Micah Global appoints Roshan Mendis as new Global Director

Micah Global has appointed Roshan Mendis as its new Global Director, the international Christian development and advocacy network announced Saturday, Feb. 28.

Mendis, a longtime humanitarian leader with more than two decades of executive experience, will assume the role March 1, succeeding Dr. Deborah Hancox.

The worldwide network, which includes more than 400 members and member organizations in over 80 countries, said Mendis brings extensive leadership in child-focused development, mission strategy and global advocacy.

Mendis most recently served more than 20 years as chief executive officer of LEADS, a national humanitarian and development agency focused on children. He has also held senior leadership roles with BMS World Mission as regional team lead for Central and South Asia, and with Asia Pacific Baptist Aid as a director. In addition, he served as global chair of the COVID-19 response task force for the Baptist World Alliance.

According to Micah Global, his work has emphasized holistic mission, strategic direction, safeguarding, advocacy and partnership-building to support vulnerable communities.

Micah Global Board Chair Commissioner Christine MacMillan welcomed the appointment, citing both Mendis’ professional background and personal faith journey.

“I value Roshan’s expertise, lived experiences and faith journey which engages with credibility, teachability and a vulnerability as the Lord’s servant and our mission partner,” MacMillan said in a statement. “I am grateful he has accepted the challenge and opportunities in facilitating our member-led and engaging network.”

Mendis is not new to the organization. He has been involved with Micah since its early gatherings in Oxford in 2001, participating in global advocacy efforts related to the Millennium Development Goals and later the Sustainable Development Goals. He has also served within Micah Asia and on the Micah Board.

Commenting on his appointment, Mendis said his involvement with the network had deeply influenced his theology and practice of holistic mission.

“Micah has profoundly shaped my understanding of integral mission throughout my ministry,” he said. “I have witnessed the unique power of this network to bring its members together in faithful action as the various expressions of the Church.”

He added that he was “deeply humbled” to serve in the role and expressed hope that members would “corporately seek where the Lord is leading us,” strengthening collaboration and expanding work in justice and compassion while remaining rooted in Micah’s core values.

Micah Global describes itself as a worldwide network of Christians engaged in development, creation care, humanitarian response and advocacy. The organization seeks to connect faith-based actors working toward holistic transformation and social justice in communities around the world.