Missionaries (Advance # 00779Z) from 10 countries who gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for training and fellowship were officially commissioned by the General Board of Global Ministries for service around the world.
The congregation and pastor of Lavington United Church in Nairobi welcomed the 17 missionaries, staff, and board members from Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry in a service of celebration, April 9, 2026. Bishops from the U.S., East Africa Episcopal Area, and Kenya officiated the service, which was also live streamed for remote viewing.
Rev. Dr. John Maromba, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in Kenya, delivered the sermon and noted: “This is the very heart of the work carried forward by The United Methodist Church – to send, to support, and to stand alongside those who bring healing, justice and hope in communities around the world.”
The atmosphere was filled with joy, renewal, and a deep sense of calling. Missionary Florence Muthoni Wandia, originally from Kenya and serving with the United Mission to Nepal, described the moment: “I was so excited and I could feel the Holy Spirit upon me, a renewal covenant between me and my God. I am created to God’s purpose.” With her experience across various organizations, Florence expressed her hope to empower communities both economically and socially, ensuring sustainability in every effort.
From 10 Countries Serving in 15 Countries
The commissioned missionaries will serve in 15 different countries, from Central Asia to Central America, in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Three of the missionaries commissioned are from Kenya, with one headed to Africa University in Zimbabwe and two to Nepal for positions with United Mission to Nepal.
Six of those commissioned will be working in the field of education, including two with the Latin American Biblical University in Costa Rica, Wesley College in Tanzania, United Methodist University in Sierra Leone, Africa University in Zimbabwe, and the Theological Community in Mexico. Four are church planters or evangelists in Panama, Belize, Ireland, and Switzerland.
One of those in the field of education, Samuel Joina Ngale from Mozambique, has begun his service in Sierra Leone as Vice Chancellor–Principal of the United Methodist University in Sierra Leone. He shared his bold vision: “I look forward to working with the United Methodist University – Sierra Leone to see it become a leading higher education institution, focusing on awakening the youth to their God-given potential through entrepreneurial programs so that they can live up to what they are called by God to do.”
A few of the missionaries have been working in their assignments in unique roles. The Rev. Matthew Laferty represents the World Methodist Council to the Catholic Church and the Holy See (Vatican). He also serves as the co-secretary of the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission, the official theological dialogue commission between the World Methodist Council and the Catholic Church. The Rev. Igmedio Domingo is the supervising elder for the Middle East Mission in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar were approved as new missions by General Conference under the authority of the Philippines Regional Conference.
100% of Your Donation Helps
You can designate your donation to go to a specific missionary/country through The General Board of Global Ministries’ Advance accountability system. Missionaries are but one part, there are numerous of projects that you can support depending on your preference.
General Board of Global Ministries website
The Advance is The United Methodist Church’s designated giving network, connecting donors with approved ministries around the world. Gifts support disaster relief, leadership development, education, and justice initiatives, helping the Church respond where the need is greatest.
When your church or you give through The Advance, you partner with the global Church to extend God’s love and make a real, lasting impact.
Click Here to download the full list of missionaries who were commissioned on April 8, their home countries and their places of service. The missionaries’ bios can be reached online by clicking each name for the link.
