What happens after you receive my application form?

We read it through carefully, then send you an e-mail hopefully inviting you to a selection day (see below.) We will also contact your two referees and ask them to give us their views on your suitability for Step. Assuming that all goes well, we will send you an offer of a place on the Step programme, and a number of information mailings over the months following your acceptance of that place.

What are the chances of me being accepted onto a Step team?

The vast majority of people who apply are accepted onto the programme. This is because they have carefully considered the challenge of short term mission and got advice from Christian friends before applying, and so are really the right kind of people. We also have to ensure that you are emotionally and physically able to do Step, and it's important that you are 100% honest on your application form. We particularly need to know if you have suffered from depression or other emotional illness at any time. This would not necessarily exclude you, but we will need to talk it through with you and possibly with your doctor or therepist (with your consent). Finally, we ask all applicants to complete a police CRB check as Step teams will often have opportunities to be involved in youth and children's work.

It's important to ask yourself before applying: is Step in line with what I believe God would have me do this year? Do I have a desire to work with and get to know the Christians and others in Latin America? Is a short-term construction project something I would really enjoy? Do I want to serve as part of a team of Christians with a common goal? Can I be 10,000 miles from home for a few weeks or months? If the answers are yes, go for it! If you are unsure contact us via the online form or phone 0118 957 7114

How will I raise the money?

We will give you specific advice about this at the selection day. We will then give you as much continuing advice and encouragement as you need, until you have all the cash! There are many ways that people have raised money for Step including charitable trust funds (there's a directory in your local library), donations from people at church, missionary committee at church, sponsored events and some even earn it!

Nobody who has accepted a place on Step has ever been stopped from going through lack of funds! Trust that God will provide and actively seek to raise the support and the money will come in.

What about medical stuff?

You will have to have some inoculations to protect you against diseases found in Latin America, and we will give you full details at selection day. Don't worry, it doesn't hurt much! Please remember that you are responsible for the cost of these although we will give you a letter which may help you get a discount at your surgery or travel clinic.

Everyone must also get medical clearance before they leave for Latin America. There is no actual medical test, just a medical form to be filled in by you. Again, we will give you full details of this at the selection day. At the Orientation training there will also be workshops about medical issues and how to stay healthy in Latin America.

What about Catholics?

We realise that some of you come from a Catholic background and it's important that you understand Latin Link's position on this. As a Christian community working with evangelical protestant churches we believe that everyone who comes on a team has a living faith in Jesus Christ as their saviour. We know that many Christians who would call themselves Catholic are very much in this living relationship with Christ, and that's fine.

It is also important for all applicants to understand the added issues that exist between Catholic and protestant groups in Latin America. Historically, there has been suspicion and animosity between Catholics and Protestants because of mistreatment by the Spanish conquistadors and the strong, and at times greedy or brutal, sway the Catholic church continued to have over Latin American peoples. Today, the situation is improving and relationships are being healed, but many Evangelical groups still view Catholics as morally corrupt and 'liberal' in their beliefs.

If you are an evangelical Catholic with a living faith in Jesus we would welcome you on to a Step team, whilst asking you to be sensitive in the way you talk about your background in Latin America. To openly profess to being 'a Catholic' instead of simply 'a Christian who follows Jesus' could cause damage to relationships with and amongst your Latin American hosts.

If you are Catholic but unsure if you have an 'evangelical, bible-believing' faith in God we would be pleased to talk in through with you.

When will I found out where I am going?

The short answer is: not until a month before you have your Orientation course! The reasons are simple. We want to put together the best possible teams, with a balance of people with different skills and personalities. To do this properly we need to wait until we have interviewed and assessed everybody applies to the programme. This process ends in December (for Spring teams) or May (for Summer teams).

Can I choose which country I go to?

The simple answer is: no, but we do take notice of your preferences. Our primary aim is to put you on the team that best suits your skills and personality, and where we believe you would best be able to contribute and also grow in your relationship with God. Where you actually go is of secondary importance, as we pray your experience will be rewarding in the team we place you on. Anyone who suffers from recurring asthma may not be placed on a team going to high altitude locations because of the lower oxygen, and the increased difficulties of breathing if an asthma attack occurs.

Who's in charge of a Step team?

Each team will have one male and one female leader. It is their responsibility to ensure the safe and effective running of the team day-to-day. The team leaders will be supported by a supervisor whilst in Latin America. The supervisors are usually Latin Link long-term members and they have overall responsibility for the team. They will meet with the team regularly, provide cultural orientation and be on hand to give advice where needed.

Teams also come under the authority of the local church they are working with and will need to be careful not to do anything that would offend. To help in this regard, each person going on Step is required to sign an undertaking that they will act appropriately both within the team and with those in the local community. We take it very seriously if people repeatedly act inappropriately and will fly people back home if need be.