Hope Africa Ministries

who we are

Roberta Peterson is the President and co-founder of Hope Africa Ministries and works closely with Pastor Henry Onsongo in Kenya to support our ministry. Born and raised in California, she holds degrees in Sociology from Humboldt State University and Child Development from San Diego Mesa College. Roberta is a former early education teacher and social worker and is a proud mother of 2 daughters and grandmother of one grandson. Currently she works as a mission consultant and teacher assistant, sharing her time between her home in North Carolina and Kenya.

With over 28 years’ experience in the field of education, Cheryl Cranston has traveled nationally and internationally as an inspirational speaker, educational trainer, preacher and consultant for educational programs. Cheryl holds a masters degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in speech communication. Currently, she serves as adjunct faculty for Vanguard University, while also guest speaking at various conferences, churches and training events. Cheryl is also a health coach, motivating and encouraging women over 40 in the pursuit of healthy lifestyles.

Cheryl was born and raised in California, currently residing in Gresham, Oregon with her husband Rick. She has three grown children and two young grandchildren.

Photo courtesy of Bill Shugarts

HOPE AFRICA MINISTRIES INC.

Providing help and hope through missions and ministry

Barry Phelps is the Vice President of Hope Africa Ministries. Currently employed as a Materials Manager in the field of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, he is strongly interested in our mission to provide health, education and spiritual encouragement. Not to be mistaken as promoting the use of tobacco, Barry is demonstrating the use of "chew stick" to promote good dental hygiene at one of our medical camps

Tony Jones is the Secretary of Hope Africa. Tony first became involved in Mission in 2004. Because of the impact that experience had on his life, he has participated in or led Mission trips to Cambita, Dominican Republic; Waveland, Mississippi; New Orleans, Louisiana.; Atlanta, Georgia.; and Sakwa, Kenya. He has attended Team Leader and Disaster Response training through United Methodist Volunteers In Mission. Tony attended college at the University of Virginia and was awarded his J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center, where he currently serves as an adjunct professor. He is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Troutman Sanders LLP. Tony is married with two kids and can't wait to introduce his family to his friends in Kenya.

Debra Merrill is HAMI's Treasurer. Debra also serves as the Christ Church's Council Chairperson and is the past leader of the Church's Mission Team who has partnered closely with HAMI to support the school and village in Sakwa. Following her first visit to Kenya in 2007, she has organized and led two medical missions to Sakwa. Debra has enjoyed a long, successful career in management consulting, corporate training and technology implementations. She and her husband Dean manage a small Virginia horse farm, love their many critters and share the blessings of 4 children, their spouses and 4 beautiful grandchildren.