SHORT-TERM MISSIONS
Light A Candle runs short-term Christian mission trips, 10 to 14 days each, to countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, specifically in the 10/40 Window and on the top 50 list of the world's most persecuted nations.
Trips are open to all ages and experience levels, with no prior missions experience required.
How to go: apply online for an upcoming trip, get matched with your trip leader, complete a few team training calls, and fly out with your team. Light A Candle partners with local churches, ministries, and missionaries in each country to serve and strengthen local believers.
What to expect: step out in bold faith and see God move. You'll get less sleep, eat new foods, serve hands-on, and catch God's heart for another culture in a way that will not leave you the same. No nation is too hard, no people group unreachable. This isn't just a trip, it's a God encounter you'll never forget.
How can I join a short-term trip?
Apply online for any upcoming Light A Candle trip. A trip leader reviews your application and contacts you, you complete several team training calls, and you travel out with your team. No prior missions experience or training is required.
What will I actually do on a trip?
Every Light A Candle trip looks a little different depending on the country and the ministry partners on the ground, but most days blend hands-on service with bold, Spirit-led outreach. You might share the gospel one-on-one, pray for the sick, lead worship, run kids' programs, distribute food or gifts, help with practical projects, and spend time encouraging and strengthening local believers. We partner closely with local churches, ministries, and missionaries, so the work is always rooted in what they're already doing, not dropped in from the outside. There's time to rest, eat together as a team, and debrief what God is doing each day. Expect long days, full hearts, and moments you'll carry with you long after you come home.
What does the trip cost cover?
Short-term trip costs typically range from $2800 to $3800 depending on destination, which covers airfare, in-country lodging, food, translators, ground transportation, excursions, and ministry expenses. Donations and trip payments are non-refundable but can be transferred to another team member or to another trip departing within the calendar year.
What if I have food preferences or allergies?
Please let your trip leader know and we will do our best to accomodate any allergies, but this will vary from location to location. We recommend bringing some snacks/protein powder/etc. along with you if your allergies are severe.
Can families go on trips?
Yes. Most Light A Candle trips welcome families with children of any age, though it depends on the location, safety, and type of ministry. Apply and the trip leader will advise whether a specific trip fits your family.
Do you offer scholarships for trips?
Light A Candle does not currently offer scholarships or discounts, but encourages fundraising and supports participants through the process.
Are there any age restrictions for Light A Candle trips?
No! We believe the Great Commission is for everyone and want to make it possible for anyone to do missions, regardless of their stage of life. We’ve had infants join their parents on our trips, over 70-year-old revivalists, and everything in between! Approval from your trip leader is required for unaccompanied minors!
Is any prior education or experience required?
No. Light A Candle trips are open to all experience levels and ages, from infants traveling with parents to revivalists over 70. Every team member receives training on pre-trip team calls.
I’ve never been on a mission trip before. Will I be trained before the trip?
Yes! There will be several team calls before the trip begins, during which our amazing trip leaders will give helpful information and basic training.
When will I meet up with the team?
You’ll join your team either 1) during a joint layover organized by the trip leader or 2) on the ground in-country. Your flights will be strategically booked by the Missions Team with the goal of having you connect with your team during travel or at the same arrival time.
What is the first step to becoming a long-term missionary with Light A Candle?
Joining a short-term trip is the first step toward long-term missions with Light A Candle.
My spouse and I both want to go. Are we both required to apply?
Yes! You can each send in a separate application and mention the name of your significant other.
MEET OUR MISSIONARIES
Light A Candle missionaries have answered the call of the Lord to serve Him in full-time ministry. Our long-term team serves in Iraqi-Kurdistan and India, with support staff in the United States.
Each missionary is funded entirely by donations and could not do this Kingdom work without generous supporters.
Take a look at the bios below, and if you feel led, follow the directions on each page to support the work they're doing.
LONG-TERM MISSIONS
Jesus commands us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Will you fulfill this Great Commission?
Light A Candle sends long-term missionaries to bring the Kingdom of God to remote and unreached nations, with established field teams in Iraqi-Kurdistan and India. There is no such thing as a nation that is too far, too hard, or too dark to be transformed by the Gospel of Jesus. His love changes everything.
We firmly believe in building sustainability in missions that will reap lasting fruit for eternity, partnering with local churches and ministries so the work continues long after we arrive.
How to become a long-term LAC missionary
Start with a short-term trip.
Joining a Light A Candle short-term trip is the first step toward long-term missions, and the best way to discern your calling.
Apply to serve long-term.
Complete the long-term missionary application, and our team will connect with you about fit, fields, and next steps.
Train and raise support.
You'll be trained through field training videos and personal calls with Light A Candle leadership. Your monthly support must be fully raised before you launch out. From start to sending, this usually takes about six months.
Go and stay.
Join a field team in Iraqi-Kurdistan or India to live among and disciple a local community for the long haul.
