Mission trips are about building things, what will we be doing in Cuba?
Although some church mission trips involve construction or labor, those are not the only types of activities that are considered "mission trips." In its most basic, Christian mission reflects the nature of the Trinity, being in relationship, and the plan for humankind being in relationship with God and with each other.

This trip is a response to the invitations made by past Cuban visitors to Calvary-- Rev. Daniel Izquierdo and Rev. Renerio Arce--to come and fellowship with our Cuban brothers and sisters in Christ. And from this fellowship explore and develop a plan for future work. This is a unique opportunity for trip participants to help define what may develop into a new ministry outreach from Calvary into the world. In a sense, we will be building relationship and the potential foundations for future work.

Is it legal for Americans to travel to Cuba?
One of the few legal ways for American citizens to travel to Cuba is under official license from the United States' Department of the Treasury. Calvary Presbyterian Church has obtained this license. Each member of the trip will be traveling under this license and will therefore be acting in accordance with the law.

How much will the trip cost?
Travel expenses are estimated to be between $2,200 to $2,500 per person. The actual costs are dependent upon the number of people on the trip (the more people, the lower the cost) and the cost of airfare at the time of ticket purchase. There are many regulations regarding the conversion of United States dollars to Cuban currency, which will be discussed with trip participants.

Because of the economic embargo, strict rules will need to be adhered to while on the trip which will limit personal expenditures. The amount of money you are allowed to bring for personal use will be restricted. All expenditures will be in cash only, no traveler's checks, not credit cards and no debit cards will be usable. Before the trip, each participant will have to have their currency converted to Cuban currency, through the Cuba trip coordinator.

I'm not an elder or a committee member, am I qualified to go on this trip?
Yes! Regular members of the congregation are strongly encouraged to consider participating in this trip. As Presbyterians, Calvary makes its decisions about mission and serving with the input of elders (called "presbyters" in Greek), pastors and regular members. The importance of the regular members cannot be overlooked. According to our Book of Order, "a faithful member accepts Christ's call to be involved responsibly in the ministry of [the] church." When working at our best in discerning God's call, all three groups have an important and active role.

I attend Calvary regularly, but I am not actually a member. Can I go on the trip?
Unfortunately the answer to this question is "no." Stipulations of our travel license from the Department of the Treasury state that only "members or employees" of Calvary are authorized to travel.

My partner or spouse is a member of the church but I am not, can we travel together?
Again, the answer is "no." The legal requirements are quite clear, which are a direct result of the United States' travel embargo on Cuba.

Will I have to stay with the group during the whole trip, or will I have personal time to explore?
Because of the nature of the relations between our government and the Cuban government, and the terms of our travel license, trip members will be required to stay together for the duration of the trip. At certain times, participants will be able to go off in pairs, with our Cuban hosts, to experience the life of the Cuban people--but these opportunities will be coordinated. Every effort will be made to allow for personal reflection time as well as opportunities to interact with our hosts in less structured encounters. Click here for the trip itinerary

What about accommodations? Where will we stay?
Our options are severely limited by the terms of both our travel license and the requirements of the Cuban government on American visitors. It is illegal for us to stay in resorts or hotels. We will be given accommodations by the churches and the seminary we visit. Accommodations will be mostly dormitory style. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to request private rooms. Trip members will be sharing bath and toilet facilities, will be sleeping in common rooms and will be taking most meals together. The use of alcohol and tobacco will be completely restricted according to the regulations of our hosts, and the use of other controlled substances will not be tolerated.

How do I apply to participate in this trip?
Simply download an application from this site, and submit it with a check for $100 payable to Calvary with "Cuba Mission Trip Deposit" written on the memo line. The initial $100 is refundable until the purchase of the tickets, which will be in March.

I have more questions...
Feel free to contact Donald Hammond, Pastoral Assistant to Rev David Brown and Cuba Trip Coordinator, via email (dhammond@dakotacom.net) or call him at (415)299-7103.