Sierra Leone Mission Trip

In partnership with Enable the Children and Geoff and Carrie Jo Cain, we’re bringing essential support, healthcare, and the love of Christ to vulnerable communities. A highlight of this mission is hosting a retreat for missionaries and Christian workers, offering them rest and renewal as they continue to share the gospel. Together, we’re building relationships and making a lasting impact through practical, transformative service.

Our Partners in Sierra Leone

  • Enable the Children (ETC) brings hope to children with physical and mental disabilities in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Founded by Anna Vines through World Hope International, this ministry offers essential therapeutic support and advocates for these vulnerable children in a region with limited resources.

    ETC Programs Include:

    • Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy
      Helping children reach their physical potential through tailored therapy sessions, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life.

    • Home Visits & Family Support
      Providing in-home care and building relationships with families to offer emotional and spiritual support, fostering a deeper sense of community.

    • Spiritual Encouragement
      Sharing God’s love with each child and family, helping them feel valued and supported in their journey.

  • Geoff and Carrie Jo Cain, serving through Global Partners - The Wesleyan Church, focus on health, empowerment, and community development in Sierra Leone. They lead vital programs that uplift families and support sustainable change.

    Programs Led by the Cains Include:

    • Cervical Cancer Screening & Treatment
      Offering critical healthcare to women in underserved areas, bringing life-saving screenings and treatment to remote communities.

    • Community Health Education
      Training local healthcare providers at the Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital and teaching research skills to empower future leaders in healthcare.

    • Widows Project
      Providing financial assistance, counseling, and training to widows, helping them achieve self-sufficiency and reconnect with their communities.

  • A key part of our mission in Sierra Leone is hosting an annual retreat for missionaries and Christian workers. This retreat offers these dedicated individuals a time of rest, encouragement, and spiritual renewal. In a region where resources and support can be scarce, this retreat allows them to step back, recharge, and connect with others who share their calling, so they return to their work refreshed and equipped.

    Retreat Highlights Include:

    • Worship & Spiritual Reflection
      Daily moments of worship and reflection allow participants to reconnect with God and each other.

    • Community & Connection
      Time spent with others who understand the unique challenges of ministry, creating a network of mutual support and friendship.

    • Personal Renewal
      Space for missionaries to rest, reflect, and prepare their hearts for continued service.

Interested in the Next Trip?

If you’re interested in being part of this life-changing experience, click below for more information and to apply!

LEARN MORE ABOUT NEXT TRIP

  • Our primary goal for all mission trips is relationship-building. The Sierra Leone trip allows us to:

    • Support a retreat for missionaries and Christian workers, providing a much-needed time of physical and spiritual rest.

    • Work alongside Enable the Children to assist children with physical disabilities in Freetown.

    • Partner with Carrie Jo Cain to further ministry efforts in Makeni.

    This mission requires a high level of flexibility due to the changing conditions in Sierra Leone. If you’re adaptable, open-hearted, and ready to experience a different culture, we’d love to have you!

  • We encourage anyone who feels a call to apply! However, due to the cost, physical demands, and unique nature of this trip, we carefully assess all applicants. Flexibility, cultural awareness, and physical endurance are crucial for this mission.

    Some unique challenges include:

    • Long flights

    • High temperatures (often exceeding 100℉)

    • Exposure to extreme poverty

    • Rough travel conditions

    • Varied local cuisine (including dishes that may be unfamiliar)

    We recommend that participants first gain experience through a local or Mexico mission trip as a foundation for this international mission. Minors (15-18) may apply with parental consent.

    Questions? Contact us to learn more about the type of individual suited for this trip.

  • Due to extensive interaction with children at Enable the Children and the missionary retreat, all participants must complete a background check. Upon approval from Faith Church, you’ll be guided through a secondary application process with World Hope, including the background check.

  • To honor the trust built over years with our partners, we aim to maintain a consistent core team for Sierra Leone. This request limits open spots, typically keeping the team size around eight people. The composition of men, women, singles, and couples is carefully considered based on housing and logistics.

  • Vaccines: Some vaccines are required (such as Yellow Fever), while others are recommended. Check the CDC’s guidelines for Sierra Leone or consult the MSU Travel Clinic at (517) 353-3161.

    Physician Clearance: Due to the physical demands, all participants must provide a medical release from a healthcare provider. This information will remain confidential.

  • The approximate cost is $3,200 per person, which covers:

    • Air travel, visa fees, travel insurance, lodging, meals, and ground transportation.

    • Does not include spending money for souvenirs, travel clinic fees, vaccine costs, medications, or passport fees.

    Payment Deadlines:

    • 3 months prior: Application deadline and $50 deposit

    • 1 month prior: 50% of trip cost due

    • 2 weeks prior: Remaining balance due

    While the trip cost is each participant's responsibility, we offer fundraising support through support letters and events.

  • Tentative Travel Dates: TBA
    The finalized dates may be adjusted based on airfare and plans with our Sierra Leone partners. Training sessions will be held each month leading up to the trip, and participation is highly encouraged.

    • TBA: Application and $50 deposit due

    • TBA: 50% of trip cost due

    • TBA: Final payment due

  • Ashley Burger and Amy Heeschen typically co-lead this trip.

    • Ashley has traveled to Sierra Leone five times and is excited to share her experience.

    • Amy has also completed four trips to Sierra Leone, focusing on administrative and logistical details.

    For any questions, please reach out to them:

  • Passport: A valid passport is required and should not expire until at least one year after the return date. Start the application process immediately if you don’t have a passport. Emergency services for passport processing are costly.

    Visa: Visas for U.S. citizens are available upon arrival in Freetown, and the cost is included in the trip.

    Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend emergency travel insurance. Policies can be affordable and offer peace of mind.

  • We strongly recommend emergency travel insurance. While not required, it’s a good idea to verify whether your medical insurance covers international travel. Affordable policies can be found at tripinsurance.com.