FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does it work?

A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network is a voluntary association where members open their homes to one another for a conversational dinner and/or an overnight stay of 1-2 nights. Members contact other members via an email generated through A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network’s communication network, or by text (if the member includes their mobile number on their profile). Contact information (including last name and address) is never posted on the site. Members are identified by ID/username and city and map icons are approximate. While A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network provides member’s city, only members themselves can provide their actual street address to other members.

Are references available?

Beyond reviewing a member’s profile and any feedback, some members may desire to review a reference before requesting a visit or accepting a guest. A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network encourages all members to obtain a brief character reference from a pastor, teacher, small group leader, elder, deacon, missions director, or someone who can vouch for the member’s character. The reference is emailed to the member who then uploads it to his profile.

If I join, do I have to accept all requests?

No. A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network is a voluntary association of members. We all know that busy schedules, illness, and “life” happen. Members are under no obligation to accept any request at any time. Furthermore, members in specific locations may receive more requests than others and may need to limit their acceptances. However, we ask that our members prayerfully consider each request and ask that God would bring whom He will, and as often as possible, welcome them in Christ’s name.

What if I send a request and don’t hear back?

If you don’t hear back from your request in a day or two, resend. If you still don’t hear back, text us (904-589-0287) the “non-responsive” member’s ID/username and we will follow up. Members who are characterized by non-response will be archived from the network.

What if I send a request and am turned down?

As previously stated, members are under no obligation to accept any request at any time. If your request is turned down, don’t take it personally. Most likely, it just wasn’t a good time for your potential host. Find another suitable location and try again!

My house is not very large. Can I still participate?

Yes. “If there is room in the heart, there is room in the house” (old Danish proverb). You don’t have to have a large home or be Martha Stewart to practice genuine, biblical hospitality. Although we boast of an entire hospitality industry today, throughout much of history, travelers were dependent on the hospitality of others, often strangers, to put them up for the night, usually in very humble and simple homes. And while our times may be different, we can still make ourselves available. Folks aren’t coming to inspect your home; they are coming to partake of something divine, “biblical hospitality.”

That said, be realistic about the number of people you can accommodate comfortably and safely; but beyond that, a fresh, clean bed/bath and a pleasant meal are enough!

How far in advance should I schedule my visit?

Schedule your visit as far in advance as possible, out of respect for your host, as well as having the greatest likelihood of reserving your desired location and date. If at all possible, give your host at least a week’s notice. In the event of unexpected travel, such as a funeral, etc, please do not hesitate to contact the potential host, but note that there is a less likelihood of their availability on such short notice.

What if I don’t need overnight accommodations, or I’m unable to host overnight guests in my home? Can I still participate?

Yes. As long as you are willing to host conversational dinners for members traveling through your location, you may still join and as a member, you can still contact other members to request overnight stays.

How long is the average stay?

Although all details concerning visits are worked out privately between members, A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network is a travel network designed for overnight stays of 1-2 nights. Hosts are under no obligation to house guests for more than 2 nights.

(For our missionary members looking for more long-term accommodations, visit ServantCare.com.)

Are meals provided?

Yes. If possible, one “conversational dinner” (a meal when most household members are present) is highly recommended for overnight stays. As we have already said, ACWHN is not just about saving money but about participating in genuine, biblical hospitality. As God engineers your path, we pray that new friendships might be forged and the stories of God’s faithfulness recounted around countless dinner tables.

Following overnight stays, a simple breakfast is a blessing, but not required. Communicate clearly to know what meal(s) will be provided, determine allergies, etc.

After I pay the annual membership fee, are there any more costs? Do I “tip” my hosts?

No. A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network’s low membership fee covers all costs for one year. However, a small host or hostess gift (perhaps something indigenous to your own locale) would be gracious, though not expected, nor required. And be sure to express gratitude, not taking generous hospitality for granted!!! Even within our travel network, hospitality is a gift and not an entitlement.

How do I pay? Is my financial info safe?

Members may pay safely and securely online through PayPal. (PayPal is free to set up and links to either a member’s bank account or credit card.) When members pay through PayPal, A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network has no access to members’ financial information.

Members may also pay by check made out to A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network and sent to 1450 Slab Bridge Rd, Liberty, SC 29657.

Is my personal contact information posted on the website?

No! We value your privacy. Members are identified by member ID/username and general geographic location. Personal contact information (last name and street address) is not posted to your profile. Members may choose to post their mobile phone number on their profile if they wish to send and receive requests via text;however, do not call another member with your request, as members need time to review potential guest’s profile and pray about their reply.

Other members do not have access to your personal contact information unless you provide it to them by communicating with A Candle in the Window’s network via email or text.

Additionally, the sole purpose of A Candle in the Window is to facilitate hospitality within the body of Christ. Email addresses and/or visits may not be used for the purpose of any sort of solicitation/fund raising or mass mailings.

What are my obligations as a host?

“…to impart to each one that crosses our threshold something of the presence of Christ” – Karen Mains

More specifically…

1. Prayerfully consider each request you receive and RESPOND PROMPTLY.

2. For Conversational Dinner Guests:

  • Provide a pleasant, preferably home-cooked meal. Try to schedule the meal when most household members are present.
  • You might prepare a list of questions, or “conversation starters;” encourage guests to tell “their stories”… ask about their growing up, their families, their coming to Christ, and examples of God’s faithfulness in their lives.
  • You might also conclude the meal with prayer and/or a reading from the Bible or another worthy book.
  • Some households enjoy a song at the meal’s end.

3. For Overnight Guests:

  • Provide a tidy and clean room with fresh, clean bedding.
  • Make sure fresh towels are available and that guests have access to a bathroom.
  • Provide a conversational dinner (with most members of household present if possible) and possibly a simple breakfast in the morning.
  • You may also want to assemble a folder containing local attractions, restaurants, coupons, and other relevant information.
  • Having a “treasure trove” of good books and peaceful music available would be an extra blessing!

Additionally, both potential hosts and guests are encouraged to have a reference available that can be viewed on the member’s profile.

What are my obligations as a guest?

  • Contact the potential host as early as possible.
  • Arrive on time, or call to update the host.
  • Honor the host’s home and convictions.
  • Keep small children under control.
  • NEVER leave children unattended in a host’s home.
  • Host is obligated to provide only one dinner, so if your stay is 2 nights, plan accordingly.
  • A small host/hostess gift, perhaps something indigenous from your home locale, would be gracious, though not required.
  • Leave things tidy.
  • Try to be a blessing to your host. Express GRATITUDE. Hospitality is a gift, not an entitlement.

What about pets?

Inside pets will be listed on the host’s profile. As a courtesy, guests traveling with pets should obtain explicit permission from the host in advance. Don’t just arrive with Rover and Fifi! Hosts are in no way obligated to accommodate pets. Each host home will have its own guidelines. Honor the host.

How can I get started?

Join Now and follow the simple instructions. Within minutes, you, too, can be a member of A Candle in the Window Hospitality Network, a growing network of Christian households, delighting in hospitality!