Welcome!

We’re so excited you’re joining a Global Encounters mission trip. This is going to be an incredible adventure! We can’t wait to see how God works in and through you as you serve, grow, and experience the world in a whole new way.

To officially save your spot on the team, a $250 non-refundable deposit is required when you complete this agreement (or, if you are a minor, when your parents complete their version of this form).

 

What Happens Next?

Here’s a quick look at what’s ahead:

✅ Apply and get accepted (done!)
⬜ Complete this agreement and submit your deposit
⬜ Get or renew your passport (if needed)
⬜ Complete team training (sent by email in short sections)
⬜ Finish trip payments before departure

This trip will stretch you—in the best ways. New cultures, new challenges, and new opportunities to trust God are all part of the journey.

We encourage you to spend time with the Lord, read the Bible regularly, pray for your teammates and the kids you will be serving, and remember: this is His trip. He will walk with you on this journey every step of the way, from prep to completion.

You’ll also experience changes in food, sleep, climate, and routines. Physical preparation will help you enjoy the trip and get the most out of it. We recommend staying active and building up your immune system before you go.

As a team member, you’re representing Jesus and Global Encounters. That’s a big deal and it’s exciting! To help the team keep Jesus first, stay mission-focused, and thrive as a group, I agree to:

• Follow team leadership and bring a positive, flexible attitude.
• Live with integrity by honoring God in my relationships and choices and not participating, or inviting anyone else to participate, in any sexual act outside of marriage.
• Keep the focus on the mission and not start any romantic relationships during the trip.
• Build up the team through encouragement, prayer, and honest communication, while avoiding gossip and grumbling.
• Refrain from alcohol, smoking, illegal drugs, and substance abuse.
• Dress in a way that’s respectful, modest, and culturally appropriate.

I understand that choosing not to follow these guidelines could result in being sent home at my own expense.

I hereby grant Global Encounters, Inc., a nonprofit organization, permission to use my name, image, likeness, voice, and/or photographs or video recordings of me taken during participation in ministry projects or related activities.

I understand that these images or recordings may be used for nonprofit purposes, including but not limited to ministry promotion, educational materials, newsletters, emails, social media, websites, presentations, and other print or electronic communications.

I grant this permission without expectation of compensation and understand that Global Encounters, Inc. may use, reproduce, edit, distribute, or display these materials in any format, now known or later developed.

I release and hold harmless Global Encounters, Inc. from any claims, demands, or liability related to the use of my likeness as described above.

In consideration of being allowed to participate in international mission activities with Global Encounters, Inc. (“Global Encounters”), I knowingly and voluntarily agree to the following:

Assumption of Risk
I understand that participation in international travel, training, and ministry activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to physical injury, illness, emotional stress, permanent disability, or death. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, whether foreseeable or unforeseeable.

Release and Waiver of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby release, waive, and discharge Global Encounters, Inc., and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to my participation in these activities, including claims resulting from negligence, except where prohibited by law.

Medical Authorization
I authorize Global Encounters and its representatives to obtain or provide medical care for me in the event of illness, injury, or emergency, including emergency medical treatment and life-saving procedures deemed reasonably necessary to preserve my health or life.

I understand that due to the nature of international ministry activities, my family or emergency contacts may not be notified prior to medical treatment, but reasonable efforts will be made to contact them as soon as practicable in the event of a serious injury or illness.

Responsibility for Costs
I understand and agree that I am financially responsible for any medical treatment, transportation, or related expenses incurred on my behalf.

Acknowledgment and Consent
I acknowledge that I have carefully read and fully understand this Liability and Medical Release Form. I understand that by signing this document, I am giving up certain legal rights. I voluntarily agree to its terms and consent to Global Encounters’ provision for my spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being during my participation.

Purpose and Financial Responsibility
If finances appear to be an obstacle between you and participation in a mission trip, don't be discouraged. Fundraising resources and guidance may be made available to assist participants. However, while fundraising support may be offered, all amounts listed in this Agreement remain the personal financial responsibility of the Participant unless expressly waived in writing by Global Encounters.

Deposit
A deposit of $250 is required with this Agreement. The deposit is non-refundable and will be applied toward administrative, preparatory, and other non-recoverable costs incurred by Global Encounters.

Payment Schedule
The Participant agrees to pay the total trip cost according to the following schedule:

• $1,000 – due 6 weeks before departure
• $500 – due 4 weeks before departure
• Remaining balance – due 1 week before departure

Failure to make any payment when due constitutes a default under this Agreement.

Cancellation Policy
If the Participant cancels participation, refunds (if any) will be issued as follows:

• 31 or more days before departure: refund of amounts paid, less the $250 deposit
• 15–30 days before departure: refund of amounts paid, less $500
• 14 days or fewer before departure: no refund, unless there is a documented medical or family emergency

In the case of a qualifying emergency, Global Encounters may, in its discretion, refund a portion of the paid amounts or apply funds toward a future mission trip. Any such accommodation is discretionary and does not waive Global Encounters’ rights under this Agreement.

Cancellation of participation does not relieve the Participant of responsibility for amounts already due or for non-recoverable costs incurred on the Participant’s behalf.

Flights
Global Encounters’ cancellation policies do not apply to airline tickets. Global Encounters may assist the Participant in seeking a refund or airline credit; however, refunds or credits are not guaranteed and depend on airline policies. Such assistance is discretionary and does not create a refund obligation.

Donations and Fundraising
Donations made by third parties toward the Participant’s trip are voluntary and non-refundable. Such donations do not relieve the Participant of their personal financial obligation under this Agreement unless expressly stated in writing by Global Encounters. Donations may, at Global Encounters’ discretion, be held and applied to a future trip through the end of the next calendar year.

Payment Obligation, Default, and Collections
By signing this Agreement, the Participant acknowledges and agrees that all amounts due under this Financial Commitment constitute a binding and legally enforceable financial obligation.

Failure to make any payment when due shall constitute a default. In the event of default, Global Encounters may pursue all remedies permitted by law, including cancellation of participation, recovery of the outstanding balance, and referral of the unpaid amount to a third-party debt collection agency.

The Participant expressly authorizes Global Encounters to assign, transfer, or sell any unpaid balance owed under this Agreement to a debt collection agency or other third party for purposes of collection, and agrees that any such assignee shall have the same rights to collect the debt as Global Encounters.

The Participant agrees to be responsible for all reasonable costs incurred in connection with the collection of unpaid amounts, including collection agency fees, court costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent permitted by law.

Governing Law and Venue
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in California.

Acknowledgment
By signing this form, the Participant acknowledges that they have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this Financial Commitment Agreement.