GBA23348 Before Soleya was born, her biological father abandoned her mother when he found out she was pregnant with Soleya and her twin brother. Her mother married her step-father, and she grew up in the Katogo slums in Gaba with her brother and half-siblings. Eventually, her mother and step-father separated. When her mother got connected to Africa Renewal, she began to attend church and accepted Christ as her savior. In this community, Soleya and her siblings had the chance to learn about God and grow in their faith too.

Soleya’s life has had many challenges, and through them, she has learned to deeply trust in the Lord. She was born with a heart defect, and the doctors anticipated that a transplant would be needed. As the time approached for a surgery, Soleya and her family prayed for God’s protection and provision. When she had her check-up, “My heart was whole again. God had himself carried out surgery on my heart.”

Being supported through Africa Renewal’s Child Development Program gave Soleya the opportunity to be discipled, to be surrounded by a faith community that cared for her and her family, and to receive an education all the way through secondary school (high school). She continues to love and serve children in the children’s ministry at Gaba Community Church and in our Early Childhood Program. She is already pouring into children’s lives based on the example that was set for her. Soleya is known as a prayer warrior who is always willing to intercede for others and can testify to the power of prayer in her own life.

After graduating from high school, she attended our Transformational Leadership Training at the beginning of 2023. Not only did Soleya take part in TLT as a participant in Group A this year, but she returned for the second session of TLT as a volunteer intern to help facilitate Group B. Soleya has been recognized at every level as a student who should continue to be equipped and is now eligible for a Next Generation Leadership Program sponsorship which would allow her to go to university and to continue developing as a Christ-like leader who will impact society.

In Soleya’s own words: “I have got a chance to discover and nurture my spiritual gifts, calling, and understanding the way God does things. The Lord is very faithful.”

Soleya’s life has had many challenges, and through them, she has learned to deeply trust in the Lord. She was born with a heart defect, and the doctors anticipated that a transplant would be needed. As the time approached for a surgery, Soleya and her family prayed for God’s protection and provision. When she had her check-up, “My heart was whole again. God had himself carried out surgery on my heart.”

Being supported through Africa Renewal’s Child Development Program gave Soleya the opportunity to be discipled, to be surrounded by a faith community that cared for her and her family, and to receive an education all the way through secondary school (high school). She continues to love and serve children in the children’s ministry at Gaba Community Church and Early Childhood program. She is already pouring into children the same the same example that was done for her. Soleya is known as a prayer warrior who is always willing to intercede for others and can testify to the power of prayer in her own life.

After graduating from high school, she attended our Transformational Leadership Training at the beginning of 2023. Not only did Soleya take part in TLT as a participant in Group A this year, but she returned for the second session of TLT as a volunteer intern to help facilitate Group B. Soleya has been recognized at every level as a student who should continue to be equipped and is now eligible for a Next Generation Leadership Program sponsorship which would allow her to go to university and to continue developing as a Christ-like leader who will impact society.

In Soleya’s own words: “I have got a chance to discover and nurture my spiritual gifts, calling, and understanding the way God does things. The Lord is very faithful.”