Moving from Mumba to the Rukwa Valley involved an all-new startup for the Rabenolds. After frequent meetings with leaders of the area, a plot of land was given to them just above the village of Kapenta, where Ted began constructing their home.

Next to be built were the Vo-tech carpentry school and homes for staff. Having short-term guests and visitors necessitated a guest house. Other missionary families joined them, so their homes were built, then the extension to the Vo-tech building for instruction in sewing as well as repairs on government elementary and secondary schools. After being requested by the regional government, the first two classroom buildings were constructed on the Kaoze secondary school. Church buildings in various surrounding villages were constructed as people heard and believed the Good News. The first sunflower oil press in Kapenta village was so successful that the building was extended to set up a second oil pressing system. Water tanks, fish ponds, chicken and pig shelters, etc., were erected.

Building materials include hand-made bricks made locally before the annual rains arrive. Clay is formed brick by brick, set in rows to sun dry, then fired for several days. Most of the materials for these homes (boards, roof thatch, bricks and stones) are produced or acquired locally in the Rukwa Valley. Cement, roof tin, and finishing products are all transported by truck from outside the Valley.