When David Smith joined a mission trip with Empower One in 2012, he had no idea his life, and the lives of thousands of others, was about to change forever.

What he saw was simple and sacred: a handful of students gathered under a mango tree, eager to learn. No building. No electricity. Just raw faith and the hope of the gospel.

That moment marked the beginning of a vision.

Through the Pure Joy Foundation, David and his family began partnering with Empower One to support the dream of local African leaders: to raise up the next generation through Christ-centered education. What began under a tree has now grown into four established schools, including one in a place that’s especially close to both of our hearts: Nimule, South Sudan.

A School Rooted in the Church

In Nimule, home to one of Empower One’s flagship churches, Pure Joy Foundation helped build a thriving school that now serves hundreds of students from preschool through 8th grade. The school sits on church property and functions as both a spiritual and educational anchor for the entire community.

This school is more than a place of learning. It’s a place of discipleship, healing, and hope. Empower One’s indigenous pastors and teachers lead with integrity and courage, offering children both academic opportunity and the truth of God’s Word.

From Nimule to the neighboring regions, lives are being changed. Girls are gaining access to education through a new boarding facility. Young men are stepping into leadership. Families are hearing the gospel. The ripple effects are real and growing.

“We’re just an average American family,” David says. “We’re not special. We simply followed in faith, partnered with the right people, and got out of the way to watch God do His work.”

Today, more than 1,400 students are enrolled across four schools, and over 13,000 scholarships have been awarded.

What If Your Yes Could Multiply?

We love David’s reminder from Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Each of us was created on purpose, for a purpose, and it always involves serving others.

You may not be called to start a foundation. But you are called to say yes.

“I don’t know what your purpose is,” David says, “but I do know it involves serving. I encourage you to follow in faith, partner with Empower One—and then get out of the way and watch God do His work.”

We’ve seen it happen. From a mango tree to a flagship school in Nimule. God is moving.