A Chance Encounter That Sparked Hope in Lagos
Volunteer: Samuel Iyene Essien
Location: Lagos
Date: December 7, 2025
Sometimes, impact begins in the most unexpected places. For Samuel, an Empowered Servant in Lagos, a simple workplace moment became an opportunity to extend compassion and restore hope.
On an ordinary day at work, Samuel stepped away to use the restroom. As he waited, he noticed someone inside quietly sobbing. When the door finally opened, the person who stepped out was the crèche nanny — a woman in her early fifties who usually cared for the babies with a joyful spirit. But in that moment, her distress was evident.
Concerned, Samuel gently asked what was wrong. With tears in her eyes, she shared her story:
Her daughter, a university student, was meant to return to school weeks ago but couldn’t because they lacked basic funds for transport and provisions. Her husband’s primary source of income — a Keke (tricycle) used for commercial transport — had broken down and was at the mechanic, leaving the family with no means of support. The financial strain was suffocating, and her daughter’s education was now at risk.
Samuel asked how much was needed to help her daughter return to school. She estimated about ₦45,000. Although he couldn’t meet the entire need, Samuel acted with the resources available and offered ₦10,000 on behalf of the Empowered Servants Initiative. Along with the support, he shared encouragement and reminded her that God sees and provides, even in difficult moments.
Her response was immediate — gratitude, relief, and renewed hope. That day, she left encouraged, knowing she was not alone.
“Thank you so much. God bless you,” she said repeatedly, overwhelmed by the kindness she didn’t expect.
This encounter reflects the mission of the Empowered Servants Global Initiative: seeing people in their everyday struggles, responding with love, and being a bridge of support when life feels heavy.
At ESGI, we believe that every act of service — no matter how small — creates ripples of transformation. Samuel’s story is a reminder: kindness is ministry, and compassion is a seed that God uses to heal hearts.