Kenya

Team Tasks

Each team assists in building four houses in four days. These are simple, pole houses with tin roofs. Any team, including those with men, women, and/or older youth, can assist in the building of houses – regardless of skill level. The team works with three Kenyan builders each day. In addition, teams have opportunity to:

• Visit door to door, sharing testimony and the plan of salvation
• Conduct children’s ministry
• Participate in a children’s feeding program, and/or witness in local schools.
• Each day concludes with a house dedication service that the whole village attends.

Trip Dates

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.)

Team Size

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.

Logistics

Baptists on Mission will arrange airfare, lodging, in-country transportation, and other logistics for each team. A Kenyan support team works with each team once on the field, including a pastor, translator, driver, and skilled laborers for construction teams. Teams stay in a guesthouse their first night in Nairobi, and then at our coordinator’s compound once on the field, where breakfast and supper are provided. 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.

Per Person Cost

Exact cost of the project will vary depending on current airfare. Ground cost is approximately $1000 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 $1400 and $1800 depending on time of year, with summer months being the most expensive. (*Cost varies depending on number of volunteers on the team)

Other Costs

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 for four houses. Currently, because of generous giving, Baptists on Mission is able to provide the funds for four houses per team.