Family Ministry

Ministry Directors:
Okoro and Olive Tefiro – “Papa and Mama O”

Ministry Team:
Bob & Michelle Peterson, Karina Smith, Jennifer Abenakyo, and Ronnie and Stella Kakaire

 Mission Statement:

Ministering to the people of Patonga, northern Uganda in April 2014, was a SHIM team, including Papa and Mama O, shown sporting their special “family ministry” shirts.

To realign families in the Buvuma Islands to God’s original design through training and counseling in relational development and practical living.

The health and well-being of Ugandan marriages and families are very close to the heart of Family Ministry directors, Okoro and

After over 30 years of marriage and successfully raising six children, the Okoros draw from a wealth of experience as they teach in seminars and visit and counsel in island homes. Their intense love for God and others, their ability to relate to people of all circumstances, and their warm humor make them approachable in any setting.

God has used Papa O and Mama O in a variety of exciting family ministries, from restoring relationships in despairing island families to teaching Kampala pastors and their wives; from a crusade in Kansensero –the far side of Uganda’s Lake Victoria shoreline-to the engagement and wedding ceremonies of their eldest son.

In 2014, Papa and Mama O attended and successfully completed a five-month “Family Ministry School” through YWAM (Youth With a Mission) of South Africa.

Shown at their graduation ceremony are Mama and Papa O, after completing a Family Ministry School in South Africa.

The Okoros have taught in many family ministry seminars in the islands as well as on mainland Uganda and coordinated family conferences for SHIM staff and local leaders.

“Each day the women brought new testimonies of how the material was changing their understanding of their roles as wives, mothers, and teachers. ‘This seminar is unique from others we have received. We are learning how to please God in our homes.’”

Newly-weds and new mothers: 

Equipping island women leaders – Attendees of the Titus 2 follow-up seminar in October 2010.

Donated wedding clothes and decorations have now stocked a “wedding closet” organized by Mama O to help soon-to-be-wed couples reduce their wedding expenses by providing some of their needed items. It is common that young people here will choose to cohabitate rather than face the astronomical costs of the Ugandan introduction and wedding ceremonies. However, it is Okoro and Olive’s heart and vision to help couples discover, keep, and honor God’s design for marriage and family.

“I always look for the best clothes for Muslim moms. I want them to see God’s love,” explained Auntie Jennifer, as she received more baby clothes for her ministry to new moms. Jennifer has visited and shared the love of Christ in countless island homes. Michelle has been a supporter and cheerleader for this important outreach.

Four couples were united in marriage in a “Mass Wedding” at Kyoya Deliverance Church, July 2014. Pastor Bob Peterson was one of the officiants.

To encourage the sanctifying of marriages among the Ugandans and especially those of the island, SHIM assisted in organizing a “Mass Wedding” in July 2014. Four couples were united in marriage in a special ceremony held at Kyoya Deliverance Church in Kyoya Village on Lingira Island. Thank you to those who prayed for and gave toward this special event! 

New Members:

Ronnie and Stella Kakaire at their introduction in Jinja.

Joining the SHIM family as ministry partners and specifically with our branch Family Ministry branch are Ronnie and Stella Kakaire of Jinja. As singles, the

Kakaires were long active in youth and family outreach, but united to form a powerful team when they married in August 2013. When not on the islands, speaking to secondary students or ministering to families, they operate Family Altar Ministry, based in the Jinja area.

To stay updated on how SHIM is reaching island families, visit the SHIM Facebook page.