Listen - Devotions and Prayers By DGL Students Around The World

DEVOTIONS AND PRAYERS TO PREPARE OUR HEARTS FOR THE SAVIOR

By Young Life Developing Global Leaders From Around The World

AND HE SAID, “HE WHO HAS EARS TO HEAR, LET HIM HEAR. ” – MARK 4:9

Last year, we challenged Young Life Developing Global Leaders (DGL) all around the globe to share the hope of Advent in the form of devotional readings; we titled the compilation of devotions and prayers, “As We Wait.”

We called on these outstanding DGL students again and they have produced another inspiring collection of heartfelt Advent devotions and prayers around this year’s theme, “Listen.”

We hope their words will allow you to step into their stories and gain a more beautiful perspective of God’s gift to the whole world, his Son, Jesus Christ. As you read, listen with great expectation.

Since the DGL program launched in 2009, to date 1,470 Young Life leaders in some of the world’s most challenging places have had the opportunity to go to college – a dream many never thought possible.

Thanks to DGL sponsors, Young Life Developing Global Leaders receive a full-ride scholarship allowing them the opportunity to earn a university degree while continuing to stay involved in Young Life ministy. From Africa to Asia, Europe to Latin America and the Caribbean, and countries throughout the Former Soviet Union, these committed Young Life leaders walk alongside teenagers, introduce them to Jesus, love them unconditionally, and share the hope of the gospel. They are leaders, they are mentors, they are role models – and many of them are the first in their family to go to college.

Listen... to the sounds of Christmas through ears tuned to the Holy Spirit.

And, as you listen to the words and stories of the Young Life Developing Global Leaders represented in these pages (and the hundreds more around the globe), PRAY:

• That the message of the Lord may spread rapidly (2 Thess. 3:1)

• That they walk in obedience to Him and keep His commands (Deut. 30:16)

• That they are thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:17)

As you read, remember that many of the devotions have been written in the student’s first language and translated into English.

Day 1

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT! – MARK 1:3 (ESV)

“I am studying English because I love literature. I hope to become a teacher in the future. I started volunteering with Young Life two years ago and am privileged to walk alongside teenagers in my community and share the love of Jesus.”

Preparation for Christmas often suggests getting out all the decorations, putting up a Christmas tree and lights, purchasing gifts and a thousand other things that need to be done before Christmas. But there is a different kind of preparation that is much more important – preparing our heart for the Saviour.

Long before Jesus presented himself as the Messiah, there was a call to preparation. The prophet Isaiah prophesied about John the Baptist, who came before Christ to announce his coming. Isaiah 40:3 says, ”I will send my messenger ahead of you.” John came to prepare people’s hearts to receive Jesus. In the gospels, we hear John the Baptist telling people,”You need to get ready because someone greater than I is coming.” He tries to prepare the world for Christ –the religious and the non-religious – but neither thought they needed Christ. They were not ready for Christ to come into their lives. They didn’t make room.

The question is: Do you have any room for your Saviour? When he comes, will we receive him with joy?

Isaiah 9:6 gives four awe-inspiring names of our Lord and Saviour that encourage us, thrill us and fill us with hope at this Christmas season: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.

This year, prepare your heart for the Saviour and receive your Messiah.

Thank you Lord for everything you have done for us. Guide us through this Advent season and help us share our hope with those who have not seen or tasted the sweetness of God. Amen.

Day 2

TRULY, TRULY, I SAY TO YOU, WHOEVER HEARS MY WORD AND BELIEVES HIM WHO SENT ME HAS ETERNAL LIFE.

HE DOES NOT COME INTO JUDGMENT, BUT HAS PASSED FROM DEATH TO LIFE.

– JOHN 5:24 (ESV)

DANIEL ARCEDA

MANAGUA, NICARAGUA UNIVERSITY Universidad Politecnica MAJOR Business Marketing GRADUATION 2024

Like many Young Life leaders around the world, Developing Global Leaders create a “map, tree, and list” that guide them in their ministry strategy for going where kids are and reaching the next kid. Above, Daniel holds his map of Managua District #7, an area known for crime, gangs, and severe unemployment. These are the neighborhoods where he and his team are doing contact work with local teenagers, providing them something to do in a positive environment and introducing them to Jesus.

The exhortation to listen carefully to the word of the Lord has been repeated often in Scripture. The Savior, in His earthly ministry, frequently repeated these words: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” He also taught that... He who hears my word, and believes the one who sent me, has eternal life.

Often, as people, we are preoccupied with being busy rather than listening or paying attention. Our generation is living in a world where everything is fast-paced and focussed on self; we’re encouraged to live according to our desires and our will. But the Lord says something different. It is better to listen before taking hasty action. When we listen carefully to Jesus, this is a way to honor him.

Psalm 46:10 says to be still and to recognize that He is our God.

Let us be still and know Jesus, let us prepare for what he wants to tell us. Yes, our actions are important to him, but to listen to what he has prepared for us is a blessing for our lives. Jesus promises that if we listen to his word and believe, we will have eternal life.

Oro para que nuestros pensamientos y anhelos sean conforme al corazón de Dios, que todo lo que hagamos sea conforme a su voluntad, Señor danos palabra que nos llene danos de tu amor para dar a otros, no quiero caminar sin ti, quiero que tu estés en todos mis procesos, moldéame conforme a tu carácter, en el nombre de Jesús. Amen.

I pray that our thoughts and desires be according to the heart of God, that everything we do is according to Your will. Lord, give us a word that fills us, give us your love to give to others. I do not want to walk without you; I want you to be in all my processes, mold me according to your character, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Day 3

REJOICE ALWAYS, PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES; FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS FOR YOU.

– 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 (ESV)

KSENIA KOSHLAK

MYKOLAIV, UKRAINE UNIVERSITY Suhomlinskii Pedagogical University MAJOR Speech therapy, psychology GRADUATION 2024

“I chose psychology and speech therapy because I was interested in professions related to helping people. My team and I opened Capernaum in Nikolaev to serve special children and their parents. The profession for which I am studying completely helps me to interact with such children and their parents. I apply the knowledge gained at the university to my ministry. I think this is God’s plan for my life.”

hen I listen to the voice of God in my life, He tells me to remember gratitude. So every day, I try to remember and reflect on what I am grateful for.

I am grateful for Jesus, for His birth and His resurrection.

I am grateful for my ministry and the fact that I am supported in prayer and financially.

I am grateful that I am alive and well during the war in my country.

I am grateful for my family that they are safe and sound in a city that is shelled every day.

I am grateful that I can learn and develop, get a profession that will help people.

I am grateful for everything I have in my life.

And in the magical time of Christmas, I want to thank you all for your contribution to my life, my education, the life of my family and for your prayers. I thank you and God for what I have in my life! Amen.

Любий Тато, пишу тобі свою молитву… Дякую Боже, що я жива, що мої рідні живі і здорові. Дякую,що оберігаєш людей дорогих моєму серцю. Молю Тебе Отче допоможи зберегти сердце в чистоті, допоможи бути мудрим. Нехай всі плани які ми, як люди будуємо будуть під Твоїм контролем. Благослови Господи всіх людей, які цього потребують .Я дуже сильно люблю Тебе! Бережи нас всіх, нехай Твоя воля і Твій план здійснитися для нас, для моєї України.

Dear Dad, I write you my prayer... I thank God that I am alive, that my relatives are alive and healthy. Thank you for protecting people dear to my heart. Please, Father, help me to keep my heart pure, help me to be wise. Let all the plans that we as people build be under Your control. God bless all the people who need it. I love You very much! Protect us all, may Your will and Your plan be fulfilled for us, for my Ukraine.

Day 4

REMAIN IN ME, AS I ALSO REMAIN IN YOU. –JOHN 15:4 (NIV)

ANDREW MWESIGYE

KYEGEGWA, UGANDA UNIVERSITY

Kampala International Univeristy MAJOR Clinical Medicine and Community Health GRADUATION 2025

“I will become the first person in my family to graduate from college. I chose the field of community health because I have been deeply impacted by the way disease has affected families in my village, including my own. I hope to use this degree in serving the people in my community who are under-resourced and show them God’s mercy through medicine, improved health services, and education towards living a healthy life. I also want to inspire my fellow youth that through God’s guidance, we can bring a positive change for the betterment of the entire community and country at large.”

Listening for God’s voice is a pattern that we see throughout the Old and New Testaments. God communicates to us by means of his Spirit. The Holy Spirit provides the channel for God’s communication to us. We see this by examining Jesus’ own patterns.

Jesus demonstrated to his disciples a pattern of getting away to a solitary place to talk to his Father and it was there he learned what to say and do (Luke 4:42). By example, Jesus included his disciples in these times of prayer to teach them how to seek the Father.

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees the Father doing because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”(John 5:19).

Just as Jesus is dependent upon hearing from his father; so are we. It is Jesus’ practice of getting away to pray that characterizes his prayer life and he shows his disciples how ministry is done by living it out before them.

We too, need to seek meaningful time alone with God each day to commune with God, not only to

pray and read Scripture, but also to listen for God’s whisper so that we might be ready for the day he brings us. This is the type of abiding that Jesus talks about in John 15:1-9.

If we seldom stop to listen and hear the whispers of the Spirit, we miss out on one of the greatest blessings of our heritage as children of God.

Father, teach us to discern the Spirit’s voice. We really want to know You and know You deeply and hear Your thoughts, Your heart, and Your leading for our lives and ministries. Quiet our minds before You and open up our hearts to hear You. We seek You in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Day 5

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A TOWN BUILT ON A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN. NEITHER DO PEOPLE LIGHT A LAMP AND PUT IT UNDER A BOWL. INSTEAD THEY PUT IT ON ITS STAND, AND IT GIVES LIGHT TO EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE. IN THE SAME WAY, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. – MATTHEW 5:14-16

ANNA KISLUK

SHEVA, ISRAEL UNIVERSITY Academic College of Ashkelon MAJOR Criminology GRADUATION 2024

BEER

“Serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was the most challenging experience of my life. After my service commitment ended, I was able to overcome the challenges of service by much prayer and support from others, through attending support meetings for Messianic soldiers, meeting with YL leaders and learning to forgive those who wronged me. I am currently studying criminology at Ashkelon Academic College. The police force in Israel has few Messianic believers, and my hope is that there will be Messianic presence in every professional field in Israel.”

Iam from Israel, and here, most do not know Jesus or celebrate His birth. At this time of year, in every Jewish home in Israel, a Hanukkah lamp with eight candles (or wicks in oil) is lit and placed by a window for eight days in remembrance and thanksgiving for the victory of the Jews over the Greeks in 152 BC. We celebrate Hannukah, the Festival of Lights, the rededication of the Temple for worship of the one true God and the miraculous oil that burned eight days when it should have only been enough to last for one day.

Although most of the Jewish people are still far from Jesus, those of us who have come to know Him have the hope and expectation that The Day will come, according to the prophecies, that all Israel will be saved!

Today there is no Temple, but as believers, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And while we listen for His return, let’s think for a moment and check to see if there is light in our lamps. Is the light within me always lit and burning bright with passion for the Lord? The same Jesus whose birth is celebrated all over the world WILL RETURN as our triumphant Lord and King!

Ah, how we love the magical time of Christmas! The excitement, the decorations, the fragrances in the air, the gifts and the sweets! Although around the world we celebrate Christmas in different ways, the story is always the same story! And the hope is the same hope! The King is born, and he will return! As we busy ourselves with the tasks and celebrations of the season, are we listening for the voice of our Lord? Will he find us ready when he returns? Will the light in our lamps be lit for the arrival of the Bridegroom?

Father, as we consider the voices testifying to the return of Jesus Messiah, let us be a light in the dark world to all those who seek You.

Day 6

LET YOUR EARS LISTEN TO WISDOM. APPLY YOUR HEART TO UNDERSTANDING ... THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THE FEAR OF THE LORD AND FIND THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD. – PROVERBS 2:2,5 (NIRV)

FELIPE CARDOSO CHIMICATTI

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL UNIVERSITY

Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

MAJOR Nutrition GRADUATION 2024

“As a Developing Global Leader, I am pursing a degree in nutrition at Universidad Federal de Minas Gerais. I intend to work as a clinical nutritionist. Nutrition draws my attention because it is such a needed avenue of care for people and yet often overlooked in my country. I want to help teach poor populations ways to eat healthy even on a budget. This is what I want to do with my life: take care of people.”

What have I been hearing? I can honestly say that today there are many noises that surround my day.

At home, people question my career and their voice echoes in my mind: have a successful career, make money. At college, there is pressure to be the best because I need to stand out so that I can get a job in the future ... the voice of competitiveness hits hard.

I go on social media and come across perfect images and then the voice in my head says that I need to be as beautiful as possible. All this fills my head during the day. And, as if that wasn’t enough, the sound of traffic, commerce, construction, people everywhere, even that sometimes seems to match the internal mess in my mind. It feels like there is no room for anything else in the multitude of voices. But this is a lie.

There is a voice that is able to calm all these thoughts. The encounter with the voice of Jesus requires us to silence all other voices in order to listen exclusively to Him. The Word, the Word made flesh, who walked among the people, died and rose again.

One thing is certain: this man’s words bring resurrection to our lives. Our identity isn’t defined by the voices that speak to us to be

the best, the most beautiful, always in first place. Jesus himself reverses this logic: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Mark 10: 43-44

It is to Him we must obey and be accountable first. He has spoken to our hearts, but who have we listened to?

We need to cling to the voice of the One who is the creator and sovereign of all history and, in this way, silence any voice that goes against what He teaches us about who we are and who we are meant to be. May we live with attentive ears to Christ. Amen.

Pai, que o Senhor possa me ajudar à firmar minha identidade no que Sua Voz me diz e não no que o mundo me diz. Me ajude a ser santo e integro. Por favor, que eu possa viver e ensinar outros a viverem dessa forma pelo resto da minha vida. Amém.

Father, may You help me to establish my identity in what Your Voice tells me and not in what the world tells me. Help me to be holy and whole. Please may I live and teach others to live this way for the rest of my life. Amen.

Day 7

THE WORD GAVE LIFE TO EVERYTHING THAT WAS CREATED, AND HIS LIFE BROUGHT LIGHT TO EVERYONE. –JOHN 1:4-5 (NLT)

ZOFIA

NOWAKOWSKA POZNAŃ,

POLAND

UNIVERSITY Adam Mickiewicz University MAJOR Dialogue and Social Counseling GRADUATION 2022 YOUNG LIFE STAFF Poland

“One of my passions is baking, especially making birthday cakes or wedding cakes. It just gives me joy, both the process of creating these cakes and seeing others enjoy them. I also like writing my own poems or songs (lyrics). It allows me to express my emotions and brings a lot of peace.”

Zophia graduated on July 1, 2022 and was hired as full-time Young Life staff in Poznań, Poland.

Stories. Our own, small, everyday ones, but also those related to a particular family, country or world – each of us has heard of many stories and had a hand in many of them. Some of them make us laugh, some of them make us cry. Each is different, each important.

One of the most beautiful stories in the history of mankind is the one in which God decided to merge His story with that of human beings, himself becoming one of us. What delights us in this story is that our Creator enters into a dialogue with us. But for dialogue to occur, there must be an attitude of listening.

In the story of Jesus’ birth, Joseph, to whom the Lord spoke in a dream, listened (Matthew 1:19-24). Mary, to whom the Lord spoke through an Angel, listened (Luke 1:26-38). The shepherds, who were the first to visit baby Jesus, listened (Luke 2:8-20). The wise men, who, thanks to the Angel’s warning, returned by another route, listened as well (Matthew 2:7-12).

We know that God doesn’t need our consent or approval to do something - after all, He is

omnipotent - He can do anything. And yet He wants us to be actively involved in His plans. God is constantly speaking to us - just as He spoke to Joseph, Mary, the shepherds or the wise men. But it is up to us to be open to listening. Will we be available enough to hear and follow His voice?

I encourage you to leave all your errands for a few minutes a day during the next few days this Advent and be in silence. Just you and Jesus because, to hear Him, you have to listen.

Panie, proszę Cię o to, byś otwierał nasze serca na Twój głos. Pomóż nam słuchać i Ciebie. Niech ten czas przygotowania do świąt Bożego Narodzenia będzie dla nas owocny i pełen Twojej łaski. Daj nam Twojego Ducha, potrzebujemy Cię! Amen.

Lord, I am asking You to open our hearts to Your voice. Help us to listen to You. May this time of preparation for Christmas be fruitful for us and full of Your grace. Give us your Spirit, we need you! Amen.

Day 8

ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY National Teachers College MAJOR Education GRADUATION 2022

“I want to be the teacher that I needed when I was a student – a teacher that empowers, guides, and most importantly, a teacher who believes in a student’s dream to come true.”

Adrian is the fifth born of 18 children. His family lives in Quezon City, one of the most populous cities in the Philippines, just outside of Manila. In college, he discovered his interest and skill as a landscape photographer. What started as a hobby has become a source of income for him. He is applying for teaching jobs and is currently working temporary jobs to help support his family.

MARY SAID, “I AM THE LORD’S SERVANT, AND I AM WILLING TO DO WHATEVER HE WANTS. MAY EVERYTHING YOU SAID COME TRUE.” AND THEN THE ANGEL DISAPPEARED.

– LUKE 1:38 (TLB)

When I was walking on my way home, I was pondering how blessed I am to be part of the DGL scholars. At first, it was not easy because my family was against my decision to study and pursue college. I have a big family to support so my parents wanted me to prioritize finding work. There was a time when my oldest brother and I even had a fight because of my decision to study; he wanted me to forget studying and go find a job. But I wanted to set an example for my family. So I pursued to finish my studies with the help of DGL. Now, they are all very proud of what I’ve achieved. I am the first one to graduate from college and my younger siblings are motivated to finish their studies because they see that there is hope.

Sometimes we find ourselves lost and don’t know what to do. There are many voices telling us to go this way or that way. We must pause and listen to the message God has for us. Let us take this time during Advent to make sure we are ready to be obedient and listen as Mary did. Her response was: “I am willing...”

Let’s take this time to ponder and open the ears of our hearts to the new hope that our Savior brings to us.

Lord, teach me to listen. Teach me to listen to your words. Lord, guide me in every decision I make. Teach me the way I will go every day. Strengthen my heart in every trial I face and continue to make me feel your love. Amen.

PHOTO CREDIT: Adrian Rodriguez

Day 9

FOR HE HAS SAID, I WILL NOT IN ANY WAY FAIL YOU NOR GIVE YOU UP NOR LEAVE YOU WITHOUT SUPPORT. [I WILL] NOT, [I WILL] NOT, [I WILL] NOT IN ANY DEGREE LEAVE YOU HELPLESS NOR FORSAKE NOR LET [YOU] DOWN RELAX MY HOLD ON YOU)! ...THE LORD IS MY HELPER... – HEBREWS 13:5B-6A (AMPC)

“Now I am studying to get a master’s degree in psychology, because this is exactly what I like - helping people cope with their life difficulties, understand themselves better and find peace and balance in their lives.”

live in Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, war came to our country. I was near Kyiv and woke up at 5 a.m. to the news that the war had begun and fled in the midst of the sounds of rockets and explosions.

At first, it was generally difficult to hear God and speak with Him. My prayer was only a request for safety, peace and the end of the war. This is the biggest storm I’ve been in in my life.

The unknown, anxiety, fear, constant feeling of danger and death, pain, misunderstanding. Thousands of questions, Why? What shall I do? Where to run?

From the third day of the war, I resumed my morning communication with God. I came to my prayer room, not only to pour out my pain and tears to Him, but also to hear Him. I sat in silence and listened to the Creator, who wept with me.

Sometimes, in the midst of chaos and storm, we focus our attention on the sound of the wind, or lightning, or the sound of thunder. And focusing on our feelings, we forget that in the midst of all this our King, our Father, our Creator stands and quietly whispers, “I am near.” He is always standing and waiting for you, tired and burdened, sad and broken, to come into His arms to receive peace and comfort. “All you who are weary and burdened, come to Me, and I will give you rest. Take My teaching and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28

God speaks to us when we are ready to hear.

He is waiting for us to comfort, hug, support, give strength, give rest, give peace. This year, Christmas will be very special for every Ukrainian. The birth of the King who will bring peace to this world. The King, who gives hope. The King who speaks to every heart. The King who loves! Merry Christmas, dear friends! May the King of peace bring peace to our souls and to our home!

Дорогий Творець всесвіту, любий Батько, найкращий Втішитель! Дякую Тобі за Твою вірність, Твою любов, Твою підтримку, Твій мир. Дякую, що серед хаосу цього світу, Ти продовжуєш говорити до нас! Дякую, що говориш з любов’ю! Дякую, що завжди чекаєш і втішаєш! Допоможи нам продовжувати слухати Тебе уважно, прагнути до Тебе всім серцем, бути вірними, навіть коли важко і нстрашно! З днем народження, Ісус! Дякую, що Ти народився і приніс мир і спасіння кожному з нас! Амінь!

Dear Creator of the universe, dear Father, best Comforter ... Thank you for your faithfulness, your love, your support, your peace. Thank you that in the midst of the chaos of this world, You continue to speak to us! Thank you for speaking with love! Thank you, you who always waits and comforts!

Help us to continue to listen carefully to You, to long for You with all our hearts, to be faithful even when it is difficult and scary! Happy birthday, Jesus! Thank you for being born and bringing peace and salvation to each of us! Amen!

SHOUT FOR JOY TO THE LORD, ALL THE EARTH. WORSHIP THE LORD WITH GLADNESS; COME BEFORE HIM, SINGING WITH JOY. KNOW THAT THE LORD IS GOD. IT IS HE WHO MADE US, AND WE ARE HIS. – PSALM 100:1-3

GABRIEL

RUSSIA UNIVERSITY Undisclosed MAJOR Medicine GRADUATION 2026

Born to Christian missionaries from Brazil, Gabriel has traveled extensively and has been connected to ministry for as long as he can remember. Proficient in four languages, Gabriel visited Russia with a youth soccer team and returned to attend college and get involved in Young Life ministry. Passionate and creative, Gabriel seeks the lost with a heart to be a friend and share about the love of Jesus.

“I want to help people with their illness, but I also to show them The One who can heal the wounds of the heart.”

What do you hear during Advent? I remember with great joy in my heart all the sounds I heard around Christmas ... the sound of Christmas carols coming from my mother’s old radio; the sounds from the kitchen where my mother would be baking something delicious for special dinners; the sound of my father in his woodworking studio making wooden toys for home decor; the sound of my grandmother singing beautiful hymns of prayer in praise of the birth of Christ. There are so many sounds, so many voices, so many stories ... but the voice I remember most is the voice of my father telling wonderful stories about that day the Lord announced the birth of His son, Jesus, in a stable in Bethlehem. My father would tell the story with so much love that it was as if he had lived through that day, as if he had seen the baby Jesus with his own eyes and held him with his own hands. Seeing the hope on the faces of my mother and grandmother as they sang Christmas carols gave me confidence that all this really happened and it’s not just a pretty story.

Today, even though I live far away from them, I maintain this tradition. I want my own child to hear the voice of the Lord and the wonderful stories about His never-ending love.

I hope I can do for others what my parents did for me: introduce them to the Voice that speaks to the depth of the heart.

In this Advent, my prayer is that God will speak and be heard. May people be reached, rescued and saved through Christ, who was born and died for us.

Merry Christmas and may Christ be born in each one!

Senhor Deus, nós te agradecemos pelo Seu amor. Por ele o Senhor entregou Seu único filho, Jesus, para morrer e pelos nossos pecados. Você veio à terra, nasceu, viveu entre nós, se fez homem, para mostrar o Seu amor sem fim. Nós te louvamos pelo nacimento e sacrifício de Cristo. Através Dele nós somos salvos e redimidos. Que a Sua paz reine, que o Seu Reino venha e que as nações se curvem diante de Ti. A Ti seja a honra, a glória e o louvor. Para todo sempre. Amém!

Lord God, we thank you for your love. For him the Lord gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die and for our sins. You came to earth, you were born, you lived among us, you became man, to show your endless love. We praise you for the birth and sacrifice of Christ. Through Him we are saved and redeemed. May Your peace reign, may Your Kingdom come, and may the nations bow down to You. To You be the honor, glory and praise. Forever. Amen!

Day 11

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. I KNOW MY OWN AND MY OWN KNOW ME, JUST AS THE FATHER KNOWS ME AND I KNOW MY FATHER. –JOHN 10:14-15 (ESV)

MERCY MURAGA

NAIROBI, KENYA UNIVERSITY Zetech University MAJOR Hospitality and Tourism Management

GRADUATION 2022

“I have always had a lot of passion about travel and interaction where I get to learn about different cultures and traditions, thus I selected this course of study. In the future, I plan to start my own tour company.”

Igrew up in Soweto slum and despite the fact that people did not have a lot, they used to share the little they had with each other. For some kids in Kenya, Christmastime meant new clothes, family outings, gifts, food and festivities.

But for the kids in Soweto slum it was just a normal day. That is, until 2010 when a church came to our slum and changed things. They introduced a new tradition where on the 24th of December they would go through the slum and blow whistles. This was a signal informing all the people in the slum that Christmas packs had arrived.

In this pack we would find new clothes, a lot of food and gifts –enough for the whole slum. This brought a sense of festivity and hope for better tomorrow. Every year the people in my slum looked forward to hearing the sound of the whistle... it was a sound of good news.

This reminds me of Luke 2:820 (paraphrased): “There were shepherds taking care of their flocks at night and the angel appeared to them and told them not to be afraid because he brought good news.”

“THIS VERY DAY, IN DAVID`S TOWN, YOUR SAVIOUR WAS BORN.”

As we listen to the angel informing the shepherds about the birth of Christ, this good news meant a new dawn for them. Christ brought hope and salvation.

No matter what you have gone through this year, take this time of Christmas to listen and hear the Good News.

“Soweto is known for drug abuse, prostitution, depression among other negative things. However this has been my hot spot of contact work where we try to help these kids fight all these challenges and, at the same time, know Christ. Myself, being a good fruit that came out of the slum, most of the parents have been able to trust me to journey with the girls and also girls have been able to accept me as a friend.”

Day 12

NOW WE HAVE RECEIVED NOT THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD, BUT THE SPIRIT WHO IS FROM GOD, THAT WE MIGHT UNDERSTAND THE THINGS FREELY GIVEN US BY GOD.

– 1 CORINTHIANS 2:12 (ESV)

AARON WEBER MUNICH, GERMANY UNIVERSITY Katholische Stiftungshochschule München MAJOR Social Work GRADUATION 2024

“When I was eleven years old, my hair started to fall out and I was diagnosed with alopecia areata. I had a hard time accepting my physical appearance and felt ugly which led to a shy and hiding attitude. With a lot of divine grace and the support of my family and “real” friends, I was able to overcome this pattern of feeling ugly and unworthy. God showed me that attractiveness comes from the inside, and I began to believe that I am beautifully made.”

Listen Listen to your breath. Listen to the Holy Spirit breathing. In you. Through you. Just listen. Listen with your ears. Listen with your heart. Listen with your whole being. Just listen. Don’t try to listen. Just do it. Don’t try to be quiet. Just be. Let everything inside you get quiet. Enter into God’s presence. He is here. He always was. And He always will be. You are here now. You are aware of the present moment. That is where God is. Listen to his voice. He loves speaking to you. Just listen. He will speak. (Translated from German)

Mein Jesus, mein Gott. Danke, dass du da bist. Immer. Ich liebe deine Gegenwart. Ich liebe den Klang deiner Stimme. Du hast mir Atem geschenkt. Ich atme durch dich. Und du durch mich. Das was ich zu dir sage, sagst du durch mich. Du sagst es auch zu mir. Ich bin dir nah. Ich entdecke dein Geheimnis. Ich erkenne dein Herz. Ich liebe dich. Ich liebe dich. Ich liebe dich. Danke Jesus für deine große Gnade.

My Jesus, my God. Thank you for being there. Always. I love your presence. I love the sound of your voice. You gave me breath I breathe through you And you through me. What I say to you, you say through me. You say it to me, too I am close to you. I discover your secret. I recognize your heart. I love you. I love you. I love you. Thank you, Jesus, for your great grace.

Day 13

DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING; INSTEAD, PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. TELL GOD WHAT YOU NEED, AND THANK HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE. THEN YOU WILL EXPERIENCE GOD’S PEACE, WHICH EXCEEDS ANYTHING WE CAN UNDERSTAND. HIS PEACE WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS AS YOU LIVE IN CHRIST JESUS.

– PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 (NLT)

ROSALINDA “ROSITA” ALMONTE

SANTIAGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC UNIVERSITY Universidad Tecnologica de Santiago

MAJOR Science and Medicine GRADUATION 2022

Rosita is currently doing a medical internship at a small clinic in a remote area outside of Santiago.

“I will complete my internship in June 2023 and then I want to apply to do my medical specialty which will be three or four more years. My dream is to be able to practice medicine in the area of pediatrics or psychiatry and have my own practice where I can serve and support those who need care.”

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. –Psalm 27:4

Our God has the power to illuminate our hearts when we, His redeemed, seek Him and ask Him to grant it to us. Let us honor and welcome his instructions...

Stop. Give thanks. Obey. Trust. Listen.

Father, we open our hearts to You to illuminate and we give You free passage to work in our lives. When we find ourselves in situations where it is necessary to think and act quickly, even in those moments, help us give thanks from the depths of our hearts to pray and listen to Your voice. Your presence is the key. Help us rest in Your perfect love.

Oh Father, thank You for your immense mercy, for your love and faithfulness. This Christmas, may we be grateful and obedient and filled with the joy and peace of the Holy Spirit.

Teach us every day to listen to you and stay close to you so the cares of life do not consume us.

Remind us that we are small without you. Amen.

Enséñame Señor a esperar en ti, en confiar que tus planes son mejores que los míos, recordar siempre tu promesa de que todo obra a bien para los que te aman y que tú presencia me acompañe siempre. Teach me, Lord, to hope in you, to trust that your plans are better than mine, to always remember your promise that everything works for good for those who love you and that your presence will always accompany me.

Day 14

EVEN WHEN WALKING THROUGH THE DARK VALLEY OF DEATH I WILL NOT BE AFRAID, FOR YOU ARE CLOSE BESIDE ME, GUARDING, GUIDING ALL THE WAY.

– PSALM 23:4 TLB

DENYS KHRYSTCH

KHARKIV, UKRAINE UNIVERSITY Ukrainian Engineering Pedagogical Academy MAJOR

Practical Psychology GRADUATION 2021

“I have always been interested in psychology and how it can be applied in my life, to better understand myself and help my loved ones.”

Denys is on staff with Young Life Ukraine; he and his family have recently moved to Kyiv to serve. This Christmas will be especially difficult as Denys’ mother was among the many victims who died during a raid a few months ago.

Christmas is a time of warmth and comfort, a time for joy and laughter. When God predicted the birth of Jesus, He called Him “Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” For a long time I did not understand the full meaning of this name, and now I probably do not fully understand the full scale of the meaning of the words, “God is with me.”

God came to the dark, dirty world in order to become closer to us, to be with us in our difficulties, to be in our troubles and sorrows. Christmas is a bright star that points the way in a dark night; Christmas is a hope that leads us through the desert of despair. Christmas is the joy of the special presence of God in life. Christmas is a reminder of God’s love for us. Christmas means God has not abandoned us and has not forgotten us. Christmas is a sign of God’s faithfulness.

Sometimes it may seem that in our life and in the world there is no place for hope and joy because there is so much sadness and so many difficulties. But it is at this moment that Emmanuel appears and remains with us always and

forever. Let this joyful news about the birth of Christ, which came to us many centuries ago, now bring peace and hope to your heart. May God who is with us all our days be even closer in these Christmas days. Let the joy of Christmas light up your heart so much that the whole world can see it.

Дорогий Боже дякую Тобі що Ти не забув про нас тут на землі і виконав Свою обіцянку і послав Свого Сина до нас що ми мали надію та радість в нашому житті, дякую за Твое народження Іісус, дякую за надію в Тобі, дякую за світло життя, дякуюза радість що мою в Тобі, радий що можу мати с Тобою такі відносини й молитись Тобі.С Днем Народження мій найкращий Друг Іісус)

Dear God, thank you that you did not forget us here on earth and fulfilled your promise and sent your Son to us so that we have hope and joy in our lives. Thank you for your birth Jesus, thank you for hope in You, thank you for the light of life, thank you for the joy that I have in You, I am glad that I can have such a relationship with You and pray to You. Happy Birthday my best friend Jesus.

Day 15

– LUKE 2:10 (ESV)

YULIA RUSSIA UNIVERSITY Undisclosed MAJOR Human Resource Management GRADUATION 2022

“I like communication with people; it is interesting to interact and work with a team. After graduation, I plan to work in my specialty of human resources – engaging in the hiring process, adaptation of new employees, rallying work teams and helping create a positive work culture. I like working with people, organizing systems, innovation, and listening to people. Whether in work or ministry, I am compelled to love others with the warmth of Jesus.”

AND THE ANGEL SAID TO THEM, “FEAR NOT, FOR BEHOLD, I BRING YOU GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY THAT WILL BE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE.”

There’s something we enjoy about being the first to hear news. With modern technology, we hear news almost as it is happening. We have information right at our fingertips and can share it with others immediately. But Mary and Joseph did not have such an opportunity.

Arriving in Bethlehem, they faced many problems; they did not know where to stay for the night and who could help them with the birth of a child. Yet God took care of them, gave them shelter and sent people to help. Moreover, God sent them people who shared in the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

It is amazing that the Son of God came into the world, and it was not kings, not princes, not rulers who met Him first, but ordinary people. The shepherds, who heard the news of the Savior first, accepted it and were the first ones to meet and bow to Christ.

When the shepherds saw the newborn Christ, they went and proclaimed to everyone the news of the Messiah who had come into the world. Each one of us is now that shepherd. We know about the birth of the Savior and

about His resurrection. We have heard the news. Now our task is to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet heard it, to help them know the Savior.

Lord, bless me to be attentive to Your Word in order to hear and do Your will in my life. Amen!

Day 16

– HEBREWS 3:7-8A (ESV)

MARCO CANALES

SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA UNIVERSITY Universidad Hispanoamericana MAJOR Business Administration emphasis in banking and finance GRADUATION 2023

“Thank you for continuing to trust me through the DGL program. I‘m more than halfway through my college career; I feel immensely happy because I never thought I would achieve this. When I see my study plan and I see everything I have achieved thanks to DGL, I start to cry with happiness because it has been like a dream for me. My goal is to become a professional who can help others in their financial areas and help them make good decisions.”

SO, AS THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYS: “TODAY, IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS ...”

Aistening for God’s voice is a pattern that we see throughout the Old and New Testaments. God communicates to us by means of his Spirit. The Holy Spirit provides the channel for God’s communication to us. We see this by examining Jesus’ own patterns.

t some point, we have all lost cell phone signal either because we are far away from the city and have poor coverage, or our cell phones do not pick up the signal well. In order to receive signal we must be in a good location. It is the same with God. We have to be in a good place because often there are things that “block” communication with Him. This makes it difficult to hear His voice clearly.

Jesus demonstrated to his disciples a pattern of getting away to a solitary place to talk to his Father and it was there he learned what to say and do (Luke 4:42). By example Jesus included his disciples in these times of prayer to teach them how to seek the Father.

I believe there are three predominate reasons we cannot hear God’s voice: pride, fear, and bitterness.

“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees the Father doing because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”(John 5:19).

Pride keeps us from hearing Him when we think we do not need God and we think we can manage our lives without him.

Fear is predominate when we are afraid to really listen to God speak and find out what He has to say to us.

Bitterness blocks His voice when we hold onto pain and resentment.

Just as Jesus is dependent upon hearing from his father; so are we. It is Jesus’ practice of getting away to pray that characterizes his prayer life and he shows his disciples how ministry is done by living it out before them. We too, need to seek meaningful time alone with God each day to commune with God, not only to

There can be many reasons why we might lose “signal” with God, but it is never too late to get into a better place. This Advent, let’s get rid of what may be blocking

our connection and find a place of clarity to hear God’s voice and heed him.

pray and read Scripture but also to listen for God’s whisper so that we might be ready for the day he brings to us. This is the abiding that Jesus talks about in John 15:1-9.

But if we seldom stop to listen and hear the whispers of the Spirit, we miss out on one of the greatest blessings of our heritage as children of God.

Dios, te doy gracias por la oportunidad que me das dia a dia de poder compartir tu mensaje hacia mas personas. Te pido por estas proximas celebraciones de navidad que abunde el amor en todo hogar del mundo y que recordemos el porque celebramos ... es por el nacimiento de tu hijo amado. Sabemos que muchas veces perdemos esa “señal” contigo asi que te pido que nos aydues a recuperar si la hemos perdido y cuando la tenemos, ayudanos a mejorarla y siempre poder escuchar tu voz que es una guia en nuestro dia a dia. Amén.

God, I thank you for the opportunity you give me every day to share your message to more people. I ask you for these next Christmas celebrations that love abounds in every home in the world and that we remember why we celebrate ... it is for the birth of your beloved Son. We know that many times we lose “signal” with you, so I ask you to help us recover if we have lost it and when we have it, help us to improve it and always be able to listen to your voice that guides us day to day. Amen.

Day 17

DO YOU NOT KNOW? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD? THE LORD IS THE EVERLASTING GOD, THE CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.

– ISAIAH 40:28 (NIV)

KIERAN

AGATHA

ISOTO

KAMPALA, UGANDA UNIVERSITY

Uganda Christian University MAJOR Law GRADUATION 2025

“My name is Kieran. I am from a large family consisting of eight children, of which I am the third born and eldest daughter. I have seen many people in my community facing lots of injustice. With my law degree, I hope to help the oppressed in my society attain justice in accordance to my capacity.”

As I listen to His calling, all the noise, loud shouts, misery, suffering becomes silent; Peace fills my soul like a river flowing from a fountain. The voice is Jesus.

As I listen a voice says, “Prepare the way, the Lord Jesus Christ is coming to redeem.”

He is loving, just, holy and a genuine king. He is the long awaited. The voice is Jesus.

As I listen, I hear him say: I am loved; I belong; I am His; I am precious. I am to light my candle in the world for the rest to see His goodness. The voice is Jesus.

As I listen, I hear, He is Lord, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the I AM, the unchangeable, the Saviour. The voice is Jesus. And all say The voice is Jesus. “Come save us.”

Papa lo’kasuban erarai so. Edeke etim so narai etyoko so noi. Engarai eso kada amina kon keda apedor kon.

Katonda tukwate ko tata totuleka kubula ebysi enno mulimu ebikemo binji ebisikiriza naye amaaso ngaffe ngalikugwe, twongenze okukiliza gwe tata omulwanyi tulwanire kuba mbwotoleka togenda siranna

God, our Father, hold us. Don’t let us get lost in this world. There are many attractive temptations but keep our eyes on you. Increase our faith. We will not be afraid because you do not let go of us.

Day 18

AND I PRAY THAT CHRIST WILL BE MORE AND MORE AT HOME IN YOUR HEARTS, LIVING WITHIN YOU AS YOU TRUST IN HIM. MAY YOUR ROOTS GO DOWN DEEP INTO THE SOIL OF GOD’S MARVELOUS LOVE; – EPHESIANS 3:17 (TLB)

EVANS JARQUÍN

ESQUIPULAS, NICARAGUA UNIVERSITY National Agrarian University MAJOR Agribusiness and Economics GRADUATION 2025

“My area of study is agribusiness and economics. I chose this field because I am interested in how economies of a region can be impacted by business, especially in my community where the main source of income is agricultural and agrarian.

As a part of Developing Global Leaders, I see that God is putting resources in my hands and equipping me to pour into the young people of my city so that they find hope in Jesus.”

Why would the King of Kings be born in a stable surrounded by animals? Shouldn’t He have been born in a royal palace and in a cradle of gold? Jesus is definitely worthy of such things.

But there is nothing mistaken about God’s plan for Jesus in the world. Jesus was born under humble circumstances – the manger. And when we ask Jesus to come into our hearts, He places Himself back in a humble place so that our lives are transformed.

His spirit in us compels us to move forward in faith when we want to give up. He guides us when we feel lost and directionless. His Holy Spirit gives us hope when we are completely hopeless, overwhelmed by fear and anxiety.

Our hearts are like that manger. We must surrender every day to Jesus. The manger is the starting point of our relationship with Jesus where the greatest story – God showing His grace and mercy to us – begins.

As we grow in our faith, our hearts become more sensitive and compassionate to love God and others. It is our responsibility to keep our hearts and desires pure so that our Savior can find a pleasing

home there. We must turn away from deception and temptation and grow day by day in our faith. Even when we fail, we can confess and receive His forgiveness and be clean and healthy in our hearts.

Our hearts are the right place for Jesus to be born today. As we listen, God whispers that there in the manger is the Savior of our lives. Remember, Jesus cannot be outside the manger; the manger is your heart where Jesus is born every day.

God, thank you for your love and mercy for our lives. Thank you for your Son Jesus who was born in that manger so that today we could have life and be saved. Help us remember that Jesus should also be born in our hearts every day. Thank you Jesus for whispering in our ears how much you love us. We ask for your direction to love, glorify, and honor you with our lives and that you use us as an instrument of peace and love for others to see you at this time. Thank you, Jesus. In your holy name we pray. Amen and Amen.

Day 19

IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD. ALL THINGS WERE MADE THROUGH HIM, AND WITHOUT HIM WAS NOT ANY THING MADE THAT WAS MADE. IN HIM WAS LIFE, AND THE LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN. THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS, AND THE DARKNESS HAS NOT OVERCOME IT. – JOHN 1:1-5 (ESV)

ELISABET TUSLLUKU

TIRANA, ALBANIA UNIVERSITY European University of Tirana MAJOR Nursing GRADUATION 2022

“I want to do something that is challenging, interesting, and makes a difference in people’s lives daily. The nursing profession offers many aspects of patient care and I enjoy variety in the routine; I have found that I have an aptitude for the work. I believe my ability to communicate with people and to explain things clearly in both a technical and non-technical way is one of the things that makes me a good nurse.”

GOD LOVES YOU!!!!!

Why was Jesus born? Because ‘God so loved the world.’

The story of Jesus’ birth is not just a warm fuzzy story about a sweet baby born to nice people who were having a hard time. It isn’t just an exciting story about wise men and shepherds and a manger.

The story of Christmas is the most important message you can ever receive from God. Christmas is God’s message to your heart saying, ‘I love you.’ Gos loves you enough that He paid the greatest price that He could have possibly paid.

The Creator became the created. God became a man. The Perfect entered the fallen. God among the ungodly. Mercy in the midst of judgement.

As you approach Christmas Day, listen to God’s voice in your heart reminding you, ‘I love you.’

At, faleminderit që përgatite një mënyrë që nga fillimi i kohës që ne të jemi përsëri pranë Teje. Faleminderit që e dërgove Birin tënd të lindë dhe të vdesë, që unë të mund të jetoja! Sot, ndërsa festoj Krishtlindjen, më ndihmo të kem një vlerësim të thellë të dashurisë Tënde për mua dhe për Dritën që ke sjellë në jetën time. Të lavdëroj që ke bërë të mundur që unë të mos eci kurrë në errësirë përsëri!

Father, thank You for preparing a way from the beginning of time for us to be near You again. Thank you for sending your Son to be born so that I could live! Today, as I celebrate Christmas, help me to have a deep appreciation of Your love for me and the Light You have brought into my life. I praise you for making it possible for me to never walk in the dark again!

Day 20

SHOW ME THE PATH WHERE I SHOULD GO, O LORD; POINT OUT THE RIGHT ROAD FOR ME TO WALK. LEAD ME; TEACH ME; FOR YOU ARE THE GOD WHO GIVES ME SALVATION. I HAVE NO HOPE EXCEPT IN YOU. – PSALM 25:4-5 (TLB)

“I chose my career with the purpose to carry a message of hope, not only to young people and adults, but also to those with disabilities. My sister was born deaf and that led our whole family to learn sign language and work very hard to carry the message of the gospel directly to the deaf community. My dream is to leave a mark on the people with whom I relate and share the love of Christ in everything I do. I will be the first person in my family to graduate from university.”

Ihave the privilege of having a sister who is deaf. My parents have always taught us – including my sister – the importance of listening to God’s voice. Because of my sister, we have been taught to listen and to “feel” God. I think there is no greater or more wonderful thing than being able to feel God and sense His presence.

There is no man or woman who can prevent the will of God for us; so let us trust Him and put our affairs in His hands.

Like being passengers on a ship, we might feel like the waves will topple the ship or divert it from its course. But the captain knows and is not hindered by the waves. Despite the wind and the waves, he has a plan and a path to a place of refuge. So let us trust and listen to our Captain, and feel (experience) Him more than the waves. Our Savior. Our Lord, show me thy ways, and teach me thy paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; in you I wait all day. He directs the humble in righteousness, and teaches the humble his way. Psalm 25:4–5, 9.

This Christmas, may we all hear the

voice of God through His word and experience His presence through our listening. Then, we will know that He is with us; He will show us the way.

Señor gracias por este año, porque sin duda aprendemos y nos gozamos en todo momento, en aflicción y alegría. oramos para que puedas seguir dándonos sabiduría y nos ayudes a Escucharte y Sentirte día a día. Guíanos en tu verdad, y que podamos aprender más de tu amor y bondad. Que esta navidad este llena de ese inmenso amor que sobrepasa todo entendimiento. Gracias Señor por todo. Amén. Thank you Lord for this year, because without a doubt we learn and rejoice at all times, in affliction and joy. We pray that you can continue to give us wisdom and help us Listen and Feel You day by day. Guide us in your truth, and may we learn more of your love and kindness. May this Christmas be filled with that immense love that surpasses all understanding. Thank you Lord for everything. Amen.

Day 21

MY STEPS HAVE HELD FAST TO YOUR PATHS; MY FEET HAVE NOT SLIPPED. I CALL UPON YOU, FOR YOU WILL ANSWER ME, O GOD; INCLINE YOUR EAR TO ME; HEAR MY WORDS. – PSALM 17:5-7

GLEDIS KABA

TIRANA, ALBANIA UNIVERSITY Agricultural University of Tirana MAJOR Business Informatics GRADUATION 2022

“I chose business informatics because I was curious about technology but also did not want to leave behind my family legacy which is business and finances. This degree allowed me to follow my passion and also advance more in the business world. I really hope I use my degree in the future to help build the Kingdom of God here on earth. At the moment, I am serving with Young Life as a DGL and Albanian Country Administrator. It is such a blessing, and I am so excited to see what God has planned for my career in the future.”

It seems that listening, really listening, has become a forgotten skill. We’re used to constant noise like the radio on in a car ride or the TV that never gets turned off. We’re not really listening to what they are saying but we like having noise in the background.

Advent is the season that can remind us to really listen, just like Joseph listened to the angel of God in his dream.

In Matthew 1, we see that Joseph was preparing to leave Mary right away, after he learned about her pregnancy, but the angelic message kept him going. He accepted his role as the earthly father of the unborn child and “did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matt 1:24 NIV)

He heard the voice of the angel carefully, understood that it was a God-given command, and took that into his heart to obey. He proved that he was more than just a righteous man, he was a true listener who not only heard with his ears but also with his pure heart. Sometimes as children of God, we expect things to get done without listening, and we want to do things our own way. We forget to listen carefully to the word of God to

rediscover the joy and peace it brings us.

It is not necessary to have an army of angels appear before us or have an angel send to you in your dreams to listen to God. He is so good that He created a whole world of singing birds, colorful flowers, blue skies, flowing rivers, etc; for us to listen to Him. We just need to open our hearts and obey what He has to say to us.

Zot Perëndi faleminderit që je i mirë dhe mirësia jote zgjat përjetë. Faleminderit që na ke thirrur në emrin tënd për të qenë bijtë e tu. Faleminderit për planet e mrekullueshme që ke për secilin prej nesh. Në këtë sezon Kirshtlindjeje na ndihmo Zot të bëhemi dëgjues më të mirë të fjalës tënde. Rikujtona që Ti je zëri i së vërtetës që na drejton në udhën e duhur dhe na jep paqe. Në emrin tënd unë lutem. Amen

Lord God, thank you for you are good and your goodness endures forever. Thank you for calling us in your name to be your children. Thank you for the wonderful plans you have for each of us. In this Christmas season, God help us to become better listeners of your word. Remind us that you are the one who guides us on the right path and gives us peace. In your name I pray, Amen.

Day 22

LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO, WHOM HE HAS REDEEMED FROM TROUBLE AND GATHERED IN FROM THE LANDS, FROM THE EAST AND FROM THE WEST, FROM THE NORTH AND FROM THE SOUTH.

– PSALM 107:2-3 (ESV)

RAIF NORTH AFRICA UNIVERSITY Undisclosed MAJOR Engineering and Computer Science GRADUATION 2024

“I chose the Department of Informatics Engineering and Science because I loved this field since childhood. I want to use my degree to become a state engineer in the field of science and informatics. As a Developing Global Leaders scholarship recipient, I will become the first person in my family to graduate from university. I believe that my greatest strength is that I am really hard working and I have a strong drive to achieve my dreams in order to help those around me.”

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your blessings upon us of vast mercy, great charity and mighty strength, which have been shown to us through the ages and in our present time as well. We live by the impressive divine revelations that you show us, our Lord and God Almighty, because you do wonders on earth, and reign in heaven, so that heaven may bless us and help us in the journey of our Christian life on earth. Grant that your loving kindness and justice be shown throughout the world. And come, O our Lord and our God, and shine your light in our souls who believe in you, and shine your light in the whole world. And glory to your name, because you are truly our Father in heaven and on earth, and you give certainty and reassurance to our lives in this world and the hereafter. You are Trustworthy.

After my parents’ divorce, my mother became a believer in Christ in spite of the oppression of women in my country. her influence laid the foundation of my faith that further developed through my involvement in Young Life and my church.

At Young Life club, I felt loved and accepted in a way I had never experienced before. Now I am a Young Life leader and am currently working with street children and leading club in poor neighborhoods.

Day 23

DO YOUR BEST TO PRESENT YOURSELF TO GOD AS ONE APPROVED, A WORKER WHO HAS NO NEED TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY HANDLING THE WORD OF TRUTH.

– 2 TIMOTHY 2:15 (ESV)

PHASHA MBATHA

MANZINI, ESWATINI UNIVERSITY Eswatini College of Theology MAJOR Theology GRADUATION 2022

“I felt so strong in my heart that should persue the call of God upon my life, and be informed about the studies of God (theology) thus to correctly communicate God’s Word. I hope to use my degree to effectively and skillfully advance the kingdom of God and the gospel of Christ Jesus in a manner that is productive and professional. In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul adviced Timothy to eagerly study so that he may handle the word of truth correctly.”

One day, power went off in my house and I was in the dark.

Then I looked through the window; I saw the moon in the night sky glowing its light forth. I marveled at the brightness from the moon shining over all of nature and nothing left in the dark.

Behold, I remembered that this was exactly like what Jesus did when he came to this world. He was the light to this world that was full of darkness He shone in the world and darkness disappeared.

As I listen

He is the Savior for humankind saving us from the darkness of this world

As I listen He is the Redeemer for humankind redeeming us from the indulgence of sin

As I listen

He is the righteousness for all of humanity to be made right with God

As I listen

He is the reconciliation of humanity to God through his own blood.

As I listen

He is the only authentic path to God the Father given to humankind

As I listen

Jesus is the only light that can illuminate the darkness that has covered this fallen world.

Babe Nkulunkulu ngiyabonga kutsi ngaJesu khristu ungikhiphe ebumnyameni wangi letsa ekukhanyeni. Moya longwele ngicela ungiphe emandla ekuphila njengemntfwana wekukhanya kulomhlaba logcwele bubi kuze kudvunyiswe libito lakho Jesu nkhosi yekulunga ngegama likaJesu Amen.

Dear God, I thank you that through Jesus Christ you brought me out of the darkness and brought me to the light. Holy Spirit, please give me the strength to live as a child of light in this world full of evil until your name Jesus, the Lord of righteousness, is praised in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Day 24

(JESUS) SAID TO THEM, “COME WITH ME BY YOURSELVES TO A QUIET PLACE AND GET SOME REST.”. – MARK 6:31 (NIV)

ZAIRA GARCÍA GARZA

MADRID, SPAIN UNIVERSITY Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Cruz Roja) MAJOR Nursing GRADUATION 2023

“As a Developing Global Leader, I am studying nursing at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. I hope to be an instrument for God in my job. I want to be a nurse who loves every patient. I’m so thankful to God for showing me the way, and I know that wherever I go is where He wants me to be. I want people to see me as a person that stands out as different from the world; I want to be light in the darkness.”

Sometimes we get caught up in all the Christmas activities that we get carried away by schedules full of dinners, meetings, parties. We can feel like our souls are full, when in reality, they are empty.

In the midst of all that noise I ask myself, is this all there is? The good news is that beyond cookies, gifts, decorations, there is this best gift: The Son of God who came to save us.

Let us not forget to seek that peace that only God gives and pray for him to give us a willing and rested heart to recognize our need, trust his faithfulness, and remember his goodness.

Señor, ayúdame a no aceptar tantos compromisos que me llenan de ruido y no de la paz que encuentro en Ti. Sabes que anhelo pasar tiempo con mis familiares y amigos, pero quiero hacerlo sin olvidarme de la verdadera razón de la Navidad. Quítame distracciones y lléname de Tu Palabra. Para poder darte alabanzas y admiración con un corazón descansado. Amén Lord, help me not to accept so many commitments that fill me with noise and not with the peace that I find in You. You know I long to spend time with my family and friends, but I want to do it without forgetting the real reason for Christmas. Take away distractions and fill me with Your Word to be able to give you praise and admiration with a rested heart. Amen.

Day 25

THE SAVIOR—YES, THE MESSIAH, THE LORD—HAS BEEN BORN TODAY IN BETHLEHEM, THE CITY OF DAVID! – LUKE 2:11 (TLB)

“I like communication and I believe that to be a good missionary it is of paramount importance to know how to communicate. In this way, my formation as a leader will contribute to spreading the good news of Jesus to the youth of my country.”

The hope of the earth has been born to us! The burning expectation for salvation for this chaotic and violent world has arrived. How would you imagine that hope if you heard this news?

The prophet Isaiah describes it this way:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

– Isaiah 9:6

A baby boy is the great hope! A child who was born is the source of eternal expectation. Listen, the prophet says - a baby boy is born to us and He is the hope of the world!

This child will not only change the contours of the history of the world, but also our lives. He will transform our hearts, our lives, so that we can live eternally with our eternal and kind God. His birth declares: Everything has been made new to you! Come and see

the expanse of the Kingdom of God. Enjoy! This birth means Life for those who have accepted and believed in the Good News.

The Father said of the grown up boy: “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

We are led to listen. In nature and in the Scriptures we hear: Come! Celebrate the birth of the One who saved you. Christmas approaches and the eternal voice says - this is my beloved son! Come. Celebrate.

Deus, obrigado pelo privilégio que é fazer parte do DGL. Que o Senhor abençoe a vida de cada envolvido neste programa.

God, thank you for the privilege of being part of the DGL. May the Lord bless the lives of everyone involved in this program.