Stories of Transformation

"Instead of being known for violence and insecurity, Pala is increasingly becoming known for changed lives, growing peace, and a hopeful younger generation."

Today, Pala is becoming a community filled with hope and optimism. Young people who once saw little hope for their future are beginning to believe that their lives can be different. They are making positive choices, supporting one another, participating in community development, and working toward greater peace. Through the Bible Discovery Groups and the leadership of local people, young people are discovering that they can be part of the solution to the challenges in their community. The change is still a journey, but there is a growing sense that Pala's future can be different from its past.

"Before IDMM came to our village, we had no idea how to care for our children's health. Now I lead a discovery group of young mothers and we are all growing together."

Grace was a young mother in rural Kenya struggling with malnutrition in her household. After joining a First Thousand Days discovery group, she learned practical health principles alongside God's Word. Within a year, she became a group leader herself — multiplying what she had learned to twelve other families in her community.

"I am grateful to the Discovery Groups and the local chief for coming together to help me in my time of need."

Elder Otto, a man in his late 70s, lives alone in a simple house in South Sudan. After heavy rains flooded his home, he lost his belongings and was left without adequate food or clothing. When local Discovery Groups learned about his situation through community leaders, they mobilized resources to help him. They provided food, clothing, and other essential items, repaired the roof, raised the ground around his home, and opened drainage channels to reduce the risk of future flooding.

"IDMM gave me a vision I never had before — that every believer can make disciples who make disciples. Our church has planted four new home fellowships."

Pastor Samuel attended an IDMM vision seminar and was transformed by the simplicity of the model. He trained 20 leaders from his congregation, who went on to form discovery groups in surrounding villages. Within 18 months, four home fellowships had been established, each led by a local person of peace.

"I took the Good Samaritan as my inspiration to love all."

Nabul lives in the mountains of Central Asia. While attending a sewing center, she heard the Bible story of the Good Samaritan. The story deeply touched her, especially the Samaritan's compassion and willingness to help someone in need.

"I am grateful to God for the opportunity to gain the education I missed in childhood."

Shand is a motorcycle mechanic in South Central Asia. Because he did not have the opportunity to receive an education as a child and later had family responsibilities, he grew up unable to read or write. When an Adult Education Center opened in his community, Shand joined the classes and learned to read and write.

"IDMM training was a turning point — I learned to intentionally seek out Persons of Peace and share the gospel. My home fellowship grew so much I had to expand it."

Ramesh was a respected traditional doctor among his own Warli people — known for helping in difficult childbirths. Through a friend he heard about Jesus, the Great Physician, and began gathering believers in his home when the nearest church was 10 km away. After IDMM training he learned to seek Persons of Peace and share the gospel intentionally. He eventually set aside his traditional practice to devote himself fully to ministry. Today believers from 5 villages around Ambesari gather for worship — over 80 adults, 30 baptized — all from the Warli community after four years of ministry.