Her missionary journey took her to Africa where she worked for over 40 years, caring for and protecting vulnerable children and orphans - several years in Mozambique and Zimbabwe before becoming aware of the desperate situation of HIV/AIDS infections in Lesotho: 23% of the population infected with the virus and over 180,000 children who had lost their parents and needed help.

And help she did: She founded a Children’s Centre in Semonkong in 2006 and a second Centre in Pulane in 2008. She changed the lives of hundreds of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and impacted the lives of those privileged to meet her. A charismatic, caring woman with a passion for the less fortunate, the outcasts, and the marginalized of society - driven by the desire to better their lives.

She did that against often unsurmountable odds and difficulties. The foundation for her hope: “God will make a way”. She expressed her aims and objectives thus:

"May the children of Lesotho be blessed by our presence in their beautiful country! Together, hand in hand, we will face and overcome the ravages of HIV/AIDS with God´s help. We believe in encouraging the vulnerable and orphaned children and give them that most precious of gifts - a living faith and an eternal hope. We will humbly and happily be of loving service to children in need throughout Lesotho. We seek to be God´s hands at work.”

The International Evangelical Church of the Algarve is holding a memorial service for Jill on Saturday, October 21 at 11am. Jill had many friends and supporters in the Algarve and we welcome all to celebrate her extraordinary life with us.

There will be an opportunity at the service to make a donation to continue her life's work - keeping Jill´s legacy alive.

Location: International Evangelical Church of the Algarve, Vale Judeu, Loulé.

Google Maps coordinates. 37°06’51.6″N 8°05’08.2″W

(Visit our website for further information: www.iec-algarve.com)