For the past 40 years, the Eustis-based Rafiki Foundation has worked alongside the African church through 10 training villages, with a focus on discipling and educating the next generation.

Rafiki was founded by Rosemary Jensen in 1985. Rosemary, a Christian author, missionary, educator and nonprofit leader, died in May 2026.

Those who worked alongside Rosemary remember her as a woman of strong conviction and determination whose work left a lasting impact on people around the world.

Before founding Rafiki, Rosemary served for approximately two decades as executive director of Bible Study Fellowship International. Her journey into international ministry began alongside her husband, Dr. Robert Travis Jensen, as they served as medical missionaries in East Africa.

Together, they helped establish Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania, combining medical service with their commitment to Christian ministry.

Robert’s career included service in the U.S. Navy and Army Medical Corps, medical work in Tanzania and research related to HIV/AIDS. He also helped establish Rafiki’s medical outreach and supported the organization’s early growth before his death in 2014.

Rosemary continued the work and developed a ministry model focused on Christian education, leadership training, orphan care and community development.

Today, Rafiki operates training villages in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Each village incorporates six primary areas: Bible study, classical Christian education, teacher training, orphan care, outreach and a widows’ program.

With its international headquarters in Eustis, Rafiki also contributes to the local economy and provides opportunities for residents to connect with global ministry.

In 2023, Rafiki Classical Academy opened in Eustis for students in pre-K through seventh grade. The school day begins with Bible study, followed by core subjects taught from a biblical worldview, along with music, art and physical education.

As Rafiki moves forward, the legacy of its founder remains at the heart of its mission under Executive Director Karen Elliott.

Karen has served with Rafiki since 1990, including 12 years on the mission field, primarily in Nigeria. After returning to the U.S., she became director of Africa operations, overseeing orphan care and education programs and curriculum development for all 10 Rafiki villages. She was named executive director in 2012.

Before joining Rafiki, Karen spent 10 years in the banking industry as a commercial lender, management trainer and vice president.

Karen is a member of St. Andrews Chapel in Sanford and previously served as a teaching leader for Bible Study Fellowship in Texas and Africa. She also served as a founding board member for LifeHouse, a home for unwed mothers in Houston, and serves as president of the Rafiki Education Foundation, the umbrella organization for Rafiki Classical Academy in Eustis.

For more information about the Rafiki Foundation’s mission, programs and opportunities, visit rosemaryjensen.org or rafikifoundation.org.