TEAM Support Helps Young Missionary Pursue a Life of Service

MIZORAM, India (AP) — R. H. Vanlalhmangaihi’s journey into ministry began with a decision that required courage.

Raised in a Sunday-observing family in Mizoram, India, Vanlalhmangaihi began studying the Bible with Seventh-day Adventist evangelists in 2022. After becoming convinced of the church’s teachings, she asked her father for permission to be baptized.

“I was scared to ask him, but I was very happy when he allowed me,” she said.

Vanlalhmangaihi, now 22, joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church that year. Her mother and sister later became Adventists, while other members of her family continue to worship on Sunday.

Soon after her baptism, she joined the 1000 Missionary Movement International program. Following language training, she was assigned to Assam as a teaching missionary.

In addition to teaching, Vanlalhmangaihi and her ministry partner organized children’s programs, visited homes and gave Bible studies. One family began attending Sabbath services as a result of their outreach.

After completing a year of missionary service, she enrolled at GATE Adventist Training Center to deepen her knowledge of Scripture and prepare for further ministry.

The experience has brought academic and financial challenges. Although her father is a government schoolteacher, Vanlalhmangaihi said financial support for her tuition has sometimes been uncertain since she became an Adventist.

Still, she remains committed to her calling.

“I face everything with God, who gives me strength,” she said. “I know God will use me in His ministry, and my presence here will not be in vain.”

Time for Equality in Adventist Ministry, or TEAM, supports women preparing to serve through ministry, education and missionary work. By providing scholarships and advocacy, TEAM helps women overcome financial barriers and develop their God-given gifts.

For Vanlalhmangaihi, that support would help her continue her theological education and prepare for a lifetime of service.

“I give my life to God to use me throughout my lifetime,” she said.

Through its investment in women like Vanlalhmangaihi, TEAM helps ensure that financial hardship does not prevent committed young leaders from answering God’s call.