Congratulations and welcome to this short-term mission trip to Kenya. You are about to embark on one of the most memorable journeys of your life. Please feel totally comfortable that you will be traveling with experienced leaders who will give practical advice to you before and during the trip.

God has called you for a special purpose on this trip and you should begin at once to make personal spiritual preparations. One of the primary ways of doing this is to practice and strengthen your regular spiritual disciplines, both corporate and individual. Corporate disciplines are activities we engage in with other believers that result in mutual support and encouragement. These include worship services, Bible studies, small group meetings and Sunday School classes. It is important to spend focused time in community with other believers. Sharing and mutual accountability should characterize this time. It would also be helpful to talk with your mentor about ways you can grow during your mission trip.

You should also practice your individual spiritual disciplines. The two most important are prayer and the Word of God. Prayer should form the foundation of your mission experience. Plan your daily schedule so that there is quality time to spend alone with Jesus. During those times, open your heart fully to him and ask him to convict and cleanse you of any sins. Renew your previous commitment to him and offer a fresh surrender of your life to him.

Each person on the team should have a prayer partner -- someone on the team who will pray for you daily and especially during the whole time you are giving your testimony. In addition, enlist your family and friends back home to pray for you and the team on a daily basis.

Following is a prayer list to use as a starting point:

Travel:

• Luggage and belongings not stolen or broken.
• Protection of tickets, credit cards, passports, and money.
• Pass through customs without problems.
• No mechanical problems with planes and other vehicles.

Health and Safety:

• Protection from accidents, crime, natural disasters, terrorists and dangerous animals.
• Protection from sickness.
• Find time for sleep and exercise.
• Provided with safe food and water.
• Protection from drastic climate changes.

Spiritual:

• Good times of intimacy with Jesus in the Bible and through prayer.
• God's protection from demonic attack.
• Protection from discouragement, fear, doubt and curses.
• Demonstrate purity, humility, boldness, wisdom, patience, love for people, teachable spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit.
• People come to Christ and be equipped for ministry..

Team:

• Express unity, love, good communication, patience and spiritual gifts.
• Resist jealousy, envy, bitterness and pride.
• Grace for cultural adjustments, dealing with jet lag, being away from family and friends and lack of privacy.

Verses to Pray:

• Exodus 4:12; 33:14
• Psalms 4:8; 19:14; 121:1-8
• Isaiah 40:20-31, 55:10-11
• Zechariah 4:6
• Acts 1:8, 4:29, 30
• Ephesians 3:16-20, 6:10-20