Project Light

Home
United States
Norfolk, VA
Project Light

Project Light Project Light works by establishing learning centers in communities, partnering with faith-based and community-based organizations.

In these centers, tutors are trained to use Project Light's one-to-one tutoring software to teach those with literacy, ESL, and GED needs. Students' lives are changed as they learn, achieve their goals, and develop lasting, supportive relationships with tutors. Learning Centers
A Learning Center consists of multimedia computers using the Project Light One –to-One Literacy and ESL Solutions softwar

e design to take a person from Pre-Reading through GED preparation. Project Light assists and teaches a variety of community organizations on how to create and run a Learning Center. Over the years Project Light has been involved in launching over 500 learning centers in the U.S. and several other countries around the world. Getting a student started
To get a student started, the Learning Center Director of each Learning Center using the Project Light Programs administers 4 diagnostic tests: using the alphabet, the 40 most common words, and the universally recognized Slosson-Oral reading Test to place the student in Zero To Five. All Learning Center Directors are trained on administering diagnostic testing in Project Light training and are provided with instructions and forms for diagnostic testing in the Learning Center Directors manual. After the student is diagnostically tested and placed they begin working on the Project Light program depending on level. The Project Program also has two programs that have targeted instruction to address any visual or comprehension issues a student may have. This program is called Reading Readiness. The student can be tested in Reading Readiness and if they have no issues via a post-test they can test out and begin reading exercises in Levels I-V of Zero To Five. Tutors + Students = Reading
Each student is assigned a tutor who works individually with that student. The tutor sits alongside the student encouraging the student as he or she works through the program. Project Light tutors serve as mentors to their students and take a genuine interest in their students' lives. Being a mentor includes caring for the needs of the student in attaining literacy and a GED. We provide tutor training, sample record-keeping forms, consulting, technical assistance and all the necessary guides and manuals. In Zero To Five the student is taken through a comprehensive group of programmed lessons scope of vocabulary, grammatical awareness and linguistic competencies. The primary goal of Zero To Five being both receptive and expressive. The beginning levels are built around basic vocabulary and sentence structures that the student will find immediately functionally. An ever-expanding functional vocabulary is programmed in a linguistic milieu, beginning with very simple sentence patters and spiraling upward to include more sophisticated language structures. Each language set focuses on a general topical theme. The introductory themes include: self, animals, food, playthings, activities, clothing and shelter. The later set themes include history, travel, conservation of energy and pollution control. A test lesson is provided with each set and designed to measure the degree to which the behavioral objectives are met. Project Light helps launch computer learning centers around the United States and worldwide. In these learning centers, trained learning center directors and tutors work with students using Project Light's unique, software-based one-to-one literacy programs.

07/27/2026

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 NIV).

In June & July Project Light was blessed to continue serving the Park Place and Huntersville communities of Norfolk, VA through our monthly partnership with LAUNCH (Learning, Access, Unity, Nutrition, Career & Health) and Elm Life Publishing. LAUNCH brings together churches and ministries—including CBN/Operation Blessing, The Bridge Church, Second Presbyterian Church, Living Word Ministries, Victorious Living C.O.G.I.C., and Project Light—to practically meet both physical and spiritual needs.

God also opened another exciting door through our outreach at the Southside Boys & Girls Club Family & Friends Fun Day, where we were able to share our Scripture-based literacy materials with families.

One of those books found its way into the hands of Julie, a retired teacher and Sunday school teacher. She spent time reading the book at the event and later shared that she plans to use it to teach children at her church. We look forward to hearing how God uses these resources to help children learn to read while discovering who He is and how much He loves them.

These moments remind us why Project Light exists. When people learn to read, they can read the Bible for themselves and discover how much their Heavenly Father loves them!

We may never know all the lives that will be touched by a single book or a single conversation, but we trust God's promise that His Word never returns empty.

In June & July, Project Light donated:

✝️36 Project Light Bible-Based Literacy Activity Workbooks, 13 age-appropriate Bibles, 17 pocket New Testaments and 10 metal crosses with the inscription “God Loves you” and a poem that accompanies the cross.

✝️76 “Think it, Speak it, Write it, Do it!” Elm Life Publishing Packages featuring a beautifully illustrated inspirational children’s book, Coloring activity with positive declarations, & A 7-day declaration journal to encourage young minds.

✝️5 Project Light “Who God Says I Am” A–Z scripture-based affirmation song QR Codes for free download of our ABC song.

✝️35 donated Christian Books.

✨If you'd like to serve alongside us at a future outreach, volunteer at a Learning Center, or start an At-Home Learning Center, we'd love to have you join us! Contact Connie Pumphrey @ 757-624-1764 to learn more.⚡️

07/06/2026

A Tribute to Richard “Rick” Stephan Layman

Project Light honors the life and legacy of Richard “Rick” Stephan Layman, who went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2026.

Rick devoted his life to serving Christ. As a missionary, he faithfully shared the Gospel in Tibet, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Taiwan, and other regions, using his gift for languages to reach people with God's love. After returning from the mission field, he continued serving through Project Light for more than 30 years while remaining active in missions around the world.

Rick's influence is woven throughout Project Light's ministry. He served in software development and oversaw it, later became Executive Director, served as an Officer and Board Member, oversaw Management Information Systems, and faithfully participated in local outreach events that shared Project Light's Bible-based literacy materials.

During the 1990s, Rick worked alongside Project Light founder Jim Crawford to establish and train Learning Centers across the United States and in many parts of the world, including Northeast India. I had the privilege of working with Rick beginning in 2008, where he became the backbone of so much of our ministry.

Between 2016 and 2018, Rick made five mission trips to Northeast India, serving in Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. Rick worked with Awon Shanglai to expand Project Light's ministry, training 16 churches and organizations to use our Bible-based literacy curriculum. In 2021, he also began serving differently abled students in Northeast India, all while continuing his faithful work with Project Light.

Rick was admired for his humility, steadfast faith, servant's heart, and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel. He never sought recognition but quietly answered God's call wherever He led—whether across the world or right here in Hampton Roads. He also brought joy to those around him with his dry sense of humor.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives transformed through the Gospel as people learned to read and learned to speak English using Project Light's Bible-based materials. That legacy also continues through his children: Peter Layman, who serves at Christian Broadcasting Network, and Kathleen Chappell, who serves at a crisis pregnancy center in Philadelphia.

When I think of Rick, several passages of Scripture come to mind. Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 reminds us of the mission Rick faithfully lived: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." Paul's words in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 beautifully reflect Rick's life: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." And I can only imagine Rick hearing the words of his Savior from Matthew 25:23:

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Come and share your Master's happiness."

Rick, thank you for your faithful service to the Lord and to Project Light. While we rejoice that you are now in the presence of the Savior you loved and served so faithfully, your friendship, wisdom, and servant's heart are deeply missed by all of us. Your life leaves a lasting testimony that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. You were not just our colleague, but our friend, a brother in Christ, and family. You will be greatly missed.

The following photos capture just a few moments of Rick faithfully serving others. For more information about Rick's remarkable life and ministry beyond Project Light, please see his obituary.

Sherri Crawford-Wells�President, Project Light

https://www.hollomon-brown.com/obituaries/Richard-Rick-Stephen-Layman?obId=48778899

To make a gift in honor of the work Rick was doing in Northeast India at the Leimaroi Christian English School please use one of the following channels:

Venmo: kchapp5
Cashapp: $playman

Checks can be made out to Kathleen Chappell with “LCES” in the memo line and mailed to:

Peter Layman
408 Dundaff St. Apt 703
Norfolk, VA 23507

06/01/2026

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37–38 NIV).

Each month, we have the privilege of sharing Bible-based material literacy materials, Bibles, and Christian books, and encouragement with children and families throughout Norfolk. Every conversation, every prayer, and every resource given is a reminder that God is still moving—and the harvest is truly plentiful.🌾

There is such a great need for hope, truth, and the love of Christ. Through literacy and God’s Word, lives are being impacted one person at a time. Because when someone can read, they can read the Bible and discover that:

📖 God loves them
✝️ Jesus died for them
🔥The Holy Spirit is always with them

Because of Christ, Project Light was honored to share:

💙24 Project Light Bible-Based Literacy Activity Workbooks, 1 children’s Bible, 11 pocket New Testament Bibles and 5 metal crosses with the inscription “God Loves you” and a poem that accompanies the cross.

💛51 “Think it, Speak it, Write it, Do it!” Elm Life Publishing Packages featuring a beautifully illustrated inspirational children’s book, Coloring activity with positive declarations, & A 7-day declaration journal to encourage young minds.

💙17 Project Light “Who God Says I Am” A–Z scripture-based affirmation song QR Codes for free download of our ABC song.

💛20 donated Christian Books.

We are grateful for another opportunity to serve our community through monthly outreach in partnership with LAUNCH (which stands for Learning, Access, Unity, Nutrition, Career and Health) and Elm Life Publishing!

Want to join Project Light on Mission?�Join us every 3rd Thursday evening or Saturday morning at the locations identified on our website www.projectlightinfo.org —we’d love to harvest alongside you! 🌾

Or contact Connie Pumphrey @ 757-624-1764 to learn more about starting a Learning Center in your neighborhood or home.

04/27/2026

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV).

What a beautiful time of outreach this April! Project Light was grateful to partner with LAUNCH and Elm Life Publishing to serve our Huntersville & Park Place, Norfolk community.

Together, we shared age-appropriate Bibles, Christian books, and Bible-based literacy materials with children and families—planting seeds of hope, truth, and encouragement.

Through literacy & ESL, lives are being changed—because when someone learns to read, they can read the Word of God and discover His love, His truth, and His purpose for their lives. 📖❤️

It was a privilege to donate:

🪻23 Project Light Bible-Based Literacy Activity Workbooks, 8 age-appropriate Bibles and 5 metal crosses with the inscription “God Loves you” and a poem that accompanies the cross.

🌷47 “Think it, Speak it, Write it, Do it!” Elm Life Publishing Packages featuring a beautifully illustrated inspirational children’s book, Coloring activity with positive declarations, & A 7-day declaration journal to encourage young minds.

🌺23 Project Light “Who God Says I Am” A–Z scripture-based affirmation song QR Codes for free download of our ABC song.

🌼24 donated Christian Books.

Each conversation, each smile, and each resource given is part of something bigger than us. We may plant and water, but it is God who brings the growth. And we trust that every seed sown will take root in His perfect timing. 🌿

Thankful for strong partnerships and hearts willing to serve.

🌱 Want to join Project Light on Mission⁉️
�Join us every 3rd Thursday evening or Saturday morning—we’d love to serve alongside you! Or contact Connie Pumphrey @ 757-624-1764 to learn more about starting a Learning Center in your neighborhood or home.

04/21/2026

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5 ESV).

Paul was speaking this to the church for their active, ongoing and joyful partnership in mission. It is with that verse in mind Project Light is so thankful for our ministry partner Azalea Baptist Church located in Norfolk, Virginia who has not only been a faithful partner in providing us a home, but by partnering at local outreaches with their Children’s Clothing Ministry to provide clothes for those in need and donating Bibles to support our efforts. They recently asked us to share with their Women’s group so they could learn more about Project Light.

It was a special evening of fellowship and encouragement (including a raffle hosted by these wonderful women of God) as Sherri Crawford-Wells shared about Project Light and its 46-year history of providing locally and around the world—using Bible-based one-to-one literacy materials to open doors for people to read and learn English.

You can access the presentation provided by Sherri via this link.

https://projectlightorg-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/connie_projectlightorg_onmicrosoft_com/IQBIFBg0NhdOSbtEVa22UfV7AfSCshqQe6EFOMttm5QWr4g?e=Po7scB

From Learning Centers to community outreach, the need is great—and the opportunities to serve are growing. It was such a blessing to be with a group of women who love the Lord and have a heart to serve and share His love with others. They asked, “how can we help?”

We’re so thankful for partnerships like this and for hearts that are open to being part of the mission. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is a great place to start:

✅Come serve with us at outreaches in Norfolk (3rd Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings)

✅Volunteer as a tutor at a Learning Center (there are several in Hampton Roads) or start one of your own at your Church or in your home

✅Partner with us in prayer or support through giving

So, join the ladies of Azalea Baptist and find out how you can help. There’s a place for you, and it truly makes a difference. Together, we can partner in the Gospel and make an eternal impact—one life at a time.

✨If you are interested in learning more about Project Light or any of the opportunities listed above or would like us to present at your Church or to a group as we did for the ladies, please contact Connie Pumphrey (757-624-1764).✨

04/07/2026

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6 NIV).✝️🌅

This Easter season, we celebrate the hope, victory, and new life found in Jesus Christ!

Project Light, in partnership with Helping Kids Teens America Inc. and the Jordan-Newby Community Feed Homework Club run by Mrs. Devine, was blessed to celebrate Easter and share the hope of the Resurrection with our local Norfolk community through outreach at Booker T. Washington High School.

We provided literacy materials, age-appropriate Bibles, and Christian books along with Easter treats to children and families. Each resource given is more than a gift—it’s an opportunity to encounter the life-changing truth of God’s LOVE through the Risen Savior.

The community was very excited to receive our materials which included:

📔40 Project Light Student Literacy ABC workbook that contains 52 encouraging scripture verses about identity in Christ and Who God Is, interactive questions and a matching consonant game

🍒10 First Grade Reading Level Workbooks for students to learn Dolch sight words and 40 scripture verses of Christian attributes of a Life Guided by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

📣30 copies of Project Light’s ABC Scripture-Based Affirmation Song “Who God Says I Am” for free download via a QR code.

✝️23 age-appropriate Bibles and 20 crosses with the inscription “God Loves you” and a poem that accompanies the cross. We also provided pennies with a cross in the middle.

📖13 pocket New Testament Bibles.

📚18 Christian Books and 18 “Bible Emergency Numbers” to address various needs.

✅19 Project Light Fact Sheets for those who want to learn more about who we are and, if interested, they can start a Learning Center in their Home or at their Church. ✨If that’s you, please contact Connie Pumphrey 757-624-1764!✨

Easter reminds us that the story doesn’t end at the cross—there is new life, new hope, and new purpose through Christ. We are grateful to be part of sharing that message!

Address

3314 East Little Creek Road
Norfolk, VA
23518

Telephone

+17576241764

Website

http://www.projectlightinfo.org/, https://youtube.com/@Projectlightliteracy?si=eNAb1KDkIQQYBQR_, https://a.co/d/fp6mNbN,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Project Light posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Norfolk?