Country: Liberia Advance #3022857 Serving At: Women Entrepreneurs & Environmental Links (WEEL) Home Country: Zimbabwe Perseverance “Persy” Chibika is an international Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, engaged in a two-year term of service. 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. A lay member of Harare Inner-city of The United Methodist Church, part of the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference, Persy is involved in the United Methodist Youth Fellowship. After focusing on English literature, family religious studies and history in high school, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in social work. In high school, Persy was an active member of the Rotary Club, assisting marginalized communities. “We worked in community-service projects,” she recalled, organizing community cleanups and assisting older adults. “I chose to study social work because I wanted to gain the skills to make a positive impact in people’s lives. I learned the importance of empathy and cultural sensitivity while working with diverse communities and gained practical skills like counseling, case management and community development.” After completing her studies, Persy volunteered at the Institute of Women Social Workers in Zimbabwe and Population Solutions for Health in Zimbabwe. This experience, she said, helped her to turn theoretical ideas into practical solutions and enhanced her understanding of issues affecting women, children and communities in Zimbabwe. “I am eager to work with vulnerable populations and help address social issues like poverty, inequality and injustice,” Persy said. “I believe that every human being deserves a life with dignity, respect and support.” She said spiritual growth has been an important part of her journey. Regular Bible studies and prayer have enriched her understanding of God’s love and power, as well as her confidence, courage and sense of purpose. “I have learned always to trust God’s timing and plan, even when things seem uncertain,” she continued. “As I have grown spiritually, I have become more passionate and eager about serving others.” Persy believes God has called her to mission work where she can share God’s love and care. “My experience in volunteering and studying social work,” she noted, “has enabled me and prepared me for this journey. I am excited to use all my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. “I want to be part of something bigger than myself. I want to see lives transformed, communities empowered and God’s love shared. I am very willing to step out of my comfort zone and trust God to guide me in every step of the way. I am eager to see the incredible things God has in store. I am confident that mission work is not only about helping others, but also about growing in my faith and relationship with God.” Persy added, “I am excited to learn from others, share my own experiences and work together to make a difference. I hope to portray God’s love and care to those who need it most. I want to be a vessel for God’s grace and mercy and to help others experience the transformative power of God’s love. I am ready to take this step of faith and see where God leads me.” She hopes to use her skills in program development and community organizing to support local initiatives that promote education, economic empowerment and health. “I have developed strong communication and problem-solving skills through volunteering with organizations that support women’s rights and community development,” Persy said. “I believe these skills will enable me to create and initiate strong relationships with local communities. “As a fellow, I am willing to learn and embrace new experiences, growing both personally and professionally. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and learn alongside others who share my passion for justice and human dignity.”

Country: Zambia Advance #3022858 Serving At: Pilgrim Wesleyan Church Home Country: Ghana Sandra “Sandy” Maame Ama Nkrumah is an international Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, engaged in a two-year term of service. 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. A lay member of Resurrection United Methodist Church Adentan, Accra, Ghana, Sandy is part of the youth fellowship. She has served in the campus ministry since secondary school. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations. “With a certificate in media and communication studies and specialization in public relations,” Sandy said, “I have strong communication and problem-solving skills.” Spiritual growth, she noted, “involves learning more about and leaning into God. At the start of our journeys, some of us may be familiar with God’s word, while others may be completely new to the concept of salvation.” She likened her Christian journey to a roller-coaster ride. “The Bible,” Sandy explained, “tells of us as babies and making sure to grow pass sucking milk to chewing bones. I have grown spiritually with my walk with God over the past few years. I have seen transformation in my understanding of God’s word and faith in action. I have come to a point where I cannot go a day without prayer or Scripture to back my prayers.” From involvement in campus evangelism, visiting villages to spread God’s word and educate youth, and participating in church revivals, Sandy has strived to spread the gospel. Her life wasn’t always like that, she said. After a group visited her high school, she began reading the Bible and built a prayer altar. “I desired the fruits of the Spirit,” she recalled. “I now understand what it means to forgive, love and stay in Christ,” she said. “I felt called to mission work when I started my advocacy journey in 2020. I had that conviction of living my faith and making a positive impact.” She realized that while all are not called to ordained ministry, everyone is called to share the message of Christ. “I see [Global Mission Fellows] as a great step toward spiritual growth and personal development,” Sandy continued. “I am excited about the impact it will have on me and those I will serve. I feel led to join in this mission work to benefit others with my advocacy skills and experience. “Serving as a Global Mission Fellow is an incredible opportunity to live out my faith in pursuit of justice, immersing myself in a new community and culture. I'm drawn to this program because it combines my passion for social justice, community development and spiritual growth.” Sandy believes that faith should compel Christians to act justly and to love mercy. “I have been inspired by the examples of courageous leaders who have fought for justice and equality,” she said. “Through this fellowship, I hope to join their ranks, using my skills and experiences to make a meaningful difference.” Sandy’s eventual goal is to work in international development, focusing on poverty, inequality and social injustice. “The fellowship,” she said, “will provide me with hands-on experience, exposure to different cultural contexts, and training in essential skills like project management, community engagement and advocacy. “Moreover, I believe that this program will help me grow spiritually, deepening my understanding of what it means to live out my faith in pursuit of justice. I am eager to explore how my faith intersects with issues of justice, equality and human rights. I hope to deepen my understanding of community-development principles. I hope to work closely with community members, listening to their concerns and aspirations, and supporting their efforts to create positive change through the local churches. “I find joy in community development and organizing communities. The mere fact that I get to listen to people and be in their midst to tackle issues is what fuels my advocacy journey and service to my church.”