Alissa has been deeply burdened by the plight of the children in Uganda, where more than two million orphans seek to survive and 50% of Uganda’s population is under age 15. Plagued by extreme poverty, economic and political unrest, the AIDS pandemic and other diseases, many of the Ugandan children have been abandoned, neglected, and left to die alone. These children are not only physically dying, but also every opportunity to develop a better future is also dying. These children’s sad and desperate faces left a permanent mark on her heart and mind, and she is determined to dedicate the rest of her life to rescuing these dying children and providing educational opportunities for those who do not have them available.

With God’s help and the help of others, Alissa will be establishing a children's village in a remote district in Uganda called Kyenjojo. In this district alone, it is estimated that there are over 35,000 orphans whose parents have died of AIDS. This district has the highest number of AIDS orphans, and yet there are very few facilities to care for these neglected children. Many of the children are left to be raised with elderly grandparents who cannot even provide for their own needs, with extended relatives or neighbors who often sexually, physically, or emotionally abuse these children or enforce child slavery, or the orphans are left to raise themselves-as well as their younger siblings. These children are suffering and are given no hope for a brighter future. Alissa is fully convinced that she has been sent to Uganda to be these children's doorway of hope.

The Children's Village will have children's homes that will house a maximum of 10 children and a mother (who will be a widow from one of the surrounding villages). The village will also include a medical clinic, a library, a farm, educational schools, and vocational schools-where the students will learn job skills such as tailoring, carpentry, and catering. These skills will empower the youth to gain employment and become successful.

In February 2009, about 70 acres of land was purchased outside the town of Kynejojo in a rural village called Nyarungogo. We are still in the process of acquiring a land title for this property, but it should be completed by the middle of 2010. In June 2009, we began construction of the Medical Clinic and purchased and installed a generator that will provide electricity for our village. By the end of 2010, we hope to begin providing medical services and have access to clean water through the water system that will be constructed on our land. We are also seeking to begin construction for at least one to three Children’s Homes.

One way to spread the love and message of Jesus is to visit the African people in their homes. Many of the Ugandan people enjoy having visitors, especially a “white” visitor. Some of the people are unable to leave their homes because of illness or fatigue and greatly appreciate when someone comes to visit. As we go forth carrying the presence of the Lord inside of us, we are given various opportunities to bring Jesus to the people’s homes. Sometimes we may be the only Jesus those people see. This evangelistic tool is a way to invite people to church and help them become connected with the body of believers. In 2008 and 2009, this ministry was conducted by the members and ministers of the church. We were able to pray for people in their homes and share the word of God with them. In June 2009, a Mission’s Team from America also conducted these visitations. It was truly a beautiful thing to see their willingness to meet the people at their level and share Christ with them. Many of the people were honored and deeply appreciated visitations from the “Bazungu”-white people. We continue to see people being drawn to the Lord and to our church as a result of these home visitations. In 2010, these visitations will continue to be conducted..

Discipleship is a vital component of ministry. As people meet and study the Bible together, they continue to mature in their faith and strengthen and encourage one another. Matthew 18:20 says, “Where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” Women’s Bible Studies provide an atmosphere of love, trust, and acceptance for the ladies and can be very beneficial in building friendships and deepening their walk with the Lord.