Benedict

My name is Benedict. I live in Jacob Town, Liberia with my mom and dad and six siblings. My community is mostly Muslim. Peer pressure in my town is very high and most of my childhood friends are now addicted to drugs and alcohol. Life became especially difficult for my family when my father lost his job. He is older now and cannot work or search for jobs and cannot afford to send me to college. However, in the midst of these challenges, my parents taught us about Christ and the importance of loving and supporting each other.

I grew up going to church every Sunday. I accepted Christ at an early age, but things got personal when I got involved with some activities in my church and Young Life. I was a choir member, serving as the youth vice president and playing drums. I attended Young Life campaigners and ran clubs and other Christian activities. I also became a team leader with Young Life. I realized I needed God to do these things and to have God I had to know Him more deeply and personally. I now find my comfort in Him and His Word daily.

As a recipient of the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I am studying architectural engineering at Stella Maris Polytechnic University in Johnsonville, Liberia. My vision for my degree is to become an architect and own a company that will provide jobs for others in my country and help support my family and community. I have always loved to draw and design and am eager to use this passion in my career. I also want to continue leading in Young Life, making sure kids in my community meet Jesus and accept Him as their Lord and Savior.