Take a Trip
Come serve beside the leaders who live there
Every Empower One trip joins work that African pastors and teachers are already leading. You’ll teach, encourage, share the gospel, and follow their lead for a week or two. Most people come home different.
Come With Us
Go. See. Serve.
Join us on a short-term trip and experience the mission firsthand. Throughout the year, we take teams to visit our Bible school, support church plants, join field evangelism, serve at Flagship schools, and encourage local leaders. These trips are a powerful way to see what God is doing through Empower One, and to be part of it. Whether you’re teaching, praying, training, or simply showing up to listen and love, there’s a place for you.
Three Ways to Go
What trips are like
Come and see
Vision trips are for people and churches considering a deeper partnership. The leaders would rather show you the work than tell you about it: churches they’ve planted, classes at NEATS, and your hard questions answered face to face.
Teach at the Bible school
NEATS, the North East Africa Theological Seminary, is where Empower One trains church planters. Teams teach a short course and encourage men and women preparing to pastor in some of the hardest places on earth. If you can teach the Bible, there’s a classroom waiting.
Help start a church
Some trips go where a church is brand new, or about to be. You’ll share the gospel and help new believers take their first steps, following the lead of a local planter who knows every family on that road.
“When I found out the flagship church was finally opening in Kajo Keji, I told Empower One there was no way they were going to keep me from going. Several thousand people were there, and being part of the first group to sing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ in that church was really, really special. I just praise God for what Empower One is doing to change lives in South Sudan.”John Barnes · Columbia, South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
What to know before you go
What does a trip cost?
Most trips run about $3,500–4,500 per person from the US, which covers international flights, in-country travel, lodging, meals, and insurance. Don’t let the number stop you before you start. Most travelers raise the bulk of it through their church, family, and friends, and we’ll help you build a fundraising plan that works.
How long are trips?
Most run 10 to 14 days door to door, including a long travel day on each end. Teaching trips to NEATS sometimes go longer, and vision trips are often shorter. Each trip page lists exact dates.
Is it safe?
A fair question, and one we won’t wave off. Trips only run when and where our African leadership says conditions are right; they live there year-round and know the situation on the ground far better than a headline does. Routes, lodging, and plans are set with them, and every team travels with experienced Empower One staff. Before you commit, we’ll talk honestly with you about the current picture for your specific trip.
Who can come?
Adults of any age and background. You don’t need previous travel experience. A valid passport, reasonable health for long travel days and basic conditions, and a teachable spirit will carry you.
Do I have to be a pastor or Bible teacher?
No. Teaching trips need Bible teachers, but travelers have also taught on leadership, business, counseling, and more — bring the skills you have and we’ll find where they serve. Every team also needs people who encourage, pray, organize, and carry things behind the scenes.
What happens after I apply?
Someone from our team will reach out within a few days to talk through the trip, answer your questions, and confirm the fit. From there we walk with you through preparation: fundraising, flights, vaccinations, and what to expect when you land.
Upcoming Trips
Where we’re headed next
Every trip below is open for applications. Dates, cost, and details can be found on the trip’s page.
Not ready to apply? Get an email when new trips open.
Get trip updates
Bethlehem Church Kajo Keji & Wau Trip
01/06/2027 - 01/16/2027
Kajo Keji and Wau, South Sudan
Women’s & Children’s Ministry Trip
01/27/2027 - 02/06/2027
Kajo Keji, South Sudan