FAQ

What is Amazon Valley Mission?
Amazon Valley Mission is a Christian organization dedicated to bringing the gospel and social assistance to the riverside and indigenous communities of the Amazon.

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How can I volunteer?
You can volunteer by filling out the Volunteer Form and waiting for confirmation from the Mission's Secretariat.

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Who can participate in the expeditions?
Expeditions posted on the Agenda page are open to Christians in general and church groups. Expeditions to restricted areas are exclusive to missionaries.

 

What are the costs for participating in the expeditions?
The costs vary depending on the expedition, as the number of days, the accommodation location (which may or may not be free), and the distance traveled by boat (depending on the cost of fuel at the time) can vary considerably. After the Secretariat approves your Volunteer Form, the team will contact you, and you will be informed about the costs.

 

What should I bring for an expedition?
Bring the minimum possible, as the walks may be long. For your expedition, bring a backpack, water bottle, light and climate-appropriate clothes, personal hygiene items, a natural plate or bowl, a pocketknife, flashlight, hammock with ropes and mosquito net, as well as a small first aid kit. Don’t forget your Bible and notebook. Prepare for the experience with joy, willingness, and a spirit of learning! You can access our detailed guide with recommended items by clicking on Embarkation Instructions.

 

How do I become a full-time worker?
To become a full-time worker at Amazon Valley Mission, you need to be approved by the leadership team at the end of the six-month long-term volunteer period. During this period, you will become acquainted with the Mission’s main fields of work and various sectors you may get involved in. It is important to have a clear calling for ministry, a willingness to live in the mission field, and a commitment to the Mission's vision.

 

Can minors participate?
Minors can participate in the expeditions as long as they are accompanied by a legal guardian, and the guardian fills out and signs the Volunteer Form. Minors' participation is subject to approval by the Secretariat of Amazon Valley Mission, which will evaluate each case based on the conditions of the expedition.

 

How can I contribute without being in the Amazon?
You can contribute to Amazon Valley Mission in several ways, such as financial donations, sending materials (such as clothes and food), prayers, and spreading awareness of the mission. You can also support the Adopt a Student and Adopt a Missionary projects, as well as participate in the Providers program, which aims to ensure resources for missionary work. In the Adopt a Student project, each student costs R$ 300 per month, and you can donate this amount in full or partially for up to two years. In Adopt a Missionary, fixed contributions, even small ones, help missionaries plan for their costs, especially in terms of transportation.

 

What is the duration of the expeditions?
The duration depends on the expedition. Some may be short-term (a few days), while others are medium-term (weeks). Information about the duration will be detailed on the expedition schedule and confirmed after approval of your Volunteer Form.

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What will the accommodation be like when I arrive at Amazon Valley Mission?
When you arrive at Manaus Airport, we will receive you and/or your team at the Iranduba base. You will be accommodated in our base's lodging or, if it's full, in a hotel room in Iranduba. Afterward, when heading to the community in rural or riverine areas, the main form of accommodation is in a hammock, which must be provided by the expedition participant (either brought from your city or purchased here).

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How is the food during the expeditions?
The cost of meals is already included in the package provided by the Mission’s Secretariat at the time of confirming your Volunteer Form. Meals will be served at the Iranduba base, at the visited bases or churches, or on the boat during travel. It's important to know that, in the field, the missionary and volunteer teams may occasionally collaborate in food preparation, such as grilling fish, peeling cassava, or preparing other foods.

 

What are the physical requirements to participate in the expedition?
You must be physically fit, following the vaccination regulations of the National Health Surveillance Agency in the country of the expedition, and capable of walking or spending long hours sitting in a canoe. Be honest with the Mission’s Secretariat about your health conditions so we can place you in the most suitable expedition.

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Can I choose the date of my expedition?
Yes, you can choose the date you will participate, and consequently, the expedition. This will be done in consultation with the Mission’s Secretariat, which will inform you about the areas of action for each schedule and help you find the best schedule to serve according to your profile.

 

What are the risks and precautions for expeditions?
Expeditions open to the public do not follow routes of epidemics or exposure to wild animals. We recommend wearing a life jacket when traveling in a canoe. It's also important to take precautions against the Amazonian heat by using a water bottle and wearing UV-protective clothing (UV shirts).

 

Will I receive guidance on what is allowed or not during the expedition?
You will receive specific instructions at the Iranduba base reception upon arrival, and also throughout the journey from local missionaries, regarding the customs of the visited traditional areas and the living context. It is necessary to respect these rules.

 

Can I film or take photos during the expedition?
You are allowed to film and take photos during the expedition, as long as the following requirements set by the Mission are met: it is prohibited to photograph/film wild animals, nudity scenes (common in rural areas, especially in bathing areas), minors showing their faces, and people from traditional communities without their written consent.

 

Will the volunteer be paid?
No, the service is voluntary, and there is no employment relationship or compensation, as established by Law No. 9.608/98.

 

 

For more questions, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to assist you!