Life In Abundance is a faith-based development organisation headquartered in Kenya. What began 30 years ago with a Kenyan doctor has grown into a movement spanning 14 countries across Africa and the Caribbean. LIA pursues a model of holistic transformation – development that grows from the inside out: systemic, multiplying, and marked by dignity.
Our vision is a world where the most vulnerable and marginalised can truly thrive – where they have life, and have it in abundance.
Learn more about our international structure and the people behind the European branch of this movement.
Since 2018, Life In Abundance has also been present in Switzerland with a two-person team, supported operationally by the international office in Nairobi.
We are committed to raising awareness of LIA’s sustainable approach across Europe – building partnerships that create lasting value for all involved.
LIA Europe is registered as a non-profit association in the Canton of Geneva and is tax-exempt.
The Board of LIA Europe holds overall responsibility for strategy, oversight, and governance. Its members bring extensive experience from both international development and the business sector.
Dr Florence Muindi, President
Founder and President of Life In Abundance International and LIA Europe
Florence is a Kenyan medical doctor with a specialisation in public health and over 30 years of experience in development work across Africa. A pioneer of holistic transformation, she has successfully implemented the LIA model in multiple countries. Florence is also an author and a passionate advocate for new forms of partnership between the Global South and the Global North.
Matthias Stiefel, Vice President
Founder and Honorary President, Interpeace
Matthias is a Swiss peacebuilding expert and the founding force behind Interpeace, a UN agency, where he served as Executive Director for 15 years. He has led peacebuilding efforts in over 20 conflict-affected countries. Today, he continues to serve as Honorary President of Interpeace and is actively involved in various development organisations.
Dr James Kiarie
Obstetrician-Gynaecologist | WHO, Geneva
James is an internationally recognised expert in reproductive health, with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and global health. Originally from Kenya, he currently works at the World Health Organization in Geneva.
John E. Dunn III
Manager, Oak Point Investments
John is a seasoned financial expert with over four decades of international investment experience. Originally from the United States, he leads Oak Point Investments in Geneva and advises institutional investors, asset managers, and foundations.
He brings deep expertise in wealth management and international financial architecture to the LIA Europe board.
Seintje Veldhuis
Former Regional Director, Feed the Children Africa
Seintje is a Dutch-Kenyan development professional with over 30 years of cross-cultural experience in health, nutrition, education, and WASH across East Africa. After holding leadership roles in several international NGOs, she now works as a trainer and leadership coach. Since February 2025, she has been based in the Netherlands.
Dr Jonathan Fisher
Medical Doctor, Lawyer
Jonathan is a UK-trained medical doctor and lawyer with extensive leadership experience in humanitarian projects across Francophone Africa and Central Asia. He now lives near Zurich, where he mentors medical professionals, leads trainings in French, and serves on several boards. His passion lies in equipping local medical practitioners to bring health and healing to their communities.
The executive team brings the vision of LIA Europe to life – with intercultural expertise and a shared passion for holistic development.
Julia Henke, Executive Director
Julia is a socio-economist (PhD) and Executive Director of LIA Europe, as well as co-founder of the Africa-based NGO Rings of Hope. With deep intercultural experience and an interdisciplinary mindset, she is a visionary leader and pioneer of innovative thinking and practice. Julia lives in Bern.
Michael Girgis, Associate Director
Michael is a theologian, pastor, and coach with over 35 years of leadership experience and a deep passion for transformation – both personal and societal. His Egyptian roots give him a strong sensitivity to the realities and concerns of the Global South. Michael lives in Bülach.
Dr Florence Muindi’s struggle with the question of a sustainable approach to development is not just her personal journey, but the origin of the LIA approach.
As a young doctor in Kenya, Florence Muindi knew she wanted to do more than just treat disease – she wanted to get to the roots and break the pathogenic cycle of extreme poverty. Her specialisation in public health, including stints at the University of Geneva, was intended to prepare her for major health crises. But back in Africa, she realised that help from external specialists alone was not enough. Sustainable transformation can only come from within – when local people are empowered to take responsibility themselves. Read more
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