Celebrating Qom Bible translator
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) — When he was in his early 20s, the late Orlando Sánchez believed that what his Indigenous people in the Argentine province of Chaco needed most was a translation of the Bible in their language, Qom (previously known as Toba). He spent the rest of his life working towards that […]
Triple catastrophes converge in Guatemala
Deb Byler has served with Mennonite Mission Network in Guatemala since 2018, as well as, with Eastern Mennonite Missions from 1984-1997. Byler shares her experiences of walking alongside those who face the devastation of COVID-19 and two hurricanes with faith and courage. Today, Nov. 18, it’s raining steadily as I write. Just two weeks ago, […]
Living in the long delay — Missional Meditations
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled, "Living in the long delay" based on the Revised Common Lectionary for November 29, the first Sunday in advent. Calling on God and doing God’s work strengthens us in the long delay of God’s kingdom. Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark […]
Desiring repentance — Missional Meditations
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled, "Desiring Repentance," based on the Revised Common Lectionary for December 6, the second Sunday in Advent. Repentance is turning from sin toward Jesus, which God desires for all and sends us to announce to all. 2 Peter 3:8-15a Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 […]
Giving thanks for God’s work among global partners
Editor’s note: Mennonite Mission Network’s four International Ministries directors share their Thanksgiving reflections regarding engagement with partners around the world. John Lapp, senior executive for International Partner Engagement and interim director of Asia and the Middle East I have grown to cherish my global relationships, especially those in Asia and the Middle East. Some […]
Gratitude among those without homes inspires nurse
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) – Every day at Christ House in Washington, D.C., Melissa Jantzi, a nurse at the long-term respite clinic for men experiencing homelessness, experiences what it means to be grateful: For a hefty, hot meal. For a favorite football team winning the game on television. For a hug from clinic friends, […]
Adaptation empowering innovation throughout Mennonite Mission Network
Mennonite Mission Network is forging new pathways through the challenges of the pandemic to continue joining God’s mission around the world. Mike Sherrill, executive director for Mission Network, spoke on these innovations during a Nov. 17 webinar titled "Adapting to the Pandemic and Innovating for the Future." "The trial of this pandemic has been an […]
As sheep sent to sheep—Missional Meditations
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation entitled, "As sheep sent to sheep" based on the Revised Common Lectionary for November 22, 2020. Christ our Shepherd sends us as sheep to other sheep, to give and to receive the hospitality of the kingdom. Ephesians 1:15-23 Psalm 100 Ezekiel 34:11-24 Matthew 25:31-46 […]
You are braver than you think you are: A letter to MVS participants
Hello fellow MVSers, Last I saw all of you, I was home for my childhood best friend’s wedding. If you haven’t attended — or been in the bridal party of — a close friend’s wedding, that day is probably quickly approaching, as we are all in that phase of life where a lot of our […]
Walking together
In East St. Louis, Illinois, in 1929, Joseph Raglin set the world record for bricklaying, by laying 3,472 bricks in 60 minutes — an astonishing rate of 58 bricks per minute. Raglin’s record remains, as do many of the brick roads he expertly and painstakingly built alongside the Conley brothers: William, John and Elijah. Bricklayers […]
Mennonites sing and serve despite losses in Hurricane Eta
GOSHEN, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network) — Hurricane Eta moved through Central America last week leaving wreckage in its path, especially in Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. The hurricane claimed at least 260 lives; 150 of them in Guatemala, 62 in Honduras, and 27 in Mexico. Mennonite church members in the region are striving to do what they […]
Mennonite Mission Network leaders share unfolding vision for the future
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) — When he first applied for the job, months ago, Mike Sherrill, who became Mennonite Mission Network’s new executive director August 1, says he did not imagine that it would mean leading the agency through a pandemic. But in God’s providence, that’s exactly what he’s doing, and he’s eager to […]