About Us

Welcome to Shepherd’s Heart International Ministry! We are so glad you stopped by and paid us a visit.

Shepherd’s Heart International Ministry (SHIM) is a multi-national ministry started by Ugandan Pastors and Christian Leaders and Karina Smith, and is located on Lingira Island in the Buvuma Island chain of Lake Victoria, Uganda. The nearest mainland city is Jinja, 15 miles away by boat. Jinja is the location of the long-sought source of the Nile River, and is quite near the equator. The temperature, however, is surprisingly mild due to the elevation (about 3,000 feet) and the proximity to the largest fresh-water lake in Africa.

The Buvuma Island chain consists of about 52 islands, ranging in size from very small- less than one mile around, to quite large- the main island of Buvuma is approximately 19 miles long, and quite wide. Population for the islands is unknown, but estimates are in the seventy thousand range.  Lingira Island is just about 5 miles in circumference, and boasts a population of perhaps two thousand people amongst its 3 villages of Lingira, Kyoya, and Katonga.

SHIM is located on about eight acres on the north edge of the village of Kyoya (pronounced “choiya”). From this location, we hope to build and run the six branches of SHIM-Evangelism and Discipleship, The Lake Victoria Pure Water Project, Economic Development, Educational Development, Agricultural Development and Family Ministries. In the future we hope to add Healthcare, focusing on the development of a comprehensive HIV/AIDS program for the islands.

SHIM has a multi-national leadership team, consisting of Andrew and Karina Smith (President) from the United States, Pastor Wafula Robert (Vice President), Pastor Mumbya Samson (Director of Evangelism and Discipleship), Papa Okoro and Mama Olive (Family Ministry), Julius (Agricultural Development), Geoffery (Water Purification Engineer), “Chief” (Accountant) and Gloria (Social Worker and Secretary). Our desire is to come along side indigenous pastors and leaders and assist them to meet the needs of their people in effective, God-honoring ways.

Thank you for your interest in this ministry. We hope you enjoy your visit!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Andrew and Keeky (Karina) Smith