Mission trip to Kenya, Africa, May 15, 2008 to June 15, 2008

Ministry Description:
Culture and/or State Information
The Republic of Kenya lies in East Africa, along the Indian Ocean, at the equator. Snow-capped mountain peaks, arid deserts, and rolling grasslands provide a stunning setting for Kenya�s numerous wildlife reserves, containing thousands of animal species. The culture is made up of colorful tribal customs combined with modern sensibilities. But poverty in Kenya has continued to be a huge problem. Somewhere between one quarter and half of the population earn less than $1 each day, and around three quarters of Kenya's population is dependent on the unstable agriculture industry. Weak overall infrastructure for the country means that nearly all the rural population are forced to rely on their own farming for food as well as monetary income. Jobs are scarce, leaving people with little opportunity for employment. Civil unrest following recent elections has led to violence claiming the lives of thousands of Kenyans, as well as displacing thousands more to refugee camps. Known for being one of the most corrupt nations in the world, the average urban Kenyan pays an estimated 16 bribes per month. Until a significant change can occur, from top to bottom, the Kenyan people will be forced to suffer through these intolerable conditions.

Ministry Description
Despite the trials they face, the residents of Kenya remain full of joy and hope. They exhibit a typical African warmth that can only come from Christ. The majority of your service in this adventure will likely take place in Kibera, Kenya's largest slum. You will be tasked with reaching out to Kibera's poverty-stricken residents in engaging ways such as through skits, sports, music and other unique means. There is a possibility that you will venture into more rural areas, dedicated to reaching residents where they live. This journey promises to be unlike any other you've ever been on, and will not leave you unchanged.

Recommended Prayer
- Pray that God will open up opportunities to share his love and truth with the people of Kenya.
- Pray that God will provide the destitute Kenyans with a sense of hope, despite the overwhelming poverty that surrounds them.
- Pray that God will go before you and soften the hearts of the Kenyan people who have rejected the gospel or might be resistant to your message of hope.

Shots & Vaccinations:
An updated Tetanus shot is Strongly Recommended for ALL projects.

We suggest you be sure you are up-to-date on �childhood� vaccines like MMR, Diphtheria, Tetanus, DTP, and Polio. You will also need for this trip: Malaria medication; Yellow fever; Hepatitis A or IG vaccine; Hepatitis B; Tetanus, Typhoid Optional: Rabies (This is based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Recommendation and or own experience on specific project location) AIM recommends that you consult with your personal physician or health care provider.

Suggested Travel Agency:

Angie Lepley, CTC
Tangerine Travel, Ltd.
16017 Juanita Woodinville Way NE, #201
Bothell, WA 98011
Phone (800) 678-8202
Direct (425) 354-6910
Email Angie@tangerinetravel.com
www.tangerinetravel.com

Suggested Travel Insurance:

We highly recommend all program participants have health insurance coverage for international trips. It is important to know that most regular health insurance plans do not cover you overseas. Health coverage is not a requirement for domestic trips, but still recommended.

Location Description:

Kenya is located on the equator at 6000ft above sea level. Kenya can be divided into four regions: the coastal belt with hot, humid weather all year; the Rift Valley and central highlands, the most scenic areas with lakes, mountains, and an agreeable climate; western Kenya with its northern tea plantations fading away to semi-desert in the south; and Masai Mara National Reserve on the Tanzanian boarder in the northeast, consisting of vast semi-arid bush land with sparse rainfall and cattle-grazing.
(Discover the Rhythms of Africa, 2001)

Weather:

Daytime temperatures in Kibera range from 70-80�, and night temperatures fall to 50-65� F.

Area Attractions:

National Museum (off of Museum Hill Rd, Nairobi.); Snake park (off of Museum Hill Rd, Nairobi.); Railway Museum (along Station Rd, Nairobi); Nairobi National Park (Haile Salassie Ave, Nairobi); Masai Mara (game park); Mombassa (Ocean) City Market (down town Nairobi); Masi market (at Village Market Westlands on Friday�s) has water slides and malls here; Serite Center in Westlands is the big mall in Kenya. Carnival is a �big game/ meat� restaurant in Nairobi close to Karen. Karen Blixin�s home (movie South Africa outside of Nairobi in Karen); New Life Home (orphanage for AID babies)

People: Most people in Kenya speak English though they like it when you can speak Swahili. See www.kenyaweb.com/vnairobi/language.html for some Swahili phrases. Each tribe will have its own langue that they use along with Swahili and English. All education is taught in English.

Religion: 78% of the people in Kenya are nominally Christian. 8% are Muslim located mostly on the coast and eastern part of Kenya. 11.5% are still Traditional ethnic. (Africa on a Shoestring �Discover the rhythms of Africa� London: Lonely planet, 2001).

There are 70 different tribes in Kenya.
For the time in Kenya see www.worldatlas.com

Population:
30 million

Literacy Rate:
78% (Johnstone, Patrick and Jason, Mandryk. Operation World 21 Century Edition. p. 380).

Average Annual Income:
$340 (Johnstone, Patrick and Jason, Mandryk. Operation World 21 Century Edition. p.380).

Kenya, Africa Mission Trip