Our Story
In 2005, a dedicated group from Rapid City, South Dakota, purchased land in Bensonville, Liberia, with a vision to build a school and orphanage. This initiative aimed to meet the educational needs of local children. Since its inception, Bridges of Hope has steadily provided quality education to approximately 320 students annually. Remarkably, 99% of graduates have passed the West African Examination Council, and the high school recently achieved the #1 ranking from the District Education Officer.
Many graduates have gone on to become teachers, nurses, lab technicians, clerks, and even a physician assistant, showcasing the transformative impact of this initiative. In 2017, Martin Digler, the acting president and a native Liberian, returned to his homeland for a needs assessment. He returned with a clear vision to enrich the school with Christ-centered education, establish a clinic and hospital for affordable healthcare, and found a church focused on practical application of the gospel.
After sharing this vision with his wife, Stephanie, they crafted a mission statement that was adopted by the board in February 2018. With God’s guidance, Bridges of Hope continues to grow, providing essential services to the community.