Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the missions trip cost?
What program are we doing there?
Is the trip safe?
Who is on the team?
Where can I find your support letter?
Why did I choose Kenya?
I have several friends in my smallgroup who had gone to Mongolia for their short-term missions and they have been planting seeds about going on short-term missions. I also went to a few of these missions presentations and have been praying about an opportunity to share the Gospel abroad. And lastly, I believe the timing is right this year as my work load is not a hindrance to taking two weeks off.
After attending several missions presentations and much praying, an invitation opened up for me to go on a short-term missions trip to Nairobi , Kenya from August 8-22 . For two weeks, myself and a group of individuals from Great Exchange Covenant Church will be serving with Pastor Peterson Wang'ombe and his staffs at House of Praise Deliverance Church to run Vacation Bible School — Avalanche Ranch. Specifically, the team's goal will be to apply this year's Western-styled cowboy themed Bible lessons to the Kenyan culture—talk about culture shock! Other to do items are: training the Kenyan Sunday School teachers to be spiritual leaders, preparing new body worship expressions that fit the Kenyan culture, and assisting in service projects with the orphanages and slums of poor and hungry Kenyan children.
How much does the trip cost?
The trip cost $3000. The plane ticket cost $2018. Room & board for two weeks will cost approximately $400 - $500. Depending on medical insurance, on average shots (Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Tetanus, Meningicoccal, Polio) are projected to cost $600. I have Kaiser Permanante so the shots were covered; I only had to pay for malarial pills and antibiotics. Other miscellaneous fees are: VBS program materials, arts and crafts projects that we are giving as gifts.
Good news! As of a couple days ago (July 16) I reached $3000. Praise God!
Thank you to everyone who had supported me financially and prayerfully.
What will we be doing there?
Days are spent teaching and training. Other agenda items include one midweek evening service, one day set aside for safari and another day for visit to the slums and orphanage. Our goals are to:
- Conduct Vacation Bible School, “Avalanche Ranch,” for children in tandem with Kenyan Sunday School teachers
- Train Kenyan Sunday School teachers
- Build relationships with Kenyan brothers and sisters in Christ
- Learn about and grow to love Kenya!!!
Is the trip safe?
While there have been safety issues with countries surrounding Kenya, Nairobi itself is a safe place. Upon arrival we will be staying with a host family. Here we will be surrounded by people who will provide us safety, as well as being surrounded by our team members. We will also be instructed on safety precautions such as not to leave the house after 9pm, or if we are to go anywhere, to be accompanied by local Kenyans. Also, this is the second year GrX is sending short-term missionaires to Kenya to work with Pastor Wang'ombe and Praise House Deliverance Church. Of course we could always use your prayers for a safe missions.
Who is on the team?
(Front row: Melissa, Elaine, Mega, Anna, Gina, Helen, Patty, Grace
Back row: Bobby, Sean, Kevin, Paul, Terrence, Mike)
We have a great team. I LOVE my team!!! Everyone of us are "same same but different". Some of us are serving on GrX KidZone ministry. We have a girl who goes to GrX SF. She commutes all the way down to the South Bay to attend our team meetings. =) For another girl, this will be her second short-term missions, having gone to Thailand last year. I think we all love God, have a passion for kids, and cannot wait "to love, see, hear, and share His glory."
Where can I find your support letter?
You can find it here. Thank you for supporting me or even showing an interest.