VISION FOR AFRICA
May 28-June 8, 2024
Each year, Redeemer sends a group to Kenya to perform an eye vision clinic and share the gospel. Over the years, thousands of people have had their sight restored - in both vision and spirit. Join us next summer in doing the Lords work in Africa. Do you have questions? See the FAQ below.
Vision for Kenya Information Meeting
Join us January 28 at 10:30am in Reception Room A to learn about Redeemer's annual vision clinics in Kenya with Pastor Kevin Westergren and Dave DeVore.
Follow our team in the Nairobi slum of Kibera as they serve the people with the Gospel and vision care.
The blog will be updated daily as possible during the mission trip.
Thanks so much!
Dave
Thank you for considering God’s call to join us. The following will answer the most common questions regarding Vision for Africa.
GOALS FOR MISSION
Conduct eye care clinics in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK).
Partner with ELCK leadership to bring outreach missions to specific congregations in Kenya.
Partner with host congregations’ evangelism teams to present the gospel message of salvage through Jesus Christ to each person who visits a clinic.
What is “Vision for Africa”?
“Vision for Africa” is a united effort of multiple Lutheran congregations to reach the mission goals stated above. Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas, serves as the administrative center for “Vision for Africa.” Redeemer Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas serves as a mentor congregation providing assistance in scheduling trips, securing supplies, and hosting regular meetings for participating congregations.
Cost & Age Requirement
Redeemer’s cost for each clinic mission is usually $2,500-2,700 per participant (includes air fare which is usually $1,500 from Austin, although it can go lower; Kenya ground expenses which include transport, meals, lodging, and insurance which is usually $500 and supplies for the clinic are about $1,200.) Members of Redeemer are requested to contribute their own airfare and personal costs . . .usually $2,000. Redeemer congregation covers the cost of the clinic supplies. Non-members are asked to contribute the full amount or to make arrangements with their own congregation for support. Limited financial assistance or “scholarships” may be available. Contact one of the team leaders listed at the bottom of p.2. You will purchase your own tickets once we lock in on a flight and generally the earlier you purchase the less expensive. We should be ready with flight information in the beginning of February Minimum age: Age 18 or 16 if accompanied by parent/guardian.
Application & Registration Deadline
After making the decision to go and filling out the application online at www.redeemer.net/kenya the participant will purchase their own ticket to/and from Nairobi on the flight the team has chosen to take. This is usually done in January or February for the best rates. Before purchasing tickets make sure you know the flight our team is taking so we all travel together.
April 15, 2024 -- $500 non-refundable payment to Redeemer for Kenya Ground Expenses due
Attach a color copy of your passport with your application.
Passport & Visa
Every participant must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after entry date into Kenya so that would be November 28, 2024. The process of obtaining or renewing a passport can take as long as 4-6 weeks
An electronic Kenyan travel authorization MUST be obtained before leaving for Kenya at www.evisa.go.ke
We will share an electronic help sheet to work through the visa application with you. Generally you will get your visa one to two months before you leave and after you purchase your airplane ticket.
Immunizations, etc.
There are no required immunizations for travel to Kenya. CONTACT YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN OR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AGENT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS.
Worth consideration are the following: Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Yellow Fever.
Malaria is very common in Africa – Contact your physician for a prescription of a preferred anti-malaria drug for Kenya. Do NOT use chloroquine in Kenya. Chloroquine is not effective in Africa. Persons with hypertension should consult their physician regarding precautions against malaria. Be sure to bring mosquito repellant that has at least 90% deet (check the label). We have been going to Nairobi for many years and have not had a problem with malaria, but you want to be safe and protected.
Airline Tickets
We all travel together from Austin or Houston on a specific flight. We generally book the tickets individually on the same day, but you may book your own ticket as long as it is on our designated flights. It is critical that the team arrives in Nairobi at the same time. Again we encourage you to get your tickets booked early since it generally will cost you less. Each traveler is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from Austin Bergstrom Airport (AUS). Please coordinate with Dave DeVore.
Training & Orientation
Everyone is expected to attend the training and orientation session usually in March. (time and place to be determined).
Schedule/Itinerary
Tuesday -Wednesday, – travel from Austin to Nairobi
Wednesday-Saturday, – jet lag recovery, safaris near Nairobi or to Ambocelli National Park or other local tours of Nairobi
Sunday, – usually worship at local congregation and set up clinic
Monday – Friday, – conduct clinics during day – fellowship, meal, devotions in the evening
Friday evening - Saturday, –return travel from Nairobi to Austin
Personal Travel
Some team members will want to go to Amboseli National Game Park with Pastor Kevin and Dave before we conduct the clinic. We will be taking a train on Thursday May 30th most of the way there. Our drivers will pick us up and take us the rest of the way through beautiful countryside to the park, which sits in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. We should be able to do an afternoon safari, a full day of safaris and other activities Friday and then devote much of Saturday to travel back to Nairobi so we will be able to worship with our local congregation that we will be serving on Sunday.
Others that have been on a number of safari excursions before or those wanting something different, will have options of doing things in and around the Nairobi area and perhaps a day trip out to Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru for a less expensive, but still incredible, safari experience.
Please let Dave DeVore know as soon as possible which of these two options you prefer so we can plan lodging and transportation accordingly.
Food – Water, Etc.
As part of the accommodations in Kenya, breakfast and the evening meals are provided. Lunch is the responsibility of each individual although we will often join the local volunteers for lunch. The clinic work proceeds uninterrupted on the clinic days and team members normally take individual short breaks to snack for lunch. Bringing food from the U.S. is discouraged, since you will have limited packing space. Snack food can be obtained in a “WalMart” type store in Nairobi.
The “don’t drink the water” advice for foreign travel applies to Kenya also. Safe, bottled water is readily available at reasonable prices and you are expected to purchase your own supply of drinking water. DO NOT drink any water or brush your teeth with water from a faucet, shower or water tap. Antiseptic hand lotion is available in Nairobi.
Clothing - Luggage
Clothing for the mission must be chosen carefully. Although Kenya is located on the equator, the climate at most of our clinics and lodgings is mild due to their higher altitudes. A light jacket or sweater may be desired in the mornings or evenings. Medical scrub tops are worn by most team members at the clinics. Long pants are recommended. Do NOT bring shorts. Longer skirts or dresses are permitted. A light rain “poncho” plus an extra pair of shoes are suggested. If rubber boots are advised for your clinic, they can be purchased on the first Saturday while shopping for personal food, sanitation, and water supplies in Nairobi.
You must pack lightly. On the aircraft each team member will be allowed only one regulation size carry-on bag plus one other SMALL personal bag (large purse, briefcase, etc.) YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHECK A SMALLER SUITCASE under 50 lbs, but the checked-bag allowance for each ticket WILL FIRST BE UTILIZED by the team to bring clinic equipment and other clinic supplies.
Money
You are advised to bring at least $300 in $100 dollar bills. These bills should be crisp, unworn, without creases or marks and dated 2017 or newer. Contact your local bank several weeks in advance. Many banks do not have a supply of “perfect” $100 bills on hand. (Bring clean $20’s, and $5’s or $10’s for your visa in Nairobi). Team leaders can advise you of the exchange booths to use in Kenya. Visa and Master Card are accepted in many places in Nairobi and larger cities. Advise your credit card company that you will be traveling abroad. There are some ATM outlets in Nairobi.
Safety – Security - Accommodations
Redeemer has been doing this mission for over ten years and makes every effort to ensure that the group is safe at all times. Accommodations will be different from American hotel standards, but generally are very safe, clean and very nice usually with a private bathroom in your room. Meals will be taken either at our lodgings or at restaurants known by our hosts.
Language
English is widely spoken, but knowing a few native words or phrases is appreciated by the people. You will receive some common phrases in Swahili at the Orientation meeting.
Application Process
Applications for the 2024 trip can be found at this link.
Questions? – Contact one of the following team leaders:
Kenya Team 2022 Mission Report
Watch a report on the recent Vision Clinic that they conducted in the Nairobi neighborhood of Waithaka, in the slum of Kawangware. The presentation will include a slide show from the clinic and highlights of the team’s trip after the clinic to Amboseli National Game Park on the Tanzanian border, which is within sight of Mt. Kilimanjaro.