MISSION: NÚMERO UNO
OUR FIRST TRIP. OUR HIGHEST MISSION.
Trip at a Glance
Dates: February 15–22, 2027
Location: Mao, Dominican Republic
Purpose: Help build a new church
Team Size: Approximately 15–20 men
Who Can Apply: Men age 18+ with pastoral approval
Experience: Construction skills are helpful but not required
Cost: $1,950, including airfare, lodging, meals, and transportation in the Dominican Republic
Deposit: $250 non-refundable deposit due within 21 days of approval
Schedule: Four workdays, one sightseeing day, and Sunday worship in the new church
The Purpose
Illinois Men’s Ministries is taking a team of men to the Dominican Republic to help construct a new church building. This will be our first District-sponsored overseas missions trip and, we believe, the beginning of many opportunities for Illinois men to become personally involved in global missions.
While any man over 18 is welcome, this trip is especially for the man whose ministry may not always be visible on a platform. God can use his willingness, strength, skills, and servant’s heart to make a lasting Kingdom impact.
Together, we will build a church in the Dominican Republic—but we also believe God will build something lasting in the lives of the men who go.
The Project
IL District Men’s Ministries is partnering with UPCI Missionary Stephen Shirley to construct a new church building in Mao, Dominican Republic.
The concrete and block work will be completed before the Illinois team arrives. Our anticipated work will include:
Installing roof trusses
Installing metal roofing
Painting
Minor electrical work
General finish work
Specific assignments may change according to the needs of the project. Skilled tradesman are especially encouraged to participate, but professional construction experience is not required. Men who are willing to work, follow instructions, and serve wherever needed are welcome.
The Schedule
This trip is scheduled for
February 15-22, 2027.
Our anticipated schedule is:
Tuesday, Feb. 16Construction Work
Wednesday, Feb. 17Construction Work
Thursday, Feb. 18Construction Work
Saturday, Feb. 20Day Off & Sight Seeing
Monday, Feb. 22Travel Home
Travel to the Dominican Republic & Brief Visit to Project Site.
Monday, Feb. 15Construction Work
Friday, Feb. 19Worship with Local Congregation in Newly Constructed Church
Sunday, Feb. 21Who May Apply?
The trip is open to men age 18 and older.
Each applicant must have the approval of his pastor before applying. By submitting an application, the applicant confirms that he has discussed the trip with his pastor and gives IL Men’s Ministries permission to contact him regarding the application.
Space is limited to approximately 15-20 men. Applications will be considered in the order they are received, but submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance or reserve a place on the trip.
Professional construction experience is not required. Applicants should be willing to work, follow instructions, serve wherever needed, and participate fully in the mission and ministry purpose of the trip.
Application & Approval Process
Participation in the trip will follow this process:
An applicant completes and submits the trip application.
The application is reviewed by trip leadership.
Approved applicants are notified & given instructions for next steps.
Within 21 days of approval, the applicant must complete the more detailed participant information form and submit the $250 non-refundable deposit.
The applicant’s place on the trip is secured once both the participant information form and deposit have been received.
Participation Cost
The cost to participate in the trip is $1,950 per person.
This cost includes:
Round trip airfare
Lodging
Meals while in the Dominican Republic
Transportation within the Dominican Republic
Other normal team expenses while in the Dominican Republic
The cost does not include:
Passport fees
Travel insurance
Checked baggage fees
Vaccinations or other personal medical expenses
Meals or personal expenses during airport travel
Personal spending money
The cost of purchasing the land and constructing the church is being raised separately and is not included in the participation cost.
Payment & Refund Policy
A $250 non-refundable deposit is due within 21 days after an applicant is approved. The remaining balance will normally be paid in five monthly installments of $340.
Applicants approved later in the process will receive an adjusted payment schedule with larger installments as needed. All trip costs must be paid in full by January 15, 2027.
Payments beyond the deposit are refundable only to the extent that they have not already been committed or spent on the participant’s behalf. Beginning December 1, 2026, all payments are non-refundable.
Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance separately to protect against unexpected circumstances.
Participation Preparation
Approved participants will receive additional information covering:
Passport and travel requirements
Packing instructions
Recommended tools and work clothing
Work expectations
Team conduct
Health and safety information
Spiritual preparation
The team will also participate in two pre-trip Zoom meetings to help everyone arrive prepared, unified, and ready to continue.
Medical & Travel Considerations
Participants must be physically and medically able to participate in international travel, construction-related work, and the other activities of the trip.
Approved participants will be required to provide relevant medical and emergency information and sign a liability waiver. Each participant will be responsible for his own medical expenses.
Additional information regarding passports, health recommendations, travel requirements, and insurance will be provided to approved participants.
Apply for the Trip
Space is limited to approximately 15-20 men.
Completing an application is the first step. Once you are notified that your application has been approved, you will have 21 days to submit the additional participant information and your $250 non-refundable deposit.
Once your deposit and participant information form are received, your place on the trip is secured.