Meet Sarah: A Life of Influence Rooted in Faith

At the Koro site, Sarah is known for her grace-filled leadership and steady encouragement—key qualities that help build a strong and unified team. She’s been part of the Hope Alive! team since 2011 and has served as site manager since 2014—but her story of leadership began long before that.

Sarah grew up in northern Uganda during a season of great difficulty as the second of five siblings. Her father worked far from home, and communication was limited. Her mother carried the heavy responsibility of caring for the family, and Sarah stood beside her—helping, learning, and becoming the kind of person others could depend on. Life was hard, but Sarah watched her mother plan carefully and provide for the family with strength and determination. “We admired my mom,” she recalls. “She made sure we had food and studied.”

Sarah naturally stepped into a role of support and guidance for her younger siblings. With determination and grace, she helped ensure her siblings had what they needed to study and succeed. Today, each one has completed their education and is now able to sustain themselves—something Sarah looks back on with pride and joy.

When Sarah gave her life to Christ during secondary school, everything began to change. She encouraged her mother to leave distilling and open a small restaurant, which gave them a more sustainable way to support the family. Faith became the foundation that carried Sarah through seasons of loss and hardship, including the death of her father and a painful season of depression. A local pastor took her in during a season of spiritual torment, walking with her in prayer and hope until she experienced freedom in Jesus. “There were Christians around me who helped me in my faith,” she shares. “When I received Jesus, there was hope for the future.”

Sarah was determined to study and eventually earned her teacher’s certificate in Gulu. During that time, she also began seeking God’s will for marriage after a pastor encouraged her to consider it. She prayed for three years that if God wanted her to marry, He would lead her to someone who walked in faith and integrity. One night, God gave her a dream—and that dream led her to Peter. They met through church and were married in 2007. Peter came to know Christ through prison ministry and is passionate about working with prison ministry and teaching scripture.

Together, Sarah and Peter have five biological children: Boris (18), Humble Prince (14), Blessing (12), and twin daughters born in 2019. Their family experienced deep sorrow when one of the twins passed away shortly after birth. Heva, now five and a half, continues to bring joy to their home. Even in the midst of loss, their home has remained a place of welcome. Their 16-year-old nephew, Griffin, has lived with them since he was young and is now adopted—they consider him their second born. They are also caring for three nieces who live with them full-time. “We believe in extended family,” Sarah explains. “We are always happy to welcome others—whether it’s for a short time or a long time.”

During the time Sarah met Peter, she started serving in children’s ministry, where she still gives her time today. She taught school for a year before joining World Vision and later came to Hope Alive! in 2011 after a former colleague suggested the opportunity to her. She started as a site assistant and then was asked to step into leadership when the site manager role became vacant. Sarah officially became the site manager in 2014. She is deeply respected by her team, not only for her leadership but for her humility and ability to recognize others’ strengths and help them grow into leaders themselves. She is a unifier—someone who brings people together and creates space for others to thrive.

“My favorite part of the job is influencing others,” Sarah says. “I love helping people recognize their strengths and come together to work as a team. I believe God has given me the grace to lead with humility. Even when others are stronger or more skilled than I am, I find joy in helping us all move forward together.”

Her work has impacted not just her community, but also her family. “My children appreciate what I do,” she says. “They miss me sometimes, but they also see that my heart is in service.” She’s had offers to pursue other careers or business ventures but says simply, “My heart is for service.”

At home, Sarah finds joy in fellowship with her family—especially when they are all gathered around the table. “Even when my mother is visiting, we all sit and eat together and share conversation. We especially celebrate when the children are home for holidays because our numbers are larger!” 

Sarah is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, which she expects to complete by May 2026. She shared that she is determined to finish her studies no matter what it takes, drawing strength from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse has encouraged her through many difficult seasons.

In every sphere—whether at work, in her church, or at home—Sarah carries a deep peace and steady joy. She is a woman of prayer, a woman of vision, and someone who lifts others higher. As she says, “When you’re focused and you want God, He will always speak and be available to you.”