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“I was in the Canadian Army for almost 8 years, and during that time I had opportunity to travel with Youth For Christ to El Salvador on a Project Serve Mission Trip in 2012. It was only two weeks, during my vacation time in the summer. The trip completely changed my life, and I knew that God was calling me to be a missionary there someday. In February 2016 I finally left the military, and in July of that same year I went to El Salvador to serve as an international volunteer with the ENGAGE Program. My first term was 10 months, and it was one of the best years of my life. I fell in love with the country of El Salvador and missions. I was able to reach out to youth in schools, orphanage, communities, and churches. I led worship in so many diverse places and situations (I sing and play guitar), and I also taught English classes. I helped progress YFC in El Salvador and I had the opportunity to help other ministries as well. My term with ENGAGE finished in 2017, and I transitioned into official staff with YFC Canada, as a Long-Term Missionary. I now serve in El Salvador as the National Pioneer Coordinator. I have been an official missionary for just over a year, and I love it. It has many challenges, trying to pioneer YFC in a foreign nation, but I wouldn't change it for anything! Looking back at my journey, it is so amazing to see how God knew exactly what He was doing and how He accomplished His plan all in the right timing. I would not be where I am today without God (obviously), but also YFC! YFC has been such a huge part of my Military to Missionary journey, and the people of YFC have believed in me and helped me through the adventure every step of the way.”

Vanessa BENGAGE Volunteer in El Salvador from June 2016 - May 2017; serving with high school programs, music, teaching English, and helping to develop the ministry of YFC in El Salvador. Vanessa is a full time missionary, leading the ministry of YFC in El Salvador.

“ENGAGE has been a great opportunity to develop who I am, there have been moments of self discovery too, but so far the greatest part for me has been developing and using the skills I already had in new and challenging ways, its forcing me to learn and grow and try new things!”

Jeff G.Volunteer in Cyprus from September 2018 – June 2019; serving with drop in programs, coffee shop ministry, music, and videography projects.

“I’ve felt a call on my life to become a missionary since I can remember and finally – through YFC’s ENGAGE Program – I’m going on my first missions trip! I want to change the lives of young people by being there for them, guiding them and showing them the love of Jesus.”

Katie Y.ENGAGE Volunteer in Ireland from February 2019 – May 2019; serving with high school programs, drop in programs, and youth camps.

“[I’ve learned that God] knows what I’m supposed to do, when I’m supposed to do it, and how it’s supposed to happen… So I think I’ve become more patient; I’m trying to give Him more control… Trusting that He knows more and that His plan is way better. [Also] He’s shown me that everyone, every person, is extremely important to Him.”

Nicole C.ENGAGE Volunteer in Ukraine from April 2018 – December 2018; serving at day camps, after-school programs, and summer camps, as well as teaching English.

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“I discovered Engage when I was looking for somewhere to connect one of my volunteers to help her grow as a Christian leader and be challenged in her life, faith and ministry. Nicole and I were both praying for God to show up in a real and large way in her life and direct her to what was next, so when we learned about the Engage program we both began praying intentionally over it. Soon after, it became fairly clear to us that this was where God was leading her and so after bringing on a few others to pray and receiving more confirmation we began the process of entering Nicole into the program. It was a difficult process for her, however it only proved to strengthen her trust and faith in God. And once she finally made it to her destination we both knew this was exactly where she was meant to be. Nicole instantly fell in love with the nation of Ukraine and the people, and I knew she was going to be changed, challenged and transformed. And knowing that she is connecting on a global scale with our YFC community is exciting for me. During her life, one thing Nicole has always struggled with is a speech impediment and I knew that she was nervous to be somewhere where language would be even more of a challenge, but despite her fears and reservations she has thrived there. Hearing her updates each time we talk I am reminded again how much God has done in her life and through her and how very clearly He has shown her that He has a plan for her. The Engage program has given Nicole a chance to expand beyond herself and her comfort zone, while being encouraged and mentored along the way. I am so grateful that she found this program and has the opportunities it has provided her with.”

Kelly C.Program Director with Highlands Youth for Christ

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“We love volunteers! We have volunteers coming in… and because of the contribution of volunteers we are able to impact communities in The Gambia. Kids are getting educated who would otherwise not have been going to school, [and] young people in the schools are doing better because of the contribution from the volunteers... We had this volunteer come in from Canada… helping these young people to speak good English and to write good English. Today some of those young people are working in key offices, in fact we are going to bring one of those [young people] to come and serve in the Youth for Christ office. The impact has been huge… Great things have happened because of the contribution of volunteers and we want to be very thankful! So right now I am saying thank you to YFC Canada and all the volunteers that have come in through YFC Canada to help with our projects… We are able to impact our community because of the contribution of YFC Canada in The Gambia.”

Seal J.National Director of Youth for Christ The Gambia; ENGAGE Volunteer currently planning to serve in The Gambia from January 2020 – March 2020 in an elementary school, church, and local clinic.