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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
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
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
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 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
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
Tuvshinbayar was raised in a Christian household in Ulaanbaatar, the most populous city in Mongolia, with his parents and three siblings. As a child, he struggled with communication and shares he was “shy and felt he couldn’t speak … not having the self-confidence.” Unable to compose words, he stammered often and began isolating himself more and more. He remained fearful of others until his parents decided a move to a different town could be beneficial. Aware of having a fresh start, Tuvshinbayar began changing “little by little, becoming more open and courageous.” He considers his patience with others and measured responses as a gift.
Tuvshinbayar's life changed significantly when he became involved with Young Life and found a passion for sharing the teachings of Jesus. As a previously quiet individual, he now realizes he has a greater purpose. In a country where Christianity is the minority at less than 2%, Tuvshinbayer sees the importance of missionaries and organizations like Young Life in his community. Despite a history of religious suppression, Mongolia is witnessing a resurgence of faith. Tuvshinbayer believes that his compassionate and uplifting words will allow him to spread the message of Jesus. He currently serves as a Young Life leader in his community and feels a strong calling to continue inviting others to understand faith.
As a Developing Global Leader, Tuvshinbayer will earn a degree as a social worker and eventually hopes to join the staff of Young Life. With a degree, Tuvshinbayer will open up opportunities to care for the least of these in Ulaanbaatar and Mongolia abroad.
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
Thanks to your generosity, these DGL students are able to serve as Young Life leaders in their local communities while pursuing a university education – an opportunity most never thought possible.