Firehiwot

I am Firehiwot Mekuriya, usually called Fre. I live with my mother and three siblings in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. My dad and my older brother passed away in my childhood. As a child I was very shy and struggled to connect with others. Growing up with no father hurt and discouraged me, but as I grew in my relationship with God. He healed my heart, helped me understand my true identity and worth in Him, and gave me peace despite my losses.

I grew up in a Christian family and loved going to church, my personal relationship with Jesus began in sixth grade when I chose to seek Him through prayer and His Word. A major catalyst for my growth was Young Life, which my sister introduced me to. After meeting our Area Leader, Behailu, and completing training, I began serving and have now served for 9 years as a leader and currently as a Team Leader for High School, WyldLife, and Girls Ministry. 

With the Developing Global Leaders scholarship, I will be the first in my family to attend university and plan to study Marketing Management at Admas University. My future goal is to grow academically, professionally, and as a leader in ministry to serve God and others more effectively especially in women’s ministry. I hope my degree will open opportunities to become a Marketing Manager who works with excellence, integrity, and compassion.