ATLANTA – Eighteen global missionaries and five young adult Global Mission Fellows (GMFs) were commissioned – blessed and sent forth into mission service – on Jan. 26 at Wanyange Central United Methodist Church in Jinga, Uganda. Together, they will serve across 15 countries, including Argentina, Cambodia, Switzerland and…Uganda. Their types of mission service range from pastor and professor to agriculturalist and doctor.
The worship service centered upon the theme of being called to mission, with scripture readings from Isaiah 6:1-8 and Matthew 28:18-20. Isaiah’s response, “Here am I, Lord. Send me,” served as a reminder of the importance of recommitting oneself to join in God’s mission.
Bishop Daniel Wandabula of the East Africa Episcopal Area delivered a sermon entitled “Living Out the Gospel, Transforming the World.” He reminded the congregation that God’s call upon our lives has the potential to change the world. “Missionary service is not a personal choice; it is a divine summons. Our missionaries and GMFs are not simply following a desire from within themselves. But they are answering a clear call from God to go and make disciples.”
After they were commissioned by Bishop Wandabula with the words “I commission you to take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world,” each candidate was presented with an anchor cross. The newly commissioned missionaries recited Wesley’s Covenant Prayer together, pledging their trust in God and service to the global church.
“Every time we worship in these commissioning services around the world, we are reminded what a great connection we have as The United Methodist Church,” said Global Ministries General Secretary Roland Fernandes. “And though we are different in so many ways, we are one in Jesus.” Fernandes also remarked on the renewed and strengthened relationship between Global Ministries and the East Africa Episcopal Area and shared his great hopes for the future of The United Methodist Church in the region.
As the service concluded, the congregation joined in a final blessing, offering encouragement and prayer over the group as they go forth to serve. Newly commissioned missionary Alejandro Alfaro-Santiz, who will serve in Argentina with his whole family, said he is excited to “…share God’s love through our actions and prayers and service in our daily lives.”
Sara Logeman is the senior manager of content and marketing for Global Ministries.
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Global Missionaries are a tangible connection between The United Methodist Church and mission. Through denominational or ecumenical ministries, missionaries bear witness to God’s presence all around the world. They are called by God and sent out to serve by the church, usually placed in a new cultural context beyond their country of origin. Missionaries engage in ministry that is defined by mutuality and partnership, seeking to expand the mission of God already present and active in people and places. Explore and support the work of Global Ministries missionaries.
Global Mission Fellows (GMFs) are young adults, ages 20–30, who are committed to serve in social justice ministries for two years. They enter new communities, understanding their challenges and assets through relationships and with the long-term goal to overcome systemic oppression. Fellows partner with community organizations to address a variety of issues, including migration/immigration, education, public health and poverty. Learn more about applying to become a GMF and support current fellows.
