John David Kalisa
John David Born in Uganda, grew up in post Genocide Rwanda. Was raised in a Christian household in which hospitality was everything. His community was made of people from all walks of life yet loss and suffering was a common denominator; there were orphans, widows and widowers.
John David was privileged to have both parents and all siblings together, this was a privilege. From a young age he observed this community life and it’s dynamics while pondering upon them in his heart, little did he know they would guide his life decisions. Although he grew up going to church, he came to faith when he was 20.
He founded an interdenominational Bible study, and was also involved in high school and college ministries doing discipleship and music. He saw such a great need for mentorship, wise counsel, and safe spaces to allow one’s deepest thoughts to unfold.
John David holds two Master’s degrees; An MDiv, from Tyndale Theological Seminary, and an MA in counseling Psychology from Denver Seminary, with a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. His educational pursuit exposed him to life within other cultures in Europe, and USA.
He now combines all these experiences to live a culturally competent spiritual-psychosocial lifestyle while he also believes that this is a key instrument to a better life today once internally reconciled.
Meet our teams
Passionate and redeemed, a people committed to partaking and walking hand-in-hand with the least of us.
John David, Kalisa
Programs Development
Passionate about holistic maturity and discovery of self, and embodying the christian walk. He has been with us since 2021.
Ruth Zihiga
Communications & Events
A global health professional with expertise in monitoring and evaluation, research. Passionate about re-writing stories. Has been with us since 2021
Gerald Ntambara
Advancement Coordinator
MSME Growth & Resilience, Agribusiness Development. Loves Charity and empowering young adults. He has been with us since 2021.
Geoffrey Tenesy
Who worked for the local government in the youth department spearheaded getting these children off the streets in 2021. He is the Field Operations Coordinator
Rashid Twamugabo
Has been with us since 2021, and supports the boys development, but also in charge of teaching Culture through dance.
Yvette Uwimana
Has been with us since 2021, and serves the house as a care giver to the children and other forms of hospitality.
Jeanne Upfuyisoni
Has been with us since 2022, she serves us by supporting the younger children, teenage girls, and women.
Steven Ntambara Rukaka
Has been there since the first day in 2006 when the team was founded with friends serving as the Head Coach.
Mugisha Nsore Clement
Has been part of the team since when he was in elementary school. He now serves as a coordinator for outreaches.
John David Kalisa
Was in middle school when the team started, and he now serves his teammates through mentorship and personal Development.
John David Kalisa
President
Founder.
John David is currently an LPCC working towards his clinical and School Counseling licences. Spends his time walking with people through hospitality and fellowship that heals. He is passionate about contextualising and translating faith, and mental health into society’s everyday experiences from a socio-cultural perspective.
Tom Kimball
Senior Vice President
CEO + Owner KimballPro.
Tom is a CEO, Executive Producer, Director, Actor, Author, Chief—has churned away in
professional film, television and theatre for more than 40 years. He has served with Ambleside School of Colorado. Tom, a veteran actor and director, spends
countless hours with students, clients, and colleagues creating living stories of
significance. Tom also served in the Air Force Reserve as an IMA to the Chief
Enlisted Manager for public affairs at Air Force Space Command as well as an IMA for
Air Force Reserve Command before retiring from a distinguished military career as a
chief master sergeant in January 2017 after 23 years of service.
Apollo Makara
Vice President
NET Foundation Netherlands.
Apollo is Field Coordinator for NET Foundation Netherlands, a ministry dedicated to equipping church leaders worldwide through accessible theological education focusing on reaching leaders across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
As a trained theologian and ordained priest under the Anglican Union, Apollo remains deeply committed to the formation and empowerment of ministers.
Olivia Schieffelin
Secretary/Treasurer
Associate, Charles Schwab.
Olivia coached fencing for four years to all ages, but focused on building relationships and a strong base with the younger fencers. She continues to mentor many of the students that she coached and plays an active role in their lives and development.
Brisa Bejarano
Assistant Treasurer
Mile High Ministries.
Brisa, an accountant at Joshua Station, Denver CO. is also a Resident Volunteer since November 2023 where she mentors and supports families transitioning from homelessness and addiction. She has been assisting with community activities and workshops focused on life skills and recovery. She was also part of Cross Purpose.
The People behind the scenes
Emmanuel Dusabimana
President; Kingdom builders Rwanda
Emmanuel, the founder and president of Kingdom Builders, is also a worship pastor. He inspires the youth with the knowledge, skills, resources, and support they need to become successful entrepreneurs, leaders, and positive contributors to society, all guided by biblical principles.
John Irwin
Mission Steward; Downing House
13 years as the Mission Steward of Downing House overseeing the mission and health, fundraising, building strong internal and external relationships, supervising staff, offering growth opportunities, loving well. John has also served with Young Life for over 2 decades both as a regional and area director.
Celeste Impundu
In August 2020, feeling an unfathomable call to win souls and make disciples, Celeste founded Relentless Pursuit; a Christian platform birthed to teach, equip, and make disciples to nations from people of all walks of life. She provides the body of Christ with daily devotions, weekly podcasts, and diverse additional Bible study tools.
Join Us in Empowering Rwandan Lives Today!
Your support can transform lives and uplift communities in Rwanda for a sustainable tomorrow. Get involved now!