About Us
The Visionary
Bishop Eliudi Issangya is the founder and president of the International Evangelism Center in Tanzania. Honored by the Tanzanian government for his lifelong service, he has devoted his life to spreading the Gospel and improving the lives of people across East Africa.
At age 22, Eliudi attended the San Diego School of Ministry, earning a pastoral degree in 1979. During that time, God gave him a vision to bring Bible training to his own country. He returned home and opened the IEC Bible School in his village of Sakila in 1983. The school became the foundation for many ministries that have since blessed the region, including a medical clinic and a K–12 Christian school.
In 2007, God placed a special burden on Eliudi’s heart for orphans. That same year, he opened Christ Hope Orphanage to give vulnerable children a safe home, education, and the love of Christ.
Eliudi and his late wife, Hellen, raised six children and were blessed with seven grandchildren. After Hellen’s passing in 2010, Eliudi married his wife Lucy in 2011. Together they continue to serve faithfully and inspire others to follow God’s call.
A Vision Takes Root
When Christ Hope Orphanage opened in 2007, it began with 30 children and 6 dedicated staff members. From the start, the goal was simple: to provide a safe, Christ-centered home where children could receive love, care, education, and a foundation of faith.
Over time, several of Bishop Eliudi’s children joined in the work, including his third and fifth children who served as directors before it was entrusted to his youngest son, Steven. Each played a role in shaping the heart and structure of the ministry, helping it grow stronger and reach more children.
What began as a small home of hope has become a thriving ministry. Today, Christ Hope Orphanage and Home for Boys and Girls has 11 full-time staff members caring for 44 children at the orphanage, 37 attending secondary school, and 30 young adults in college, vocational training, or living successfully on their own.
From the beginning, this ministry has remained rooted in love and committed to helping every child grow in faith, character, and purpose.
Carrying the Vision Forward
In 2012, Bishop Eliudi’s youngest son, Steven Issangya, a native of Tanzania, stepped into the role of Director of Christ Hope Orphanage. Having grown up surrounded by his father’s ministry and the children of the orphanage, Steven developed a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by vulnerable children in his country. His leadership has continued the legacy of compassion and faith his parents began, while also guiding the orphanage into a new season of growth and sustainability.
Steven and his wife, Kierstin, now lead the orphanage together.
Before joining the ministry full time, Kierstin served as a children’s director and pastor in the United States, equipping her with the experience and heart to nurture both the physical and spiritual development of the children. Together, they share a calling to provide a safe, Christ-centered home where every child can grow in love, faith, and purpose.
As Christ Hope Orphanage and Home for Boys and Girls continues to expand, the vision has grown beyond orphan care alone. Many children in Tanzania are being raised by single parents, grandparents, or relatives who cannot meet their basic needs. The orphanage now opens its doors to these children as well, offering temporary care, education, and support while working toward family reunification whenever possible.
Under Steven and Kierstin’s leadership, the ministry continues to focus on long-term sustainability through local agriculture, livestock, staff development, and educational programs. Each step forward is taken with the same commitment that began this mission to share the love of Jesus Christ and build a foundation of hope, faith, and opportunity for every child.
A Special Thank You
We want to express our sincere gratitude to the board of International Evangelism Outreach, the organization that faithfully managed the U.S. side of Christ Hope Orphanage for many years. Their dedication, prayers, and financial support helped sustain the ministry and care for countless children.
We are also personally grateful for their trust in us and for advocating for us to continue this work. The foundation they built has allowed Christ Hope Orphanage and Home for Boys and Girls to grow stronger and reach even more children with the love of Christ. We remain thankful for their partnership and the years of service that helped make this ministry what it is today.
With gratitude,
Steven and Kierstin Issangya
and the Christ Hope Orphanage Staff
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
