Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9

We ask that you bring in TWO checked bags filled with supplies.  This is very important in helping us to sustain the ministry in Haiti and for providing relief aid supplies that we distribute.  Click on this link to print out the Haiti Needs List of items to choose from to fill the checked bags with.  Some common suggestions include protein bars, dried pasta, canned tuna or chicken, oatmeal, raisins, trail mix, dried fruit, Children’s Tylenol, baby aspirin and gummy vitamins. Many times companies are happy to donate, extra supplies can be found in your house and/or friends love to pitch in to help with supplies – making them a huge part of the mission trip.

Personal Packing Recommendations

Lodging provides bunk beds, sheets and pillows.

  • Bible, journal, pen (airplane proof), pencil
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel or anti-bacterial wet wipes.
  • Snacks – Bring enough snacks for your personal use to last your entire trip to supplement the Haitian meals that mostly consist of pasta, beans and rice.  Snack suggestions include; PB, protein bars, granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, beef jerky, etc– think PROTEIN.  Protein snacks make very helpful gifts to hand out in the tent cities.
  • Sun Hat & Plenty of Sun Block that is water proof
  • Bring a large empty water bottle to fill up on water as it is easy to get dehydrated. It is a good practice to drink 2-4 liters per day while in Haiti.
  • Electrolyte powder like Gatorade’s Propel to add to your water throughout your stay.
  • Mosquito Repellent: Prepare yourself to avoid mosquitoes!
    Supplements to ingest that may help detract mosquitoes: Garlic, Vitamin B1 – 100/mg/day
    Suggested Topicals (Reapply at least every 3 hours);
    Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
    Lavender 100%Lavendar Mosquito Repellant
    Neem Repellant Spray
    Citronella Oil (Reapply every hour)
    Clothing Treatments: Sawyer Permethrin Insect Clothing Repellent Spray
    Chemical spray tip: pre-treat your clothes.  Spray your clothes prior to packing and roll tightly into suitcase. That way when you’re on your mission trip you don’t have to worry about spraying a chemical on your clothes every time you get dressed.
  • Personal toiletries + shower towel and flip flops for when you get out of the shower at night.
    Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes, allergy medicine, eye drops, etc.
  • Medications: To avoid problems with customs, keep prescribed medicines in their original packaging.
  • Proof of medical travel insurance and photo copy of your passport – tuck these away in a safe place in your carry-on and keep them on your person (such as in your backpack) during your entire stay.
  • Clothing:  Bring clothing that can be washed and does not need to be ironed. You may be able to wash your clothing during your trip so bring some detergent.  Moisture wicking clothing is very helpful with the hot humid weather.
    Fabrics recommended for hot and humid weather are cotton, spandex and linen.  Here are a few brands that carry moisture “wicking” clothing; Cloudveil, Ex Officio, Columbia, Gramicci, North Face, Royal Robbins, REI
    Cargo pants are VERY helpful for their ample pockets.  Load them up with bug spray, anti-bac gel, protein bars, etc.
    Dorm style sleep wear
  • Comfortable sturdy walking shoes. ***Teams do a LOT of walking.  Closed toed shoes like hiking boots or tennis shoes are good.
  • For ladies; dresses and skirts past the knee, jeans, pants are all fine to wear. No low cut shirts, short shorts/skirts/dresses or attire that is revealing.
  • Light water proof wind breaker may be needed.
  • Battery operated fans can be helpful
  • Ear plugs – sounds at night such as roosters that you are not used to may keep you up unless you have ear plugs.
  • Single bed mosquito net.
  • Bring enough toilet related supplies to last your entire stay just in case supplies are low and there are no refills available.  This includes toilet paper and feminine items.  FYI. All toilet items are not flushed but placed in a trash can.
  • Worship music (iPhone, CD’s or other device)
  • Flashlight (LED recommended as they last longer) with extra batteries.
  • Electronic Devices:  You do not need adapters for electronic devices that you bring.
  • Money:  Most people spend $100 for unexpected fees, meals eaten at the airport, tips, etc…  It is best if you bring cash in small bills with you to avoid the ATM fee in Haiti.  If you want to purchase anything in Haiti it is best to have the dollar converted to “goods” and have one of our staff help make the purchase for you.
  • No Crafts: Please do not bring any items for crafts – the voodoo Haitian culture is still present and items are easily used in the wrong way.

It is always a good idea to weigh your checked bag before arriving at the airport and leave some space open in your carry-on just in case your checked bag is over the weight limit when checking your baggage in at baggage check.  If it is overweight, you can shift some of the weight into your carry on and avoid extra, unexpected baggage fees.

Airline Baggage Allowances

Delta and American Airline

Regular Passenger Allowance:

You are allowed one free checked bag that has a weight max of 50 pounds, one carry on and one personal carry on item if you are flying on Delta or American Airline.  A second checked bag up to 50 pounds cost an extra $35.  Additional weight or bags cost an extra fee.  Please check the airline you book your flight with to confirm the luggage allowances.

We ask that you utilize two 50 lb checked bags for ministry supplies and your carry-on and personal item (back pack) for your own packing needs.

If you plan to leave your two checked bags (these can often be found at second hand stores) at the BTC you will have a quicker, easier re-entry coming back into the US as you will only have your checked back and personal item (backpack) to check back in through security.

You are encouraged to mail or fax a letter to your airline asking them to waive extra baggage fees because you are serving a non-profit on a mission trip.  You must provide our name and 501c-3 number, Cross to Light | PO Box 27361 | Santa Ana, CA 92799 | 20-3813612, in the letter and submit it at least a month prior to your trip.