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About 2

 

Who we are
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Mission Element, Inc. (MEI) is a Christian, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to make and strengthen disciples. We work with churches, homeschool groups, families and individuals to plan, lead, and execute mission trips that serve to mutually bless and benefit our ministry partners as well as our team members.  We believe mission trips can and should be a positive for both parties with neither feeling short changed.

The above being true, it is also true that our participants are our primary focus.  Groups and individuals come knowing their trip is “turnkey”.  We handle all the logistics, plans, and leading. Depending on the location, desire of the sending group contact, or the discretion of Mission Element leadership, teams may be required to attend in-person and/or virtual training. Team members will be expected to assist with group chores such as cleaning and meal prep while on the trip and some teams may need to do things to prepare for certain ministries like VBS or a technical work project prior to arrival. 

Team members don’t have to worry about figuring out what the partner wants.  We work with our partners to make sure our teams are doing things that benefit their ministries and to be sure our teams are being used effectively during their time of service. 

In addition to productive service at our partner’s ministry, another primary focus of our trips is the Spiritual strengthening of our participants. Our daily schedule is designed to achieve the right balance of productive service with enough energy and time left to focus on Spiritual growth. Each day participants have time to spend in personal prayer and study.  We also have regularly scheduled times of worship and/or teaching and prayer.  Past topics of teaching have included the importance of worship, apologetics, and Biblical worldview. 

Ideally, participants should finish the trip encouraged and refreshed Spiritually.  They should be physically tired at a level that wants a rest but is also excited about doing something like that again.  They should not be exhausted.

Though our primary focus is our team, our ministry partners should know that they are not neglected in this process.  Our teams come as your guests and partners.  We want to allow you to focus on your ministry and be confident our teams are doing what really helps you and not simply what they want to do.  Working with Mission Element frees you from worry of having to navigate any unforeseen team dynamics or figuring out logistics.  Our team leaders are your one point of contact, and they have a vested interested blessing and protecting your ministry and work.

Two things speak to our desire to care for our partners well. One, we have long standing relationships with partners in several locations where we have been multiple times. Our partners are not just places we go to accomplish our goals for the team.  They are our friends and co laborers in the Lord.  Two, at our Dickenson County, VA location we are also effectively the ministry partner.  Teams work where our director lives, stay in his church and work with his friends and ministry associates.  Consequently, we have a full understanding of being on both the sending AND receiving side of the mission trip.