Jackie's Story

Jackie Ndabahekeye, sharing her story at the Emerald Youth Legacy Drive-In event, Nov. 5, 2020.

Jackie Ndabahekeye has been engaged with Emerald Youth for many years. Originally from Tanzania, she and her family eventually wound up in Knoxville in the Western Heights community. Jackie quickly became involved in Emerald’s afterschool and urban church ministry.

Jackie reflects on the day her life changed forever.

“One memorable moment I cherish in my life is the day I decided to ask Jesus to come into my life at Emerald’s elementary camp. I remember after the speaker finished talking, I felt the Holy Spirit moving inside. I walked over to Emerald’s staff member, Ms. Natalie, and told her, ‘I want to accept Jesus Christ into my life.’ Eventually, I got baptized.”

Jackie continued to be involved with Emerald Youth as she prepared for life after high school.

“Emerald truly helped shape me into the person I am today - spiritually, socially, and academically. Without the help and push from my Emerald leaders throughout my entire school career, I wouldn’t have been prepared to go to college. I am so very grateful for everything they’ve done for me, and I am extremely blessed to now have them as friends, as well as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Today, Jackie is a student studying Mass Communications at Carson - Newman University.