Contact Rob Davis, a member of our Messenger Committee, with any and all questions you (parents and/or prospective Messengers) may have!
What is the application process?
The student application, comprised of eight parts including a parent response form, is due by the application deadline. Following the submission of the application, a student will be scheduled an interview with the Messenger Committee. After the interview, the Committee will determine if the student applicant is accepted into the program, and what their trip will be (according to trip selection in the application). Upon notification of acceptance into Messenger and trip placement, the student applicant may choose to accept or decline their Messenger opportunity by the commitment deadline. If the student chooses to commit, they will be unveiled as Class of 2023 Messengers on Messenger Reveal Night during the Annex program, and they will also learn who their teammates will be (if any).
What kind of work do you do on Messenger?
The Messenger work varies according to location. In the past, the work has involved teaching, working with children in orphanages, leading vacation bible school, running camps, relational evangelism, sports outreach, working in medical clinics, visiting people in Mother Teresa homes, manual labor projects, prison ministry, and working in a coffee shop. The teams are supervised by missionaries, missionary organizations, or church leaders in the community where you serve.
Does everyone who turns in an application go on Messenger?
In some cases, although rare, through much prayer and conversation, the Messenger Committee and/or student or parents can come to the conclusion that Messenger is not the best next step for them at the present time.
Do I or my family have any say in where I go?
Yes. If a student has a passion for a particular location or people group in the world, he or she is given the opportunity to rank their trip choices on their application and to share their trip interest with the Committee. The student and/or the student's family may also veto any trip options. The Committee then has the task of building teams, and looking at students’ passions and social dynamics as a few of many factors when determining where each student will be sent.
What is the vetting process for trips?
Paramount in our decision making process is the safety of our Messengers. We trust God to protect our students while on these trips, and employ practiced safeguards and processes to minimize risks. Our Messenger Committee considers not only the physical safety of the Messengers but also the emotional toll a trip can take. We aim to place students in positions that offer the most personal growth and outward impact, while simultaneously being safe. Every location considered by the Committee must be approved by the University of Colorado (which provides insurance and emergency procedures) as well as being up to a 3 on the U.S. State Department travel advisory rating. Countries rated a 4 due to COVID will require an appeal to the university and an approval from the applicant and parent(s) or guardian(s). The Committee is also in direct communication with our mission group partners abroad and remain so throughout the entire process and trip.
Will trips be located in a war zone?
NO. The Committee is in partnership (via our church’s missionaries and trustworthy mission agencies) with people around the world to ensure that we are picking locations that will be as safe as possible. We also partner with CU’s Global Experiences on safety precautions and abide by the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories and CU Boulder's travel guidelines. However, all cross-cultural travel has inherent risks. The team hosts will educate the participants on appropriate safety measures.
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL
What happens if COVID-19 shuts down travel again?
As indicated in the student application, all trip locations are subject to change depending on travel restrictions, guidelines and advisories.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19?
Messenger Service Internship abides by the vaccination policy of CU Boulder. Their vaccination policy requires students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 unless granted a vaccine exemption. If you have a vaccine exemption, the Committee will ask for it.
If you are selected for a trip to a country that requires visitors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will need to be fully vaccinated.
If you are selected for a trip to a country that requires visitors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will need to be fully vaccinated.
What about other vaccines, passports, etc.?
You must have (or be able to get) a valid passport. Shots, visas and other requirements for travel are sometimes needed, depending on the country. If necessary/applicable, information on these requirements is given during the training times following a student's acceptance and placement. These expenses are paid for by the student, however can be taken out of the fundraising cost if the student raises above the Student Amount for their trip.
What does the Student Amount of the trip cover?
The $1,500-$3000 student amount combined with the money raised from previous Messenger Fundraiser Dinners covers the following expenses: airfare, food, lodging, travel insurance, ground transportation, agency fees, etc. This cost excludes: passport costs, clothing, vaccinations, emergency cash, souvenirs, and personal items. Each team will be given money to spend on ministry supplies (crafts, sports equipment, etc.) they might need, both before they leave and while they are on their trip.
What are support letters?
Support letters are to help the student fundraise their cost amount for their trip and are usually sent out in March. Students will receive more information on support letters once they are accepted to go on Messenger.
"Here am I. Send me!"
THE PROPHET ISAIAH
Do I have to be a follower of Jesus?
Yes. Messenger is open to university students who demonstrate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a willingness to grow in their faith. The nature of the expectations placed on Messengers make it prohibitive and challenging to students and partners if participants do not have a faith in Jesus Christ.
Do I or my family have to go to Grace Commons to go on Messenger?
No. The Messenger Service Internship is for any student involved in the Annex at Grace Commons, regardless of church membership. Though rare, college aged children of Grace Commons families, but not involved in Annex, may be considered.
How many people are on a team?
Messenger teams generally range in size from two to six students. One is rare but possible. Depending on the location being served, there have been instances in which teams have joined other college students from across the nation to make up teams totaling 10 to 20 students.
Is Messenger an Internship?
Yes! Messenger has rebranded officially to Messenger Service Internship. Messenger is now considered to be professional experience. Many past Messengers have found the trip to be an extreme boost to their resume and job opportunities, as well as providing unique professional skills and helping them to narrow down their professional interests.
Can Messenger Count as CU Credit?
Abso-freaking-lutely! Rob Davis of the Messenger Committee is on the faculty of the CU School of Engineering and can work with students to provide Independent Study credit, typically in the fall semester following the Messenger experience. His contact is at the top of this page.
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth."