Vlad

Vlad is a charismatic and responsible young man from a large city in southwestern Russia. As a child, there were no real difficulties other than a very modest but joyful upbringing. Vlad recalls that he was often left home alone while his parents worked and his two much older siblings were grown and out of the house which contributed greatly to his independent nature.

Vlad grew up knowing Jesus and loving Him. Both of his siblings were involved in Young Life and invited him to attend throughout his teenage years. The biggest test in Vlad’s life during high school was the choice between how he wanted to live and how God wanted him to live. He shares that he gave up on "spiritual" personal growth for the relationships with peers, even when it meant he made compromises in his actions. “I really wanted to hang out with the unbelieving guys by their rules. And at the peak of this kind of apostasy, my parents helped me to overcome this test and helped me formulate a choice - am I with God or not.” Vlad is currently a Young Life leader walking similar paths with teens in his area, committed to sharing with them about the unconditional love and grace of God.

Now Vlad is studying to be a teacher at the local university. As a Developing Global Leader, Vlad wants to help people, both through his future work as a teacher and in his ministry with Young Life Capernaum. Vlad is passionate about running camps for kids with special needs. Vlad is cultivating a habit of looking everywhere for the providence of God and grateful to bring teens in his community along with him on the journey.