Meet the Founders
The plan for Ralph & Roberta Pippitt’s retirement was to travel and see as much of the world as possible. God had different plans for them. On a trip to South Africa in late 1995, they saw poverty like nothing they had ever seen before. During that trip, they learned of a school in rural Zimbabwe that was going to be condemned because the buildings were collapsing. More than 600 children would have no place to go to school. They returned to their home in December of 1995 and discussed their recent trip. A frequent topic of conversation was the possibility of going to Zimbabwe to help the school. After nine months and many discussions they finally made the decision to go one more time and see what they could do.
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.
