2026 CLC Mission Helper Trip to East Africa

Thursday was one of those days that is hard to fully capture in words. We started the morning at Monasteri Mtakatifu Katarina (St. Catherine's) near Karatu, had breakfast, and then headed out for the day. We knew we were going into a more remote area, but I do not think I fully understood how remote until we were on the road. The drive took about three and a half hours. The last hour and a half was not really a road. We were in a four-wheel drive Land Rover, and even then we almost got stuck crossing a dry riverbed. That gives you a little picture of what it takes to reach some of these places. When we arrived, we were told that the people there walk about an hour one way just to get water. There is no electricity, no power, and very little infrastructure. They have some small solar items, but otherwise it is very simple. The village also has very little formal education. Many of the people cannot read, which makes the need for faithful oral teaching, trained leaders, and contin...

Thought I would include a few more pictures.

Here is Thursday, post a day late.   Wednesday was the first day where the trip really shifted from settling in to the mission work itself. We left Tengeru in the morning, drove about four hours to Karatu, and then went another twenty minutes or so out of town to Pastor Bayo’s congregation. I was there two years ago, so it was good to see the group again. There is something encouraging about returning to a place and seeing familiar faces, while also seeing how the Lord continues to care for His people over time. On the drive out to the congregation, we got a flat tire. Thankfully, the group handled it like an Indy pit crew. Within about ten minutes, we were back on the road. It was one of those small travel moments that could have become a much bigger delay, and we were thankful it did not. The drive itself was also a good part of the day. We had time with Elisha, who is driving us for these few days. It was encouraging to hear how his family, wor...