Who We Are
A different kind of children’s charity
A Miracle Starts with One Man’s Ministry
The 40-year history of the International Children’s Fund begins with the ministry of Dr. David Bruenning, but it certainly does not end there. ICF has become an ever-expanding network of caring relationships, formed between African missionary workers and partners worldwide who sustain their humanitarian efforts.
When Dr. Bruenning began his career as a Christian pastor in Wisconsin, U.S.A., he had no idea his ministry would extend around the world. The scope of his work expanded as he heeded God’s call to prepare local pastors and lay people with evangelism training to share the Gospel. This soon led to evangelism training overseas, and before long Dr. Bruenning had developed connections with local ministers across Europe, Asia, India, and Africa.
Practical, Grassroots Action is Our Focus
We channel the Christian concern of partners worldwide into street level impact in African villages and other locations, where logistics often frustrate traditional relief efforts. The secret ingredient to effective relief is a trustworthy network of local, native missionary partners who personally shepherd your gifts of food, clothing, medicine, equipment, and funds to the places children need them most. Ultimately, ICF is a way to make a difference and be certain that your spirit of giving is felt directly in the hearts of the African children who are the center of what we do.
A Warehouse Filled with God’s Light
If you expected the U.S. headquarters of the International Children’s Fund to be a modern office complex, prepare to be disappointed. However if you’re an African missionary in need of essential supplies, the gray, old warehouse building that houses the center of our global operations in Neenah, Wisconsin, looks a lot like heaven. The contents of the warehouse make all the difference, with one corner of the room filled with pallets of food. In another corner lie the boxes of sterile medical supplies that a rural medical clinic is eagerly awaiting in one of our strategic villages. Our humble headquarters keeps overhead costs down so that we are able to focus on our mission.
Using A Natural Resource To Meet A Pressing Need
Wherever he went in Africa, Dr. Bruenning couldn’t forget the faces of the children he encountered. Pleading from the street corners for food, water, and the warmth of a human touch, he felt God’s tug at his heart to find help for these precious young ones. He soon realized that he had a tremendous source of help already at hand. He personally knew local, dedicated pastors across the continent who could funnel essential aid directly to the children in need. His pastor friends were excited about the possibilities. Only one challenge remained: how to find the resources needed to make a lasting impact.
The Board of Directors
Dr. David Bruenning
Founder/Int’l Director
1976 – Present
Non-Independent Voting Member
Dr. Scott Schinschke
Chairman of the Board
2003 – Present
Independent Voting Member
Larry Oettel
Vice President
1995 – Present
Independent Voting Member
Carol Grady
Treasurer
2018 – Present
Independent Voting Member
Jean Hoppe
Secretary
1985 – Present
Independent Voting Member
Marci Bruenning
Emeritus
1976 – 2015 Board Member
2015- Present Non-Voting Member
Roger Smith
Board Member
2019 – Present
Independent Voting Member
Fran Seidl
Administration
2019- Present Non-Voting Member
Clyde Swoger
Director
2020 – Present
Independent Voting Member
Mike LeClair
Director
2020 – Present
Independent Voting Member
The African Advisory Board
Pastor Peterson Kasharu
ICF Uganda | God’s Mercy Mission
African Advisory Board Member
Read More About Pastor Peterson
Peterson Kasharu from Uganda is a second-generation pastor. He is the son of Pastor George Kasharu a long time partner of ICF. He has learned much from his father, following in his footsteps since he was a young boy. Pastor Peterson has done outstanding work in the village Evangelism and meeting the needs of many poor Ugandan children and their families. Traveling and helping Ugandan families in rural Uganda is very challenging due to bad roads and primitive conditions. He has overseen ICF’s feeding programs, jigger eradication, and deworming projects in rural Uganda.
Pastor Ralph Gelego
Liberia | My Brother’s Keeper
African Advisory Board Member
Read More About Pastor Ralph
Pastor Ralph Gelego is from Liberia, he and Dr. Bruenning go back more than 35 years. Ralph was part of a training program that Dr. Bruenning did in Liberia many years ago. When Ralph returned from Ghana after the Liberian civil war, he called Dr. Bruenning, he told him how terrible the war had been and the effects that it had on the children, many were left without parents wondering the streets trying to find food. Most were very young and traumatized by the loss of parents and family. We worked together, purchased land for what is now known as “My Brother’s Keeper Orphanage and school”. There are now mutiple buildings and a free standing library on the campus. MBK has been a great success and we are happy to be part of this great project.
Akwasi Amoakohene
ICF Ghana | Progressive School
African Advisory Board Member
Read More About Akwasi
Akwasi is a second-generation Christian leader, following in his fathers’ footsteps, Nana Akwasi Amoakohene. Nana was an elder statesman, philanthropist and a successful business man. Akwasi has been involved with many Christian activities and children’s programs for many years. He is overseeing the work of ICF Ghana and programs at the Progressive School, feeding programs to starving children, and the drilling of water wells in rural areas of Ghana. Akwasi and Dr. Bruenning go back over 35 years. He is now a member of the National Advisory Council of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship.
We channel the Christian concern of Americans into street level impact in African villages and other locations, where logistics often frustrate traditional relief efforts. The secret ingredient is a trustworthy network of local, native missionary partners, who personally shepherd your gifts of food, clothing, medicine, equipment and funds to the places children need them most. Ultimately, ICF is a way to be certain that your spirit of giving is felt directly in the hearts of the African children and others who are its desired result.
Dr. David Bruenning
Founder/International Director
Our Partners
We are pleased to partner with the following organizations to bring tangible hope to children in the villages we serve throughout the African continent and other locations.
Contact Information
Address: International Children's Fund
619 Main St, Neenah, WI 54956
Phone: (920) 729-5721
Please contact us if you have questions about ICF, our organization and programs. We invite you to find out how you can assist in our life-saving work.
© 1985-2021 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FUND. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
| Privacy Policy | Legal Disclosure | Link to ICF | Sitemap | Financial Disclosure | Legacy Giving |
Stay Connected and Make a Difference.
Sign up to receive stories and photos about our efforts, news about the children, and exciting volunteer opportunities.
