Mansur

My name is Mansur and I grew up in a large Muslim city in Central Asia with my parents and three siblings. My friend introduced me to the local Young Life Capernaum ministry. I was deeply impressed by the children with disabilities. I love children, and these children were so special that I fell in love with them immediately. I felt accepted by the team, and we quickly became friends. They shared the Gospel with me, and I accepted God, experiencing a peace like never before. I didn't know anything about Christianity, and at my first church experience, it felt so good to be there that I did not miss a single Sunday after that. My life changed radically; before, I was an aimless teenager with terrible behavior, but God opened my eyes and changed me completely.
When my parents found out about my faith, they immediately blamed God for all my troubles and morally repressed me, especially my mother who forced me to return to Islam. But Jesus was always by my side, assuring me as a friend when I prayed and cried out to Him. I am the only believer in my family, but I believe that one day my parents and relatives will accept Christ as their Savior!
Now, as a Developing Global Leader, I am studying languages at a university in a different city, and I hope to one day become a translator. I will be the first person in my family to graduate from university and I want to use my gifts and skills for the glory of God. I am especially interested in translating books from English into my native language. I continue to serve on the Young Life Capernaum team because I have a special love for the students and the ministry that has shaped me.