Peace

My name is Peace, and I live in Blantyre, Malawi, with two of my closest friends. Like many Africans, I grew up in a religious household where attending church was non-negotiable. However, my faith became entangled with fear– I believed God's love was conditional, based on things I did like prayer and church attendance. When I was fourteen, my world turned upside down when my mom woke my brother and me and told us she was leaving and would never return because she had accrued significant debts that she couldn't repay. Watching my mother walk away and our belongings being seized shook my faith and distorted my view of God.

After struggling with my faith, then COVID-19 and the restrictions, it felt like the ultimate abandonment from God, especially as we still had major financial hardships. During this dark period, I met my close friends, and they introduced me to a community that welcomed and supported me. Through them, I felt God's love for the first time—a profound love that defied explanation. I longed to experience it fully and share it with others, which I now do as a Young Life leader. This opportunity led me to open myself to Christ working within me. I began to pursue a relationship with Him without the burden of feeling unloved for not meeting certain expectations.

As a Developing Global Leader, I attend Malawi College of Accountancy and will earn a degree in business management. I aim to be the first college graduate in my family. I hope my graduation will break the barriers our family has faced and open doors for future generations.