Puerto Rico STM 2023

A commonwealth of the United States, Puerto Rico offers wealthy residents and tourists the comforts of America as well as exotic beaches and a relaxed Caribbean culture. 

Sadly, almost half of the population lives below the poverty line, and unemployment always remains high. Most of the Puerto Rican people do not have access to services such as police protection and emergency medical care. Many families have been torn apart by emigration—almost half of the island’s people have moved to the United States.

On top of all this, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Thousands of families lost their homes and are still recovering. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the storm. You’ll have the opportunity to bring the hope of Christ to people who experienced great loss and emotional turmoil.

Our team takes care of logistics, ministry planning, debriefs, devotionals, and provides project leaders so you can focus on discipleship and showing your youth how to follow the voice of God and live for Him.

Ministry opportunities are spread throughout the country. We’ll place you in a location depending on your ministry goals and experience. 

Ministry

Your team will partner with a local church that’s dedicated to bringing the love of Jesus to their community. Here are just a few of the things you’ll get the opportunity to do in Puerto Rico: 

• Work Projects: Hurricane Maria left thousands of families without homes. Help with small construction projects on homes affected by Hurricane Maria and minister to those who are still recovering.

• Community Outreach: Visit the homes of those affected by Maria and hear their story. Pray with them, encourage them and share a meal with them.

• Children’s Ministry: You will have the opportunity to serve families in the community through Vacation Bible School. Your team will work with a local church to plan songs, games, crafts, and Bible lessons for children in the barrio near your host ministry.

• Solar Lamps: Your team will have the opportunity to buy the SolarPuff. This is a special solar lamp that Alice Min Soo Chun invented after she saw the way so many people were living around the world inside homes that were lit by kerosene lamps or fireplaces. You will then give these to people you visit and share the Light of Jesus.

• Uzima Water Filters: You will have the opportunity to buy Uzima Water Filters and give them away to the people you visit in PR.

• Serve alongside a local church and reach out to their community with them. Discover the power of prayer and learn more about God’s heart as you pray for the “barrio” as you walk. 

Lodging

Your team will stay with one of our ministry hosts, located at various places across the country. Some sites have bunk beds and some have space on the church floor and you’ll need to bring your own bedding. If you have a preference, we may be able to accommodate on a first come first serve basis. Ministry may vary based on the location.

Travel

Your team will fly into San Juan and drive to the ministry site from there. All ground transportation will be coordinated for you, but rental vans are not included in the price. The reason for this is that many rental companies sold their vehicles following the 2020 COVID crisis, limiting inventory on the island. Inventory remains low, which makes summer pricing unpredictable. We cannot guarantee pricing, but based on previous trips this is what we estimate for different vehicle types:

– 15 passenger van: $1,500 / week

– 7 passenger van: $800+ / week

– 5 passenger car: $350+ / week

This pricing is just an estimate based on our experience, not a guarantee.

Registration and Payment

$500 Deposit: This deposit is required to reserve your trip. At this point, you will lock in your trip and we will keep in touch with you going forward about preparation. This deposit is applied to the total cost of your trip.

50% Payment: Half of your total trip cost will need to be paid 2 months before your trip.

100% Payment: The remaining balance is due 1 month before your trip.

Request a Date

Don’t see a date that works for you? Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll check it out for you!