Zach was 13 when his family left Ohio for South Africa to do missions. More than a decade later, he’s still there, and the work has only grown.

It’s where he grew up, where he met Melissa, and where they’re now raising their son Miles, with a daughter on the way. South Africa has certainly become home.

In the years after high school, Zach connected with Legacy Refuge, a global orphan care nonprofit with a vision to see every orphan come to know Christ, heal from trauma, and live a healthy and productive life.

Since January 2025, he has served as a full-time staff member, functioning as Legacy Refuge’s on-the-ground point in South Africa. He works directly with children every week, organizes programs in South Africa, and helps keep the organization running behind the scenes.

To continue this work full-time, the Heffners raise personal monthly support. If you’d like to partner with them, they’d love to have you on their team.