The story of CFCA
How it all began
The original concept of Christian Foundation for Children and Aging was born in the hearts and minds of the Hentzen and Tolle families. Jerry Tolle and Bob Hentzen were both missionaries who had witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty. Together with Bob’s siblings – Bud, Jim and Nadine – they committed themselves to find a way to help.
Meet the founders and listen to them describe the early years of CFCA
in their own words.
CFCA was officially incorporated Nov. 20, 1981. The founders all gathered their Christmas card lists and sent a mailing to hundreds of relatives and friends asking them to sponsor. As Bud says, "Well, the letter fell flat on its face."
Despite the disappointing results, the founders didn’t give up. Each founder brought a special gift to the creation of CFCA, and they used these gifts to keep the dream of CFCA alive. The sponsorships trickled in, gaining 100 sponsors, then the next 100, until today’s total of more than 250,000 sponsors who currently sponsor more than 300,000 children, youth and aging.
Over the years, more than 625,000 children, youth and aging persons and their families have been served through the sponsorship program.
"CFCA was born in the heart of each one of us, and in the hearts of the poor whom we are called to serve," Bob, CFCA president, said. "I consider myself only one of the founders of CFCA, including each one of you."
