- How do I get appointed for service overseas?
- How long does it take to get overseas?
- How much money do I need to raise to go overseas?
- What is the process for raising support?
- How does your salary structure work?
- Do I need to be debt free to serve with WHM?
- Does WHM accept missionaries that are divorced?
- Do you have educational requirements?
- Am I assigned a field to serve on, or can I choose?
- What type of health coverage do I receive as an overseas missionary?
- How would my children be educated overseas if I was a missionary?
- How do I begin the process of going on a Vision Trip?
- What are the costs for a Vision Trip?
- How should I pay for the trip?
- How soon do I need to sign up?
- How can I get more information about a particular trip?
How do I get appointed for service overseas?
That depends on how long you want to stay. Vision Trips (1-2 weeks) have very minimal requirements. You register, seek the approval of your spiritual mentors - and our mobilization team, raise the support and make the trip.
Summer interns submit an application to be reviewed by our mobilization team in the US and overseas field leadership. If you are approved, you're soon on your way.
Apprentices (those serving 6 months to 2 years), and long-term missionaries (2+ years), go through a more extensive process. We will ask you to: have a preliminary phone conversation, submit a written application, gather personal and pastoral references, and quite possibly visit your mission field of interest. Finally, we invite you to one of our quarterly Assessment and Orientation (A&O) weeks at our offices in suburban Philadelphia. A&O weeks give us a chance to get to know each other well enough to "measure the fit."
How long does it take to get overseas?
There is no single, simple answer. The longer you're staying overseas, the longer it takes to get you there. For example, upon receiving your complete application, it may take three to six months to arrange your participation in an A&O week. Then, it usually takes about eighteen months to raise support and be deployed for long-term (2+ yrs) appointments. However, this process may be much faster for individuals going on shorter-term assignments. How much money do I need to raise to go overseas?
Overseas missionaries are required to raise 100% of their salary, ministry expenses, and administrative expenses to serve overseas. This number can vary significantly depending on the country of service, marital status, experience, and job requirements. What is the process for raising support?
If the Lord is calling you to go, he will provide the needed resources. Many of our missionaries begin with family, friends, and their home churches. But the Lord frequently surprises you with how he provides for your needs.
WHM assigns every apprentice (6 mo.-2 yr. term), and long-term missionary (2+ years), a support coach to guide them through the process. You will have regular interactions with your support coach. These conversations are not simply "how to" sessions, but part of a discipling relationship that will encourage you in your walk as you prepare to serve overseas. How does your salary structure work?
We take our instructions from the apostle Paul who said that every worker is entitled to his hire. So, our finance team strives to see that every WHM missionary is paid a fair wage. WHM's salary structure for overseas missionaries is a complex formula that considers many different elements: your experience, job description, family size, field of service, and other factors. We will walk you through those accounting equations during your orientation. Do I need to be debt free to serve with WHM?
WHM does not have a policy regarding personal debt. However, personal debt may hinder you from serving. We would encourage you to talk with us if you have concerns regarding this issue. Does WHM accept missionaries that are divorced?
Yes, WHM will appoint missionaries that are divorced. However, we will probably talk with you about your divorce in order to better understand the circumstances and situation. Do you have educational requirements?
WHM does not require you to have attended Bible College or seminary. However, many positions within the mission necessitate certain educational requirements. Educational backgrounds in various fields may also help you in your present ministry, or with future advancement. Our mobilization team will help match you up with an opportunity that conforms to your experience, your gifts, and your education. Am I assigned a field to serve on, or can I choose?
We love it when individuals come to us with a heart for a particular region. However, we also want to help you discern if your particular gifts may be used in areas that you may have not considered. And since we emphasize team ministry we will strive to place you on a team that fits your gifts and temperament. So, we want to explore several options with you. However, our final decision will be by mutual consent. So don't think we would ever send you to a field against your will! What type of health coverage do I receive as an overseas missionary?
Currently, WHM overseas missionaries are covered by a major medical health plan. Coverage is effective from the date of deployment. We will provide more details for you as needed. How would my children be educated overseas if I was a missionary?
We consider the education of our missionary children to be very important. The answer varies from field to field, and family to family. Some missionary children attend public schools on the field, while others attend private or boarding school. Some are home-schooled, or have WHM "MK teachers" teach their children. How do I begin the process of going on a Vision Trip?
The first step is for you to complete the Vision Trip Application.
What are the costs for a Vision Trip?
Costs vary for each trip. You can check the prices here or contact Debra Will by email or phone at 215-885-1811 (274) for specifics on a trip that interests you. How should I pay for the trip?
You can raise money from friends and family, through your church, and sometimes directly through WHM. How soon do I need to sign up?
Sooner is better. All of our trips close at least two months before departure, and you may be looking to raise support. Take the first step, complete the Vision Trip Application. How can I get more information about a particular trip?
If you have questions the Vision Trip page doesn't answer, please contact Debra Will by email or phone at 215-885-1811 (274).

