Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”

-James 1:27

Vision Statement

We see a country where every orphaned and vulnerable child is uplifted by faith, equipped through education, and empowered to become leaders who break the cycle of generational poverty for themselves and future generations.

Core Values

  1. Faith in Christ
    We believe that true and lasting transformation begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our work is rooted in prayer, guided by Scripture, and empowered by the love of God.

  2. Dignity and Compassion
    Every child is created in the image of God and deserves love, respect, and opportunity. Our love is active—we serve with humility, listen with empathy, and act with compassion to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

  3. Empowerment Through Education
    We provide holistic, high-quality, faith-based education that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. Education is a foundational tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sustaining futures.

  4. Leadership and Generational Impact
    We raise up servant-hearted leaders who model integrity and responsibility. By equipping young people to lead with purpose, we create sustainable change that impacts families, communities, and future generations.

  5. Integrity, Sustainability, and Community Partnership
    We steward every resource with excellence, transparency, and accountability. Through deep partnerships with families, churches, and local communities, we build systems that foster long-term stability, self-reliance, and resilience.

We were moved by the story of Esther in the bible. A beautiful story of how the orphan, Hadassah, becomes Queen Esther and chooses her people over her position as Queen to help bring them out of persecution.

“Hadassah” means Compassion. The name Hadassah is of Hebrew origin, meaning "myrtle tree".

Myrtle is a branch that symbolizes recovery and the establishment of God’s promises.

Donate

FAQs

FAQs

MHM MAGAZINE

MHM MAGAZINE

Meet the Team

  • Amy Goodwin

    Amy - Michigan, USA

    Co-founder, President, Sponsor

    A passionate entrepreneur and creative force, Amy is a multifaceted professional with a heart for service and a drive for innovation. As co-founder of Myrtle House Ministries, Amy has combined purpose with leadership, dedicating time and talent to meaningful community impact.

    With a strong background in interior design, space planning, and programming, Amy brings a rare blend of artistry and technical skill to every project. Whether crafting functional, beautiful spaces or developing systems to enhance design workflows, Amy approaches each challenge with precision, creativity, and vision.

    An entrepreneur at heart, Amy has launched and managed several small startups, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build from the ground up. Known for being loyal, honest, hardworking, and dedicated, Amy leads with integrity and a spirit of excellence.

    Outside of professional endeavors, Amy is deeply committed to family, faith, and service. A devoted member and volunteer at church, a loving caretaker of their household, and a consistent presence in their community, Amy lives by strong values rooted in kindness, patience, and faithfulness.

  • Heather Jiles

    Heather - Missouri, USA

    Co-founder, VP, Sponsor

    Heather is a devoted follower of Christ whose journey into global ministry began in 2017 during a life-changing mission trip to Ethiopia. It was there that God placed a deep burden on her heart for orphans and the people of Africa—an experience that shifted her perspective from simply sharing her faith to fully living it out. She embraced the Gospel not only in word but through action, choosing to become the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world.

    That calling deepened when Heather and her family hosted a young girl from Malawi. The bond they formed was instant and transformative. Through that experience, God connected Heather with like-minded individuals who would eventually become the Myrtle House Ministries team. Today, she considers it a great honor to serve alongside such generous, faith-filled leaders, united by a shared vision to impact lives through Christ-centered love and service.

    Heather brings a wealth of experience in large-scale operations, pastoral care, and ministry leadership to the team. Her life is a beautiful reflection of her values—she homeschools her three children, is raising a grandchild, and pours herself into others with a generosity and kindness of spirit that inspires everyone around her. Whether she's offering encouragement, organizing ministry efforts, or simply extending a listening ear, Heather embodies the compassionate heart of the Gospel in both word and deed.

    With unwavering faith and a servant’s heart, Heather continues to walk in obedience to God’s call—building up His Kingdom one life, one family, and one act of love at a time.

  • MacDonald Mughogho

    MacDonald - Malawi, Africa

    Executive Director

    MacDonald is a faithful servant of God whose ministry journey began in 1999 when he responded to a divine calling—despite the financial uncertainties it presented. He was called into children and youth ministry with Scripture Union of Malawi, a decision he now regards as one of the most impactful of his life. Through his work, thousands of young people came to know Christ, many of whom have gone on to become influential leaders in international ministries, a legacy that continues to humble and inspire him.

    Driven by a deep commitment to discipleship, MacDonald expanded his work through Bible camps, creating spaces where young people could grow in faith and discover their own callings. In 2006, alongside his wife Linda, he embraced a second, more demanding call from the Lord—to leave the comforts of city life and serve with Giving Heart Ministries in one of Malawi’s most impoverished rural areas. There, they encountered not only economic hardship, but also social injustice, particularly regarding the education of girls.

    Disturbed by the widespread belief that girls were only destined for early marriage and childbearing, MacDonald and Linda established a school fund dedicated to supporting girls’ education. Their seven-year journey in the rural community became the foundation of Total Community Transformers—a holistic ministry that empowers communities through faith, education, health, agriculture, and climate awareness.

    In 2019, MacDonald led a team of 10 orphans to the United States, where he was deeply moved by the love and generosity of those supporting vulnerable children. This experience catalyzed his involvement with Myrtle House Ministries, a ministry built on God’s revelation through individuals passionate about serving the Lord. MacDonald considers it a profound privilege to join this bandwagon of gallant giants of faith, working to impact the lives of girls through Christ-centered discipleship and education.

    Today, MacDonald stands as a beacon of faith-driven leadership—empowering future generations, uplifting the marginalized, and faithfully walking in obedience to God's call.

  • Christine Tarpley

    Christie, Michigan, USA

    Board Member, Secretary, Sponsor

    Christie has always had a heart for children and a deep-rooted passion for nonprofit work. From a young age, she felt called to serve vulnerable communities, and while life led her into the joyful and full-time role of raising three wonderful boys, that early calling never faded. It wasn’t until she and her husband began sponsoring a young orphan from Malawi through Myrtle House Ministries that Christie felt that flame reignite in a profound and personal way.

    Their connection with this child—built through shared videos, prayer, and growing love—opened a part of Christie’s heart she hadn’t realized was still waiting to be filled. Knowing that their support is helping to shape this child’s future has brought incredible joy and renewed purpose. With her own children growing older, Christie felt led to do more—to pour into the lives of other vulnerable children who need encouragement, hope, and the love of Christ.

    Christie brings a wealth of experience to MHM, having served on numerous nonprofit boards where her insight, energy, and heart for others left a lasting impact. A former collegiate soccer player, Christie’s discipline, team spirit, and drive continue to shape the way she approaches both life and ministry. She is known for her infectious smile, generous spirit, and a contagious curiosity that fuels her ability to connect deeply with others. Whether she’s championing a child’s future, cheering on a friend, or investing in her community, Christie leads with kindness, encouragement, and unwavering commitment.

    Christie’s journey with Myrtle House Ministries is not just about giving back—it’s about living forward into a calling she now embraces with open arms and an open heart.

  • Maria - Malawi, Africa

    Program Coordinator

    Maria oversees the organization’s operations and policy development, bringing energy, innovation, and a strong youth perspective to the team. With a bachelor's degree in Development Economics and a master's in progress, she actively engages with stakeholders and mentors university students, strengthening the organization's connection to the next generation of leaders.

  • Lonece - Malawi, Africa

    Resource Mobilization Officer


    Lonece is a social scientist with a strong academic background in Development Economics and Sociology. She plays a key role in writing grant proposals, conducting research, and overseeing operations at Myrtle House Ministries’ self-sustainable farm.

  • Beverly Earl

    Bev - Texas, USA

    Board Member, Sponsor

    Beverly is an accomplished business owner with extensive experience in strategic planning, marketing, event planning and all facets of entrepreneurship. She successfully built and managed her business while serving on multiple boards where she provided leadership in growth strategies and community engagement.

    Beyond her professional and business experiences, she has been fortunate to make lasting friendships and enjoys connecting with others. She loves meeting new people, sharing ideas and building relationships that matter.

  • Becky Zoppi Moon

    Becky - Michigan, USA

    Board Member, Sponsor

    Becky is a devoted counselor, mother, and servant-leader whose life reflects a deep commitment to education, community, and faith. Since beginning her career in education in 2002 and transitioning to school counseling in 2016, Becky has served as a guiding light for countless students and families. As a middle school counselor in Michigan, she supports nearly 700 students, offering guidance, encouragement, and care with her signature warmth and wisdom. Her leadership extends beyond the counseling office—she has served as a district team leader for counseling, played a vital role in emergency management planning, and is known throughout the district for her reliability, insight, and compassion.

    Becky’s heart for ministry deepened when she walked alongside her best friend at the founding of Myrtle House Ministries. She felt called to join in the mission by sponsoring, a young girl from Malawi who quickly became part of her family in every meaningful way. In the summer of 2025, Becky and one of her daughters traveled to Malawi, witnessing firsthand the transformational work God is doing through the ministry and the children it serves. The experience strengthened her belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a child’s future—something she’s long championed in her own profession, and now sees unfolding in beautiful new ways across the world.

    Deeply respected and loved by many, Becky lives out her faith with quiet strength and humble service. She is grateful for God’s call to be part of the work in Malawi and excited to continue walking in step with Myrtle House Ministries, offering her gifts to help create lasting impact for generations to come.

  • Veronica - Malawi, Africa

    Finance Administrator

    Veronica oversees all financial operations and account management within the organization. She holds a Certificate in Financial Accounting and an Advanced Certificate in Administrative Studies. Known for her precision and reliability, Veronica ensures smooth financial processes and brings a calm, steady presence to the team.

  • Moses - Malawi, Africa

    Farm Manager

    Moses oversees all farm operations and day-to-day management of the farm. He holds a Diploma in Land Management and brings hands-on expertise, ensuring sustainable and efficient agricultural practices across the organization’s farming activities.

Myrtle House Ministries (NGO) Board of Directors in Malawi

  • Emmanuel

    Pastor

  • Linda

    Human Resources

  • Jane

    Nurse

  • Lillian

    Accountant