Juan Alexis

My name is Juan Alexis Molina. I live with my mother in Pueblo Nuevo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic. This neighborhood is characterized by the happiness of its people who almost always have reasons to celebrate. However, it is also one of the most corrupt neighborhoods in the city due to the many bars that are there, drug trafficking, prostitution, weapons sales, etc. I grew up seeing all the negative things going on there.

Living apart from my father was something very difficult. Consequently, I did not feel support from my mother either because she was overwhelmed due to many basic needs that could not be supplied. On many occasions she did not have a job, which sometimes caused food shortages, and even periodic loss of electricity. But despite all that, there were also positive things that marked my life, such as attending Bible school, where I began to hear about Jesus. Eventually, a Young Life leader invited me to camp where I made the decision to follow Jesus. I am committed to preaching the gospel to the youth in my neighborhood through service in Young Life.

Now, a part of the Developing Global Leaders program, I am pursuing a degree in clinical psychology because I consider myself a person who cares about others. I feel that I can help those who need professional help and do not have someone who can listen to them with the intention of helping them, and in this way, I hope to also continue to reach souls for Christ while serving in the ministry. I will be the first in my family to graduate from university.