Hi, this is Pastor Chris from Hope Tree Church. Earlier this year, I was informed of a great need in Africa to construct church buildings in the villages of Kenya. The project was named, "Churches Under the Tree," as these village congregations could not afford to meet anywhere else but under large African trees. I came to my church a week later and shared that need with them as well as my burden to reach the people of Africa with the Gospel of Jesus. One week later, we had raised enough to build 5 whole churches! They are being manufactured and built even as you read this.

A month ago, I was contacted by the Assemblies of God District Office informing me that the missionaries, pastors, and Christians of Kenya had extended an invitation to the pastors of California who had championed their cause, brought attention to their need, and raised funds to support multiple village congregations. Our superintendent let me know I was at the top of their list to go to Kenya, see the progress, meet with the congregations who are now meeting in recently built churches, and be a major part of a multi-day conference for the pastors and leaders of the churches in Kenya.

I am honored to have been asked, and I am overwhelmed with joy to be going to a place that my heart has felt a heavy burden over for decades. To have this chance to be a "Paul" to these pastors and Christians is beyond anything I could've ever imagined.

However, the cost of an 11-day trip to the center of Africa is significant. Combining ground and air expenses, my individual cost well exceeds $5,000, which is well beyond my family's ability to finance. That is why I'm coming to you with this need. I have already committed to going as I believe the Lord has led me to this mission. I'm asking those of you who know me, whether you are a part of my church or not, to consider donating to my need and help me fulfill the amount in this campaign. I am trusting God that the need will be met!

May God bless you abundantly and exponentially for your giving.