South Asians in Metro New York Short Term Mission

Overview

We are thrilled that you will be joining us during one of our Sifting Weeks. These weeks are very strategic to our work as we send out large numbers of volunteers to strategic areas of the city to sift for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs who are being drawn to Christ by the Holy Spirit. You will greatly multiply our efforts to look and find people who desire to know more about Jesus. As you begin putting your team together, the following information will be helpful to you

Available Trip Dates

March 11-14
May 20-24
June 3-7
October 7-11

Recommended Group Size

3-150 (18 years and older. If you have younger people please talk with missionary directly about this.)

Location

Participants will be assigned locations in one or more of these areas (most will be in Queens, and the trainings will most likely be held in or around Jackson Heights). Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Jamaica, Astoria, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park (Queens); Kensi

Primary Religions

Unreached People Groups

Anticipated NYC Costs (transportation to NYC is not included in these costs):

  • $150 – project/participant fee (covers stipend for national believers who will follow up on contacts you make, renting space for trainings, and materials).
  • $33- weekly unlimited Subway Pass
  • $45-$60/person a night for hotel or dormitory housing (you should be booking at least 6 nights stay for each participant)
  • $25/day for food (can eat cheaper than this, but this is a safe bet)

There are dorm-style, hotel, and AirBnB lodging options.

Dorm-Style (rooms of 4 bunk beds that sleep 8 people)

* New York School of Urban Ministry offers dorm style housing and is very convenient.

They offer a meal plan as well, but we suggest only getting the breakfast. You will likely be out in the city during other meal times.

Visit NYSUM Reservations). Present costs: $45/person/night

(no meal plan).

Hotels

Hotels will cost approximately $175/night/room. If you book a hotel, please ensure that the room can hold the number of people you are planning for. Some hotels in NYC only hold a maximum of 2 people, so just check with the hotel. When searching for hotels,

please ensure that your hotel is:

* In Queens, NY (Jamaica, Flushing, Long Island City, Woodside, or Jackson Heights)

* Within walking distance (no more than ½ mile) from a subway stop).

AirBnB

Some teams have found AirBnB to be a great way to house themselves while on a Short Term Mission Trip. If you do choose to use AirBnB, please ensure that you follow the same guidelines for hotels above.

Arriving

If flying, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the easiest to navigate once you arrive and the cheapest to travel from to your destination in NYC. Alternately, JFK (in Queens, but much further away) and Newark (EWR) are options.

Getting Around NYC

An unlimited weekly NYC Metro Card costs $33. This is the easiest way to travel around the city, and it is good for unlimited rides on NYC buses and the subway. Google Maps offers reliable transportation instructions from point to point.

It is encouraged that groups eat in the restaurants of the target populations and utilize this time to make new friends and share the gospel with restaurant workers and others. Participants should anticipate spending $20-$30/day on food.