A New Calling
After returning from the field, Rosemary became involved in what she loved doing most: teaching the Bible. "I had studied the Bible, but I did not know how to teach it to others. No one can know God without knowing the Bible." She became a Bible teacher with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), an in-depth, interdenominational Bible study that helps people know God and equips them to effectively serve the Church throughout the world. After several years of teaching, Rosemary was named Executive Director of the organization in 1980. Under her leadership, BSF moved its headquarters from Oakland, California to San Antonio, Texas, built a new headquarters, and expanded its reach. During her tenure, BSF grew from 280 classes (serving 50,000 members) to over 971 classes (serving nearly 200,000), increased classes from 4 to 30 countries, and developed new studies—The Life of Moses, The Acts of the Apostles, and Romans.
“I had studied the Bible, but I did not know how to teach it to others. No one can know God without knowing the Bible.”
My Heart Yearns for Africa
During this time, Rosemary never stopped thinking about Africa and the great work yet to be accomplished. In 1984 Rosemary, now the director of BSF, began to expand BSF to include international teachers. Soon classes spread to England, Australia, Germany, and of course Africa. This continued international expansion and love for Africa culminated in 1987 Rosemary, Dr. Jensen, Don McEachern, and Richard Walenta came together to create the Rafiki Foundation. While Rosemary served as executive director for both BSF and Rafiki, the two organizations were entirely independent of each other as they worked side by side. The goal of Rafiki was simply Rosemary's vision all along: to help Africans know God and raise their standard of living with excellence and integrity.
“By God’s grace, both organizations have continued to serve him in different ways. God is not limited to one way of serving him—even in Africa.”