Missions Application

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Name *

First and last name

Short-Term Missions Trip:

Missions is the call to be sent by Jesus Christ—locally and globally—to serve as He was sent by the Father. It is not merely about meeting human needs, but about obediently participating in God’s redemptive plan and advancing His kingdom on earth.

Our motivation in missions is not success, numbers, or recognition, but faithfulness to Christ. As we serve, we seek to align with His heart, walk in His purpose, and reflect His love. Every mission opportunity invites us to grow spiritually, cross cultural and relational boundaries, and steward the gifts, talents, and resources God has entrusted to us for His glory.

At Sowing Seeds of Joy (SSOJ), we exist to encourage, equip, and walk alongside those who sense God’s call to missions. Whether you are just beginning your missional journey or continuing a lifelong assignment, we provide mentorship, training, and support so that your service is both spiritually grounded and eternally impactful.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In missions, we trust God to shape us in faith, humility, and compassion, while He advances His kingdom not only through us—but within us.

INFORMATION:

Thank you for answering the call to engage in God’s mission.

Complete the application form and follow the instructions to complete a background check. The background check is required of all volunteers' short-term and/or long-term servants who serve in sensitive areas and with vulnerable populations.

If applying to participate on a SSOJ short-term mission trip, please go to Donate | Sowing Seeds of Joy to summit $500 non-refundable deposit, and send via email two copies of your passport picture page.

Once we receive the requested document, we will follow up to confirm the arrival of your application. Continue to be in contact with you and send you information pertaining to the trip (if applicable) and any practical details.

Preferred Name:

First and last name

Permanent Street Address:

City/State/Zip Code:

Home (Mobile) Phone:

Email *

Gender:

Male

Female

Clear selection

Ethnicity:

African American

Hispanic

Caucasian

Asian

Other _____________________________________________

Clear selection

Citizenship:

Date of Birth:

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DD

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YYYY

Do you have a valid passport:

Yes

No

Clear selection

Name on Passport: Passport Number:

Place and date of issue:

Passport Expiration Date:

MM

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DD

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YYYY

Are you legally able to work in the US or Canada?

Yes

No

Clear selection

PLEASE SEND COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT (If Applicable) WITH APPLICATION!

Are there members of your family joining you on this trip? If so, who? Relationship to you?

ABOUT YOU:

Applying for SSOJ Mission/Travel Learn Trip to: ____________________________ List any previous Short-term Mission Trip Team experience Trip Dates: _____________________________________

What are your expectations for this Discovery/Learning experience?

Please summarize your education and training:

What is your current occupation?

If retired, what was your occupation prior to retirement?

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? For example: volunteer activities - Scout leader, Neighborhood watch Member, Tutor, etc. Any hobbies?

Shirt Size:

Small

Medium

Large

X Large

XX L

3X Large

Clear selection

What is your age range?

Under 18 _________

Over 18 __________

Clear selection

If under 18, please provide the following information:

Legal Name of Parent/Legal Guardian (First, Middle, Last)

Salutation (Mr. ______, Miss. ______, Mrs. ______, Dr. ______, Rev. ______)

Email Address of Parent/Legal Guardian:

Phone Number of Parent/Legal Guardian:

I, ______________________________________________,

the parent or legal guardian of the applicant identified above, certify I have read the Release of Liability and Medical Care Authorization (pages _______ ) Release of Liability and Medical Care Authorization terms and conditions, and give permission for the applicant identified above to serve with SSOJ from the date of service ______________________, 20 ____ through the date of service ____________________, 20 ____. I release SSOJ from all liability during and associated with the applicant's term of service. I also grant permission to a representative of SSOJ to sign for any medical care that may be required for the applicant identified above's physical well-being. It is our understanding that SSOJ, their workers, and cooperating personnel are not liable in the event of any accident, illness, death, or other mishap incurred while participating in this term of service.
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian _________________________ Date _______________________

Emergency Contact 1: Email:

Relationship to Contact: Contact Number:

Emergency Contact 2: Email:

Relationship to Contact: Contact Number:

Current or Last Employer:

Address:

City/State/Zip Code:

Office Phone: Mobile: Email:

CROSS CULTURAL EXPERIENCE:

Share any previous international experiences. Where did you visit, when, and what did you do? This can include vacation, business, or mission related trips. Where did you visit? When? Purpose?

List languages you know and your level of proficiency on a scale from 1-5- (1 being beginner and 5 being fluent). • Native Language: • Other Languages you speak:

SERVICE INTEREST: Which length of service do you anticipate? (check applicable length)

Short-Term Mission Trip (Up to Three Weeks)

Short-Term Mission (Up to 8 Months)

Mid-Term (9 Months - 2 Years)

Long – Term (3+ Years)

Clear selection

When could you be available to depart for your ministry service/area?

Explain why you feel motivated to serve?

Please discuss your interest in cross-cultural ministry and how you have sensed God’s call to this ministry:

List your skills, gifts and abilities: (Please forward brief bio via the below noted email address):

FAITH , CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE, AND CHURCH INFORMATION:

We highly value the church’s role in missions. In fact, it is our conviction that it is a good representation of the local church and parachurch demonstrating the unity of Christ’s body in advancing the kingdom of God. For this reason, we would love to connect with a leader in the church you’re a member of to discuss your interest in serving with us.

Current Church: Denomination:

Church Address:

City/State/Zip Code:

Pastor's Name:

Outreach/ Mission Pastor:

Church Website:

Have you personally shared your mission interest with the pastor and/or missions committee of the church that you are a member of?

Yes

No

Clear selection

Are you a member? If so, for how long?

Please share about your relationship with God, and your growth in the faith.

To the best of your knowledge, do you think you are compatible and comfortable with SSOJ’s: Statement of Faith.

No

Yes

Clear selection

If no, please explain

Purpose and Vision Statement:

Yes

No

Clear selection

If no, please explain

Core Values:

Yes

No

Clear selection

If no, please explain

In your opinion, what will happen to a person who dies without hearing or trusting in Christ? Please fill out your answer with relevant biblical references. The next few questions are designed to help us get to know you better by hearing your story and learning about your convictions in a few key areas. Unless otherwise indicated, please feel free to share as much as you like, bearing in mind the goal of helping us get to know you and how the Lord has brought you to the point of pursuing service with us. What is your personal testimony (including when you were baptized) and what do you routinely do that contributes to your overall spiritual growth?

What are your habits of Bible study and prayer? How have you grown spiritually in the last year?

How regularly do you attend church/church-related activities? What is your ministry involvement at your church and in your community? Have any of these ministries been in a cross-cultural setting?

What other life and ministry experiences have prepared you for cross-cultural ministry?

HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE

Please make a copy for your records

Name: Date of Birth (dd/mm/yy): Height: Weight: Blood type: Date:

DO YOU HAVE, OR HAVE YOU HAD ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DISEASES OR PROBLEMS?

1. Rheumatic fever

2. Heart trouble, Heart attack, Angina

3. High blood pressure

4. Chest pain

5. High Cholesterol

6. Lung or breathing problems

7. Asthma

8. Hives or Eczema

9. Allergies (foods, animals, medicine, pollens)

10. Fainting spells

11. Seizures

12. Liver disease

13. Arthritis or Autoimmune disorder

14. Joint replacement

15. Ulcers

16. Kidney problems

17. Kidney or another organ transplant

18. Tuberculosis (TB)

19. Anxiety or Depression

20. Chronic Fatigue

Option 21

Option 22

Are you pregnant/ think you might be pregnant?

Option 1

Yes

No

Maybe

Clear selection

22. Do you have any other disease, condition or problem you think we should know about?

ARE YOU REGULARLY TAKING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING?

1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners)

2. High blood pressure medications

3. Cortisone (Steroids)

4. Anticonvulsants (Seizure medicines)

5. Insulin or other drugs to control blood sugar

6. Thyroid Hormone

7. Nitroglycerin

8. Digitalis or other drugs for heart trouble

9. Hormone supplements

10. Antidepressants

11. Sedatives or Antipsychotics

12. Any other regular medication

IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, HAVE YOU?

1. Been admitted to a hospital

2. Been in an accident

3. Been under medical care for serious illness

4. Been in psychiatric care

5. Seen a counselor regularly

6. Adopted a child

Clear selection

19. Do you have any health problems or physical limitations that might hinder your work in a different climate, high altitude or adverse living conditions?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please give a brief explanation below. List any medications you would be taking along on the trip/mission field, along with any other dietary restrictions.

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. It is the policy of Sowing Seeds of Joy to comply with all federal and state laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities as well as volunteers (missionaries). It is our policy not to discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to any aspect of the volunteer/missionary selection, orientation, or training process.
SSOJ will reasonably accommodate qualified volunteers with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of their volunteer assignment. All volunteers are required to comply with appropriate safety standards while serving at SSOJ. If you become disabled during the time of your missions experience at the SSOJ, it is your responsibility to notify the Missions Coordinator or Executive Director about the disability so that reasonable accommodations might be investigated, and if appropriate, made.

MEDICAL CONSENT

In the event of a medical emergency, by signing this form, I confirm that I consent to the necessary and proper treatment, surgery and/or anesthetic by a licensed physician or health care professional for the individual named on this form.

Missionaries are not covered by the Sowing Seeds of Joy medical insurance plan. Please provide two people who we can contact in case of an emergency.

By signing here, I confirm that I understand that if I am injured during my missionary assignment with Sowing seeds of Joy I am responsible for all medical costs; Sowing Seeds of Joy is not responsible.

Name: Mobile:

AUTO INSURANCE (mandatory for SSOJ drivers)

Driver’s license number: State Issued: Expiration Date: Insurance company: Insurance company phone number: Policy number: Expiration Date:

CONDUCT:

Have allegations of misconduct, including but not limited to sexual harassment, exploitation or misconduct, physical abuse, child abuse, or financial misconduct been filed against you? (Please explain the circumstances and dispositions) :

EDUCATION, WORK, AND VOLUNTEER MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

Education (please list all educational institutions you have attended, beginning with most recent)

Type (H.S., College, etc.) School Name:

City/State:

Course of Study:

Year Completed: Grad Date (mm/yyyy) Degree / Diploma:

Type (H.S., College, etc.) School Name:

City/State:

Course of Study:

Year Completed: Grad Date (mm/yyyy) Degree / Diploma:

Work & Ministry Experience (please list the 3 most recent places of employment):

Company/Organization:

City/State:

Dates: Title:

Responsibilities:

Company/Organization:

City/State:

Responsibilities:

Company/Organization:

City/State:

Responsibilities:

In the last year, have you used tobacco, alcoholic beverages or drugs? _If yes, please explain how recently, how frequently, and in what quantities.

FINANCES:

SSOJ STM Trip members are responsible for all expenses associated with the trip. Unless otherwise noted, the published trip cost ($______________________) includes all housing, in country transportation, entrance fees to selected trip sites, two meals a day while in country and Administration. Members are responsible for background check processing fee, passport application fee, visa fee (if necessary).

Cost: $____________________________ Suggested Payment Schedule for SSOJ Trip:
* $500 non-refundable deposit with application.
* First payment by 7 months prior to departure.
r Second payment by 5 months prior to departure.
r Third payment by 3 months prior to departure.
r Final payment by 7 weeks prior to departure.

Payments can be made online or by check (made out to Sowing seeds of Joy;
please write “___________________________ Trip” on memo line)

PHOTO:

Please email or attach a current photo.

As part of our communications activity, Sowing seeds of Joy occasionally uses photography for publicity purposes. May we have your permission to include photographs taken during your time of service in our publications, website and other publicity material?

Yes

No

Maybe

Clear selection

PHOTOGRAPHY RELEASE

By signing this form, I give Sowing Seeds of Joy permission to photograph me and use such photos in Sowing Seeds of Joy promotional materials and related publications without remuneration to me.

___________________________________ _______________________________ _______________
Print Name of ADULT Signature Date
___________________________________ _______________________________ _______________
Print Name of YOUTH Signature Date
___________________________________ _______________________________ _______________
Print Name of Youth (Legal Guardian) Signature Date

MISCELLANEOUS:

If there anything else you feel is important to share, please add it here.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION CONSENT:

I, , hereby authorize Sowing Seeds of Joy and/or its agents to make an
independent investigation of my background, references, character, criminal or police records, including those maintained by both public and private organizations and all public records for the purpose of confirming the information contained on my Application and/or obtaining other information which may be material to my qualifications for missionary/volunteer service now and, if applicable, during the tenure of my service with Sowing Seeds of Joy. I release Sowing Seeds of Joy and/or its agents and any person or entity, which provides information pursuant to this authorization, from any and all liabilities, claims or law suits in regard to the information obtained from any and all of the above referenced sources used.

I understand that, pursuant to the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Sowing Seeds of Joy will provide me with a copy of any such report if the information contained in such report adversely impacts, in any way, a decision regarding my fitness for employment with Sowing Seeds of Joy. In this event, I further understand that a copy of such report will be made available to me in writing, along with the name and address of the reporting agency that produced the report.

The following is my true and complete legal name and all information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge:

Print Full Name: Maiden Name or Other Names:

Present Address: How Many Years:

City/State/Zip Code:

Phone Number: Church Affiliation:

Signature: Date:

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ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITION OF SERVICE:

Please take a few minutes to read over the following points and let us know that you are willing to comply with our policies by completing the bottom section and returning it to us using the contact information below. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Missions Coach (if applicable); he or she will be happy to address these. By signing below, I understand and agree to comply with our policies that:

- All servants must have up-to-date immunizations as prescribed by SSOJ’s medical office.

- I certify that answers given herein or on attached resume are true and completed to the best of my knowledge and I have personally completed this application. I understand that falsification of information provided on this application or on a resume if one is provided, or during the interview process, will constitute sufficient grounds for SSOJ to terminate my ministerial relationship.

- I authorize SSOJ and/or any of its agents to verify any information I have provided on this application, on any other SSOJ application, or during the interview process. I further authorize SSOJ to check personal and employment references. I release anyone responding to SSOJ’s inquiries from all liability to me that could result from disclosure of information provided. I hereby release all claims I might have against SSOJ or any of its agents related to such inquiries.

1. I support the mission of Sowing Seeds of Joy to “glorify God in all the earth by crossing cultural boundaries to spread God's good news and invite others into relationship with Our Lord.”
2. I seek a place on the Sowing Seeds of Joy Short-term Mission/Travel Learn Trip heading to ________________________________, knowing this experience may take me out of my comfort zone as I engage in cross cultural ministry.
3. I am willing to give up any personal habits in order to be more attentive and present in this new cross cultural setting.
4. I am committed to learning about the culture and language of my place of short-term service.
5. I accept to be God’s ambassador where I serve and be God’s instrument of peace, mercy and love.

The statements I have given above and in all supporting documents express my prayerful response and understanding of God’s call to me to serve on a Sowing Seeds of Joy Short-term Mission/Travel Learn Trip.

I understand that if I am accepted on the Sowing Seeds of Joy Short-term Mission/Travel Learn Trip Team, I will serve subject to the authority of Sowing Seeds of Joy to regulate the term of service and to terminate my service at any time. I also have the right to terminate my service if I deem it necessary. Through my witness, I will support the outreach and witness as well as carry out the policies and programs of Sowing Seeds of Joy, abide by its rules and decisions, and cooperate with its staff and global servants as well as with Sowing Seeds of Joy international partners.

I have read, understood, and agree to abide by all the statements on this application and have provided truthful accurate information in response to the questions, to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: Date:

Via this portal, please submit mail your application to Sowing Seeds of Joy.

SOWING SEEDS OF JOY MINISTRIES Ron and Star Nelson

Founders, Chief Servant Officers & Missionaries, Mission Mobilizers Phone: 501-416-3003 Website: www.sowingseedsofjoy.org “Connecting the Hearts of People to the Heart of God”