SMOST has voted to pursue a mission project to Israel, which will be scheduled, most likely, for late September or early October 2011.  The dates will be firmed up as soon as possible, however, you should start saving your money.  We expect the project to cost around $3,000 for each traveler.  You are encouraged to take your spouse, as it creates a special bond to go “on mission” together.  You are also encouraged to take people from your church as well.  There will be a discount to your trip cost for each “extra” person you get signed up to go.   Additionally, SMOST will also be offsetting the cost of each SMOST guy by $500 or so, depending on our bank account at the time.    This is 18 months notice, so you do have time to make arrangements to be a part of this amazing project.  We will be recording some songs before the trip which speak of the places we will visit.  Then we will make a video on during the project of us singing each of the songs in the place that we are singing about!  Additionally, we will be singing concerts at various locations and even doing whatever we can, painting, building, etc. at the churches where we can get those things arranged.  We also would like for all who are serious about going to try to put in a $100 deposit by the May 20, 2010, concert in Pleasanton.  This will help us determine how many are really serious and will help you be serious about it as well.  You may then continue to give your project cost money to our Treasurer who will keep track of what you give him.  Thus, you can give some money this year and next as the date approaches.  (You can have your money refunded if something changes, up until the no refund date is reached, which will probably be around next April or so.  I’ll let you know what the official payment schedule is as soon as we know.)   We will be making brochures describing the project which you can use to advertise this project at your church.  Start with your Pastor and your Missions Committee.  Get them excited about going with you, and helping you get there as well!