FIELD WORKERS + PARTNERS - ACCI
Andii Dunuwille
When Andii was 15 years old, she went on a mission trip with school to Thailand, Chiang Mai. She worked with children who had been rescued from Human trafficking and she remembers her heart breaking for these kids, but also a huge desire to love each one.
Learn moreErin Assur
Erin Assur is an ACCI intern who will be working alongside The River.Aisa's team in Chiang Mai, Thailand to serve the local communities and learn about the life of a full-time field worker. Her heart is that this internship would provide her with the skills to kickstart a life fully given to seeing God's children saved, healed, equipped, empowered, and propelled to serve. She asks that you would pray and consider partnering with her to see lives changed for the glory of God in Jesus' name.
Learn moreFaith Grant
Faith has always dreamed of serving the next generation through missions in other nations. “When I was five years old,” Faith says, “my heart was gripped by a GodTV program where local mission in Mozambique was being done.” When she found out it was real and you could give your life to such things, she told her parents “That’s what I want to do! Fast forward 13 years and here I am ready to follow God’s leading to the Thai people as my first overseas mission!”
Learn moreAlex Loh
Alex loves Jesus, the local church, culture, food and humour, and it's heaven on earth when he can use his interests to further what God has called him to do in Japan. To an avid traveller, history buff and food lover, Japan has long been a treasure trove of wonders for Alex. Yet, all isn't well in the Land of the Rising Sun, and the spiritual darkness and relational poverty Alex saw plaguing the nation spurred him onto the missions field. Based long-term in Osaka, Alex actively helps to preach the Gospel, lead prayer and small group meetings, conduct Bible studies, disciple new believers, and train up new leaders at a local church. At the same time he’s also embedding himself into the local community, researching the local culture, teaching English, building networks, doing outreaches, developing Christian resources, and indulging in culinary delights. Alex is grateful to his home church (Enjoy) and ACCI for their ongoing spiritual and practical support, as well as to his home supporters for their invaluable friendships and for praying him through innumerable on-the-field challenges. Having served God's mission in Japan for over five years, Alex is stirred spiritually for more of what Jesus wants him to do for the Japanese people. Alex's heart is drawn to the vulnerable young and is strategising to tackle the spiritual and systemic strongholds preying on them. Alex invites you to partner with him, prayerfully and financially, so he may step more into revealing God’s Father heart to give institutionalised children their own families, and continue walking out God's call on his life in Japan.
Learn moreAmi Schefe
Ami is a field worker to Riberalta, Bolivia, with a heart to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the community. She is developing programs to empower young women in the capacity-building, and educational opportunities as well as personal growth and mentoring.
Learn moreAmy Battocchio
Amy first felt the call to be a missionary at the age of 15. An unquenchable desire to see souls saved and people encounter the love of Jesus burned in her heart. She gave herself to street evangelism and serving within her local church. Through the years God has lead her on an incredible journey of understanding grace and the love of Father God. Her life has been transformed by seeing the loveliness of Jesus and her life goal is Luke 10:42. "but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 NIV Amy felt God was calling her to step out in faith as a missionary in 2020. She will be interning with Penny Nakanishi in Northern Japan and supporting her and her amazing team in their ministry to the Japanese people in the city of Hirakawa.
Learn moreAndrew & Maija Thomas
Andrew and Maija Thomas are the lead pastors of The Together Co, a young church in central Phnom Penh, and have been living and working there for 7 years. They have two children.
Learn moreAOG World Relief Vietnam
The majority of the population in rural Vietnam are struggling to survive day to day. AOGWR Vietnam connect with communities to actively determine and participate their own development.
Learn moreBen & Angela Thorpe
Due to the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine, coupled with the loss of their home and belongings, the Thorpes have relocated for this time to the UK.
Learn moreBen & Irene Hay
Ben & Irene Hay followed their calling in 2013 to see street children and at risk children in Kenya live the life God intended for them. They aim to see children living on the streets reintegrated with families, vulnerable children supported to overcome the barriers that prevent them from completing schooling, and young people living on the streets having greater opportunities in their lives by assisting them to gain National ID cards and access to economic opportunities. Focusing on children and young people living on the streets of Nairobi, they aim to see children restored to families, families strengthened to care for and send their children to school, and young people given the opportunities and support required to overcome the challenges they face. Through Children’s Fortress Africa, the Hay family see this outworked through a range of activities, including family reunification, income-generation, education scholarships, community libraries, sports programs and advocacy efforts. They are working with government services, families, children, and young people to tackle issues leading to children living on the streets from all levels. To find out more about the work Ben & Irene are involved with please follow this link to Children's Fortress Africa.
Learn moreBen & Theeda Prevost
The Prevost Family are based in Kampong Cham City, about 2 hours north of the capital Phnom Penh. They have a heart to bring hope to all Cambodians through the message of Jesus. Through relationships and discipleship, They, with their national team are working to see individuals, families and communities transformed. They have a vision and desire to see families made strong in Christ, the generations empowered, and indigenous churches planted. To keep in touch, follow their journey on Facebook or contact them via email.
Learn moreBethel in Habarana
Bethel in Habarana (BIH) was established by Sharon and Jerome Serpanchy in 2014. BIH works with the marginalized people within the North Central Region of Sri Lanka. They aim to see communities better equipped and empowered with the skills and mindset to address their own needs in order to have equal and more opportunities in life.
Learn moreBlair & Althea
Blair and Althea along with their sons Lachlan and Jesse have served with Teen Challenge Residential Discipleship Program since 2003, first in Kazakhstan and then in The Republic of Georgia. Teen Challenge is a holistic ministry which involved the whole family being part of every aspect of life with the students in the program. In addition to Teen Challenge Blair and Althea have been part of church planting in Kazakhstan and in Georgia local church ministry and outreach. They have now moved into living and working within the un-reached Azeri Muslim community which includes bringing new Iranian believers to Georgia to live, study and work at a Bi-vocational training centre. The aim of the training centre is to see graduates return to their country of origin equipped for self sustainable ministry. This is a multifaceted ministry which involves church planting, evangelism, discipleship, outreach and bible distribution. Their community development includes building a dairy, orchards and agricultural projects. This holistic ministry develops life qualities according to Christian values and the tools required for Church planting in the countries of Georgia and Iran. Project - Ministry Vehicle Our home church raised funds for us to purchase a vehicle over 5 years ago and this has been a great benefit for the ministry and our family. However, we are needing an upgrade and are seeking to purchase another vehicle. The realities of road conditions in Georgia are quite poor and dangerous, we are seeking to purchase a safe and robust vehicle which suits our needs. We are looking to raise approximately AUD 18,000; which would purchase a Toyota Hilux 2014, second hand imported, fresh and well maintenanced.
Learn moreBrendon & Family, East Asia
Brendon and his family have a vision to reach Jesus’ lost bride among a poor, Muslim ethnic group in East Asia. Their mission is to make obedient, Spirit-empowered disciples who will become leaders of a Jesus movement. Their ministry has been located in urban and rural settings, and their activities have included language and cultural study, evangelism, discipleship, small group Bible studies, prayer healing, scripture distribution, microcredit and education. They have recently partnered with nationals and other foreigners who have a similar vision, empowering them through mentoring/coaching, prayer, and finance. These partnerships are now being developed online and through short visits, as Brendon and the family are going to be based in Australia for the foreseeable future.
Learn moreBruce & Raija
This Community Transformation Project works alongside 20 different communities to see their goals achieved! By providing training and support to community members, they are seeing issues of health and hygiene addressed, vulnerable families strengthened and whole communities transformed! Water, sanitation and health are integral to any community’s wellbeing and development. Not only are there direct benefits, but it can also dramatically reduce instances of debt, enhance livelihoods and increase incomes. The project provides communities with health and hygiene training and education, clay water filters, latrines, and mosquito nets. The Project also focuses on strengthening families of children who are orphaned or abandoned, so that they can continue to care for children within the community. This prevents families from breaking down. Families are not just supported financially, but will be engaged in broader community development programs to build their capacity and knowledge and ensure children in extended family care can access education, received adequate food and nutrition, and to prevent further issues and illness in their home.
Learn moreChad & Corrie Irons
Chad and Corrie in Phnom Penh, Cambodia! Chad and Corrie have been involved in short and long-term missions for 25 years. As a couple, they have travelled throughout SE Asia since they started dating in 1997, and their heart for the area only expanded after living with their two children, Hope and Josiah, in Vietnam during 2008/2009, assisting with ACCI missions projects in Da Nang. Since then, Chad has been the General Manager for ACCI Missions & Relief and more recently, the Missions Pastor at Hills Church, Ferntree Gully, Victoria. They relocated to Phnom Penh in January 2023, and have jumped straight into several months of intensive language learning. Chad and Corrie have already begun working alongside the Children in Families (ACCI Relief Project Partner R144 CIF) board and national manager, assisting with governance and ACC church engagement. They have also come alongside a local church plant to support the team. Using Phnom Penh as a base, Chad and Corrie are using their experience and skills as well-developed systems and strategic operators, to collaborate with a number of local partners, churches and non-government organisations to strengthen current work and increase the capacity and sustainability of local leaders and pastors, social enterprises, churches and businesses. They have been invited to add value to other NGO's and social enterprises when it comes to sustainable systems, structure, finances, leadership and governance. They are continuing to engage support partners in these plans for Cambodia, so if you would like to support Chad and Corrie, please see options below.
Learn moreChild In Family Focus Kenya
ACCI Relief has formed a partnership with a local, faith based organisation Child in Family Focus Kenya (CFFK). CFFK is a reputable organisation working in care reform in Kenya. They are involved in advocacy on family based care for orphaned and vulnerable children and support organisations to transition from Institutional Care (orphanages) to Family Based Care, in conjunction with the local Department of Children Services and other stakeholders. CFFK are supporting ACCIR’s Kinnected program in Kenya, through providing their technical skills and experience in a number of ways. One specific area of this partnership is contributing to care reform efforts in Kenya by supporting the work of Nairobi City County Government Children’s Services to safely and sustainably reintegrate children and young people out of their government run shelters. This will be done in partnership with Children’s Fortress Africa, a local project that was established by ACCI Field Workers, Ben & Irene Hay.
Learn moreChildren in Families
Nearly 75% of the 12,000 children living in orphanages in Cambodia have at least one living parent (UNICEF). Poverty and limited access to education are the main reasons why these children are placed in residential care, away from their own families and communities. Children in Families exists to place vulnerable children in loving families. Children in Families understands that for children’s healthy development, the love, nurturing and security of a permanent family unit is required. For those children who cannot be reunited with their birth parents, CIF finds permanent Cambodian families for children through kinship care and long-term foster care and supports their journey.
Learn moreChildren's Fortress Africa
The vision of Children’s Fortress Africa is to see children and young people in Kenya reach their potential using the unique gifts and skills they have within them. Focusing on children and young people living on the streets of Nairobi, they aim to see children restored to families, families strengthened to care for and send their children to school, and young people given the opportunities and support required to overcome the challenges they face. Children’s Fortress Africa see this outworked through a range of activities, including family reunification, income-generation, education scholarships, community libraries, sports programs and advocacy efforts. They are working with government services, families, children, and young people to tackle issues leading to children living on the streets from all levels.
Learn moreDeborah Kneale
Deb is currently working for Mother's Heart, a pregnancy crisis centre established by ACCI Field Workers in Cambodia. Deb’s role involves training and mentoring Khmer Childcare workers at Little Lambs Daycare. This centre operates to provide a childcare service to single mothers in the Mother's Heart program, so that they are able to work to provide for themselves and their child. This enables mothers to leave their children in a safe, loving and stimulating environment while they attend work.
Learn moreAndii Dunuwille
When Andii was 15 years old, she went on a mission trip with school to Thailand, Chiang Mai. She worked with children who had been rescued from Human trafficking and she remembers her heart breaking for these kids, but also a huge desire to love each one.
Learn moreErin Assur
Erin Assur is an ACCI intern who will be working alongside The River.Aisa's team in Chiang Mai, Thailand to serve the local communities and learn about the life of a full-time field worker. Her heart is that this internship would provide her with the skills to kickstart a life fully given to seeing God's children saved, healed, equipped, empowered, and propelled to serve. She asks that you would pray and consider partnering with her to see lives changed for the glory of God in Jesus' name.
Learn moreFaith Grant
Faith has always dreamed of serving the next generation through missions in other nations. “When I was five years old,” Faith says, “my heart was gripped by a GodTV program where local mission in Mozambique was being done.” When she found out it was real and you could give your life to such things, she told her parents “That’s what I want to do! Fast forward 13 years and here I am ready to follow God’s leading to the Thai people as my first overseas mission!”
Learn moreAlex Loh
Alex loves Jesus, the local church, culture, food and humour, and it's heaven on earth when he can use his interests to further what God has called him to do in Japan. To an avid traveller, history buff and food lover, Japan has long been a treasure trove of wonders for Alex. Yet, all isn't well in the Land of the Rising Sun, and the spiritual darkness and relational poverty Alex saw plaguing the nation spurred him onto the missions field. Based long-term in Osaka, Alex actively helps to preach the Gospel, lead prayer and small group meetings, conduct Bible studies, disciple new believers, and train up new leaders at a local church. At the same time he’s also embedding himself into the local community, researching the local culture, teaching English, building networks, doing outreaches, developing Christian resources, and indulging in culinary delights. Alex is grateful to his home church (Enjoy) and ACCI for their ongoing spiritual and practical support, as well as to his home supporters for their invaluable friendships and for praying him through innumerable on-the-field challenges. Having served God's mission in Japan for over five years, Alex is stirred spiritually for more of what Jesus wants him to do for the Japanese people. Alex's heart is drawn to the vulnerable young and is strategising to tackle the spiritual and systemic strongholds preying on them. Alex invites you to partner with him, prayerfully and financially, so he may step more into revealing God’s Father heart to give institutionalised children their own families, and continue walking out God's call on his life in Japan.
Learn moreAmi Schefe
Ami is a field worker to Riberalta, Bolivia, with a heart to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the community. She is developing programs to empower young women in the capacity-building, and educational opportunities as well as personal growth and mentoring.
Learn moreAmy Battocchio
Amy first felt the call to be a missionary at the age of 15. An unquenchable desire to see souls saved and people encounter the love of Jesus burned in her heart. She gave herself to street evangelism and serving within her local church. Through the years God has lead her on an incredible journey of understanding grace and the love of Father God. Her life has been transformed by seeing the loveliness of Jesus and her life goal is Luke 10:42. "but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 NIV Amy felt God was calling her to step out in faith as a missionary in 2020. She will be interning with Penny Nakanishi in Northern Japan and supporting her and her amazing team in their ministry to the Japanese people in the city of Hirakawa.
Learn moreAndrew & Maija Thomas
Andrew and Maija Thomas are the lead pastors of The Together Co, a young church in central Phnom Penh, and have been living and working there for 7 years. They have two children.
Learn moreAOG World Relief Vietnam
The majority of the population in rural Vietnam are struggling to survive day to day. AOGWR Vietnam connect with communities to actively determine and participate their own development.
Learn moreBen & Angela Thorpe
Due to the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine, coupled with the loss of their home and belongings, the Thorpes have relocated for this time to the UK.
Learn moreBen & Irene Hay
Ben & Irene Hay followed their calling in 2013 to see street children and at risk children in Kenya live the life God intended for them. They aim to see children living on the streets reintegrated with families, vulnerable children supported to overcome the barriers that prevent them from completing schooling, and young people living on the streets having greater opportunities in their lives by assisting them to gain National ID cards and access to economic opportunities. Focusing on children and young people living on the streets of Nairobi, they aim to see children restored to families, families strengthened to care for and send their children to school, and young people given the opportunities and support required to overcome the challenges they face. Through Children’s Fortress Africa, the Hay family see this outworked through a range of activities, including family reunification, income-generation, education scholarships, community libraries, sports programs and advocacy efforts. They are working with government services, families, children, and young people to tackle issues leading to children living on the streets from all levels. To find out more about the work Ben & Irene are involved with please follow this link to Children's Fortress Africa.
Learn moreBen & Theeda Prevost
The Prevost Family are based in Kampong Cham City, about 2 hours north of the capital Phnom Penh. They have a heart to bring hope to all Cambodians through the message of Jesus. Through relationships and discipleship, They, with their national team are working to see individuals, families and communities transformed. They have a vision and desire to see families made strong in Christ, the generations empowered, and indigenous churches planted. To keep in touch, follow their journey on Facebook or contact them via email.
Learn moreBethel in Habarana
Bethel in Habarana (BIH) was established by Sharon and Jerome Serpanchy in 2014. BIH works with the marginalized people within the North Central Region of Sri Lanka. They aim to see communities better equipped and empowered with the skills and mindset to address their own needs in order to have equal and more opportunities in life.
Learn moreBlair & Althea
Blair and Althea along with their sons Lachlan and Jesse have served with Teen Challenge Residential Discipleship Program since 2003, first in Kazakhstan and then in The Republic of Georgia. Teen Challenge is a holistic ministry which involved the whole family being part of every aspect of life with the students in the program. In addition to Teen Challenge Blair and Althea have been part of church planting in Kazakhstan and in Georgia local church ministry and outreach. They have now moved into living and working within the un-reached Azeri Muslim community which includes bringing new Iranian believers to Georgia to live, study and work at a Bi-vocational training centre. The aim of the training centre is to see graduates return to their country of origin equipped for self sustainable ministry. This is a multifaceted ministry which involves church planting, evangelism, discipleship, outreach and bible distribution. Their community development includes building a dairy, orchards and agricultural projects. This holistic ministry develops life qualities according to Christian values and the tools required for Church planting in the countries of Georgia and Iran. Project - Ministry Vehicle Our home church raised funds for us to purchase a vehicle over 5 years ago and this has been a great benefit for the ministry and our family. However, we are needing an upgrade and are seeking to purchase another vehicle. The realities of road conditions in Georgia are quite poor and dangerous, we are seeking to purchase a safe and robust vehicle which suits our needs. We are looking to raise approximately AUD 18,000; which would purchase a Toyota Hilux 2014, second hand imported, fresh and well maintenanced.
Learn moreBrendon & Family, East Asia
Brendon and his family have a vision to reach Jesus’ lost bride among a poor, Muslim ethnic group in East Asia. Their mission is to make obedient, Spirit-empowered disciples who will become leaders of a Jesus movement. Their ministry has been located in urban and rural settings, and their activities have included language and cultural study, evangelism, discipleship, small group Bible studies, prayer healing, scripture distribution, microcredit and education. They have recently partnered with nationals and other foreigners who have a similar vision, empowering them through mentoring/coaching, prayer, and finance. These partnerships are now being developed online and through short visits, as Brendon and the family are going to be based in Australia for the foreseeable future.
Learn moreBruce & Raija
This Community Transformation Project works alongside 20 different communities to see their goals achieved! By providing training and support to community members, they are seeing issues of health and hygiene addressed, vulnerable families strengthened and whole communities transformed! Water, sanitation and health are integral to any community’s wellbeing and development. Not only are there direct benefits, but it can also dramatically reduce instances of debt, enhance livelihoods and increase incomes. The project provides communities with health and hygiene training and education, clay water filters, latrines, and mosquito nets. The Project also focuses on strengthening families of children who are orphaned or abandoned, so that they can continue to care for children within the community. This prevents families from breaking down. Families are not just supported financially, but will be engaged in broader community development programs to build their capacity and knowledge and ensure children in extended family care can access education, received adequate food and nutrition, and to prevent further issues and illness in their home.
Learn moreChad & Corrie Irons
Chad and Corrie in Phnom Penh, Cambodia! Chad and Corrie have been involved in short and long-term missions for 25 years. As a couple, they have travelled throughout SE Asia since they started dating in 1997, and their heart for the area only expanded after living with their two children, Hope and Josiah, in Vietnam during 2008/2009, assisting with ACCI missions projects in Da Nang. Since then, Chad has been the General Manager for ACCI Missions & Relief and more recently, the Missions Pastor at Hills Church, Ferntree Gully, Victoria. They relocated to Phnom Penh in January 2023, and have jumped straight into several months of intensive language learning. Chad and Corrie have already begun working alongside the Children in Families (ACCI Relief Project Partner R144 CIF) board and national manager, assisting with governance and ACC church engagement. They have also come alongside a local church plant to support the team. Using Phnom Penh as a base, Chad and Corrie are using their experience and skills as well-developed systems and strategic operators, to collaborate with a number of local partners, churches and non-government organisations to strengthen current work and increase the capacity and sustainability of local leaders and pastors, social enterprises, churches and businesses. They have been invited to add value to other NGO's and social enterprises when it comes to sustainable systems, structure, finances, leadership and governance. They are continuing to engage support partners in these plans for Cambodia, so if you would like to support Chad and Corrie, please see options below.
Learn moreChild In Family Focus Kenya
ACCI Relief has formed a partnership with a local, faith based organisation Child in Family Focus Kenya (CFFK). CFFK is a reputable organisation working in care reform in Kenya. They are involved in advocacy on family based care for orphaned and vulnerable children and support organisations to transition from Institutional Care (orphanages) to Family Based Care, in conjunction with the local Department of Children Services and other stakeholders. CFFK are supporting ACCIR’s Kinnected program in Kenya, through providing their technical skills and experience in a number of ways. One specific area of this partnership is contributing to care reform efforts in Kenya by supporting the work of Nairobi City County Government Children’s Services to safely and sustainably reintegrate children and young people out of their government run shelters. This will be done in partnership with Children’s Fortress Africa, a local project that was established by ACCI Field Workers, Ben & Irene Hay.
Learn moreChildren in Families
Nearly 75% of the 12,000 children living in orphanages in Cambodia have at least one living parent (UNICEF). Poverty and limited access to education are the main reasons why these children are placed in residential care, away from their own families and communities. Children in Families exists to place vulnerable children in loving families. Children in Families understands that for children’s healthy development, the love, nurturing and security of a permanent family unit is required. For those children who cannot be reunited with their birth parents, CIF finds permanent Cambodian families for children through kinship care and long-term foster care and supports their journey.
Learn moreChildren's Fortress Africa
The vision of Children’s Fortress Africa is to see children and young people in Kenya reach their potential using the unique gifts and skills they have within them. Focusing on children and young people living on the streets of Nairobi, they aim to see children restored to families, families strengthened to care for and send their children to school, and young people given the opportunities and support required to overcome the challenges they face. Children’s Fortress Africa see this outworked through a range of activities, including family reunification, income-generation, education scholarships, community libraries, sports programs and advocacy efforts. They are working with government services, families, children, and young people to tackle issues leading to children living on the streets from all levels.
Learn moreDeborah Kneale
Deb is currently working for Mother's Heart, a pregnancy crisis centre established by ACCI Field Workers in Cambodia. Deb’s role involves training and mentoring Khmer Childcare workers at Little Lambs Daycare. This centre operates to provide a childcare service to single mothers in the Mother's Heart program, so that they are able to work to provide for themselves and their child. This enables mothers to leave their children in a safe, loving and stimulating environment while they attend work.
Learn more