A Journey of Faith: Norfolk Couple’s Mission in Kenya

Alexander and Astrid Milne’s path to missionary work in Kenya began long before they packed their bags and boarded a plane to Mombasa in September. Their story is one of lifelong callings, divine timing, and unwavering faith. Alexander had felt drawn to East Africa since childhood, initially dreaming of becoming a game warden in the region. Meanwhile, Astrid, who grew up as part of a German minority in communist Transylvania, developed a heart for Africa through her pastor father’s stories about missionaries making a difference in distant lands. After the fall of communism, her family emigrated to West Germany, but Astrid’s journey was just beginning. “I joined London City Mission on a gap year 30 years ago, where I met Alexander,” she recalls. “It became clear that it was God’s will for us to be married, and so we’ve been on mission together ever since!” Their shared calling to spread the Gospel would eventually lead them across continents, but first, they would spend 18 years in outreach ministry in East London before relocating to rural Norfolk, Alexander’s birthplace, where they continued their mission work while raising their family and worshipping at the Fountain of Life church in Ashill.

God began speaking to the Milnes about Kenya about six years ago, Alexander explains. After a vision trip two years ago, they finally felt it was time to “get out of the boat and go long-term.” Landing in Mombasa on September 5th with all their belongings intact, the couple began adapting to the tropical climate, African lifestyle, Swahili language, and the constant negotiation for fair prices. Divine provision was immediately evident as they were able to rent the house of a pastor’s family who had been praying for God to use their property for His glory. Within just two weeks of arrival, the Milnes hosted 30 people in their living room and partnered with other practitioners to provide training in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. This gathering birthed a Missionary Team that now meets regularly at their home for fellowship, training, and outreach across Mombasa. The couple has observed a growing disillusionment with established churches in the region, where many feel traditional institutions place too much emphasis on money and operate more like businesses than spiritual communities. Alexander notes his pleasant surprise at finding many locals open to exploring home-based churches—a return to the New Testament model of gathering.

The impact of the Milnes’ work quickly expanded beyond their home. Following their initial training session, the couple and their team members have had opportunities to provide training in four different churches throughout Mombasa. Their approach focuses on equipping local believers to make disciples who will, in turn, make more disciples—creating a multiplication effect that can reach even the most remote or unreached communities. This methodology resonates with many Kenyans who are seeking a more authentic and relational expression of faith than what they’ve experienced in some institutional settings. By empowering indigenous churches and believers, the Milnes are helping to cultivate a sustainable movement rather than creating dependency on foreign missionaries. Their vision extends beyond the immediate work in Mombasa to eventually reaching unreached people groups throughout Kenya and possibly beyond.

Not all experiences during their first months in Kenya have been positive. The couple faced a troubling incident when a young man they had welcomed into their home attempted to break into their locked bedroom. While he was interrupted by their housekeeper Jasmine, he managed to escape with her laptop. Yet in a remarkable turn of events, this challenging situation yielded unexpected spiritual fruit. Jasmine, who comes from a Muslim background, subsequently expressed her desire to follow Jesus and began reading the Bible with Alexander and Astrid—a practice that has become their daily morning routine. This scenario illustrates how even difficult circumstances can be transformed into opportunities for spiritual growth and conversion in the mission field. The Milnes view this experience as a valuable lesson, expressing gratitude that nothing worse occurred while remaining open to how God can work through challenging situations.

The couple continues to look ahead on their new adventure with both excitement and purpose. Though the climate, culture, and challenges they face in Kenya differ dramatically from their previous life in Norfolk, the message of the Gospel they share remains unchanged. They are actively seeking to build partnerships that will enable them to reach even more unreached people groups in the future. Alexander and Astrid maintain a clear vision of their mission: to share the Good News, train others, and experience the joy of leading people to Christ. Their approach combines direct evangelism with equipping and empowering local believers—a strategy designed for long-term impact rather than temporary results. The couple understands that effective mission work requires patience, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to adapt methods while keeping the message constant. Through their daily interactions, training sessions, and home-based gatherings, they are slowly but surely making inroads into communities that have previously had limited exposure to authentic Christian witness.

Alexander and Astrid deeply value the prayers and practical support they receive from people back in the United Kingdom. They recognize that God’s kingdom work is truly a Gospel partnership that extends across continents and cultures. “Please join with us in asking God to send out more workers into his harvest field,” they request, emphasizing the need for believers and churches to be equipped to make disciples who make disciples, particularly among unreached people groups. For those who feel led to support their ministry financially, the couple has established a Stewardship Partner Account where individuals can contribute to their work. As they navigate the joys and challenges of cross-cultural mission work in Mombasa, the Milnes remain focused on their calling while staying connected to their roots in Norfolk. Their story serves as a reminder that missionary work is not just about geographical relocation but about following a divine calling that often begins decades before the actual journey commences. Through faithful persistence and a willingness to step out in faith, this Norfolk couple is now making a tangible difference in Kenya, one relationship and one disciple at a time.