubt one of the greatest needs we have is monthly supporters. If it
were not for the faithful churches and individuals that support us monthly, there would be no ministry here to visit.
What Time of Year is Best?
We could host a group anytime of the year but we discourage groups from coming during Carnival. It normally falls during
the last part of February or early part of March. (It corresponds with Mardi Gras in the US.) Depending on what your group
wants to accomplish, you can also keep in mind that the school year here runs from the first week of September to the first
week of July. If you want to major on youth and children's ministry it would work better to plan your trip while they are
out of school.
Passport
| Click Here for Information |
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| How to Get a Passport |
The only documentation required by the government of Trinidad and Tobago for Americans entering the country, is a valid US
Passport. The following is an excerpt taken from the US State Department website concerning foreign entry requirements for
T&T:
ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport
is required of U.S. citizens for entry to Trinidad and Tobago. The U.S. passport card alone is not accepted for entry to Trinidad
and Tobago or for direct air travel from Trinidad and Tobago back to the U.S. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism
or business-related visits of 90 days or less. Work permits are required for compensated and some non-compensated employment,
including missionary work. Visas may be required for travel for purposes other than business or tourism.
Click here for the US State Department Travel Site
Airfare
Once your passport is squared away you will need to schedule a flight that will bring you to the Port of Spain (POS)
airport here in Trinidad. It is the only commercial airport on the island and is only about a 15 min drive from our church.
Accomodations
One option for lodging is located within walking distance from our church. Victory Heights Bible Camp is perched on
the side of Trinidad's northern mountain range. Accommodations are not "hotel quality" but the view is spectacular! The
rooms are what you might expect for a camp, bunk beds and no hot water but there is a/c.
Another option for accomodations is the Sadila House, a guest house which is not far from the church. These
rooms are much more comfortable with a/c and other amenities. More like a hotel and less like a camp.
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| Click here to visit the Palms Hotel website |
The Palms Hotel is a great option for accommodations and is a step up from the other options. The cost is a little
bit more so you would need to add $50 US per person per day if this location is chosen.
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| Click here to visit the Holiday Inn Express website |
If you're looking for something a little more familiar, Holiday Inn Express might be the best option for you.
The cost is a little bit more so you would need to add $50 US per person per day if this location is chosen.
Ministry Opportunities
Building Maintenance
If you're looking for something hands on, these kind of work projects can really be a blessing to the ministry.
Miscellaneous repairs and a new coat of paint on the building can do wonders for the look of the facility. This can be accomplished
for $500 US.
Men's Ministry
Like many other places in the world, Trinidad is in desperate need of men who will step up and be men of God.
You could encourage the men in our church and community to do this through a special men's meeting. This can be accomplished
for $200 US.
Ladies' Ministry
Arouca Baptist Church has a thriving ladies' ministry with special meetings and Bible studies throughout the year.
You could build up and encourage the ladies in our church and community through a special ladies' meeting. This can be accomplished
for $200 US.
Youth Ministry
Youth ministry has been an integral part of Arouca Baptist Church ever since the ministry began in 2004. You could
minister to our young people through a special youth meeting. This can be accomplished for $200 US.
Children's Ministry
Children's ministry is another staple of Arouca Baptist Church. You could minister to our children through a special
kid's meeting. This can be accomplished for $200 US.
Soul-winning/ Tract Distribution
Trinidad has many religions and there is much confusion. Tract distribution is a great way break the ice for meaningful
conversations about the gospel. This can be accomplished for $100 US. (Cost to purchase literature for distribution.)
Project Blessings
Many families in our church and community live below the poverty line. Several years ago our church began a food distribution
program known as "Project Blessings". Your missions group could be a great blessing to our community by raising the funds
for food and then distributing it to those in need. Each gift of $50 US could put together a "Project Blessings" bag for a
family.
Sightseeing Opportunities
Maracas Falls
Towering over 300 ft, Maracas Falls has been ranked as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Caribbean. There
is no cost of admission to the falls. The only cost is for transportation. A group of 10 people or less costs $100 US.
Maracas Bay
The most popular beach in Trinidad. Also, the location of the world famous "Richard's Bake'n'Shark". Here you can grab
a delicious fried fish sandwich that was raved about by Travel Channel's Andrew Zimmern. Transportation for a group of 10
people or less costs $200 US.
Trincity Mall
A great place to walk around, eat, and do some souvenir shopping. A modern mall with two separate food courts that
include American restaurants like Starbucks, Burger King, and Subway. Transportation for a group of 10 people or less costs
$50 US.
Chaguaramas Boardwalk
A great place to walk and relax. It is especially beautiful at night. Transportation for a group of 10 people or less
costs $100 US.
Lady Young Overlook
A stunning bird's eye view of the capital city. It is especially beautiful at night. Transportation for a group of
10 people or less costs $100 US.
Caroni Bird Sanctuary
Admire local birds from a boat on this tour of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. Tour cost $20 US per person and transportation
to the bird sanctuary for a group of 10 people or less costs $100 US.
Hanuman Statue and Temple By The Sea
This outing is much more than a sightseeing opportunity. It's a chance to have your heart moved to see the spiritual
need of Trinidad. Travel to see an 85ft statue of the Hindu god, Hanuman and visit a man-made island painstakingly created
for a Hindu temple. See the tremendous dedication people have towards Hindusim and understand the need for the gospel to be
preached in Trinidad. Transportation for a group of 10 people or less costs $200 US.
Pitch Lake
Located at La Brea in southwest Trinidad, the Pitch Lake is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world. Known
to many as the 8th wonder of the world, the lake is the major supplier of asphalt to the international market. Tour cost
$10 US per person and transportation to Pitch Lake for a group of 10 people or less costs $300 US.
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| Click here to visit the Five Islands website |
Five Islands Amusement Park
Five Islands Amusement Park is the first theme park in Trinidad offering an indoor & outdoor park with 6 exhilarating
attractions. Admission cost $50 US per person and transportation to the park for a group of 10 people or less costs $100 US.
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| Click here to visit the ZIP-ITT website |
Macqueripe Zip Line
The zip line at Macqueripe is a great way to experience the flora and fauna of Trinidad. Admission cost $50 US per
person and transportation to the site for a group of 10 people or less costs $100 US.
Gasparee Cave
Enjoy a boat ride to the island of Gaspar Grande and then descend 100 feet underground and walk through a magnificent
system of natural limestone caverns and caves. Admission cost $50 US per person and ground transportation for a group of 10
people or less costs $100 US.
Tobago Sightseeing Opportunities
Airfare, Lodging and Food Cost
Trinidad's sister island, Tobago, is located about 50 miles to the northeast. Caribbean Airlines schedules daily flights
to create an "air bridge" between the two islands. Flight cost is $50 US per person round trip. Food and lodging cost is
$150 US per person per day for each day spent in Tobago. Additional costs for rental car or taxis will also apply.
Store Bay
Beautiful blue, crystal clear water and a white sandy beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent but
admission to the beach is free.
Pigeon Point
A great place to spend the day relaxing or playing. Additional recreational activities and water sports are available
for an additional cost. Admission to the beach is $5 US. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Take a glass bottom boat to Buccoo Reef. It is one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean. World famous
French oceanographer and explorer Jacques Cousteau visited Tobago's Buccoo Reef and rated it as the third most spectacular
reef in the world. You can be adventurous and get out and snorkel during the tour or enjoy it from the comfort of the boat.
The tour cost $40 US per person.
jimmywestbrook@yahoo.com
Vonage Number: 904-638-8453
(Vonage is a VOIP Phone Service provider. Whether
I am in Trinidad or the US I can be reached at this number. When I am on the road it forwards to my mobile phone.
You can always reach me at this number.)
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