God will keep us
In the Message translation of the Lord’s Prayer, a single phrase is repeated: "keep us." It is highly reminiscent of the benediction in Numbers 6:24 – the Lord bless you and keep you. Keep, in this case, means to care for, to guard. This is God’s promise of active love. God attends us, guards us […]
Mission Network undergoing anti-racism re-evaluation
ELKHART, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network) — Mennonite Mission Network is renewing its commitment to be an anti-racist organization. In response to the heightened awareness of systemic racism in the United States and abroad, the mission agency is reevaluating its current internal culture and practices to become more effective and caring in its ministries. Mission Network […]
Fulfilling the heart
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Renewal for mission." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday, June 13. The desires of our hearts do not go unnoticed, and God brings them to fruition at the appointed time. Psalm 20 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 2 Corinthians 5:6-17 Mark […]
SOOP celebrates 30 years
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) — As Janice Graber strummed "Jesus Loves Me" on the harp for an Alzheimer’s patient in Carlsbad, New Mexico, the woman, having been catatonic for months, lie still. The woman’s family gathered around; some held her hand, others prayed, waiting for the end. Suddenly, in the middle of the first […]
Urban service term upends Conservative Mennonite girl’s world
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) — When Arloa Bontrager, a conservative Mennonite 20-something, left her family’s Indiana chicken farm to serve in a childcare center in Philadelphia, her world turned upside down. Three-plus decades down the road, Bontrager, director of SOOP (Service Opportunities with Other People), said in a recent interview that she has been […]
Recapping the beginnings of SOOP
In the Mid-1980s, as many as 90 people were serving with Mennonite Board of Missions (MBM), a predecessor agency to Mennonite Mission Network. At this time, SOOP (Service Opportunities with Our Partners) was known as Winter Voluntary Service (VS). MBM staff witnessed how retired adults offered many gifts, and had significant life experiences, greater flexibility […]
I have decided to follow Jesus
The origins of this hymn come from India. A man and his family had accepted Christ into their hearts and the village chief told them to renounce their faith on threat of death. In response, the man sang his response — this hymn, even as his children and wife died. He was martyred as well, […]
MVS unit ends, service legacy lives on
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) —After two-plus decades of housing Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) participants such as Jessica Penner, the New York City unit closed earlier this year. Yet, Penner believes the closure will never obscure the new vistas that the Mennonite Mission Network program opened up for her ongoing life’s journey. In a recent interview, Penner […]
Renewal for mission
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Renewal for mission." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday, May 30. Mission flows from the renewing touch of God’s Spirit. Romans 8:12-17 John 3:1-17 Isaiah 6:1-8 Psalm 29 Thank you for joining us! This was initially streamed on May 25, […]
A single cupped palm
God measured the water of the world in a single cupped palm. That steady and sure hand is the one that keeps us and guides us. God is aware and cares for all of us. What could possibly escape God’s attention? Nothing! God is big. We can count on God to be there when we […]
Take my hand
When Jesus healed a leper by touching him, it was more than physical healing. Touch a leper is a dangerous thing to do, and Jesus certainly didn’t have to touch the man. But Jesus saw that his suffering was more than physical — it was emotional as well. Jesus saw this man’s complete lack of […]
Holy closure
Looking at the scriptures with an eye toward mission. Joe Sawatzky shares a Missional Meditation titled "Holy closure." It is based on the Revised Common Lectionary for May 16, the seventh Sunday of Easter. From the tragic death of Judas, the disciples found closure through scripture and prayer, which led into mission. Acts 1:15-26 Thank you for […]