Country: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Advance #3022864 Serving At: The Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, South Caribbean District Home Country: Cambodia Sambor Bann 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. Now a lay member of the Phnom Penh Promised People Presbyterian Church in Cambodia, Sambor described his personal spiritual growth journey as one of transformation and dependence on God. “Growing up in a Buddhist family,” Sambor said, “I knew little about Christianity. A significant turning point came when my mother had a life-threatening accident, and through prayer, I witnessed a miraculous healing that opened my heart to Jesus Christ. This experience taught me that God is real, powerful and personal.” Since then, his faith has deepened through consistent prayer, Bible study and active involvement in ministry. In Cambodia, Sambor earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in general management and Christian ministry respectively. “Serving as a youth leader and dormitory supervisor.” Sambor said, “has been a key part of my spiritual journey, allowing me to disciple others, share the gospel and witness lives transformed by Christ. These experiences have strengthened my relationship with God and my reliance on God’s guidance.” Sambor feels called to mission work because of the immense spiritual and practical needs he sees. “Many people are unreached and bound by cultural traditions,” he said, “yet, they are open to hearing the gospel when approached with love and humility. God has placed a burden on my heart to bring hope and truth to those who have not experienced it. “Mission work is not only about sharing the gospel but also living it out by serving communities, empowering others and being a light in dark places. Through my journey, I have learned that when we step out in obedience, God provides everything we need to fulfill God’s purposes. This calling drives me to dedicate my life.” Pursuing justice, Sambor asserts, is a crucial part of following Christ’s example. “Serving as a fellow,” he said, “would allow me to deepen my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly in marginalized communities. I am drawn to the opportunity to apply my skills and experiences in a new context, where I can further develop my leadership and community-building abilities while living out my faith in a tangible way.” He has witnessed firsthand the power of transformative support, mentorship and advocacy. “I have developed a heart for working with youth, building relationships and empowering them to overcome life’s challenges,” Sambor said. “True justice begins with seeing the dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their circumstances, and taking steps to create spaces of support, hope and empowerment. By serving as a fellow, I would have the opportunity to be part of a transformative community that promotes justice not just through words, but also through action. This program is an opportunity not only to deepen my faith but also to make a lasting impact in the lives of others, advancing the work of justice and compassion to which Christ calls us.” He dreams of using his education to design programs that foster leadership, resilience and spiritual development in young people. Through mentorship and youth-focused initiatives, he hopes to provide the support and encouragement needed for youth to overcome challenges and envision brighter futures. “As a fellow,” Sambor said, “I want to advocate for systemic change, collaborate with local communities and use my skills to help create sustainable solutions to social issues. I believe I can make a lasting impact on individuals and communities, while continuing to grow personally and professionally.”

Country: Germany Advance #3022865 Serving At: Bethanien Diakonissen Stiftung Home Country: South Korea Seul “Stella” Lee is currently serving as 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 committed lay member of Good Shepherd’s Methodist Church in Seongnam-Si, South Korea, Stella has served as a Sunday school teacher and praise leader. In 2024, she was also appointed as a kindergarten pastor (children's evangelist) at Eunhyeon Methodist Church in Seoul, where she ministered to young children and supported their early spiritual formation. She has also ministered to North Korean defectors, older adults living alone and individuals experiencing homelessness. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian education and early childhood education from Seoul Theological University and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at the Methodist Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea. Prayer, Stella said, “is not simply a time to recharge my soul, but also to experience anew the love and grace that God has poured into me. When I pray in tongues, my heart and soul are connected to God, and I feel God’s guidance directly.” She loves intercessory prayer. “Whenever I pray for others,” Stella said, “I experience the joy of God’s compassion and love for that person overflowing in my heart. Whenever I feel certain that God is working through my prayers, the meaning of my life becomes clearer, and I feel alive. Above all, I have come to a deep realization that the joy overflowing within me is a gift from God and that I must share that gift with the world. “Missionary work is not simply about spreading the gospel, but also about putting God’s love into practice. I am convinced,” she said, “that my mission is to overcome language and cultural barriers, pray for others, meet their needs and, above all, testify to God’s love through my life.” The opportunity to serve God in another country, Stella said, marks a turning point in her life. “I hope to share that love with those whom God has sent me and be used as a tool to change lives,” she added. “Missionary work is never an easy path. There will be differences in language and culture, and unexpected difficulties. However, I know how valuable and meaningful it is to share God’s love, even in the midst of difficulties, so I really want to join that path.” Because English is not her first language, Stella has been studying diligently, and she is confident that God will help break the language barrier. Still seeking God’s direction for her life, Stella hopes that Global Mission Fellows will help guide her. She views mission as an opportunity to witness to God’s love, simply by being present with others. “I have abundant experience and skills in education,” she said, “and I want to use them in missionary work. In particular, I can help children learn happily and receive essential basic education through play. I want to demonstrate my ability to help children develop strong character and understand what truly matters in life, not just academic knowledge. I also want children to develop confidence and dreams of their own.” Stella continued, “I also have management capabilities such as program planning, evaluation and improvement. I hope to fulfill the mission's purpose by engaging hands-on in the field. I want to spread the gospel in person, be with others and practice love. “In addition to education-related activities, I have various volunteer experiences,” Stella said. “I am physically strong, so I can devote myself consistently without getting tired easily.” She looks forward to new volunteer opportunities such as delivering food and clothing, providing medical support and participating in community clean-up. She is excited to continue serving wherever God leads.