Our Team, Board Members, & Ministry Partners
At Advocates for Africa’s Children (AFAC), our mission is strengthened by a diverse group of leaders – our staff and board, U.S. and African local ministry partners. Together, we bring decades of experience in faith, leadership, education, health, finance, and community development to create sustainable change for orphaned and vulnerable children. Meet our Staff & Board.
Servant Leadership
We seek leaders who serve with humility, putting the needs of children and communities first.
Integrity & Stewardship
Our board and staff are committed to transparency, accountability, and wise use of resources.
Faith in Action
Every partner lives out their faith through compassion, prayer, and action that transforms lives.
Collaboration & Vision
We value those who work alongside local leaders with a long-term vision for thriving communities.
Meet Our Team
Rev. Heidi Lum
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Heidi founded Advocates for Africa’s Children in 2006 after serving in eSwatini since 2005 and expanding to Tanzania in 2016. With a background in accounting and an M.A. in Global Leadership from Fuller Seminary, Heidi blends professional expertise with deep compassion. She also served as a Lay Pastor, Elder, and Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu and is an ordained minister with the ECO Presbyterian denomination. Heidi pastors at Waitsburg Presbyterian Church in Washington state. She has a love for travel, k-dramas, and spending time with her husband, two sons, and her beloved dogs.
Karyn R. Rufus
OPERATIONS
With an education in Psychology and Studio Art Karyn brings both strategic thinking and creativity to her role, helping build strong systems, faithfully stewarding the mission forward. She spent 15+ years serving in ministry in the Los Angeles area, including 2 church plants, serving on the boards of 2 churches, and leading a mission team of twelve in 2014 with AFAC. Karyn is endlessly curious about what drives human behavior, and how we can live in alignment with our strengths, purpose, and values. When she’s not working, she enjoys writing, cooking, and laughing, till it hurts, with her loved ones.
Lynette Unger
BOARD CHAIR
A long-time supporter of Advocates, Lynette joined the AFAC board in 2023 and was elected board chair in 2025. Lynette brings a love for Christ and His church and a passion to see His kingdom flourish throughout the world. She has many years experience as a teacher, learner, worshiper, and musician. She holds bachelors and masters degrees in Music/Music Education and is a CiRCE Institute Certified Master Classical Teacher. She’s loved and supported by her husband, Steve. She has one adult daughter who lives nearby in Northwest Arkansas and a son who lives in the presence of the Lord.
Board Members
Kristi Maynard
CFO of Finance Factors
Tyne Cody
Board Member
Jim Matichuk
Hawaii Architects, Inc.
Tanzania Partners
Mary Masele
Mary Hagai is the Founder and Executive Director of Hope for Children in Adversity, a Tanzanian nonprofit based in Dar es Salaam. She is passionate about empowering children, families, and communities through sustainable development and compassionate care. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to helping vulnerable children thrive and equipping families with the resources and support they need to build a brighter future.
Mary holds a degree in Community Development from Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, and a nursing degree from Mountain State University in West Virginia, USA. She has served in child development ministry with the Mennonite Church of Tanzania and previously worked as Chief Development Strategic Officer for Africa Inland Church Tanzania.
Emmanuel Haggai
Emmanuel is the founder of Aleph Ministries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and co-founder of Hope for Children in Adversity. A pastor, church planter, and visionary leader, he has served in ministry, education, and peace building throughout East Africa.
Emmanuel holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Eastern Mennonite University in the United States and a Diploma in Theology from Mount Meru University. He previously served as General Secretary of the Tanzania Mennonite Church and has led peace building and conflict transformation initiatives in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. He is currently an ordination candidate with ECO, A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, and a seminary student at Flourish Institute of Theology. Emmanuel and his wife, Mary, are blessed with three children.
Meet the Team.
Join the Mission.
The people you’ve met on this page are united by one purpose: helping children and communities thrive through education, clean water, nutritious food, and the hope of Christ.
Together with partners like you, we’re building a brighter future – one child, one family, and one community at a time.
