Jordan

My name is Jordan, I live in Bangor, Northern Ireland with my mum and two younger siblings. The four of us are very close having endured years of a turbulent and toxic household due to my dad's struggles with addiction, infidelity and mental health issues. Deciding to flee our no-longer safe home, we have learned not only to survive but truly to thrive through the rediscovery of joy and safety. However, such rejection from by earthly father resulted in a deep misunderstanding of my worth and ability to be loved.

At age fifteen, I was invited to Young Life at a local church. Having previously only heard Bible stories in school, now for the first time, I was introduced to who Jesus really was. This began an amazing journey of restoration in my understanding of what love is and especially what a father should be. I began to lean into my heavenly father and all he had planned for me, plans I had never imagined possible throughout my childhood. I have now been a part of Young Life for many years and see so much of Jesus in the kids I serve and the leaders I serve alongside.

I believe God is calling me into work that focusses on women's refuge and rehabilitation especially because of the support my family received during our time of hardship. I pray that both my education in psychology at Ulster University Coleraine and continued leadership role within Young Life will equip me with understanding and compassion required for the work I feel so called to do. I will be the first in my family to graduate from university.