Yolas

Yolas is a magnetic and creative young leader from Kauma, an under-resourced village in Malawi where people live in severe poverty and the area has been ransacked by illness. One of eight children, Yolas lost his mother at age eighteen. Although greatly impacted by this loss, the family persevered until their father, the sole breadwinner, fell ill and died a few years later. Life became even more difficult for Yolas as he took on all family responsibilities as well as caring for his orphaned younger siblings. Yolas shared, “I thank God for not letting me give up on everything, including my family. I also thank God for his protection and sustaining my family.”

A Young Life leader invited Yolas to attend Young Life summer camp around the same time his mother passed away. He heard the gospel and received it with joy and by the end of the camp, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Yolas went on to become a team leader in his community and is committed to reaching out to young men in his area. He has overcome many personal struggles and continues to see his leadership gifts grow as he steps out of his comfort zone, relying on the Lord for courage.

Now a Developing Global Leader, his goals are to excel in his classes and keep serving young men and women in his area as he steps into new ministry and leadership roles. He will become the first in his family to graduate from university.