Aline

My name is Aline, I grew up in a poor family in Muyinga, Burundi. I am grateful to have been raised by both of my parents. I was a typical girl, however, that struggled with comparing my life with others in my generation. I struggled with thinking I needed a new school uniform and trendy clothes. I did not go to church or want to hear about depending on God for what I needed. I persevered, eating once a day, owning one pair of shoes and wearing the same clothes the entire month.

When I was introduced to Young Life, I was in the same poor economic situation, and one of the leaders saw me and started to ask me about my life. It was the first time I could remember that someone was interested in my life. She gave me clothes and shoes and she used to take me home with her to eat. She told me about the gospel of Jesus; she shared that He is all I need. After one month of our friendship, she took me to a campaigner session where I started to believe that God had a plan for my life. She also helped me see my own suffering differently by taking me to the local hospital and opening my eyes to the suffering of those around me.

Now a Developing Global Leader, my vision is to reach more kids through contact work because that is where I first experienced my own healing. I am studying public health at Muyinga Islamic Institute and want to be a part of helping those who suffer. I will be the first in my family to graduate from university.