Missionary Formation Trip — Kenya & Tanzania

Join us to explore the unique challenges and blessings that go hand in hand with missionary service. This opportunity is designed to introduce you to the work of our missionaries and church partners in Africa, as well as the life and work of various overseas missionary roles. 

The ministries that are being highlighted are key strategies that the LCMS has chosen to use in Africa. This trip is intentionally structured for those who may be considering missionary service. Throughout your time, you will have opportunities to discuss what you are seeing and learning with experienced missionaries. Spouses are also welcome to participate.

Tentative Itinerary

• Tuesday – November 4: Depart USA
• Wednesday – November 5: Arrive in Kenya
• Thursday: Visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church Kenya head office and the LCMS Africa Field Office
• Friday: Travel to Matongo Lutheran Theological College in western Kenya
• Saturday: Seminary campus visit at Matongo
• Sunday: Attend worship at Matongo (perhaps also visit Project 24 Othoro location)
• Monday: Travel to Shinyanga, Tanzania by road
• Tuesday: Visit the Shinyanga Confessional Lutheran College- the seminary of the Southeastern Lake Victoria District (SELVD)– and talk with the SELVD leadership; visit Makala training center
• Wednesday: Mwadui home for children and women with albinism & secondary school
• Thursday: Community visitation
• Friday – November 14: Depart for the USA and arrive

Dates: November 4-14, 2025

Cost: $1,000/person

Cost Includes: international airfare, food, lodging, on-field transportation, coordination and international medical insurance.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2025

Learn More

LCMS International Mission  Learn more about the scope of the international mission work of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Missionary Job Posting  View the general missionary job description on the LCMS careers website.

The Coffee Hour —Theological Education in Tanzania  What is theological education like at the new Lutheran seminary in Tanzania? Rev. Bryan and Deaconess Keah Payne, serving the Lord in Tanzania, join Andy and Sarah to talk about their journey to serving as missionaries in Tanzania.

Cross Defense — Vulnerable Evangelists  Pastor Bramwell talks with Rev. Shauen Trump, LCMS regional director of Africa, about what we can learn from missionaries in Africa. The result is a look at Acts 8:1-4 and every Christian’s call to be a vulnerable evangelist.

Where do missionaries come from?  Patrick Randolph shares about the seminary mission education team he joined in the Dominica Republic.

Divine disruptions: Lessons learned in the Dominican Republic  Jason Groth served on a mission education team as a seminary student in January 2024. Pastor Groth now serves as an LCMS missionary in Belize.