Christian Mission Aid

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

CMA Visitors Information 

Come…. Safari With Us!

MISSION TOUR & TRAVEL CO. 
As a Christian, you see the world from a different perspective. When you tour Kenya, you will be comforted to know that your guide is not only knowledgeable, informed and experienced, but also that he shares your faith in Christ. Click here for more information.

LONG OR SHORT-TERM MISSIONS INFORMATION

We do welcome volunteers to come and work here on long or short-term mission trips. As you can see in our website there are many opportunities for people to get involved within our ministries in East Africa. 

You should know that CMA is just not able to provide volunteers with any financial support or expenses. All the people who come out to work with us raise their own support to cover their expenses during their stay. We encourage you to seek both financial and prayer support from your family, friends, and Church. 

There are some things we always like to find out about our visitors before they come so that we can make the best arrangements ahead of time. Here are some of the things we would like to know from you.

1.  Your personal testimony. We'd like to know where you are spiritually. Africa is not a place to come to "find yourself". 
      it can be a big culture shock and demands a committed, spiritually solid individual to handle the potential shock.  
2.  We require a Resume (CV) for anyone wanting to do some work here. Not only professional skills, but hobbies 
      and interests (i.e. children's ministries, environmental work, medical assistance, etc.)     
3.   How long would you like to come? One month may be a bit long for first time volunteers, and two weeks is
      recommended. This gives you enough time to digest it all and also keep your costs down.
4.   We strongly recommend that you come with a larger group. Six to eight works nicely, not only for transportation
      issues, but also emotionally and psychologically. It is so helpful to have colleagues close by to share any burden
      or concern.
5.   We also would like to know your health situation. It is imperative to know when visitors travel or require emergency
      treatment what special needs there may be. 

We suggest you read the Visitor Information below and contact us at Africa@CMAid.org if you have questions.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE - www.gninsurance.com
Health insurance for short-term teams; short-term, and career workers, med-evac. Also “Medical Advice for Overseas Travelers” and “Tips for Understanding International Insurance.”
In Case of Theft! There is property crime in Nairobi. Click here to read some excellent Advice from an Attorney in order to protect yourself from theft. This is excellent information no matter where you live.

  Note: The information below is now available to download and print out in PDF format. Just click on the link below. This requires an Adobe Acrobat™ Reader, and a free download is available here if you don't have one installed on your computer.

 CMA Visitors Information
(Requires Adobe Acrobat ™ Reader)  


Free Download

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Karibu! (Welcome)

Background on Kenya

Things To Do Now

What To Pack

Information and Suggestions

Photography Tips

What To Say

General Precautions

African Food

Quick Check

The Ten Commandments for Travelers 

Karibu!

Welcome to your African adventure!  We're excited about the opportunity God's given you to join us on this mission trip!  It's sure to be an inspiring, challenging, and fun time.  You'll see many of the natural wonders and beauties of Africa, as well as visit with some of our favorite African Christian friends.  They'll gladly share with you the vision that God has given them for their people.  Be prepared for an exciting journey!

The key to a successful and enjoyable trip is a little early planning.  The purpose of this publication is to address the most common questions and concerns people have and help you get the most out the time you spend in Kenya.  One very important aspect that's covered only lightly in this information is that you stay alert spiritually while on the trip.  It's tempting to neglect daily scripture reading and prayer time alone with the Lord, but it's the only way to make the most of your journey.

Bear in mind that luggage space is limited, and only pack what you can manage to carry.  Team up with a friend to share some items, if you find yourself struggling with too many things to take.

If you like, visit your local library for books and journals written by those who've gone before you. Enjoy their take on Kenya while bearing in mind the diversity of peoples and customs packed into this small country. We have listed some Internet Sites for you to visit as well.  Just do a "Google Search" on Kenya and you'll find tons of information yourself.

The longer a person lives in Kenya, the more likely they are to describe it as impossible to summarize!  The beginning of knowledge of Africa is the understanding that you'll never have it all figured out.  Keep an open mind and enjoy your first-hand learning experience, following the instructions of your leader and driver at all times.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy where this new road takes you.  We'll do everything we can to insure your trip is a wonderful experience that you'll treasure!

Background on Kenya....

The Republic of Kenya is slightly smaller than the state of Texas, and is located on Africa's east coast along the Indian Ocean.  Kenya's neighbors are Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.  The Kenyan economy is supported mainly by tourism, agriculture and light industry.

Nearly a half of Kenya's population is below the age of 15, and only 2% are 65 or older.  They give great respect to anyone with gray hair!

Kenya contains approximately 18% fertile land, but is rapidly becoming desert.  The topography ranges from arid desert to grassy plains to cool, lush high-lands.  Your journey may cover some of the most fertile locations within the country, including the rolling highlands covered by tea plantations.

The average worker earns less than $5 per day, and when combined with erratic inflation and unemployment, daily living is a struggle.  Temptations such as prostitution, stealing and extortion are tearing down traditional values shared by most Africans.  The Church in Africa plays a vital role in saving the younger generation from falling prey to such a lifestyle, as well as rescuing those who have already fallen.

It's difficult to gauge the percentage of Christians living in Kenya, as they hold separate definitions for the terms "Christian" and "saved".  By Christian, they mean their lifestyle closely resembles a Christian lifestyle, as opposed to a lifestyle where tribal customs are widely practiced.  Most nationals are very open to talking about faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Living in this harsh environment, those who are saved can teach us much about complete dependence upon God and fervency in prayer.

Things to do now....   

1.         If you have not already booked a flight to Kenya, AirfarePlanet  and 1Travel.com  and are a couple of sites which offers great consolidator fares. You would fly into Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi and the abbreviation to search for flights there is NBO. If you are traveling as a Missionary, special missionary fares may be available. Check with CMA Director, Larry Kitchel (Larry@CMAid.org) for information.

2.         Travel Documents:  A passport is required for entry into Kenya.  The passport application should be filed immediately at a local post office that handles such applications.  Read the instructions carefully and check to see how long it will take to obtain your passport.  Note that 2 passport photos and a birth certificate are required.  You will also need 2 more passport photos for the visa application. It’s a good idea to bring a couple of extra passport photos with you. You may need them for other purposes, such as entry into Sudan. Make certain you sign your passport when you receive it. Make a copy of the first page of your passport (the part with your picture) and keep it in a separate location from your passport. If you currently have a passport, your expiration date must be at least six months after your planned departure from the US; otherwise, you will need to file for a new one.

Visas are required for Americans visiting Kenya. For up to date information on Visa requirements or to download a Visa application, see the Kenya Embassy Visa Information link. You can either obtain your Visa applications by downloading, in advance at the Kenyan Embassy, or you can obtain a Visa at the Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi as you go through Immigration. It currently costs $50 for Americans (paid in US Dollars).  Check the US State Department Consular Information Sheet for further information on travel documents and related information.

3.         You will need an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet, available from your physician or health department, in which your record of vaccinations is stamped.  Please check with your local health department to inquire regarding any required immunizations.  (Your local health department can also locate the physician nearest you who is authorized to give vaccinations.  Seek advice from this physician as to other immunizations they would recommend, after they review your medical history.)  You may also want to make sure your tetanus shots are up-to-date, as well as any other shot or immunization that your physician or you feel you need for your trip to Africa. Check the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention for further information.

4.         We strongly recommend that you take a preventative medicine for malaria after consultation with your physician.  See the CDC Link above for information on the different options available. As with all medications, Christian Mission Aid encourages you to consult your physician before taking any medication.  

5.         If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you take a second pair.  Prescription sunglasses make an excellent second pair.  Lost or broken glasses are nearly impossible to repair or replace in the short time we have; likewise for contact lenses.

 

 Visitor Information Page Two