Ansah, Rachel Brenda
Rachel Brenda Ansah 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 New Georgia Baptist Church in Monrovia, Liberia, Rachel participates in the health department. “We give health talks every Sunday,” she said. She is part of the worship team, the girls’ auxiliary and the youth group.
Rachel was never involved in her former congregation’s work. “I would always shun responsibilities, probably because I felt too young, not ready or too scared to be seen,” she explained.
That changed when she joined the New Georgia Baptist Church. After her baptism in January 2024, Rachel said, “I felt at home, and I wanted to take roles, to be fully involved with doing something meaningful for God.
“I took that bold step, even though I was still scared. I presented for the first time, and I did so well that I got lot of compliments. I felt encouraged, so I later decided to join the worship team, where we participate in Scripture and responsive readings, which leads to conducting Sunday service. And, yes, God came through as always. I am so grateful to have reached this far with my Christian life.”
Rachel feels called to missionary work, she said, because “with my spiritual and personal challenges that I’ve experienced, I have had no one else to put my trust in but God. God came through for me, giving me that easiness and inner peace toward handling situations that had weighed me down. I look forward to testifying and sharing my spiritual breakthrough and growth with others.”
She hopes to share her experiences with others from different diasporas to help them understand and know that around the world, people go through crises and challenges.
“My ultimate goal of being a Global Mission Fellow,” Rachel said, “is to become an expert in my field and make significant contributions through my work and leadership abilities. I am dedicated to navigating various responsibilities and gaining specialized training and skills, access to professional networks, and resources.
“I want to experience professional and personal leadership growth, and to be aware of my strengths, challenges and abilities. Being a fellow will help me with my spiritual growth, by connecting me with others in a way that supports and builds my faith, which is important for spiritual growth and well-being.”
Rachel is eager to use her skills, education and interests to foster growth and change within the community and society. “The combination of my expertise, experience and commitment to serve,” she asserts, “can help transform lives and promote development.”
Rachel is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in public health and an associate degree in medical laboratory technology, Rachel believes in sharing her knowledge through education. “It is a powerful tool for transforming, addressing social issues and ensuring equitable opportunities,” she noted. “I will be able to educate people and communities about preventive care and healthy practices, reducing prevalence of preventable diseases.
“I want to channel my education, interests and skills as a fellow,” Rachel continued, “through effective and empathetic communication because it ensures that ideas are understood and valued. I would engage in volunteering my time, advocating to amplify efforts to reach those in need, because volunteering allows individuals to apply their skills directly.”
She believes that giving back benefits others and enriches one’s sense of purpose and fulfillment, “creating a circle of positive change that echoes throughout society.”