Lee, Seul

Seul “Stella” Lee is currently serving as 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 committed lay member of Good Shepherd’s Methodist Church in Seongnam-Si, South Korea, Stella has served as a Sunday school teacher and praise leader. In 2024, she was also appointed as a kindergarten pastor (children’s evangelist) at Eunhyeon Methodist Church in Seoul, where she ministered to young children and supported their early spiritual formation. She has also ministered to North Korean defectors, older adults living alone and individuals experiencing homelessness. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian education and early childhood education from Seoul Theological University and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at the Methodist Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea.

Prayer, Stella said, “is not simply a time to recharge my soul, but also to experience anew the love and grace that God has poured into me. When I pray in tongues, my heart and soul are connected to God, and I feel God’s guidance directly.”

She loves intercessory prayer. “Whenever I pray for others,” Stella said, “I experience the joy of God’s compassion and love for that person overflowing in my heart. Whenever I feel certain that God is working through my prayers, the meaning of my life becomes clearer, and I feel alive. Above all, I have come to a deep realization that the joy overflowing within me is a gift from God and that I must share that gift with the world.

“Missionary work is not simply about spreading the gospel, but also about putting God’s love into practice. I am convinced,” she said, “that my mission is to overcome language and cultural barriers, pray for others, meet their needs and, above all, testify to God’s love through my life.”

The opportunity to serve God in another country, Stella said, marks a turning point in her life.

“I hope to share that love with those whom God has sent me and be used as a tool to change lives,” she added. “Missionary work is never an easy path. There will be differences in language and culture, and unexpected difficulties. However, I know how valuable and meaningful it is to share God’s love, even in the midst of difficulties, so I really want to join that path.”

Because English is not her first language, Stella has been studying diligently, and she is confident that God will help break the language barrier.

Still seeking God’s direction for her life, Stella hopes that Global Mission Fellows will help guide her. She views mission as an opportunity to witness to God’s love, simply by being present with others.

“I have abundant experience and skills in education,” she said, “and I want to use them in missionary work. In particular, I can help children learn happily and receive essential basic education through play. I want to demonstrate my ability to help children develop strong character and understand what truly matters in life, not just academic knowledge. I also want children to develop confidence and dreams of their own.”

Stella continued, “I also have management capabilities such as program planning, evaluation and improvement. I hope to fulfill the mission’s purpose by engaging hands-on in the field. I want to spread the gospel in person, be with others and practice love.

“In addition to education-related activities, I have various volunteer experiences,” Stella said. “I am physically strong, so I can devote myself consistently without getting tired easily.”

She looks forward to new volunteer opportunities such as delivering food and clothing, providing medical support and participating in community clean-up. She is excited to continue serving wherever God leads.