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.

Koffi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal biology and physiology at the University of Lomé in Togo. He is especially interested in youth ministry.

“I want to serve as a scholar and give my all for God’s mission,” he said. “As young people, we have a commitment to work for the Lord of the causes and issues facing communities today. The church must act through the engagement of young people to solve problems of social injustice and racism.”

As a Global Mission Fellow, Koffi hopes to use his talents and time “to grow communities as well as organizations and to make a difference in solving issues facing the church and the world,” he said. He looks forward to acquiring new skills and experiences and strengthening his commitment and leadership abilities.

“It is also a way for me to familiarize myself with other cultures, learn new things, be flexible and understand other realities of life and in the ecumenical world,” Koffi said. He is eager to help young people and communities around the world.

“This commitment,” he noted, “also will allow me to make a difference in the cultural diversity of each congregation.” He sees his role as helping youth to understand the gospel as they journey on the path of Christian commitment.

Raised in a Christian family, Koffi was baptized as a young child. He learned the importance and the meaning of the sacrament.

“As I followed the teachings and participated in prayer, praise and worship,” he said, “I came to know Jesus in a different way. This led me to switch from children’s worship to catechism.

“I was confirmed and thus able to participate in the common meal established by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” He joined the youth association in his community, volunteering “to enlarge the kingdom of God on earth.”

Because of Jesus’ presence, Koffi and his family have been blessed.

“I put my trust and my hope [in him], and he never lets me down,” Koffi said. “The Lord is always present, and at each stage of my life, his grace has never ceased to abound and overflow.”

He agrees with Matthew 9:37-38, which reads: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest.”

“There is much to do in the house of the Lord,” Koffi said. “I am of the nature to help, to bring my stone to the building, to work for the accomplishment of the works of the Lord on the earth.

“While we still have the strength,” he added, “we must work before the evening comes when we cannot. I am part of this perspective. I want to work as a Global Mission Fellow to bring my time, my abilities and my talents for the advancement of the work of God by his grace for the glory of his name. Everything we do, we do not for ourselves, but for the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Afatchao, Koffi Romaric

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In her role, she strives for closer contact with UMCOR grantees/funding partners and potential grantees/funding partners in Europe, better awareness of Global Ministries missionaries in the region who work with migrants, themes of migration and refugee ministries, and increased understanding of regional migration policies, practices and flows. She is based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Previously, Joy Eva was assigned as program executive for youth engagement at the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Geneva (2017-23). A former mission intern (the intern program was a forerunner to Global Mission Fellows) and mission advocate for the Young Adult Mission Service of the agency, she was commissioned to her present work in October 2015.

Joy Eva’s name is short for “Joyful Evangelist.” She is from Cebu City in the Philippines, where she is a member of the Labangon First United Methodist Church of the Visayas Philippines Annual Conference. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication, majoring in journalism, from the University of the Philippines. Her mother is clergy.

Joy Eva has worked for an online newspaper, and served as national president of the United Methodist Youth Fellowship in the Philippines, a team member for Discipleship Resources in the Philippines and an Emmaus Walk community coordinator. Participating in a government-sponsored exchange program in South Korea, under the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, she led the case study presentation of the Status of Young People in the Philippines. She has taken part in mission trips within and outside the Philippines.

Luke 4:17–20, the passage about Jesus engaging with the people in the synagogue, strongly influenced Joy Eva as a young person. “When Jesus read Isaiah’s scroll, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,’” she said, “it resonated with me that God’s calling to serve God’s people in fighting for social justice, struggling with those in the margins and being in solidarity with the oppressed is for everyone, wherever you are in the world.

“God’s mission is for everyone from everywhere to everywhere. Jesus knew exactly what his purpose was. We should, too, and live out Jesus’ mission statement as found in Luke 4.”

Joy Eva has known for years that she would enter mission as a vocation.

Bohol, Joy Eva

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As a missionary with the World Council of Churches, Abigayle is the program executive for youth engagement in the ecumenical movement. In this role, she spearheads the engagement of young people, ages 18 to 30, and enhances intergenerational formation in the WCC. The global connections and capacity of United Methodist missionaries offers the WCC a unique partner in serving a fellowship of 353 member churches in over 110 countries in every region of the world.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Abigayle was consecrated as a United Methodist deaconess in May 2015. She is a member of Taal United Methodist Church in Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines. The congregation is part of the Bulacan Philippines Annual Conference.

Abigayle earned a bachelor’s degree in kindergarten education at Harris Memorial College, Taytay, Rizal. She is in her final semester of studies toward a Master of Family Life and Child Development at the University of the Philippines.

As a Global Mission Fellow with the General Board of Global Ministries, Abigayle served as an assistant in communications (women and children) at Centro Ecumenico Popular para America-Latina de Comunicacion (Popular Ecumenical Center for Latin-American Communication). On district and annual conference levels, she was a youth advisor.

With a rich United Methodist heritage, Abigayle was inspired by her grandparents, mother and brother who worked with the church.

“God has been my strength, provider and guide in my journey of life,” she said. “I studied as a deaconess because I wanted to offer and serve God with all that I am and the gifts God has given me. One of the ministries that I really love since I started working as a deaconess is working with the youth. Collaborating with youth and seeing their passion and love gives vibrance to my ministry. My relationship with Jesus grew as I understood that ministry and mission is not only for the people that we nurture at church but, most importantly, how we live the Word outside the church, taking the church to the community, and helping and walking with the people who are experiencing social injustices.”

Abigayle takes to heart the words attributed to John Wesley: “The world is our parish. “We live our faith in sharing God’s love with people,” she said. 

Describing her call to mission, Abigayle said that when she decided to become a church worker, “I knew back then that I was confined to the four walls of the church. I was too busy looking at the problems at church that I did not give the outside outlook of mission.

“Joining Global Mission Fellows gave me a wider perspective with mission and ministry. Seeing how social injustices affect each person, especially the marginalized ones, encouraged me to continue advocating for justice and peace. I had a linear plan before, but the program motivated me to continue doing mission through Global Ministries with the people and for the Lord because there’s no holiness without social holiness.”

Bolado, Abigayle Chesca

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John has served in several missionary placements since he was commissioned in 2000. Previously, he was the director of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church’s Family Center in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine. There, he worked with a team of social workers and community organizers to provide a wide range of services, including counseling, work and life skills, and educational support to street children, single mothers, and families in crisis. He also assisted with worship and pastoral duties.

From 2001 to 2005, John’s missionary assignment was serving as pastor of the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy, an international, interdenominational Protestant congregation in Moscow, Russia. In addition to his tenure in Moscow, he served as the coordinator of humanitarian relief and church development for the Methodist Church in Kenya, and as a program coordinator for the World Council of Churches in Jordan.

John is an ordained elder of the New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Before joining Global Ministries, he served pastoral roles in congregations in New York City, Berlin, and Jerusalem. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, John earned his undergraduate degree in Russian and economics from Georgetown University, Washington, DC. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology. John and his wife Noel have two sons, Nicholas and Benjamin

Calhoun, John

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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. 

Zacheus is involved at First United Methodist Church, Moheto, as praise and worship leader and pianist and serves as secretary and youth president for the Kenya/Ethiopia Annual Conference. 

A member of First UMC since 2000, he has worked in various areas in the congregation, gaining spiritual nourishment and development. “I have grown through reading the Bible, attending prayer sessions and engaging in teachings concerning the word of God,” Mwita said. 

After earning a certificate in higher education teaching at Msomi Teachers Training College, Migori County, Zacheus taught at Father Antony Pagani Primary School and at International Vision Academy, both in Nairobi. 

“I was a member and secretary of Msomi Media and Journalism in college,” Mwita said. “We published the school magazine and produced news on every assembly day.” As a Global Mission Fellow, he hopes to use his journalism skills to write and publish information about programs in his placement area.

Zacheus feels called to serve children and young people. “I would like to reach out to youth of different categories, denominations, races and countries,” he noted. “I would like to share my experience on what I have encountered in my profession as a teacher.” 

He has gained rich experience, along with a greater understanding and appreciation for children of diverse backgrounds. “Most of the children have different stories to tell,” Zacheus said. “Some stories are touching to an extent you may wish to continue listening.”

The students sometimes share glimpses into their home lives. 

“One time,” he recalled, “a child came complaining of her parents who were in disagreement. The child would come to school late without finishing the home assignment, and this raised an alarm among the teachers.” The staff contacted the child’s parents, talked to them and began addressing the situation. 

One of Zacheus’ aspirations is to advise, nurture and encourage youth to become responsible adults.

Chacha, Zacheus

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Judy considers herself a bridge builder across cultural, ecumenical and social boundaries. As a child born with a physical disability, she faced challenges of growing up in a world that was not always welcoming to one who was considered “different” from the expected norm.

“Thanks to the nurture of loving, faithful adults in my life,” she said, “I developed a compassionate heart for those who are marginalized by society. I was inspired by the vision of God’s church as a body of many members – diverse, unique and valued. As I grew in faith, and through the witness of Christian role models, I learned the importance of ‘coming alongside of’ others in loving service, regardless of social or cultural barriers.”

Judy’s first career was as a pediatric physical therapist. For many years, she served children with disabilities in underserved communities in inner-city Baltimore, then in rural North Carolina. With a growing desire to tackle issues of disability and stigma on a broader scale, she completed a master’s degree in public health.

She and her husband Tom felt God’s call to serve in the Dominican Republic as public health missionaries with a faith-based organization. “During our four years in the Dominican Republic,” Judy said, “I launched a community-based rehabilitation project to support children with disabilities and their families in their homes and local communities.”

Upon returning to the U.S., Judy and Tom settled into a small mountain community in North Carolina. “I found my spiritual home in a vibrant United Methodist congregation,” she said. In my continuing work as a physical therapist, I was given unique entrance into the lives of children and families, many facing significant challenges. My hands and skills were tools to offer physical healing; yet, my words and presence offered care that went beyond the physical healing. In time, I became increasingly drawn to the spiritual significance of my work.”

Judy’s pastor nudged her toward teaching, leading youth ministry and lay speaking. Gradually, she discerned a clear sense of call to ordained ministry. Judy entered seminary as a second-career student, with the blessing and support of her husband and two young children.

“My passion for cross-cultural ministry remained strong throughout seminary,” she said. “I was chosen to join a mission team in partnership between the North Carolina Conference and the Methodist Church of Peru,  which further affirmed my understanding that my role as an ordained minister would be as a unifying bridge between people and churches of differing cultures and experiences, on behalf of God’s love.”

During Judy’s 15 years of pastoral ministry within the Western North Carolina Conference, she served churches of varying sizes and contexts, encouraging them to respond meaningfully to the questions, “Who is my neighbor?” and “How is God calling us to walk alongside of them with love?”

In this season of Judy’s life, she sees God bringing things full circle. After spending seven years in ministry in Geneva, Switzerland, within a very diverse, global context, she is now transitioning to pastoral ministry with an ecumenically diverse congregation in Spain.

“My time in Geneva,” she said, “has greatly inspired and impacted my perspectives on mission as I’ve been serving with and among other Christians from around the world. I have been deeply touched by relationships and dialogues with beloved colleagues and friends from very different cultural and denominational upbringings from my own. I have grown in understanding – through first-hand accounts – of the many and complex ways the church is engaged throughout the world to be bearers of hope, justice and peace.”

As a missionary pastor in Spain, Judy hopes to combine her passion for ecumenical and cross-cultural ministry with her pastoral gifts for worship and preaching, spiritual formation, teaching and strengthening church-community connections.

“I have learned a great deal about the UMC’s role in the work of ecumenical dialogue and collaboration,” she said. “I have come to understand how necessarily different the landscape is in Europe and for faith communities, and I appreciate the cooperative and unifying spirit that is required to be in ministry.”

Davis, Judith “Judy” Bors

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Kristina Esther Gaid De Jesus is an international Global Mission Fellow with the General Board of Global Ministries.

Kristina is a member of the North Carolina Conference. Growing up, she was actively involved with her local churches, attended Annual Conference as a lay delegate, and represented the NCCUMC Youth in the Conference Youth Committee. When she was in high school, she learned about the Global Mission Fellows at Annual Conference, and after discernment, believed that it would “best prepare [her] to both start working in the educational system and continue leading in the United Methodist Church.”

Kristina earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2024. During her undergraduate education, she majored in Human Development and Family Science, minored in Education, and affiliated with the Pre-Master of Arts in Teaching program. She volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club’s after-school program, and interned at a local elementary school.

Kristina was a member of the UNC Ballroom Dance Team, Southeast Asian Student Association, and Wesley Campus Ministry. Outside of school, she was a part-time childcare worker at a local church. She is a Board of Directors member and the Young People representative for the National Association of Filipino-American United Methodists.

Kristina described her personal spiritual growth as a process that started with her father, a United Methodist pastor, and her mother, a stay-at-home parent and substitute teacher. She had a weak relationship with God throughout her childhood, until her faith was tested during her first year in college. She recalled, “I slowly depended on and trusted in God more, and eventually joined the UNC Wesley Campus Ministry during my sophomore year.”

Kristina continued, “Reflecting upon my past as a United Methodist ‘preacher’s kid,’ and present as a graduating college student, I’ve always been establishing connections while being on the move. In the process, I learned that God transcends beyond buildings and borders, and works in us through other people.” She remembered her father saying, “We’re being shaped by the places we go to.”, and would add: “…and places are being shaped by the people we meet there.”

“I feel called to do more than just sit and listen to my father’s sermons, by going out into the world and being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.”

De Jesus, Kristina Esther Gaid

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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.”

Devasudar, Sam T. Rajkumar

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Jennifer Olivia Dihardjo 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. 

Jennifer is a young adult member of the Indonesian Christian Church in Karangsaru. Her involvement includes choir member and musician, event planner, youth committee secretary and actor. 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in film, with specialization in animation, at Multimedia Nusantara University, Tangerang, Indonesia. “I have experience both academically and professionally in animation and motion graphics,” she said. She interned at Stadikel Edukasi Teknologi (Technology Education Stadium), Bekasi, Indonesia, and the Mennonite World Conference in Ontario, Canada. 

Jennifer believes that participation in Global Mission Fellows will help her to grow and to explore God’s grace by engaging in communities. 

“My eagerness to learn and experience a whole new environment,” she said, “has driven me to seek an opportunity to be part of a new community. Multiple times, I feel that God has told me to take a chance to learn new things. I want to broaden my knowledge and my mind about things that are happening in the world.  

“Being part of communities would let me see the world with an open mind,” Jennifer added. “By engaging with people, we can share each other’s stories and how God has worked in our lives.” 

She is excited about contributing to change. When her Global Mission Fellows term ends, she hopes to implement the experience and skills she gained.  

“I want to make changes to be better,” Jennifer said, “and they do not have to be big changes. I want to see how this opportunity that God has given me will change how I behave and think about the issues happening in the world.” 

She is eager to live outside of her comfort zone. “I am always curious about different cultures,” Jennifer said, “and I have always wanted to learn. This program will assist me in becoming a better person.”

Dihardjo, Jennifer Olivia

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Michael LeahAnne Gable 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 member of LifeBridge Church, a nondenominational congregation in Savannah, Georgia, Michael remembers participating in a mission journey as a teen. 

“When I was 14,” she said, “I went on a mission trip with my youth group. A tornado had devastated the hometown of one of our leaders, and we were all asked to volunteer to help with disaster care and cleanup. We spent two weeks hopping from church to church, showering in hose-water portable showers, and living off donated meals from the community. It was upward of a hundred degrees most days, and the tasks were heavily manual labor. It was brutal, it was hard work, and it was the happiest, most peaceful, most at rest in my soul that I had ever been up to that point, and it changed my life.” 

Michael earned a diploma/certificate in phlebotomy and EKG at Northeast Medical Institute in Stamford, Connecticut, received an Associate Degree in general studies with certifications in emergency medical aid from Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, Alabama, and a Bachelor of Arts in cultural anthropology and missiology from Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. 

“All of my education, all of the steps I took, and all of the training and certifications I got,” she said, “were in preparation to, one day, go into the mission field. My focus was humanitarian outreach that allowed the opportunity for ministry, while still respecting the peoples, communities and cultures I encountered.” 

In the process, Michael met a Global Missions Fellow alumnus. “Right away,” she recalled, “I was drawn to the program, but I wasn’t properly equipped at the time to participate.” 

“Unfortunately, things in my life kept preventing my ability to commit myself to the program,” Michael said. “This year, I’m finally in a position where I can apply and not have anything holding me back.” 

All along, Michael has been an advocate for GMFs. 

“The Global Mission Fellows program,” she said, “has been a pillar and a continuing pull in my life for many years. I value and respect the mission of the program and the belief that people can do missions for, with and through God in many ways and with many different types of people.  

“Mission is about helping, loving, kindness and ministry through opportunity and understanding. It’s about walking beside all types of people through all walks of life and showing them that they are loved and that they matter.”  

She concluded, “Having this opportunity, this community, this journey will be an invaluable experience for any future mission that I do as well. My hope is to use the knowledge I am given from this experience, absorb it, and use it to help others, advocating for those in need and continuing to walk with them.”

Gable, Michael LeahAnne

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