CARING FOR THE KIDS AT TUMAINI CHILDREN’S CENTER
PRAY
TRIP FAQs
What are the goals for the trip? To see firsthand what God is doing through this ministry, experience the impact of the PCEA in Kenya, and to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ who serve Him there. We hope to offer practical help such as: physical improvements around Tumaini and Huruma homes, or the adjacent schools; run an afternoon VBS for the children and a Youth Group for the older students. An emphasis will be on building relationships with the children and the people of Riamukurwe Parish. We will also visit other mission projects to see the scope of the work being done by the PCEA in the community.
Where? The Tumaini Center is located near the city of Nyeri, about three hours drive north of Nairobi.
Leaders? Timothy and Abigail McConnell.
Cost? About $3650 per person — includes air, ground transportation, lodging, meals and groceries, bottled water, gratuities, safari retreat. Visa fees, recommended vaccinations and incidentals not included.
Financial Support? Team members are asked to pay at least 25% of the trip cost themselves — this covers the non-mission portion of the trip. For those needing financial assistance, support may be raised individually and with the help of church fund raisers.
Where will we stay? We will mainly be staying at the Tumaini dormitory while in Nyeri. There will be single beds/bunks, as well as bathrooms with running water and a small kitchen facility for our group. Water and electricity can go out at unexpected times, but other than that, the housing will be basic but comfortable. There will also be a side trip to see the legendary wildlife and scenery of the country, and we will stay in lodge accommodations while on safari.
What’s the food like? Local food consists of maize, beans, rice, cabbage, kale and other local vegetables, githeri (traditional dish which is a mix of maize and beans – that the children at Tumaini eat for most their meals), ugali (a kind of maize porridge), flat bread called chapati, and some meat stews (pork, goat, beef, chicken).
What about safety? The Tumaini Center is secure, with locked gates and watchmen at night.
Will I need shots? Some immunizations (including Hepatitis A and B, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, as well as standard boosters such as polio and tetanus) and anti-malarial medicine are recommended. Check with your insurance for coverage.
Travel Documentation? You need a valid passport, which is not due to expire within 6 months of your return, and a visa to enter Kenya, which we will purchase upon arrival in Nairobi.
KENYA MISSION TRIP 2011
Where: Tumaini Children’s Center, Nyeri, Kenya
When: July 6-21, 2011
Cost: About $3650 per person.
What we’ll do:
—Build relationships through activities with the children, including a vacation Bible school program for primary school kids and an evening week-long Youth Group for secondary school kids.
— Worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Parish and community
—Construction projects, which may include: improvements at the Huruma children’s home, building livestock sheds, work on vocational institute projects, grounds work at Tumaini, improvements at primary or secondary school
LINKS:
Why send a mission team? We often hear the question: Shouldn’t we just give money? The concept of ‘sending’ hits at the core of our faith — the Father sending the Son, the Father and Son sending the Spirit, and the Triune God sending the church into the world. (John 20:21) The power of being together ‘in the flesh’ is a principle that Paul knew and talked about, and that Christ demonstrates in the incarnation. Our physical presence is a ministry and encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ, which can’t be matched by money or gifts. Yes, we bring skills that can effect change — knowledge and talents that can open doors for the indigenous ministry. But, as with Jesus, the real impact comes through relationships. Our hosts are encouraged. We are humbled. God is glorified. (Romans 1:11-12)