Yav , Sam Ntamb

Sam Ntamb Yav 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. 

Sam is a member of Memorial Ketembo Kainda United Methodist Church Parish in Kolwezi, DRC. The church is related to the South Congo Annual Conference. Sam is the acting president of the district Youth for Christ group. A graduate of Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and natural resources. 

As a young teen, Sam worked in his parish under the supervision of a local missionary. “He used to teach me about the church and encourage me about the importance of serving God,” Sam recalled. “From there, I decided to engage myself in the work of the Lord. In my local parish, I was considered among the children’s monitors at the Sunday school.” At interparish gatherings, he often was selected to teach the children. 

Sam’s love for serving God in children’s ministries continued to flourish.  

“I had the chance to participate in evangelization of children,” he said. That opportunity reinforced his skills. The church council asked Sam to become a youth leader.  

“I was the only one to be trained in my parish,” he said. “My desire to serve God grew, and I started to preside over Youth for Christ at the parish level. Today I feel called to missionary service. 

“Locally,” he said, “I have accomplished a lot in society as a representative of my local church. My wish, therefore, is to broaden my parameters of service and experiences in relation to the years that I have served God in my country and in the church.”  

For more than five years, Sam has participated with other youth in community cleanup efforts.  

“By God’s grace,” he said, “I hope to be useful wherever I shall be assigned.”