Exit39
Frequently Asked Questions
Immersion trips like EXIT39 often stir up lots of questions/concerns – and rightfully so. Many of the details are intentionally kept vague, but we’re more than happy to answer any questions that concerned parents may have – we just ask that you keep the details of the weekend away from the participants. We’ve found that the impact of the immersion increases exponentially if the participants are kept “in the dark” as much as possible. Powerlessness, after all, is one of the main symptoms of poverty.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
What is the weekend about? The simulation is all about God’s heart for the poor, compassion, and bringing about the Kingdom on earth.
Can you give me more specifics? The weekend is designed with a structured experiential learning approach. The feedback we have received from previous participants suggests that the impact is greater when the incoming class does not know the details. However, it is very important that all participants know that they are attending a poverty simulation and will be challenged. Please do not bring groups on a “mystery trip.” Group leaders may contact us with additional questions, but we ask that you not circumvent the learning process by sharing the information with your students. Parents often think additional information will help their student through the weekend. This is not the case.
If we’re living in poverty, why do we have to pay $40? Part of your fee will go to cover the small expenses of the weekend, including meals and a t-shirt. The rest of your money goes to support the ongoing poverty-reduction efforts of our partners, Mission Milby and Crossroads at Park Place. EXIT39 keeps nothing.
Where is the simulation located? EXIT39 operates out of Houston, Texas. Participants will spend their time at Crossroads at Park Place, Mission Milby, and the surrounding areas.
Is the simulation safe? You will never be alone. You will always be supervised. You will be safer in this simulation experience than you might be at your local mall.
What should I expect? Expect to be challenged physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You’ll come to understand things about yourself that you did not know and would not necessarily choose to know.
Will I be miserable? You will need to pack a good attitude and have a desire to know your Lord and Redeemer in a deeper way. When you love someone, you know what breaks their heart.
What if the weather is rainy, hot, or cold? Hey, it’s Texas – it might be all of those in the same weekend! The environment is part of the simulation. Remember, the simulation is only for a short time. Most of the poor experience these realities daily.
What will I eat and where will I sleep? Great question. You will always have choices of necessities, such as food and shelter.
Is EXIT39 only for youth or young adults? Not at all! The simulation is designed for everyone 8th grade and up. Come with a teachable heart!
Why do you discourage younger participants? The weekend is demanding. Some of the focused conversations require maturity that may be beyond some of our younger students.
What if someone had a special diet or needs medication? No problem! This person will need to bring items for the special diet and their medications. Personal health is important to us.
Can we bring a camera? Yes, one digital camera is allowed per group.
What about a cell phone to receive emergency calls from parents? Yes, the group leader may leave a cell phone in the Poverty Simulation office to be checked periodically throughout the weekend.
How many adults are required to attend per youth group? Please bring one adult for every four students – all adults will participate in the simulation with the rest of their group. Please bring leaders that are passionate. Students will only go as far as their leaders.
Some of our parents are hesitant to let their students attend. What can we tell them to help them make their decision? Our simulation is mirrored off of Mission Waco’s Poverty Simulation. Mission Waco serves over 500 participants each year, and has done so for over 20 years. To date, no one has ever been injured. Similarly in Houston, we have seen many lives changed as participants understand more fully Christ’s love and compassion for the poor and the marginalized. Hopefully this FAQ list will help ease any concerns. If not, we encourage parents to attend the poverty simulation with their students and experience it for themselves!
What is an intensive poverty simulation?
Intensive [in-ten- siv] 1. involving the maximum use of time, or some other resource.
Poverty [pov-er-tee] 1. the state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor.
Simulation [sim-yuh-ley-shuh n] 1. imitation or enactment, as of something anticipated or in testing.