Lois Lubanya Josiah 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. After earning a diploma/certificate in mass communications, public relations and advertising at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, she served as the communications director at Our Recycling Hub, an initiative founded by young women to combat climate change. Lois also volunteered with Women’s First Digital, Freetown, and took part in the National Youth and Entrepreneurship Fair. Focusing on gender-based violence and gender equality, Lois participated in activities related to the International Day of the Girl Child, initiated by the United Nations. “I used social media platforms to challenge the norms and narratives that limit young women and girls in society,” she explained. “I also worked with the communications department to facilitate a program on the International Girls in ICT Day, 2023.” A member of Brown Memorial United Methodist Church, Freetown, Lois is president of the Young Adults Fellowship, as well as a Sunday school teacher. “I was fortunate to be born and baptized in a Christian home,” she said. “My father, who is a reverend, taught us about the word of God. He and my mother compelled us to spend time with our Bibles, and I grew up knowing Christ and seeking to know him more. I involved myself in things that were spiritual and acts that would glorify God. “As a child, I joined the children’s ministry in The United Methodist Church, where I took active roles like singing and memorizing verses in the Bible to show my commitment in doing God’s work. I became a president of the children’s ministry and was given the opportunity to deliver God’s word at 12 years old because of the dedication they saw in me wanting to propagate the gospel.” As a youth, Lois was confirmed, which strengthened her involvement in the church. She shared her faith in school as well. “I served as an evangelist in the Scripture union in my secondary school,” Lois said. “I held Bible studies, preached at the assembly and made time to visit classes during my leisure time to spread God’s word.” Matthew 28:19, NRSVU is her guiding Scripture: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” “My involvement in the church cannot be overemphasized as I have placed myself as a sacrifice in carrying out God’s work in the church and in the children’s ministry,” Lois asserted. “I believe serving in mission will create a more open platform for me to deliver God’s word. I also believe as a young person, I might be able to influence society as a Global Mission Fellow. This will help [young people] to relate more with me in terms of relaying the message and understanding it.” She concluded, “This passion has been with me since I was a child. Working as a fellow will allow me to fulfill this passion and help me to navigate my talents through fighting social injustices in other parts of the world.”

Jacques Kilimwa Samalenge 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 Centenary Memorial United Methodist Church, Lubumbashi, DRC, part of the South Congo Annual Conference, Jacques served on the church council and as a choir member, Sunday school teacher and young adult leader. Growing up in a family that placed little emphasis on spirituality, Jacques started questioning the meaning and purpose of life during his five years at Africa University. In the process, he learned about United Methodism. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and natural resources management at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe. “I began exploring different religious and spiritual beliefs on my own, participating in various meditation and prayer groups, and reading the Bible,” Jacques said. “Regularly attending and participating in communal worship helps my spiritual growth.” He learned that United Methodists often incorporate both individual and group prayer into their spiritual practices. Jacques engaged in regular prayer and reflection, which strengthened his relationship with God. “As I delved deeper into my spiritual journey,” he said, “I developed a strong sense of connection with my inner self. I began practicing mindfulness, gratitude and compassion in my daily life. I found comfort and guidance in meditation and prayer, which allowed me to experience moments of deep peace and clarity. Over time, my spiritual growth transformed my outlook on life.” A quest for justice drew Jacques to missionary work. “I’m tired of seeing injustice everywhere in the world, even in the church,” he said. “Many people [including pastors] lack food and the means to survive while serving the church. With my courage and the deep desire to fight against these injustices, I hope that with everyone’s collaboration, we can do something better with the hand of God.” Passionate about promoting environmentally friendly practices and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural industry, Jacques asserted, “The Global Mission Fellows program aligns with my efforts to advocate for sustainable farming.”