Mentorship That Mirrors the Father’s Heart: Nevers’ and Manasseh’s Story
When Nevers and his wife
stepped into the role of houseparents at Lifesong Zambia, they weren’t just accepting a job—they were answering a call to mentorship.
To Nevers and Faith, this was more than a place to live or work. It was an opportunity to reach orphaned and vulnerable children with the life-changing love of God.
“Lifesong helps these orphans and vulnerable kids to feel that sense of belonging,” Nevers shared. “It’s the opportunity God gave me—to speak into the lives of young people and help them become who God wants them to be.”
One of those young people is Manasseh.
When Manasseh arrived at Lifesong,
he was quiet and withdrawn.
“I liked to isolate myself,” he says. “I was bored and nervous.”
Where others may have looked at Manasseh and seen a quiet boy keeping his distance, Nevers saw the beginning of a story God was just starting to write. And he was determined to walk with Manasseh—through mentorship—every step of the way.
Manaseh shared—
“At points, I was rude, but Nevers didn’t give up on me. Because he loves us.”
What began as cautious glances and one-word answers eventually turned into conversation, laughter, and even prayer. With every shared walk, every kind correction, and every reminder that he mattered—trust grew.
Gospel faith took root, and Manasseh’s story took a brand new direction—
“After receiving Jesus Christ, my life was transformed. I’m a new creation in Him.“
Here at Lifesong,
the first of our four foundational pillars is clear and unwavering: Every child in our care will be taught the Gospel and how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ.
But this is more than a statement on a wall. It’s more than a platitude we recite.
It’s a promise—to introduce children not just to a set of beliefs, but to the One Who loves them perfectly. A promise to point them to a Savior Who calls them by name. A promise to help them know God—not as a distant figure, but as a present and loving Father Who sees them, knows them, and has a good plan for their lives.
This commitment to mentorship shapes every conversation, every classroom, and every care plan.
Because when a child meets Jesus, everything changes. Hope takes root. Identity is restored. And a new story begins.
God is the ultimate Father—steadfast, healing, and full of grace. He steps into the gaps, restores what’s been broken, and welcomes each of us to belong fully and forever in His family.
And through men like Nevers, we get a glimpse of what that love looks like in action—steadfast, present, and pointing others to Jesus by the way they lead and serve.
Today, Manasseh is a university student,
studying nursing—the first in his family of nine to finish high school. He shares—
“My faith in Christ helped me develop the interest to work with people. I want to help the people in compounds that are often neglected.”
Nevers beamed as he talked about the young man Manasseh is becoming. “He shares the Word of God and doesn’t hide it. He has a good heart. He’s kind. He’s a leader.”
Manasseh is living proof that when godly men invest in the next generation, legacies of faith are born. He’s becoming to others what men like Nevers were to him—a mentor, a leader, and a reflection of Christ.
“They shaped me,” Manasseh says. “I thank God for bringing them into my life.”
Each June here in the U.S.,
we honor Father’s Day and men around the world like Nevers who show the heart of our Heavenly Father through compassion, consistency, and courage.
But the gift of godly male mentorship is too important to recognize just once a year. It’s worth celebrating every single day.
This is the beauty of the Gospel in motion—when one life changed by Christ becomes the vessel God uses to change another. Nevers poured into Manasseh, and now Manasseh is becoming that kind of man for others. It’s the ripple effect of faithful fatherhood—physical or spiritual—rooted in the love of God.
And through it all, we praise God most of all for being a good, good Father—steadfast in love, rich in mercy, and faithful to every generation.
Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children experience the hope of the Gospel?
When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.