A Tribute to My Hero of the Faith: Kaka Rosemary

“AND THOSE WHO ARE WISE SHALL SHINE LIKE THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE SKY ABOVE AND THOSE WHO TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, LIKE THE STARS FOREVER AND EVER.” -DANIEL 12:3

On May 31st , 2026, my hero passed unto glory: Rosemary M. Jensen, former Executive Director of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and founder of the Rafiki Foundation. She had one clear calling: to bring the truth of God’s word to all and the gift of Christian education to Africa. Her ministry included orphanage care, partnership with local churches, Christian education, various widows’ programs and the Rosemary Jensen Bible Foundation. Her life was indeed “a life marked by faithful service, steadfast vision and a deep love for God’s Word."

I am a product of the Rafiki Foundation. After losing both parents and three grandparents in the space of two years, I was approved by social services to be placed in a children’s home - Rafiki Village Nigeria. I arrived at the village when I was five years old with my three-year-old sister on July 10th, 2006. From that day on up until July 20, 2018, there has NEVER been a day when we did not study the Bible. In fact, corporately, we studied the Bible three times a day! Not to mention that we were encouraged to keep a personal quiet time daily. I did feel that it was a quite lot of Bible at the time; especially when I became a teenager but to Rosemary Jenson, only the truth of God’s Word is capable of transforming lives. Now I

believe the same.

One may ask, how can a person stick to the same vision for decades? I am no sage, but using her life and legacy, I can give you three reasons why an individual can achieve so much, simply by obeying one call.

1. If God indeed called you, He will prepare you for the assignment.

Kaka (‘grandma’ in Hausa language) Rosemary earlier on in her life, served in East Africa

alongside her husband as medical missionaries. Then she served for twenty years as the director of BSF. God was preparing her with everything necessary to be able to provide orphan care, start a Bible foundation, introduce Classical Christian education in Africa, etc. At every turning point, He was molding her for the bigger assignment. Even Jesus had to come to the earth, be tempted like us in every way so that he could become the suitable high priest for us. He walked the road before us and came out victorious, therefore His intercession on our behalf is perfect.

2. If God indeed called you, He will provide for you.

Hudson Taylor, one of the early Christian missionaries to China said, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” If your life and actions align with God’s will, His provision for the task becomes guaranteed. Over a thousand African orphans and widows have enjoyed the highest quality of education and standard of living in settlements all around the continent through God’s divine provision, sponsorships, and partnerships. God will call others to help you; people with the needed skill set, He will open doors before you, He will favor you.

3. If God indeed called you, He will guide and sustain the mission.

God by his spirit of counsel will guide you. Sometimes, he will send Jethro's into your life who will give wise advice. God will use setbacks to either redirect you or strengthen you. He will preside over your operations and ensure that His purposes prevail, no matter the obstacles. The vision will not die with you, it will go on.

Kaka Rosemary Jensen, I salute you, great hero of faith. Because of you, I know the Lord. Because of you, my children and children’s children will know the Lord. When we are finally in heaven, many people who you do not know, will walk up to you with bright faces and will say to you; “I am here because of you.”

Rose of the African Child, rest in peace with the Lord, until we meet again!