“I don’t think anyone aims to be typical, really. Most people even vow to themselves some time in high school or college not to be typical. But still, they just kind of loop back to it somehow. Like the circular rails of a train at an amusement park, the scripts we know offer a brand of security, of predictability, of safety for us. But the problem is, they only take us where we’ve already been. They loop us back to places where everyone can easily go, not necessarily where we were made to go. Living a different kind of life takes some guts and grit and a new way of seeing things.” –Bob Goff, Love Does
Every Wednesday, Tom Sawyer Island in Disneyland transforms into the office of Bob Goff, a Point Loma Nazarene University adjunct professor, New York Times bestselling author of Love Does, and the founder of Restore International. This non-profit human rights organization operates across Uganda, India, and Somalia. Goff, also a lawyer, embodies a life unbound by restrictions and conventional norms, driven by a profound understanding that faith calls for a life of adventure, action, and boundless love.
This unique approach has propelled Goff into numerous extraordinary situations, notably in Uganda, where he confronted the grim realities associated with local healers, often referred to as witch doctors. These individuals were implicated in horrific practices: the abduction, mutilation, and murder of young children for ritualistic sacrifices. While the horror of these acts is universally recognized, Goff’s response was far from typical. As the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda and a seasoned attorney, he made history by being the first to bring a witch doctor to trial for attempted murder in Uganda – and won. This landmark verdict established a crucial legal precedent, paving the way for justice and reform within the nation.
Instead of stopping at prosecution, Goff sought a deeper understanding. He initiated dialogues with numerous witch doctors across Uganda. His aim was not only to stop their violent acts but to understand their underlying needs. The response he received was overwhelmingly consistent: they desired “an education.” This revelation sparked an innovative initiative. Goff, alongside graduates from Restore International’s Restore Leadership Academy, a school he founded in Northern Uganda, launched an in-class educational program specifically designed for these traditional healers.
“One of my most cherished sights is witnessing them learn to write their ABCs for the very first time, these individuals who were once engaged in taking innocent lives,” Goff recounts. This powerful image encapsulates the transformative impact of education and understanding.
Expanding on this initiative, in November 2014, Goff and his team established a mobile school in Gulu, Uganda. This mobile unit ventures into remote areas, “the bush,” to reach and educate witch doctors who would otherwise remain untouched by formal education. A distinctive element of this program is a ropes course challenge. Goff takes the witch doctors high into the trees, where, suspended 80 feet above ground, he engages them in conversations about abandoning violence. These discussions are sometimes punctuated with playful nudges, symbolizing the push towards change and accountability.
Goff’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that profound change comes through experiencing the love of Christ. In a room filled with academy graduates, Goff embodies this love in a manner that challenges conventional boundaries. He greets each witch doctor with a handshake, cradles their faces, and kisses their foreheads. This act of radical acceptance is followed by a clear warning about the consequences of harming children, blending compassion with firm accountability.
Bob Goff consistently places himself in challenging situations, extending love to those often deemed unlovable or untouchable, even enemies. This love, though demanding, is characterized by his commitment to valuing and encouraging others. He makes a point of knowing and using their names, mirroring Christ’s approach. Another consistent practice of Goff’s, removing his shoes during conversations, serves as a personal reminder of humility. “It reminds me to be humble,” Goff explains, “It’s an acknowledgment that He is present and that we are on holy ground. It also levels the playing field, allowing for genuine connection.”
He believes that taking sides hinders progress. Emphasizing his role as a servant to the Ugandan witch doctors, Goff washes their feet after meetings, often charged with tension and potential danger. This act of servanthood underscores his profound love for those perceived as enemies, consistently seeking to humble himself before them.
“So many people are focused on being right,” Goff observes. “I include myself in that! Pride often drives us to seek justification, while Jesus aims for righteousness. We get caught up in winning battles, forgetting that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory. We need to shift from striving to be right to embracing humility. Fixation on being right can distract us from our core purpose: to love God, love others, and actively make a difference.”
The cover of Goff’s book, Love Does, features balloons, symbolizing the adventurous life accessible to everyone. This imagery reflects his dedication to purposeful action and empowering individuals to make their mark on the world. Driven by a commitment to accessibility, Goff even included his personal cell phone number in every book copy. His imaginative spirit, inquisitive nature, and joyful disposition continually inspire him to live a life of purpose, always seeking guidance from Christ.
“Engagement is a way of life, a way of living and loving,” Goff writes in Love Does. “It’s about embracing extremes and radiating the vibrant hope that life offers—a hope that instills bravery and dispels darkness with light. This is what I aspire my life to embody: a life of complete abandon, whimsical joy, and profound love.” Through his work with Ugandan communities and even with those practicing Doctor Witchcraft, Bob Goff exemplifies a life lived extraordinarily, driven by faith and an unwavering commitment to love and action.
