Help Marlon Study at Cambridge University!

Hi! I'm Marlon and I recently got an offer to study an MPhil in Theology at the University of Cambridge.

Mine is not the typical story of somebody who usually studies at a university like this, however. I grew up in Las Cruces, which is one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Bogotá, Colombia. My absent father was killed by a robber when I was 11 and my single mother supported me and my sister by selling secondhand books, food and other items in the street for mere pennies. After being taken by the National Orphan Institute of Colombia (ICBF) at 15 years old (because they were concerned that I had started taking drugs and alcohol at 11 years old), I later became a Christian and my life has dramatically changed since then, particularly after I met my British wife Samantha.

My wife Samantha is a graduate of Oxford University and met me, through mutual contacts, while I was living in a Christian NGO. She saw potential in me and helped me to apply and be accepted to one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America - La Universidad del Rosario - where I completed my undergraduate degree in philosophy with the help of multiple scholarships (some of which were due to getting the top grades in my year) and the Christian community at large. I have been walking with God for more than ten years, been married for almost six years and have a passion for sharing the gospel in academia, which I believe is one of the toughest battlegrounds right now. My wife and I would appreciate any support you can offer to help me study this MPhil in Theology at Cambridge.

We need to show Cambridge that we have £35,000 ($47,103 USD) for the fees and £14,000 ($18,841 USD) for living costs by the end of July, so that I can start my studies in October 2025.

God bless you!