Country: Kenya Advance #3022868 Serving At: Pan African Climate Justice Alliance Home Country: Sierra Leone Moses Kowa 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 Rogers Memorial United Methodist Church, Bo, related to the Sierra Leone Annual Conference, Moses is the Choirmaster, the Administrative Council Secretary General and a member of the Young Adults Organization. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Environmental Sciences/Environmental Management and Quality Control. “Preparing to embark on a mission service,” Moses said, “requires significant commitment, effort, consistency, dedication and sacrifice. Emotional preparation is equally crucial, and spending time in church has provided me with deeper sense of love, reassurance and peace to serve others, instilling confidence that all will be well.” Moses feels called to mission because he considers it his duty to help people in need and to influence and interact by actively making a difference in the world. “It is natural to anticipate potential challenges,” Moses declared. “Whether facing difficulties in assigned areas or moments of disappointment, these obstacles can serve as opportunities for personal growth and development. In times of hardship and adversity, I will always rely on faith, seeking support from a trusted circle, and to practice self-compassion. Maintaining resilience and a positive outlook is key.” Moses has waited many years for something like Global Mission Fellows, which he considers “an amazing opportunity to live out my faith by actively participating and making a difference. “Serving as a fellow in a community dedicated to pursuing justice aligns perfectly with my deeply held values and aspirations. I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to create a more equitable and just world. This fellowship presents an unparalleled opportunity to translate my beliefs into tangible action, working alongside like-minded individuals to address pressing social issues. The program’s emphasis on community engagement and hands-on experience is particularly appealing.” Moses believes that true change requires both theoretical understanding and practical application. “By immersing myself in the community and collaborating with local organizations,” he said, “I can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups and develop effective strategies for addressing them. This experiential learning will be invaluable in shaping my future career path by creating a social justice system for accountability and transparency.” His primary motivation is to achieve his goals and to become a successful fellow. “I believe I can achieve great things by faith,” Moses said, “through determination and hard work. As a Christian, I am always trusting God by relying on his strength, and resting in him.” Moses is confident of his abilities to take on the role of Global Mission Fellow. “My goal in life is to be a source of help and inspiration for others,” he said. “My way of achieving that is by sharing knowledge and participating in such programs. My aim is to use the skills of leadership and mentorship where people aspire to learn but lack this tool to reach out to the rest of the world.” Calling Global Mission Fellows an “adventure,” Moses listed the key benefits of the program: cultural immersion, as well as expanding both professional and personal networks that will help participants acquire valuable skills and knowledge that will help to advance their careers. “Education gives us the civic right to belong to a group, thereby reshaping our future to be role models in the society, irrespective of our different socioeconomic backgrounds,” Moses said. “Without education, there would be no sustainable development because education is the backbone that serves as a catalyst that speeds up the growth rate of a country.”

Country: Kenya Advance #3022869 Serving At: Kenya/Ethiopian Annual Conference Home Country: Ghana Nicholas Asiwu 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 member of the Africa Methodist Episcopal Zion Church- Western West Africa Episcopal District-Ghana Region, Nicholas served in mission for about four years, guiding youth and holding several leadership roles including national evangelism secretary, Ghana Region; Oti Mission District youth coordinator; and others. He earned an advanced degree in theology. “My dedication to youth and children’s advocacy, gender equality, environmental sustainability and educational reform runs deep and has driven much of my volunteer work,” Nicholas said. “I’ve engaged in community projects, advocacy campaigns and educational initiatives that align with my belief in fairness and opportunity for all.” Nicholas describes his spiritual journey as one of self-discovery, growth and surrender. “As I've walked deeper into my relationship with God,” he said, “I've begun to experience a sense of purpose and calling that goes beyond my own personal salvation. Through moments of quiet reflection, prayer and meditation upon Scripture, I've come to understand that my faith is not just about my own personal journey, but also about being a vessel for God's love and redemption in the world.” Increasingly aware of the needs and injustices around him, Nicholas has felt a stong need in his heart and spirit to bring hope, healing and restoration to those who suffer. “This sense of calling,” he said, “has led me to explore mission work, where I can use my gifts, skills and experiences to serve others and share the love of Christ.” To Nicholas mission work means more than doing good deeds or checking boxes off a list. “It's about being a part of God's larger story of redemption and restoration,” he explained. “It's about embracing the beauty and complexity of human experience, and recognizing that we are all in this together. I'm excited to embark on this journey, to learn from and serve alongside others, and to see how God will use me to bring light and life to those around me.” Experiencing excitement, nervousness and anticipation, Niccholas knows that Global Mission Fellows will challenge him to step out of his comfort zone, to trust God in new and deeper ways, and to rely on God’s strength and guidance. “I'm ready,” he said, “to take this step of faith, to see where God will lead me and to be a part of God’s redemptive work in the world.” Global Mission Fellows, Nicholas asserts, presents an extraordinary opportunity to live out his faith through meaningful action, and to engage with a community in ways that align deeply with his values. “Faith,” he said, “is about service, compassion and the pursuit of justice, especially for those who have been marginalized or left out of the larger narrative. “One of the main reasons I am drawn to this program is its emphasis on justice as a central component of faith. I believe that faith, when active, can bring about transformative change by addressing root causes of inequality and advocating for dignity, equity and compassion.” Nicholas is especially interested in learning more about social justice, environmental sustainability, and advocacy for children and youth. “Working in partnership with community members and other fellows,” he said, “would give me invaluable insights into the complexity of these issues and the interconnectedness of our global challenges. The program’s structure – combining hands-on service, collaboration, and reflection – will prepare me not only with skills, but also with the empathy and resilience needed to continue working in fields that require both head and heart.” He believes that Global Mission Fellows will prove foundational in shaping his career. “I aspire to work in fields where service, justice and community are at the forefront, whether through nonprofit work, policy advocacy or education,” Nicholas explained. “This fellowship will equip me with the practical skills, cultural sensitivity, and perspective that I will need to engage effectively and compassionately in any community I serve in the future. “This fellowship represents a step toward making a meaningful, sustained impact – one that I hope to carry forward in my career and beyond.”