What kinds of projects can we assist with?
Teams and individuals have unlimited opportunities on various islands of the Bahamas! Teams may opt for construction, home repair, vacation Bible school, music, fellowship, community building, or use other skills to minister to adults and children on their destination island. Whatever your skills, we encourage you to use them in service to others. We are dedicated to helping you find ways to share your gifts with God’s people in the Bahamas.
Describe a typical day. Is there time for recreation? Can we interact with the local community?
Of course, a typical day will vary according to the type of project you work on. Generally, teams will work from 8-4:30 with 45 minutes for lunch. Evenings will be devoted to recreation, fellowship and worship activities within the local community. Recreational activities will vary from island to island, but most offer serene beaches, hiking, snorkeling, and sightseeing. We encourage and will set up times for all teams to experience the beautiful landscapes and friendly people of the Bahamas.
7:00 am Morning Devotional 7:10 am Breakfast 8:00 am Leave for Work Site 4:00 pm Leave Work Site for Beach 5:30 pm Showers 6:30 pm Dinner 7:30 pm Evening Activity/Free Time/Devotions 10:00 pm Quiet Time 10:30 pm Lights OutTeams must be prepared to be flexible with their schedules as they are confronted with unforeseen needs or challenges.
How much does a mission trip with Bahamas Methodist Habitat cost and what is included?
The total cost of a week is $600 per person and will cover:
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and fresh drinking water • Lodging at local facility • Construction materials and tools for worksites and projects (You may bring your own tools or ones to donate.) • Skilled local Site Leaders • BMH T-Shirt • On-Island transportation • Excursion Day, to see and experience the beauty of the BahamasHow many people per team?
Teams of all sizes are welcome! Housing and project assignments may vary according to the size of your team. So it is important to keep Bahamas Methodist Habitat informed of any changes to your roster. We can host teams from 1 to 40 persons.
Are there any age requirements?
Men, Women, College and Youth of all ages are invited to experience missions in the Bahamas. Youth teams should be composed of 2 adult leaders for every 5 youth. The minimum age requirement is 14 years old and in the 9th grade. If a younger youth would like to participate, their parent or guardian must accompany them because of the nature of the work. There is no maximum age.
If I bring a construction team, what project will we work on?
Many variables will affect your project assignment, including the size and skills of your team, the speed of the teams that come before you, hurricanes, and other unforeseen disasters or blessings. We may not be able to assign your project as soon as you commit. Projects usually include general house and building repairs such as siding, roofing, flooring, concrete, wood structures, basic electrical, painting, etc. We have onsite leaders to help train, teach, and support you at each worksite.
We believe that God will direct our path and yours, to provide you with the best mission experience possible.
What else are volunteers responsible for?
All teams are responsible for securing adequate liability insurance (Southeast UMVIM Insurance). Team leaders are responsible for all safety issues for their team.
Construction teams should provide at least 1 competent and skilled construction leader for each work team of 7 volunteers.
Team members are required to bring documentation of citizenship from their home country. The Bahamas REQUIRES a Passport to enter and exit the country. Team leaders should contact their respective embassies if you have any questions. Click here for Passport Info.
Do we have to be Methodist or affiliated with a church? Are there other qualifications?
You are not required to be a member of a Methodist church or any other denomination. You may bring a team of co-workers, family members, or friends. The only requirement is that you come to serve with an open mind and open heart so you can work in harmony with the goals and purposes of Bahamas Methodist Habitat.
Do I need to bring tools?
No, we provide tools and materials for you while you are here serving. However, if you have tools that you would like to bring, we encourage you to bring them. We are in constant need of new or good used tools and accept donations with open arms. We will be in contact with your group within 1 week of your arrival to tell you about your projects and a suggested tools list. Past groups have transported them in Rubbermaid containers or plastic Footlockers.
Where do groups stay?
Groups will stay together at one of our volunteer sites close to where your project is located. This will either be on Eleuthera, Andros, or New Providence (Nassau). We have bunk beds at most of our facilities. Accommodations vary by site.
How safe is the island?
The Family Islands are extremely safe. As with any foreign country there is a need to be respectful of cultural differences. You must use common sense while here (don’t walk around alone, don’t leave valuables out, etc) but in everyday life there is nothing to be worried about. There is light government turmoil in the Bahamas but it has not affected our volunteer experience. Crime is very low; there is little drug use and very few acts of violence. Your group will be safe here at BMH as long as proper precautions are used.
What language do Bahamians speak?
Bahamians speak English but with their dialect you will be able to understand at least 80% of what is said here in the islands. The staff and community members will help you with the other 20%.
What kind of money do they use?
Bahamians have their own currency. Its exchange rate is .005 to the USA so they use it daily at a 1:1 ratio. This is a huge help to tourists and missionaries because there is no need to exchange money before or after you get here. There is one ATM’s available in Governors Harbour (20 minutes South).
What type of electrical service do they have?
We use 110V just like you do in the USA. There is no need for special adapters.