FAQ Group: Long-Term Orientation

No, you do not! Students have taken LTO who are involved in ministry to refugees and immigrants, children’s ministry, or church planting right here in the United States. Individuals who are interested simply in gaining ministry experience and tools to apply in their home community or who are sensing that God may be leading them to cross-cultural work are all welcome to apply.

Because our focus is on equipping workers to reach unreached people groups worldwide, we do prioritize students with a definite commitment to serve cross-culturally in ministry. As space allows, we accept other mission-minded applicants who have an interest in serving in their home communities.  

Here is a typical schedule for a day of LTO:

• 7:00 – Breakfast
• 8:00 – Worship
• 9:15 – Class Session 1
• 10:30 – Class Session 2
• 11:45 – Life Story shared by a student or staff member
• 12:30 – Lunch
• 1:45 – Class Session 3
• 3:00 – Outreach
• 5:45 – Supper
• 7:00 – Study time, recreation, or planned evening activities

All trainees stay at The Center (93-28 Corona Ave) or at nearby apartments for the duration of their time here. Couples and families will have their own rooms, but bathrooms may be shared. We provide bedding and linens. You will do your own laundry at the local laundromat.

Living space is tight in NYC, so we recommend that you pack light. We do not have space to store large items. However, if you have a guitar or other instrument that you are comfortable using for worship and outreach, we encourage you to bring that along.

Here are some transportation options:

• Car: Our address is 93-28 Corona Ave. Elmhurst, NY 11373. There is no off-street parking, so you will be responsible to find parking on the street and move your vehicle periodically to allow for street sweeping and avoid getting a ticket.
• Plane: We provide pickup from LaGuardia and JFK airports.
• Bus: www.megabus.com or www.gotobus.com. We can meet you at your bus stop if desired.
• Train: www.amtrak.com. We can meet you at Penn Station if desired.

Before LTO we will share more specific arrival information with you and ask you to fill out a transportation form so that we know your travel plans.

Yes! We welcome families and firmly believe that family units can work together in ministry. You will have opportunities to include your children in ministry by bringing them to the city for LTO, and you may find that they open many doors to speak with people. However, there are some challenges for families during their time here, so we recommend that you read the document below for advice on how to prepare.

It is your responsibility to suggest a caregiver who can accompany your family and help to care for your children during your time at LTO. We will then follow up with the suggested caregiver.