Information Sheet for Parents
JEMS South America Summer Missions Program

(All applicants age 21 and under are required to discuss this information with their parent or guardian. It is also recommended for all applicants seeking parental support or who are under financial obligations to their parents.)

If you are reading this, it is probably because your son/daughter is in the process of applying to the JEMS South America Missions Program and that if accepted, will be spending three to six weeks in South America this summer.

What does JEMS do?

The JEMS South America Missions program involves its workers in the life and ministry of South American nikkei (ethnically Japanese) churches. It is our purpose that through activities such as camping, Vacation Bible School, English classes, sports and recreation, Sunday School and other creative ministry forms, the gospel of Jesus Christ can be shared with that community.

Is it safe?

JEMS has safely sent and returned over two hundred summer workers to over twenty-five South American destinations since 1991.

JEMS Missions Program will exercise the utmost care in choices affecting the safety of its workers. JEMS does not place its workers in highly visible public performance settings. Our workers serve within the context of communities, churches and campgrounds with whom JEMS has established relationships. Homestays are provided for our workers by the local church and its membership. Training is also provided by JEMS to enable its workers to avoid potentially difficult situations. Specific instructions and precautions will be given to enable the worker to safeguard their financial and material possessions as well as to maintain their physical well being.

What about health or medical concerns?

JEMS Missions Program does not send its workers into areas that are determined to be health risks. Through its training program JEMS advises its workers regarding necessary medical precautions. We leave the responsibility for seeking appropriate immunizations and/or medical supply needs with the worker. A medical advisory outline is provided for the worker and is available for parent's information. You may receive this by writing to JEMS at:

JEMS South America Department
948 East Second Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

How do they get around?

Only the most reputable and dependable transportation choices are selected for both international air and in-country air and ground transportation needs.

How do they pay for this? What is the financial liability?

The JEMS Missions Program is funded entirely through offerings and monetary donations from individual supporters and churches. All JEMS missions workers, whether serving in the summer or for the long-term, must raise their own financial support in order to serve.

The cost of the summer mission program (including airfare) is approximately $2700 - $3200.

All international airfare reservations are secured by JEMS and may not be arranged on a personal or private basis.

Additional expenses may be incurred for travel to and from Los Angeles for training, teambuilding and mission departure.

JEMS South America is available to answer any further questions regarding the mission program and its parameters. Inquiries may be sent to Director of Missions Development, John Katagi - johnk [at] jems [dot] org, or you may call the JEMS office at 213-613-0022.

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