Eugene

My name is Eugene but I go by Jeka. I was raised in Khmelnytskyi, a large city in western Ukraine. My childhood was active and full, and as a child, I had a strong work ethic and started working to earn money. I live with my dad and younger brother; my mother lives and works in another country to earn money to support my brother and I. My dad has an alcohol addiction and a heavy hand with my mom, which led to their divorce. My mother and I have a very close relationship so her absence has largely affected my life.

From early childhood, my mother told me that God exists and loves me. But considering all my life circumstances, it was difficult for me to believe that a loving God would allow these things to happen. As a teenager, I met a Young Life leader and was impacted by his attitude towards me; he was eager to share his attention and care. Later, we went to camp and I met Jesus, I asked Him for forgiveness and accepted Him into my life. I began to build a relationship with Jesus and actively participate in the ministry. I have realized that it is my mission to reach kids and now I want to grow in it.

As a Developing Global Leaders scholarship recipient, I am pursuing a degree in physical and occupational therapy. Studying at the local university gives me an opportunity to be an example, it’s a great chance to spread the gospel in the student community. After graduation, I will follow my profession and be a masseur first, with the hopes of opening up my own rehabilitation center which will be a service of help to people in need.