Roger

Roger lives alone in Muyinga, an east African city in Burundi, one of the world’s poorest nations. He has not heard or spoken to his father and brother in over ten years, and his mother and sister, while alive, are absent from his life as well. Growing up, Roger struggled to find both food and shelter. He quit school and traveled to Rwanda to find a job in hopes of a better life. It was far more difficult than he expected. He was eventually forced to return to Burundi. There, life looked bleak and hopeless. It wasn’t until a Young Life leader intervened on his behalf that life seemed to regain purpose. Roger no longer felt isolated and alone.

Through his leader’s heartfelt generosity, Roger was taken in and given shelter and food at no cost. This allowed him the freedom to re-enroll in school and complete his high school education. Roger is grateful for his friend’s intervention and is certain he “will never forget the mercies.” During this season of life, Roger began attending Young Life clubs. He says, “Club gave me the reason to smile again, and it wiped away all tears and sorrows of my missing family.” His faith in Jesus grew, and he began a relationship with his heavenly Father. Today, Roger joyfully plays an active role in his local Muyinga Young Life.

As a Developing Global Leader, Roger will attend the East African Leadership Institute in Muyinga and earn a degree in economics. He aspires to be the first college graduate in his family and pursue a career in banking. Roger has a passion for training leaders and introducing others to Jesus. He hopes to be an example to others “to work hard because the country of tomorrow is theirs.”