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TEAMS SUMMER

KENYA & NIGERIA

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DID YOU KNOW THAT WE HAVE... Facilitated over 50 teams since the year 2000. Assisted in construction of many churches and other buildings. Worked in police and prison ministry. Evangelised through sport. Supported a child sponsorship programme

MISSION AFRICA Mission Africa teams spend 2-4 weeks involved in full-time, hands-on ministry and service. Our teams work closely with our African church partners and long-term missionaries, allowing us to work on projects that respond to local needs, and to be immersed in the life and culture of the church.

SENDING CHURCH

SUMM TEA

1887

1931

Belfast man Samuel Bill travels to Nigeria.

Mission Africa work reaches Igala in the middle belt of Nigeria. Work begins in Burkina Faso.

‘We are a small mission agency, therefore if you partner with us you will join the Mission Africa family.’ CHURCH IN AFRICA

UMMER TEAM

Dispatch Winter 2019 | 3

1990

1996

2002

2010

Work commences alongside partner churches in Jos in Nigeria.

First short term team travels to Nigeria.

Mission Africa joins the work in Chad.

Mission Africa joins the work in Kenya.

MISSION AFRICA TEAM The Mission Africa staff both in the UK and Africa, aim to carefully plan and organise each short term team. It is our prayerful wish that anyone joining a team will be provided with high quality training prior to departure and experience a real blessing during the trip. Often, those who serve with us remain closely linked with the Mission, long after their first team and with many wishing to return to service in Africa, for both short and long-term mission trips. We are a small mission agency, therefore if you partner with us you will join the Mission Africa family. (Welcome!)

ABIGAIL LINDSAY ‘The discipleship team to Kenya has been one of the best decisions I have made.

out b a p Read i r t ’s l i a g Abi .. . a y n e K o t

From children’s ministry opportunities to street evangelism and physical labour, the opportunities to serve God amongst communities in Kenya were plentiful. Meeting God’s people and children from another country has allowed me to learn about their culture, find confidence in spreading the gospel to anyone and grow my own faith. The team really supported and encouraged each other throughout, while keeping God at the centre of it all, making Kenya feel home away from home. It has opened my eyes to the ways God uses us if we listen to him and continue to live our lives for Him.’

The East African country of Kenya has rich diversity. There are low costal plains by the Indian Ocean and mountains and plateaus in central locations. Costal areas experience soaring temperatures with inland mountains regions bringing much cooler climate.

MISSION AFRICA’S WORK IN

KENYA Since 2010

With over 150 ethnic groups and 42 official tribes and over 60 languages, Kenya has a rich heritage and history. Swahili and English are the official languages spoken throughout the country. The main religion of the country is Christianity with Islam being the second largest belief system. While Christianity has been somewhat established within the country secularism is a growing problem within the younger generation of Kenya. Mission Africa has been working in Kenya since 2010 mainly within the Kikuyu area. Their official partner is with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), but they also partner with other organisations and projects throughout Kenya. Mission Africa’s first long term missionary began serving in Kenya in 2023, allowing an avenue for further development of both long and short term work within the area. Those serving with Mission Africa in Kenya have opportunity to work with children, youth, community and medical work to mention a few. The length of these opportunities range from a few weeks on a team, a gap year or two, to longer term service.

YOUTH & EVANGELISM TEAM Kenya 24 JULY - 14 august Itinerary: Mission Africa works in partnership with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, which has a large mission station in Kikuyu, on the outskirts of Nairobi. In Kikuyu there are several children’s care centres, that look after several hundred children and teenagers, as well as a number of church-run schools.

basic toilets and showers. It is secure, clean and comfortable.

Joining a team will allow you to engage in a variety of ministries, reaching out to people of different ages, backgrounds and faiths. You may spend time participating in holiday Bible type activities, visiting schools, working within the local church community, potentially even visiting prisons. You may find yourselves giving a children’s talk, sharing your testimony, playing sports, preparing crafts, participating in worship or painting a church.

Team Details: This team is open to anyone above the age of 18. Skills that are useful would be music, craft, sport, discipleship, or preaching. Accommodation: The team will be based at the guest house near Kikuyu which is close to all ministries that the team will participate in. It is about 40 minutes drive from Nairobi. The rooms are shared with 2 or 3 in each room, and there are

Food: Food can be quite similar to the UK. Most meals will include rice or potatoes and vegetables and often meat will be available.

Supervision: There will be a team leader appointed by Mission Africa who has experience of working in Kenya. There will also be a local facilitator who will look after the logistics and security for the team. Costs: £2,000, this includes flights, insurance, food, visa, accommodation and transport. Additional costs might include Safaris or meals eaten outside of accommodation provided.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP TEAM kenya 06 JULY - 20 JULY Itinerary: Team Details: We are excited to invite you to be part of a new team in Due to the nature and sensitivities around this ministry, Kenya this year. The focus of this team will be on ministhis is a female only team. It is most suited to those tering to women and teenage girls including some who who are interested in women’s leadership and ministry. have come from or are living in vulnerable situations. You will ministering to those who are marginalised or The team will work at a rescue centre – an hour away have suffered trauma and are particularly vulnerable in from the accommodation. The centre aims to empower society. young ladies through scripture and education, rescuing them from early marriage and FGM. The centre Accommodation: offsets costs by also offering places for other local girls The team will be based at the guest house near Kikuyu to board there. So, half of the girls are boarders and which is close to all ministries that the team will particihalf are rescued. The centre also helps to reconcile the pate in. It is about 40 minutes drive from Nairobi. The girls back to their families and societies after traumatic rooms are shared with 2 or 3 in each room, and there cultural experiences. The team will have opportunity to are basic toilets and showers. It is secure, clean and engage in therapeutic sessions, bible lessons and run comfort workshops which focus on giving them confidence to face life with a godly confidence and mindset. The team Supervision: will work with women who connected to our church This team will be led by Mission Africa staff who have partners, again sharing in bible studies, workshops, and experience of the ministries you will be partnering with. other activities. The team will be able to spend time in a Winter 2019 | 7 women’s prison too, sharing testimonies and bible talks Dispatch Costs: with inmates. £2,000. This includes flights, insurance, visa, accommodation and transport. Additional costs The evenings and team times will be spent learning might include Safaris, or meals eaten outside of more about God’s heart for women and how they can accommodation provided. better serve women not only in Kenya but on their return home also.

FOOTBALL MINISTRY TEAM Kenya 02 JULY - 23 JULY Young people in Kenya are engaging less with Christian faith than previous generations sport has been a useful vehicle to try and re-engage with these young people. This team will spend time in various locations facilitating sports camps alongside Ambassadors Football Kenya. Beyond coaching and participating in sport, they will share talks and testimonies to those who attend the camps. They are likely to work mostly with vulnerable children and youth within slums, orphanages and schools as well as potentially coaching within prisons. The team is suitable to anyone who is interested in sports, coaching or evangelism. The main location will be around the Kikuyu area but it is possible you will travel outisde of this area to attend camps in other regions. Food: Food will be quite similar to the UK. Often rice, potatoes, with a little bit of meat and some vegetables is available. Lunch will usually be sandwiches. There will also be opportunities for the team to eat at local restaurants.

Transport: Flights will be arranged to Nairobi airport and your team will travel together as a group. A minibus hired by Mission Africa will be used for the journey from the airport to Kikuyu. The vehicle and driver will be available for the team for the duration. Supervision: There will be a team leader appointed by Mission Africa who has experience of working in Kenya. There will also be a local facilitator who will look after the logistics and security for the team. Costs: £2,000 this includes flights, insurance, food, visa, accommodation and transport. Additional costs might include Safaris or meals eaten outside of accommodation provided.

Often known as the ‘giant of Africa’ Nigeria has over 400 ethnic languages. Its land is rich in natural resources with tremendous potential, however poverty remains significant with around two thirds of the population struggling in extreme poverty. Through the work of early European missionaries, many parts of Nigeria has responded to the Christian message. The church in Nigeria has grown rapidly with over half the people living there are said to be Christians. Nigeria’s prayer movement is one of the world’s strongest, and some of the largest prayer meetings in history have taken place in Nigeria. The need to train and equip the church leaders, and to minister effectively to the sick and needy remains a huge challenge. On top of that, wide cultural differences between Muslim and Christian areas of Nigeria have created tensions that have escalated into violence on both sides. Mission Africa began work in Nigeria in 1887 with the arrival of Belfast man Samuel Bill. He pioneered the work in the Iboe area of Nigeria, which established the United Evangelical Church, and allowed the work of Mission Africa to spread throughout Nigeria.

MISSION AFRICA’S WORK IN

NIGERIA Dispatch Winter 2019 | 9

Since 1887

COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM nigeria 22 JULY - 12 august One of the longest running and most successful of our teams is the work with vulnerable children at Ogugu. We are offering you the opportunity to join in this outstanding programme. Mission Africa works very closely alongside a number of African partner churches. But our closest relationship is with the United Evangelical church, as we founded this church over 135 years ago. The church is now fully independent of the mission but we operate a number of joint projects. The team will work mostly with the children who are part of Mission Africa’s sponsorship programme based in Ogugu. There are currently over 150 children sponsored and these children receive support in the forms of education, direct assistance, training and Christian discipleship. The aim of everything we do, ultimately, is to share Jesus with the children and their families through the various programmes.

State, central Nigeria. Ogugu is a busy market village, the closest town to Ogugu is Ankpa.) The team will also have the opportunity to visit Holley Memorial Hospital where Mission Africa is involved in medical and community work, and The Peter Achimugu College of Theology, where we assist in the training of ministers. Accommodation: There is onsite accommodation in the locations where you will be ministering, while basic it is clean and comfortable Food: Nigerian food would typically consist of stews, rice and vegetables, but often those who cook for us, would cook to our preferred tastes.

Supervision: There will be a team leader appointed by Mission Africa 10 | Dispatch Winter 2019who has experience of working in Nigeria. There will Serving under the direction of our Nigerian partners, also be a local facilitator who will look after the logistics you will work with the children on our sponsorship and security for the team. programme to deliver Bible Clubs, games, crafts, sports and discipleship as well as doing some maintenance Costs and practical work within the centre. You will see how £2,000 which includes flights, insurance, food, visa, acthe children live and meet with their families, visiting in commodation and transport. their homes in the village of Ogugu. (Ogugu is in Kogi

MEDICAL ELECTIVES NIGERIA & KENYA

Mission Africa offers a vert popular and successful elective programme for medical students wishing to take their elective in Africa. We also offer placements and electives for nursing and dentistry students. This is a great chance to not only learn about tropical diseases and medicine, but to serve God while fulfilling part of your student requirements. PCEA Kikuyu Hospital Nairobi, Kenya Mission Africa has recently established a new partnership agreement with the Presbyterian Church in East Africa and we can offer limited placements in PCEA Kikuyu Hospital. Founded in 1908 by Scottish missionaries, PCEA Kikuyu Hospital has stood the test of time to become one of the most community friendly hospitals in the region. The general hospital has four main wards, male, female, paediatric and maternity. In-patient numbers are usually around 100. Services also include: outpatients maternal and child health, casualty (emergency room), a busy operating theatre, a dental unit and an antiretroviral therapy programme. The hospital also has an Eye Unit, which provides highly specialised ophthalmic care throughout East Africa. Also on site is an orthopaedic rehabilitation unit with

an active surgical programme. Students are invited to participate in morning prayers, outpatient clinics, casualty and to assist in the operating theatre. We can facilitate individuals or small groups of 5-6 people for a minimum of 3 to 6 weeks. Holley Memorial Hospital Ochadamu, Kogi State, Nigeria Founded in the 1940’s in response to the needs of those suffering from leprosy, Holley Memorial Hospital is recognised by the Nigerian Government as a place of excellence in the treatment of leprosy. Today the hospital has grown to be a medium sized general hospital providing specialist services in surgery, maternity and obstetrics, orthopaedics, ophthalmics and caring for people with illnesses such as TB and HIV. An outpatients department cares for a growing population. Alongside all this, faithful witness is given to Jesus Christ through word and action. This hospital is suitable for up to 3 to 4 elective students at any one time. It is not suitable for statistical studies as there is not usually a broad enough patient pool. Costs Cost will vary based on the length of placement. Please contact us for more information.

CHURCH TEAMS NIGERIA, KENYA & chad

Mission Africa has facilitated a number of teams from churches wishing to travel to serve God in Africa for a short time. We have send teams from churches such Lowe Memorial Presbyterian, Hamilton Road Presbyterian, Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian, Newtownbreda Baptist, Second Donegore Presbyterian and most recently Ballydown Presbyterian and Finaghy Baptist. Our church teams have been involved in a number of different ministries including working alongside missionaries and church partners. Outreach among the fulani people group, working in internally displaced people camps, building work and children’s outreach. Church teams can bring a united spirit to the work that missionaries and partners are involved in and also return home with a zeal for mission that they share with their congregations. The activities you become involved in will depend largely on the skills, abilities and age of the team. Our Short Term Coordinator will meet with you and discuss the various options available to your team. Mission Africa will take care of the practical details of your trip as well as giving the team cultural and practical training before you depart.

Accommodation: All our teams use safe and comfortable accommodation where food is also provided. Rooms are usually split into groups of 2-4 people. Costs: The costs for a team can differ depending on what time of year you wish to go and how long you wish to go for. Costs tend to range between £1400 and £2000 per person with the summer being the dearest time to travel. Payments can be made in instalments with a payment plan in place before you go. If this is something your church would be interested in, please contact us and we would love to explore some options with you. Email address: info@missionafrica.org.uk

SCHOOL TEAMS KENYa

Our school teams are a fantastic opportunity for young people to take time away from the busyness of academic life and to bring the Gospel to the people of Africa. The opportunities to grow as an individual, develop skills and abilities while serving in a real and vibrant way are endless. This year we have seen our first schools team from Lurgan College travel to Kenya over half term. It is our belief that young people can make an impact wherever they serve. Could this be the perfect opportunity for your SU or Religious Studies group? Programme: This team will allow for your school group to get involved in a variety of projects from practical work, displaying the love of Christ, to childrens work. Gaining experience in a new culture whilst striving to show others who Jesus is and the love which He has for them. You may have opportunities to prepare talks, to plan lessons, to lead a sports camp or worship in a church. With your group in mind our programmes can be adapted and suited to your team. In the lead up to the team your school group will receive training and orientation as well as the option to hold parents nights or other events to facilitate the smooth running of the team. On a more serious note we provide risk assessments as well as any documentation you may need for this team to meet the school policy requirements.

Accommodation: Each of our teams are based in the Kikuyu region of Kenya, about 40 minutes outside of Nairobi. Rooms are shared between 2 or 3 people with shower and bathroom facilities in the form of en-suite bathrooms. It is a secure place to stay with comfortable places to enjoy time together and make you feel right at home. Food: All food is provided by our hosts in Kenya and is not dissimilar to the food we have here. Often it is meat with either potatoes or rice. We provide packed lunches for you to take off site should that be required for the work you will be involved in each day. Transport: All flights are arranged to land in Nairobi airport by the best route possible. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by our friendly local drivers who will take you to your accommodation. Costs: The costs for a team can differ depending on what time of year you wish to go and how long you wish to go for. Costs tend to range between £1400 and £2000 per person with the summer being the dearest time to travel. Payments can be made in instalments with a payment plan in place before you go.

THE FINER DETAILS FORMAT OF TEAMS A detailed itinerary will be given closer to departure, but this may be subject to change. Our teams are responsive to the situations we encounter on the ground and we try to follow God’s lead looking for opportunities to serve in ways that we could never have planned. We do try to have a varied programme throughout the week. Usually we plan about five days ministry work and one day to experience local cultural activities. Sundays are usually church in the mornings followed by a restful afternoon. TYPICAL DAILY ROUTINE A typical day could look something like this: 07:30 Breakfast 08:00 Team Prayers and daily planning 09:30 Various ministry activities 13:00 Lunch followed by a short rest and preparation for afternoon activities. 15:00 Continuing activities from morning or running afternoon activities 18:00 Evening meal followed by debrief and devotional time, planning for next day and occasional evening activities 21:30 Time for bed FINANCE The costs of the team is all-inclusive during your time in Africa. The costs include: • Airfares and travel within the country • Visas • Accommodation and food • Travel insurance (insurance includes basic medical coverage, however if you have a medical condition this needs to be disclosed. This could add to the cost of your trip). • Contribution towards ministry costs Costs do not include vaccinations and antimalarials or travel to and from orientation and debrief. A subsidy may be available for orientation travel, details given on application. You may occasionally have the opportunity to visit some restaurants at your own expense or purchase some souvenirs and snacks so bring a little spending money. PAYMENT PLAN • Nonrefundable deposit of £50 to begin processing your application

• £350 due by 9th February 2024 • £800 due by 12th April 2024 • Final balance of £800 due by 24th May 2024 CANCELLATION If an applicant cancels two months before departure, a refund will be provided less £50 deposit and flight cancellation costs (based on ticket purchase if applicable). Later cancellation incurs further administrative costs and could impact the feasibility of the team. Mission Africa operates under charitable trust law and Mission Africa has a duty of care for each team member. TRAVEL AND HEALTH Passports must be valid for six months after the completion of travel. A tourist visa is required for Nigeria and will be applied for in advance by Mission Africa and is part of the costs for the trip. Passports need to be with the MA office and embassy for about 4 weeks prior to your departure. For Kenya, visas are acquired online and will be completed by the MA office in the days before your departure, the cost of which is included in your trip. You must let Mission Africa know if you will need your passport in the weeks prior to departure. Comprehensive travel and health insurance with repatriation is included in costs. Even if you have a separate travel policy, we will provide specialist cover for working in Africa. You must consult your health professional and follow their advice regarding relevant vaccinations and antimalarials. All vaccinations need to be taken before departure, failure to get vaccinations (other than advised against on medical grounds) could mean you will be unable to travel. Presentation of a yellow fever certificate is a requirement for entry into Nigeria. Any pre-exisiting medical conditions need to be declared on application, they may not be covered by our standard insurance policy. If there are delays outwards or homeward Mission Africa personnel will arrange suitable accommodation and transport. We will arrange flights to Africa from either Belfast or Dublin airports. It is general practice that team members are required to travel together. Alternative arrangements from other UK airports may be considered. ORIENTATION Before each team goes to Africa they will have an orientation weekend. This will brief them on cultural awareness, as well as how to work and live together as a team. Some specific training will be given according to the ministry requirements of your team.

Orientation is a good opportunity for the team to get toknow each other before travelling to Africa. The cost of orientation is included in the cost and will be held for teams and placements on the 7-8th June 2024 in Northern Ireland. We will also send you some training material to complete on the lead up to your orientation and trip to Africa. Attendance at orientation is compulsory. At your orientation you will have an opportunity to attend Mission Africa’s annual conference where you will be commissioned with your team. This is an opportunity for you to bring friends, family and church leaders along to hear about your trip. We hope that this will encourage them to pray for you. APPLICATION All applications must be received by 26th January 2024. We will then request references from each applicant. We may request to have an interview with you. If accepted we will confirm your place via email. We require that you respond to the email to agree and confirm your place on the team. Teams are allocated on a first come, first served basis; however, we may request that an applicant joins a different team. Applicants must be in good standing with their church. DATES All dates are preliminary and may vary slightly by a few days depending on flight availability and in country circumstances. The final dates will be confirmed when we book the flights, but we try to accommodate people should they need to return to UK earlier than the rest of the team. DEBRIEF 26th October 2024 Debrief is important for reflecting on the experiences you have had and processing what you have experienced. When an applicant signs up to join a team they are agreeing to participate in debrief after their trip. This is included in the costs you paid towards your trip. Attendance at debrief is compulsory. If the allocated dates of debrief do not suit due to unforeseen circumstances, a staff member will arrange a time for the applicant to have an individual debrief session. It is the applicant’s responsibility to inform staff of their availability to attend debrief. WEBSITE & PUBLICITY There may be occasions where photographs taken during the team are used for publicity purposes. If the applicant does not agree for these to be used for these purposes they must make staff and team leaders aware.to travel together. Alternative arrangements from other UK airports may be considered. ange a time for the applicant to have an individual debrief session. It is the applicant’s responsibility to inform staff of their availability to attend debrief.

missionafrica.ORG.uk Why go on a Mission AfricaTeam? Do you want to transform your view of the world and increase your heart for serving people? Have you a longing to get to know God better and understand more of His plan for your life? Would you like to step out in faith, experience new cultures, speak new languages and help the needy and lost? Perhaps serving God on a Mission Africa team would be a good place to start. We will expose you to many different experiences and challenges that will stretch and expand your faith, gifts and abilities as your step out in faith.

How to apply: • Pray. If God is calling you to serve in Africa on a team, then spend time in prayer seeking His will and direction. • Find out more about your team. Visit our website at www.missionafrica.org.uk • Choose the team you want to apply for, read the information on the page then click Apply Now. • Applications are online. Fill in your application and pay the £50 deposit to submit your form. • We’ll send off for your references and you will hear if you’ve been accepted within 2 - 3 weeks.

For more information please contact us at: Mission Africa 14 Glencregagh Court Belfast, BT6 0PA www.missionafrica.org.uk info@missionafrica.org.uk 02890402850