You will be working in and around the slums of Korogocho. It isn't a pretty place; many dwellings are made out of scavenged building materials with mud walls and little or no plumbing. Over 30 ethnic groups and 150,000-200,000 people living in a 1 ½ square mile radius call Korogocho home.

But, you’re not there for pictures. You and your teammates will be involved in orphanage visitation, medical ministry, and some door-to-door ministry. You’ll also be working in schools to build friendships and challenge students in the areas of relationships, academic excellence, and Christian faith. Many in the West may not see “academic excellence” as a big deal, but in the slums, a good education is important and a very real way out of poverty. One teacher shared, “90 percent of my students come from the most dangerous slum in Nairobi (Korogocho), where the majority of residents live on under a dollar a day.”

Royal Servants takes the safety and health of each participant seriously. We go to great lengths to ensure that participants remain healthy and safe throughout the trip. Therefore, no participant is allowed to be alone in any city; Royal Servants always travel in groups of three or more, and when possible, with either a male or Summer Staff in each group. The Trip Leaders also continually monitor conditions within the host country both before and during the trip. If a situation arises that threatens the security of the team, either politically or from environmental conditions, the team will be moved to a stable location.

Within the surrounding landscapes of Nairobi lie many adventures with some of the coolest animals God has created. Ostriches, buffalo, rhinos, hippos, leopards, giraffes, elephants, and lions were all spotted on our most recent trips while on safari and visiting nurseries. Additionally, we take in the culture through awesome local foods and visiting "Bomas of Kenya" where we see local tribal dances and experience tribal communal living.

Tourists tend to view the culture of Kenya from the comfort of 4-star hotels or out the windows of deluxe air-conditioned buses. However, you’ll be seeing Kenya’s culture from the inside as you get to know and make friends with the people of Korogocho. Whether sleeping, eating, or doing Kingdom work, you’ll be immersed in the culture of this amazing country and learn to value and celebrate its wonderful people.

You’ll witness firsthand the divide between rich and poor, the haves and have nots, those who are filled and those who are hungry. God will use these experiences to develop in you a deeper understanding of the needs of the world and challenge you to reexamine your own priorities. It won’t always be easy, and you’re going to learn to trust the Lord each and every day; but, that’s just where God wants you to be! You’ll walk away from the Kenya mission trip having really been encouraged to own your faith in new ways.

Working in the slums requires a person with a compassionate heart, a love for the African people, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to ignore the sights and smells that characterizes the areas that the team will work in. Willing to get your hands dirty? Not afraid to live among the people and desire a ministry that encourages your need to rely on Christ each minute of the day? If so, then maybe the Kenya mission trip is right for you.

There are a lot of countries in the world that we associate with really good food … like China, France, Italy, or Thailand (that is, if you like spicy). But let’s be honest, how many of you have gone out for Kenyan food? Kenya is NOT known for its fine cuisine, but that being said, once you get to try samosas and Ugali, your mind will be changed! And where else will you be able to prepare and roast a goat over a barbecue? But mostly you’ll be making your meals as a team with items you bring to Kenya and supplementing them by purchasing fresh bread, fruit, and veggies locally.

Many groups expect to be housed in Western-style accommodations, but Royal Servants believes it’s important to live, as well as work, among the people. You won’t be staying in the slums, but rather in a small, comfortable, African-quality hotel close to where you’ll be doing the bulk of your ministry. Clean beds, showers, and a place to unwind after an intense day of ministry - the hotel will be your home away from home!

The team is planning to travel to Mombasa (say it three times and emphasize the “bassa” just for fun!) for debriefing. Mombassa is the second largest city in Kenya and is a popular tourist location on the eastern coast of Africa. You’ll explore 16th century forts, visit a National Park, or spend time relaxing at one of the many beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean. During debriefing, you will be looking back over your summer experiences and processing all that the Lord did in and through you. You’ll spend time reflecting, journaling, praying, and preparing for your return back home.

Royal Servants has been partnering together with Dice Ministries since 2015. Maurice Agunda, Director of Dice, and his staff work with young Kenyan men and women in a program centering on discipleship and utilizing practical skills training, called SURGE, to “encourage young people to cultivate their relationship with God, identify their unique gifts and area of calling, and develop (their) leadership skills.”

Royal Servants and Surge will blend their students together, creating a truly multi-ethnic missions experience for both. There will be lots of ministry, prayer, and laughter as both groups learn from and work alongside each other.