Mekrisuh, Tekwilo
Tekwilo Mekrisuh 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 Phek Town Baptist Church in India, Tekwilo teaches at a Bible college and is active in campus chapel. He earned Bachelor of Arts and post-graduate degrees in theology.
“God’s grace has transformed my life in ways I never expected,” Tekwilo said. “Over time, God has nurtured in me a deep love for God’s word, a heart for people and a strength that comes from leaning on God. I can clearly see God’s hand shaping me, refining me and filling my life with purpose and joy.”
Tekwilo views mission as preaching the gospel and embodying the work that Christ began. “Mission is about serving with humility, listening with compassion and building relationships that reflect God’s love,” Tekwilo said. “Jesus’ command to ‘go and make disciples’ is an invitation to be part of something far greater than myself.
“As a disciple of Christ, I feel honored to participate in God’s mission. I find joy in simply being with people, listening, offering support and sharing God’s love in a way that feels real and personal. Every conversation and every moment of connection is an opportunity to plant seeds of faith and create a sense of belonging. Being part of mission-driven work that aligns with God’s purpose energizes me, and I am eager to contribute to initiatives that bring lasting transformation to individuals and communities worldwide.”
As a Global Mission Fellow, Tekwilo expects to be stretched, challenged and pushed beyond his comfort zone, but he trusts that God has prepared him for it. “With joy and confidence in God’s plan,” he said, “I step forward, ready to serve, grow and share God’s love wherever God leads.”
Preparing for cross-cultural mission, Tekwilo considers Global Mission Fellows essential to fulfilling his calling.
“I have a deep commitment to serving God by teaching and preaching, especially to those who have never heard the gospel,” he said. “Reaching unreached communities has been a passion of mine, and I feel a strong responsibility to carry out the Great Commission and share God’s love, no matter the cost.”
Putting faith into action is key, Tekwilo asserts. “Jesus and the apostles didn’t just talk about God’s love,” he said. “They fed the hungry, stood up for the oppressed and challenged the injustices around them. That example inspires me not only to share the good news but also to help those in need and speak up for those who don’t have a voice.”
Tekwilo is certain that Global Mission Fellows will direct his understanding of God’s purpose for his life and give him the tools to minister effectively in different cultural contexts.
“I’ve always felt a burden for cross-cultural missions,” he said, “and this feels like the next step in walking out that calling. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve, learn and bring God’s love to places and people who might feel forgotten.”
Tekwilo is especially enthusiastic about joining other young adults, combining unique skills, interests and education to create meaningful change in the world. For him, this means using the experiences and gifts God has given him to serve and empower others.
As student body president in college, Tekwilo learned how to connect with people, work as a team and lead with a servant’s heart. “These experiences,” he said, “taught me the value of listening to others, building trust and working together to achieve a shared goal. I’ve discovered a deep passion for relational ministry – getting to know people on a personal level, encouraging them and creating a sense of belonging. These relationships have shown me how much transformation can happen when people feel seen, heard and supported.”
Tekwilo looks forward to learning from others, growing in leadership and working alongside people who share the same heart for service. “I believe that when we collaborate and bring our unique gifts together, we can make a lasting impact,” he said. “My hope is not only to contribute what I’ve learned but also to grow through this experience so that I can continue serving others in meaningful and impactful ways.”