where we serve

From remote villages in the tropics to Central Europe - the call to serve and spread God’s Word brings our Short Term Mission Experience (STME) groups across the globe. We are sent to make a difference in the world for Christ wherever our feet take us. The Holy Spirit fills us up and sends us out to proclaim the love of Jesus to Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday! Below, you can learn more about where we go along with other details about participating in a STME to any of these locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions about the Short Term Mission Experiences offered by Hales Corners Lutheran, we have answers! Click here to peruse our FAQs or contact Pastor Wood at cwood@hcl.org or (414)-529-6700.

2020 Trips: March 11-18 & June 17-24

Capacity: 8-12 people/team

Cost: Approximately $1500/person (cost may vary slightly depending on airfare). This cost includes food, lodging, and travel. It does not include vaccinations, souvenirs, and other “extras”.

What do we do?
We work with Pastor Mike at Mission Experience in the city of Port au Prince, Haiti. The trip includes a work project or several work projects, leading a VBS for the kids at the orphanage, and continuing to build relationships with the children and employees at the orphanage. You may also have the opportunity to visit a local school to share a devotion, do a craft together, and play with the children.

How can I sign up?
For more information on how to sign up for a trip as well as what the entire Short Term Mission Experience will entail, click here. You can also access the application here.

Other Items:

Vaccinations: We recommend people get vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Typhoid, and bring a malaria prophylaxis. It is also recommended that each person bring an antibiotic prophylaxis such as Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or another broad spectrum antibiotic prescribed by your doctor. More information on vaccines can be found here. Consult with your physician to get the most up-to-date information and follow their recommendations.

Passport: You will need a passport to travel to Haiti It can take several weeks to receive your passport, so begin the process immediately upon joining the team. Your passport must not expire until 6 months AFTER your return date to the USA, or you will not be able to receive a visa to Haiti. Click here for information on obtaining or renewing your passport.

Please contact Pastor Christian Wood at cwood@hcl.org for more information or to sign up for. Please include what experience you want to join and your contact information.

2020 Trips: June 18-28

Capacity: 6-10 people

Cost: Approximately $1,500/person (cost may vary slightly depending on airfare). This cost includes travel, food (other than a few meals), and lodging. It does not include passport costs, souvenirs, and other “extras”.

What do we do?
We work with a partner in Martin, Slovakia, called the Center for Christian Education (www.cce.sk). CCE is a school very similar to HCLC’s school, located in the heart of Martin, Slovakia. We work with them during the summer to staff a camp for Junior High aged students. We are the Native English Speakers at this immersion camp, so we sing songs, have devotions, play sports, teach English, etc. – all in English. We had great success in July 2014 as we had approximately 50 kids at camp, most of whom heard about Christ for the very first time.

How can I sign up?
For more information on how to sign up for a trip as well as what the entire Short Term Mission Experience will entail, click here. You can also access the application here.

Other Items:

Languages: the main language is Slovak, but all the staff we work with speaks English very well. All our work is done in English.

Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are needed for travel to Slovakia. 

Passport: You will need a passport to travel to Slovakia. It can take several weeks to receive your passport, so begin the process immediately upon joining the team. Your passport must not expire until 6 months AFTER your return date to the USA, or you will not be able to receive a visa to Slovakia. Click here for information on obtaining or renewing your passport.

Please contact Pastor Christian Wood at cwood@hcl.org for more information or to sign up. Please include what experience you want to join and your contact information.

2020 Trips: February 17-24 & July 2020

Capacity: 6-12 people/team

Cost: Approximately $1500/person (cost my vary slightly depending on airfare). This cost includes travel, food (other than a few meals), and lodging. It does not include passport costs, souvenirs, and other “extras”.

What do we do?
In Panama we partner with the Central American Lutheran Mission Society (www.calms.org). The CALMS American missionary in Panama is Milton Castillo. We are working in the town of Sora with Pastor Alejandro and his wife, Laura. They serve at Emmanuel Lutheran in Sora. 2018 is the first year HCL will be working in Panama. Pastor Wood and others were part of a scouting tream in February 2018, with a follow-up teams having gone back in July 2018 and November 2018. Through prayer, we believe God is leaidng HCL here. During these first trips, the teams worked on getting to know the village and its people as well as hosting some programs for the children in the town. The information learned on these trips will help HCLC and CALMS determine how future teams will work in Panama.

How can I sign up?
For more information on how to sign up for a trip as well as what the entire Short Term Mission Experience will entail, click here. You can also access the application here.

Other Items:

Languages: The main language in Panama is Spanish. You will have an interpreter with you and several people also speak English.

Vaccinations: In addition to your routine vaccines, it is recommended that people get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. It is also recommended that each person bring an antibiotic prophylaxis such as Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or another broad spectrum antibiotic prescribed by your doctor. More information on vaccines can be found here. NOTE: We are in the area of Panama that is is west of the canal, where the CDC deems yellow fever and malaria precautions unnecessary. Consult with your physician to get the most up-to-date information and follow their recommendations.

Passport: You will need a passport to travel to Panama. It can take several weeks to receive your passport, so being the process immediately upon joining the team. Your passport must not expire until 6 months AFTER your return date to the USA or you will not be able to receive a visa to Panama. For information on obtaining or renewing your passport, click here.

Please contact Pastor Christian Wood at cwood@hcl.org for more information or to sign up. Please include what experience you want to join and your contact information.