New Student Missions & Service Program Director

In the Center for Faith Engagement

In her new role, Fanai mentors and connects students with meaningful service and mission opportunities, both locally and internationally. (Photo by Darren Heslop)

Andrews University welcomes Rebecca Fanai as the new student missions and service program director in the Center for Faith Engagement. In this role, Fanai mentors and connects students with meaningful service and mission opportunities, both locally and internationally. She also collaborates with campus partners—including churches, community organizations and global mission agencies—to build sustainable service pathways and develop programs, trainings and outreach initiatives for the Andrews community.

“I guide students through the entire journey—from exploring their calling, to preparing for cross-cultural service, to supporting them during and after their mission experience,” Fanai says. “Overall, my role is about creating spaces where students can grow, serve and discover how God is calling them to make a difference.”

Fanai was born and raised in Myanmar/Burma, with family roots in Northeast India. She also spent time living in the Philippines, which she notes, “deeply shaped my worldview and my love for service in multicultural settings.” Most recently, she lived in Maryland and affirms, “Each place I’ve lived has shaped my heart for ministry, service and building community across cultures.”

She attended Andrews University for her undergraduate degree, sharing, “My strongest connection to Andrews began during my time as a student. Being here shaped me in so many ways—spiritually, academically and personally. I was involved in ministry and service opportunities on campus, and those experiences planted the seeds of purpose and calling that I’m now able to pour into my work with students.”

In 2020, Fanai graduated from Andrews with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, later becoming a licensed registered nurse. She also started a nonprofit organization called Project Chin Hills, which serves the Chin diaspora and provides humanitarian aid to communities in need. Her work in these roles developed important skills in communication, outreach, service and support.

“Both my nursing background and nonprofit leadership have prepared me to serve students in missions by giving me a strong foundation in compassion, cultural sensitivity, mentorship and practical problem-solving,” she explains. “These experiences allow me to walk alongside students in meaningful ways as they prepare to step into unfamiliar environments and explore God’s calling for their lives.”

Earlier in 2025, Fanai learned about the opening for student missions and service program director at Andrews. She reflects that the position immediately resonated with a passion God had placed on her heart: to empower young adults to serve with purpose. “It felt like God opening a door back to a community that shaped me, and I sensed a calling to return and invest in students the same way mentors once invested in me.”

Fanai most looks forward to journeying with the students on campus—hearing their stories, encouraging their sense of mission and witnessing the growth that happens through service. She hopes to bring a spirit of compassion, openness and intentional mentorship to her new role, noting, “I want to help cultivate a campus culture where service and mission are woven into everyday life and where students feel empowered to live out their faith through meaningful action. I hope that each individual/student I encounter would come to know the love of Jesus or live out their love for Jesus and serve like He did.”

She shares, “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Andrews again, and I’m humbled by the ways God has led me back here. I’m excited to walk alongside our students as they step into mission, grow in their faith and discover how they can serve the world with courage, compassion and purpose.”