22 Jan Cardboard Beds and Big Dreams: Yuri’s Testimony
Co-mission partner James* based in Southeast Asia is the Missions Director for a local movement in his region. His current work includes raising awareness of unreached people groups, leading mission teams and focusing on holistic training, member care, and support for mission workers.
During a recent mission trip, James reunited with 20-year-old Yuri* who grew up in a rural village with his 13 siblings.
A few years ago, Yuri was preparing to sit for his national examinations that would determine his placement in a university which could secure his future.
Just days away from his first set of papers, Yuri made the tough call to quit school and start working, to help support his family’s needs. That week ended his time in school and his biggest dreams.
“I thought my chance was gone forever,” Yuri says about his sacrifice. “But I knew my family needed me more than I needed that school certificate.”
The next year was not easy for Yuri, but he and his family pushed through. When James and his team next met Yuri, they could see without a doubt how much the young man desired to try again.
Moved by his determination, several teachers from James’ team stepped in, volunteering time to teach Yuri online and helped him take classes to continue his education.
His path to college became a clear example of Yuri’s strong level of commitment. To keep up with classes and get his spot, he went through tough times:
- He took long trips in a sampan (a small boat) just to reach a study location that had better facilities for his classes, like stable internet access.
- He slept on cardboard at a kind pastor’s house, who also helped him and looked out for his health.
- He often dealt with stomach issues because of the stressful conditions he had to live in.
Yet, Yuri says, “God gave me the courage and wisdom needed keep going every day. Every long trip, every place to stay—it was all worth it because God was leading the way.”
With God’s help, Yuri’s financial needs were also looked after by generous donors who encouraged him to not give up!
Today, Yuri has officially started his Tourism certification at a local community college and is the first among his siblings to ever make it this far.
James shared that “Yuri is now a sign of hope for his entire village, showing that God is true to His word and gives people a second chance. Truly, if God can bring down Jericho’s wall, He can build up Yuri’s future. Amen!”
Pray for:
- Families affected by recent floods: Pray that God will provide them safety, good health, emotional strength, and peace, and continue to guide and sustain the ongoing ministry team as they offer support, encouragement, and pastoral care during the community’s recovery and rebuilding.
- Refugee and unreached communities: Pray that God will continue to bless these families, meeting their practical needs, strengthening their spirits, and deepening their faith, while guiding the new fellowship to grow in love, unity, and understanding of His Word.
- Yuri’s future – Pray that God will give Yuri wisdom and focus in his studies, good health and strength to overcome challenges, and surround him with supportive friends and mentors who will guide him in faith, character, and life decisions.
*Names changed to protect privacy