Smart. Strategic. Humble. Visionary. These are just a few words used to describe Levi Brill, LPU’s nominee for this year’s CCCU Young Alumni Award.  

A 27-year-old native of Wisconsin, Levi has served for seven years with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Cambodia, where he now co-directs the Poipet Campus alongside a Khmer staff member. 

Levi shares a few aspects of his current role: 

• Served as Core Facilitator for a National Staff Conference with over 400 participants across four days 

• Led the revamp of YWAM Cambodia’s government reporting systems, improving how we communicate activities to the government 

• Celebrated new believers who are passionate about the Gospel and eager to share the Good News with their families and villages 

Citing LPU’s mission statement, LPU adjunct Linna Martz ’02 shares, “Levi helps develop students who actively serve in the church, the workplace, and the world. He leads a Spirit-filled organization that brings in scholars and practitioners from various walks of life to help grow students.” A recent outreach saw over 1,400 hear the gospel. Additionally, 70+ got saved, 30+ got baptized, and 20+ got healed.  

Recently, Levi also was invited to help facilitate a two-day event in Cambodia in January 2026 hosted by Franklin Graham Ministries. Levi approaches this exciting opportunity with characteristic humility; he’s terribly fond of pointing the praise upward. “Above all, I give glory to Jesus for the work He is doing in the nations. My role is simply to be faithful and obedient, and I am continually humbled to witness lives transformed by His love and power.” 

Why Cambodia? 

“When I was praying about where God wanted me to go, I remember telling Him that I would ‘go anywhere except Asia.’ In that moment of prayer, I clearly heard the word ‘Cambodia.’ The next day, I learned that a team was going to Cambodia, and I knew that was where God was calling me to go.” 

Levi continues thoughtfully, “I ended up in Cambodia not by my own plans or preferences, but by praying, listening to God, and being obedient to His direction. Over the years, by His grace, I have grown to deeply love this nation. My wife and I now feel more and more at home in this beautiful country that God has called us to serve. As our roots grow deeper here, we continually hold our hands open to where God leads us. We hope and pray that God will keep us here, but ultimately, we want to be obedient to wherever He is calling us.” 

The Mission 

Levi’s impact in Cambodia is measured not by metrics, but by the lives he’s touched and the souls he’s pointed to Jesus. “For nearly seven years, I have dedicated my life to serving Jesus and investing in the lives of young people. My passion is to help the next generation discover their identity in God and their purpose in the world.” 

“I am deeply committed to empowering Cambodian youth to become agents of transformation in their communities and across the nation. Through discipleship, leadership training, and community engagement, I strive to equip young people with the tools and confidence they need to bring lasting change to Cambodia. I believe that by raising up a generation rooted in faith, we can see significant impact in every sphere of society.” 

Lifelong Learner 

“I chose to attend Life Pacific University because it allowed me to continue serving full-time in missions while pursuing my degree. Through the encouragement of Naomi Lyford, I realized that earning my BA while living and serving overseas was possible. LPU provided the flexibility and support I needed to grow academically without stepping away from my calling in Cambodia.” 

Naomi Lyford (’07, MA ’19), LPU’s 2025 Beyond Borders Alumnus of the Year, shares: “When I first met Levi, the first thing that stood out to me is that he was ‘all in.’ Despite his young age, he had encountered God in such a way that had marked him. Seven years later – through war, floods, Covid, political unrest, and earthquakes – I have only seen Levi’s commitment become more steadfast and his love for God even deeper.” 

Naomi and her husband, Uriah, have developed thriving YWAM bases in Poipet and Siem Reap, the latter where Levi now co-leads. Uriah adds, “Levi leads with a rare blend of warmth and strength. He’s everyone’s best friend, always caring, always serving, yet never afraid to challenge us to keep moving forward at the speed of healthy relationships.” 

Levi’s educational journey at LPU has given him more than a degree – it’s inspired him to become a lifelong learner: “My time at LPU opened my mind to the reality that learning never has to stop, even while serving overseas. When I first entered missions, I thought my education was complete, but LPU showed me that I could pursue my degree while living out my calling in Cambodia. The program not only equipped me to be a more effective leader but also instilled a lifelong commitment to continued learning and growth in both ministry and life.” 

Words to Live By 

“We all have the option to live our lives in fear or happiness. I’ve chosen the latter. Why? Because JESUS lives.” -Levi Brill Facebook Post  

That is, perhaps, all you need to know about this young man who walks with Jesus and invites others (especially in Cambodia!) to do the same. 

Levi Brill and his beautiful wife Rebekah reside and minister in the nation of Cambodia.