Meet Our Founders
Back in the 90’s, the late Mr. Chidi Ogbonna and Mercy Chidi Baidoo worked with different international organizations for a period spanning more than 10 years, until God gave them a strong conviction to reach out and save children’s lives. This call gradually built a huge fire of passion in their hearts and kept them restless and greatly disturbed at the reality of living in luxury yet seeing the human degradation, suffering, death and rampant abuse ravaging the lives of children and families.
WHAT WE DO
That singular goal we started off with of rescuing abandoned babies and rehabilitating orphans and vulnerable children in society has reaped massive rewards. Thanks to our work, we have expanded our focus to key community development initiatives related to women and children in Kenya
The Curious Newspaper Headline That Jolted Chidi And Mercy
One day, Chidi and Mercy were reading the newspaper, flipping through various stories when suddenly something caught their eye.
40% IN HIV INFECTIONS
That’s almost HALF the community! Something has to be done… and done now!
After reading that saddening newspaper story, the couple was convinced that God would rather have them leave their comfort zone and offer part of their lives to the service of humanity. With these revelations and confirmations, their hearts became even more restless and made them seriously consider the option of resigning from stable jobs to start an accountable organization to serve the needs of children and families.
Setting Out Into The Unknown
As much as their hearts were settled on the assurance of the divine calling, Chidi and Mercy had the fear of economic survival. In this seeming confused condition, they prayed to God, sought counsel from well meaning people and waited upon God. Armed with faith in God, family savings, encouragement from friends and a determination that could not be deterred, they started on a journey that where they would later realize the true cost of the call.
Answering The Call
In the words of Ripples International Co-Founder, Chidi Ogbonna…
“Having heard the divine direction to settle in Meru [Mercy’s home town], we walked out of our old lives, rented a house in Meru town and started the work in line with the divine calling. Our driving force was to fully answer God’s call in our lives, serve God in our generation through helping children, families and the oppressed.
However, choosing to move to Meru did not happen without some second thought. It meant giving serious considerations between giving part of our life experiences in service to humanity and resisting the temptation of getting a huge salary at the end of the month.
We were focused and determined.
We had to do what was necessary to save lives and give hope.
We thank God for gracing us with hard working, dedicated and supportive staff and partners through whom the organization has grown constantly.”
How Did The Ripples Story Begin?
The reality that any girl would undergo sexual defilement or abuse from any member of the family is shocking; and one that brings tears to your eyes. Yet, it is true. And it is widespread is some communities. In fact, it’s been going on for many years. And the girls, most of them between 8-16 years, suffer silently, with no one to help them. It’s this solemn realization that something urgently needed to be done that prompted Mercy Chidi and Chidi Ogbonna to leave well paying international jobs and embark on a mission of rescue.
What’s behind the name, ‘Ripples International’?
The name Ripples International is derived from interpretation drawn from the Biblical book of Isaiah 55:10 – 11.
“As the rain and the snow came down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth.It will not return to me void but will accomplish what I desire and the purpose for which I sent it”.