Short-term volunteers with long-term impact
If you have a heart for missions -- and especially Youth With A Mission -- come and join in our short-term volunteer program called Mission Builders.
Mission Builders have played a major role in making the U of N Kona campus what it is today. They serve the Kona campus in many ways, assisting with everything from carpentry and maintenance to food services, groundskeeping and secretarial work. Many of these wonderful volunteers come year after year because they've found it's a challenging and spiritually refreshing experience -- and a great way to make new friends from around the world.
If you're between the ages of 18 and 80, in good health, and able to volunteer 30 days to three months of your time, come to Hawaii and become a Mission Builder. Volunteers work 40 hours a week. Room and board are provided.
NEW! Culinary Mission
Builder Program starts in May
Would you love to come and serve God with your time and
learn new skills? Then Culinary Mission Builders
program is for you! This is an exciting new mission builder’s opportunity to
come and serve in our campus kitchen learning the art of culinary cooking. You
are welcome to come whether you’re an experienced chief already or have never
touched a pan and want to learn.
The program will be for three months with a possible three month
extension. You will work 8 hour days five days a week and play hard on the
weekends. All other Mission Builder guidelines and directions are the same. So
download your application and start today to come and be a Culinary Mission
Builder! Arrival date is April 30, 2010 and departure date will be
July 26, 2010
Click here to download application now!
If you have been a Kona Mission Builder anytime since January 1, 2000, click below for the returnee application form. All others must complete the form above.
Returning Mission Builder application!
Phone: 1 (808) 326-4485 Fax: 1 (808) 326-4483
missionbuilders@uofnkona
Frequently asked questions about Mission Builders
What’s a typical day like?
As a Mission Builder volunteer you will usually arise early for breakfast on campus and begin your work day about 7 a.m. and end it abou
t 3 p.m. Mission Builders serve on various parts of the campus – working in offices, doing construction, preparing meals, doing maintenance, landscaping and many other tasks. You will have numerous opportunities to interact with our staff and students at meal times, work and community events.
We work eight (8) hours per day, Monday through Friday. Each department may have work hours adjusted to its particular needs. Weekends are free for resting, exploring and attending the church of your choice. Workers have weekly meetings which they are required to attend: Monday morning worship, a Tuesday evening Mission Builders meeting, and Thursday evening worship for the entire community. We want you to feel part of our University of the Nations ohana (family in Hawaiian) so we encourage our volunteers to participate in campus events such as worship gatherings, weekend seminars and socials. Your job as a Mission Builder will be assigned according to the needs of the University at the time you arrive. We strive to place you in your area of expertise and interest, but it is not always possible. Mission Builders do work on all holidays. Please come with an open heart and a willingness to serve in whatever capacitiy you are needed.
Where will I be living while at U of N?
As a Mission Builder volunteer you will be housed at our Hale Ola (House of Light) apartments complex near downtown Kailua Kona. This facility is one mile from the campus bu
t very close to downtown shopping and the pier area. If you are a single you will likely have one or two roommates while couples will have their own rooms. Residents of several rooms share a bathroom. There is a day room in each building for limited cooking. Family housing is extremely limited; therefore we are unable to accept families who desire to bring their children. Hale Ola has laundry and social areas. U of N provides regular van shuttles to and from the campus.
What are the standards of conduct at U of N?
University of the Nations (U of N) is a ministry of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), a missionary organization whose goal is to know God and to make Him known. Our desire is that the life style—living, learning and working together—will support this goal. Our standards include a sanction against drinking, smoking, drug abuse, sexual immorality, etc). We trust you’ll experience a combination of godliness and naturalness that will be refreshing. We want you to understand beforehand what is expected of those who come to serve with us. By our love for one another and our way of life we hope to project a Christian testimony both on campus and in Kona.
What is there to do during our free time?
The Big Island of Hawaii where we are located is a spectacular place with lots to see and do. You can swim, fish, snorkel, dive, kayak, parasail or enjoy other ocean activities in the warm, blue waters of Kailua Bay. There are restaurants, resorts, coffee bars, churches, a library and souvenir shopping places within easy walking distance. On weekends you may want to rent a car and venture out to see the Big Island’s beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rain forests, cultural sites and the awesome Kilauea Volcano. There are many Hawaii travel books and online resources to help you plan activities.
What is the climate like through the year?
We’re in the tropics so it’s warm all year with daytime temperatures usually in the high 80s (F) with varying humidity. We get nice sea breezes during the day and mountain breezes at night. Night-time temperatures range between 60 and 75 (F) degrees, allowing comfortable sleeping with a window open. It does get a bit cooler in winter and more humid in late summer, but annual high temperatures don’t vary much. Mornings are usually clear, giving way to afternoon cloudiness. On clear days the sun can be intense so we encourage all to wear sunscreen.
So what do I wear?
Dress is casual. You can wear your summer wardrobe all year. Because of the humidity, we recommend cotton or polyester blend. Modest shorts are OK for most jobs. We are informal even for church.
For Women: casual dresses, skirts, cool tops, shorts, capris or slacks. Avoid attire that is sexually suggestive or transparent. This includes skin-tight clothing, short shorts/skirts, or low cut tops.
For Men: short sleeved shirts, T-shirts and pants or shorts. No suits necessary. Men are expected to wear shirts or tank tops at all times while on campus, except when engaged in sporting events.
Just as a tip: when you’re packing and you’re unsure about the modesty of a piece of clothing, be on the safe side and don’t bring it!
Do I need to bring my own sheets and towels?
We provide linen and towels.
What kinds of meals are served?All meals are served cafeteria style by our licensed commercial kitchen. The kitchen typically serves cereal, fruit, toast and eggs with coffee and tea at breakfast. Lunches feature salads, sandwiches, soups and sometimes dinner leftovers. Dinners may include ethnic favorites like tacos, lasagna, pizza, Korean barbecue, Kalua pork or local fish and usually include rice and vegetable. You can get desserts or special coffees afterward at our Aloha Café. There are no accommodations for special diets.
How do I plan my travel?
After you have received your acceptance letter, you may then purchase a round-trip ticket to Kailua-Kona (Keahole Airport) Hawaii. Do not make flight arrangements until you get the acceptance letter from us. You must ARRIVE on a Friday and DEPART on a Monday. We do not accommodate arrivals and departures on other days.
How do I receive mail while I’m there?
It is essential when informing your friends of your address that you specify “Mission Builders”. All parcels need to be sent “Priority Mail”. Parcel Post comes by boat and may take four to six weeks to get here! Mailing address as follows:
YOUR NAME
Mission Builders—Box 247
75-5851 Kuakini Hwy
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-2199
USA
Is it possible to get email there?
Yes. During your time of service here, you may use the University of the Nations Computer Lab. Instructions on how to sign up for an account will be available upon your arrival. The campus offers wireless internet connections so if you bring a laptop you can connect on campus or at Hale Ola.
Is insurance required?
We do not provide medical coverage. You must have valid health insurance coverage to participate in the Mission Builder program. Internationals must have worldwide health insurance coverage.
Is volunteer work tax deductible?
University of the Nations, Inc. is registered as a non-profit, educational institution and all donations of money, equipment or property are tax deductible. These gifts may be made without restriction or may be designated to one or more of the YWAM ministries.
Travel expenses for volunteer work may also be deductible. Consult the IRS or other country’s equivalent, if considering tax credits for travel in connection with your service as a volunteer builder/worker. It is recommended that you be sent out by your local church or other non-profit organization where the church pays the ticket from donations made for this purpose.
What will my expenses be?
There is a non-refundable $40 application fee when you apply. Your airfare and all leisure travel and entertainment expenses are your responsibility. Also, upon arrival, you will be expected to pay a $50 room deposit, $5 deposit for a room key, and $5 fee for a University identification tag.
Mission Builders International Website
