Palesa

My name is Palesa, and I grew up in Bloemfontein, South Africa, with my grandparents and siblings. My early years were marked by challenges, including my father's rejection of me and the trauma of being sexually assaulted. These experiences led to significant emotional struggles, including anger, hatred, and suicidal thoughts, affecting every aspect of my life. The pain was compounded by the feeling of abandonment and lack of support. I coped by simply ignoring the fact that I was hurting. Despite growing up in a church-going family, it wasn’t until I moved to Johannesburg that my life took a significant turn for the better. I was introduced to Young Life. There, I discovered the healing found in a relationship with my Heavenly Father. I was told He accepts me and loves me more than I can imagine, just as I am. Embracing Christ, I found healing and began to forgive those who had hurt me, including myself. I am blessed to serve as a Young Life team leader. I am privileged to spend time with the youth in our community while sharing God’s love for them. As a Developing Global Leader, I am pursuing a degree in media and communications from Mopani TVET College in Limpopo. I will be the first in my family to graduate college. I am determined to improve my life and those in my community. I have witnessed the power of shared stories and meaningful relationships. Communication is key in bringing light into the darkness. I am committed to growing as a Young Life leader and guiding others in their faith. Ultimately, I want to be a source of hope and light for all I encounter.