Next Trip in the Planning Stage

Planning for Fall Trip To Kenya
Questions regarding the next trip to Kenya:

Q: What is the next step with our Kenya mission?
Our partnering ministry with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya continues with the next trip scheduled for September 21 - October 8, 2008.

Q: Do the recent events change our plans?
We will continue to engage with ELCK whose needs are even more urgent in light of recent political and social upheaval in parts of Kenya, and will adjust the plans accordingly as events unfold.  At this point we are planning for the trip to proceed.

Q: Why are we sending another team?
We are committed to forming a working relationship with the ELCK over a five year period to both bless them with resources for mission and ministry, and be blessed by their passionate commitment to the gospel in difficult circumstances.  Our presence there blesses them. Their presence in within us, changes us as well.  

Q: Who is going?
As with the first trip, a team of three will be selected, consisting of staff and lay leadership within the congregation.  Pastor Mark Sell from Friends of Mercy will again provide trip leadership.

Q: Who should consider going?
Travel to a developing country and interacting with populations that are in severe poverty and deprivation is challenging both physically and emotionally, but the rewards and experience are life changing. If you have a heart for this ministry and experience with international travel, this might be an opportunity to experience the heart of God and witness the unity of the Body at the ends of the earth.

Q: What else?
The travel involves coping with the sometimes unpleasant sights and smells of the developing world, and rapidly adjusting to cultural differences, sometimes several times a day.  Travel itineraries change and conditions are not the same as the United States or Europe. Travelers must be able to adapt and function in these challenging circumstances.