Devasudar, Sam T. Rajkumar
Sam T. Rajkumar Devasudar 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.
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.”