The Scheenstras work with a semi-nomadic people who pasture their herds in a desert region of eastern Africa. This ethnic group, which is 99 percent Muslim, has very limited access to health, agricultural, and educational services; many suffer periodically from malnourishment, illiteracy, and high childhood mortality. Though the physical needs are great, their spiritual needs are even greater, since most of this people group have not understood or received the gospel.

They are in partnership with an indigenous mission group as part of a team to be a Christian witness that seeks to proclaim the gospel through relationships and everyday interactions while working to help meet physical needs through community development and health care.