06/02/2026
Rosemary Jensen was a remarkable woman who left behind a legacy of faithful, far-reaching ministry. Rafiki Foundation has put together a wonderful memorial website to recount her life and ministry work in Africa: rosemaryjensen.org. While we were saddened to hear of her passing, we are thankful for the tremendous kingdom impact she made and that she is now resting with her Savior.
With both sadness and deep gratitude, we remember the life of Rosemary McEachern Jensen, founder of the Rafiki Foundation, who went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2026.
Rosemary lived with a clear calling—to bring the truth of God’s Word and the gift of education to Africa—and she pursued that calling faithfully for decades.
From early missionary work in East Africa and helping found the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania to leading Bible Study Fellowship through a season of remarkable growth, God used Rosemary’s life in extraordinary ways. In 1985 she helped found Rafiki with the vision of helping Africans know God and raise their standard of living.
That vision grew into Rafiki Training Villages in ten African countries, serving children, widows, and communities through education, Bible study, and practical care.
Even in her later years, Rosemary continued her work by founding the Rosemary Jensen Bible Foundation, helping distribute over half a million Bibles, and serving on the board of Rafiki Classical Academy, where she was lovingly known as “Grandmama Rosemary.”
Rosemary believed that lives are transformed through the truth of Scripture, and her legacy continues in the thousands of lives changed through Rafiki’s work.
We give thanks for her life and faithful service. We pray for peace and comfort for all who mourn, holding fast to the hope of eternal life through Christ.
To read more about Rosemary’s life and ministry, visit her memorial website at rosemaryjensen.org
