Muenpanakhone, Phimphone
Phimphone “Esther” Muenpanakhone 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 Southeast Asia Samphan Methodist Church, Esther earned a diploma/certificate in English and music. She has served on the worship-support team, taught Sunday school, designed PowerPoint presenations and led youth.
In college, Esther’s teacher was the pastor’s wife. This proved life-changing as the teacher invited Esther to live with her family and introduced her to worship and prayer.
After Esther became a Christian, she realized the power of Philippians 4:14 (“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”) and that she, through God’s wisdom and mercy, could help people who are in difficulty. Teaching Sunday school, she focused on stories of people who expressed their faith and trust in God.
“I wish I could go to Bible college and learn how to be a good disciple,” she said. “I pray that God will encourage me to be a better disciple through [Global Mission Fellows]. I have a big dream to become a missionary and go to other places to evangelize the good news of God.
“I am passionate about gaining hands-on experience and learning directly from experts in the field. This fellowship represents a unique opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully, engage in real-world projects and work collaboratively with other motivated individuals. The chance to immerse myself in a structured yet innovative environment aligns with my goals of developing both practical skills and professional relationships.”
By participating, Esther hopes to build technical and interpersonal skills that will serve her throughout her career. “Working alongside experienced mentors and peers,” she asserts, “will push me to think critically, solve complex problems and adapt quickly. The program’s resources and network will also offer insights and connections that could open doors for me, helping me to lay a strong foundation for my career.”
When her Global Mission Fellows term ends, Esther wants to fulfill her dream of going to Bible college to learn more about the Bible. She also is anxious to share her newfound knowledge with younger members of her church.
“I’m enthusiastic about the potential to grow as a professional and contribute to impactful work through this fellowship,” she said. “I am eager to embrace the challenges, learning experiences and opportunities this program offers, as I believe they will be instrumental in preparing me for a successful future.
“I hope that my musical skills and teaching experience will help develop the young people and children, as well as the community,” Esther added. “I could work with people who have experienced trauma, mental health challenges or physical disabilities. Music therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood and even aid in physical rehabilitation. Music has a unique way of bringing people together across cultural and social boundaries.”
Esther would love to give young people access to music education they might not otherwise afford. “Learning music can build confidence, improve academic performance and encourage creative expression,” she said. “This could include creating music programs in schools, after-school programs or youth centers.”
She also would like to support youth and children with tutoring, particularly in low-income areas where access to resources may be limited.
“Education is very important,” Esther added. “Having strong educational skills often means being able to explain things clearly and give constructive feedback. By breaking down complex ideas and providing actionable feedback, I can help team members understand expectations, improve performance and feel supported.
“I could create reference guides, video tutorials or quick-start materials to support ongoing learning. This makes information accessible.”
Esther hopes to foster inclusivity by encouraging open discussions, adapting communication styles, and making sure that all voices are heard and valued.