Torch Bearers Missions Training

How do you fill the nine months gap between high school and college? 

That is the question Torch Bearers Missions Training Program seeks to answer. In Kenya, it is difficult for young people to get work before they have sufficient papers leading many to waste the time between high school and college and exposing them to all manner of negative influences. Since the Lord blessed us with a mission base where we can host many young people, we have determined to do all we can to fill this gap and make it as productive as possible. 

We do this by training them in missions for three months at the base. During this time they learn: 

1. Praise and Worship (including instruments for those who have interest) 

2. Life Skills (includes communication/conflict resolution, managing finances, entrepreneurship and many other topics) 

3. Biblical Foundations (basic doctrines such as the trinity, salvation, baptism etc) 

4. Journey Through the Bible (85 lessons through the Bible) 

5. Missions Theory and Practical (in class and in local schools as well as door to door and in our other programs) 

This is a great time where we can also mentor them in prayer, relationships and other aspects of their lives. 

Once the three months at the mission base are through, Torch Bearers are then sent to Turkana for another three months of outreach. They assist teachers in teaching and mentoring the students, visit them at their homes and conduct open air meetings. For many, this becomes a highlight of their year and fuels a desire for missions that burns brightly even throughout college and beyond. 

While the majority of the students in this program are sponsored and have been through our program, there are always a number of them who have a passion to join but are outside the program. Others will exceed the amount their sponsor sends since they are joining University the same year. Therefore, we always trust the Lord to raise some additional funds toward this program. Following is an idea on the expenses incurred by the program (this year there are 38 students): 

1. Electricity/water at the mission base: $250 

2. Food for 6 months: $4,500

3. Transportation to and from Turkana (includes facilitators): $3,000 

4. Transportation within Turkana (to the villages and back): $430 

5. Teachers & Outside Facilitators: $1,650 

6. Orientation Period in Turkana (Facilitators Accommodation, Food, Facility for Torch Bearers, Teaching Training Etc): $500 

7. Small stipend to help students with personal expenses while serving in Turkana ($8 per month): $905 

8. Emergency and medical assistance (many underlying and long untreated issues are uncovered when we have the students with us for three months): $500 

Aside from this, there are many other small expenses that bring the grand total close to $15,000 (the complete breakdown is available on request). For one student to complete the program, it takes around $400 to complete the program. We welcome you to be a part of the Lord's hand in the lives of one of these young people this year! 

Those without current sponsors: 

https://rominternational.org/child-profiles/KI26022

https://rominternational.org/child-profiles/KI26023

https://rominternational.org/child-profiles/KJ25190

Sam Muthui 

Vincent Wambua 

Gideon Kilonzo 

Alice Nicholus