Application Information

Each person traveling on the trip must complete an application.

For families:

• Create an account for the parent/guardian and the student.
• Each person traveling should log into their own account to complete and submit their application.

The student application includes agreements that parents or guardians must read and digitally sign.

The application takes about 15–30 minutes to complete.

• Click here for a video explaining the new platform.
• Watch this short video for a step-by-step guide on how family accounts work.
• Having trouble linking family accounts? Watch this help video.

Focus

This mission trip to Kenya partners with a transformative ministry that improves the spiritual, economic, and social well-being of underserved populations. Our team will join in their vision of bringing community development and restoration through local church partnerships.
Participants will experience the joy of serving a community in central Kenya by providing training in personal spiritual growth, engaging in evangelism, and supporting community development projects. Some ministry will also take place among remote, unreached groups, where there is little access to the gospel.

About Kenya

Kenya is a country of great diversity—geographically, ethnically, and economically. From Nairobi, a modern city of nearly five million people, to rural villages led by tribal chiefs, the culture and daily life vary widely.
While Kenya is developing rapidly, poverty remains widespread, with nearly a third of the population living on less than $1 per day. Many Kenyans identify as Christian, yet there is still a need for a clear understanding of the gospel and the hope of Jesus Christ.
In some of the regions our team will visit, there are remote and unreached communities with limited exposure to the gospel. Serving alongside Lulu Thamani, we will have the opportunity to encourage believers and share Christ in places where His name is rarely heard.

Trip Schedule

This trip runs from June 4th to June 13th. Below is a sample overview of what to expect:

Day 1–2: Travel to Kenya
Day 3: Orientation and rest
Day 4: Church & community ministry
Day 5–8: Evangelism and community ministry
Day 9: Cultural day
Day 10: Travel home

Typical Ministry Day

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast
• 8:45 AM – Leadership training
• 10:00 AM – Depart for ministry site
• 11:00 AM – Evangelism/ministry (could include food distribution or other projects in the local community)
• 1:00 PM – Lunch
• 1:45 PM – Evangelism/ministry
• 4:45 PM – Return to lodging
• 6:30 PM – Dinner
• 8:00 PM – Daily debrief
• 9:00 PM – Free time

Logistics

Transportation

• Round-trip flights from Austin to Nairobi are included.
• In-country travel will be by chartered vans (6–7 passengers per van) with a trusted company we have partnered with for many years.
• A valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining after the return date) is required.
• A tourist visa for Kenya is required (HCBC will guide this process).

Lodging

Lodging varies depending on which community our team serves. Accommodations may include:

• Lodge or bed & breakfast style settings
• Mission/ministry guest houses reserved for ministry groups
• Occasionally, Bible college dorms

Meals

Meals vary depending on location, but typically include:

• Breakfast: buffet style with eggs/omelets, toast, cereal, fruit, vegetables, beans, and occasionally local foods
• Lunch: often served by the hosting church, usually includes ugali (a maize-based starch), soup/stew, cooked greens, and occasionally grilled meat
• Dinner: grilled meats and vegetables, fried chicken, spaghetti, or chapati (a dense, tortilla-like bread)
• Hot chai is served multiple times a day with a cookie or crackers
• Western-style meals may be provided on travel or cultural days
• Participants are encouraged to bring snacks (protein bars, peanut butter, etc.) if they are selective eaters

Trip Cost

The total cost of the trip covers:
✔ Round-trip airfare from Austin to Nairobi
✔ In-country lodging and meals
✔ Ground transportation in Kenya
✔ Supplies for ministry and outreach
✔ Training and preparation materials

Participants are responsible for:

• Passport fees
• Required vaccinations and malaria medication
• Personal spending money (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

Packing & Preparation

A detailed packing list will be provided closer to departure. Plan to bring:

• Modest, lightweight clothing suitable for hot weather and ministry settings
• Closed-toe shoes for walking/serving
• Bible, journal, and personal toiletries
• Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, water bottle
• Snacks for in-between meals
• Travel documents and any necessary medications

Trip Trainings

To ensure our teams are fully prepared to support our partners, we require all participants to complete four mandatory training sessions before the trip. These sessions will help you grow as a disciple of Jesus, build relationships with your team, prepare for the work you’ll be doing, and understand your role in the Great Commission. Training dates are listed in the Meeting section below. Missing more than one training may result in removal from the team.

Support Raising

All trip participants are encouraged to raise support for their trip. It is an opportunity to see how God provides. Global Outreach will be hosting an optional in-person support-raising training on March 1st from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. We will also provide you with a support-raising packet to help walk you through the process.

Financial Information

The cost of the trip includes travel, trip insurance, transportation, supplies, lodging, and meals for the duration of the trip. The cost does not include souvenirs or recreational excursions.
IRS Guidelines: For contributions to be tax-deductible, the church must have ultimate control and discretion over how the funds are spent. This means that any financial gift received for a trip is non-refundable.
If a participant has to withdraw for any reason, they are responsible for covering any trip expenses already incurred by the church on their behalf.