I am Micheline Ayitoma Ilonga, born in Kikwit, Republic of Congo. I am married and have two teenagers: a 17-year-old boy named David and a 15-year-old girl named Eviella, we live on Campus. I obtained a degree in law from the University of Kinshasa in the DRC in 1994. I have been working as a judge in the DRC since 1997. I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology and Peace Studies at Anabaptist Mennonite Seminary (AMBS). This program contributes to my spiritual growth as a Christian and a leader. Understanding God's vision of well-being for all helps me to consider peace from a different perspective, without which other strategies will remain ineffective. Since last September, I have been confirmed as an elder at Prairie Street Mennonite Church, where I fellowship with my family. My education in this field allows me to serve my community with efficiency. I am grateful for the Jacob & Mary Fretz Scholarship. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, and socializing with people at church. - Micheline Ilonga, MATPS, 2025, Elkhart, Indiana (originally from Republic of Congo)