Mercy Medical Team Expenses and Logistics
Mercy Medical Team volunteers are responsible for trip costs and depend on generous gifts to cover equipment and supply purchases for each trip.
Team members are responsible for paying a flat fee based on their destination, which covers flight, meals, and accommodations.
- Kenya and Madagascar trips cost approximately $3,000 per person.
- Guatemala trips cost approximately $2,000 per person.
Team members are also responsible for paying for personal expenses, such as passports, visas, immunizations and souvenirs.
All trips range from 10 to 14 days and include a day of rest or sightseeing. Teams are limited to approximately 12 people per trip and are filled on a first response basis, although priority is given to professionals needed to complete the medical team. Each team consists of at least one pastor and two to three doctors, with a majority of other medical professionals, although non-medical volunteers may also apply. Depending on the location, multiple sites may be served.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Health Ministries staff assembles teams, provides an experienced team leader, coordinates medical sites and medication, assists with visa and immunization matters, arranges for travel, meals, and accommodations and provides evacuation insurance.
Can't go on a trip, but still want to participate? You can help!
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod depends on donations and gifts to purchase needed medications and supplies and to cover the overseas shipping costs. The LCMS can also accept material donations of basic used medical equipment (anesthesia machines, CT scanners, X-ray machines, etc.), in good condition, to equip clinics overseas.
Learn more about our medical good shipments (PDF) and our needed medical supply list (PDF).
For more information, or to donate material goods, contact:
LCMS Church Information Center
888-THE LCMS (888-843-5267)
infocenter@lcms.org