Uganda

Marissa’s House in Kireka, Bulenga, Uganda, was a generous gift from an anonymous donor connected to our original Ethiopia partner, International Cooperating Ministries (ICM). The building, initially designed as the headquarters for the FourSquare Church of Uganda and home to Hope for New Life Church, was completed and dedicated in September 2012.

The facility serves as a church and community gathering space on the ground floor, while the upper floor can house up to 35 children who were once orphans, along with two widows who act as house mothers. The children, who currently range in age from 12 to 19, are provided with schooling, nutritious meals, clothing, school uniforms, and their own beds, creating a safe and loving home.

In 2013, Marissa’s House raised funds to drill a freshwater well on the property. This well, the result of an extensive hydrological survey and drilling, now provides abundant, clean water for the children and the surrounding community. Up to 100 people from the village and nearby areas rely on this well every day for their water needs.

In 2014, we added an indoor kitchen and volunteer housing, enabling the Pastor’s wife to teach local villagers baking and cake decoration skills, helping them develop income-generating opportunities.