Mabohlokoa’s Home Becomes a Sanctuary for Children in Ha Rankhelepe

By: Lerato Brown, Communications and Marketing Manager, World Vision Lesotho

How Faith and Safe Spaces Are Transforming Young Lives: Inspired by Scripture and guided by compassion, one woman opens her home and her heart to nurture and protect vulnerable children.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14

These timeless words from Jesus reflect the heart of the Gospel; an open invitation for every child to draw near, to be welcomed, loved, and cherished. In the village of Ha - Rankhelepe, nestled in a rural part of Lesotho’s capital city Maseru, this scripture is lived out every day through the life and ministry of ‘M’e ‘Mabohlokoa.

A Calling Rooted in Faith

‘Mabohlokoa, a pastor’s wife, mother of two, and long-time children’s church teacher, has always felt a divine calling to serve children. Her faith is unwavering, and her life is shaped by the guiding truth of Proverbs 22:6. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”

She has spent years teaching children in her church about God’s love, the life of Jesus, and the importance of walking in truth. But in 2023, her heart was stirred anew and her purpose deepened after a transformative training led by World Vision’s Faith and Development Ministry in partnership with One Hope; a global organization committed to bringing the Gospel to children and youth.

The training focused on child protection and the unique and critical role faith leaders can play in ending violence against children. It challenged participants not only to preach the Word of God, but to actively live it out through creating safe, nurturing spaces where children are protected, empowered, and spiritually nourished.

From a Home to a Haven for Children

Inspired and compelled by these new learnings and convictions, ‘Mabohlokoa opened the doors of her home to more than 50 children in her village. What started as a small act of faith quickly blossomed into a vibrant child-friendly space where children gather six days a week to learn about God, recite scripture, pray, sing, eat nourishing meals, do homework, and play together.

 “The training opened my eyes to the real struggles children face; from abuse, hunger, neglect, child labour,” - 'Mabohlokoa

Her once-quiet family home now echoes with laughter, songs of worship, and healing.  “The training opened my eyes to the real struggles children face; from abuse, hunger, neglect, child labour,” she says. “I wanted my home to be a place of peace, where children feel safe, loved, and empowered; a place where they could come to know that God sees them, hears them, and loves them.”

“I wanted my home to be a place of peace, where children feel safe, loved, and empowered; a place where they could come to know that God sees them, hears them, and loves them.” - 'Mabohlokoa

A Place of Healing and Growth

The impact has been nothing short of life changing. Many of the children come from households where food is scarce and affection, even more so, some had given up on life entirely believing they lacked in value and worth. But here, they are seen, they are heard and they are loved.

 “Before I came here, I used to be very naughty,” says Mpho, 11. “People in the village knew me as a troublemaker. I would steal small things; but now I know it’s wrong. I’ve really changed and at home, they see that I’m well-behaved and call me a good boy.” For Mpho, Psalm 23:1 has taken root in his heart: 

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” 

He no longer feels the need to take what doesn’t belong to him because he’s learning that in God’s presence, there is enough. He is discovering peace in trust, and provision in honesty.

Nthabiseng, 13, reflects softly: “I used to lie and fight a lot. I didn’t care how I treated others. But coming here taught me that God doesn’t like bad behaviour. Now, I try to be kind and honest.” For her, Psalm 51:10 has become a personal prayer; she is learning to let go of anger and deceit, embracing truth, kindness, and self-control.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” 

These aren’t just stories of changed behaviour; they are transformations of the heart, rooted in scripture. The verses are not simply memorized; they are lived, shaping how these children see themselves and the world around them.

Faith in Action: Building a Community of Hope

‘Mabohlokoa believes that grounding children in God’s Word builds a strong moral foundation. “Here, they learn about respect, love, forgiveness, the Ten Commandments, trust, and safety.  These are not just values but are survival tools that help children become vigilant, kind, and rooted in faith,” she says. Even herd boys, once known for swearing and skipping school, now come after school instead of going to the fields. They have traded harsh words for scripture and isolation for community.

“I dream of a proper center where these children can come and just be,” she shares “A place to worship, grow, and be grounded in prayer, because in prayer, children find strength in good times and in bad.”

Children’s Daily Prayers and Psalms: Truths That Shape Their Lives

Every day, the children gather at this child friendly space to speak words of truth and promise, scriptures that affirm their worth, guide their behaviour, and draw them closer to God. 

Genesis 1:27 reminds them: “So God created mankind in his own image... male and female he created them.”
This verse helps the children understand their inherent value and dignity. They are not defined by poverty, abuse, or neglect—but by the loving design of their Creator.

John 13:34–35 teaches them: “Love one another. As I have loved you… By this everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
Through daily interactions, they are learning to replace anger with kindness, conflict with peace, and selfishness with compassion.

2 Corinthians 9:7–8 instills this truth: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” Whether it’s sharing lunch or helping younger children, they learn that giving from the heart pleases God, and even they can abound in every good work. 

These scriptures form a foundation for life, shaping identity, choices, and relationships. The children are learning to walk in truth, see themselves through God’s eyes, and stand firm in a world that often tries to strip them of their worth.

A Legacy of Love and Transformation

This is more than a story about one woman who gave freely. It is a testimony of faith, a community-led response to child protection, and a blueprint for what’s possible when believers say yes to God’s call.  It is a reminder that every child deserves a place to grow, to feel safe, to be loved, and to encounter God.

And it is a call to us all to open our hearts, our homes, our churches, and our communities to the little ones among us. “

Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”  — Matthew 18:5

May this story touch hearts, stir action, and inspire a movement of sanctuary-makers who, like ‘M’e Mabohlokoa, say yes to welcoming, discipling, and loving children in Jesus’ name. - Lerato