Ryan is Leaving Soon ...

Kenya, Africa Mission Trip
June 3 to August 5, 2007









Project Overview:
Located on the eastern coast of Africa, Kenya is known by tourists as the land of wild life reserves and safaris! In contrast, Kenya is known by AIM missionaries as being a land of extreme poverty, false religion, and need. On this trip, your eyes will be opened like never before as you walk through the trash-filled alleys of the Kibera slums, fall in love with the calls of the slum children crying, “how are you, how are you!” in the only English that they know, walk the dusty roads of a small African town, and have the opportunity to take the hope of Jesus to hundreds of desperate people. You will leave Kenya having built relationships with people, relationships that God will write on your heart and your prayers forever.

Ministry Description:
This trip will give you an opportunity to minister in two different locations in Kenya. The Kibera slums have a culture all its own, and you will live there in the midst of it for approximately one month. In the slums, you will use drama, sports ministry, door-to-door evangelism, and open-air meetings to share the hope we have in Christ. Several mornings a week, you will teach in an informal school, where you’ll find four classrooms huddled together in one room between mud-and-stick walls, sheltered by a tin roof. The kids in this school are the poorest of the poor; they cannot afford the school uniform required by public schools in Kenya, so they get an “informal” education instead. Hungry to learn and eager to be there, you will find these kids a joy as you present Christ-centered lessons to them. Your afternoons will be spent in the different types of relational ministry mentioned above. You will learn people’s names and listen to their hearts as they share with you the circumstances that brought them to this place. You will have a chance to tell them that Jesus Christ has a plan and a future for each and every one of them.

Your second month will be spent in a smaller city or village outside of Nairobi, so that you can soak up the countryside, laid-back lifestyle of the people there. A typical day in this location might mean helping a family build a mud hut, joining in harvesting potatoes from their garden, serving by scrubbing clothes by hand, or simply sitting down for a long talk and a hot cup of Chai. It will mean teaching in the local public schools, holding services in the local church, inviting the community to Bible studies at your own dwelling, and completely immersing yourself in this community and lifestyle. Through living alongside your neighbors, you will show them the true love of Jesus Christ. When you leave this area, you will call many people "friend".

Food & Lodging ~ In the slums, you will be sleeping in bunks at AIM’s base there. In the village, you will most likely be sleeping on the floor of a church, a home, or in tents. Wherever you stay, sleeping will be on the floor! “Showers” are bucket showers, and all clothes washing is by hand. The food is usually prepared by local people and is based on what they normally eat. Staples are rice and Chai tea!

Dress Code & What to Bring ~ The altitude of the area lends itself to a comfortable climate. For those who will be there during the summer, you can expect moderate temperatures during the day, with a chill at night or early morning. Bring clothes that you can layer, and a good sleeping bag for night.

And Ryan, bring the contentedness of knowing you are so greatly loved and we are so proud of you! Have a great trip making a Godly difference for the eternity of His creation. Remind yourself often of our love that we send in your heart... Big hugs and sweet tears, Mom