The Blessing
YOUNG LIFE DEVELOPING GLOBAL LEADERS
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25
Dear Collin and Meredith, Thank you for intentionally selecting these students to sponsor and champion along their DGL journey. The photos and stories on these pages tell a story of the blessing you’ve ushered into each of their lives. For each individual, there is a family and a community and a nation that is changed because of your inspiring generosity. As you know, these DGL students are not only earning a university degree, they are also walking alongside young people in their own communities and sharing the love of Jesus. Most of them are the first in their families to have the opportunity to go to college, and you have helped make that possible. Thank you, Collin and Meredith, for bringing God’s Kingdom to life ... on earth as it is in Heaven. May God’s blessings pour over you, – T h e D G L Te a m , 2 0 2 6
Asrat
A d a m a , Et h i o p i a Adama Me sere te Kristos College Bible Theology Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r
I live with my mother, and my three siblings. My dad, Asfaw, is a farmer and my mom, Lidiya, is at home. I will be the first in my family to attend university. When I was little my father left, and it left a deep emptiness in me. For a long time, I tried to find value in school achievements, but I still felt empty inside. I struggled with unforgiveness and constant financial hardship. A friend invited me to church when I was 12 years old. The worship and the Word of God gave me joy, and a few months later I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior. . young life de v eloping global le a ders
God helped me forgive my father, and for the first time I felt free and loved. A friend later invited me to Young Life and God used the invitation to grow my faith and calling as a campaigner and leader.
Today, I’m a Team Leader with 3 clubs and I am also a gospel singer, worship team leader, and youth leader in my church. Now a Developing Global Leader, I study Theology because I want to know God and lead adolescents to know Him too
Bushe
V i c t o r i a Fa l l s , Z i m b a b w e L upa ne State Uni v e r s it y Busine s s Management Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r
I grew up in a mining community where money was tight. My childhood was shaped by two very different influences— my mother, a devoted prayer warrior, and my father, who struggled with alcohol. This contrast left me confused at times, but I chose to follow my mother’s example. Church was optional in our home, but I’m thankful I went. In 2018, I gave my life to Christ and everything began to shift. My first experience with Young Life was at camp, where I felt Jesus speak into my heart once again. Not long after, I stepped into leadership with Young Life, eager to help others find the same hope I did.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
Now as a Developing Global Leader, I am studying Entrepreneurship and Business Management at Lupane State University. My hope is to leverage my education and experience to secure a leadership role that drives growth and innovation, while also serving others through ministry and community service
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Othubas Pa r o mb o , U g a n d a Muni Univer sit y A g r i c ult ur e Yo u n g L i f e A r e a L e a d e r Yo u n g L i f e C o l l e g e L e a d e r I live in Babu village, Parombo, Nebbi District in northern Uganda. I live with my four siblings and some of my nieces and nephews. My parents have passed away. After my father’s death, my siblings and I became idol worshippers because my mother relocated us to our maternal village. There, we not only struggled with idol worship, but poverty, starvation and were not able to afford school fees. But God had a plan – I was introduced to Jesus through my nephew in Nebbi town. He was a deacon and he prayed and shared the Word with me. God gave me a new identity and purpose to live for. I forgave myself and others. A few years later, my Area Director invited me to join Young Life to share the gospel with teenagers. Today I serve as a volunteer area leader for Nebbi town. young life de v eloping global le a ders
Now a Developing Global Leader, I will join Muni University in Arua to study for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Because I suffered starvation and poverty, I want to become a professional who promotes food security, good nutrition, and household income. My dream job is to be an agricultural extension officer. In the DGL program, my goals is to expand college ministry and serve my community with technical skills I will gain. I will be the first person in my family to attend university.
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Margaret G at und u , K en ya Kiriri Women's Univer sit y of S c i e n c e a n d Te c h n o l o g y Finance Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r a n d A r e a C o o r d in ato r
People call me Maggie. I live with my mother and two sisters. My parents work as day laborers. I am the first born of four children and the first in my family to go to university. For many years my father struggled with alcoholism and domestic abuse which made my mother leave and take us to my grandmother’s home. We faced hunger and I missed a whole school term because we couldn’t pay fees. Even after returning to school, the struggle continued. But I chose resilience — to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
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My faith became personal at a Young Life camp after a leader invited me to follow Jesus during the "cross talk". God lifted a burden of unforgiveness from my heart. That day I gave my life to Jesus. Since then, I have grown through Campaigners and serving. Today I lead two clubs and serve as Area Coordinator for women in my area. Now a Developing Global Leader, I will study Business Administration majoring in finance at Kiriri Women’s University. My dream job is to work as a financial analyst for the national government. My goal is to grow in financial skills, investment, and leadership to bring financial literacy and hope to my community.
D i r e D a w a , Et h i o p i a R i f t Va l l e y U n i v e r s i t y Nursing W yldLife and Yo u n g L i v e s L e a d e r
Mehiret
People call me Abeza. I live with my father and siblings. My dad works as a security man. I grew up attending church, and my faith became personal when I learned about salvation and was baptized. My faith became active when I was invited to Young Life by a friend. For one year I was involved as a club/campaigner kid, and for the last four years I have served as a leader in the WyldLife and YoungLives ministries. Serving has taught me leadership, teamwork, and how to care for others.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
My greatest strength is determination. I’m growing in my communication skills – learning to speak confidently in public and express my ideas more clearly.
Now a Developing Global Leader, I chose nursing because of my passion to help people and make a positive difference in their lives. In the DGL program, my goals are to improve my leadership skills, grow spiritually, and learn how to make a bigger impact in my community.
John Th i k a , K e n y a Mount K en ya Uni v er sit y H o s p ita l it y M a n a g emen t Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r
My name is John and I live in Thika, Kenya. When I was young my parents separated. My mom remarried, and home was not safe. My stepdad abused us kids and my mom for no reason. It was painful, and I often wondered where God was in all of it. By God’s grace my parents reunited, and their marriage is better today. My mom also came to know Christ, and that changed how I viewed God. After high school, I stayed home for about 3 years for financial reasons. I watched friends move forward while I felt stuck. In that season I realized I couldn’t carry everything alone. I stopped blaming myself and chose to trust God with my future, believing He had a plan.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
I first met Jesus in Form 2 after a friend invited me to a Young Life camp. Through Campaigners I learned to pray, read God’s Word, and hear His voice. That led me to serve. To date, I am a Young Life leader, and now I’m a neighborhood team leader in Thika. With the Developing Global Leaders program I’m starting Hospitality Management at Mount Kenya University. My dream is to work in hotel operations and use my skills to serve people well. As a DGL student, I want to deepen my walk with Christ.
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Paint wars at Young Life camp is always a great time.
Edelqueen N a ir ob i, K en ya Univer sit y of Nairobi I n f o r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g y Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r
I come from a humble background and was raised by my single mother after my parents separated when I was very young. Life was hard growing up. We faced many financial struggles, and at times it affected my education. I wasn’t sure I would finish high school, but thankfully I received a scholarship that helped me complete it. My mother worked very hard to support us, and her strength taught me to keep going. I met Jesus personally in high school, though I had known about God since I was a child. When my parents separated, I felt lost and confused. That pain led me to ask deeper questions about life and faith. A friend invited me to a Young Life club, and I went for the fun and friendship. But over time, I saw something different in the leaders and how they talked about Jesus.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
At camp, I heard the gospel in a way that made sense. I gave my life to Jesus, and He has been changing me ever since—helping me grow, love others, and face challenges with peace. As a DGL, I hope to become a skilled software developer. I want to use technology to help my family, my community, and small businesses.
I believe leadership is not about having a title, but about serving others and living with purpose. Young Life is close to my heart, and I hope to keep walking with young people, sharing God’s love in simple, everyday ways. I’m proud to be the first in my family to attend college, and I will be studying Information Technology at the University of Nairobi. scan to watch video
K amembe, R wanda K ib og or a Poly technic English and French Education Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r
Frank My name is Frank, and I was raised in Kamembe, Rusizi District, Rwanda. I am the eldest child in a humble family of six, born to an Anglican pastor father and a mother who sold fruit to support us. My childhood brought deep emotional hardship when my parents separated while I was in primary school. Taking on household responsibilities at a young age while navigating family restoration taught me forgiveness, maturity, and resilience. Loving dance and music, I served faithfully in my church choir, learning early on the joy of using my gifts to serve God and others. Although I grew up in church, my walk with God became personal in high school when I joined Young Life. Drawn in by the welcoming community and talent activities, I experienced Jesus' love in a life-changing way, finding hope and healing during a difficult season. For nearly five years, I have served as a volunteer leader, mentoring teenagers, leading neighborhood clubs, and helping young people build a genuine relationship with Christ.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
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I am preparing to pursue a degree in English and French at Kibogora Polytechnic, becoming the first person in my family to attend and graduate from university—an answered prayer that I consistently sought alongside my Area Director. Recognized by my leaders and teachers as a hardworking, respectful, and dependable leader devoted to prayer and learning, I aspire to become an educator who guides youth with Christian values and servant leadership. Through the DGL program, my goals are to grow in confidence and decision-making, excel academically, plant new Young Life clubs, and empower young people to reach their full potential.
Sylvie My name is Sylvie, and I was raised in Kicukiro District in Kigali, Rwanda. Growing up in a family of four children with my father working as a driver taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and strong values. During my childhood, my father was wrongfully arrested a painful season that brought severe financial hardship to our family. In the middle of those struggles, we relied on prayer and trusted God, seeing His faithfulness carry us through. That adversity shaped my resilience, deepened my faith, and inspired me to work hard so I could create a better future for my family.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
Kig ali, R wanda Mount Kig ali Univer sit y Business and lnformation Communication Technology Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r Are a Direc tor
My faith journey took a deep, personal turn in 2018 when I attended a Young Life outreach camp. Encountering Jesus Christ for the first time, I surrendered my life to Him, finding purpose and identity as a child of God. I also serve as a singer on the worship team at my church, finding great joy in encouraging others through music. For over ten years in Young Life, I have grown from a club kid into a leader, and today I serve as a Volunteer Area Director in Kigali, passionately leading club talks and discipling teenagers. I am studying Business Information Communication Technology at Mount Kigali University, specializing in Cybersecurity. I will be the first person in my family to attend and graduate from university. I aim to align my degree with Rwanda's Vision 2050 for a tech-driven economy. Through the DGL program, my goals are to grow in communication, develop strong values, and use my education to serve my community and guide young people toward hope in Christ.
This is the place where we went to help build a new home for an elderly woman in need because her old house was no longer safe. That’s me where the arrow is.
Beir a, Moz ambique M o z a mb ique C at hol i c Uni v e r s it y Economics and Management Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r
Celestino My name is Celestino, and I was born and raised in the Estoril neighborhood of Beira, Mozambique. Growing up, my family faced severe financial adversity after my parents separated when I was a newborn. Raised by my mother alongside my three siblings, I watched her struggle tirelessly as the sole provider. At age 12, I began doing small jobs to help with household expenses. Despite these challenges, losing my maternal grandmother, who was my biggest support, and having to pause my studies for two years due to lack of funds taught me resilience, hard work, and deep reliance on God. My journey with Jesus began in 2019 when a leader named Olímpio Dombe reached out to me and invited me to a Young Life club. Sharing the Gospel with me changed my life completely, giving me a true heavenly Father despite my earthly father’s absence. Discipled by my leader and supported by my daily devotionals, I grew into a steadfast Christian. Over the past three years as a leader, I have loved using my musical talents with instruments to reach youth, leading the Estoril Club and serving at camps. young life de v eloping global le a ders
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I am preparing to study Economics and Management at the Catholic University of Mozambique (UCM) in Beira, becoming the first person in my family to attend and graduate from university. Known by my leaders as a resilient, joyful, and creative problem-solver who naturally influences and attracts peers, I aspire to become a corporate manager or economist. Through the DGL program, my goals are to excel academically, support my family, plant new Young Life clubs, and mentor teenagers to find hope and direction in Christ.
Sambulo Nhl a n g a n o , E s wat ini E s w a t i n i C o l l e g e o f Th e o l o g y Counseling Yo u n g L i f e a n d W y l d L i f e Le ader, Are a Direc tor
My name is Sambulo, and I was raised in Nhlangano, Eswatini, in a large household of thirteen. Growing up in a polygamous family with an absent father, my mother worked tirelessly to care for us. Facing severe financial hardship, I once had to drop out of primary school. Overcoming feelings of anger and resentment, hearing a sermon on forgiveness led me to reconcile with my father, a restoration that lifted a heavy burden from my heart. Through these early struggles, I developed independence, resilience, and a deep passion for serving others, leading me to volunteer with the Red Cross Society.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
I surrendered my life to Jesus at age 15 through music at church crusades. Later, a school leader introduced me to Young Life, where the ministry's heart for making the gospel relevant to youth transformed my walk with God. Over the past six years as a leader, I have grown into a confident speaker and coordinator. Today, I serve as a volunteer Area Director, overseeing two areas and equipping team leaders to reach young people across our communities. I am pursuing a degree in Counseling Psychology at Eswatini College of Theology. Recognized by my leaders and teachers as a self-motivated, resilient, and dedicated worker who takes initiative and drives results, I aspire to become a Correctional Counselor and open an independent mobile mental health practice for youth. Through the DGL program, my goals are to honor God with my professional skills, establish a system to empower out-of-school youth, and nurture mentally healthy leaders for tomorrow.
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Mbu jim ay i, Cong o D RC Offici a l Uni v er sit y of Mbu jim ay i Journalism W yldLife and Yo u n g L i f e L e a d e r
Shekinah My name is Shekinah, and I was born and raised in the city of Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of Congo. As one of seven children in a large family, much of my early childhood was spent living under the care of my grandmother, who surrounded me with love and taught me foundational values like respect, perseverance, and faith. Growing up brought profound emotional challenges: my parents divorced, and my mother later fell ill and passed away. Facing these painful losses, alongside an unexpected accident that temporarily interrupted my education, brought immense emotional weight and hardship into my life. Yet, through my family's grace, constant encouragement, and God’s overwhelming love, I found restoration, emotional healing, and the strength to rebuild my future.
young life de v eloping global le a ders
Although I grew up attending church and serving out of habit, my walk with God became deeply personal during a Young Life Campaigners meeting. Hearing 2 Corinthians 5:17, I realized that Jesus desired a genuine, daily relationship with me and had the power to make me a completely new creation. Surrendering my life to Christ brought me true peace and renewed direction. Over the past two years as a Team Leader, I have loved facilitating club preparations, leading games, sharing the message of Christ's love, and serving faithfully in youth evangelism across our neighborhood.
I am preparing to study Journalism at the Official University of Mbujimayi. Recognized by my leaders and pastor as a diligent, disciplined, and hardworking student with a strong capacity to learn and retain new concepts, I aspire to become a professional journalist. I want to give a voice to the unheard, promote peace, and foster ethical communication in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through the DGL program, my goals are to excel in my studies, grow in leadership and public speaking confidence, and guide young people toward hope in Christ.
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