THE SUS DIOCESE KENYA MISSION EXPERIENCE SUMMER JULY 2‐13, 2013 Blessed with the Presence, Guidance, and Leadership of the Beloved Bishops His Grace Bishop Youssef (Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern US) His Grace Bishop Paul (Bishop for Mission Affairs) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 Bible Study: The First Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
Spiritual Contemplation: "From Darkness to Light: How One Became a Christian in the Early Church" by Anne Field. What did new converts learn about the Faith in the early centuries of Christianity? The Early Fathers of the Church, theologians such as St. John Chrysostom, St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, and others speak on these and other timeless topics. A priceless aid for any Christian who wishes to come to a deeper understanding of his or her own faith. Book can be purchased online from St. Moses Bookstore: http://www.stmosesbookstore.org/ Spiritual and Fellowship Program Every morning, our day will begin and end with prayers and praises. 8:00‐8:30 AM Agpeya Prayers and Morning Doxology 8:30‐9:30 AM Breakfast 9:30‐4:00 PM Service 4:00‐5:00 PM Lunch 5:00‐7:00 PM Quiet Time/Rest 7:00‐7:30 PM Agpeya Prayers 7:30‐8:30 PM Bible Study and Reflections Dinner 8:30‐9:00 PM 9:00‐11:00 PM Free time and Fellowship 11:00 PM Lights Out The Coptic Mission on Africa Please read more: http://www.copticmission.org/ourvision Kenya Kenya is located in Eastern Africa. Its Indian Ocean coast lies between Somalia to the north east and Tanzania to the south. Its other surrounding countries are Ethiopia and South Sudan to the north and Uganda to the west. Although one of Africa's more powerful economies, Kenya is still a developing country, and so certain aspects of the country's society and infrastructure may come as a shock to some visitors from developed countries who are unfamiliar with the poverty and poor quality of life experienced by many Kenyans. HIV AIDS has recently caused some major sociological upheaval, and orphans to the disease can be found all across the country. Although made up of many diverse ethnic groups and tribes, Kenyans have strong sense of national pride which may be due in part to unity in the struggle for Uhuru (Kiswahili: "freedom") – independence from British colonial rule, achieved in 1963. Most Kenyans seem optimistic about the country's future. Kenyans understandably pursue the business opportunities offered by tourism with a zeal that may be off putting to some visitors, but are usually open, talkative and friendly once business matters have been settled. Although foreign visitors are now a common sight in many parts of the country, there still exist vast areas off the beaten track where a white or yellow face will attract cries of "Mzungu! Mzungu!" (Kiswahili: "white person") from local children. Visitors to these areas should think especially carefully about the long term effects of their visit on the local community, and should for example avoid giving out sweets or money without restraint – merely playing with children, or talking to and helping villagers will yield far better results than merely giving out handouts. Hominid fossils of significant scientific interest have found in the Rift Valley area, and it is often believed that this area of Africa is where the human species originated from. http://wikitravel.org/en/Kenya Climate Kenya has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the north and northeast parts of the country. The country receives a great deal of sunshine all the year round and summer clothes are worn throughout the year. However, it is usually cool at night and early in the morning. Also given that Nairobi is at a high altitude, it can be quite cold even during the day between June and August. The long rain season occurs from April to June. The short rain season occurs from October to December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August. The annual animal migration ‐ especially migration of the wildebeest ‐ occurs between June and September with millions of animals taking part. It has been a popular event for filmmakers to capture. http://wikitravel.org/en/Kenya Language: English and Swahili are the two official languages. You can get by with English in the larger cities and when dealing with those connected to the tourism industry as well as the well‐educated upper class, but, outside of that, a few words of Swahili go a long way. Tribal languages, such as Maa spoken by the Maasai, are commonplace in more remote areas. You will still usually be able to find a local who can speak Swahili — although in such areas a guide will be indispensable. Sheng (a slang of English, Kiswahili and local languages) is spoken mostly by urban youths. http://wikitravel.org/en/Kenya Cost: $800 per person~all expenses excluding travel to and from Kenya and personal items. 50% nonrefundable paid at time of registration 50% remaining balance by March 31, 2013 Donations are not included in the cost. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated. Number of Attendees: 30 persons Age for Attendance: College Adults 18 + (If less than three months under 18, but graduated high school, parental consent form required. Anyone under 18 years of age and has not yet graduated high school, must be accompanied by one parent). Vaccinations Two (2) doses ‐ 6 months apart ‐ if you are not immune Hepatitis A: Hepatitis B: 3 doses needed over 6 months ‐ if you are not immune Typhoid One Injection: At least one month before travel MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) Booster shot needed ‐ if you are not immune Polio One‐time Booster: Recommended for adults (if not taken in the last 10 yrs.) Malaria: Start prophylaxis one week before travel Travelers' Diarrhea: Start prophylaxis one week before travel Tetanus‐Diphtheria Re‐vaccination: Recommended every 10 years Yellow Fever: 6 weeks before travel Visas Visas can be obtained at your country of residence. To save time, it is advised you obtain your visa prior at your country of residence. Check for dates for when Visa must be obtained prior to travel. Currency 1 US Dollar ~ {80 Kenyan Shilling} Approximate pocket money to bring = US $300.00 Services Medical, Pharmaceutical, Educational, Orphanages, Women’s Ministry, HIV Clinics, At‐Risk Youth, Athletics, Arts/Crafts, and a variety of children and family activities and services. *(Services will depend on each participant’s are of specialization and interest. Different groups will serve in various communities). Items to Bring *Passport *Holy Bible *Agpeya *Hymns Books *Psalmody *Gifts *Print‐outs *Tunic (deacons) *Scarves (women) *Personal Items *Basic First Aid Kit ***Additional Items to Bring *** 1 jar peanut butter 1 can family size tuna 1 lb lentils (brown) 1 lb lentils (yellow) 1 large can beans (medammis) snacks (any amt) (Apostles’ Fast: All food & drinks will be fasting. Please check that snacks do not have any dairy, whey, or caseinate products). Daily Schedule (Subject to Change) July 2‐Tuesday: Arrival at Nairobi Airport before 10:00 AM (Kenya Time). Transportation will be provided via bus from the airport to the church where we will spend one night and attend one service in the Nairobi community. Upon arrival at the church, the group will rest, attend the service in the Swamps, pray together, have dinner, and relax.
July 3‐Wednesday: Service: The Swamps. Travel to St. Mina Monastery in Maseno by plane or bus. (Wednesday Evening): Dinner with H.G. Bishop Paul at St. Mina Monastery. Presentation on the mission and service in Kenya. Bible Study/Spiritual Reflections/Fellowship. July 4‐Thursday: Service in Maseno. July 5 Friday: Service in Maseno July 6‐Saturday: Service in Maseno. Vespers~Midnight Watch/Psalmody. July 7‐Sunday: Divine Liturgy; Sunday School; Fellowship with congregation; Visit to Lake Victoria
July 8‐Monday: Service in Maseno. July 9‐Tuesday: Service in Maseno. Travel to Nairobi by plane or bus. Dinner in Nairobi. July 10‐Wednesday: Safari (spend night); Lunch and dinner at Safari. July 11‐Thursday: Return from Safari; Vespers for Apostles’ Feast; Midnight Watch/Psalmody. July 12‐Friday: Divine Liturgy for the Apostles’ Feast; Raha Kids Service; Pack; Closing thoughts. July 13‐Saturday AM: Farewell Kenya
NAIROBI is the capital and largest city of Kenya. The city and its surrounding area also forms the Nairobi County. The name "Nairobi" comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyrobi, which translates to "cold water", the Maasai name of the Nairobi river, which in turn lent its name to the city. However, it is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" and is surrounded by several expanding villa suburbs. Residents of Nairobi are known as Nairobians. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nairobi MASENO is a town in Kisumu District of Nyanza Province, Kenya. It is located along Kisumu ‐ Busia highway 20 kilometers northwest of Kisumu, the provincial capital. Another road connects Maseno to Vihiga town, located 15 kilometers east of Maseno. The altitude of Maseno is 1,503 metres or 4,934 feet above sea level. Maseno University has its main campus located in Maseno town. This university is the largest contributor to the economy of Maseno Town. This occurs in two main ways. First, Maseno University employs most of its staff from among the residents of Maseno Town. Secondly, Maseno University students spend most of their allowances purchasing food, entertainment, other basic life services like hairdressing, and paying rents in Maseno town. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maseno Contact Us: susdiocesemissionkenya2013@gmail.com