Jan

My name is Jan. My friends call me Janek. I live in Gdańsk, Poland, in my family home with my parents. I grew up in a very religious family. We went to church and prayed every evening. However, I began to struggle with my faith in middle school and high school as I was around more non-believers who laughed at my belief in God. Because of the shame I felt from this, I stopped going to church. At that time, I lived my life recklessly and in rebellion against God, which almost led to my death. I was in a near fatal car accident during this time, but emerged from it whole and healthy. Shortly after, I realized God’s hand in saving me. This was the moment of my conversion in faith, when I made the decision to go back to God, believe in Him and follow Him.

I now regularly go to church. I also started going to Young Life in 2015. This has deepened my faith. I was invited to camp by my brother-in-law's mother, and it was the best week of my life. I am now a Young Life leader and regularly go to camps and help develop ministry in Gdańsk.

As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying education at the Academy of Physical Education and Sports in Gdańsk. I will be the first person in my family to graduate from university. I chose my degree to help me prepare for selection in the special forces. Since childhood, I have been interested and felt that it is my life’s mission to be in my country's military and stand up for the weak and defenseless.