Wilshire will be the first congregation to participate in the KidsHeart Africa project through Buckner Orphan Care International and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

A team of Wilshire volunteers is sought to travel to July 26 through Aug. 5.

“We are delighted that Wilshire will be able to help lead the way in this new mission venture that brings together two great partners in ministry, Buckner and CBF,” said Associate Pastor Mark Wingfield.

“Through KidsHeart Africa, we will work alongside a Kenyan congregation to build and support a child development center in the town of Busia . From this site, additional satellite child development centers will emerge.

“The ministry will touch primarily AIDS orphans, as well as other children and families, through education, medical care, nutrition and spiritual care.

“My own goal is to see 20 Wilshire members participate in this first trip, with many others traveling to in the coming years,” he added.

An informational meeting for anyone interested in learning about this summer’s trip has been scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m.

The meeting will take place in the Parlor. Representatives from Buckner will be present.

The Wilshire group will depart Dallas on Wednesday, July 26, and arrive in Nairobi on Thursday, July 27. On Friday, the group will fly to Busia and begin ministry work that should include construction, medical and children’s ministry.

“You do not have to possess extraordinary skills to participate in this mission trip,” Wingfield said. “The main requirement is an extraordinary love for God’s children in need. If you can hold a baby, play with a child, swing a hammer or teach basic medical skills, there’s a place for you.”

On Sunday, the Wilshire volunteers will worship with a Kenyan congregation.

The trip also features some time for sightseeing, including a safari in the Masai Mara area.

The group will depart Nairobi late on Friday, Aug. 4, and arrive back in Dallas on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Estimated cost for this trip is $3,600, which is dependent on actual airfare at time of purchase.

Wilshire’s Missions Committee has earmarked a significant portion of its Volunteers in Missions fund to provide scholarship assistance for participants in this trip. The actual amount of assistance available will be determined in part by the number of participants.

Travelers also have the option of cashing in airline frequent flier miles, if available, which potentially could cut the cost of the trip in half.

The trip fee includes all meals, lodging, in-country transportation, insurance, bottled water and sightseeing.

A non-refundable application fee of $250 will be due by Feb. 15. A second payment of $1,500 will be due May 15, with the balance payable by June 15.

For more information, contact Mark Wingfield at (214) 452-3128.