Vengesai, Vongai
Vongai “Vee” Vengesai 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 Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe, a Protestant congregation in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Vongai joined the youth outreach and leadership group. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in social work and a Master of Science in public health.
Since childhood, Vongai has had a passion for serving others.
“Growing up in a community like Gweru, where social injustice is prevalent, was motivation enough for me to want to fight social injustice,” she said. “This led me to participate in the Youth Alive Club, which aims to raise awareness about social justice issues among young people. My involvement included initiatives such as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.”
From there, Vongai decided to pursue a degree in social work, which would equip her with the knowledge and the power to fight social injustice.
“It wasn’t until my college years that I began to experience a profound shift in spiritual awareness,” she said. “During my internship, I encountered diverse communities and heard their struggles and resilience. This experience ignited a deeper understanding of my own faith and the importance of empathy and action. This direct engagement with individuals facing hardships deepened my compassion and sense of purpose.”
After hearing about Global Mission Fellows, Vongai felt encouraged to check it out. “The testimonies from GMF alumni,” she said, “made me understand that being a missionary was not only about religious outreach but also about advocating for social justice, alleviating suffering and promoting human dignity. Their testimonies also made me understand that my spiritual growth and faith are not just personal, but also a call to action.”
Vongai believes that her skills in social work and public health can empower individuals and communities to improve their lives. “I believe I am meant to contribute positively to the world,” she said. “Serving alongside others with similar values creates a supportive environment where one could grow spiritually and emotionally. My experience working with diverse groups, including victims of abuse and violence, has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges they face.”
She is confident that Global Mission Fellows will help her to develop greater resilience, empathy, and understanding of diverse perspectives. “This dual growth, both personal and communal, fuels the ongoing journey of spiritual growth,” Vee said. “This path will offer both challenges and rewards, guiding me toward a life dedicated to uplifting others and embodying my spiritual beliefs.”
As a Global Mission Fellow, Vongai feels prepared to embrace the core values of engagement, connection and growth. “These values will not only enhance my community-engagement skills but also will allow me to connect on a deeper level with those I serve,” she said. “Additionally, I will have the opportunity to connect and grow spiritually, cementing my faith, for spiritual growth reinforces my commitment to living selflessly and fulfilling what I consider to be God’s work.”
She continued, “My prior voluntary work as a counselor helped me build empathy, active listening skills and client trust. I intend to put these abilities to use by actively assisting marginalized groups in the struggle against social injustice. Additionally, I want to use these abilities to develop, engage and establish connections with the community.”