ERDO

Daniel Korpela’s life and calling have been shaped by quiet faithfulness and a deep commitment to serving others. Growing up in Africa as the son of PAOC global workers, Daniel learned early on that following Jesus means living the gospel in practical, tangible ways. Rather than seeking the spotlight, his vocation has been marked by humility, collaboration and a desire to walk alongside communities as they pursue lasting change.

As ERDO’s (Emergency Relief and Development Overseas) new director of international programs, Daniel brings a wealth of experience in international development and a deep respect for local churches and partners. In this interview, Daniel reflects on his journey of faith, his passion for holistic mission, and his hope to see lives and communities transformed through faithful service rooted in love.

How did you first come to Christ, and when were you called to missions?

When I was about six or seven years old, I remember kneeling down at our sofa with my mom and asking Jesus into my heart. I have been following Him ever since.

My call into missions also came at a young age. When I was just under a year old, my family became PAOC missionaries in Kenya. Growing up overseas was not without its challenges, but I always felt like Africa was very good to me. Returning to Canada after high school, I had a strong sense that I would devote my life to giving something back to the continent that had given me so much.

I never felt like I was a gifted orator or preacher like my father, but I felt my calling was to practically serve God by serving people. This led me to study international development at university and has guided many of the career choices I have made since then, including living out my calling at ERDO.

Is there an experience you had early on in ministry that solidified your call?

Not one specific incident or experience, but the cumulation of a life spent in the mission field. I clearly remember the day I returned to Africa after being away for 10 years. When I arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, the sun shone warm on my face. I heard the birds chirping—the sights and sounds were so familiar—and my soul rested. I felt, “I am finally back where I am supposed to be.”

What initially drew you to ERDO and our work?

After finishing school, I worked for Fida International, the relief, development and missions arm of the Finnish Pentecostal movement. I learned about my Canadian brothers and sisters doing similar work through ERDO, so I have known about ERDO for quite a long time.

I believe in presenting the full gospel to people, proclaiming it honestly and living it out in action. Micah 6:8 tells us what God requires—to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. I believe ERDO’s work embodies these principles.

What experiences and skills do you bring to ERDO from your lifelong career in missions?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all model for development. Living and working in the mission field has helped me understand the challenges and opportunities that people are facing around the world. Issues are complex. I have lived in places where systems are weak and fragile, where I’ve had to engage with different partners to try to solve complex problems.

I feel privileged to have experience working with local church denominations and their leadership, strategizing together on how the church can bring meaningful impact to build God’s kingdom. I’ve seen local leaders developed and supported to reach their goals, and systems shift from fostering dependency to fostering sustainability. I have learned the difference in doing something for people versus doing something with people.

I have lived in this world of international development, grappled with its issues, and I will continue to do so at ERDO.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the global church today?

The biggest challenge is to proclaim the gospel in word and deed. The gospel is inherently offensive. The central tenet of Christianity is that there is only one way to salvation, and that way is through Jesus Christ. In a pluralistic world, where everyone has their own truth, proclaiming Jesus as the truth can be seen as very offensive.

What is the biggest challenge of international development today?

This is a very big question. One of the core challenges of international development is how to bring about effective change and transformation. True, lasting change is very complex and often out of our immediate control.

But one of the biggest challenges I have seen in Africa is youth unemployment. Most countries have a large young population, and there simply are not enough employment opportunities for everyone. People need jobs to care for their families and have hope for the future. This is a big area of focus for me, working with ERDO.

How do you define success for the global church in a world of increasing need?

Success is faithfulness that bears lasting fruit in transformed lives, restored communities, and credible witnesses.

Two of my sons are in the cadets, and the theme verse for this year is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” Success is being faithful with what God has entrusted us.

I’m reminded of the two greatest commands: to love God and to love our neighbours. Focusing on others—on what we can do for them instead of only thinking about what we need—can go a long way in making the world a better place.

What are you excited about this coming year at ERDO?

I am excited about building relationships with colleagues, global workers and local partners. I am excited to explore ways we can work together to bring about transformation in people’s lives. We have an opportunity here to practically share God’s love by helping the vulnerable and marginalized. It is exciting to be part of what God is doing to build His kingdom around the world.