Lucas* was only three years old when war tore his world apart. Gunfire erupted suddenly in his village, and in the chaos, Lucas’s mother wrapped him in her arms, shielding him from the violence around them. But in her act of protection, a bullet took her life instead. 

Lucas’s last memory of his mother is her embrace, a moment of love in the middle of unimaginable loss. Alone and surrounded by devastation, his future looked uncertain. 

When Lucas was brought to LUV’s network, it was like light breaking through the darkness. For the first time, he wasn’t just safe, he was given the gift of education. In a region where 70% of children in South Sudan and 90% in Sudan don’t have access to school, this gift is truly life changing. With books in his hands, teachers by his side, and the chance to learn without fear, Lucas discovered something he had lost: hope. He was reminded that even in the hardest places, God’s love makes a way forward. 

Today, Lucas is eleven years old and in the fourth grade. He’s no longer just dreaming about the future — he’s preparing for it. Each lesson builds his confidence, sparks new dreams, and opens doors that once seemed shut. 

Lucas’s story is a reminder of what protection and education make possible. And it’s because of people like you that this transformation is real. Your generosity gives students like Lucas the resources they need to learn, grow, and to build a brighter future filled with hope. 

Because of the gift of education, Lucas’s path is no longer defined by poverty — it’s defined by possibility. And every gift you give opens the door to education for countless others. 

Watch Lucas’s story below, performed by drama team students at one of LUV’s centers:

Double your impact! Thanks to a generous matching gift, every dollar given by Dec 31 will be matched up to $250,000!

*Our commitment is to keep children safe online, so Lucas’s name was changed to protect his identity.