Mission Retreat with Mission To Japan in Orlando, Florida 

For college students outside of Orlando, we invite you to join a mission retreat in Orlando over your spring break week (or summer break) to help Mission To Japan share the gospel with Japanese college students visiting from Japan. (Note: American students who live in the Orlando area should consider our other program: See "Beach Retreats" under "Mission Trips/American Students" above). Japanese college students are coming to Orlando for about a month to experience American life and culture, to improve their English, and to do some fun sightseeing, while staying with a host family in Orlando, Florida. Since 1990, Mission To Japan has been sharing the good news with students from Japan through offering an exciting "homestay" program.

Qualifications and what's involved

Mission To Japan is looking for friendly, outgoing, spiritually mature Christian college students to befriend our Japanese college student guests by joining them for sightseeing and fun activities in Orlando, as well as helping them with their English. Candidates would need to drive to Orlando with a dependable car, and be able to help a little with transportation (for example, there might be a need to pick up a Japanese student from their host family's home and bring to the church where we'll gather each day). Candidates should also have their spring break over one of the weeks in the dates listed below (or come during the summer dates). Through your friendship, you'll have the opportunity to engage with our Japanese students about your faith and answer questions they might have about Christianity. Most of the Japanese students are not Christians but are learning about Christianity through a special introductory Bible study (done in Japanese) while in Orlando, and through interaction with their Christian host families. Only 1% of the Japanese population are Christian and most Japanese have little to no knowledge of Christianity. The Japanese students are excited to learn about American culture and way of life. This is a great opportunity for American Christian students to share their values and beliefs with people from a different culture. American student volunteers will gain an appreciation for another culture and the variety of God's creation, and will experience the joy of sharing one's faith. Student volunteers will also make some great new friends among both the Japanese and American student volunteers. 

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While in Orlando you'll help the Japanese students with their English conversation skills under the guidance of their English teacher (two hours in the morning Monday ~ Thursday). You'll also join the Japanese students for afternoon activities such as canoeing, bowling, rock climbing, and sports (activities will depend on the schedule for that week), and you'll get to go to at least one theme park such as Universal Studios or Disney. You'll also have the option to spend some time at one of Florida's beautiful beaches. 

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For lodging, you'll stay at one of our volunteer Christian host families' homes, where they'll provide you with a guest room and some meals.