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.

Country: Mexico Advance #3022866 Serving At: Universidad Metodista Madero Home Country: India Tekwilo Mekrisuh 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 Phek Town Baptist Church in India, Tekwilo teaches at a Bible college and is active in campus chapel. He earned Bachelor of Arts and post-graduate degrees in theology. “God’s grace has transformed my life in ways I never expected,” Tekwilo said. “Over time, God has nurtured in me a deep love for God’s word, a heart for people and a strength that comes from leaning on God. I can clearly see God’s hand shaping me, refining me and filling my life with purpose and joy.” Tekwilo views mission as preaching the gospel and embodying the work that Christ began. “Mission is about serving with humility, listening with compassion and building relationships that reflect God’s love,” Tekwilo said. “Jesus’ command to ‘go and make disciples’ is an invitation to be part of something far greater than myself. “As a disciple of Christ, I feel honored to participate in God’s mission. I find joy in simply being with people, listening, offering support and sharing God’s love in a way that feels real and personal. Every conversation and every moment of connection is an opportunity to plant seeds of faith and create a sense of belonging. Being part of mission-driven work that aligns with God’s purpose energizes me, and I am eager to contribute to initiatives that bring lasting transformation to individuals and communities worldwide.” As a Global Mission Fellow, Tekwilo expects to be stretched, challenged and pushed beyond his comfort zone, but he trusts that God has prepared him for it. “With joy and confidence in God’s plan,” he said, “I step forward, ready to serve, grow and share God’s love wherever God leads.” Preparing for cross-cultural mission, Tekwilo considers Global Mission Fellows essential to fulfilling his calling. “I have a deep commitment to serving God by teaching and preaching, especially to those who have never heard the gospel,” he said. “Reaching unreached communities has been a passion of mine, and I feel a strong responsibility to carry out the Great Commission and share God’s love, no matter the cost.” Putting faith into action is key, Tekwilo asserts. “Jesus and the apostles didn’t just talk about God’s love,” he said. “They fed the hungry, stood up for the oppressed and challenged the injustices around them. That example inspires me not only to share the good news but also to help those in need and speak up for those who don’t have a voice.” Tekwilo is certain that Global Mission Fellows will direct his understanding of God’s purpose for his life and give him the tools to minister effectively in different cultural contexts. “I’ve always felt a burden for cross-cultural missions,” he said, “and this feels like the next step in walking out that calling. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve, learn and bring God’s love to places and people who might feel forgotten.” Tekwilo is especially enthusiastic about joining other young adults, combining unique skills, interests and education to create meaningful change in the world. For him, this means using the experiences and gifts God has given him to serve and empower others. As student body president in college, Tekwilo learned how to connect with people, work as a team and lead with a servant’s heart. “These experiences,” he said, “taught me the value of listening to others, building trust and working together to achieve a shared goal. I’ve discovered a deep passion for relational ministry – getting to know people on a personal level, encouraging them and creating a sense of belonging. These relationships have shown me how much transformation can happen when people feel seen, heard and supported.” Tekwilo looks forward to learning from others, growing in leadership and working alongside people who share the same heart for service. “I believe that when we collaborate and bring our unique gifts together, we can make a lasting impact,” he said. “My hope is not only to contribute what I’ve learned but also to grow through this experience so that I can continue serving others in meaningful and impactful ways.”