Meet the Founders
Ralph & Roberta Pippitt’s retirement plan was simple: travel the world and enjoy new adventures together. God had other plans.
During a trip to South Africa in late 1995, they learned about a school in rural Zimbabwe that was on the verge of being condemned because its buildings were collapsing. More than 600 children faced losing their only place to receive an education.
When Ralph and Roberta returned home in December 1995, they couldn’t stop thinking about what they had seen. Their conversations often returned to the school in Zimbabwe and whether they could somehow help.
After many months of prayer, reflection, and many conversations, they made a life-changing decision: they would travel to Zimbabwe to see how they could help.
This journey of compassion and faith would become the beginning of something far greater than they ever imagined.
Over 25 years of serving orphaned and vulnerable children in rural Zimbabwe
The Pippitts knew the school needed water; there was no well at the school. Ralph researched this and found a well driller and asked for a quote. When the quote arrived, it was for more money than they had raised at that point and they were discouraged. They prayed to God telling him about their plans. God heard their prayer. That very afternoon a check arrived in the mail from people in another state. Checks began to arrive from people all over the country. By the time they left on their trip one month later, they had enough money to drill a well and complete other desperately needed projects. That first trip was only the beginning. God put Zimbabwe in their hearts and they answered His call. The organization has grown and countless people remain committed to the work at HCOC in Zimbabwe.
Ralph Pippitt passed away in 2011 and
Roberta continues to be involved with Renewed Hope Charitable Foundation.
Their courage and love for the orphaned children is shared by dedicated volunteers
who are determined to continue their legacy –
to change lives forever and provide hope for
the Zimbabwe Orphans.
