Making History: The First Pan-Africa Missionary Kids Conference Comes to Lagos
Interaction International Partners to Support MKs Across the Continent

The Pan-Africa missionary kids conference landscape is about to change forever. From October 1–5, 2025, Lagos, Nigeria will host PACMACK—the Pan-Africa Conference for Missionary and Cross-cultural Kids—marking a pivotal moment for indigenous African missionary families and their children.

For decades, conversations about Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and missionary children have centered primarily on Western sending nations. These conversations have produced rich insights and crucial care structures. But they’ve also often overlooked the unique experiences and challenges of African MKs and CCKs—those whose parents serve cross-culturally within and beyond the African continent, often without the safety nets and support systems familiar in Western mission models.

PACMACK is a response to that oversight. And it’s about to make history.

A Conference Born from Recognition

The vision for PACMACK gained momentum after the International TCK Conference (ITCKC) in Thailand in 2023. That event deliberately highlighted the Global South, creating space for cross-cultural kids and caregivers from under-resourced regions to participate and be heard. Inspired by ITCKC’s impact, African leaders and global partners saw the need for a regional gathering tailored specifically to African TCK realities.

“This represents a significant shift in how we approach TCK care globally,” explains a spokesperson from Interaction International, whose President, Bret Taylor, has been invited to speak at the historic gathering. “Indigenous African missionary families have been sending cross-cultural workers for generations. Yet their children’s voices have too often been missing from the global conversation.”

As a longtime advocate for MK and TCK support, Interaction International is honored to be a financial and organizational partner for this first-of-its-kind conference.

Why Lagos, Why Now?

The choice of Lagos—Africa’s most populous city and a strategic hub for Christian missions—underscores the growing role African nations play in the global missions movement. Nigeria, in particular, has become a significant sending country, with increasing numbers of Christian workers serving both within Africa and beyond.

With that rise in cross-cultural ministry comes a parallel increase in African MKs, PKs, and CCKs—children raised in diverse cultural environments, often navigating complex identities without access to culturally relevant care. Many face real challenges processing their experiences, making sense of transitions, and developing a healthy sense of self and purpose.

PACMACK’s timing reflects that urgency. The theme “Thrive” was chosen with intention—because these young people were made for more than survival. They were made to flourish.

“To thrive means to grow, develop, and do exceptionally well,” says one of the organizers, Dupe Kashimawo. “We believe African MKs and PKs can draw from the rich resource of their cross-cultural experience and reach their highest potential—personally, spiritually, and professionally.”

What Makes This Conference Different?

Unlike many TCK-focused events built around Western assumptions, PACMACK is deeply grounded in the realities and potential of African cross-cultural experiences.

Sessions will address:

• Cross-cultural identity formation in the African context

• Navigating transitions between countries, languages, and education systems

• Attachment dynamics and relationships in families constantly on the move

• Financial literacy and practical life skills, especially relevant in resource-limited contexts

• Emotional processing, healing, and storytelling grounded in African frameworks

Plenary Speakers include prominent leaders like Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson and founder of the Christian Missionary Fund, and Dr. Diti Olawale, a featured speaker at ITCKC. Interaction’s Bret Taylor will also address the conference, bringing his decades of experience in global MK care.

 

Who Should Attend?

PACMACK is designed for:

• Missionary Kids (MKs) and Pastors’ Kids (PKs) from across Africa, aged 16 and older
• Adult MKs and PKs seeking healing, understanding, and connection
• Young adults in transition between cultures, schools, or vocations
• Parents, caregivers, and organizations who support cross-cultural African families

The conference will be conducted in both English and French, making it accessible to a broad range of African participants. Organizers are also working to subsidize costs for young adults and students through generous donations and partnerships.

How Interaction International Is Involved

PACMACK’s mission closely aligns with Interaction International’s long-standing commitment to care, connection, and advocacy for MKs and their families. Through both financial support and relational investment, Interaction is helping make PACMACK a reality.

“Some of the most vibrant, resilient, and resourceful MKs I’ve met have come from African sending families,” notes Bret Taylor. “It’s an honor to be part of something that validates their journey, equips their future, and raises their voices.”

While some participants can cover their own expenses, many cannot. The conference fee is $250 per participant.  Some need help with additional funds needed to cover travel costs for those coming from other African nations. Interaction International is contributing to PACMACK. We believe it is important to practically encourage these overlooked generations of missionary’s children. Through CAPRO USA, tax-deductible donations can help ensure no one is left out due to finances.

You Can Be Part of This History

Would you consider partnering with us to support this historic gathering?

Your gift can help send an African MK or PK to PACMACK, where they will gain tools, healing, and hope. Donations can be made through:

• Online: www.caprousa.org
• PayPal: www.donate-caprousa.org (be sure to designate “PACMACK”)
• Zelle (US only): caprousafinance@gmail.com (memo: PACMACK)
• Checks payable to Calvary Ministries (CAPRO USA), mailed to:
  • Treasurer, 7130 Minstrel Way, Suite 210, Columbia, MD 21045
  • or DC Campus, 6363 183rd Street, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Looking Forward

As PACMACK approaches, anticipation builds—not just for the stories that will be shared, but for the new stories that will begin. This isn’t just a conference. It’s a milestone. It’s a movement. It’s a long-overdue recognition that African MKs and CCKs have insight, strength, and calling that the world needs to hear.

And with your help, they’ll have the support they need to thrive.