Audrey

My name is Audrey and all my friends call me Yolanda. I am the fourth of five daughters in my family and live in Lilongwe, Malawi, with both of my parents. I grew up in an extended family where we live with my aunties, cousins, grandparents and other relations. Growing up was very difficult; I sometimes lacked having my basic physical needs met, and encountered emotional and spiritual struggles as well. I endured harsh abuse from my father, and I felt lost and empty on the inside. I faced even more adversity when I chose to follow Christ and was persecuted by my father who didn’t understand my choice or how studying theology could benefit the family. Through much prayer, God brought me through and softened my father's heart, allowing me to pursue this course and be active in ministry. By the grace of God, I am slowly learning to overcome the pain of these trials.

As a young teenager, I met Christ at a Christian camp that my friends had to persuade me to attend. Little did I know I would hear a message of hope that would change everything for me. I later connected to Young Life and slowly got involved, now serving as a team leader in my community.

As a Developing Global Leader, I would like to become a full-time minister of the gospel mainly targeting youth. I feel there is a gap that I have been called to fill in the youth ministry; I would like to change the trajectory of families, churches, communities, and individuals in our country. I am so hopeful that earning my theology and Christian ministry degree at the African Bible College will be a springboard to reaching countless teens with the Gospel.