Come join us in West Africa in 2025 to support our ministry partners at a unique Youth Center focused on university students. The majority religion in this region is tightly intertwined with the culture, and both of them teach everyone not to think for themselves or ask questions but just to obey their fathers and what they are taught by their teachers and religious leaders, for fear of bringing shame on their families or clans.  In this culture of repression of women and mistrust of other ethnicities, the Youth Center is a safe place for students to ask the kinds of questions they can’t ask anywhere else, and it provides a place of equal footing for all.  Most importantly, the students get to see what people who follow Jesus are really like, which is so different from the stereotypes their culture teaches.  As relationships and trust are built with the staff and each other, they get to honestly consider whether something so different could actually be true and if they would like to continue alongside staff in a discovery process (which includes Bible reading and further conversations). 

For our upcoming trip, we are looking for people who love Jesus and want to connect with students in this environment by modeling His life to help them take a step or two forward in their journey toward Jesus.  There will be formal and informal times for interacting with students. In the more formal times you will have an opportunity to lead a module/lesson to students about something of interest to you (of special interest are topics related to health and healthy living- first-aid, CPR, healthy eating, physical exercise, dental hygiene, etc.). In the informal times, you will have opportunities to help them with their English, assist with work projects, and to engage in West African culture. In 2025, We will also be working with the staff to organize a Valentine’s Day party for the students (an entirely new experience for them that they will enjoy immensely!).

*Cost estimate includes travel, room and board, visa and ministry expense. Personal expenses, passport and any required vaccines are additional.