Love that Transforms, Pt. 2
In this month when the world pauses to celebrate love with cards, flowers, and chocolate, we are taking time to reflect on a deeper, enduring love—the transforming love of God that lasts far beyond a single day.
In our previous blog, we shared how God’s love is at work within our staff, growing faith, bringing healing, and shaping a deeper sense of purpose. As we are transformed by God’s love, we are also empowered to serve Him more effectively.
Why We Love
Scripture reminds us, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). God’s love fills us up and sends us out—to be His ambassadors in our community of Ng’ombe. Whether we are mentoring teachers, leading library visits, or simply walking from school to school (and we do a lot of walking!), every interaction becomes an opportunity to reflect His love and invite others to discover the unique purpose God has for their lives.
This month, our team reflected on several individuals whose lives have been shaped by the love of Christ, patiently and passionately shared. This love does not remain abstract. We see it lived out every day in classrooms, relationships, and growing confidence—especially among the teachers we serve.
Love that Transforms our Teachers
Chibwe, our Education Team Leader, shared:
“Serving this community, empowering teachers, and witnessing the change in their lives and in the children we serve is a blessing I wake up for every day. There is a deep sense of purpose in knowing that my work is part of something much bigger than myself, and I desire to see others excel in the unique calling God has placed on their lives.”
One of the teachers Chibwe has worked with is Veronica, a preschool teacher at Blue Star. When we first began training her, she was very shy and lacked confidence. Traditional alphabet teaching methods were deeply ingrained, and she was hesitant to try teaching sounds through Jolly Phonics. With a classroom full of energetic little ones, Veronica always had her hands full and new methods were challenging.
But just as Jesus did, our team walks alongside each teacher and moves at their pace. Through regular visits, modeling lessons, and gentle encouragement from Chibwe and the team, Veronica is now a completely different teacher than four years ago.
Chibwe says,
“Veronica stands out as of the most engaging and effective teachers we have. She has an innate ability to connect with her students, creating a classroom environment where learning is both fun and meaningful. Her growth in confidence has also made her a source of encouragement to other teachers, and I am always amazed by the way she speaks life into her colleagues. Veronica is a living example of God’s love in action, and it’s been a joy to see her develop into such a powerful teacher and mentor.”
Veronica uses many different teaching resources to make learning fun for her preschoolers
Veronica has discovered her gifts and is flourishing in them. As she teaches, her gifts bless others. She is shaping the youngest learners at her school and opening doors for them to encounter God’s love and discover their own gifts. At the same time, she models best practices and encourages fellow teachers during our trainings and meetings, spreading the power of love and literacy throughout other schools.
This is the heart behind our new logo—arrows pouring in and pouring out. When we are transformed, we cannot help but pass on what we have received. Chibwe has passed on knowledge to Veronica who is now passing on knowledge to students and other teachers.
Love that Transforms the Children
Another journey that has deeply touched our hearts is Naomi’s. Naomi is a staff favorite and faithfully attends our Community Days each Wednesday. She hops joyfully from team member to member so she can practice her reading. With her exuberance, it’s impossible to say no to her requests!
Mathews, who joined our team last year, reflected on Naomi’s story:
“When I first joined the organization, no one told me much about Naomi, but I noticed her presence immediately. I have never seen a week when she missed Community Day. One day, she shared that she wasn’t attending school due to a lack of financial support. Soon after, I realized how deeply loved she was by everyone in the library.
This year, I was amazed to see Naomi in a full school uniform. When she told me she had started school, it was incredibly moving. Through the care, guidance, and opportunities provided, I have seen God’s love in action—bringing hope, confidence, and purpose.”
Naomi and Mathews reading together at our Library
Many of the children we work with have stories similar to Naomi, a desire to learn, but a lack of opportunity. Our library provides a space for those who aren’t attending school to explore books, discover new skills, and experience the love of God. We meet each child where they are at, no matter their age level, education level, or interest level, and share the love that can transform them.
Love that Transforms the Youth
Last year, we launched a new youth discipleship program on Wednesday afternoons. Having experienced personal transformation in her own life since joining Impact One, Rebecca volunteered to lead the group. Each week, she gathers with the youth to share Scripture, worship, and reflect on what it means to follow Jesus.
One of the teenagers who attends regularly is Lutricia. Each week, she asks thoughtful questions and reflects deeply on how she can improve herself. One day after a session, she stayed behind to share challenges she was facing at home. Deeply moved, Rebecca listened and prayed with her.
Rebecca was excited to share an update about this year’s first meeting with the youth:
“At our first meeting this year, Lutricia shared that she wants to read the Bible more and learn how to apply God’s Word. She even wrote down practical steps, like asking an older sister to help her understand Scripture and committing to regular prayer. She now comes with her younger sister, and I see them fully engaged. I am so thankful for the work God is doing in their lives.”
The GROW Youth Group with Rebecca at our Library
The love of Christ is powerful. When it takes root in our lives, it shines so brightly that others cannot help but see it. And in each of these stories, we see Jesus made visible in practical, everyday ways.
We see Him in teachers like Veronica, growing in confidence and courage as they nurture young minds. We see Him in children like Naomi, discovering the joy of reading and the dignity that comes with being seen and supported. We see Him in youth like Lutricia, taking brave steps toward healing, learning, and hope for the future. Each story is different, yet all reflect the same transforming love of Christ at work.
From classrooms to libraries, from mentoring sessions to quiet conversations, every moment is an opportunity for Christ’s love to move. His love is central to each of our programs. We seek to model what it looks like to follow Jesus—in a country where the name of Jesus is widely known, but a life truly lived with Him is often still being discovered.
If you would like to join us in praying for God’s love to continue transforming lives, we invite you to sign up for our newsletters. When you sign up, you’ll receive a digital prayer guide and monthly stories of holistic change. Join the story today!