The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.

Rachel is a member of Lokole United Methodist Church in the Central Congo Annual Conference. Her father is a pastor. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international relations at Africa University, Zimbabwe. She interned for a year in the State Protocol at Foreign Ministry (DRC).

“Being a United Methodist pastor’s kid,” she said, “I was involved in the church such as singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and participating in youth activities.”

Although she attended church regularly, Rachel admits she did not have a personal relationship with God.

“For years, I limited myself to recognizing Jesus as my Savior,” she said. “I did not respect his teachings, I did not imitate his example and I did not entrust him with my decisions and choices.”

Perhaps the first lesson Rachel learned was the power of forgiveness. “When my family arrived in Kinshasa,” she said, “we were discriminated [against], and we did not receive help from others. I had a hard time forgiving them. After receiving Jesus in my life, I forgave myself and all those who had offended me. I confessed, and I repented.”

Today, Rachel is a new creature in Christ.

“The fruits of the Spirit are manifesting more in my life,” she said. “Jesus transformed me. My old sinful nature gave way to the new nature in Christ. My spirituality continues throughout my life and depends on my practicing the word of God.”

She decided to cultivate five positive habits: have a day of personal retreat, do a prayer vigil once a week, read the Bible daily for 30 minutes, talk about Jesus and help someone, and spend two days a week without social networking.

In the process, Rachel recalled, “I learned to believe in God. I put all my faith and trust in Jesus. I saw his miracles and received help through several people. I studied through a scholarship. They helped me finish my studies.”

Rachel asked God to guide her to the area in which she could best serve.

“I got the answer,” she said. “It’s in sharing and charity. Our lives are more meaningful when we are there for others, to have the Ubuntu – “I am because you are” – in my life. I should always care about the well-being of my neighbors.

“This is one of the reasons I decided to apply to Global Mission Fellows. If people who volunteered for me were not there, I would not be what I am today, and I could not have the chance [to pay] my financial fees. As a Christian and as the Bible says, we should always help our neighbors.

“As long as I am alive and as long as I can do something to put a smile on someone’s face, I should always do it.”

A-Banza, Rachel Ngoy

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Patrick is from Côte d’Ivoire, where he is a member of the Jehova Jire United Methodist Church in Abidjan in the Côte d’Ivoire Annual Conference. He holds a basic degree in literature from Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan, a degree in communications and human resources from the College of Abidjan, and master’s degree in social science from the National High Institute of Social Science. He has additional training in project management and monitoring and evaluation. He has worked as a coordinator in the evaluation and monitoring of community projects in the annual conference’s program to control HIV/AIDS and other pandemic diseases.

Born into a Christian home, Patrick was extremely active in the United Methodist Youth Fellowship on local, district, and annual conference levels. He was conference youth president and has also served the general church. He was a delegate to the 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Florida, and for the 2013-2016 quadrennium represented the West Africa Central Conference on the Division of Ministries for Young People (DMYP) of Discipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship). He also represented DMYP on the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund during same quadrennium. He is a member of the United Methodist Health Board of Côte d’Ivoire.

His call to mission emerges from his faith journey. “God calls me at a young age,” Patrick says. “God called me in many ways during my journey, and I learned I can serve God in many ways. God opened my heart, my mind, my spirit, and my strength; God touched me and led me into his mission.”

Abro, Patrick

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world. 

Charity is a member of Bishop Lunge United Methodist English Church in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The church is related to the Central Congo Annual Conference. In Sunday school, Charity taught English language to the children. “Assisting with teaching children the word of God,” she said, “gave me a chance to know better and learn about God.” 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental studies and English and a master’s degree in Human Rights, Peace and Development at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.  

“Systemic barriers,” Charity explained, “continue to cause socioeconomic issues for local communities, particularly in Africa. These gaps range from environmental concerns to homelessness, from social intolerance to abuses of human rights, from careless government oversight to deteriorating educational standards, from drug usage to gender-based violence and social inequities.” 

Lacking the capacity to address such issues, political systems exacerbate problems. 

“Communities are left to struggle with these challenges and the effects that come with it,” Charity said. “Those of us [who want] to contribute to the solution are constrained by our skill sets and lack the experience necessary.” 

Charity believes the Global Mission Fellows program holds the key as she broadens her knowledge of volunteering in her community. 

“The most effective technique to develop leadership skills,” she said, “is through volunteering. In many ways, it aids in career development.” 

Charity looks forward to learning and building critical, interchangeable work skills such as task management, leadership, collaboration, communication and organization, while establishing a connection with the community.  

“I will gain experience working as a team member in various settings and with various types of people,” she said. “I will enhance my talents and apply them to fill skill shortages in my team and the community. I’ll gain the knowledge I need to tackle similar problems in my own community and future career.” 

Charity is especially concerned about the many older adults, widows and other people who fight to survive. “African society, including the church, has not yet accepted women as partners on an equal footing,” she said. “As a result, many African women are left to struggle alone with their children. Most lack the necessary education and means of subsistence to maintain their families. The number of this group increases daily.  

“While society downplays its obligation, the church fills the gap by offering support and psychosocial support services. This is carried out by many factions.” 

Charity was inspired by her father, Innocent P. Afful, a Global Ministries missionary. He died April 17, 2023, at age 49. “I have seen missionaries put their faith and all in their work, and believing that God is using them to change the lives of the communities, they are serving,” she said. 

She welcomes the opportunity to join Global Mission Fellows. “I can bring transformation wherever I go,” Charity asserted.  

Afful, Charity

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world. 

Gnagne is a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Dabou, in the Côte d’Ivoire Annual Conference. He is responsible for information technology and a community manager in COCOM (Communication Comity) of the Dabou District. He also serves as the second secretary-general and national secretary in charge of communications and external relations of the Côte d’Ivoire Boys Brigade. Gnagne is vice chair of young people for the West Africa Central Conference. 

He has studied informaton and communication technologies since high school, earning a diploma/certificant in information technology and applications development at Hec La Roche Cocody(Abidjan); computer networks and security techniques, School of Multimedia Specialties of Abidjan; and fundamentals of digital marketing, Google Digital Workshops. He is a national ICT trainer and leader for the Côte d’Ivoire Boys and Girls Brigade.  

Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:39b, NRSVUE, guide Gnagne’s life: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

“With this word,” Gnagne noted, “our Lord leads us to have as much love for our neighbor as for ourselves by serving him. This verse resonates in my head every time I see my neighbor in suffering. I make it my mission to serve others as Jesus Christ did.”  

Gnagne comes from a large family where people care about one another. With plenty of food to share with neighbors and strangers, anyone was welcome to join the family for a meal.  

He grew up in an environment of love and conviviality. Gnagne recalled, “My father always told us that he came from a very poor family and that enjoying three meals a day in his childhood was very difficult. He had to work in the fields as a laborer at the age of 10. He fought with the help of people of good will to access education and his first job and gave my brothers and me this mode of life that we have today. 

“Thanks to [my parents],” Gnagne continued, “I have this education and this happy life today.” 

Gnagne’s father, the congregation’s lay president, played a big role in his life. “Wanting to help everyone around him,” Gnagne said, “my father gave a lot to the church, neighbors and villagers. Often, he told me that we don’t need to have a lot to share with others.” As a boy, Gnagne shared his books, toys and food during recess.  

Today, he defines himself as one who loves to learn, create new things and use them for positive community transformation.  

“Innovation, daring and teamwork are my preferences,” Gnagne said. “All these qualities and skills obtained at the professional and community level will allow me to engage more effectively and with perseverance with decision-makers for quality social justice initiatives within the framework of Global Mission Fellows. 

“As a social entrepreneur,and Young Africa Leadership Initiative (YALI) RLC Accra, alumnus,” he added,  “I want to immerse myself in issues that undermine communities in countries other than Africa to better implement IT solutions that will help all communities around the world. 

“In addition, Global Mission Fellows will help me personally to develop my Christian character and my relationship with God in order to be a good, ethical leader.” 

Agnero, Gnagne Josias Mischael

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world. 

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources management from Africa University, Harare, Zimbabwe. He participated in The United Methodist Church’s material-prevention ministry. Most recently, Afonso was an environmental inspector for the Environmental Management Agency in Zimbabwe.

He is a member of the United Methodist Church in Malanje, related to the East Angola Annual Conference. Afonso was a Sunday school teacher and assisted missionaries in community literacy programs. Through various experiences and influences, he grew spiritually.

“I have been exposed  to different religious and spiritual teachings,” Afonso said, “and these have sparked my curiosity and led me to explore and comprehend many belief systems.” He recognizes that spiritual development is not confined to a particular tradition or belief system.

“It is a synthesis of wisdom gleaned from different sources: meditation, prayer and introspection,” he said. “I understand that mission work [requires] a deep desire of serving others and contributing positively to the world. My calling is shaped by my spiritual growth and the realization that my purpose extends beyond personal fulfillment.

“I feel a deep-seated urge to alleviate suffering, promote peace and foster understanding,” Afonso added. “My calling to mission work is rooted in the personal belief that I have the capacity to [make] a meaningful difference in others’ lives.”

A music lover, Afonso has served as a choirmaster. He looks forward to “investing in the new generation. My skill is a gift from God for his people as their servant.”

Afonso referenced Matthew 9:37-38: “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” He also quoted Matthew 22:14: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Alberto, Afonso Mutunda Upale

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“My function,” she says, “is to proclaim Christ to the world while striving for God’s reign of grace, peace, and justice.” She teaches women sewing, knitting, housekeeping hygiene, and HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention and care. She leads Bible studies and works with her husband in outreach to immigrants and refugees.

Kabaka and her husband, the Rev. Mutwale Ntambo Wa Mushidi, also a missionary, have been in Tanzania since 1992. Over the years, Kabaka has assisted refugees and worked closely with her husband in evangelization, church planting, and caring for the developing church community.

The church in Tanzania has become firmly rooted since it began through mission outreach by the North Katanga Annual Conference in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kabaka is from North Katanga and has seen United Methodism in Tanzania flourish and move toward annual conference status. Rev. Wa Mushidi, an ordained elder in North Katanga Annual Conference, is the legal representative of the North Katanga bishop in Tanzania.

Kabaka did her secondary and teacher’s college work in the 1980s in Kakinda, DRC and served as a teacher in the United Methodist primary schools in Kamina, Kitenge, and Kabongo. Later, when she accompanied her husband to seminary in Mulungwishi, she completed studies in midwifery, preschool education, home skills education, and counseling. She worked with women in the DRC before moving to Tanzania.

Kabaka and Mutwale have four daughters.

Alphonsine, Kabaka Ndala

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.

Her home congregation is the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Filiya. Involved in youth and young adult ministry, she loved teaching Sunday school.

“My spiritual journey has been a winding path, full of ups and downs,” Hannatu said. “I have experienced teasing from friends because I am born again, to the extent of [people] calling me names like ‘church girl’ because I was involved in church activities. But through it all, I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of faith, hope and love.” She especially treasures personal quiet time when she can study the Bible and other Christian literature.

“One of the most significant moments on my journey,” Hannatu said, “was developing a close relationship with God. It taught me the importance of having quality time with my Savior and showed me the power of loving and trusting God, even in a country where religion is a major challenge. Having a close relationship with God gives me strength and peace.”

Hannatu is confident that God calls her to serve others.

“I feel called to mission,” she said, “because of the love I have for God and my taste to touch people’s lives, to feel the love of God and his grace that is sufficient. It gives me joy to share the word of God’s love and to make an impact on people’s lives.” She views mission as a way to fulfill her life and to glorify God.

Hannatu is especially excited about using the communication skills honed at a local FM radio station during college. Working as a reporter, she said, “I was able to address issues of gender equality.” She looks forward to sharing information through social media, TV and radio and by creating public forums on issues of interest.

Bitrus, Hannatu Dan’Asali

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Nancy teaches courses covering food and nutrition, home management, and basic computer skills at the United Methodist Women’s Leadership Training Center. She has additional administrative duties at the United Methodist Mission Missionary Compound in Monrovia. She also organizes a nutrition program with emphasis on children in her community.

A native of Sierra Leone, Nancy has a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics education from Njala College, University of Sierra Leone, and is a certified facilitator in nutrition. She also earned certificates as a patient care technician at DeKalb Technical College (now Georgia Piedmont Technical College) and in Windows and Microsoft Office from Georgia Perimeter College, both in Atlanta, Georgia (USA).

Prior to her commissioning as a United Methodist missionary, she taught high school for six years in Sierra Leone before proceeding to London, where she worked for three years in the dietary department of St. Mary’s Hospital. After moving to the United States, Nancy worked in the food and beverage department with Stouffer Concourse Hotel and the Evergreen Mariott Conference Resort in Atlanta, while her husband taught at a local college. Nancy says, “My training in nutrition and experiences working in hospitals and hotels has prepared me for God’s mission…” She feels blessed to have been called to serve in this capacity.

“The suffering and hardship of innocent civilians, including women and children, during the civil war in Sierra Leone and Liberia has touched me deeply,” Nancy says. “I know God is working through my ministry to bring relief and hope to women, in particular, who are desperately in need of help.”

Before her assignment to Liberia, Nancy and her family served for three years in Nigeria. Mrs. Carew was manager of the United Methodist guesthouses in Jos, taught with the adult literacy program, and helped to develop a children’s Sunday school. She was also treasurer of the urban ministry program.

Nancy is married to George Carew, a retired missionary with Global Ministries, and the Carews are members of Clarkston United Methodist Church in the North Georgia Annual Conference. Nancy and George are the parents of six children.

Carew, Nancy

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North Katanga forms one of the largest episcopal areas in The United Methodist Church and it is one of the poorest. Most of the people depend on small-scale farming to earn a living and the church is committed to maximizing agricultural productivity. Farming serves as a tool for both evangelism and economic development. Projects include several farms that grow a wide range of crops, plus projects in beekeeping, fishing, and moringa tree cultivation.

Lorraine is from Zimbabwe, but has recently lived in Windhoek, Namibia, where she studied, worked, and was involved in Celebration Church- Zimbabwe. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and natural resources from Africa University in Zimbabwe, and a Master of Science degree in agricultural economics from the University of Namibia. In Windhoek, Lorraine worked in industry and education.

Raised in a religious family, Lorraine became a “just attends church” Christian as a teenager, until a visiting pastor shared her personal testimony with Lorraine. Her life changed as she received God’s forgiveness and grace. “I began to experience joy and purpose in life, and on top of that, God gave me peace I had never experienced before I became a true Christian.”

Lorraine’s call to mission involved the experience of being partnered with an effective volunteer evangelist in a mission campaign. “She had a kind of serenity and certainty about her that I always admired. When I heard her minister to people we met in hospitals with a fiery passion and compassion, not only did it encourage me to want to do more, but it also gave me the courage and strength to serve.”

She volunteered to teach in a church academy for children and adults who are unable to pay for mainstream schools, “That’s when my zeal for missionary work increased. It brings me joy to know that my academic achievements can help others.”

Charinda, Lorraine

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world. 

Tapiwa is a member of Budiriro South Circuit United Methodist Church, Zimbabwe West Annual Conference. He directs the choir and serves on the United Methodist Youth Fellowship evangelism committee. 

He earned a Bachelor of  Social Science degree in peace, conflict and governance at Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo. 

“This background,” Tapiwa said, “provided me with a comprehensive appreciation of African political governance. I recently took a short course on convivial conservation, which emphasized a new systems approach to conservation that integrates social justice and biodiversity conservation. Through this experience, I was better able to understand the importance of social justice in marginalized communities’ efforts to achieve sustainable development.”  

Asked why he applied for Global Mission Fellows, Tapiwa answered, “I want to carry out the mission that Christ has given me. The Bible teaches us to take care of our family, the environment and animals.” Guiding Scriptures for him include Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28 and 1 Peter 4:10, NRSVUE, which reads, “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 

“Joining Global Mission Fellows,” Tapiwa continued, “will help me gain the requisite skills and information needed to contribute positively to fostering social justice and sustainable development in Zimbabwe. This program will also assist me in confronting development inadequacies that obstruct the establishment of sustainable development paths and resilient civilizations, through borrowing from the sound practices being implemented in the host country.”  

Tapiwa takes an interdisciplinary approach to developing solutions for a fair society and sustainable growth. “I seek to broaden my peer network and acquire the requisite skills needed to foster sustainable development,” he said, “by addressing the underlying causes of poverty and wildlife extinction.” 

Ultimately, he hopes to combine research and policymaking to become an influential voice for social justice, specifically affecting wildlife, youth and sustainability.  

“I am positive that I will become a better policy influencer through exposure and the knowledge I will acquire,” Tapiwa said. “I foresee myself in the next five years becoming a force … in championing social justice through fostering the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into conservation efforts and local communities’ concerns being heard on international platforms.”  

Chimbadzwa, Tapiwa Prosper

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