Emmanuel

My name is Emmanuel. I live in Kamembe, Rwanda. My childhood had many challenges; my parents died when I was young, and I was separated from my brothers and sisters. From a young age, I had to navigate the world on my own without parental guidance. I lived with strangers and worked as a maid to earn school fees. While my classmates went home to their families, I returned anxious and alone to an empty house. I finally found love, hope, peace, redemption and direction in Jesus. I am no longer defined by the absence of my parents or the struggles of my past.
I chose to follow Jesus after a close friend shared their own faith journey with me. I started going to church and learned more about Him and His Love for me. I knew I wanted a relationship with Christ, so I prayed and asked Him to come into my life. From that moment, everything changed. I attended church regularly, going to youth group, on mission trips and Bible studies. A friend then told me about Young Life. This community changed my life even more. I found friends and mentors who became my family and genuinely cared for me, guiding me with wisdom and compassion. With my faith in Jesus and support of my Young Life family, I have found the strength to persevere each day. I am now a club leader too.
As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying theology and Christian ministry at Kibogora Polytechnic University in the Nyamasheke district of Rwanda. I want to become a preacher and I will be the first person in my family to graduate from university.