Dennis and Denie Heppner founded the Gentle Hands Ministry in the Philippines in 1990, now presently led by their daughter, Charity and her husband, Evan Graff. In 2002, the Heppners established a new orphanage in South India. Denie has nurses’ training and is an experienced mid-wife. Arriving in the Philippines in 1987, their primary focus has been developing pastors and leadership in Asia. Dennis organized a ministry called Developing Effective Leaders (D.E.I.) which provides monthly training to over 500 pastors in the Philippines. He planted a church in Makati in 1998 where he still serves. They average about 500 converts a year and have had up to 17 nationalities at one time. The local church has sent missionaries to Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, and China, as well as to other areas in the Philippines. Having written several books and training materials, one topic was extensively on the Holy Spirit. A Baptist church in Metro Manila used his book as a church Bible study and Dennis was later invited to attend and pray over the people. Every one of the 100 individuals present were filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues! Dennis’ first trip to India was in 1979, and he has had a continuous ministry there since. Initially under appointment as Missionary Evangelist to Asia by the World Missions Board, Dennis carries through with his Career Missionary assignment by speaking at various meetings, and providing training for leadership. He states: “My burden remains the same. I want to develop leaders, train pastors, and build people’s lives. I’m thankful to be here and have never been sorry we came to Asia.”


Gentle Hands Orphanages
Gentle Hands is a child and youth welfare agency meant to be on the front lines of rescue (in coordination with Local Government Units) and rehabilitation of the medical, social, psychological, and educational needs of at-risk children and youth, advocating for the rights of children and working towards improving human community life through the love of Jesus and family centered care. Gentle Hands is a 24-hour Residential Care Facility that provides social work, medical, nutritional, home life, educational, recreational, adoption counseling and Christian living programs to orphaned, neglected and abandoned children in the Philippines.