Rayen Michelle

Rayen lives in the city of Rancagua, Chile with her family. Rayen's childhood memories are not very happy. As a child, she suffered domestic violence and economic problems. Always trying to help, Rayen remembers that to meet her basic needs, she sold cookies and chocolates at school to help buy food to have at home. Rayen grew up in a Christian family, but because of the difficulties she experienced as a child, doubts were born in her heart about God, as she did not understand why she had to go through such tragic situations.

Young Life became a part of her life in high school when a friend invited her to a summer camp. Rayen tells us that when she went to camp, "I never thought I would meet such wonderful people, especially my cabin leader who was willing to answer all my questions about God. She helped me to heal wounds from the past". In the fifteen minutes alone with God, Rayen had her first encounter with God. "That time alone with God helped me understand that maybe I had to go through those sad moments in my childhood in order to help others." From that day on, Rayen felt that something had changed inside her. Her relationship with God began to grow along with the need to tell others about God and what He had done in her. In her own words, Rayen says, "Thanks to Young Life, I was able to understand that God is a God of love, a father who loves without fear."

Rayen is currently studying occupational therapy at the Autonomous University of Chile. Her love for serving others led her to choose this profession. Once she graduates, she wants to help rehabilitate children and youth. Rayen imagines herself serving many more years in Young Life because her desire is to see that "each person can have their own encounter with God."