Joe was more than a colleague—he was a brother in Christ who dedicated his life to serving orphaned and vulnerable children across Africa. His sudden passing from a heart attack after a game of squash has left our hearts heavy, but we find comfort knowing he is now in the presence of his Savior.
Joe's journey with orphan care began over two decades ago when he first arrived in Kenya to work with Christ's Hope International. His heart for children was evident from the start, and he quickly became known as "Uncle Joe" to hundreds of children who found in him not just a caregiver, but a father figure who showed them the love of Christ.
When Joe joined our team in Zambia as Sustainable Business Manager, he brought with him not only his expertise in business development but also his deep passion for holistic care. He understood that true transformation comes not just from meeting physical needs, but from nurturing the whole child—body, mind, and spirit.
To the children he served, Joe was more than a manager—he was family. Over the years, he became "Uncle Joe" to over 1,000 orphaned and vulnerable children across Kenya and Zambia. His office door was always open, and children knew they could come to him with their joys, struggles, and dreams.
Joe had a unique gift for making every child feel seen, known, and loved. Whether he was helping a teenager navigate the challenges of growing up without parents, celebrating a child's academic achievements, or simply listening to their stories, Joe approached each interaction with the love of Christ.
Joe's impact extended far beyond the children directly under his care. His innovative approaches to sustainable business development helped create opportunities for countless families and communities. He believed that economic empowerment was key to breaking the cycle of poverty and abandonment that leads to orphanhood.
Through his work with our sustainable business initiatives, Joe helped create jobs, provide training, and build hope in communities where despair once reigned. His vision was always clear: to create lasting change that would prevent children from becoming orphans in the first place.
While we grieve Joe's passing, we are committed to carrying forward the mission he so passionately championed. His legacy lives on in every child whose life was touched by his love, in every family that found hope through the programs he helped develop, and in every community that experienced transformation through his work.
We invite you to join us in honoring Joe's memory by continuing to support the children and families he dedicated his life to serving. Your partnership ensures that Joe's vision of holistic, Gospel-centered care for orphaned and vulnerable children will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
We have created an online tribute where you can share memories, upload photos, and sign Joe's Memory Wall. Visit https://www.online-tribute.com/JoeMarton to share how Joe impacted your life or the life of someone you know.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to Lifesong Canada in Joe's memory. Your gift will directly support the children and programs that were so dear to Joe's heart, ensuring that his legacy of love and service continues to transform lives.
For Canadian Donors:
donate@lifesongcanada.org and specify "Joe Marton Memorial" in the messageFor American Donors:
Joe's life was a beautiful reflection of Christ's love for the fatherless. His sudden departure reminds us that our time on earth is precious and that we must make every moment count for the Kingdom. As we continue our work, we do so with Joe's example before us—serving with love, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the children God has placed in our care.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and partnership as we honor Joe's memory and continue the mission he so faithfully served.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27
