Partnership for Indigenous Peoples-PIPES International — Organization Profile
Partnership for Indigenous Peoples-PIPES International, commonly known as PIPES International, is a 501(c)(3) Christian nonprofit that works to make disciples and help end extreme poverty through holistic transformation among indigenous and vulnerable communities. Since 2011, PIPES has served indigenous people groups by combining Gospel proclamation, education, discipleship, community empowerment, and poverty-fighting initiatives.
The organization is based in Hazelwood, Missouri, and serves communities in East and Central Africa, Asia, Central America, and the United States. Its public materials identify current or recent ministry connections in DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries. PIPES has a particular history with the Bambuti people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where its work began after Samuel Mwangi encountered displaced indigenous families facing severe poverty, lack of education, and limited access to basic resources.
PIPES operates through discipleship, education, empowerment, youth development, health and sanitation, water access, farming, mission trips, and community-based partnerships. Its mission model emphasizes equipping local communities rather than creating dependency. The organization works with pastors, church leaders, Christian Union leaders, teachers, local partners, and volunteers to strengthen faith, leadership, family stability, and economic opportunity.
Education is one of PIPES International’s central areas of service. The organization supports students through child sponsorship, school development, teacher support, meals, school materials, and Christ-centered learning environments. Its work in DR Congo includes Hope Academy Schools and education support for children in Mugunga and Idjwi Island. PIPES states that its education efforts serve vulnerable and indigenous children who might otherwise have little or no access to formal schooling.
The organization also emphasizes women, youth, and family empowerment through skills training and sustainable livelihoods. Publicly described programs include sewing skills, agribusiness, kitchen gardens, poultry keeping, small enterprises, farming support, and the Living Water Transformation Center. These efforts are intended to help families grow in self-reliance while also receiving discipleship, leadership training, and community support.
People can engage with PIPES International by praying, giving, sponsoring students, joining a mission team, participating in internships or service-learning opportunities, becoming an ambassador, subscribing to The Pipeline, using discipleship resources, or contacting the organization about church partnership. Its distinct contribution is a locally engaged Christian mission model that connects disciple-making, education, child sponsorship, indigenous community support, and socioeconomic empowerment among vulnerable communities worldwide.
Key Links
- Website: https://pipesinternational.org/
- Our Story: https://pipesinternational.org/our-story
- Our Global Impact: https://pipesinternational.org/our-global-impact
- Staff: https://pipesinternational.org/staff
- Board of Directors: https://pipesinternational.org/board-of-directors
- Education: https://pipesinternational.org/education
- Discipleship: https://pipesinternational.org/discipleship
- How to Be Involved: https://pipesinternational.org/how-to-be-involved
- Contact: https://pipesinternational.org/contact
- Donate: https://pipesinternational.org/donate
Contact Information
- Email: in**@****************al.org
- Phone: 636-219-1101
- Phone: +254-726-555-765
- Mailing address: 904 Altavia Dr, Hazelwood, MO 63042
Socials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pipesinternational.org/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PIPESInternational
Leadership
- Samuel Mwangi — Founder and Executive Director; Founder and President
- Esther Mwangi — Co-Founder
- Isaac Maina — Team Leader, Discipleship and Partnership
- Peninnah Wanjiru — Kenya Team Leader and Executive Administrator
- Stuart Isaac Harrier — Marketing and Communications Director
- Martha Karita — Youth, Internship and Child Sponsorship Coordinator
- Joseph Kimanzi — Team Leader, Rwanda; Bishop, Victory Churches of Rwanda
- Victor Sirdar — Team Leader, Asia
- Bernard Kambale — Team Leader, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Jane Kamau — Team Leader, Burundi; Director, BCOM
- Mark Ervin — Board Chair
- Gene Hall — Director, Partnerships
- Ben Wamarema — Treasurer
- Susan Kimathi — Director of Programming and Strategy
- Mercy Mbugua — Secretary
