Read about our Purpose, Beliefs, and Values |
It is important that you understand who we are, what we believe, and how our foundational values shape the way in which we operate on a daily basis. Please take time to read through this page and ask us if you have any questions!
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Pre-Arrival Health and Waiver Form |
Prior to your arrival, we need to collect some necessary health information from you. This form will collect your dietary needs, emergency contact information, health insurance information (required), consent for treatment, and immunization records. Although some of these details may take time to track down, it will make for a safer experience for your time with us.
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Living in Community |
We believe that it is important to live in unity with one another. When you live in community, you get to experience different cultures, languages, ages, and points of view. The best way to maintain unity is to come to an understanding of how we will best live together. Below you will find how we have learned to live well within a community.
Whole-Hearted Participation
Please come to all community gatherings and course events 'prayed up' and with an attitude of faith, fully expecting that God will show up! Your personal attendance, punctuality, and full attention at all gatherings and course events are very important.
Dress Guidelines
Corpus Christi is a casual beach town with a warm climate. God calls us to a lifestyle of purity within our hearts and in the way we 'outwardly' live our lives. Together, let's go the extra mile to make sure we present ourselves with modesty, in a loving way, regardless of our cultural grids. We do this by taking the more conservative road to keep from offending not only those from other cultures and backgrounds, but also to represent ourselves, YWAM Ships Corpus Christi, and the Lord in an honoring way. We ask that all trainees, Mission Builders, and staff dress appropriately for the different situations that arise (local and foreign ministry, casual, special events, boat work, etc.).
Relationships and Moral Purity
We believe in marriage and want to be a community that supports the development of healthy friendships and relationships. What better place for two people who love God and are called to missions to 'find' each other?! However, the development of any relationship - whether romantic or friendship - should not divert an individual from growth or separate people from the community. All relationships should be built on openness, inclusion, integrity, and purity.
For the sake of respecting each other's private spaces, cultural sensitivity, and so that our 'good is not evil spoken of', we ask that men do not enter women's rooms and vice-versa. Jesus called us to refuse to allow any form of immorality in our midst (Revelation 2:18-29). Immorality is any sexual activity that is outside of the marriage covenant, whether physical, verbal, or technological (internet), etc. (Romans 1:18-27). If you find yourself struggling in any of these areas, please confide in your course leader, ministry leader, or another godly leader you respect, so that he/she can help create a process of support and accountability for you. Our commitment to purity is strengthened when we have solidarity as a spiritual family in our unified stand for holiness. Addictive Behaviors (Drugs, Smoking, Vaping, etc.)
All YWAM Ships Corpus Christi trainees, staff, and Mission Builders should refrain from engaging in any behavior that is illegal, harmful to their bodies, or damaging to the discipleship process of others. If you find yourself struggling in any of these areas, please confide in your course leader, ministry leader, or another godly leader you respect, so that he/she can help create a process of support and accountability for you.
*Smoking, vaping, and illegal drugs are prohibited at YWAM Ships Corpus Christi or while in service on any of the vessels. Alcohol
In the Bible, there are some standards for conduct that are 'absolute'. Refraining from being drunk is one of those absolutes. However, the drinking of alcohol in moderation is not so clear-cut. While Jesus turned water into wine and not grape juice, God also commanded John the Baptist not to drink wine. Romans 14 addresses areas of 'cultural sins' that are relative to the values we receive through our families, cultures, denominations, etc. We want to appeal to you to take the most conservative view regarding alcohol, in order to not stumble or to cause others to stumble. Whatever your personal convictions - and we do not judge those - there is to be no drinking of alcohol while wearing anything with a YWAM logo, in any YWAM facility, on board any of the vessels, or at any YWAM course/ seminar, department, or ministry gatherings.
Please do not encourage anyone from a non-drinking background to take even one drink. You may not know their family history regarding alcoholism or what it could cost them within their cultural or denominational background. Rather, do everything possible to help everyone succeed in their walk with God and enter into their full spiritual inheritance. Please note that all DTS trainees are not to drink alcohol during the entire length of their lecture phases and field assignments. |
Tuition & Ground Fee Payments |
For Corpus Christi Staff:
For SONS Trainees:
Are tuition payments tax-deductible?
Unfortunately, any funds given towards a trainee's tuition is not tax-deductible. Youth With A Mission Ships Corpus Christi is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation and must follow the guidelines established for non-profits. According to these guidelines, any funds given toward the course is legally considered payment towards tuition, and therefore not eligible for a tax-deduction.
What is the refund policy for DTS?
If a trainee gives notice of withdrawal before Arrival Day, and does not attend, a full refund will be given for any tuition that has been paid in advance.
If for any reason it becomes necessary for a trainee to cancel, resign, and/or be asked to withdraw after the start of the school, the following refund schedule will take effect: * Application fee is non-refundable * Week 1 - 75% * Week 2 - 50% * Week 3 - 25% * Week 4 - non -refundable Tuition refunds are issued to the trainee only. Trainees are responsible for communication with supporters/ sponsors. |
Legal Releases and Waivers |
Before your arrival, take time to carefully read each section of the following form, dealing with photo and video releases, financial agreements, acceptance of place, and legal releases. After you have read it, please sign and submit. If you are a minor, you will need to read this with your parent or guardian, and have them sign it as well. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
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Submit Arrival Information |
We can't wait to meet you in person and want to make your arrival as seamless as possible. Please submit your arrival info on the form provided.
For all staff, trainees, and Mission Builders in Corpus Christi:
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Travel DocumentationSend documentation to: [email protected]
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Passport
Please ensure that your passport has sufficient time before it expires. Be prepared to expedite a new passport if you arrive at YWAM Ships Corpus Christi with a near-to-expiring passport. Many nations will not allow you to enter on a passport that expires within 6 months of your entry date.
Visas Applying for a visa can be a lengthy process depending on the embassy's processing times and the nation you are coming from. Please plan between 1-6 months to apply for your visa. Once the full application process is complete, an email will be sent to you regarding visa instructions. We do not offer sponsorships for visas and all international staff, trainees, and Mission Builders are responsible for securing their own visas. *Disclaimer: YWAM Ships Corpus Christi does not guarantee visa approval and will not be held liable for any airfares canceled or missed due to visa denial or cancellation. |
Fundraising |
YWAM was founded in 1960 and quickly grew to be the largest missions movement in the world, in part because of our decentralized nature and relationship-based fundraising. YWAM has trained millions of missionaries and currently has over 20,000 full-time staff operating in over 1,000 different locations in 180 nations. Each one of those missionaries has embarked on the journey of raising their own funds for their training and ministry. Not one YWAMer, not even our founders Loren and Darlene Cunningham, receives a paycheck. Raising our own funds has enabled YWAM to grow exponentially and removed barriers from sharing the gospel. We know that this concept may be difficult to understand or hard to begin, so we've collected a few resources to help you get started. Check out the video and fundraising guide for great tips on financial partnerships (thanks to YWAM LA and YWAM Salem)!
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Helpful Information |
Below is a collection of helpful tips in coming to Corpus Christi. If joining us in our partner locations in Mexico or Panama, please refer to the Preparing to Come manual sent to you with your acceptance letter.
Packing Your Bags
Please check with your airline for limitations before you pack. Since storage space may be limited, please bring on the essentials (not applicable to staff who have their own housing). Check out the link attached for a general packing list.
Climate
Corpus Christi generally has a warm, humid climate. During the winter months, the average temperature can range from around 35°F-75°F, and summer months average between 80°F-110°F. Since the temperatures vary so much and many places have strong air conditioning, it is recommended that you bring a lightweight jacket or long-sleeved shirt (depending on what months you will be here).
Electronics
We highly encourage everyone to have either a smart phone, tablet, or computer with them to not only stay connected with your friends and family back home, but to the great community that you will meet during your time with YWAM Ships Corpus Christi. Please be responsible and prudent with all items of value. Voltage is 110V.
Trainees - if your school has a field assignment, it may affect what you bring while traveling. Please be mindful as we will not be storing electronic devices for those who go on field assignment. Pack accordingly. We also strongly encourage you to leave any gaming equipment at home. While they are not bad, this is a time that is dedicated to growing in your relationship with the Lord, and gaming can easily become a distraction from that goal, both for you and your fellow classmates. Mission Builders - a computer or laptop may be necessary depending on what area you will be serving in (i.e. administration, web design, photography or videography, etc.). Please be in communication with us regarding your service area. Staff - as we are a growing location, and most of our staff have their own housing, a computer or laptop is required unless otherwise stated. Schedule
We believe it is important to be diligent in all that we do. A strong work-ethic is a valuable characteristic that we all should be continually strengthening. While schedules may vary depending on the areas in which you work (training schools tend to have fuller weeks), we consider a full work week to be a solid 40 hours per adult (unless prior accommodations have been made for families with small children or those homeschooling).
As part of community living, basic living responsibilities such as cooking and maintaining a tidy and clean house are still expected from everyone, even on days off . |
