Introducing Louissa

In September, the well travelled Louissa joined us from Brighton, via Brazil, as a YFC One volunteer. She immediately gains the accolade of the teams best ballet dancer, not hard to achieve but she is rather talented. She told us a little about why she has taken a year out and a little bit about herself.

How did you become a Christian?

I grew up in a Christian family and have been going to Church for as long as I can remember.  I gave my life to Jesus when I was six years old and I went with my church to Spring Harvest. For me, being a Christian was part of growing up, and as I grew in age and maturity.  I also grew in my faith as I began to understand more about the world and more importantly about God, and what it was to be a follower of Jesus.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?
My parents have been a big influence on my life.  As a family, me, my parents and my brother have always been really close.  My parents are the ones who taught me my values and beliefs, and most importantly the ones who took me to church ever since I was born.  Their work as missionaries was partly what prompted me to make the decision to take this year out serving God.

What are the key life events that have shaped you?

When I was 13 years old, my family moved to Brazil, my mother’s home country, when my parents became missionaries with OM (Operation Mobilisation).  Living abroad was an amazing experience.  It was hard at times, and I took some time to adjust, but this experience had a really big impact on my life. Brazil is very different to the UK in so many ways, and I learned so much about culture and about the world through my time living abroad.

Why are you doing YFC One?

I am doing YFC One because I just wanted to take a year out serving God, before I start the next stage in my life.  This year is a big stepping stone in my life as move away from home and have a lot more independence and responsibilities.  I wanted to start off this next stage in my life by giving a year to God.  I have a heart for the young people of the UK as my home country, and want to help spread the word of God, and to be able to help the young people in Britain in whatever way I can.  The generation of today – one that I am a part of – are in need of knowing God’s love and I want to help change that, and for God to use me to help impact this generation.

What are you most excited about?

I am excited about seeing what God is going to do, both in my life, and in the lives of the young people I will be working with.

What are you nervous about?

Youth work is something that I don’t have much experience in, but I’m trusting in God to guide me as I embark on this adventure.

What do you want to see God do in your life?

I want God to guide me, both on a everyday basis as I work with young people this year, but also in regard to the rest of my life and the path he wants me to take in the future after my Gap year is over.