Michael

I grew up in a village as the only boy among seven sisters. My parents were farmers, and since my father was retired by the time I was born, we all worked together in the fields. I was very close to my mother and felt specially treated as the only son. At around age 11 or 12, I moved to town to live with my aunt, who was raising several other children from different families. Later, I stayed with my sister and her husband until I completed high school. In 2020, I reunited with my parents after the crisis forced us to leave our home. Growing up, we faced financial challenges, but my parents did their best to provide. Because of that, I had to move between homes to ease the burden on them.

I first encountered Christ in 2011 while living with my aunt, a devoted Christian. She encouraged everyone in the house to live by godly values, and I began attending Sunday school. That’s when I started reading the Bible and learning what it meant to follow Jesus. In 2013, I decided to be baptized and begin a serious walk with Christ. I later connected with Young Life through small jobs I did with the Young Life country director—we painted houses together and talked often about ministry. That’s how I learned more about Young Life’s mission and joined in.

As a Developing Global Leader, I am attending ICT University, studying cyber security. I hope to graduate with good grades, get a stable job, and one day support a family of my own. Most importantly, I want to keep serving with Young Life, helping others know Christ. I am ready to serve wherever God leads me.