Year of your life : Changed forever
Over the past 30 years YOYL has seen more than 1500 students, from over 27 nations, and 81 people groups experience this change. The shared journey that all YOYL students go on creates an environment where deep, lifelong friendships are formed.
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2026
Micaela
USA
This year, I’ve learnt so much about who I am and have grown in confidence like never before. God has gently revealed my true identity and reminded me of my worth in Him. I’ve discovered strengths I never knew I had and learnt to see myself through His eyes. It’s been a truly incredible and transformative year, filled with growth, joy, and healing. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve experienced and I don’t regret a single moment of it.
Maddy
South Africa
This year has been both challenging and deeply rewarding as God revealed His voice to me more clearly than ever before. Through His agape love, He lifted me out of dark places of unforgiveness, depression, and distrust, showing me the power of His unconditional love. In moments of broken trust and pain, the Lord restored what felt beyond repair and reminded me that His plans are to give me hope and a future. He surrounded me with loving friends and mentors who encouraged me through every trial. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that God sees you, hears you, and is always ready to speak life into your darkness—if you’re willing to listen.
Yong Wan
South Korea
Honesty has always been the motto of my life—something my father instilled deeply in me. I used to carry a lot of pride and often mistook it for honesty, using bluntness as a way to protect myself and fight against the world. I thought I was being truthful, but in reality, I was hiding behind my pride and avoiding true vulnerability. This year at YOYL, God gently revealed how much I had been pretending, especially with myself and with Him. Through His grace, I’ve learnt that real honesty starts with humility and surrender. I’m thinking differently now, and I can truly say this year has changed my life for the better.
Lorika
Namibia
This has truly been the year of my life where God has revealed Himself to me so clearly through the love, patience, and kindness of others. Before coming to YOYL, I remember looking at myself in the mirror and feeling disappointed, broken, and unsure of who I was. I didn’t recognise the person staring back at me, and I struggled to see any value or purpose in myself. But through this journey, God has gently healed my heart and restored my identity in Him. He’s used people, moments, and challenges to show me who I really am in His eyes. Now, as I leave YOYL, I can look in the mirror and truly love the person God has shaped me to be.
Karabo
Botswana
Before joining YOYL, I was a very broken and deeply sad person, unsure of who I was or where I was going in life. I often felt lost, empty, and without a sense of purpose. But through this journey, God has completely transformed my heart and renewed my hope. He’s taught me that my life is not my own, but fully belongs to Him. I’ve discovered the beauty of walking in His purpose and trusting His plan for my life. Now I know that the best person I can ever be is the person God created me to be.
William
Tanzania
This year has been a journey of awakening and transformation for me. After years of struggling to complete my studies and battling self-doubt, God has remained my constant—faithfully opening doors and showing me grace. When my father survived a near-fatal plane accident, it shook me deeply and made me realise how unprepared I was for life, but also how much I needed God’s direction. Through YOYL, I found a safe space to lay down my fears, rediscover my confidence, and experience the Lord’s presence like never before. Psalm 34:8 has come alive for me—truly, I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, and I can’t wait to give Him my all.
Dominic
South Africa | Portugal
At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about coming to YOYL, but I eventually realised it would be a great opportunity to grow spiritually and deepen my relationship with God. I didn’t come with specific expectations—just a desire to connect with Him and meet other believers. One Sunday, while sitting alone in church and missing home, I prayed and felt an overwhelming peace that I knew could only come from God. Throughout the year, He’s guided me, especially during outreach, teaching me and showing me where I needed to grow. I’m so grateful to Justin for his guidance, and to Schalk and Vida for welcoming me even near the end of the year—YOYL has truly helped me grow into a stronger follower of Christ.
Jeisson
Mozambique
Being a leader at Year of Your Life has been one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences of my life. I’ve witnessed God move powerfully—changing lives, restoring faith, and drawing young people closer to Him. This year has stretched my faith and taught me that true leadership isn’t about having it all together, but about trusting God daily. Through every challenge, He has shaped me with humility, patience, and a deeper love for serving others. I’m grateful for how He’s worked not only in the group but also within me.
Onaleorna
South Africa
Joining Year of Your Life was never part of my plan — it was part of God’s. This year, I came to know Him not as a story I was told, but as a Father I have come to love, trust, and walk with daily. I saw His faithfulness in community, in healing, and in every moment where silence turned into worship. Through the challenges, God built more than I ever asked for — He built faith, strength, and a deeper love for Him. Looking back, I can truly say this year changed me, rooted me in grace, and reminded me that God has been so, so good to me.
Palesa
South Africa
My journey at Year of Your Life has been a truly beautiful and transformative experience. When I arrived not knowing what to expect, I quickly realised that every moment was part of God’s perfect plan. Through learning to forgive, to let go, and to seek Him first, I discovered that the emptiness I once felt was simply the absence of God in my life. Now, my days are filled with peace, purpose, and faith — trusting that even when things get difficult, God is always with me. I am deeply grateful for the people I have met, the lessons I’ve learned, and for my mom who brought me here, because this year has truly changed my life.
Ipalo
Zambia
Tsungi
Zimbabwe
Before YOYL, I thought my lukewarm faith was simply a lack of discipline, and that I needed to “lock in” to be consistent with God. But God revealed a deeper truth: my heart was often focused on my own needs rather than doing His will, turning back to the world in search of empty promises. I realized I had misunderstood His blessings as conditional, thinking I had to give something in exchange to receive His goodness. Through this season, God has shown me that His provision is sovereign, His grace unconditional, and His plans always for my good. Now I see Him not as someone to appease or bargain with, but as a faithful Father who knows, provides, and works all things together for my life.