Munyerenkana

My name is Munyerenkana. I live in Bukavu, a town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with my two parents and siblings. The biggest challenge I faced growing up was staying out of trouble. Growing up in a slum is never easy. There are far too many challenges – violence, poverty, poor living conditions, and temptations. When you are young, you see and hear things you shouldn't see or hear, which sometimes corrupts the spirit. I felt like I was fighting for my morality every day.

Gratefully, I have grown up attending church. Even with ten siblings, my parent's faith is a priority for their family. My personal relationship with Jesus began after I attended Young Life. There, I realized faith is less about where you are each Sunday and more about the condition of your heart. I felt a calling to serve the youth in our community and to share with them the unconditional love of Jesus. I wanted them to understand that, in this world, we are worth more than the mistakes we make. We can want and do better for those around us.

As a Developing Global Leader, I will study science and medicine at the Evangelical University in Africa. My goal is to teach at the university level. I believe I would be a good mentor to students and help others achieve their goals. I have always enjoyed the science behind healthcare and teaching others. I feel a position in higher education would combine those passions and help care for my family. Ultimately, I want to point others to Jesus so they may know Him as their Lord and Savior.