Messay Degusew* – Ethiopia

Area Director

Messay grew up in a single parent home with seven siblings after his father divorced his mother and abandoned the family. He had the opportunity to meet Jesus in high school at a Young Life camp. Going home proved to be difficult, as his family is Orthodox Christian and did not approve of Young Life, a common occurrence in Ethiopia. He was close to his leader, who brought him to Discipleship Camp. Messay was a volunteer leader for five years and started two clubs!

He then went to work for the Ethiopian Young Leaders, a government organization located in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Messay was offered a position on Young Life staff in 2014; however, immediately after he met with his regional director he was put in prison for 16 months. Messay knew he was wrongfully imprisoned and struggled during this time. The Lord met him there, and he has since been able to forgive those who put him in prison. God used him to bring many prisoners to Christ during his time there.

Messay has an incredible amount of joy, love, and grace for others. He currently serves as Area Director in Debre Birhan, a city about 120 km northeast of Addis Ababa.

*Sponsorship opportunity available