Empowering Eugene's Youth Together

Our mission is to uplift and support the youth of Eugene and surrounding communities through various engaging projects and initiatives.

Meet Our Staff

Get to know our dedicated team members who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of local youth.

Reverend Michael Hayes

Position: Senior Pastor, First Christian Church, Eugene, Oregon

Experience: 35 years in ministry

Education: Master of Divinity, Fuller Theological Seminary

Age: 67

About Me:

Greetings, and thank you for visiting. I am Reverend Michael Hayes, honored to serve as the senior pastor of First Christian Church in Eugene. For over three decades, I have dedicated my life to pastoral ministry, shepherding communities across Oregon and helping individuals and families strengthen their faith and relationships. My calling has always been to provide support, encouragement, and a sense of purpose within my congregation, fostering a warm and inclusive environment for people of all ages and backgrounds.

I am especially passionate about outreach programs and community work. It is through these efforts that we can fulfill our mission to serve others with compassion, integrity, and grace, following in Christ’s footsteps.

Why Support Christians For Change?

As believers, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in this world, which is why our partnership with Christians For Change is so essential. This organization is dedicated to empowering communities in need, addressing urgent issues like poverty, homelessness, and access to education and healthcare. Through every donation, Christians For Change extends practical support and hope to those who need it most, creating lasting impact in our local communities and beyond.

Your support helps fund meals, shelter, education programs, and healthcare initiatives. Every dollar allows us to expand outreach efforts, reaching the hearts and homes of families struggling to make ends meet. By supporting Christians For Change, you are not only showing love in action but also transforming lives in Jesus’ name.

Thank you for considering a gift that will bless others. Together, we can be a powerful force for good.

Dr. Renee Marshall

Position: Theology Educator and Program Coordinator, Christians For Change.

Previous Role: Adjunct Professor of Theology, Oregon State University

Age: 45

About Me:

Hello, I’m Dr. Renee Marshall, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as part of the incredible work we’re doing at Christians For Change. As an educator with a deep passion for theological studies and social impact, I've had the privilege of teaching theology at Oregon State University and guiding students to explore the ways faith intersects with our world. I believe that understanding our faith’s teachings allows us to live out God’s love in tangible, transformative ways. This calling has led me to join Christians For Change, where we strive to extend hope and compassion to communities in need.

I’m honored to bring my background in theology and education to this project, where I work alongside devoted individuals to create programs that support struggling families, empower communities, and foster lasting change. This journey is about more than just financial support; it’s about creating a movement of believers committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

Why Your Support Matters

As a community, we know that true change happens when we come together in faith and action. Christians For Change focuses on providing essential services such as meals, shelter, healthcare, and educational resources to those who need them most. This organization is a lifeline for so many, offering love in action where it’s desperately needed.

Your donations empower us to serve with dignity, ensuring that every person feels seen, valued, and supported. Together, we can make a lasting impact that goes beyond financial aid—creating an environment of hope and resilience for generations to come. Thank you for considering joining us in this mission.

Leilani Vatuola

Position: Site Coordinator & Missionary, Christians For Change

Previous Role: Missionary & Novice Nun

Age: 30

About Me:

My name is Leilani Vatuola, and I am 30 years old, proudly rooted in my Samoan and Tongan heritage. My journey in faith and service began at Salem First Christian Church, where I served as a missionary and novice nun. Those early experiences shaped my heart for ministry and taught me the importance of compassion, community, and perseverance.

Today, I serve as a missionary and site coordinator for Christians for Change, where I lead programs that bring tangible hope to communities in need. From building schools to organizing youth outreach, my mission is clear: to reflect God’s love in action.

Why I Serve

I believe that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. Children are not just our future; they are the heart of our communities right now. I’ve seen firsthand how a child’s life can change with the right support—how access to education, mentorship, and basic necessities can transform their outlook and their opportunities.

I serve because I want to be part of that transformation. I want to be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to lift up those who need it most.

Why Our Community’s Children Matter

When we invest in our children, we invest in the health and future of our entire community. It’s easy to overlook their needs, but we cannot afford to. Each child holds the potential to grow into a leader, a change-maker, or a caregiver for others. But without support, many of them face barriers that are too big to overcome alone.We must care because their struggles are our struggles, and their victories are our victories. By nurturing our children, we build stronger, more resilient communities grounded in love, faith, and opportunity.

Why You Should Support Christians for Change

Every dollar given to Christians for Change is an act of faith and love. It helps us bring clean water, education, mentorship, and spiritual guidance to those who need it most. I’ve had the privilege of seeing lives transformed through the generosity of donors like you.

Your gift doesn’t just meet immediate needs—it plants seeds of hope and growth that will bear fruit for years to come. Together, we can build a world where every child has a chance to thrive.

My Journey So Far

Helped establish community centers in rural Indonesia, providing education and health services.

Led disaster relief efforts, raising over $200,000 to aid families in crisis.

Developed a mentorship program that connects at-risk youth with faith leaders and educators, offering guidance and support.

Join Me

If my story resonates with you, I invite you to join me on this mission. Together, through Christians for Change, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide.