The Barakel Foundation, Inc. ‐ a 501(c)(3) NGO Organization
1999 – Present

The origins and early development of the Barakel Foundation, including its naming history.

Barakel is a non-denominational NGO supporting evangelical efforts through disaster construction, medical, aviation services, and other missionary activities. It collaborates with private citizens, NGOs, interfaith communities, government entities, and businesses. Barakel has a “Conflict of Interest Policy” and a Position Statement on Sphere.

Barakel was established in 1999 by Ken Krantz in Jacksonville, Florida. Ken engaged in prison ministries within Florida and Jamaica, followed by work in Thailand and the Philippines focusing on importing aircraft for mission purposes. Barakel’s aim is to provide spiritual assistance through the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to individuals with spiritual needs.

Joe, referred to as “our big brother,” imparted his extensive knowledge of the building trades to us. Joe’s favorite saying was, “Every block we lay, we try to make a friend.” Brother James often remarked, “If we do all of our work when we are resting, then we will never get tired.” Meanwhile, Brother Ken’s regular quip was, “Two more weeks… I am working on it.” Despite their individual business pursuits, all three brothers (and their wives) maintained close relationships throughout their married lives. [Ken Krantz] stated, “We all socialized, played, and traveled together for over forty years.” Due to their independence and entrepreneurial spirit, each brother eventually embarked on different paths in the business world.

Ken and James (Jim) Krantz became Christians in their early thirties and frequently visited Camp Barakel near Fairview, Michigan. Both brothers volunteered at the camp, doing construction work on projects.

James moved to Orlando, Florida in 1980 and built a successful General Contracting business. He spent many years serving the Lord and working on missionary building projects in Africa and China. Sadly, James passed away in 2007. He was known for his generosity and servant heart.

Ken relocated to Orange Park, Florida in 1983. He obtained certification as a Florida Certified Building Contractor in 1984 and established a construction business focusing on commercial structural concrete construction and commercial buildings.

Joe founded several businesses in Michigan, including a leading oil distribution company. After years of encouragement from Brother James, Joe professed faith in Jesus Christ in 2006. As a major philanthropist in Bay City, he funded Barakel’s initial development. Joe passed away in May 2012 after a long illness.

In 1999, Ken wanted to volunteer for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) as a pilot. Despite his qualifications, MAF required him to be certified as an A&P Mechanic. Encouraged by the Brothers Joe and James but facing rejection from MAF, Ken established The Barakel Foundation.