Benard

My name is Benard and my friends call me Dan. I live with my brother in Githurai, a densely populated urban area of Kenya. My greatest life challenge has been losing both of my parents at a young age. Growing up without parental care and love was hard. I had to drop out of school because no one could pay the fees, and we were locked out of our house many times when we could not pay our rent on time. One rainy evening, when we were locked out of our home, a neighbor came and took us in. He then helped with my school fees. I know that God sent him to us.

I gave my life to Christ at Young Life camp. The stories shared at camp made me realize how God loves and cares for us despite the challenges that we go through in life. I am now a team leader for Young Life in my neighborhood and am passionate about sharing God’s love with teens. This ministry has given me purpose in life and a way to serve my community. I also attend church where my faith is fostered and encouraged.

As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying engineering and computer science, with a focus on information technology, at Zetech University in Ruiru, Kenya. I have always been a “go-getter", going after what I want and immediately setting my mind to a task. I hope to further develop my gifts and use them to be effective both in ministry and my career. I will be the first person in my family to graduate from university.