Our History
The origin of Marafiki was the inspiration of Retha McCutchen, retired General Secretary of Friends United Meeting. Upon retirement, Retha’s desire was to continue supporting viable mission work through a non-profit organization. As a result, Marafiki was born. Since its inception, Marafiki has supported various mission efforts in primarily in East Africa.
Marafiki’s Guiding Principles
Marafiki, the Swahili word for friends, is a faith-based non-profit organisation committed to walking alongside communities and partners, primarily in East Africa. Our mission is to equip people, strengthen communities, and promote locally sustainable solutions that drive lasting transformation.
Marafiki recognises that communities have diverse needs and that no single organisation can address them all. We therefore collaborate with local communities, churches, organisations, and other partners, building on their knowledge, strengths, and existing initiatives. Our approach follows a simple yet intentional model:
Listening → Discernment → Partnership → Community Transformation
Listening – We begin by listening to the community. We seek to understand people’s experiences, needs, strengths, priorities, and hopes rather than assuming we already know what they need.
Discernment – After listening, we prayerfully reflect with the community and our partners on what we have heard. Together, we identify the most appropriate response, available local resources, and areas where additional support may be required.
Partnership – We then bring together the community, local organisations, churches, individuals, and other partners who can contribute knowledge, skills, relationships, and resources. Marafiki does not seek to replace local leadership but to strengthen it and address identified gaps.
Community Transformation – Through shared responsibility and collaborative action, we work towards sustainable change that strengthens individuals, families, and communities. Our goal is not merely to complete projects, but to help communities build the capacity and resources to sustain positive change over time.
In this way, Marafiki seeks to listen before acting, discern before deciding, partner rather than work alone, and pursue locally owned, sustainable transformation.
Marafiki Board Members
All of Marafiki’s board members have been active in mission and service work throughout their lives. They care deeply for the needs of the world and participation with Marafiki’s projects provides a way to address some of those needs.
Eloise Hockett, Newberg, OR; President; retired professor
Retha McCutchen, Portland, OR; Vice-president and Founder:
Linda Samek; Sublimity, Oregon; Treasurer
Rhonda McCutchen; Portland OR; Secretary
Brent McKinney; Ararat, NC
John Muhanji; Kitale, Kenya
Johan Maurer, Portland, OR
Marta Sears, Newberg, OR