Global Mission Fellows (US-2) News & Stories

Ben Lasley, a US-2 in Philadelphia, describes how a community garden on a small city lot brings joy and a bountiful harvest to a population that needs both.

The Global Mission Fellows program of the UMC places young adults, ages 20–30, in social justice ministries for two years of service. The program offers the opportunity for service in the US and around the world.

The application for the 2021-23 cohort of young adults serving in social justice ministries in the United States opened Monday, Oct 12.

Joining as one in spirit despite being physically separated due to the pandemic, seven GMFs on the US-2 track were blessed for ministry during a virtual service on August 26.

The first Methodist short-term, young adult missionary program began in 1948, sending young adults to serve 3-year assignments in Asian countries devastated during World War II. Today, Global Mission Fellows come from many different countries and serve in placements around the world.

Originally from Minneapolis but now serving in Tampa as a Global Mission Fellow, Abigail Reeth envisioned a way for her community - especially the kids - to process and respond to racial injustice: painting a mural together.

Asti White, a Global Mission Fellow, discusses how his ministry in Michigan is addressing food injustice and how they've adapted their methods of fellowship amidst crisis.

Based on health and logistical factors linked to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Global Mission Fellow program will skip of year of sending young adults to serve in international justice-related ministries.

Marcharkelti McKenzie, a US-2 alumna, reflects on her service in the Global Mission Fellows program and how it continues to inform her growth and development today.

Serving at Sunnyside United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Emily Burns works to combat issues of food insecurity in her community as a Global Mission Fellow and EarthKeeper by supporting and developing a community garden and food pantry.

Devotional by Angela A. Reed | Fourth week of Advent

They join 50 recently commissioned international Global Mission Fellows, starting two-year assignments in social justice ministries around the world.