Entry Training
Gateway: What to Expect
THE SCHEDULE
Gateway is rich with learning opportunities. It is a special time set aside to equip you for service with Mercy Ships, expand your knowledge of living the Gospel cross-culturally and to enrich your spiritual growth, and relationship with our Lord. The schedule is very full and structured, especially during the Classroom phase. The field service schedule will also be full, but tends to be less structured due to the cultures we are in. 
During Gateway, it may be a challenge to find time during the day for personal time. Because of this we encourage you to pray and come prepared to be flexible and adaptable. We hope you find Gateway to be challenging and rewarding, as well as beneficial in preparing you to serve in missions.
A typical week during the Gateway Classroom Phase
Monday-Friday:
7:00-7:45 a.m. ~ Breakfast
8:00-12:00 noon ~ Classroom
Lunch
1:00-4:30p.m. ~ Classroom
5:00-5:45p.m. ~ Dinner
*There will be some evening meetings and events scheduled, as well as weekly written assignments and reading requirements included in the course.
Saturday:
Half-day of class
Sunday:
Personal time; weekend activities can be planned
*This schedule will vary throughout the classroom phase
LIFE ON CAMPUS
The International Operations Center is located on 400 acres in Northeast Texas between the cities of Tyler and Dallas. The secluded property offers two wooded walking trails, two ponds, a swimming pool, a café and several other amenities. Lindale and Van are a 15 minute drive away from the International Operations Center. There is no public transportation. Meals on campus will be served at the Oasis, our community dining room.
The Mercy Ships family comes together once a week for a Communication and Prayer meeting Thursday mornings at 11:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to attend a church of their choice on Sunday mornings. Gateway staff may also schedule some activities that are optional on the weekends.
FAMILY LIFE
For the participants who are attending with their children, the campus is a wonderful place to explore with lots of open spaces and a small farm. Life here at Mercy Ships will be a whole new world for children.
Along with these exciting new opportunities, there will be challenges, as well. We strongly encourage you to include your children in the planning and decision-making process as you prepare to come, as they will undoubtedly miss the familiarity of home including such things as food, family and culture.
