Who We Are
About One By One Ministries
How It Began
A Vision Born in the Heart of Congo
One By One Ministries began with a single trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. What our founders witnessed — children without schools, families without economic hope, rural villages with little Gospel access — compelled them to act.
The name says it all. We believe transformation doesn't happen in sweeping programs. It happens one person at a time, one family at a time — through patient, faithful work of love, discipleship, and service.
"We believe the DRC is ready for a generation-defining revival — and we are privileged to be part of it."
Our Vision
A world where every person — regardless of geography, poverty, or circumstance — has access to the transformative love of Jesus Christ, quality education, and the opportunity to build a dignified, flourishing life.
Our Mission
One By One Ministries is dedicated to rebuilding communities through Education, Entrepreneurship, and Spiritual Discipleship — changing the world one person, one community, and one country at a time through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
The Story Behind the Mission
Our Founders' Journey
One By One Ministries was born from the story of two people, two continents, and one calling. Here is the living tree of how it all began.
Emmanuel Tshilobo
Born in Kinshasa, DRC · 1982
Grace Johnson
Born in Atlanta, USA · 1985
2010
A Providential Meeting
Emmanuel and Grace meet at an international Christian conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Both were there serving their respective ministry organizations — a divine appointment.
2012
A Covenant of Love
Emmanuel and Grace marry in a beautiful ceremony uniting two continents — a living symbol of the cross-cultural ministry they would one day build together.
2014
The Vision Trip
Together they travel to rural Congo for the first time as a couple. What they witness — children without schools, families without hope — breaks them open and changes everything.
2015
One By One Ministries Founded
After months of prayer and planning, Emmanuel and Grace officially incorporate One By One Ministries Inc. The name captures their conviction: transformation happens one person at a time.
2019
First School Opens
After four years of grassroots fundraising and community partnership, the first OBOM school building opens in a remote village outside Kinshasa — serving 85 children on day one.
2021
Entrepreneurship Program Launched
Grace leads the launch of the Women's Entrepreneurship Cohort — a program she designed from the ground up — empowering 30 women in its first year.
2023
Pastoral Training Network
Emmanuel, a trained theologian, launches the Pastoral Training Network — equipping 15 rural pastors in the first cohort across five provinces.
2025
A Decade of Faithfulness
Now serving 18+ communities across the DRC, with programs reaching 500+ families, 65+ volunteers, and expanding into Rwanda — the fruit of two lives poured out for the Kingdom.
Today's Fruit
18+ Communities
500+ families · 8 education projects · 65+ volunteers · DRC & Rwanda
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
Compassion
Every person bears the image of God and deserves dignity, care, and the opportunity to flourish.
Truth
We build on the unshakeable foundation of Scripture and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Community
Lasting change happens within relationships — we walk alongside communities, not ahead of them.
Stewardship
Every dollar given is a sacred trust. We operate with full financial transparency and accountability.
Empowerment
We equip, not enable — building local capacity so communities own and sustain their own transformation.
The Team
Leadership
Rev. Emmanuel Tshilobo
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Born in the DRC, Emmanuel has served in ministry for 20+ years. He holds a Master of Divinity and has a heart for reconciling the church with its community calling.
Grace Tshilobo
Director of Programs & Co-Founder
Originally from Atlanta, Grace brings expertise in women's development, entrepreneurship education, and cross-cultural program design.
Jonathan Kalala
Community Development Lead
A native of Kasai Province, Jonathan builds relationships with village chiefs and local NGOs to ensure every project is community-owned.
Why Congo
The DRC: Immense Need, Immense Promise
The Democratic Republic of Congo is among the world's most impoverished nations, yet it is rich in natural resources and extraordinary people — resilient, joyful, faith-filled communities hungry for opportunity and for Christ.
We believe the DRC is on the threshold of a generation-defining transformation, and we are called to be part of it — not through charity, but through partnership that restores dignity and builds lasting foundations.