Fortuner

Fortuner is a remarkable university student hailing from Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. When Fortuner gave his life to Christ at age thirteen, it awakened a hunger and passion for reaching others with the good news. Joining Young Life helped him acquire the social skills he needed to reach others with the Gospel. Fortuner recalls being very shy before becoming a leader, and now he serves in a thriving ministry in his neighborhood. His refined social skills not only have served him in ministry but in his family life as well. At eighteen, he had to step in and take care of his family after his father was wrongfully imprisoned. This not only meant that Fortuner had to step in as a breadwinner, but it also caused him to put his dreams of a college education on pause. “My father's unjust arrest made me a strong and reasonable man of prayer which contributed to being is who I am today. Even though the situation destroyed me,” shared Fortuner, “I had to pick myself up to provide for my family.”

Fortuner’s journey has demonstrated a great spirit of resilience and leadership. Being part of Young Life’s Developing Global Leaders scholarship program gives Fortuner the opportunity to be the first in his family to go to university. As he looks to the future, Fortuner is excited to begin the journey of becoming a construction engineer after accomplishing his dream to graduate from university. He hopes to establish his own construction company that will help him empower and provide employment opportunities for other young people in his community.