Our history

War forces Furaha and Bisoke to flee DR Congo as refugees. They eventually reach Kenya and study at Daystar University, where they meet Elsie and Fred Scaife, who become their mentors.

After completing their studies, Furaha and Bisoke return to Bunia to care for orphans. Rather than building orphanages, they place children in individual host families. The Scaifes mobilize support from their Minnesota church community.

Baraka Academy opens with 99 enrolled students. New programs launch, including the “Les Filles des Dorcas” sewing program and dental services. Two compounds are purchased and renovated.

The ministry grows to 246 orphans across 186 host families. A micro-loan program launches to support struggling families, and self-sustainability begins with the first farming projects.

Elsie Scaife passes away, and the Mamma Elsie Chapel is constructed in her memory. The school bus arrives along with significant facility improvements. Glenn Mork joins as a key partner.

HCCA officially registers as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Glenn Mork becomes Executive Director and Fred Scaife serves as Founding Director. The micro-loan program expands to 245 widows.

Enrollment reaches 700 orphans. Minnesota farmers provide agricultural training, and medical partnerships develop — including a doctor from Bangladesh’s UN contingent.

A major shipping container arrives with over 19,000 pounds of equipment. Safe-water initiatives distribute filtration supplies to families, and 3,200 pairs of shoes are given out.

Baraka Academy serves more than 1,300 students every day. Farm production grows, cutting required monthly support from $5,000 to $1,200 — a huge step toward self-sustainability.

The Bunia Hope Center reaches full self-sustainability — financial support ends in April. Hybrid maize produces two to three times normal yields, vocational training begins in carpentry and welding, and the board approves expansion to Uganda.

Operations expand to Luweero, Uganda, with Alexa Namubiru as Director of Operations; twenty-five widows enroll in micro-grant programs and well repairs benefit St. Andrew’s School. The Bogoro, DRC ministry launches with Chaplain Emmanuel as director.

The Bogoro team grows as Jeanne Mbuse heads Women in Development. Uganda operations introduce cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry, and well drilling provides reliable water access.

Glenn returns to Congo after three years, meeting students, widows, teachers, and community leaders. Bogoro develops cattle-raising sustainability plans, and Uganda acquires 5.5 additional acres for expanded farming and livestock.