My neighbor and our flourishing life
"Peace is not merely the absence of some negative force — war, tensions, confusion, but it is the presence of some positive force — justice, goodwill, the power of the kingdom of God." — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "When Peace Becomes Obnoxious" I am reflecting on these words from Dr. Martin Luther King, […]
WhatsApp helps Kekchi women know what’s up with each other
By invitation of the Iglesia Nacional Evangélica Menonita Guatemalteca (INEMGUA — Kekchi Mennonite Church), Deb Byler focuses on the spiritual growth and leadership development among the women leaders in the Kekchi Mennonite Church. Her ministry, through Mennonite Mission Network, includes visits, preparation of materials, and encouragement for women developing and using their gifts in their churches and […]
Leader leaves missional mark on agency
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) — After many years of ministry, something was not working for pastor and church planter Marvin Lorenzana. Searching for inspiration, he turned to the example of the 16th-century Anabaptists. “I kept repeating mistakes that hindered me from being faithful to what I read in the New Testament about how the […]
Inauguration thoughts
As I write on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, two days before the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States, I am overwhelmed by the anxious times we are in, as citizens of the United States. We are in a season of pandemic. COVID-19, yes. But it is more than that. Our political and […]
A time to trust — Missional Meditations
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled "A time to trust," is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for January 24. Times of change and crisis are opportunities to trust in God. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Mark 1:14-20 Psalm 62:5-12 Thank you for joining us! This was […]
Called amid crisis — Missional Meditations
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled, "Called amid crisis," based on the Revised Common Lectionary for January 17. Amid leadership crises, God raises up new leaders who will speak God’s truth. Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17 John 1:43-51 1 Samuel 3:1-20 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Thank you for joining us! This […]
Witnessing the church in ‘real life:’ what we learned from Martin Luther King, Jr. and MVS
Originally published on January 22, 2020, this blog by Edith and Neill von Gunten reflects a reality in 1966 that is still prevalent today and has become more apparent during the ensuing months of 2020. As Martin Luther King, Jr. day approaches, read this blog and reflect on Dr. King’s legacy as he said, "Life’s […]
Pandemic realities shift direction of partnership
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network and Mosaic Conference) — Pandemic realities are shifting how Mennonite Mission Network is partnering with others. This shift includes sharing $15,000 with Mosaic Mennonite Conference to support its youth and young adult leadership development. Mosaic Conference is using the support — the majority of a $20,000 grant Mission Network received […]
SOOP couple reaps the blessings of Plans B and C
DIVIDE, Colorado (Mennonite Mission Network) — "People plan, and God laughs," quoted Matt Lehman Wiens, when asked about the six-month sabbatical he and his wife, Dr. Ruth Lehman Wiens, had planned for this year. After Ruth Lehman Wiens finished her family medicine residency in June, the couple had intended to serve at Iona Abbey in […]
Holiday Cheer Over Pandemic
This webinar originally streamed on Dec. 15, 2020. Do not allow despair to fuel anxiety and stress, over these joyous holiday seasons — God is still with you! During this time of the year, traditionally, we prepare ourselves to gather together for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons to experience the joy of family and friends. This year will require us […]
What a difference a decade makes!
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) — As Hildi Amstutz spoke with a seminary student during a graduation ceremony at Centro Evangélica Mennonita de Teología Asunción (CEMTA)in Asunción, Paraguay, he shared his passion for the silent retreats that he had once considered unimportant. In that moment, she realized that 15 years of quiet persistence had […]
Creating a to-be list
Since 1991, Hildi Amstutz has served as a Mennonite Mission Network associate — along with her husband, C. Paul Amstutz — in Paraguay. Here is a personal reflection regarding her senior care ministry. In my senior care ministry, I am discovering this agonizing cry of aging people: "I don’t have any say in anything anymore!" […]