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| "....For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." - Habakkuk 1:5 |
The Vision
Salvation Safari is a ministry that was birthed out of a vision from a young college student named Travis Gauntt about 6 years ago. On a previous trip to Uganda, Travis and Pastor Wilson Goa (one of the Tree Life Ministry directors) were discussing the idea of taking a trek down a road near the village of Kokombo that not many had been down before. However, their idea remained just a thought for several more years. It wasn’t until one of Travis’ best friends unexpectedly passed away in 2004 that this idea started to become a reality. In fact, it was in the hospital that Travis and John Durham began the preliminary planning for the inaugural trip to Uganda. From that day the Lord’s blessings started pouring in and over this ministry.
The Inaugural Trip – Uganda 2004-05
The plan seemed simple. First, a team of 7 men was put together which included Travis Gauntt, Jake Kreifels, Blair Robinson, Nate Hissin, Phillip Moore, Daniel Savage, and John Durham. Next, Salvation Safari was founded as a 501c3 non-profit organization and then fundraising began. The team had no start up money whatsoever and with a trip like this a large amount of backpacking supplies was needed, in addition to their travel and lodging expenses they would need for their journey. However, we know God is good, and as stated before His blessing was abundant on this ministry from the beginning…..the team was able to raise close to $60,000!!! Flights were booked, lodging arranged, and gear was purchased…..and then came their mission.
Their mission was to start in Kokombo village and backpack for 3 weeks down to Lake Victoria, around 14 of the islands, and then hike back to Kokombo. During this time of hiking, they would camp at each village they came to and share the Gospel of Jesus. They were able to lead many to the Saving Grace of Christ as well as be a part of the beginning of what would be a life changing trip.
Where We Have Been
Uganda
Since the Inaugural trip, Salvation Safari has been so privileged to continue partnering with what the Lord is doing in His Kingdom. We have been back to Uganda 3 times since the first trip and have been blessed to raise money for 4 churches and pastor homes (3 of which were from villages visited on the first trip). Even more importantly we have seen close to 700 Salvations on these 3 trips….Praise the Lord!!
Budapest
Also in 2006, Salvation Safari began partnering with other ministries around the globe. We have had two trips to Budapest, Hungary (2006 and 2007) to partner with the local Campus Crusade ministry. While this has been a very different trip than our others in regards to extreme outdoor conditions, the extreme lost condition there is very prevalent and we have seen the beginnings of some great work the Lord is doing.
Nicaragua
Salvation Safari has also had the opportunity to partner with local IMB missionaries along the Coco river of Nicaragua in ministering to the Moskito people. This people group is among the few that haven’t been fully reached with the Gospel of Jesus. SalSaf has taken 3 trips starting in 2006 (one more planned for 2009) where teams camp along the river and help to evangelize and build a church/pastor home with the local IMB team.
Where We Are Going Salvation Safari submits to the will of our Lord and continually prays for new opportunities to take the gospel around the globe. Currently we have one more trip planned for 2009 to Nicaragua and we are beginning to discuss our plans for 2010. Our desire is to continue building relationships with the ministries we have been honored to partner with and the people we have reached. We also desire to begin meeting some of the physical needs that are so prevalent in some of these remote areas in addition to the great spiritual needs. Above all, we will continue to serve as the Lord permits always seeking to glorify Him in whatever we do.
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