I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo with four siblings, a God-fearing mother, and a father who tried his best but struggled with the same temptations that many before him had faced. As the war in Congo grew worse, my parents’ marriage also began to fall apart. My family moved to Uganda, hoping it would be a temporary home and a place of safety. My mother quickly realized that raising three daughters and two sons mostly on her own would not be easy. For her, this was new. She had grown up in a Christian home with both of her parents and siblings together as a strong family. But even during this difficult time, my mother held tightly to her faith in God. She believed that keeping our family close to God was the most important thing she could do. Although my father’s presence, country, and citizenship status were often uncertain, God was consistent and faithful. My mother’s faith was also never uncertain. She raised us to have a healthy fear and love for the Lord. We prayed together, went to church, sang songs, and (because we are Congolese) we danced with joy too. As a child, this was simply my life, and these things slowly became a part of who I was. When I grew older, I faced a difficult season in my life and struggled with an addiction. During that time, I often felt ashamed and very alone. But those feelings were not from God. Even in my lowest moments, I remembered the faith my mother had planted in my heart. I turned to the Lord in prayer, fasting, reading scripture, and being in Christian community...just like a child runs to her father when she falls. Even though my earthly father had left, my mother had taught me that I always had a Heavenly Father. Slowly, the Lord began to soften my heart. I began to ask more questions about Him and seek Him more deeply. Eventually, I fully surrendered my life to God. That was the moment the Lord truly saved me. I was baptized and began living my life for Him. My life has not been perfect since then, but I will always be thankful for the seed of faith my mother planted in me when I was young. Today, the Lord has blessed me with a strong Christian community. I am part of Campus Ambassadors, and I am also a member of my local church, Northgate. I serve by babysitting and teaching Sunday school so that I can support and encourage the children in my church. Life is still not perfect, but through every challenge, I have seen how faithful God is. He has been so good to me...not because of who I am, but because of who He has always been. For that, I pray that His will continues to guide my life. Although I never had the chance to meet Nabi Nicole, I know that we share a love for our faith and for teaching the Word of God. My heart is especially for young children, because just as my mother planted a seed of faith in my life, I believe little ones deserve that same gift. If I am selected for the Nabi Nicole Scholarship, I will continue her legacy as a sister in Christ while also growing in my calling to education and service.

Angela Chibalonza amazing singer!