Mudzengerere, Ernest
Ernest Mudzengerere 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.
Ernest is a member of Greendale United Methodist Church, Harare, in the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference. He plays many roles: youth president, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee member, Committee on Education vice chair, History and Records Committee member and Christian education teacher.
He earned a Bachelor of Education Honors Degree in History, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe, and a Master of Science degree on child-sensitive social policies, Women’s University in Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe. Ernest is completing research toward a Master of Science degree in disaster, risk and livelihood studies at Women’s University in Africa and a Special Honors degree in monitoring and evaluation at Lupane State University, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Serving as a Global Mission Fellow, Ernest noted, is more than an expression of goodwill for Christians.
“It is founded on a personal encounter with Christ,” Ernest said. “Jesus was the first to serve humanity, willingly giving his life for the benefit of all. That gift was not given because of our merits. This teaches us that God gives us himself. Furthermore, God is love.
“The experience of God’s generous love both challenges and liberates us to treat our brothers and sisters with the same attitude. As a result of the program, I will be able to be a true disciple of God by living out my faith.”
Especially exciting for Ernest is how Global Mission Fellows benefit communities, potentially bridging disparities.
“The opportunity to serve as a fellow,” he said, “will allow me to connect with various communities and help them improve. I believe that even the smallest task can make a significant difference in the lives of people and organizations in need, and this program will allow me to do so.”
Ernest also looks forward to making new friends, expanding his network and improving his social skills. “The program,” he continued, “will allow me to try out a new career without committing to a long-term commitment. It is also a way for me to gain experience while building on skills I already have and putting them to use in the greater community.
“The most valuable skills I bring are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is required and a positive attitude. Global Mission Fellows is a simple way to explore my interests and passions. Serving will also give me renewed creativity, motivation and vision, which I will apply in my personal and professional life.”