Three years ago, church planter Newton Chilingulo’s life changed in an instant. On a morning drive to drop off his daughter at school in Malawi, a car accident claimed three lives. Newton was initially charged with manslaughter, later reduced, but spent three months in prison facing grief and uncertainty.

A friend’s words, “you are exactly where God wants you to be,” shifted Newton’s perspective. He began sharing the gospel in prison, preaching to fellow inmates and offering hope in the midst of despair.

One inmate, Suzgo, was bitter and angry after being falsely accused and imprisoned. Slowly, Newton’s words softened his heart. After Newton’s release, they stayed in touch, and when Suzgo was eventually freed, he began attending Reformation Bible Church, the church Newton pastors in Malawi. He professed faith in Christ, was baptized, and returned to college—a nearby campus the church had long hoped to reach.

Today, Suzgo is a key to ministry on that campus, leading a weekly Bible study, mentoring classmates and drawing others into faith. What began in a prison cell has grown into a ripple effect of transformation, as one life renewed by Christ now points others to hope.