Home of Hope would not be what it is today without Elroy Pankratz.

Elroy was the one who invited Brian Thomson (Director of Home of Hope) and inspired him to go to Kenya with him many years ago. They traveled together many times as we started projects in Rwanda 14 years ago and then Kenya, Congo, Malawi and projects in other countries. Elroy was 82 when they last travelled together!

Pastor Mark says: "He loved God with a childlike faith but he also served God with fearless determination. He would go anywhere to bring the gospel. From remote indigenous fishing villages when he was young to villages deep in the heart of Africa in his 70’s and 80’s, he went with joy and enthusiasm and great love for God and people. His message was always the same, “Jesus loves you and He has a great purpose for your life, you can do it, don’t give up.” The Rwandans told me, “do you know why we love your dad so much? Because we know how much he loves us.” And he did. Deeply. I am who I am today because this man lived. Thank you dad. Thank you Dad, I will always love you and strive to live as you showed me. Loving God, loving people and loving life!"