Noella

Noella is from Bukavu, a town in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the second largest country in Africa, DRC has a diverse population of more than two hundred ethnic groups and languages. She is one of eighteen children and shares, “I am not recognized in the family because I was born at the age where my mother should no longer get pregnant.” The majority of her family rejected her and her father refused to provide for her or her education. During her early adolescence, Noella found that her “only desire was to leave this world.” She felt both burdensome and unwanted.

Gratefully, she had others step into her life. With the aid of an older brother and her local Young Life area director, Noella was cared for and encouraged to finish her final years of high school. In that season of life, she was introduced and began a relationship with Jesus. She now serves as a women’s advocacy representative and volunteers with her local Young Life. “I saw the presence of God through my area director, and that's when I told myself that God has a plan for me. I decided to remain faithful to Jesus and follow his steps.”

As a Developing Global Leader, Noella will be the first to achieve a college degree in her family. She will earn her medical degree from the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques. Her mission is to advocate for those who are sick and to share the good news of Jesus with others.