Country: Austria Advance #3022863 Serving At: Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe Home Country: India Sam T. Rajkumar Devasudar 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. An ordained priest in the Anglican Church of India, Sam leads church programs, including conducting worship services, offering pastoral guidance, and administering sacraments. He holds an advanced degree in Computer Science Engineering and a Master of Theology in Biblical Studies (Old Testament/Hebrew Bible). “Growing up with parents who served as full-time missionaries with Child Evangelism Fellowship of India,” Sam reflects, “I was immersed in an environment where faith was not just taught but lived out daily. From a young age, I witnessed the power of the gospel in transforming lives, especially among marginalized communities.” His early exposure to mission work led him to make a personal commitment to Christ as a child, beginning a lifelong journey of faith, service, and learning. Over the years, Scripture, prayer, and hands-on ministry have shaped Sam’s spiritual growth. “As I matured in my faith,” he recalls, “I began assisting in children’s and youth ministries, leading Bible studies, and eventually preaching in congregational settings. My education at United Theological College (UTC) challenged me to engage critically with Scripture and explore faith within diverse cultural and theological contexts. Studying the Hebrew Bible deepened my understanding of God’s justice, mercy, and redemptive purposes, reinforcing my passion for mission work.” Through his pastoral experiences - leading worship, counselling, and serving congregations across South India - Sam has learned to rely on God’s grace and wisdom in shepherding God’s people. At UTC, Sam actively participated in diverse ministry activities. “I preached, conducted children’s and youth programs, led worship services, and supported churches in Bangalore, including East Parade, Karunalaya, Memorial, St. Stephen’s, St. Paul’s, Eaton Memorial, St. Matthew’s, Platt Memorial, Christ the Savior, St. Luke’s, and St. Mark’s Cathedral,” he shares. As part of his field education, Sam served for two consecutive years with the Vellore and Coimbatore Church dioceses, assisting in ministry for a month each year. Additionally, he worked closely with St. Mark’s Cathedral and St. Paul’s Church, where he led worship services, preached, conducted confirmation classes, taught Sunday school, mentored youth, and played a significant role in organizing music and choirs. Sam believes the gospel is a message of hope, justice, and reconciliation, compelling him toward mission work. “In a world marked by brokenness, inequality, and spiritual emptiness,” he explains, “I see the church’s mission as embodying Christ’s love and restoration. My heart is particularly drawn to fostering inclusive faith communities where people from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds can encounter the transforming love of God. Whether through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, or cross-cultural mission, I am committed to sharing Christ’s message in ways that bring healing, restoration, and spiritual growth.” Sam sees the Global Mission Fellows program as a unique opportunity to refine his ministry skills while gaining invaluable cross-cultural experience. “My skills and interests revolve around children, youth, biblical studies, teaching, music, and writing,” he notes. “Through my ministry, I hope to inspire and encourage others, especially the younger generation, to experience the transformative love of Christ and grow in their faith.” He adds, “I am passionate about using the gifts God has given me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, especially in church and community settings. This experience will also prepare me for my future role in pastoral ministry, where I hope to continue leading others to Christ - just as my parents have done through their lifelong commitment to children’s ministry.”

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.”