As part of a church planting strategy, mission teams are assisting in the construction of houses for families in need. Local pastors are active in planning, conducting, and follow-up of each project. The recipients of the houses are determined by the village, and are usually widows, women who have been abandoned by their husbands, or someone with a disability. Often, these families are unable to keep their houses up to safe, sanitary standards. The house-building project brings the community together for service to one of its members and exposes them to the Gospel through a house dedication service. After the team has departed, local pastors follow up with a 12-week Bible study in the homes. The hope is that a church will start out of this, and several have.
Each mission team assists in building four houses in four days. Any team, including those with men, women, and/or youth, can assist in the building of houses. The team works with a team of three Kenyan builders each day. In addition, teams have opportunity to:
Trip dates can be worked out almost any time throughout the year for a church or associational team. Travel typically begins with a Tuesday departure from NC and concludes with a return to NC on the following Friday. Contact Mark Abernathy at the Baptists on Mission office at (919) 459-5607 or mabernathy@ncbaptist.org, with dates in mind. We will then confirm the dates with our contacts in Kenya.
(Note that the projects listed at the bottom of this page have been set up for specific teams that are already planning to go.)
Because of transportation costs, the ideal team size is six to eight members, but larger groups ( up to 15-16) can also be accommodated. Individuals or couples wishing to go may be able to add to an existing team.
Baptists on Mission will arrange airfare, lodging, in-country transportation, and other logistics for each team. A Kenyan support team will work with each team once on the field, including translators and skilled laborers for construction teams. Teams stay in a hotel their first night, and then in a clean, trusted guesthouse once on the field. Breakfast and supper are provided at the guesthouse. Each traveler must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining on it from time of departure. A Kenyan visa will be purchased online prior to departure. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus vaccinations, and Malaria medication are recommended.
Exact cost of the project will vary depending on current airfare. Ground cost is approximately $950 per person* and is based on an 11 day trip. This includes food, lodging, in-country transportation, bottled water, orientation, volunteer insurance, and one night’s stay at one of Kenya’s world renowned game parks. Airfare typically runs between $1000 and $1600 depending on time of year, with summer months being the most expensive.
The cost of each house (which includes materials and salary for small team of local craftsmen) is $400. Thus, materials cost for a team of 6-8 will be $1600. Occasionally, depending on availability, NCBM can contribute the cost for these houses (up to four houses) IF funds are available. Otherwise, the team members, church, or association will need to take care of these costs. Teams larger than 8 will need to take care of the funds for any additional houses (past four).
Kenya Work & Witness Teams contact:
Mark Abernathy
(919) 459-5607
mabernathy@ncbaptist.org
No Kenya projects found.