Leaders: Shemara Fontes, Alexander Freytes
Cost: $1,200
Dates: May 11-18, 2026
Student Application Form
Description: Cactus Nazarene Ministry Center, located in Cactus, Texas, is a compassionate ministry center. They serve 20+ nationalities/ethnicities who are primarily immigrants and refugees from around the world. The ministry center provides ESL classes, legal assistance, health clinics, after-school programming, sports ministries, community gardens, citizenship classes, and more. CNMC offers the message of hope of Christ and empowers people to live successful lives and be leaders. This Cactus, Texas, ministry team will work at CNMC, helping in their various ministries. Cactus is a unique community, and the team will be able to learn about refugee communities and the struggles involved in moving to the US.
General Requirements:
- For trips outside the USA, you must have/apply for a U.S. Passport that is valid at least 6 months AFTER the last day of the trip (this cost is your responsibility).
- Physically capable of carrying all personal bags/luggage and participating in all activities. Make leaders aware of any limitations you may have. Some locations cannot accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Clear all screening: Academic, Student Accounts, ResLife, Chapel, Student Development
- Acceptance of a no cell phone policy except a one-time check in with family per week
- ALL Ministry Trip Students must attend ALL dates. Exceptions will only be made for student athletes if prior notice is given to Shalom Office during the application process:
- Information Meeting: October 8th, 5-6PM, Wisner room 137
- Applications due: October 15th at midnight
- Getting Started Session: November 8th at 9am
- January 30th or January 31st: Pre-Training Team Time
- Training sessions: February 7th and February 21st 9am12pm
- Commission Night: Friday, February 27th at 6pm (Spring Break)
- Commission Night: Friday, May 1st at 6 pm (Summer Break)
Social/Emotional Requirements:
- Commit to and cooperate within a diverse team of peers, leaders, and local community.
- Be respectful and be willing to follow the instructions of all authority: team leaders, site hosts, staff, etc.
- Emotionally stable, able to handle stress appropriately. Have personal coping skills for high anxiety-inducing situations.
- Be very flexible. Plans are subject to change daily for a variety of reasons.
- Be respectful and adaptable to the unique culture, whether domestic or international.
Financial Requirements:
- A non-refundable deposit (approximately 10% of the total cost) is required to secure a spot on the team upon acceptance.
- Trip cost includes all expenses EXCEPT passport fees, visa fees, immunizations, and souvenirs. A stipend will be given for travel meals, but it may not cover the full amount of food costs.
- The entire cost of the trip will be paid in full before departure, no exceptions.