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“Loving orphans in South Sudan through education, care, & spiritual growth with the love God has shown us in Jesus”

Our Leadership

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples of the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will not fade away” (1 Peter 5:2)

South Sudan Board

Staff to be updated soon

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United States Board

"I choose to identify with the underprivileged. I choose to identify with the poor, I choose to give my life for the hungry...This is the way I'm going. If it means suffering a little bit, I'm going that way. If it means sacrificing, I'm going that way. If it means dying for them. I'm going that way, because I heard a voice saying, 'Do something for others'" (Martin Luther King Jr.) During the Sudan civil war, John lost his father when he was 8-years- old. Three of his older brothers joined the movement (Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army) which was fighting for the freedom of the oppressed and marginalized people of Sudan. Refugee camps were his home: Uganda (1994-1996) and Kenya (1997-2005). Millions of lives continue to be affected. Refugees live on one meal a day. Many children have no opportunity to go to school. Curable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis kill a staggering number of South Sudanese each year. To survive in all these conditions/situations, John believed that the only one who kept him alive was not his widow mother, BUT God alone. He was present in these times of trouble. Since he accepted Christ as his personal Savior at age 6, he remains a devoted Christian in His service. As God's child, saved by His grace, John finds compassion as a way of exercising his faith in Christ. Compassion, which is defined by Jesus' example during His ministry, "When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14). Because of God's compassion John founded Nile Orphan Care, a mission to restore hope for orphaned children of South Sudan. Every child deserves love, care and preparation for a better tomorrow through education and skill training. John lives with his wife Deborah and 5 children in the United States of America. Traveling to South Sudan at least twice a year, he volunteers his time to serve these children, who are a part of God's family. "For He will deliver the needy when he cries for help, the afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and the needy, and the lives of the needy He will save" (Psalm 72:12-13).

John Deng Ater

Founder & Executive Director

Dave Albert is grateful to serve alongside the NOC board. He is married to his lifelong love of 38 years named Susan whom he met at Ball State University in Northern Indiana. He has 3 girls who are all now out on their own and has just recently become a grandfather. He has attended Northside Christian Church since moving to Southern Indiana in 2006 and has served on missions trips from Mexico, Guatemala, South Sudan and locally in the US. “I am honored to assist in executing the vision God has provided pastor John Deng Ater and our team to care for our South Sudanese children’s spiritual, educational and physical growth”.

Dave Albert

President

Matthew Cates is a non-voting member of the NOC board, helping where needed, and is grateful for the opportunity to aid orphans in South Sudan and support the faithful NOC volunteers there. He is the husband of Kristin He works in the field of education with adults and community college students. He attends Fellowship Church in Louisville, KY.

Matthew Cates

International Coordinator

Kristin Cates holds the roles of Secretary and School Supplies Coordinator for Nile Orphan Care. She has been on the board since June 2020 and held the role of Treasurer up until Feb 2021. Kristin is a teacher at ESL Newcomer Academy, where she teaches English as a Second Language to high school students who are refugees and immigrants mainly from Africa and Central America. Kristin is married to Matthew Cates and attends Fellowship Christian Church in Louisville, KY.

Kristin Cates

Secretary & School Supplies Coordinator

Donna Brehl serves NOC in the position of treasurer. She has served two businesses in the role of financial management and she has a heart for seeing education as a ministry. She is involved in Southeast Christian Church, a long time partner of NOC. Rejoice with us in her heart to serve God and to come alongside us in the work of NOC.

Donna Brehl

Treasurer

"In my current position at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), I have supported a number of programs implemented in South Sudan for the last 8 years. Since 2016, I have made annual visits to Juba, Torit (Eastern Equatoria), and Bor (Jonglei). Over the years, I have developed a strong connection to South Sudan and the people living there. Life in South Sudan can be quite difficult. Following their independence from Sudan in 2011, the people of South Sudan have faced civil war, inter- and intra-ethnic violence, political instability, lack of rule of law, record flooding, drought, and famine. Despite the hardships and adversities that the South Sudanese face, they continue to amaze me with their unbreakable spirit, yearning to make a better life for their children, and ability to triumph over adversity. South Sudan has carved out a place in my heart and I am driven to aid the South Sudanese in any way I can. I was connected to NOC by a colleague of mine who was from the same village as John Deng. After meeting with John and learning about the amazing work NOC was doing for the children of Central Equatoria, I felt compelled to contribute to NOC’s mission.

Tom Cox

International Coordinator

Steve Roberts is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Wert Fixture and Displays. Wert is a regional design and display company that works with large general contractors and retail business owners to design and maximize space and customer experience.
After graduating from Ball State University’s nationally ranked entrepreneurship program, Steve wanted to start a business that helped the people around him. He began selling and training the top management, goal setting and sales management programs in the country and became the top sales person for the US and was able to speak in front 5000 people from over 10 different countries.
Steve put himself through college waiting tables and fell in love with the restaurant industry. After several successful years in sales and owning an employee recognition business the pull to get back into the restaurant business was strong and he opened Urban Element Café and Urban Element 2 soon after that. After selling that business, became Vice President for Bella Pizzeria a regional chain of New York style pizza restaurants. He has a lifelong passion for making and helping restaurants become successful.
Steve is an Eagle Scout, has 2 sons that are Eagle Scouts and was a scout leader for several years. He completed the Comino De Santiago “The Way of St James”. It is a 550 mile hike and pilgrimage through the Pyrenees Mountains in northern Spain. He is active in his local church and belongs to several professional organizations.

Steve Roberts

Board Member

"Tom and I have been married for 22 years and have 4 grown children. We both are children of pastors and were raised in loving Christian homes where the Bible and fellowship have always been center. We have had so many children and young adults in and out of our home as our kids have grown. Including a Taco Tuesday for the last several years for high school and college kids. As our taco kids have dispersed around the country in various jobs and ministries (Las Vegas, Maryland, Egypt, Middle East, Missouri, etc.) we have tried to find more mission opportunities in the community/church, praying God would focus us on a certain ministry. Enter Nile Orphan Care."

Sherra Findley

Marketing Manager

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