Mchangani is a beach settlement comprising of fishermen and sex workers. There are no permanent structures and the majority of houses are made of wooden clapboard all of which are small hotels, bars or dukas (small shops.) The area is run by a security committee made up of fishermen and camp leaders who are responsible for law and order in the settlement. They have established a tough foundation of rules including no children – restricting them to ‘visit’ family members for a maximum of 6 days only. This hostile environment exists to generate income from the fishing and sex industries. The settlement and all who live there are deeply stigmatized by others on the island, the population relatively transient and dependent on their trade for survival. The majority is at risk of HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, malaria, and malnutrition.

The religion of people residing in Mchangani is rather secretive, following traditional animism. Outsiders are rarely invited to their religious ceremonies. Their faith, which attempts to appease actual beings, is one of the strongest traditional faiths in Africa. Many of these beings are admittedly demonic. Traditional religion rooted in ancestral worship and witchcraft still has a grasp on much of the population.

What We’re Doing
On this expedition, we will work alongside local believers to show Christ’s love to the people of Mchangani. Through hut-to-hut evangelism, sports clinics, and public health education, we will have the opportunity to meet some of their most basic needs while sharing the Gospel along the way.

Are you ready for the adventure to begin?

This expedition is labeled “extreme,” as our accommodations will be tents and sleeping bags. If you have any questions, please contact Yusuph Emmanuel or Lana King. They can be reached at yusuph.emmanuel@e3partners.org or lana.king@e3partners.org