Shane Hiersche
Founder & Missionary
Shane's radical conversion at Portland United Methodist Church led to a calling for missions in Central America. He brings fresh clean water and the love of Jesus to the people of Nicaragua.
Who We Are
By the grace of God, ordinary people called to extraordinary mission.
Our Story
Aqua de Vida Ministry started when God put a burden on Shane Hiersche's life. Shane grew up in the inner city of Kansas City, Missouri — a difficult childhood marked by crime, drugs, and survival. His radical conversion at Portland United Methodist Church in Freeport, Florida transformed everything.
The chains of drug abuse were gone. He had a burning in his heart to find what God wanted from him. The calling was missions — a vision for Central America and the idea of Aqua de Vida was born.
God brought together Shane, Pastor Jonathan O'Hara, Jeff and Dawn Hyma, Ricky Carter, and Connie Jones — each with unique gifts — to form Aqua de Vida Ministry. Together they repair wells, stock food pantries, and proclaim the Gospel across Nicaragua.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Our Mission
Teach the Love of Jesus
We are Jesus' hands and feet — showing His perfect, unchanging love through word and action in every village we visit.
Repair Water Wells
We restore bacteria-free drinking water and train communities to maintain wells — being fishers of men with practical skills.
Restore Hope
Food pantries and bags of hope give families a glimmer of hope when poverty and despair have taken everything else.
Leadership Team
Jonathan O'Hara
President
Pastor Jonathan leads Portland United Methodist Church — the same church where Shane first encountered Christ. He brings mission experience and firm, loving mentorship.
Jeff & Dawn Hyma
Board Members
Jeff leads men's Bible study and Steps to Freedom in Christ. Together with Dawn, they support the ministry with spiritual guidance and compassionate hearts.
Ricky Carter
Board Member
A former paratrooper and skilled woodsman, Ricky is a dear brother in Christ and a role model — trusted for the mechanical aspects of well repair missions.
Connie Jones
Board Member
Connie's father purchased land in Nicaragua with a vision for a farm where local people could work and feed their families — a vision Shane continues to carry forward.
“Being a missionary is a blessing and honor — bringing fresh clean water and spreading the love of Jesus to the people of Nicaragua.”
Shane Hiersche, Founder