Missionary Moments: Sharing My Global Mission Fellows Journey

Dear Friends, I’m happy to update you on my incredible journey as a Global Mission Fellow! Can you believe it's already been six months since I arrived and serving at my place of assignment?

?And guess what? It's been a month since I was officially commissioned as a fellow in Naivasha, Kenya, at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church by Bishop Daniel Wandabula of the East Africa Episcopal area. It was such a life-changing experience, a real turning point in my spiritual journey!

Just like in 1 Samuel 3:6, where it says, "The Lord called Samuel, and he answered, 'Here I am,'" I, too, answered the call to serve as a young adult missionary in Sierra Leone. I'm working closely with local communities to develop sustainable solutions to combat the impacts of climate change and address social injustices such as food insecurity.

But before we dive in further, could we take a moment to pray together?

“Heavenly Father, I'm grateful for the friends reading this. Please continue to bless them and let them experience your love through the kindness of others. Help them embody the love and compassion that your son Jesus taught us. And as they engage with this sharing, may they feel inspired to support the ministry's work and perhaps even join in. We know the need is great, but the hands willing to help are few. Thank you, God, for this opportunity to share your love through stories and experiences, and for calling me to serve as an instrument of positive change in the communities I work with”. Amen

Allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation for your ongoing support, whether through prayer or donations to my advance account. I humbly appeal to you to keep supporting me on this journey. My advance account number is #3022732, or you can conveniently donate using the attached link: https://advance.umcmission.org/p-2155-tapiwa-p-chimbadzwa.aspx ?. Let's keep spreading love and making a difference together!        

GMF training and commission, January 5–15, 2024

From January 5th to 15th, 2024, I had the privilege of joining 37 other young adult missionaries from around the globe as part of the Global Mission Fellows program. Our diverse group of young people is serving in different countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. The training we underwent during this time was nothing short of transformative, opening my eyes to new ways of thinking about the communities I serve and equipping me with invaluable tools to navigate life's challenges.

One of the most impactful lessons came from Rev. Alfiado, who emphasized that while conflict may be unavoidable, our response to it is key. His words resonated deeply with me as I reflected on past encounters and contemplated future ones. Learning to approach conflicts with grace and understanding has been a game-changer for me, both personally and professionally.

?Another enlightening session was led by Rev. Judy Chung, who introduced us to the concept of the "Two Loops." This framework challenged me to critically evaluate my role within my organization and consider how I can contribute to its success. Through this process of introspection, I emerged with a newfound sense of purpose and direction.

Unleashing Leadership: My Journey to the Emerging Leaders Foundation

The Emerging Leaders Foundation is a name that echoed with promise and purpose. I had the chance to shadow the Global Mission Fellows training manager on a site visit on January 15, 2024. Little did I know, this encounter would be more than a mere pit stop; it would be a compass recalibration for my soul.

As we stepped into the foundation’s world, I felt the heartbeat of leadership. It wasn’t about fancy titles or corner offices; it was about weaving change into the fabric of existence. The air buzzed with stories and powerful narratives that danced between the walls. The executive director shared a touching quote, “Stories are our currency since they shape destinies, and as young leaders, we should make it a habit to share our stories to inspire and influence change.”

And so, I listened. I soaked up tales of resilience, of young minds igniting revolutions. We weren’t just spectators; we were architects of a new narrative. The Foundation’s ethos seeped into my bones: leadership isn’t a solo act it’s a symphony of collaboration, a chorus of purpose.

I sat across from the management team, sipping wisdom like a rare elixir. Their work is transformative. Their passion is contagious. And in that room, I realized, I wasn’t just a witness; I was a catalyst. My experiences and my voice mattered. I vowed to share my story, to ripple change across continents.

Since it was my last day, I felt the privilege and honor as the hunger for purpose was refueled, I was well fed with wisdom and ready to depart, not just for Sierra Leone but for a world hungry for authenticity. Armed with stories, fueled by purpose, I’ll be the change I wish to see.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, I knew I was part of something bigger. The Emerging Leaders Foundation had ignited a fire within me, and I was ready to light up the world, one story at a time.

If you ever find yourself in Nairobi, knock on their door. The Emerging Leaders Foundation awaits, ready to shape dreamers into leaders.

Back to work in Sierra Leone

Back at the Village-to-Village Federation, things were buzzing with activity as soon as I returned. There was a lot to do, from writing up project ideas to making sure our monitoring and evaluation methods were top-notch. But amid all these busy schedules, I found moments of inspiration, particularly when I facilitated a partnership between our organization and the Advocacy for Marginalized Children and Youth Program. Together, the two agreed to jointly embark on initiatives ranging from environmental education to youth empowerment, united in our mission to effect positive change.

Connecting with Global Mission Fellows: Exploring topical issues together on the Open Spaces Platform.

It was truly a privilege to be invited as a panelist to discuss the topic of refugees and asylum seekers. During our session, we had the opportunity to share our own experiences and insights into the evolving landscape of migration and displacement in today's world. We delved into how various factors are now driving these movements, prompting a critical examination of the traditional definition of a refugee. It was a thought-provoking discussion aimed at understanding and addressing the complexities of this pressing issue.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, I am filled with optimism and determination. With each passing day, I am reminded of the profound impact we can have when we work together toward a common goal. I am committed to continuing to share my journey with you all, and I invite you to join me in this ongoing pursuit of service and learning. Together, let us strive to leave no one behind as we endeavor to transform lives and communities for the better.

Until next time, my friends, may you be blessed abundantly. As a Global Mission Fellow, I embrace a new perspective and approach to service, fuelled by compassion and driven by purpose. I see differently and serve differently!