YOUNG LIFE DEVELOPING GLOBAL LEADERS
Igrew up with my sisters, brothers, and mother. Our family was loving and resilient, but my childhood was marked by instability and hardship. One of my older brothers struggled with alcoholism and became aggressive, creating an environment of insecurity. We also moved frequently due to rental housing, which meant we were never rooted in one place. Growing up surrounded by strong women taught me the value of hard work. Today, I live in Campo de los Padres, near the center of Matagalpa, with my mother, sisters, and nephews.
I first heard about Young Life through a friend who invited me to a camp in 2021. At that camp, I accepted Jesus into my heart. During my adolescence, I struggled with an anxiety disorder that left me fearful and isolated, but through discipleship, community, and God’s grace, I found healing and peace. Through ongoing training and leadership development in Young Life, I grew in my faith and learned to replicate what I had received. Today, I serve as a Team Leader, leading Club Palo Alto and Club Pancasan, forming teams, guiding leaders, and walking alongside young people, including involvement in High School and Young Lives ministries.
Now a Developing Global Leader, I hope to grow professionally in clinical bioanalysis and one day develop a clinical laboratory that serves my community. Alongside my career goals, I am committed to continuing in Young Life ministry and leading wherever God calls me.
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
My name is Allyana Henry, and I live in Spanish Wells, Eleuthera with my mom and two little sisters when on school break. During the academic year, I live in dorms at my university in Nassau. I had a fairly normal childhood with both my parents, my older brother, and my sisters. However, my parents divorced when I was about fifteen, which was one of the hardest things I’ve experienced. Because of my mom’s job as a nurse, we moved often, which taught me to adapt quickly. I always thrived in school and participated in many extracurricular activities, but I silently battled anxiety and panic attacks in high school, feeling like I had no one to confide in until I found comfort in God.
Though I grew up in church, itwasn’t until I was fourteen or fifteen that I truly began to understand who God is. A crisis involving someone I love deeply pushed me to cry out to the Lord for the first time, and in that moment, I felt His presence and strength. Since then, I’ve seen how real and constant His support is. I was introduced to Young Life by my mother, who had been part of it and later became a leader herself. She encouraged me to attend a Young Life camp, and that experience drew me deeper into faith during my transition to college. I’m now part of the college ministry and hope to grow further as a leader, especially among young women. My dream is to become a corporate lawyer while continuing to serve in ministry. As a Developing Global Leader, I am studying law at the University of The Bahamas. I want to lead and support high school and college girls through Young Life, showing them, they’re seen, valued, and deeply loved by 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
John lives in Cercado de Lima,Peru. He currently rents a room, as his entire family resides in Iquitos, a city in the Amazon region of the country. He is the youngest of nine siblings.
From an early age, John faced great challenges: at the age of one, he suffered an accident that left him deaf and with some physical limitations. At the age of twelve, he entered a school where he learned sign language, which transformed his way of communicating and strengthened his confidence. Despite obstacles, such as the lack of interpreters during his studies, he managed to finish high school, which was one of the most important victories of his life.
John was introduced to Young Life by a sign language interpreter. She invited him to a camp, where he not only shared with other young people like himself, but also had a personal encounter with Jesus. It was the first time someone spoke to him clearly about God in his own language. Since then, he began to walk in faith and is currently a leader in the Capernaum ministry, where he accompanies deaf youth and college students.
John is taking his first steps in college. He is studying Performing Arts at the Pontificia Universidad CatĂłlica del PerĂş in Lima. He is the first in his family to have access to higher education, which fills him with pride and motivates him to be an example for other deaf youth. At Young Life, he hopes to continue to grow as a leader and create accessible spaces for more teens with disabilities to encounter Jesus and realize their full 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
Igrew up in a loving and close family. My parents worked hard my mom was a teacher at my school, and my dad had a job at a local office. We lived in a rented house for nine years before moving into our own home, which was a very happy moment for us. Things got hard during the COVID-19 pandemic when my dad lost his job. But the hardest time came in 2024 when he passed away suddenly. It was a deep loss that changed everything for me.
During that painful time, I felt God’s presence in a new way. I had always known about Jesus, but now I truly met Him. He gave me comfort and strength when I needed it most. I started reading the Bible more, praying every day, and asking God to guide my life. Through Young Life, I found friends and leaders who helped me grow in faith and learn how to serve others. I began to see my faith not just as something I was taught, but as something real and personal.
Now I’m studying Computer Science through the Developing Global Leaders program. I want to use technology to help others and share the love of Jesus, especially with young people. My dream is to be a servant leader—someone who leads with kindness, listens well, and helps others feel seen and supported. I believe God can use my story and my skills to make a difference.
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
Igrew up with my parents and siblings, and I am the eldest child. From a young age, I helped my mother by selling plastic bowls to earn money for our family. Later, I sold sachet water at a busy traffic lane. During this time, my father was very sick and admitted to the hospital. We struggled to pay his medical bills, and my siblings and I even stopped school to save money. Sadly, we lost our mother during this difficult period. Despite the sorrow, I held on to hope.
My friends invited me to a Young Life camp, and I felt an instant connection with the people there. The games, dancing, and Bible teachings made me feel welcome and happy. Since then, I have attended every camp and grown closer to the Young Life community. Their support encouraged me to trust God and keep hope alive even when things were hard.
I am proud to be a Developing Global Leader and am studying Accounting at Accra Technical University. I will be the first in my family to attend college. My goal is to build a career in business so I can help others, especially the poor and needy who want to pursue education and improve their lives. I encourage my Young Life club members to serve with hope and passion because God always cares for His people. I am excited to grow in my faith and continue reaching young people in and beyond my community.
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
My name is Altanod and I live in Darkhan, Mongolia with my parents and a younger brother and younger sister. I grew up with my grandparents, separate from my parents. When I was teenager I felt alone, and I longed for my parents love and care. I began a life of bad choices.
At sixteen, I heard about Jesus at a Young Life Club. I felt God's love, which is the most important thing in my life. First, my friend invited me to a Club event, where many of my friends were involved. Then, I began to attend Campaigners and where I read the Bible for the first time. It seemed true and applicable for my life. After that, I decided to believe in Jesus Christ. God changed my life and my bad habits. Many of my friends have also changed because of Jesus!
As a Developing Global Leader, I will be attending University of the Humanities and studying education. After I graduate and finish this program, I want to become a Young Life staff because I want to share God's love to teenagers just like how I encountered Him.
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
My name is Georgtina and I live with my single mother and my seven siblings in Freetown, Sierra Leone. I am a triplet of three girls. We lost our dad due to the Ebola pandemic in 2015. Ever since, life has been very difficult for our mom as she was the only one caring for us. We dropped out of school to support our mom in our own little way through having a small business. Although it was not easy or what we wanted, we had to do it. We all desperately wanted one another to be educated and not disappoint our mom and our late dad’s hopes for us. We went through a lot of difficult moments growing up, but we thank God for keeping us safe.
I was born into a Muslim household that followed Allah without any questions until my older sister received Christ and become a Christian. Our parents followed in the faith. Ever since my life has not been the same because Jesus is at the center of it now. I'm an ordained minister of the Gospel in my church.
Now a Developing Global Leader, I am combining my gifts and passions and pursuing a degree in graphic design and video editing at Milton Margai Technical University. My greatest strength is my ability to motivate and help the younger generation by bringing out the best in them. My vision is to remain actively involved in the next generation through Young Life and give counsel and help as they identify their own talents.
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
Ilive in northern Africa and I come from a humble background. My name, Nahla, has been changed for my security. The loss of my mother at a young age left me grappling with loneliness and emotional turmoil and I turned to negative influences and engaged in unhealthy behaviors. However, a transformative encounter with Jesus changed my life.
I met Jesus two years ago when some young people came to the place where I study and became my friends. They invited me to a meal where I discovered that they are Christians. They shared with me about Jesus; I loved how they respected each other and how they accepted me. One of them was a Young Life volunteer leader and we started reading the Bible together. She asked me if I want to know the truth and I said yes. At first, I was uncertain of what this could mean, but as I read God’s word, a series of events confirmed to my heart that truth and life was found in Jesus – I decided to give my life to Jesus and follow Him. I embarked on a journey of selfdiscovery and growth, shedding my past and embracing a life centered around belief.
Now as a Developing Global Leader, I am studying hospitality and tourism at a local university and I am seeking sponsorship to overcome financial obstacles and fulfill my dreams. Through faith and resilience, I hope to create a brighter future for myself and impact the lives of others. My vision is to help bring transformation into the lives of the girls in my community.
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
My name is Miguel, I live in the north of Argentina in Chaco. I grew up under the care of my mother, she raised my two sisters and me. During my childhood it pained me to see how everyone else had their father and I did not. I struggled with many difficulties throughout my childhood and because of our great needs, I worked and went to school at the same time. During adolescence, I went out on weekends and drank alcohol.
During my early twenties, I repeatedly tried to take my own life. On one of those days that I didn't want to go on living, I remembered a guy who always talked to me about church and how God had transformed his mom's life. I decided to give myself one last chance in life. When I attended church, my mind had so many bad thoughts that I could not listen to the sermon, but when I went to the altar, I asked God to help me because I could not take it anymore. At that moment I felt an immense peace, a total security that embraced me. After that, I was introduced to Young Life and through my involvement, God put new friends in my life.
Now, through the Developing Global Leaders program, I am in my first year of medical school, specializing in surgical instruments. I dream of working in the healthcare field through my profession and continuing to make disciples and work as a team with others.
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
Suzana spent her childhood in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with both of her parents until her father passed away. Despite living in a neighborhood that felt like family, they faced financial hardship and social disputes. Without spiritual guidance, Suzana struggled to find meaning in her life. There were voids in her heart, leaving her perplexed about her future. In a region with economic disparity and limited resources, it proved challenging to envision a brighter tomorrow.
One evening, while watching a movie, Suzana experienced more than just entertainment. During the movie "The Passion of the Christ," she felt she finally could “see” Jesus as a real person and desired a relationship with Him. Despite having grown up attending church, the movie was what motivated her to explore her faith further. She began participating in her local Young Life group, discovering a community willing to support her spiritual journey. She now serves on her Young Life team and recognizes that God has given her the gift of leadership. She hopes to guide others in their journey towards Christ.
As a Developing Global Leader, Suzana attends Merryland College in Addis Ababa, where she seeks a degree in education. She hopes to care for her mother and be a source of joy to her students and all those she encounters. Suzana will continue volunteering in the mission of Young Life and can see herself going on staff. Her degree in education, coupled with her passion for the youth in her area, will equip her to share 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
My name is Olga and I was born in eastern Ukraine. My childhood was happy, but in 2014, war broke out not far from our town. Our family stayed there for five years to serve in the church but after a while we moved to a town near the capital of Ukraine. It was a stressful time, as I faced loneliness, lack of friends, and bullying at my new school. However, we found a church in the new place where I heard about God. One evening I realized that I needed God and that He is the One who loves me.
In 2022 a war broke out again and we had to flee. After some time, when I returned to my city, I began to actively serve and help the church by helping at youth meetings. At Young Life camp, I realized that this is a very good way to talk to teenagers about God and shortly after camp, we began Young Life in our city. I have made wonderful new friends with whom we do Young Life together, and I can be the same good friend I was missing to the teenagers in my city.
Now as a Developing Global Leaders, I study at the Kyiv Metropolitan University, majoring in logopedics. This specialty will help me teach people how to pronounce words correctly. In Ukraine, because of the war, many people have suffered mental injuries and are impaired, I want people to be able to speak well and enjoy it. I am serving as an administrator and leader in our area, and I believe that as a DGL student I will grow as a Young Life leader and tell even more teenagers about Christ.
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
My name is Lavinia and I grew up in Lisbon. My parents worked hard to provide a better life for my sister and me than they had experienced growing up. Life wasn't always easy though. I spent a lot of time at my aunt and uncle's house while my parents worked, and that period was tough for me. Despite the challenges, my family is incredibly close-knit and always manages to find humor in life's ups and downs, facing everything together.
I grew up in the church and always believed in God but my faith was somewhat distant. It felt like I was looking at God from afar, not fully realizing that He was also looking at me. My relationship with Christ deepened when I encountered Young Life. One of the leaders invited me to a surf camp. It was there that I truly felt Christ's presence and began to understand the personal nature of His love for me. That experience led me to become a leader for young people so I could help guide others toward the same discovery.
Now I'm pursuing a degree in education to hopefully become a teacher. My main goal is to pursue an education that enables me to help others, no matter where I find myself. I want to use my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on people's lives, showing them Christ's love through my actions and words. By serving others, I hope to reflect the kindness and care that I have received in my own life, continuing the legacy of support and faith that my parents have instilled in me. 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
