Ruth

My name is Ruth and I live outside of Belfast, Northern Ireland, on my family farm with my parents, and my older brother and sister. I was blessed to grow up surrounded by a family who loved and provided for me in any way they could. However, when I became a teenager, things that had been a constant in my life, that I had built my identity on, began to fall away. My family entered a time of brokenness that I could no longer hide from. I felt alone and as if I didn’t belong anywhere. Not wanting to be a burden, I put on a front that I could do it alone even though I was continually searching for somewhere to run for strength.

Growing up in a Christian family meant that I always knew of Jesus, but it wasn't until I went to Young Life camp that Jesus was introduced to me in such a compelling way. I learned He was One who knows me and sees me exactly where I am and loves me anyway, a God who wants to build a relationship with me, and a God who invites me into His family as His child. While realizing these truths, I found a place to run and belonging.

As a Developing Global Leader, I am studying business economics at Queens University Belfast. As a Young Life leader, I commit to walking alongside the teens I get to meet so that through me, they can know Christ and start their own relationship with Him and be encouraged and strengthened in their faith journey.