A Reflection on Our Roots, Our Mission, and the
Legacy That Guides Us Forward
Legacy That Guides Us Forward
Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool began with a simple but powerful vision shared by two faithful women, Nancy Langford and Kathy Thomas. What started as a dream for a small Mother’s Morning Out program quickly grew into something much larger—a ministry where young children could learn about Jesus, feel safe, and experience the joy of learning through play in a nurturing environment.
Nancy and Kathy were already caring for children through a small in‑home childcare business when the school at GSLC was closing. They recognized both a need and an opportunity: with the facilities available and a shared passion for serving families, it made perfect sense to plant the seeds of a preschool ministry. Their hope was to fill those empty rooms once again with laughter, learning, and the love of Christ.
About a year and a half into the preschool’s beginning, Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Though she wasn’t able to remain in the day‑to‑day work of the program as long as she had hoped, her heart for children and her belief in the mission never wavered.
As word spread about the loving environment at GSLP, the preschool grew steadily—one family telling another, one child’s experience touching the next. The need to open additional classrooms and hire more staff became a clear sign that God was blessing the ministry. Kathy remembers this growth as a defining moment, one that affirmed their prayers and strengthened their resolve to keep expanding the mission.
Kathy is especially proud that GSLP became one of the first church preschools in the Roanoke valley to achieve Religious Exemption licensure—a milestone that reflected both credibility and commitment. Another defining moment came during the Covid pandemic. While many programs were forced to close, GSLP remained open, offering families a sense of stability and normalcy in a time of uncertainty. Through Kathy’s leadership, the preschool secured over $100,000 in Covid grants, ensuring financial stability and allowing the program to thrive. When she retired (the first time) in 2022, she left behind a preschool that was strong, steady, and flourishing.
Now, as we step into a new chapter—transitioning from a half‑day program to a full‑day model—both Nancy and Kathy carry heartfelt hopes for the future. Nancy prays that the program will continue to be successful and that every new family who walks through our doors will feel the love of Jesus. Kathy hopes to see the classrooms full again, buzzing with the energy of children learning, playing, and growing. She also hopes that the preschool identity remains at the heart of the program, giving children the chance to build deep relationships with their teachers during the school year and to thrive in a familiar, loving environment throughout the summer.
Looking back over 35 years of ministry, Nancy is most proud of the countless families we have served. Kathy is most proud of the legacy built here—the friendships formed, the community strengthened, and the impact of those relationships that continue well beyond our doors.
Their advice for our new Director, Mrs. Steffni, and for the preschool as it moves forward is simple and profound: Always keep Jesus at the center. Trust that God is present in every step. Stay true to the mission and vision, and let quality and faithfulness guide every decision.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool has been richly blessed for 35 years. We are deeply grateful for Nancy and Kathy—their vision, their determination, and their unwavering passion that made GSLP a reality. As we carry their legacy into this next chapter, we do so with gratitude, hope, and confidence that God will continue to bless this ministry.
The future is bright, and we have many reasons to give thanks.
Nancy and Kathy were already caring for children through a small in‑home childcare business when the school at GSLC was closing. They recognized both a need and an opportunity: with the facilities available and a shared passion for serving families, it made perfect sense to plant the seeds of a preschool ministry. Their hope was to fill those empty rooms once again with laughter, learning, and the love of Christ.
About a year and a half into the preschool’s beginning, Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Though she wasn’t able to remain in the day‑to‑day work of the program as long as she had hoped, her heart for children and her belief in the mission never wavered.
As word spread about the loving environment at GSLP, the preschool grew steadily—one family telling another, one child’s experience touching the next. The need to open additional classrooms and hire more staff became a clear sign that God was blessing the ministry. Kathy remembers this growth as a defining moment, one that affirmed their prayers and strengthened their resolve to keep expanding the mission.
Kathy is especially proud that GSLP became one of the first church preschools in the Roanoke valley to achieve Religious Exemption licensure—a milestone that reflected both credibility and commitment. Another defining moment came during the Covid pandemic. While many programs were forced to close, GSLP remained open, offering families a sense of stability and normalcy in a time of uncertainty. Through Kathy’s leadership, the preschool secured over $100,000 in Covid grants, ensuring financial stability and allowing the program to thrive. When she retired (the first time) in 2022, she left behind a preschool that was strong, steady, and flourishing.
Now, as we step into a new chapter—transitioning from a half‑day program to a full‑day model—both Nancy and Kathy carry heartfelt hopes for the future. Nancy prays that the program will continue to be successful and that every new family who walks through our doors will feel the love of Jesus. Kathy hopes to see the classrooms full again, buzzing with the energy of children learning, playing, and growing. She also hopes that the preschool identity remains at the heart of the program, giving children the chance to build deep relationships with their teachers during the school year and to thrive in a familiar, loving environment throughout the summer.
Looking back over 35 years of ministry, Nancy is most proud of the countless families we have served. Kathy is most proud of the legacy built here—the friendships formed, the community strengthened, and the impact of those relationships that continue well beyond our doors.
Their advice for our new Director, Mrs. Steffni, and for the preschool as it moves forward is simple and profound: Always keep Jesus at the center. Trust that God is present in every step. Stay true to the mission and vision, and let quality and faithfulness guide every decision.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool has been richly blessed for 35 years. We are deeply grateful for Nancy and Kathy—their vision, their determination, and their unwavering passion that made GSLP a reality. As we carry their legacy into this next chapter, we do so with gratitude, hope, and confidence that God will continue to bless this ministry.
The future is bright, and we have many reasons to give thanks.
