Love that Transforms
This month, as the world pauses to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, we want to take a moment to reflect on a deeper, steadier love—the love of God—which sits at the very heart of Impact One’s vision:
A flourishing community where every individual experiences the love of Christ, discovers their God-given potential, and lives with hope and dignity.
We believe God’s love transforms, and we’ve seen it happen in our own lives.
Throughout each week, our team intentionally creates space for group Bible studies and individual reflections so that we can encounter God together. It has been incredible to watch how God meets each of us exactly where we are—and then gently calls us higher. As our hearts are transformed, we can’t help but share that love with others, as you’ll see in the testimonies below.
Each staff member has a unique story of how God led them here. One of my favorites is Rebecca’s.
Rebecca came to Impact One in an unexpected way in 2021. While on her way to offer her services as a volunteer at a nearby organization, she met one of our staff members at a canteen. After hearing about Impact One and our volunteer program, she immediately did a 180 turn and followed him to our center—and she has been with us ever since.
She shares:
“The weekly devotions helped me discover the heart of God for me and the people around me. I was very timid at first and did not want to take on any task that involved me leading, but that has changed. I am now able to guide others to learn the love of Christ, heal from past trauma, and see where God is calling them to grow.
I feel so grateful to be a part of Impact One, and I am a testimony of what the love of God can really do when it lands on somebody. When I walked into Impact One, I was lost, lonely, sad, and broken. But after I encountered Christ through the team at the Center, everything changed for me. Now I want others in the community to feel that too, and I want God to use me to help others have that experience.”
Rebecca (center) confidently leading a literacy training for the teachers
Andrew, another Education Mentor, carries a powerful story of second chances. He initially joined us as a volunteer and we later offered him a staff position—which he declined in favor of what seemed like a “better opportunity.” After a few months, he realized his mistake and returned to Impact One with humility, asking if we would reconsider. We sensed God’s hand in his journey and welcomed him back with open arms.
Andrew reflects:
“When I joined the team, I was very broken, confused, and felt lost because I was in self-condemnation over a mess I made. I even stopped seeing much good in myself most of the time.
The devotionals and discussions started to help me receive God's love and rediscover the purpose He has for my life. When I first joined the team, my friends and family had distanced themselves from me, and the Impact One team became the only family that showed me love and helped me experience God's love.
Impact One is not just a place where we impact one teacher or one child at a time—it is a place where God transforms the lives of all who are seeking Him from the inside out. Now, I use the love I continue to receive to give freely to others who are walking through situations similar to mine, guiding the younger generation with the same patience and grace that was shown to me.”
Andrew reading to children at Community Day
Joseph joined our team last year through the traditional application and interview process. A few months into his probation period, he shared how unexpected this journey had been for him. When he started, his goals were practical—to provide for his family and to serve community schools. What he encountered, however, went far deeper.
He shared:
“What is happening in my own life has been the most unexpected and profound experience, and it has made me more aware of God moments when I am in community schools or interacting with children.
I have read the Bible more in these past months than I had in my entire life before. I have become intentional about prayer, and I have noticed that my thoughts are now guided by God’s Word more than ever. I am gaining a deeper understanding of Scripture, of Jesus and God, and most importantly, of myself.”
As Joseph continues his journey, he is beginning to share more openly about how God is shaping him—and sharing those truths with the school directors during his mentoring times.
Joseph (center) guiding the school directors during a training session
As a team, we can testify to the power of God’s love to transform us. And as long as we are willing, God will continue His work in us. That is why we choose to place ourselves in His presence through Scripture, prayer, and community.
Paul says, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
As He transforms our hearts, he empowers us to serve Him through our roles at Impact One. Whether we are mentoring in the schools, leading library visits, or interacting with parents, each interaction is a chance to share God’s love and invite other people to discover His unique purpose for their lives.
In our next blog, we will share stories of how God’s love is transforming our partner schools, teachers, and students.