Our Story

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History of Covenant Mercies

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Founded in 2002, Covenant Mercies is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Covenant Mercies began in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the Christian call to serve orphans. Through leveraging its founding church’s relational networks of indigenous partners in the developing world, Covenant Mercies launched the Orphan Sponsorship Program in rural eastern Uganda in 2003.

From 2006 to 2008, the Orphan Sponsorship Program expanded to include program areas in western Uganda; Ndola, Zambia; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In 2022, a fifth program area was added just outside of Monrovia, Liberia. As a part of its commitment to quality care for sponsored children, Covenant Mercies also invests in special initiatives, such as building and developing schools and medical clinics.

Today, Covenant Mercies serves over 1,750 orphaned children in sub-Saharan Africa in the name of Jesus Christ.

Timeline

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2002-2003

Covenant Mercies founded as a 501(c)(3) in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania in response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the Christian call to care for orphans, pursue justice, and love mercy (Micah 6:8; James 1:27).

Through leveraging its founding church’s relational networks, Covenant Mercies’ first international partnership begins in rural eastern Uganda. The Orphan Sponsorship Program is established.

2006-2008
The Orphan Sponsorship Program expands to three additional program areas: rural western Uganda; Ndola, Zambia; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Covenant Mercies partners with Lighthouse Christian School in Ndola, Zambia.

First Covenant Mercies medical clinic established to serve sponsored children and their guardians in eastern Uganda.

2009
Covenant Mercies launches RunFAR (Run For African Relief) initiative.
2012
Covenant Mercies builds and opens a new and expanded campus for Lighthouse Christian School.

Release of True Africa book by world-renowned photographer David Sacks, supporting Covenant Mercies’ mission and programs.

2013-2014
Sustainable farming initiative begins in eastern Uganda.

Lighthouse Christian School expands to serve over 250 students in pre-K to Grade 7. 100% of the first graduating class pass their national exams and qualify for secondary school.

2016
Second Covenant Mercies medical clinic opens to serve children and guardians in the western Uganda program.

Lighthouse Christian School campus expansion project continues with the opening of a second classroom building.

Mapalo Scholarship Fund established to benefit eligible Orphan Sponsorship Program Graduates pursuing higher education.

2020

Covenant Mercies builds and opens a new school called Hope Community Primary School in Kiburara, Uganda. 

Sustainable goat farming initiative begins in western Uganda.

Lighthouse Christian School breaks ground on a third classroom building.

2022

Covenant Mercies celebrates its 20th anniversary of serving orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The third building at Lighthouse Christian School opens and is named the Wilbroad Chanda Center for Education.

Covenant Mercies partners with GraceLife Church in Liberia to launch a Sponsorship Program and a school building project.