WATER Program
World Awareness Training In Evangelical Responsibility
June 20 – July 30, 2027
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WATER Program Overview
The WATER program is a 6 week term that gives the student an opportunity to learn more about missions and to apprentice alongside those who are already in ministry at Anabaptist missions. The main goal of SMBI is to facilitate a space where one can prepare for life in ministry. The WATER program specifically seeks to fulfill this goal (1) With training by working alongside Anabaptists in ministry, (2) By teaching about a Biblical basis and motivation for missions and ministry, (3) Through activities that push an individual towards growth and skill development.
Program Schedule 2026 – 2027
Application Process
Step 1 Fill Out an Application
When you are ready to sign up, the first step is for you to fill out an application. Applications can be submitted from October 1 through the following February 15. After that, applications can still be submitted, but it is recommended to reach out to WATER administration first to check availability.
Step 2 Parent and Pastoral Forms
When you submit your application, an email with a link to the pastoral form will be sent to the email address you put in for your pastor. The same will is true of the parental form. We operate within the support and direction of the local churches and families of the students that participate in WATER. That is why we ask both the applicant’s parents and pastors for their support and insight. We do not begin processing an application until all forms are received.
Step 3 Finalize a location
Once we receive all three forms (application, parental form, pastoral form), we begin to process the application. You will receive an email indicating acceptance status. At a later point, you may receive communication to confirm the location that you will be going. Even though you will choose some preferences in the application process, you may be asked to choose another location. Once your location is finalized, you are considered enrolled into the program!
Program Details
1 Week of Training
Team and personal development activities provide opportunity for growth.
5 Weeks Abroad
Living in a ministry and mission setting give first hand experience.
2 Days Debriefing
A chance to debrief how God has worked and encouragement to pursue ministry.
Contact
Please reach out to water@smbi.org for any questions regarding the WATER program. If you are unsure if we received your application, please send us an email.
Cost
The cost for WATER varies broadly depending on which location you go. The cost can vary from $1000 – $4000. You can find an estimated cost along with other location-specific information on the individual location pages.
Locations
To learn more about the locations that are available, visit the Locations page for more information.
Course Requirements
Course Reading
There are several books that students are required to read before training week. SMBI will send them to you sometime in late spring.
Book Response
For several of the books, written assignments must be completed before arrival for registration. They are to be handed in at training week.
Training Week
A week of training will take place at SMBI. Students are to fully participate in all activities and sessions during training week.
Field Training
Students will travel to a participating mission and spend a month participating in ministry under the direction of the mission staff.
*Upon completing the requirements of this course, students will be given 6 credits on their SMBI Transcript.
How To Prepare for WATER
- Prayer Support
Get others to support you
Pray for the mission staff
- Complete Coursework
- Communication
- Be Knowledgeable about travel requirements
Various location countries have travel requirements, including visas or vaccines. We will do our best to make sure you have the information needed. However, you are also responsible to be knowledgeable of what you need for travel.