Akoka, Akoka Ferdinand Akoka Akoka
Ferdinand Akoka Akoka 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.
Ferdinand serves as a provisional deacon for the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference. He has participated in the choir at his local church. He attended Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree Honours in medical laboratory sciences.
Servant leadership is part of Ferdinand’s DNA. He strives to follow the example of Jesus Christ by sharing the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Galatians (5:22-23). Doing so, he said, draws him near to God and fortifies his soul, invoking the spirit of Ubuntu: “I am because you are.” In serving others, he discovers his calling from God to help the less-privileged and advocate for justice in his community.
In his vocation in the medical field, Ferdinand makes an effort to take patients’ needs into account, adhere to established rules and regulations, and show compassion.
“I am always prioritizing people’s health in the community and displaying personal social holiness toward my neighbors,” he said. “I feel called to mission in order to continue serving my community and neighbors in alignment of the teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, reflecting the core values of Global Mission Fellows: Engage, Connect and Grow.”
Ferdinand continued, “We are alive because Jesus died on the cross for us. This is God’s work that we are serving as Christians. I am willing to serve as a fellow because it will equip me with life tools, help develop my spiritual growth and reaffirm my faith as a Christian.” He is eager to refine his conceptions as a young Christian who has a vision to fulfill within his church.
“I am not benefiting alone, however,” he said. “My entire community will benefit from my return to my home country. I will be sharpening as a leader to become responsible and accountable to specific assigned duties during the program.
“I will not only be working in the career goal pursued at school; I will also be taught other related life domains. Global Mission Fellows has necessary tools to equip me with innovative ideas and build a strong foundation for my future. I will not take this opportunity for granted because it is a gift from above. This seems the new start of my second life journey. This is my turn to shine. This program is a key to unlock my life discoveries and open doors to sharpen my faith journey.”
Ferdinand has worked in public and private sectors, both inside and outside his home country. “I have established good professional working relationships,” he said. The fellows program, he asserts, will provide splendid training for enhancing practical skills, unlock his career goals and enrich his spiritual growth.
“As a medical laboratory student (scientist),” he concluded, “I will do every effort to contribute significantly and widely to this program while still advancing my professional objectives. I am excited to become a fellow in your esteemed program because I believe it will give me great chances to learn about the medical sector in practice, [acquire] skills that will last a lifetime and deepen my Christian spirituality.”