Short-Term Teams

short term teamsEmpowering Lives International desires to motivate Christians worldwide to invest their lives and gifts in the mission of empowerment. One of the ways we do this is through our short-term teams. We rejoice to see Christians take this step of faith and follow God’s leading to serve and learn from the “least of these” on the other side of the world.

ELI welcomes all types of teams (from churches, universities, families, etc.) to serve with us in Africa. We do ask teams to limit their size to 8 people. This helps with travel logistics in Africa and allows for closer friendships and interactions with the people of Africa. We do not allow team members under the age of 18 unless accompanied by a parent. 

Teams are welcome to serve with us at all times during the year for 2-3 weeks. In a typical three-week trip, the first two days are travel days, followed by 7-13 days in the village. Many teams choose to then go on a two-day safari after their time in the village to debrief, and then the last two days are for travel back to the states.

Most teams serve at one of ELI’s two Training Centers in Kenya. We have one Training Center, Children’s Home, and primary school in the village of Ilula, and another Training Center, Children’s Home, primary school, and health clinic an hour away in the village of Kipkaren. Both Ilula and Kipkaren are located near the city of Eldoret, about a 6 1/2 hour drive northwest of Nairobi.

A trip usually costs between $3300 and $4300 per person depending on the time of year you travel, the length of the trip, how many shots you need, if you decide to do a safari, etc. On top of this, we ask each team to raise ministry money (between $3,000 - $5,000) for the ministry projects they will be involved with. These ministry funds are part of the requirement for taking a trip with us. We require each team to hold at least 7 training meetings and a team retreat before leaving for Africa.

ELI will provide the team leader with material for these training meetings that covers  team dynamics, language, health, attitudes, culture, debriefing, and more. The majority of these trainings are coordinated by your team leadership with some assistance by the ELI training team. Trainings should begin at least four months before the team leaves. We also require each team to hold a post-trip meeting once they return to the States. An ELI staff member will attend this meeting to help your team continue to process their experience and integrate the lessons of Africa into their lives in the States.

Continue reading about the ministry opportunities available for teams here.