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meet emmanuel iheke jr

executive director, youth pastor and podcast host

In 2018, I hit rock bottom. Years of striving to feel important through achievements, fitting in, and impressing others left me empty. One night, crying in the dark, I admitted, “I’m a loser,” a thought I had resisted for years. In that moment, I heard God speak—not audibly but through a distinct thought that wasn’t my own: “You’re a winner.” This marked the beginning of a transformation.

God’s response challenged me to choose between defining my worth by my circumstances or by His Word. I chose the latter and began discovering my identity in Christ—a truth rooted in scripture. Genesis 1:27 affirms we’re made in God’s image, and verses like Romans 8:14 and Ephesians 2:10 remind us we are God’s children and His workmanship. This identity reshaped my self-esteem, empowered me to face life’s challenges, and deepened my relationship with the Lord.

Though my insecurities didn’t vanish overnight, I found freedom and clarity. As my identity in Christ solidified, my focus shifted toward serving others. I saw many young believers unaware of what it means to have an identity in Christ, leading to struggles and unfulfilled lives. I wanted to change that.

This is why I founded UN-ASSOCIATED. Our mission is to help young adults cultivate their identity in Christ, empowering them to overcome life’s challenges, build intimacy with God, and live with purpose and fulfillment. Through this ministry, others can discover the life God intended for them.