Douglas, Theon Akim Nicolai
Theon Akim Nicolai Douglas 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 San Fernando Methodist Church, Theon served as a congregational steward, a youth group leader, a Sunday school teacher and a lay preacher on trial. The church is related to the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas. In high school, Theon focused on electrical engineering technology.
Throughout his life, Theon has sensed a strong call to serve others with his God-given talents. He recognizes that many people face serious social injustice such as neglect of children and young people, lack of education and food insecurity.
“By offering myself to Global Mission Fellows,” he said, “I will have the potential to leave a positive mark on the world.” Theon is eager to improve lives, share the good news of Jesus Christ and plant seeds of faith in people’s hearts.
“This is also an opportunity for learning about different cultures and building a network with fellows from around the world,” Theon added. “I am most eager to further develop my teamwork and communication skills alongside other fellows and community leaders. My desire to serve stems from a heart to help others, while enhancing my own life through meaningful experiences. With the help of this program, I believe I would gain opportunities to further develop skills and gain insights that would shape me for future service.”
Theon hopes to use his skills, interests and education to help tackle social injustice and affect the lives of others in a meaningful way. “I believe that my experience as a youth leader and congregational steward in my local home church provided ample formation for this role,” he said.
“In addition, I led Bible study sessions and youth groups and organized events for young people. As a congregational steward, I served the wider church community and was included in congregational and circuit meetings, fundraisers, workshops and much more. I have served as a local preacher in my circuit and have learned more of God’s love and will for my life and the lives of others. My passion and drive to see change in the world push me to leave a positive mark.”
As a Global Mission Fellow, Theon looks forward to fostering new relationships that allow him to make changes that inspire others to accept the mantle, creating a chain reaction of people helping others, reducing social injustices and bettering human lives.