Suzana

Suzana spent her childhood in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with both of her parents until her father passed away. Despite living in a neighborhood that felt like family, they faced financial hardship and social disputes. Without spiritual guidance, Suzana struggled to find meaning in her life. There were voids in her heart, leaving her perplexed about her future. In a region with economic disparity and limited resources, it proved challenging to envision a brighter tomorrow.

One evening, while watching a movie, Suzana experienced more than just entertainment. During the movie "The Passion of the Christ," she felt she finally could “see” Jesus as a real person and desired a relationship with Him. Despite having grown up attending church, the movie was what motivated her to explore her faith further. She began participating in her local Young Life group, discovering a community willing to support her spiritual journey. She now serves on her Young Life team and recognizes that God has given her the gift of leadership. She hopes to guide others in their journey towards Christ.

As a Developing Global Leader, Suzana attends Merryland College in Addis Ababa, where she seeks a degree in education. She hopes to care for her mother and be a source of joy to her students and all those she encounters. Suzana will continue volunteering in the mission of Young Life and can see herself going on staff. Her degree in education, coupled with her passion for the youth in her area, will equip her to share the love of Jesus.