Elmi, Amel
Amel Elmi 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.
Amel attends Lighthouse Methodist Church, related to the Methodist Church in Britain. Amel’s spiritual journey is tied to her desire to understand how faith can address the challenges we face collectively around the world. “Through studying politics, philosophy and theology,” she said, “I’ve had the opportunity to explore profound questions about justice, purpose and service. These studies have given me a strong foundation to live out my beliefs and have opened my eyes to the powerful intersection of faith and social justice.”
Recently, Amel had what she termed “a transformative experience in her spiritual growth,” teaching English as a volunteer to underserved communities in the West Bank. “It taught me to recognize the inherent strength and value in others, even in the face of hardship, and to rely on divine guidance as a source of resilience during difficult times,” she said. Mission work, Amel explained, unites her passion for social justice with a desire to act. “It allows me to support others by addressing practical needs, fostering understanding across cultural divides, and building genuine relationships rooted in empathy and respect,” she said. “We each have a role in creating a more just and hopeful world.”
Amel especially appreciates Global Mission Fellows’ commitment to social justice, particularly in the areas of education, workers’ rights and environmental sustainability. “Global Mission Fellows’ emphasis on collaboration and community-driven solutions,” she said, “resonates with my approach of building lasting, meaningful relationships as well as providing first-line support. I have always believed in the power of collective action to drive lasting change, and GMF offers the perfect platform to further develop that belief through hands-on experience.”
Engaging with diverse communities and addressing critical challenges such as educational inequality, workers’ rights and environmental sustainability also pique Amel’s interest. “I see these challenges as interconnected,” she continued, “and through a combination of advocacy and direct involvement, I aim to contribute to practical, empowering solutions that create long-term positive change. The program’s focus on fostering solutions in partnership with communities resonates with my belief that true change occurs when local voices and needs are at the forefront.”
Amel is enthusiastic about enhancing her leadership skills and her understanding of justice, as well as growing both professionally and personally. “I am eager to build on my academic background in social sciences and human rights,” she said, “applying theoretical frameworks to real-world situations and expanding my knowledge of effective social justice practices.”
Another plus for her is cooperating with like-minded individuals. “I hope to gain new perspectives and hone my ability to design and implement effective, sustainable solutions,” she said. “I am passionate about the potential for change that comes from collective action and believe this program will provide the tools and experiences necessary for making a significant, enduring impact.
“I also look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences, contributing to a collective learning environment that amplifies everyone’s contributions, and growing alongside a cohort of individuals committed to social justice. Lastly, I am confident that Global Mission Fellows will equip me with the experience and insights needed to continue contributing to social justice initiatives in the future. I am excited to apply my skills in a new context, learn from others and deepen my capacity to make a meaningful impact. I look forward to collaborating with others who share my dedication to creating sustainable, inclusive and transformative change.”
Amel especially looks forward to using her skills, interests and education to enrich social justice efforts, particularly in the areas of educational equity, workers’ rights and environmental sustainability. “My academic studies in social sciences and environmental studies,” she noted, “have provided me with a deep understanding of the systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect underserved communities. Through my research and experiences, I’ve gained valuable insights into how these issues are interconnected and how addressing them requires both policy reforms and grassroots efforts.
“I am eager to refine my leadership abilities, deepen my understanding of social justice and contribute to a collective effort to create a more just and sustainable world.”