As our Month of LUV continues, we celebrate the transformative power of agape love — the selfless and sacrificial compassion that Jesus exemplified for us and that embraces young women like Martha from Sudan.  

 

A Childhood in War-Torn Sudan 

Martha grew up in war-torn Nuba Mountains, where 54% of women living in Sudan’s poorest households were married before the age of 18. Despite this, she was determined to forge a different path and make a difference for young girls in her community. In her early 20s, she began serving as a primary school teacher’s aide at Our Father’s Cleft (OFC), our partners in Sudan. At the time, and even now, trained teachers were scarce in the village. Martha had not yet graduated from high school, but she was eager to serve.  

 

A Bright Light in the Classroom 

Martha quickly became a bright light on the staff team, often going above and beyond — leading sports and mentoring young girls.  In 2017, when an opportunity arose for her to travel to Uganda for boarding school to receive her high school diploma, she took it with joy! It was her first flight and introduced her to many “firsts” — like pizza and ice cream — as well as essential services such as running water and nearby clinics.   

 

Higher Education and a Life-Changing Opportunity 

After four years in Uganda, Martha graduated with her high school diploma in 2020.  The following year, she joined our internship program at Hope For South Sudan (HFSS) and later received a LUV scholarship to attend a world-class teacher training program. 

In 2024, Martha graduated with an education degree and is now on staff at HFSS’s school.  She plans to return to the school that began her empowerment journey in 2026, where a teaching position will be waiting for her. 

 

Empowered to Give Back 

Martha’s story reflects the transformative power of LUV’s anti-trafficking programs, which you help make possible in the hardest-to-reach places. Now, she is mentoring and inspiring others through her compassionate service. 

Some of the women serving on staff in our network are survivors of trafficking, like Mary, featured earlier this month. They have shared that they wished LUV had been there for them when they were children and had no place to go for help.   

Others, like Martha, are from a growing alumni group who have been protected, educated, and empowered to serve as changemakers in their own lives and communities.   

 

With your help, Mary and Martha are proud to continue to be agents of change for the next generation. 

  

CELEBRATE WITH US!  

Give LUV and Save Lives: You can make a lasting impact by helping protect 10 women from exploitation. Every contribution counts: 

• $20 — Provides one student two nutritious meals a day for one month, lovingly served by community women. 

• $200 — Supports two female interns for one month, opening doors for leadership and growth. 

• $2,000 — Empowers one survivor with eight months of full-time employment serving LUV’s students. 

Donate Today

 

Every act of love drives this mission forward. Join us this Month of LUV to create change and leave a legacy. With a donation of $20 or more, you’ll receive a handcrafted cross ornament made by trafficker survivors — a meaningful symbol of your impact. 

 

Enjoy Our Playlist: In worship, pray for the protection of the children in Sudan and feel the agape love Jesus has for you and all His children around the world.  

 

Thank you for being the love that changes lives. Wishing you a day overflowing with compassion, love, and joy!