Philemon

Philemon, a persevering and hard-working man remembers his childhood in Kigali, Rwanda as a happy time where he and his brother felt secure. However, everything changed with the sudden passing of his mother, the “only breadwinner and the backbone of the family.” A new chapter of struggle began; Philemon’s brother left the country for work, his father remained unemployed, and he was left without funds to complete school and eventually, lived on his own. Philemon felt he had nowhere to turn for help.

Shortly after his mother’s death, Philemon gave his life to Christ during a message in church. The lessons he had heard in Young Life club finally connected in his heart and he knew he no longer wanted to walk alone, trying to find his own way. Supported by his Young Life leader and other well-wishers, Philemon completed school and saw God’s provision every step of the journey. He eventually became a Young Life team leader in his neighborhood and is passionate about pursuing teens and training new leaders.

Now a Developing Global Leader, God has provided once more a path to fulfill his dream of earning a university degree. Studying hotel management and tourism, Philemon attends the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies. Philemon shares, “my vision is to be a more confident and equipped leader who brings more kids to Christ. I want to reunite my family again and work hard to develop my career, trusting in God to provide the way.” Philemon will be the first in his family to graduate from university.