John Singleton

Community Engagement & Advocacy

john.s@ftnro.org

John Singleton’s life is a testimony of God’s immeasurable greatness and purpose. Born in a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he faced tragedy early on—losing his parents and his sight after being struck by lightning. With no biological family, John was placed in an orphanage with more than 600 children in Rwanda, where he endured trauma and hardship. Yet, the Lord used these trials to draw John closer to Himself, eventually opening the door for him to be adopted into a loving family in Texas. This new beginning radically changed the trajectory of his life. John went on to graduate from Texas A&M University with a degree in English. He often reflects that, had it not been for God’s providence—including the closure of his orphanage just months after his arrival in the U.S.—his story could have been very different. Instead, John now sees his life as a platform to share the love of Jesus and to inspire others with hope.

Today, John serves with For the Nations Refugee Outreach, one of the largest refugee ministries in Texas. In this role, he advocates for refugee communities by drawing from his own journey to connect with their struggles. His testimony of survival and transformation allows him to stand alongside those who have come to America in search of safety and opportunity. John supports refugees not only in practical ways but also spiritually—pointing them to the hope and peace he has found in Christ. His passion is to ensure that the voices and needs of refugees are heard and that the church awakens to the opportunity of ministering to these communities in meaningful, gospel-centered ways.

At the core of John’s mission is the gospel. He travels to churches, Bible studies, and community gatherings, sharing both his story and the stories of refugees he now serves. His desire is to encourage congregations to see the refugee crisis not merely as a humanitarian issue but as a powerful opportunity to extend Christ’s love to people made in God’s image. John believes America has been given the privilege of radically transforming lives, and he longs for churches to embrace that calling with open arms. It would be his greatest honor to visit your church, Bible study, or ministry gathering to share his testimony, encourage the body of Christ, and help bring greater awareness of the needs of refugees. John is also deeply passionate about worship, and through his gift of music and singing, he seeks to lead others into a deeper experience of God’s presence.