Drew Voyles

Drew’s heart and passion is working to connect people from the U.S. with the Spirit’s movement through Young Life’s ministry across the continent of Africa. After graduating from University of Virginia in 2003 with a degree in Economics and Religion, Drew worked on Property Staff at Frontier Ranch in Colorado before returning home to Atlanta. After spending a couple of years on Field Staff with Young Life Northwest Atlanta, he began working full-time to grow and develop Young Life Africa Expeditions. Since his very first trip to Africa in 2005 with his family, Drew has recruited and led more than 30-35 YLX Trips, serving in 10 different Countries alongside Young Life Africa national staff and leaders. Those Trips include hosting various safari adventures and leading 13 Mount Kilimanjaro Climbs, a 7-day 64-mile wilderness trek to the roof of the continent at 19,430 feet.

Drew recently married his amazing wife Melissa, pictured above with Drew on Kilimanjaro during a Trip to Tanzania in 2013. If you ask him, Drew will tell you that Melissa is the greatest gift the Lord’s ever blessed him with in His life, and that they couldn’t possibly be more excited about doing life together.

Drew and Melissa both come from amazing families who have a long history with Young Life out of Atlanta and Huntsville. Drew was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and has three younger siblings who share his love for both Young Life and for Africa. Melissa grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, also with 3 siblings, graduated from Auburn University, and currently works in Atlanta as a Physician Assistant in Neurosurgery. They are passionate UVA / Auburn fans and love spending time with their friends and family at “Camp Lakemont”, the Voyles’ family home on Lake Rabun in North Georgia. Drew and Melissa count themselves blessed to serve YL Expeditions and to be a part of the Young Life Africa family. Drew currently works as Young Life Africa Expeditions Regional Developer, working alongside Stephanie Naglich out of their office in Northwest Atlanta, where they share office space with the local Young Life Area.