After years of missionary service in theological education in Africa, Ken Walker developed a burden for raising funds to help provide scholarships for ministerial students. He had come to realize that due to the lack of financial means it was difficult for students to study and acquire an education. When Ken and Linda would come home on furlough, their top priority became raising money for such scholarships.
As Ken was preparing for retirement, he asked himself, “What can I do to stay connected to African education when I come from home from the field?” The answer to this question led to the birth of EDUF. Ken decided he would start a nonprofit organization to raise funds to scholarship African ministerial students. It was because of those who joined him in this endeavor that EDUF was started and succeeded. Those who said yes and served on the initial EDUF Board of Trustees were Frank Hallum, Frank and Sylvia Ruckman, Tom Nothstine, and Ted Esselstyn.
The purpose of EDUF was to build resources via various kinds of projects and activities in order to support ministerial education in Africa. EDUF decided to focus on the areas of Human Resources, Library Development, Work and Witness, Creative Academics, Financial Support and Prayer. Through these endeavors, EDUF has been involved in helping resource African ministerial education beyond what Ken initially dreamed.
Even though EDUF has not raised the funds Ken envisioned, he believes, “Meeting needs has been the ultimate goal rather than raising funds.” Many needs have been met and continue to be met through the endeavors of those who have a passion to make a difference by putting their faith into action whether it be through financial giving or the giving of time and talents.
Ted was the initiator of getting the Nazarene Foundation started in order to get scholarship money into the Foundation and then disburse it to the universities.
Frank and Sylvia went on the fact-finding tour to 5 African countries to visit Nazarene colleges and universities. They also went back to Eswatini to work on the buildings at Southern Africa Nazarene University.
Frank was the local NMI President at his church, as well as a member of the District NMI council in central FL when missionary Ken Walker mentioned that he was getting ready to retire. Ken wanted to start an organization to help fund African leaders to acquire their education.
After returning again to Africa, he continued to teach at the Swaziland Bible College until elected as Principal. During the next 15 years, he came to realize that due to the lack of financial support it was difficult for students to study and acquire an education.
Ken and Tom are like brothers. They had worked on many projects together since their time of meeting in Swaziland in 1975. They worked together in ministry and enjoyed being family friends. Their kids grew up together in Swaziland and their friendship continues to this day.