Thanks for the interest you have expressed in our Cru spring break trip to Vienna, Austria. I spoke with the Cru team leader in Vienna this morning, and they are excited about us coming. We discussed briefly some of the ministry opportunities so here is a quick summary for you:
Their second semester starts in March, so we will be helping them launch a new semester of ministry
We will help host an evangelistic party for students in the city
We will go to some campuses, meet students, and look for opportunities to share the gospel with non-christians and find Christians students who might not be engaged in ministry.
Pray with and encourage the Austrian staff by hosting an appreciation dinner for them.
Spend a day at a refugee camp outside of Vienna working with children
We will get to explore the city some, hear from ministry leaders in Vienna and learn some of the culture and obstacles to the gospel.
Schedule:
We will fly out of Boston/Logan on Friday 3/14. We will most likely need to arrive at the airport around 12:30, meaning we will leave the Tolland, CT area together around 11am that Friday. Please check your syllabuses, and class schedules, to make sure this itinerary will work for you on that Friday.
The flight will be overnight, most likely with a short layover in Frankfurt, Germany.
Housing will either be in Airbnb apartments or a hotel near Cru's office in Vienna.
We will fly home on 3/22 or 3/23 (depending on which day provides cheaper flights), arriving in Boston.
Cost/Expenses:
The total cost of the trip will be $1850
$1850 as you will see below, will cover all of your trip expenses with the exception of a few meals which will be on your own, and any personal purchases you wish to make.
Flight
Housing
Week long Train Pass
Emergency Services/Participant Insurance
Food
Fun Day
A non-refundable deposit of $250 is due on January 1st that tells me you are coming. I will be purchasing everyone's flights that evening.
The next $1000 will be due on February 1st
The remaining balance of $600 is due March 13th
We hope that you do not pay this out of pocket, but rather invite people you know, families, your church to financially support you on this spring break mission.
We will provide you with sample letters and coaching as to how to go about raising up ministry partners to support you.
All donations that people provide are 100% tax-deductible
Vision:
Western Europe is a place of incredible spiritual emptiness. It is referred to as being post-christian, meaning the christianity that was once present in many western european countries is gone. Most students have no spiritual background and/or very little understanding of who Christ is. Yet, people crave meaning in life and real relationships but their worldly pursuits leave them empty and void.
We have an unbelievable opportunity to bring hope to people by sharing with them the life giving message of the gospel and connecting them to a community of people where they will experience real and genuine relationships with others.
Would you join me in continuing our ministry by serving the Austrian ministry this spring break?