Experience a life-changing mission trip to Sierra Leone with It Is Written! The Sierra Leone Union has invited us to conduct evangelistic meetings, medical clinics, and construction projects in the three largest cities of Sierra Leone: Freetown, Mekeni, and Bo.

Every participant will find an area to serve, no matter your age or skill set. There are many people who need Jesus in this region, and your service there will make an impact for eternity!

There are four components to this trip:

1. Evangelistic meetings: Held at 8 sites, presented by select volunteer mission participants.

2. Light construction projects: These projects are designed to include activities that anyone can participate in and may include painting, building, or remodeling.

3. Medical/Dental Clinics: Clinics held almost every day. Any medical/dental profession or skill will be utilized on the trip. Physicians, dentists, physical therapists, nurses, technicians, and any other medical profession are needed. Non-medical support team members are also needed to assist in various capacities at the clinic.

4. Reading Glasses: It is difficult for many people to obtain reading glasses in most countries outside of the U.S., so we will conduct reading tests and distribute glasses at the eye clinic. We will need testers and distributors. On the job training is provided, and no experience or professional training is necessary since we will not conduct official exams or issue prescription glasses.

5. Water Filters: On select trips, we may distribute water filters. This is a life-changing blessing for the recipients and can impact their lives in a transformative way. It opens the way for the sharing of the gospel. Whether we do filters on a trip depends on the local dynamics and the logistics of transport. We will let you know as soon as we have the proper information and assign team members to facilitate the filter distribution once confirmed. You will receive instruction and training prior to and during the trip.

Interesting facts about the Sierra Leone:

1. Named Serra Lyoa ("Lion Mountains") in 1462 by Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra, who thought a thunderstorm over the coastal hills sounded like a lion's roar.

2. Founded in 1792, the capital was established specifically as a safe haven and "Province of Freedom" for formerly enslaved people.

3. It is one of the world's most religiously tolerant nations; Muslims (77%) and Christians (22%) co-exist peacefully, frequently intermarry, and celebrate each other's holidays.

4. It features pristine, white-sand Atlantic beaches and rich biodiversity, including the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary for endangered Western chimps.

5. While English is the official language, the most widely spoken is Krio—a vibrant, English-based Creole language that beautifully blends elements of African tongues, French, and Portuguese.

Population:

Sierra Leone: nearly 9 million

City of Freetown: between 1.3 to 1.9 million

Language:

English is the official language, and Krio is the most widely spoken language among the different ethnic groups across Sierra Leone

Religion:

Islam (78.5%), Christianity (20.4%), Traditional African religions (1.1%)

Climate:

In January, Sierra Leone experiences the height of its dry season, characterized by warm to hot days, cooler nights, and the dry, dusty Harmattan winds. Temperatures typically range from daytime highs of 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F) to nighttime lows of 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F).

Currency:

The leone is the currency of Sierra Leone. It is subdivided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at various locations outside of the airport, where the rates are typically better.

Power:

Electrical outlet types: D and G

Voltage: 230 V

Frequency: 50 Hz

You will need a power converter if your device is not rated for 230 V. Additionally, you should have a power adapter to accommodate Types D and G.

Time Zone:

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT; UTC+0).

Food and Water:

The food quality for meals served is comparable to U.S. standards. Drink only unopened bottled water or other drinks that are confirmed to be purified. Unopened water bottles are always safe. Avoid eating street food.

• 8 evangelism speakers (preferably experienced; interpreters provided)

• 40-50 medical professionals (including medical, dental, vision, and other fields)

• Construction volunteers

• Children's program leaders/helpers

• Support staff

Entry Requirements:

U.S. Citizens: A U.S. passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least 1 blank page; no visa required.

Other Countries: Please check the entry requirements for your specific country.

Please follow these instructions carefully when booking

your flight:

1. Your flight should depart from your airport of choice and arrive at the Freetown International Airport (FNA) on Tuesday January 12, 2027 or Wednesday, January 13, 2027 (unless you arrive early for personal reasons).

2. Once you arrive in the country, a member of our team will collect you from the airport.

3. Your flight from FNA should depart on Sunday, January 24, 2027 (unless you stay later for personal reasons).

4. If you plan to arrive early or stay late for personal reasons, you are responsible for all arrangements, accommodations, and expenses. Please notify us if you choose to do so.

5. Tui will email you requesting a copy of your travel itinerary.

6. If you need help booking your flights, you may contact Butler Travel in Oregon. They are an Adventist-owned travel agency that can assist you for a minimal fee. It Is Written is unable to assist with flight bookings. We encourage you to utilize their services for the best prices and flight options.

   Their website: https://www.butlertravel.com

   Phone Number: (503) 879-5005

   Office Hours

   Monday-Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. PST

   Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PST

• It Is Written seeks to provide the best accommodations for reasonable pricing. While flexibility and sacrifice are needed on the mission field, we aim to maintain safety and a comfortable and restful experience.

• Accommodations will be at a local hotel (TBD). We will share the final details during our Zoom meetings, including hotel amenities, etc.

• Please do not book your own hotel reservation during the trip dates. It Is Written will make lodging arrangements for the entire group, except for dates before or after the trip window.

• Participants will have roommates unless he or she elects to cover the extra cost of a personal room, which must be paid for before departure. This cost varies per trip, so contact the office for the amount. It is not guaranteed that a single room will always be possible. This will always depend on local availability.

• Local transportation is provided to and from the airport and all trip destinations.

• Three vegetarian meals are provided daily. Due to local limitations, vegan meals are not always an option, although vegan selections are often available. We do our best to have options for both.

• We are unable to accommodate gluten-free or other similar needs. It is often difficult to obtain these items in other countries. However, the food is usually fresh and simple, so those challenges are not as typical as they are in more developed countries. You are welcome to bring any food items that will meet your needs while there. We encourage you to bring a variety of snacks such as crackers, granola bars, peanut butter, etc. No fresh produce may be brought into any country from another country, although fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance locally. Be sure to pack any liquid items above 3 oz in your checked baggage.

• Any food purchases outside of the three provided meals are the participant's responsibility.

• Laundry services are available at most hotels for a fee.

• If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, you are responsible for making all of your hotel and transportation arrangements.

• Other details will be shared during scheduled Zoom meetings. We will have at least 3 Zoom meetings before departure. As the time approaches, we will email you with dates and instructions.

Check online for the recommended vaccines and medications. We suggest visiting your doctor 4-6 weeks before the trip for any further relevant medical advice. The CDC provides helpful information and recommendations. Each recommendation is a personal choice at the discretion of the individual. Participants should consult with their personal physician and make responsible choices. It Is Written is not responsible for the results of any personal medical decisions.

$1,600 mission fee, excluding airfare.

A $150 discount is available for Mission Trip Alumni (including SALT Mission Trip Alumni), making their fee $1,450. (Price adjustments will be made on the WeTravel site by admin. Please notify the organizer once you have registered and paid the $50 application fee, and before you pay the full trip fee).

The trip fee covers food, housing, transportation, and travel insurance once you arrive in the country. It also contributes to supplies and expenses for the medical clinic and evangelistic meetings. Your fee covers all in-country expenses and supports the medical and evangelism work we will do while there. Additionally, you will also receive a custom It Is Written mission trip

T-shirt and a mission gift box filled with exciting, useful gifts for your mission experience!

Participants are responsible for the cost of airfare, personal and excursion expenses, and any additional baggage fees. We recommend bringing personal spending cash at your own discretion (many participants bring between $200-$400).

Fees for children (not including airfare) are as follows:

• Birth–7 years old: $175

• 8–14 years old: $750 (Must room with parents or chaperone)

• 15–17 years old: Full adult price

Group or family of 4 or more: Will receive a $150 discount per person.

Please register and complete your fee payment by December 13, 2026.

If you need an extension due to extenuating circumstances or have any questions, please contact our office. Please note that if an extension is granted, you must pay the remaining fee before departing the country, or your spot will be forfeited—even if you have booked your ticket.

If you are viewing this after the deadline and are interested in the trip, please call us. There may be vacancies or particular skill sets still needed.

Once you have completed your registration, you will receive an email confirmation. We are working on a new processing system, but rest assured that if you submitted your application, we have received it and will be in touch. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.

If a participant cancels before we have booked and paid for the accommodations, internal flights (where applicable), travel insurance, and meal headcount plans, we will issue a full refund.

If a participant cancels after reservations have been made, we will provide a 25% refund.

Since these factors vary for each trip, please contact our office to discuss the details as soon as possible if you need to cancel.