Frequently Asked Questions: J-Teams

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I'm not a doctor or nurse. Do you really need me on a J-Team?

Yes! We do! Because we offer Jamaican churches a variety of evangelism and disciple-making resources, a J-Team will include some members without medical or other professional skills. TEAMS works within the church in preaching, Bible teaching and Bible studies, leadership training, and more.

We work with the church, through ministries in the public schools, literature distribution, visitation evangelism, home building and repair, Bible club programs, and the like. And in the clinics themselves, there are continual opportunities for evangelism and counseling.

How do I qualify?

Physical health is important. You should have the health and stamina to endure a demanding travel and work schedule. Heat and humidity can sometimes be a challenge.

PLEASE NOTE: Hospitals with emergency and interventional medical care are not available where you will serve in Jamaica. Therefore, we ask that you not apply if you are significantly overweight or if you have a physical problem that would be life-threatening if it were to occur during a J-Team.

Spiritual health is even more important. You should know that you have been "born again" (John 3:3) through faith in Jesus Christ and then be able to share your faith with others. There should also be an inner desire to be growing as a Christian and a willingness to sacrificially serve the Lord. Your example should be one of intentional obedience to the will of God as revealed in the Bible. Such attitudes and actions among your fellow J-Teamers and before the Jamaican people will give the ring of truth to your words. 

Emotional health and good attitude is critical. Your J-Team effectiveness will depend on your having a teachable spirit and a servant heart. You will need an attitude of flexibility and a willingness to serve even outside your "comfort zone."

Can I bring my children and teenagers with me on a J-Team trip?

Unfortunately, no. J-Teams are limited to 15-18 people who are college age or older. Many J-Teamers work in areas requiring professional training - doctors, nurses, pharmacists. Other members will need to be proven in hard work for long hours and in situations requiring efficiency and teamwork. While not always "skilled" - builders, for example - J-Teamers have good potential in the areas where they will be functioning. There are many organizations that have developed programs especially for youth or families. We will be happy to furnish a list of such agencies upon request.

How will I spend my days in Jamaica?

On Saturday, you will arrive in Montego Bay, Jamaica and drive from there to your ministry location. You will return to the USA on a Sunday - a nine-day trip.

That first Sunday, you will be involved according to your skills and abilities in a local church. You will spend the rest of the day organizing yourself and teammates for the week ahead. 

Monday through Friday: After breakfast and devotions, you will be deployed to your medical, evangelism, or construction activity. At the end of a very full day, you will return to TEAMS House for dinner, a sharing time, and preparations for the next day's work. Special ministry opportunities are provided in the evenings as well.

Friday evening through Saturday is ReEntry Weekend, an opportunity for J-Teamers to enjoy souvenir shopping, the beach, nice restaurants, and a relaxing hotel in Montego Bay. Saturday evening includes a debriefing session where we are encouraged with a review of what God has done during the ministry week.

On Sunday we have our last team meeting - a worship service together - and then you will leave Jamaica to arrive home in the late evening.

How do I join a J-Team?

Read this website completely and if necessary, contact us for more information. Read J-Team Registration Guidelines and then complete and submit the online application form on this website.

TEAMS will acknowledge receipt of your application and notification of acceptance will follow as soon as possible. Once you have sent us your $100 per person place-holder fee (non-refundable), you are "locked in." Please note that placement on a team is based on such things as number and types of personnel needed. If your requested team is full we will try to find another team that will fit your availability.

Will I get any orientation or training?

Yes. TEAMS for Medical Missions offers various levels of pre-trip orientation and training. This depends somewhat on your location, needs and previous J-Team experience. While in Jamaica there is continual counsel and direction as the team meets regularly for prayer and on-the-go evaluation of the ministry.

How does TEAMS figure the cost of the trip and what is covered?

Your trip price consists of . . .
A deposit. This is a $100 per person place-holder and admin fee that also helps cover up-front administrative costs.
The airfare. This will always be the lowest group rate available at the time reservations must be made.
A trip fee. This covers almost all non-personal expenses fom the time you depart the USA and until you leave Jamaica. It includes such things as food and lodging, ground transportation, medical insurance, administrative costs, a Ministry Team Handbook, and your first TEAMS shirt. 

When are the trip fees due?

You will be notified of the payment schedule as soon as it is established for your J-Team trip. Generally, however . . .
 
•  The initial administrative/place holder fee should be sent as soon upon acceptance for a J-Team and is non-refundable upon your placement on a J- Team.
•  The cost of the airfare is required when the final reservation is made - generally four months in advance. The airlines consider the tickets that TEAMS purchases as non-transferable and non-refundable.
• The balance is due six or seven weeks before departure.

Note again that once receipted, none of these funds are refundable.