Raleigh, N.C. (Mennonite Mission Network) — True hospitality cuts both ways. That’s what nine new Service Adventure leaders learned about gift-giving as they met for orientation July 22-27 in Hutchinson, Kan. Historically, the Latin meaning of “hospitality” signified both the guest and the host would bring a gift.
Michele Hershberger, a Bible and ministry professor at Hesston (Kan.) College, said sometimes that gift will be a listening ear, or sometimes it will be showing humility or faith. People bring whatever they have acquired on their journeys — wherever they are along the way. So, in the case of Service Adventure, it’s a reciprocal relationship between both the leaders and the community, and the leaders and the participants.
In addition to Hershberger’s session, Service Adventure leaders also spent the week discussing worship nights, learning components, simple and sustainable living, budgets, and scheduling. Input was given from a number of Mennonite Mission Network employees, and previous Service Adventure leaders, including Tonya Ramer Wenger, who is a previous Mission Network board member.
At the end of the week, the leaders were anointed and sent to their new communities, where they will spend the next two years.
Service Adventure leaders will mentor participants ranging in age from 17-20, and focus on faith formation and leadership development. Giving and receiving counsel, they will welcome two groups, each serving for one year, into their homes in Albany, Ore.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Anchorage, Alaska; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Johnstown, Pa.; or Raleigh, N.C. Philippi, W.Va., is also a service location, but is taking a sabbatical this year.
Susan Nisly, Service Adventure director, reflected on the new group of leaders: “This incredible group of leaders is such confirmation of God’s faithfulness … my prayer for them is that they can use this time to continue to develop their leadership gifts as they pour themselves into the lives of the young adults they will be living with.”
