The Mission of God and the Fullness of Faith: A Reflection on John 20:19-29
"As the Father has sent me, so I send you." These words, from the resurrected Jesus to his disciples, have become the namesake of Sent, Mennonite Mission Network’s church planting and revitalization initiative. They also appear at the center of John 20:19-23, the theme text for Mennonite Church USA’s bi-annual convention in 2019. On a […]
“Lets never do that again…”
Susan: okay now it’s time for another alumni interview with Susan. So first I will have my guests tell you their name and where they served. Michelle: Michelle Musselman and I was a Service Adventure unit leader in Colorado Springs, Colorado from 2013 through 2015 If you could give advice to someone who’s thinking about […]
Former mission worker, administrator and stewardship leader leaves servant-hearted legacy
GOSHEN, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network and Everence) – In all the roles James D. Kratz fulfilled as a Mennonite mission worker, administrator and stewardship leader, he sought to serve those in need and to pray for and mentor each person in his path. His family and friends say this is the servant-hearted legacy of Kratz, […]
Power of my power
Mennonite Mission Network held its fourth annual Sent gathering April 26-28 in Denver, Colorado. After two days of fellowship, testimony and teaching, the conference closed with worship at Beloved Community Mennonite Church, our host congregation. Located in Englewood, our service marked the 20th anniversary of the mass shootings at Columbine High School, in the adjacent […]
Glimpsing God through everyday life
When I came into Service Adventure, I had a very open mind to what I would learn. I was not expecting to love more deeply or appreciate the little things in life more. At my work placement, I work with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The day program I am with teaches them […]
To care for the land is a missionary calling
Benin is an agricultural economy with more than half of its population still working the land. Even in urban areas, people know the geography of their ancestral roots. They return to their family’s rural compounds when times get hard in the city. They know they will find food and a community to help them carry […]
Open to life-changing nudges – Interview with MVS alum Dana Tolle
Susan: This is Susan Nisly and I’m collecting another Mennonite Mission Network alumni story, so my guest today is going to introduce herself and tell us her name and where she served, and with what program. Dana: My name is Dana Tolle and I was in Boulder doing Mennonite Voluntary Service in 2006-2007. And I […]
God’s economy, not empire economics
I have met many Christians who say, "The story of a man building an enormous boat to save every type of animal that exists while the entire earth is covered in water is clearly literal and historical." In the next moment, they say, "Jesus’ call to radically love our enemies is an ideal that’s definitely […]
Celebrating 75 years of formation for young adults in shifting times
NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) – When Gilberto Perez was 12, he hung out with the older guys who came from their Brownsville, Texas, Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) unit to help his parents, Elizabeth and Gilberto, build a Hispanic Mennonite church in Robstown. When he was 19, he said those memories emerged as a powerful […]
When your nonprofit job fails to live up to your expectations
People who are drawn to meaningful work are often drawn to the nonprofit sector. I am inspired daily by my coworkers and interviewees who have made (or are hoping to make) a career that serves the greater good. However, spend any amount of time in a nonprofit organization of ANY kind and you will find that […]
From participant to leader—Interview with the Rittenhouse sisters
Susan: I’m sitting here today with Krista and Leah Rittenhouse. Can you say what years you were in Service Adventure? Leah: I was in Service Adventure as a participant in 2008/2009 and then served as a Service Adventure leader from 2015 through 2018. Susan: I am wondering if you could share a little about how Service […]
Keep an open mind—Interview with Service Adventure alum Renee Neufeld
Susan: Hi. This is Susan Nisly (director of Service Adventure) and I’m sitting here with Renee Neufeld. And Renee was a Service Adventure leader for three years in Anchorage, Alaska, and then completed another term when there was an accident in one of the other locations that took the leaders away from there. So, Renee, I guess the […]