Romanian Orphans Fund (1991 to 2005)

We were not always called “Kingdom Children.”  In fact, we did not always do our work in Africa! In 1991, The Romanian Orphans Fund (ROF) was founded by Adrian and Ann Koene, in response to their first hand experience of the dire need of orphaned and abandoned children in Romania.

Initially, the ROF focused on providing partners in Romania, with crucial medical and healthcare aid for distribution to the orphanages, medical dispensaries and pediatric hospitals in the district of Sibiu.  During this period, more than eighty Canadian companies donated $1,650,000 of their products to this cause!  In the mid 90s, the focus shifted from one of relief, to one of restoration.  This was accomplished through a life skills training program.

In 1997, the ever- popular “Kits 4 Kids” program was born.  This program encouraged Canadians to respond by filling shoe boxes with various gifts to be sent at Christmas time.  Over the period of 11years, over 30,000 kits were sent to orphaned children in Romania!

The Lord has richly blessed these efforts through partnerships with European agencies and local churches as well as the generous donations from supporters in Canada.  From the outset, the goal of the ROF was to help provide support to orphans in Romania to the point of self-sufficiency.  In 2006, the Board felt confident that these goals had been realized.  At this time, ownership of the program was transferred to the local Baptist church.  We are witnesses to God’s transforming power.  To Him be the glory!

Kingdom Children Inc. (2005 to present)

Having obtained some 15 years of experience in encouraging and training orphans in Romania, the Board of the ROF felt called to also apply its vision in Africa!  The initial planning for the African program had already begun to take shape in 2004.  In 2005, in collaboration with the Christian Reformed World Relief CommitteeCRWRC and the local church, the first pilot project was launched in eastern Kenya.  At this time, the organization officially changed its name to ROF-Kingdom Children.