Rafiki MiniMissions

Express your love for God by serving those in need by becoming a missionary worker in Africa. Rafiki MiniMissions provide opportunities to put “God’s Word to Work” through short-term service at a Rafiki Village.

MiniMissions are opportunities for individuals to see what we are doing in the Rafiki Villages, to get involved, and to follow the heart of God and the heart of Rafiki as you help the needy in an African country. Your short term service helps provide hope for vulnerable orphans.

The missionary trip to Africa, consists of fourteen days to one month of service (longer stays may be discussed based upon need of the Village). The duration of the trip depends upon the needs of the Villages and your availability.

What does one do on a MiniMission?

Rafiki MiniMissions are work oriented. MiniMissionaries touch the lives of the needy, by showing Christ’s love in a practical manner, through serving Him at a Rafiki Village. God gives each of us skills to share with others. MiniMissions provide opportunities for teachers, medical and dental professionals, construction workers, artists, gardeners, caretakers, and individuals, who can cook, sew, clean, or read a story.

MiniMissionaries staff may help with a small construction project, prepare meals, clean, or help offer a desperately needed medical clinic for the community. MiniMissionaries also teach classes, conduct creative activities, or simply play with children.

Who may serve?

Rafiki MiniMissions are for adults and their spouses, who are over eighteen years of age, and college students who are Christians and want the experience of doing missionary or charity work in Africa.

After training in Eustis, Florida, at the Rafiki Home Office, a person is eligible to serve. The Rafiki Home Office coordinates with the Rafiki Villages to determine the needs of the Village. The Home Office then matches skills and interests with the need at our Rafiki Villages.

What is the cost?

MiniMissionaries are self-funded. It is an expression of gratitude to God by giving time, talents, and personal funds. The estimated cost for a MiniMission to Africa is $3000. This is approximate and probably on the high side. It varies dependent upon destination, length of stay, price of the tickets, etc.

The estimated cost includes: weekend training at the Home Office (meals, housing, administration), the flight/travel to Eustis, Florida for training, immunizations, passport/visas, insurance, flight to assigned country, housing, meals, and transportation in country. The total expense depends on the actual cost based on the length of stay and the individually expenses incurred.

What preparation is needed?

The goal is for a MiniMission to be safe and successful. It will be a life-changing experience.

Missionary Training

Several times a year at the Home Office training is held to prepare MiniMissionaries for travel, health, and service for the missionary trip to Africa. This training does not obligate one to go on a MiniMission nor does it obligate Rafiki to send you. Information is given about Rafiki as an organization – the mission, the goals, the locations, the Villages, and heart. A MiniMissionary will meet the Home Office staff and hear what God is doing in the world through Rafiki.

Training will be given in the practical aspects of travel in a foreign country including health issues, immunizations, what to pack, what to wear, and what to leave at home. Instruction in how to respond to the nationals as well as how
to be the most help to ROS is also included.

Travel arrangements

After determining the place of service, Rafiki’s in-house travel agent will work to insure that all travel arrangements and reservations are in order.

Where does one stay?

While serving at a Rafiki Village, MiniMissionaries stay at the MiniMissions guest house on the Village’s campus or in the home a Rafiki Overseas Staff (ROS). The Village volunteer coordinator oversees the stay and arranges meals and transportation.

What does one do to go on a MiniMission?

1. Contact the Rafiki Home Office for an application at mm@rafiki-foundation.org or call Rafiki at 407-557-2850.
   
2. Attend a MiniMissions training session when invited. 2008 trainings schedule in Eustis, Florida (near Orlando): October 3 and 4; November 7 and 8.
3. Work with the Rafiki Home Office to plan and prepare for a life changing experience.