"Lookout" by David Sacks

David Sacks captures a photograph in Ethiopia, 2008

The inspiration behind our new logo comes from a photo by the late David Sacks, a world-renowned photographer and dear friend of Covenant Mercies. David traveled with Covenant Mercies to Africa five times, capturing treasured "Portraits of Hope" images. These images now appear in the award-winning photography book, True Africa.

"August," by David Sacks

In 2016, we created the Mapalo Scholarship Fund for eligible Sponsorship Program graduates pursuing higher education. Mapalo is a Bemba word that means "blessing." Mapalo was also the African name given to David by our in-country partners. This Fund honors David's legacy and will bless the lives of hundreds of children to come.

Executive Director Doug Hayes and Photographer David Sacks in Uganda with their friend Joshua Kemba, 2003

In Sub-Saharan Africa, many children do not expect to graduate primary school, let alone secondary school or college. Because of the success of the Orphan Sponsorship Program, we have students who are equipped and envisioned for post-secondary education. This year, we are celebrating our first class of Mapalo Scholarship recipients: eight boys and girls who are pursuing a variety of majors-from Accounting and Industrial Design, to Education and Social Work Administration. Please join us in praying that the Lord would bless their efforts. Click here if you would like to donate in support of the Mapalo Scholarship Fund.