Meagla

My name is Meagla, and I live with my family in a rural area of South Asia on a church plot that we share with my uncle. Growing up, I loved to play hide and seek and enjoyed attending our local church services. At age fifteen, I developed a severe infection in my hands and the only way to remedy it was through a costly operation. My family is one of humble means, and this caused us much stress. My father, a carpenter, had to seek out a loan, which was a hardship. By the grace of God, the surgery was successful, and I could retain the function of my hands.

Although I attended church and Sunday School every week, I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. I was there in body only; I felt no connection with my heart. One day, a friend invited me to Young Life, and everything changed. Suddenly, I could feel the joy others had by having a personal relationship with Jesus. Life became more meaningful and purpose driven. I knew that I wanted to share the Gospel with others so they would have the peace of knowing their Heavenly Father. Today, I serve in my church and our local Young Life. Discipleship and serving others has brought me immense joy.

As a Developing Global Leader, I will attend a local university and be the first college graduate in my family. I am earning a business management degree and hope to work in the banking industry. Witnessing firsthand the struggles of financial insecurity, I want to be a source of light and hope during hard times and share the good news of Jesus with others and continue to disciple the youth in my area.