Rhealyn “Yang” Agsayang Calacsan 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. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in social work at the University of Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao, Philippines, and most recently worked as a medical social worker at Isabela Doctor’s General Hospital. She is a member of Carmencita United Methodist Church, related to the North Central Philippines Annual Conference. “I am a church council member and a youth leader,” Rhealyn said. “I am an active participant and a motivational speaker when we have youth fellowships.” Growing up in a Christian family, Rhealyn learned always to put God first in her life. As she graduated from college, she decided to explore the beauty of God’s world. “God allowed me to experience my first ministry in a child-caring agency, living in a Christian community,” Rhealyn said. “This is my greatest testimony as I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.” She began reading and meditating on the Bible every day. “This practice transformed how I perceived life,” she continued. “I become more understanding, loving, calm and enduring. Before I decided to apply to be a Global Mission Fellow, God gave me a vision. I dreamed that I was happily sharing God’s mercy and goodness with people, especially children. The next day, I was overwhelmed as our local pastor informed me that her daughter, a former fellow, wanted to orient me regarding the program.” Rhealyn realized that God wanted her to become a missionary. But she still wasn’t sure that GMF was the answer. Praying for discernment, she read Matthew 12:18a, NRSV: “Here is my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice.” “From this moment,” Rhealyn said, “I cried tears of joy as the Holy Spirit touched my heart. I prayed, ‘If this is your will for me, Lord, let your will be done and make this journey bearable.’ “I know that God is preparing me for this journey, and I will continue to listen to his voice as I start this journey. I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Shiela Mae Aguilar-Hablan 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 Lalawan United Methodist Church in the Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference, she loves music, leads worship and plays musical instruments. She is eager to share her knowledge and expertise in music with others. Shiela earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, focusing on financial management, at Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines. Describing herself as detail oriented, she is fluent in Filipino and English. She is grateful for the mentors in her congregation. “I grew up surrounded by the people in our church,” Shiela said. “They guided me and helped me grow in all aspect of my life, especially spiritually.” Her aunt – a pastor – took Shiela to church for Bible studies and worship services. “I was already exposed [to] the church environment when I was young,” Shiela said. “I always saw my aunt doing sermons in the church and going from house to house to share the word of the Lord. I grew up loving what she’s doing because it helps other people to know the Lord and to be blessed. Seeing my aunt encouraging and sharing hope [with] others touched my life.” With her siblings and cousins, Shiela is involved in the church. “We serve the Lord together by using our talents to glorify him,” she said. With the senior pastor, they go to other churches to lead praise and worship. Shiela is confident that God is calling her to become a missionary. “I grew up realizing that I am really called to serve the Lord and other people,” she said. “Everywhere I go, the Lord is telling me to do his will – to do missionary work, to serve him and to serve other people. “I want to be used by the Lord to touch other people’s lives, to make a difference in the world by involving myself to the missionary work of the Lord.”