(World Awareness Training in Evangelistic Responsibility)

June 21 – July 30, 2027

The WATER program is a six week summer missions opportunity. If you have been wanting to see and experience mission work first-hand with the missionary as your teacher, WATER will provide you with that opportunity.

This five-week apprenticeship program is designed to place young people on the mission field to work under conservative Anabaptist missions. You will receive training workshops, lectures on mission themes, documentaries, fellowship, and recreation for one week on the SMBI campus. Then you will be placed on the mission field of your interest to see and do what missionaries do. The five-week training will conclude with a day back at SMBI to share with each other and to receive further training and encouragement. Six study hours will be given to anyone successfully completing this program.

Purposes:

To broaden awareness of opportunities available with conservative Mennonite missions.
To give intense hands-on-training in various evangelistic and practical mission methods (One of the emphases will be more direct and focused training in areas of need and interest in the student’s life.
To develop deeper relationships with the trainee’s home church

Mentor

Either a pastor or a mentor from the trainee’s home church will work with the staff of WATER to determine a plan for training for the student. This differs from the first year program in which the student chooses the location. This part of the program is directly designed to build trust and respect for authority.

Opportunities for Service

The trainee’s placement will be based on two factors. First, the need and the talents of the student would be considered. This would be based on the WATER staff’s experience with the student from a previous year and also from the student’s mentor. Secondly, the needs of the missions involved in WATER would be considered. For example, a mission could inform the WATER staff that they need a mature fellow to lead a one week Bible school in Grenada. The trainees will likely have shorter assignments in different locations, rather than spending the entire 4 ½ weeks in one location (though this would be decided on an individual basis). The locations and activities will be either those already listed in the WATER brochure, or others approved by the student’s mentor, the SMBI association, and the WATER staff. For example, the trainee could be sent to a weekend seminar for training, or be required to spend several days in personal fasting and prayer, or be sent to be apprenticed for two weeks in Turkey under a missionary from the trainee’s home church.

Cost

The cost would be variable based on the locations in which the trainee works. Approximate Cost – $1000. – $3800.

WATER Program

World Awareness Training In Evangelical Responsibility

June 20 – July 30, 2027

WATER Application

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.

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.

Application

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.

Parental Reference Pastoral Form

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!

Locations

Program Schedule – 2026 -2027

October 1 – Application Period Opens
December 15 – Beginning of Placements – After this date, we will begin to finalize the locations where the first applicants will go.
February 15 – General Application Period Closes – After this date, any applicants should contact water@smbi.org before filling out an application. We will still accept applications, but the options will be much more limited.
February 15-19 – Books and instructions will be sent to you.
May 9 – Payment Due.
June 21 – Registration – Students are to be at SMBI by mid afternoon.
June 28 – Travel to Missions
July 28 – Students Travel back to SMBI
July 29-30 – Debrief and Wrap-up

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 of Debrief

A chance to debrief how God has worked and encouragement to pursue ministry.