We Care About it All, Because God Cares About it All

If you think Okoa does a lot, you are right. What began as a dream to care for a few children became fuel to help bring transformation and stabilization to entire communities in partnership with the local Church. In all things, Okoa encourages indigenous autonomy. That’s simply a fancy way of admitting that we recognize we don’t know everything or have all the answers. So we prioritize humility in meeting people where they are, to solve problems that they identify, with solutions they suggest.

750

Churches Planted

550

Children Rescued

102

Bible Schools

Join the MIssion

We started with a vision in 2008 to rescue the most vulnerable children in Uganda. Fast-forward to today, and we’re serving the people who need us in so many ways including health, education, safety, spiritual development, community empowerment and more. Our mission is to partner with the local church to glorify Christ through stabilizing the family unit and transforming entire communities.

Child Rescue Center

Okoa’s Residential Child Rescue Center is truly special! We’re passionate about these amazing children, but we believe no child should have to grow up in an institution. Okoa works diligently to find permanent homes for each child in our care. This means tracing relatives or connecting with local adoptive families to help secure a child’s future.

Child Rescue Center

MEET THE OKOA CHILDREN

Discover the life-changing impact of your support with Okoa Refuge. Our app connects you directly to the inspiring ministry in Uganda, Africa, making it easy to stay updated on the latest stories and posts from the field.

Visit the App

Gender-based Violence Shelters

When a contract ended with an organization that ran a GBV shelter, the Ugandan government requested Okoa take over, ensuring vital services for survivors escaping sex work, trafficking, and abuse continued. Our survivor-first approach includes emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual care to those affected. We then work with law enforcement and the court systems to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Gender-Based Violence Shelters

PLANTING CHURCHES

To date, Okoa has planted 750 churches, becoming an incredible movement! Churches we plant are not governed by us. Rather, churches are planted under indigenous church associations. Okoa helps East Africans establish these associations, and the associations provide Biblical oversight and accountability. Okoa also directly supports church health. Annually, the physical, spiritual, financial, and emotional health of pastors, pastors’ families, and congregations at large are assessed. From there, we encourage and partner with each pastor as they continue shepherding their community.

Church Planting

Bible Schools

Okoa Refuge’s Bible School’s 2-year intensive program equips leaders to impact their spheres of influence and produces pastors. Every church should have a qualified pastor, but attending an accredited Bible College or Seminary is not an option for many. This inspired the creation of Okoa’s Bible Schools, which currently have over 2200 students enrolled!

Bible Schools

Local Missionaries

Many Okoa Refuge Bible School graduates become long-term missionaries around Uganda and across East Africa. After completing Bible School, these leaders complete a special training, Perspectives in World Missions, with the help of our wonderful partners at Way of Salvation Church. Finally, they are sent out and cared for by Way of Salvation’s team!

Our Missionaries

PARTNER WITH US

Consider partnering with us by sponsoring a specific need, joining a child’s care team, joining the prayer team, or becoming a monthly donor! Have questions? Fill out our contact form, and someone from the Okoa Refuge team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

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