Experience God at Work in Kenya

Teams that serve with Baptists on Mission (BOM) through the Houses of Hope ministry in Kenya return knowing that they have truly “experienced God at work in Africa.” Just getting to the ministry site is a bit of an adventure. A lengthy plane ride lands our teams in Nairobi, the capital. After a night’s rest, a day’s van ride brings them to the small town of Ahero, near Lake Victoria.

Upon arriving in Ahero and settling into the comfortable guesthouse, team members quickly become accustomed to the new sights, sounds, and smells. Each day, the team travels to a different village to build a house for a widow or family in need. The road to the house site might begin on a paved road, but usually ends up on a dirt road, which may eventually turn into a cattle trail. The house-building itself is a task that all volunteers can participate in, with the help of a small group of Kenyan “fundis” (experts) who are there to assist. While on the site for the day, the team helps build the house and can engage in ministry with the many children who come by to see what’s going on.

Team members also have the opportunity to go house to house through the village, along with a translator, to give their testimony and share the gospel message. They find it a privilege to be invited into the simple homes of these humble people. It does not take long to understand that most Kenyans are content with what they have and are gracious hosts. They are glad to hear what a volunteer has to share.

The day at the work site ends in celebration. The whole village is invited to come together for a house dedication that includes singing, prayer, an evangelistic message, and a house blessing. It’s a joyous time and a great way to end the day. Team members leave knowing that the local pastor, who served as translator for the team and fellow laborer throughout the day, will return to the house for several weeks to lead a Bible Study that will deepen the villagers’ understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for them.

A trip to Kenya and participation in the Houses of Hope ministry can be arranged almost any time during the year. Teams can be as small as 5-6 volunteers or as large as 14-16. Simply call the Baptists on Mission office with an 11-day travel timeframe. Trips begin on a Tuesday and conclude on the following Friday. The cost of the trip includes approximately $ 1,000 for ground expenses (which includes a one-night stay in one of Kenya’s world-famous game parks), plus the cost of airfare, which ranges from $1,200 to $1,800, depending on the time of year. Come have a truly African experience while assisting a family in need and providing Bible study, as well as potentially starting a new church in Kenya!

A mission trip to Kenya can be planned for almost any time of the year. Visit here to find out more about this life-changing opportunity.