“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:18–22
Expand The Nets
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit equipping pastors, church leaders, and students across Kenya and East Africa — through training, mentorship, and the everyday support that makes ministry possible.
Our Mission
“To support local pastors, church leaders, and students in Africa.”Expand The Nets · Founded by Mike & Tonya Bourassa
Degrees & Diplomas
Bachelor’s degrees, Pastoral Ministry Diplomas, and Advanced Leadership Diplomas through Alef University’s Nairobi campus, where Mike serves as professor.
Graduate Studies
Select students continue on to complete a Master’s Degree, extending their capacity to teach and lead well beyond their own congregations.
Conferences & Teaching
Direct instruction at Church Pastor and Leadership Conferences across Kenya, Tanzania, and the Congo — meeting leaders where they are.
Founders
Mike & Tonya Bourassa
Mike Bourassa
Missionary · Biblical Professor · Ordained Minister- Undergraduate work in Biblical Studies, Asbury College
- Master’s Degree in Practical Theology, Regent University
- Former pastor of four churches; ordained minister for 31 years
- Current Project Manager, Thermo Systems
- Biblical Professor, Alef University — Nairobi Campus
- Mission work in Honduras, Russia, and Kenya
Tonya Bourassa
Missionary- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Georgia Southern University
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Georgia Highlands College
- Currently a homemaker
- Mission work in Russia and Kenya
Mike and Tonya have three married daughters — Heather (36), Kaitlyn (32), and Michaela (28) — and one granddaughter, Brianna (4).
Where We Serve
Kenya is home base — but the reach goes further.
Mike teaches at Alef University’s Nairobi campus, the hub for training pastors and leaders who go on to serve in rural congregations across the region.
The Terrain
Ministry doesn’t stop where the pavement does.
Many of the pastors we support travel hours over rural roads — through herding routes, river crossings, and open country — to reach the congregations who need them.
Our Impact
Training leaders who train leaders
From the Nairobi Leadership Summit to graduation day at Alef University, this is what your support makes possible.
Graduation Day, 2025
Alef University’s Kenya campus sends another class of trained pastors and leaders into the field.
Nairobi Leadership Summit
Sponsored by Alef University, gathering pastors and educators from across the region.
Teaching in the Field
Mike leads leadership seminars alongside local pastors and church planters.
Worship & Community
The praise and worship team leads celebration at the Leadership Summit.
Pastor Moses & Caroline
Academic Dean at Alef University, teaching alongside his wife at church seminars.
How We Help
Support that meets real, practical needs
Beyond tuition and teaching, the day-to-day needs of pastors and their families are just as real. Here’s where your giving goes.
Helped pay for a 3-year visa for the Lead Pastor & University Dean in Kenya.
Vehicle maintenance and repair for pastors — tires, gearboxes, and more.
Travel and accommodations for pastors teaching in rural Kenya, Tanzania, and the Congo.
Travel support for students’ graduation ceremonies and Leadership Training Conferences.
Matching funds for materials and books needed for training.
Meeting physical needs for pastors and their families as they arise.
Stories from the Field
The leaders your support trains and sustains
Pastor Moses Ilunga
Academic Dean at Alef University, Pastor Moses and his wife Caroline regularly teach together at church leadership seminars across the region.
Church Leadership Seminars
Ongoing training equips local pastors with the tools to lead healthy, growing congregations long after the seminar ends.
A New Class of Leaders
Every graduate represents years of study, a congregation waiting, and a net cast a little wider.
Give Today
Your gift helps a pastor keep going.
Expand The Nets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Every donation is tax-exempt and goes directly toward training, travel, and support for pastors and church leaders across East Africa.
— 2 Corinthians 9:6–15
Choose an amount as a guide, then make your check out and mail it below.
P.O. Box 49164
Cookeville, TN 38506
Expand The Nets is based in Cookeville, TN. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law under our 501(c)(3) status.
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