Change is inevitable. It disrupts our comfort zones, challenges our expectations, and often brings uncertainty. But for Helen Lami, change has been a divine tool – used by God to shape her life, her faith and her business. At a recent CTN event, Helen shared her powerful testimony of transformation, both in her personal walk with Christ and her entrepreneurial journey.
Helen’s story reflects how faith and business can intersect, demonstrating that when we trust God with change, He equips us for the future. Through her experiences as a missionary, a business owner and a leader, Helen provided valuable insights into embracing change with resilience, innovation and unwavering trust in God.
Helen Lami – a life transformed by Christ
The most significant change in Helen’s life happened when she accepted Christ at the age of 12. Raised in a Christian home, she had to make a personal decision to follow Jesus, which she did at a Billy Graham crusade in Bristol in 1984. Reflecting on this transformation, she quoted 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This verse embodies the very essence of change – Christ takes our old selves and makes us new. This foundation of faith became the guiding force in Helen’s life, preparing her for the unpredictable twists and turns ahead.
A radical step: missionary work in Albania
In 1994, God called Helen to Albania as a missionary with Operation Mobilization (OM). At the time, Albania was emerging from one of the harshest communist regimes, where religion had been outlawed, and the nation had been declared an atheist state. The transition from the UK to Albania was a profound cultural shift – electricity was unreliable, clean water was scarce, and communication was primitive.
Yet, God was at work. The people were hungry for the Gospel, and Helen had the privilege of seeing the birth of the Albanian church, reminiscent of the early church in the Book of Acts. Learning a new language, adapting to a foreign culture and facing the dangers of political instability stretched Helen’s faith in ways she never imagined.
Through these challenges, she saw firsthand the power of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
God’s strength carried her through moments of fear, discomfort, and uncertainty, preparing her for even greater changes ahead.
Faith in business: the birth of Academic Summer Camps
After leaving the mission field, Helen transitioned into education, first as a teacher and later as an international education consultant. In 2008, she founded Academic Summer, a unique summer school programme designed to provide academically rigorous courses for students worldwide. What started as a small venture grew into a thriving business, serving students from over 59 nationalities and operating in the UK and Canada.
Yet, like every business, there were challenges. Helen shared how Brexit and COVID-19 presented major obstacles. After experiencing record-breaking growth in 2019, the pandemic nearly wiped out the company. But Helen held onto Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Instead of shutting down, the company pivoted – offering services to boarding schools that needed help caring for stranded international students. The resilience she learned as a missionary in Albania now helped her navigate business uncertainty.
Lessons on managing change in business and faith from Helen Lami
Helen identified three key principles for managing change in business and life:
1. Embrace innovation
Change is not to be feared but leveraged. Whether it’s adapting to AI and technology in education or shifting business strategies post-COVID, innovation is essential. Helen emphasised the importance of staying ahead of the curve, asking: “How can we improve what we do? How can we make a difference?”
This entrepreneurial spirit echoes Ecclesiastes 11:6: “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed.” God calls us to work diligently and trust Him with the outcomes.
2. Equip and inspire others
As a business leader, Helen sees her role as building and investing in her team. She recognises that change is hard, but leadership means inspiring others to embrace it.
Helen’s experience managing an international team taught her the value of mentorship and discipleship—helping young people develop resilience, communication skills, and work ethic. This aligns with Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Whether in business or ministry, serving others with excellence reflects Christ’s love.
3. Trust in God’s sovereignty
The most crucial lesson in navigating change is faith in God’s plan. Helen’s testimony is a story of trusting God even when she couldn’t see the full picture. She encouraged others with Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Whether in a foreign country, overcoming in business, or stepping into new family developments, allow God to orchestrate every season of her life.
Becoming a ‘Change Maker‘ for Christ
Helen ended her talk by encouraging believers to be change makers – people who embrace change with vision, resilience and faith. She defined a change maker as someone who:
- Seeks opportunities in challenges
- Perseveres through difficulties
- Inspires others through their actions
- Serves others with justice and love
- Trusts God as their anchor
She reminded the audience that God’s faithfulness never changes – even when life feels uncertain. Hebrews 6:19 describes this beautifully: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Stepping forward in faith
Helen’s journey – from salvation at a Billy Graham crusade to missionary work in Albania, to running a global education business – demonstrates how God uses change to shape and prepare us.
Her story is a challenge to all of us:
- Are we resisting change, or are we trusting God through it?
- Are we willing to step out in faith, even when the path is unclear?
- Are we using our gifts and opportunities to make a lasting impact for Christ?
Finally, Helen ended by quoting Gandhi’s famous challenge: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” For believers, this means being salt and light—transforming our communities, workplaces, and families with faith, love and action. May we all embrace change with courage and trust, like Helen Lami, knowing that God is leading the way.
Follow Helen Lami on LinkedIn or Facebook. For the latest news on Academic Summer and the opportunities they offer international students visit news.academiccamp.org
See CTN’s 2025 Schedule for more business breakfast where entrepreneurial Christian leaders reflect on God’s goodness in the obstacles they have overcome by faith.
