Apply Now: Global Board of Church and Society fall fellows 2018

Submitted by Nyorowai Caroline Mutsago
Alumnus, Global Board of Church and Society Fellows Program

I have always been passionate about enabling people to overcome situations that oppress their lives and the less privileged in my community. Seeing the social injustices in my community made me want to pursue mission service, which would give me the opportunity to articulate, address and raise awareness in my village.

Right before I was a Church and Society fellow, I served as a Global Mission Fellow with The United Methodist Church’s Global Ministries in the Philippines. I saw God’s hand in the lives of the people I served as they shared their struggles and their testimonies. They survived natural disasters, famine, displacement and homelessness. God had provided hope and strength for them to carry on. I was then assigned to my home conference, Zimbabwe West Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, to work on ministry with women, children and youth as a women and children’s advocate, which where I work today.

As a Church and Society fellow, I gained skills to advocate for justice. It was a great learning environment. I focused on women and children’s advocacy. The staff at Church and Society were hospitable and always willing to help, ask questions, and shape me to gain more perspective. My project as a fellow was to create pastoral resources for advocacy for my country of Zimbabwe. I use these same pastoral resources in my work now as an advocacy and grassroots organizer with my conference. The fellowship opened various opportunities for me to continue my work and passion to care for the girl child. I was changed by this time and use the knowledge and skills I gained to transform my community and the church.

I would encourage others to apply for the fellowship program. The greatest benefit of being part of this fellowship is looking deeply at justice issues. In doing this, I was able to how to connect my faith and advocacy skills. I because informed of and transformed by Church and Society.

Program Description

The fellowship program allows individuals to work alongside staff on an intensive project that helps Church and Society equip and resource the Church in seeking justice and pursuing peace. This is an opportunity for spiritual and professional development and discernment. Fellows are a part of a cohort for reflection, experiential learning and live in community.

This year’s Church and Society fellowships are for Sept. 9 - Nov. 15, 2018.

Applications should be submitted before July 29.