Priscilla MacRae – Chair

Priscilla MacRae

Chairperson, Board member since 2018

Hope4theOrphan (H4tO)/Themba

Priscilla first met Janelle and Allen Avery over 50 years ago when her home church began supporting the Avery’s ministry, African Outreach Ministry (AOM) in Africa. She and her husband, Holden, have had the privilege of supporting H4tO since its inception in 1996.  She has been Chair of the Board since 2019.  Her support of H4tO stems from her passion to provide for orphans and widows as she follows Jesus. “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”  James 1:27 (NLT).  As a former college professor, she believes that education is essential to improving one’s quality of life and preparing one to be a positive contributing member of a community.  Hope4theOrphan provides for the educational needs, as well as physical, emotional and spiritual needs, of orphans and their caregivers, many of whom are widows.   

A Professor of Sports Medicine at Seaver College, Pepperdine University for 35 years, Priscilla thrived on educating and inspiring young adults in their knowledge of the human body – “fearfully and wonderfully made” in the image of God.  She also conducted research on the effects of exercise on the cognitive and physical aspects of aging.  Priscilla is currently a volunteer in Women’s ministry at Oh Be Joyful Church. She is married to Holden MacRae, whom she met at the University of Texas in 1982.  They have two grown daughters who are married and live/work in TX.  She and Holden now reside in Crested Butte, CO.