Who We Are

Christ-centred and church-anchored

NextSteps began in 2024, when we met neglected children on the Lake Victoria islands. We work with local churches to care for them in body, mind and spirit.

Our God-Given Vision

A Generation Taking the Next Step

We want children and youth who know Jesus, stay in school and gain practical skills. We want them to become disciple-makers and community-builders who lift their families out of dependency.

Our Story & Mentors

How NextSteps began

A mentor, children’s Fun Days and a call to the lake shaped our mission.

Mentorship

Pastor Alex Messamore of Grace Point Church in Henderson mentors us. Serving beside him in Uganda showed us how much the younger generation needs the Gospel.

Chapter 1: Calling

We watched a faithful mentor serve

We watched Pastor Alex preach in schools and communities in words young people could understand. Many came to Christ through his steady work.

“His commitment to young people encouraged Louis and Hassan to take on this ministry in Uganda.”

With prayer and encouragement from Pastor Alex and Pastor Steve Ernest, we founded NextSteps Ministries.

Chapter 2: Origins

Our first Fun Day in Soweto

We began in Soweto, Jinja, with a children’s Fun Day. We brought toys and games, shared a hot meal and told the children about Jesus.

“Hearing the Gospel was where it started. These children needed a long-term path of discipleship and growth.”

Dozens of children responded with joy. That day became the blueprint for our discipleship model.

Chapter 3: The Islands

Crossing to Kisima 1 and Kisima 2

Through Grace Point Church and Pastor Alex, we reached Kisima Island 1 and Kisima Island 2. Children there grow up around alcohol and violence, with little access to school.

“Kisima is mostly Muslim. God opened doors, and parents, leaders and children came to trust us.”

Several children gave their lives to Christ. That is the root of our island ministry.

Chapter 4: The Purpose

Why we are called NextSteps

Someone hears the Gospel and asks, “What now?” Often they have nowhere to turn. We offer the next step.

“We give practical help alongside spiritual care, so people and communities grow toward self-reliance.”

We pair discipleship with school sponsorship, learning materials and home visits that bring food and support in a family crisis.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

Psalm 127:3

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14

Strategic Plan

Six goals, one purpose

These six goals keep our work focused, biblical and built to last.

01

Equip the Church

We train island churches to care for vulnerable children for the long term.

02

Care for Vulnerable Children

We give spiritual, educational and physical support so children can thrive in their own or foster families.

03

Share the Gospel

Evangelism runs through every programme and introduces young people to Jesus.

04

Build Self-Sufficient Communities

Savings groups and small businesses help families move from aid to independence.

05

Make Disciples

We help believers grow strong so they can disciple others at every island landing site.

06

Transform Through Three Pillars

Faith, Education and Provision work together in every project.

Statement of Faith

We believe that children are precious to God, not a problem to be managed (Matthew 19:14; Psalm 127:3; Proverbs 22:6).

We equip the Church, proclaim the Gospel and build communities rooted in grace and truth.

Scriptural Foundation
Gospel Centered
Local Church Focused

Accountability & Transparency

NextSteps Ministries is a company limited by guarantee. We are applying for full NGO status in Uganda.

We follow a written child-protection policy, keep careful financial records and report on how every gift is used.

Written child-protection policy
Financial accountability
Applying for NGO status

Leadership

A small team and 15 volunteers

Leaders on the ground, mentors who pray and teach, and volunteers from the community.

2
Founders
15
Active Volunteers
2
Ministry Leaders
1
Partner Church

Louis and Hassan

Founders

We met island children in 2024 and stepped out to start NextSteps. We run daily operations and the education programmes.

Pastor Alex and Pastor Steve

Mentors

Pastor Alex Messamore (Grace Point Church) and Pastor Steve Ernest ( Raising Hands Ministries International) pray for us, teach us and guide our leadership.

Field team

Leaders and volunteers

15 local volunteers run weekly children’s programmes, home visits and family support on Kisima 1 and 2.

Visual Journal

Moments from the Water

Snapshots of life, school and fellowship in the communities we serve.

Aerial view of Kisima 2 Island.

Tuition and school supplies

Fun Days and Bible teaching

Education support and mentoring

Kisima 1 Lakeshore

Sports and play.

Be Part of the Next Step

Sponsor a child’s schooling, or partner with our children’s outreach. Your gift gives a child the next step.

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