Haji

My name is Haji. I live in Jumbi, Zanzibar, with my brother; I am the fifth child out of nine siblings in my family. After my father died, my mother, who suffers from paralysis, went to live with my sister. The grief of loss and separation broke apart my family. Additionally, without the same financial support, I could not continue with my secondary education because we could not afford to pay the school fees. I started farming and doing street activities to help support my mother. I had no direction in my life. My first understanding of Jesus was that he was a prophet. However, now I believe that He is God and through Him everything is possible. I met and came to know Jesus through Young Life. My friend invited me to club, camp and then campaigners. I heard about the beautiful and powerful works of Jesus, and I decided to follow Him. I am now a team leader in our neighborhood club. I also joined one of the churches in my city and am looking forward to starting choir. As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying mechanical engineering at Machui College in the Machui district in Zanzibar. I will be the first person in my family to graduate from university. I want to become a mechanical engineer, specializing in car maintenance and repair. I also want to get a job that will help my family and community. My wish is for God to use me in serving Him and helping others get to know Him better.