DGL Europe - Class 15

y name is Ana and I live in Cascais, Portugal. Although I grew up in a Christian family, I know that my family history, both my mother's and my father's, carries stories of great adversity and faith. My family has experienced God's glory and favor which has given me a solid Christian foundation. My parents always worked hard to give my siblings and I everything we needed, and I now recognize the effort they always made for our family. I was an extroverted little girl who talked a lot, and I loved to play and laugh. But bullying throughout my adolescence years changed me and it wasn’t until the pandemic that I anchored my identity in Christ and felt joyful and at peace. The shut down was an impactful and desperately challenging time for me. I was thirsty for God, and I knew something was missing. After that time of commitment to Jesus I have served in my church and Young Life as a volunteer leader.

Now a Developing Global Leader, I am studying marketing and publicity at IADE Creative University. Marketing is a field that interests me because it requires a lot of creativity and innovation as well as allowing me to use my people skills. I want to advance my service at Young Life and continue to grow into a better leader. I deeply desire that God lead me and use me wherever he wants to.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

BOHDAN BOHDAN

Kraków, Poland

Cracow Academy

MAJOR: International Business

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y name is Bohdan and I grew up in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. I lived with both of my parents until the start of middle school when my parents started working in other countries. I lived with whomever was home or with my grandparents. When I was 14, my parents divorced, however, both of them have continued to support and love me. Throughout those years of transition, my friends and I began drinking, smoking and fighting; we were searching for any activity to fill the emptiness in our hearts.

One day, when returning home from basketball training, I found an announcement about the start of a free music school hosted by Young Life. All I knew was that I really wanted to play drums, so I went and had a surprisingly great day. I left with one question in my mind, “Why was I so happy that day without drinking or engaging in my typical ‘fun’?” I started going to club and eventually ended up at camp. It was the best seven days of my life! I finally found an answer for my first question, which led to a second. “What was the difference in these new friends?” I got an answer ... they were different because Jesus was in their hearts. During the 20 minutes of quiet, I had my first talk with Jesus and made the decision to give Him all of my life. After that camp I started to volunteer with Young Life in my city.

I am studying international business and dream of opening a café where teens have an inviting and safe environment to spend their time. As a Developing Global Leader, I am a team leader in Krakow where we serve teens who speak Ukrainian and Russian and are desperate to know they are seen by a God who loves them.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

CLARA CLARA

Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium

Université Libre de Bruxelles

MAJOR: Psychology

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y name is Clara. I live in Braine l'Alleud, Belgium with my three sisters, a brother and my parents. I grew up in a Christian family however, I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. When I faced challenges in my life, I would try to overcome them by my own strength, which led to sadness and emptiness. This changed when I became involved in Young Life and surrendered my life to Jesus.

When I was younger, my aunt and uncle were Young Life leaders, and they invited me to Young Life club and ski camp. During that camp, the pastor made a call to surrender our lives to Jesus and it was at that moment that I made the decision to follow Him. I started reading my Bible and praying regularly. God completely transformed me, and I am now a volunteer leader for Young Life in my city.

I am studying psychology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. In the future, I want to work as a neuropsychologist in a hospital or research institution, where I can contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with neurological disorders and cognitive impairments. I am dyslexic and have dysorthography, and many people did not think I could reach this level of education. However, I will be the first in my family to graduate from university. I want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives by helping them improve their overall quality of life while sharing the Gospel. As a Developing Global Leader, I also want to continue serving in Young Life, including organizing clubs, participating in contact work, and being a living testimony of God's love for us.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

CRISTOFER CRISTOFER

Madrid, Spain

Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia

MAJOR: Psicología

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Originally from Nicaragua, Cristofer now lives in Madrid, Spain where he studies social sciences at UNED, the largest public university in Spain.

Cristofer’s encounter with Christ began through a group of volunteers who visited his neighborhood in Nicaragua. Initially, it was a girl volunteer who caught his attention, but it was the atmosphere and fun of Young Life that truly resonated with him. Young Life camp was a transformative experience that introduced him to a fulfilling way of life in Christ. Initially he struggled to have a desire to change, but he shared that a night of “sin and failures” led him to eventual repentance and a desire to fully commit his life to Christ. This newfound dedication caught the attention of his leader who recognized Cristofer’s potential to make a positive impact on others. Embracing his leadership qualities, Cristofer became a Young Life leader in his local community.

Cristofer’s life changed significantly when his family moved to Spain. However, he stayed connected to Young Life and got involved in his new local community. Eager to learn and fulfill God's purpose for him in this new chapter of life, he aspires to integrate his professional pursuits with his ministry, seeking to impact the lives of others positively. With a willingness to follow God's lead, Cristofer is poised to embrace new challenges and opportunities that come his way. He shares, “I want to be fully committed to fulfilling God’s will.”

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

y name is Emma and I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with my mum and dad, my sister and my dog Bailey! I was very fortunate to be brought up in a stable Christian home, where I was encouraged to do well in school and given the opportunity for extra-curricular activities, as well as to be interested in church life and issues facing the world around us.

When I was seven, I gave my life to God at a summer mission camp, although it wasn't until around age fifteen that I really began to understand what it meant to truly live a life for God. I became highly involved in my school's Christian Union Committee and was thrilled to asked to be a junior leader in Young Life when club started back up again after covid. I was really encouraged seeing so many kids at club who were interested in the word of God. A highlight for me was when nine of the kids decided to become Christians after a talk about Easter.

This year, I will be studying international relations and conflict studies at Queen's University in Belfast. I hope that my degree will give me a greater awareness of the world, by meeting new people from different cultures and backgrounds and getting to travel throughout my course. I would love this degree to help me pursue a career in advocacy and learn more about how people interact with one another. I am passionate about letting as many kids as possible hear about the goodness of God. As a Developing Global Leader, I would love to grow and develop more confidence and leadership skills as I serve and love kids.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

FRANCISZEK FRANCISZEK

Warsaw, Poland Warsaw University of Technology

MAJOR: Automatics and Robotics

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y name is Franek and I live in Warsaw, Poland, close to my parents and my younger brother. As a child, I traveled the world with my parents although I don't remember it very well due to my young age. I had many happy memories until my tenth year, when I faced a series of struggles including continued care of my disabled younger brother and my father being diagnosed with a debilitating illness. I wrestled with depression and learned the value of both physical and mental health from a young age.

I met Jesus at the very beginning of my life because I was raised in the Catholic Church. During secondary school, I started having doubts about who God really was to me and I developed my own personal relationship with Jesus. I got connected to Young Life by a friend I met on a summer youth trip. My involvement with Young Life has not only deepened my own faith but has taught me how much joy I find in helping others.

Now a Developing Global Leader, I am studying engineering and computer science at Warsaw University of Technology. After graduation, I want to work in the Control Engineering or Robotics industry, putting to use my gifts and passions. I eventually want to travel the world with my work, experience new cultures, and share my faith with the people I encounter. As team leader, I am excited to grow in both my ministry and leadership skills through training and participation in the DGL program.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

JEDIDJA JEDIDJA

Hellevoetsluis, Netherlands

Hogeschool Rotterdam

MAJOR: Communications

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edidja is a communications student at the Hogeschool in Rotterdam, Netherlands. At the age of seven, her parents' divorce set her family on a path marked by frequent relocations and an ever-present feeling of not having a true home. The absence of stable friendships and a fragmented family structure have been persistent themes, leading to a palpable sense of displacement for Jedidja.

Amidst the turbulence, faith has provided a foundation into which she can anchor. Raised in a Christian environment, attending church was a regular part of her upbringing. However, it was during a transformative experience at Young Life surf camp in Portugal that a deeper spiritual connection was ignited. A tangible encounter with Jesus' presence during that week crystallized the desire for a more profound relationship with Him. This pivotal juncture inspired a commitment to grow in their faith and pursue greater involvement with Young Life. This decision represented not just an organizational affiliation, but a step toward personal and spiritual fulfillment.

Now, as a Developing Global Leader, Jedidja is studying communications in Rotterdam with the goal of getting better at writing and more fully utilizing the social media platforms. Also, as a DGL, she wants to learn to feel closer to God herself while growing personally and spiritually. " I want to be a role model for the kids that come to club and bring more new kids to club so they can meet new people and hear about the love of Jesus.”

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

JOHN JOHN

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

University of Edinburgh

MAJOR: Music

y name is Jack and I live in Edinburgh, Scotland. Our family moved around a lot because of my mom's job, and we struggled to stay in one location for more than a year for the first half of my childhood. This made it difficult to make strong friendships early in my life, but we were trusting God had us where he wanted us. With all of the moving, the cultural differences were quite stark in the UK to what I had known prior, and the Christian population was much smaller which made it difficult to make Christian friends my own age.

There's not a day where I haven't known God and I can thank His faithfulness through my parents for that. Upon moving to Scotland, we found a good church, however there were still not many kids my age there. The friends I made were not Christian and through primary and secondary school I sometimes had to sacrifice spending time with them to make sure I was doing what was right. I have been involved with Young Life for my whole time at secondary school and I made friends that I could keep in contact with and reconnect with every year at camp. I also got to be very good friends with my leader and we studied the bible together.

Coming to Edinburgh, I had a strong connection with the Young Life team, and it was easy to fit in helping the team. I am excited to continue leading and having more opportunities for ministry in the DGL position, as well as continuing my studies in music. I hope to finish my studies at the University of Edinburgh and find an occupation in the music industry, composing in some capacity.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

JORDAN JORDAN

Bangor, United Kingdom

Ulster University Coleraine

MAJOR: Psychology

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y name is Jordan, I live in Bangor, Northern Ireland with my mum and two younger siblings. The four of us are very close having endured years of a turbulent and toxic household due to my dad's struggles with addiction, infidelity and mental health issues. Deciding to flee our no-longer safe home, we have learned not only to survive but truly to thrive through the rediscovery of joy and safety. However, such rejection from by earthly father resulted in a deep misunderstanding of my worth and ability to be loved.

At age fifteen, I was invited to Young Life at a local church. Having previously only heard Bible stories in school, now for the first time, I was introduced to who Jesus really was. This began an amazing journey of restoration in my understanding of what love is and especially what a father should be. I began to lean into my heavenly father and all he had planned for me, plans I had never imagined possible throughout my childhood. I have now been a part of Young Life for many years and see so much of Jesus in the kids I serve and the leaders I serve alongside.

I believe God is calling me into work that focusses on women's refuge and rehabilitation especially because of the support my family received during our time of hardship. I pray that both my education in psychology at Ulster University Coleraine and continued leadership role within Young Life will equip me with understanding and compassion required for the work I feel so called to do. I will be the first in my family to graduate from university.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

y name is Josh and I grew up in a family of five, the middle of three boys. I live in Bangor, Northern Ireland, a coastal city that I love. I am a huge fan of sports, mainly football, rugby and cricket and I have always loved music; I play guitar and like to sing. In my younger years, I was diagnosed with ADHD and I struggled to make friends. But now that I am older, God has blessed me with many great friends.

I grew up in Christian family and I learned from a young age about Jesus and the gospel. I don’t have a particular moment where I became a Christian, but there have been significant turning points in my life which brought me closer to God as well as strengthened my faith. Two in particular have really formed my faith. First, I had my first taste of genuine Christian community and friendships at a camp through school. Second, work crew at Young Life camp opened my eyes to what my relationship with Christ could be which helped me take my faith more seriously.

I am studying elementary school education at Stranmillis College of Queens University in Belfast. I want to become a primary school teacher because I know the impact a great teacher can have in a student's life. I had some very influential teachers and want to return the favor to the next generation. I hope to build on the leadership opportunities I have already been granted as a volunteer including being involved in the planning of club, writing talks and doing contact work. As a Developing Global Leader, I’m excited to embrace more of a leadership role in Young Life as I continue to grow in my faith.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

ulian was born in Tirana, the capital city of Albania, where he is studying business management at the Faculty of Social Sciences. He grew up in a loving Muslim family, including a brother abroad, and he has very fond memories of a quiet and beautiful childhood spent playing with friends in the neighborhood. However, his family also faced challenges when their home would flood during heavy winter rains. They persevered and their determination paid off when they were able to build a small house which provided some relief and stability they desired.

Julian’s journey with Christ began when he attended art activities on Fridays at a local church. After that, he started attending Sunday services where he heard stories about Jesus. He admits he initially doubted because of his Muslim heritage but his interest continued to grow. When he was invited to Young Life club and later attended a life-changing Young Life summer camp in 2019, his faith was ignited. “It was the time when I really found Jesus and that was the turn of my life.” Through these experiences, Julian discovered a deeper connection to his faith and became a devoted follower of Jesus.

Now a Developing Global Leader, Julian aspires to have a career that not only helps him build a good life but also supports his ministry. "I see myself as a manager of a business that will help increase my skills and use the gifts that God has given me. What I have in my heart is that with these good things, I will use them to exalt God and to share the gospel with others." Julian will be the first in his family to graduate from university.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

y name is Julia and I live in Warsaw, Poland with my mother, father and younger brother. I grew up with three brothers, two of them live on their own now. Since the beginning of kindergarten, I had problems with children my age. They always picked me as the weakest one, so I was bullied a lot. Thanks to my mother I had a strong relationship with God, but I was just a child and I wanted to be liked, so I lied and did a lot of stupid things to impress my classmates which of course didn’t work. Without the validation from friends, I struggled with self-acceptance.

While I was in junior high school, I met a Young Life leader who introduced me to Young Life and Jesus. I started to read New Testament on my own and learned about Jesus and prayer which carried me through a lot of hard and dark times. I desperately wanted to help teenagers who were victims of bullying and had problems with self-love, but I knew that first I needed to start to love myself. Jesus helps me with that every day, even when I forget how. Through Young Life, I see a way to get to troubled and lost teenagers who need guidance and a relationship with Him.

I am studying at the University of Warsaw and pursuing a degree called PPL, which is a program centered on psychology, philosophy and linguistics. I want to learn more about our brain and how it is connected to our psyche, and I hope this knowledge will enable me to help kids even more. As a Developing Global Leader, I love continuing as a Young Life leader in my community, building relationships and memories with teens.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

LASSE JOSIAH LASSE JOSIAH

Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Freiburg University of Education

MAJOR: Theology & German

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y name is Lasse. I live four hours away from my family in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, in a shared apartment with three other Christian men. I have four siblings and our parents gave us many chances to grow and learn in our faith. My high school years were challenging because I felt like no one shared my faith or understood me. I was broken and looked for love in the wrong people and things. I had forgotten my worth even though I had walked with God all my life. God then put people in my life who helped me see myself and others through God’s eyes.

I grew up in a Christian family and have always had a relationship with Jesus. We went to church and had good experiences there. However, over my life, it has become more important to me. Christian camps set a solid foundation for my faith and were a large part of my spiritual growth. Through camps and church, God also gave me a heart for youth and sharing my faith with them. Young Life has given me this opportunity. Two of my friends were leaders and introduced me to Young Life camp. I then got involved as a leader and now lead clubs and camp for the WyldLife middle school ministry.

As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying German and theology at PH Freiburg University in Freiburg im Breisgau. I want to be a teacher because I like the idea of having a positive influence on the development of kids and teens. I also want to lead a school one day while being on the Young Life team.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

LAURIN LAURIN

Spijkenisse, Netherlands

Haagse Hogeschool

MAJOR: Public Administration

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orn in the city of Spijkenisse, Netherlands, Laurin is a student at Hague University of Applied Sciences. “I was a joyful kid, always dancing, singing or acting and loved being outside with my friends. I was carefree.”

When she started school, Laurin started grappling with the complexities of letters and words, revealing her struggle with dyslexia. The diagnosis was difficult to accept as she yearned to blend in rather than stand out. As she grew, a transformation took place – she learned to work through the challenges of her unique journey and found her true identity as a child of God, appreciating the intricate and wonderful way she was made. Her connection with Jesus blossomed at the age of fifteen, catalyzed by a life-changing WyldLife camp experience and later solidified by becoming a WyldLife leader. Laurin’s commitment to leading sparked her own growth as she moved from a place of questions and uncertainty to a time of discovery for herself about God’s Word and what He says is true about Himself, equipping her even more to meet kids where they are and love them as God does.

Now, as a Developing Global Leader, Laurin wants to learn everything there is to know about international policy and law and eventually pursue a master's degree in these studies. She desires to grow in her leadership skills and in her relationship with Christ. “My greatest strength is my perseverance. I don't quit until I reach my goal.”

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

LEONA LEONA

Brno, Czech Republic

Masaryk University

MAJOR: English

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eona is a student at the Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. Raised in an atheistic family, Leona’s early years were framed by material comfort, yet the emotional and relational connections she yearned for remained elusive. The absence of genuine care left her feeling isolated and adrift during her formative teenage years. This void triggered a host of mental health challenges, anxiety, depression, and self-isolation which distanced her from her parents and her own sense of self.

When she was fifteen, she experienced a pivotal turning point when a school friend invited her to a Young Life event. This encounter provided newfound connections, both with peers her own age and compassionate Young Life leaders. The notion of Jesus, a concept she had previously approached with skepticism, began to take shape in her understanding. Gradually delving into the tenets of Christianity, she navigated this uncharted terrain through dialogues with friends, web-based exploration, and attendance at local church services. As she pieced together the mosaic of faith, she began a personal relationship with God.

Now a Developing Global Leader, Leona is studying to be a teacher. She hopes to mature as a leader, working hand in hand with children and teenagers in Brno, Czech Republic, where she resides. “I'd like to be a teacher because I have a passion for passing on knowledge to others. Part of being a teacher is also to be one of the formative people in the lives of kids. I'd like to have a positive attitude towards the kids, helping them discover and grow their potential.”

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

ola is a media and communication student from Charleroi, Belgium. She has been immersed in the mission of Young

Life her whole life – her parents participated in Young Life as teenagers and evolved into devoted leaders. As a teen, Lola walked through difficult friend group transitions and also witnessed her parents navigate a significant rift in their church. Lola considers these moments of conflict and hurt as incredible opportunities for her to see how God can be trusted even in hardship and instilled in her a resolve to depend on God in all things.

Her first exposure to the transformative power of Young Life came through attending ski camps as a guest with her family. Lola shares, “I was thirteen when I took my first step toward becoming an active participant. From that moment on, I embraced every opportunity Young Life offered. From summer camps to local club meetings in Charleroi, I threw myself into the experience with unwavering dedication. The desire to grow from participant to leader burned bright within me, fueled by a passion for this mission and a love for camp environments that has been with me since childhood.”

Lola is pursuing a career in the field of communications with an emphasis on public relations and social media. "As a DGL, I want to spend more time with teenagers outside of clubs and camps, especially those on my leadership tree. I want to learn how to lead a campaigner group, participate in the growth of Young Life Belgium, and grow in my walk with God through spending time with my mentor."

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

MARTA MARTA

Warsaw, Poland

The Maria Grzegorzewska Academy

MAJOR: Pedagogy Rehabilitation

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y name is Marta, I was born in the United States where I lived for six years. Afterwards my family moved around often until we finally found the perfect place for us in Poland. Now, my parents and my six younger siblings and I live in a small town just outside of Warsaw, called Milanówek. Throughout most of my life I was homeschooled; moving frequently, I quickly learned how to fit in with new groups of kids, assimilate with the culture and get acclimatized to our environment in a short time, until my family moved again. These experiences helped me become very understanding, curious and more resilient to adversity.

Even though I was religious for as long as I can remember, my faith matured and became more intentional as my teenage years came. I am very thankful for the people that I was surrounded by some of them also being Young Life leaders. Those people helped me rediscover my faith and, although those years held seasons of struggle, they gave me support and inspired me to not give up on the journey. I quickly became engaged in Young Life as a volunteer and then a leader, inspired to give back a fraction of what I received and try to help with the mission of loving lost teens.

Now, a Developing Global Leader, I am going to the Maria Grzegorzewska Academy to study social sciences specializing in pedagogy rehabilitation. I hope to be engaged in places where children and teenagers can be given the support they need to improve the quality of their lives. I believe that Young Life's mission aligns with my calling because I know that introducing young people to Jesus is the best thing that I could ever offer them.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

MICHAELA MICHAELA

Liberec, Czech Republic

Charles University

MAJOR: English and German

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y name is Michaela. I am from the Czech Republic, and I spent most of my life in Liberec. I have a very loving family. My father is a pastor of our local church, and my mom helps him. Church life has always been a family affair; I even took over the children’s program from my mom a few years ago. I have a very good and open relationship with my parents and also with my two siblings.

I met Jesus when I was four years old. Although I was very young, I remember it and I took it very seriously. As I am a daughter of a pastor, I have a very close relationship with our church, and I have always loved attending it and being part of its developments. I had a faith crisis when I was sixteen when I started dating a boy but after the break-up, I came back to God and decided to trust him fully with everything. Since then, I take my faith very seriously and want to help others grow by sharing as much joy as possible.

Now a Developing Global Leader, I study English and German on the faculty of education at Charles University. I lived one year abroad in Germany in high school and was able to gain a certificate in German as well as Czech upon graduation from high school. I would like to complete my bachelor and master's degrees and teach German, and maybe English, at a grammar school or high school. However, the main aim of my life is serving God. I hope I'll be serving him while doing programs for kids at church, but I am open to everything God has for me. I'd love to see the children who don't believe in God, receive Christ as their Savior, and build a community where everybody feels accepted and loved.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

REBEKKA REBEKKA

Halden, Norway

Østfold University College

MAJOR: Nursing

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y name is Rebekka and I live alone in Halden, Norway. I was raised in a Christian home; I have two siblings and there are two foster boys currently living with my family. As a child, I was very active in church and sang every week. When I was nine years old, I joined a singing group that traveled all over Norway and sang and danced in churches while sharing the Gospel. I was in this group for four years but when I reached my teenage years, I started drinking a lot of alcohol and looked to boys for validation. I decided to take a year off after high school and got a job. That year made a huge difference in my life and my faith.

It was during that year that I gave my life to Jesus. I met people who loved Jesus whole-heartedly and it made me think about my own faith. I became more familiar with God’s word and completely surrendered my life to Him. I also got connected with Young Life during this time. I was invited to meetings and then became a leader. I now plan to start Young Life in my hometown where very few know Jesus.

As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I attend The College of Østfold University where I am studying Vernepleier, a combination of nursing and social work. I will be the first person in my family to graduate from university. My goal for my education is to know and understand people’s physical and mental health needs and possibly work in a home for people in need. I also want to continue to grow in my faith.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

y name is Rory and I grew up in Bangor, Northern Ireland, with my parents, an older brother and younger sister. My childhood was action-packed as my parents encouraged me to get involved in any opportunity that came along, football, badminton or music as well as church camps or mission teams. Even with all these activities, I still lacked confidence and felt like I had to earn my way to being liked. I would try hard to impress people with all that I did, which benefited me when it went well and devastated me when I failed. At times I felt that I was a puppet who would do whatever I was told just to gain a bit of recognition.

As a child, I grew up knowing about God and revering the Bible. As a teen, I realized I needed more than just knowledge of the Bible to be a good follower; I wanted to build a relationship with God and serve Him. Being on the worship team combined doing what I love, playing music, with serving and giving back. I was surrounded by other Christians and came to understand what having a true relationship with God looked like. My brother introduced me to Young Life where I made great friends and connections and eventually became a junior leader. I continue to lead teens in my community.

I’m working on my degree in education at Queens University and hope to become a professional trombone player whilst being a music teacher. I want to share with people the joy I have when playing and hearing music. I want to help grow my WyldLife club and reach as many kids as we can, making sure that every kid that enters our club feels welcome. Mostly, I hope that the relationships we form with kids will point them towards God.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

RUTH RUTH

Castelldefels, Spain

Universidad Pompeu Fabra (Tecnocampus)

MAJOR: Teaching

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uth is a passionate and dedicated student at the Universidad Pompeu Fabra, a public university in Barcelona, Spain. Born into a Christian family, her upbringing revolved around church activities, with weekends reserved for Young Life and church services. As a kid, she engaged in various sports, finding particular joy in playing and singing, and eventually leading worship at her church.

High school brought new challenges for Ruth as she struggled with shyness and insecurity, but patience and perseverance helped her overcome these obstacles and make meaningful friendships. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she faced a new set of struggles, coping with stress through excessive exercise, which led to an unhealthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, she recognized the negative impact this had on her well-being and took the initiative to regain control, embracing a healthier way of living. As she entered her final years of school, Ruth learned valuable lessons in time management and emotional regulation, honing skills that would be crucial in her future.

Now, as a Developing Global Leader, Ruth is pursuing a degree in physical education. "I want to use sports to get closer to the teenagers in my city as it is something I love doing and also is a wellconnected way to reach teens that Young Life uses here. After making that first contact through sports, talking about Jesus and getting their attention is much easier." Ruth will be the first in her family to graduate from university.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

y name is Sarah and I live in Berlin, Germany with my parents and two brothers. I grew up in Egypt, going to a Christian church where my father was an assistant pastor. In 2016, we moved to Berlin so my father to start an Arabic Christian church here. In addition to pastoring the church, my father and older brother run a bakery to support our family. My parents have always showed me how to have a relationship with God. When they did not have sufficient financial resources, we had to depend on Him daily. Seeing this dependence had a big effect on my faith. Moving from Egypt to Germany, having to meet new people and learning a new language have also shaped my faith. I work with kids at my church and l love sharing the gospel with young people on the street. I also started a Bible study with my friends.

As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying medical engineering and computer science at Berlin University of Technology. I chose this degree because I enjoy math and physics. Upon graduation, I plan to get a part-time job in my field or start my master’s degree in management. I also hope to continue working with Young Life in Berlin. I have a heart for the Arab people here and want to start more Young Life clubs and share Jesus with the future generations. I pray that God will use me to bring change and peace.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

SARA SARA

Girona, Spain

Universitat de Barcelona

MAJOR: Sociology

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riginally born in the charming city of Girona, Spain, Sara is a compassionate and driven student attending the University of Barcelona. Growing up with her loving family, she navigated the challenges of being a Christian in a predominantly secular environment. To blend in, she wore two faces, one for school and another for church, so as not to be perceived as different.

In 2013, Sara made a life-changing decision to dedicate herself to Jesus and was baptized. Despite some ups and downs in her spiritual journey, Sara eventually found her way back to a strong relationship with God during a life-altering summer camp. This experience led her to Young Life, where she joined a team, eager to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Having a deep desire to help people in the most meaningful way possible, Sara pursued her studies in social education. Her ultimate ambition is to establish a Christian Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Centre in her community, driven by a heartfelt desire to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with drug abuse.

Now, through the Developing Global Leaders program, Sara is pursuing a master's degree in drug addiction. " I hope that after studying I will be able to reach teenagers that are struggling with drug abuse and help others that are going through the same situation. I believe that God is calling me to help others this way." Sara will be the first in her family to graduate from university.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

SOPHIE SOPHIE

Bangor, United Kingdom

Belfast Bible College

MAJOR: Theology

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y name is Sophie, and I live in Bangor, Northern Ireland. My parents split up when I was a young teenager, and my brothers have been gone since I was fourteen, so I feel a bit like an only child, which can be difficult sometimes. My mum and I are the only two Christians in my family now; this has been one of my biggest struggles as most of my childhood memories are of me and my family in church, reading our bibles together or praying round the family dinner table. Now I find it very difficult to share my faith with my family as they are not very supportive of my faith. My biggest prayer is that I can be a light to them and show them the love of Jesus through my words and actions.

Throughout adolescence, I struggled with a lot of anxiety; I couldn’t understand how some people could get on with life and I just wasn’t able to do that. Since then, I have been on a journey of giving all my anxieties to God again and again. I have learned how to find peace in God's presence and to keep moving forward at my own pace. Becoming a Young Life leader has largely shaped me into the person I am today. Being surrounded by a group of leaders who genuinely love what they do, and do it because they love God, has been a huge inspiration for me and my faith.

Now a Developing Global Leader, I have been accepted into Belfast Bible College to study theology. This has been a long-held dream and I am overjoyed it is happening. My hope is that after I complete my theology degree, I can become a long-term missionary as a teacher.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9

Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

South West University

MAJOR: International Business CONNECT WITH DGL developing global leaders younglifedgl LEARN MORE

y name is Tatiana and I am from Ukraine. I grew up in a large Christian family; my parents have eleven children, four boys and seven girls. Unfortunately, most of them do not follow God. I am enrolled at South West University in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria where I currently live with two of my sisters and am specializing in international business. I have known about Jesus since childhood, but consciously, I met Him when I was fourteen years old, at a regional night prayer. From that time on, my inner personality began to change, and gradually a new one began to form in me, on which God especially worked. Everything changed: my interests, hobbies, my relationship with my family, parents, friends, my hobbies, etc. From that moment on, love and affection for children began to manifest in me. A short time later, God gave me the opportunity to work with children in the church as well as the music ministry. Soon after moving to Bulgaria, I had the opportunity to become part of the worship team at my new church and was invited to a meeting to get acquainted with Young Life. During my first Young Life club, I felt a special atmosphere that I did not want to leave and eventually led to me becoming a leader.

Now a Developing Global Leader, I am studying economics and business structure. I would like to connect my career with opening my own business by owning a hair salon. I view my vocation to be aligned with my ministry mindset and hope for opportunities to care for teens and share the Gospel with them.

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives; - Colossians 1:9