Johann Ludwig Krapf came to Rabai in 1844 with his pregnant wife Rosine, whom he had married in
Egypt. Shortly afterwards on 9 June 1844, his wife died of
malaria. At the time of her death, Krapf was also taken ill and their newborn infant died 3 days later. They were buried at Rabai. In 1846 Krapf together with
Johannes Rebmann set up a mission at Rabai. Krapf learnt the local languages and translated the Bible into Swahili. On 10 June 1849
Jakob Erhardt and John Wagner arrived at the Rabai Mpya mission station, where they joined Krapf and Rebmann. However, Wagner died on 1 August 1849. In the spring of 1850 Erhardt and Krapf travelled by dhow down the East African coast from Mombasa. The boat was small and food was scarce, of poor quality and difficult to prepare due to the rain. However, they collected much information about the interior. After the voyage, the two returned to the mission station, and in 1851 Krapf left for Europe to recuperate. Krapf returned and new missionaries were sent. Several died and the mission was moved inland to Ribe. Krapf went back to Europe and Thomas Wakefield became the lead missionary.
Rebecca Wakefield, Charles New and Butterfield were among those lost. ==Today==