Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to volunteer to stay in Obadiah?
From September through May, we ask volunteers to stay for a minimum of 2 nights with 2 full days of volunteering. From June through August, Obadiah is booked in 1-week intervals only (Saturday to Saturday) and volunteers work full days Monday-Friday.

Can I stay in Obadiah on weekends and during holidays?
Obadiah is available to occupy most weekends and over some holidays. Obadiah is closed during the following times: Thanksgiving Day and weekend and Easter weekend. During Christmas, Obadiah is closed from mid-December through the beginning of January.

Are there specific arrival and departure times when I stay at Obadiah?
Yes. Because there are groups of volunteers continually coming and going from Obadiah, we ask you to arrive at Obadiah no earlier than 1:00 p.m. on the first day of your stay. On the day of your departure you will need to leave your room by 10:00 a.m.

How many rooms can I reserve at one time?
Obadiah has a total of 8 rooms. You can reserve up to 4 rooms for your visit.

Do I have to serve meals if I’m staying in Obadiah during a training session?
Yes, we do ask that all on-campus volunteers be available each day to serve one meal and work in the press a half day.

Is there a shuttle available from the airport to headquarters?
BSF does not provide a shuttle for volunteers from the airport. You are responsible for all of your transportation during your volunteer time. San Antonio’s public transportation does not come to headquarters. Taxis will come to headquarters, but tend to be costly. The best option is to rent a car.

What is available in the fully furnished kitchen?
The kitchen has a refrigerator, conventional oven, microwave, dishwasher, and coffeemaker. It is stocked with pots and pans; table service; salt and pepper; a few seasonings but no spices; dish soap; and dish towels. Coffee, tea, and other hot beverages are also provided.

Are there TVs and phones in the rooms?
There are TVs in each room. There are no DVD players or phones in the rooms. There is a phone available in the community kitchen and one in the community laundry room as well. To make a long-distance call, please use a credit card, prepaid phone card, or call collect.

Is there a Sunday worship service on campus?
No. There are several churches of varying denominations located near the BSF campus. BSF does not recommend specific churches to volunteers.

Do we have to launder our own linens when we clean the room?
No, you will not be required to wash your sheets and towels before you leave. You will have instructions in your room on what to do with them. You will remake your beds with fresh sheets and restock your room with fresh linens and towels provided.

Is the washer and dryer coin-operated?
The laundry room has two washers and two dryers. They are not coin-operated. There is no charge to use them. Tide powder detergent and dryer sheets are provided.

Can I print out my airline boarding pass on campus?
There are no computers or printers available for volunteers to print boarding passes. You will find a list of local businesses with Internet and printing services in your room.