Carlos David

My name is Carlos David. Currently, during the week I live in the city of Tunja, where my university is located, but on weekends I return to my home in the town of Duitama to be with my mom. My childhood in Colombia was deeply marked by my father’s abandonment and loneliness. I was raised by my grandparents and my mom, who had to travel constantly to support us. At age seven, following the tragic death of my grandparents, I had to live alone with my mom. Since she worked long hours from Monday through Saturday, I spent most of my time completely alone. Without internet access, I took refuge in books; this sparked a deep love of reading in me and raised profound questions about existence, which led me to adopt a skeptical stance toward God.

In 2022, my life took a transformative turn. One afternoon at school, I met the leaders of Young Life, who invited me to join the club they organized during recess. Later, I attended a camp, where I was able to experience Jesus in a real and personal way. From that moment on, Jesus became my best friend, filling the void I had felt for so long. Through Young Life, I found a clear purpose in serving others. I am currently a club director, lead Bible studies, and take young people to camps.

Now a Developing Global Leader,, I am beginning my bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences at the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia. My dream is to become a professor and researcher. Through this program, I hope to continue developing as a leader, help more young people in my city, and continue to grow in my relationship with God.