Past Missions

What is the mission trip about?

On  22 July 2013, a series of earthquakes in Gansu Province in northwestern China set off landslides and building collapses in an impoverished mountainous region killing at least 94 people, injuring more than 1,000 and damaging tens of thousands of homes. Gansu is one of the poorest provinces in China with many older buildings of simple construction. The earthquake measuring 6.6 took place along the border between the farming region of Minxian County and Zhangxian County both in the south of Gansu Province.

Most of the deaths and injuries occurred in Minxian County. This unfortunate incident happened 3 months after another earthquake in Sichuan which received almost all of the media coverage and aids from local as well as foreign NGOs, leaving victims of the Minxian earthquake with little or no outside help.

Many of the villagers could not afford to rebuild their collapsed houses and have lived in tents since. Families had to brave the winter cold in tents since last year.

The Chinese government has offered to give a RMB40,000 grant towards the rebuilding of their home on condition that their house is built according to the specifications set by the government and able to withstand to a certain extent of an earthquake. The estimated cost of building the house is RMB120,000.

This September, Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) helped fund Jinde Charities in this house-building project.

Come October, a CHARIS mission team will be deployed to help Minxian residents with the building of 23 houses. Join us as we work hand-in-hand with our brothers and sisters in need to help rebuild their homes and their lives. Come experience faith in action, the joy of Mission work, and fellowship with team members and the local residents.

Who can go for this trip?

Volunteers are to be above the age of 21 and are required to attend all pre-trip preparation sessions and briefings.

Will spiritual guidance be provided during the trip?

Yes. There will be spiritually-guided sessions conducted before and during the mission trip.

What preparations are needed before the trip?

There will be compulsory pre-trip briefings in the weeks leading to the trip.

1st Briefing – Wednesday, 17 Sep, 7 pm

- Introduction of CHARIS
- Information on worksite, accommodation, safety & security situation and work expectation
- Immunisation requirements
- Registration and collection of Mission fees

2nd Briefing – Wednesday, 24 Sep, 7 pm

- Team-building
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Mission itinerary & packing list
- Check individual immunisation readiness

Final Briefing and Formation Session – Thursday, 2 Oct, 7 pm

- Mission Formation Session
- Run through finalised Mission itinerary
- Briefing on departure & flight details

All briefings will be held at:

Venue: CHARIS office
           55 Waterloo Street
          #07-02 Catholic Centre

What is the cost?

Each volunteer pays the subsidised cost of $950, which will cover their return air ticket, trip accommodation, transport, meals,  materials and travel insurance. 

How do I sign up?

To register, please fill up and submit the online registration form:

Registration for Missions

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact Lilynne Seah @ tel 6337-4119 or email: lilynne@charis-singapore.org