hannah

The beautiful thing about beginnings is that you never quite know where they’ll lead. One moment, you’re stirred by conviction—a story, a cause, a whisper of purpose—and the next, you’re off, molding and shaping, forging ahead without a full map, but with a deep certainty about what called you to begin in the first place.

No one could have imagined, thirty years ago, where Life in Abundance would be today. Operating in 17 countries, serving hundreds of thousands across Africa and the Caribbean, supported by a staff of passionate, capable, and sincere followers of Christ. With training programs and centers equipping churches, organizations, and individuals to walk more fully in their God-given calling. And yet, what stands tallest is not the scale of what LIA has become but, it’s the stories. The stories of those who have walked alongside this work over the past three decades, and who still do.

The story of Life in Abundance in Ethiopia began humbly. It didn’t start with a strategic plan, but with a burdened heart. Dr. Florence Muindi, a Kenyan medical doctor, had just arrived in Ethiopia. She was living in a leprosy community on the outskirts of Addis Ababa—still learning the language, still waiting to be released to serve in the mission field.  Originally called to serve the Oromo people in southern Ethiopia, she was in language school, hands restless, and her spirit eager.

So, she did what she could; she began leading Bible studies. With Alpha Course materials in hand, she gathered neighbors and local Christians, teaching them how to read Scripture and grow as disciples of Christ.

Among those attending the Bible study was a woman who worked alongside Dr. Yared Mekonen. Sensing something significant in what she was hearing – and recognizing a shared passion – she felt it was important to introduce him to Dr. Florence. At the time, Dr. Yared was in a deep season of prayer, seeking to understand how to bring together his heart for evangelism with his medical calling. That woman. That Bible study. That introduction. God used them to begin what none could have foreseen.

When Dr. Yared met Dr. Florence, she shared the vision that had gripped her: to establish a ministry that would empower the local church to serve the vulnerable and marginalized with dignity—making the Bride of Christ the hero, and ensuring the work would be sustainable. That was it. From that moment, their journey began. And the Spirit of God moved them forward, not knowing exactly where, only that they must go.

As Dr. Yared recalls, those early days were full of life and steeped in prayer. Prayer wasn’t a routine, it was a lifeline. There was a tenderness, a surrendered dependence, and a deep realization that without the Father’s leading, they could not move forward in truth or integrity.

And so, the team grew, first in Ethiopia, then beyond. From modest beginnings in a single office with a handful of faithful believers, Life in Abundance expanded from one nation to the next. But it was those hours, of earnest prayer, bold obedience, surrender and quiet faith, that laid the foundation on which LIA still stands.

We are grateful for their sacrifice, their obedience, and their love—for one another, for the communities they served, and for the ministry. Through prayer, they spoke life into what has now become. And we continue to tell the stories of touched lives, of transformed communities, and of a people who bear witness to the abundant life that God brings.

Delayed obedience is disobedience. That firm conviction guided Dr. Florence and her family after God’s clear commissioning at the beach. The time for preparation was over – it was time to go. Ethiopia had been placed on their hearts as the starting point for cross-cultural ministry, and though the journey ahead was uncertain, they knew obedience was the only option. 

As they prepared to move, opportunities flooded in: high-paying jobs, appealing benefits, and financial security that would make the transition much easier. The logical thing seemed to be to accept these positions, save money, and then move to Ethiopia later. But despite how reasonable that plan appeared, they couldn’t shake the unrest in their hearts. They continued to pray for clarity, and over time, it became evident that God was calling them to step out in faith immediately.

The Journey Begins 

Before heading to Ethiopia, they spent three months in the U.S., participating in a retreat designed to prepare missionary recruits for the road ahead. It was during this time that Dr. Florence fully surrendered to the calling: letting go of the comforts and security that might hold her back. Returning to Kenya, they spent time ministering among the Maasai, providing medical care through clinics and strengthening the role of the local church in reaching the community. Living among the people, they embraced a lifestyle of faith, even when they couldn’t fully explain their decisions to others. They simply knew that this was where God had called them to serve. 

While overseeing the medical work, Dr. Florence focused on health education, particularly for women, integrating physical care with spiritual transformation. But as their time among the Maasai neared its end, another opportunity arose, one that was tempting in many ways. Instead of making a rushed decision, they took time to pray and fast, seeking a clear direction from God. On the third day of fasting, something extraordinary happened, and that is when Dr. Florence received a vision that came with such deep peace. Though she didn’t fully understand the meaning at that moment, she knew God was revealing something significant. 

The Call Confirmed 

Shortly after, they received an invitation from the team in Ethiopia to visit for three weeks. Upon arrival, they spent time in Addis Ababa for orientation before traveling to a remote area to serve the Gumuz people through a community health program. While there, Dr. Florence saw yet another vision, a replica of what she had seen before, and at that moment, there was no doubt. God had given them an unmistakable sign that this was where He had called them. That vision would serve as a reminder in the years to come.

Through every challenge and moment of doubt, they would look back and remember that God had made the path clear. Waiting on Him had not been wasted time. 

In Pursuit of His Calling 

The groundwork in Ethiopia was strong, and what began there would soon spread to other nations. Today, as Life In Abundance (LIA) marks 30 years of ministry, the impact of that step of obedience is undeniable. What started with a call to serve the poor through the local church has become a movement that mobilizes, trains, and empowers churches to bring wholistic transformation to communities. 

LIA was never just about leadership development—it was about equipping churches to lead transformation where it was needed most. Over the years, mission strategies have evolved, and partnerships have become essential. The work has expanded, but the heart of the mission remains unchanged: to see lives transformed through a Christ-centered, wholistic approach. 

As we step into the years ahead, the mission is clearer than ever. This is not a one-person effort; it is a collective calling. And as the fruit of 30 years of ministry continues to multiply, one truth stands above all—God’s faithfulness has carried us every step of the way. 

To learn more about Dr. Florence’s calling, check out her book here!