Here with purpose: Joe Sawatzky

Joe Sawatzky

Every organization has a purpose; an answer to the deceptively simple question, "Why?" At Mennonite Mission Network, that "why?" is to lead, mobilize and equip the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ — across the street, all through the marketplaces and around the world. In this Q&A series, Mission Network asks staff […]

Albuquerque Service Adventure shared a southwest blend of faith and friendship for 25 years

After 25 years, the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Service Adventure unit concludes, marking a quarter century-long grand adventure for its supporting community. NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) – Every August, fresh-faced participants from the U.S. and abroad arrive at Service Adventure (a program of Mennonite Mission Network) units across the country, welcomed by local supporting church […]

Living in community

​🚧CAUTION!🚧 Part of living in community means working through conflicts together! Service Adventure unit leaders model conflict resolution skills for participants, mentoring them as they learn.  Unit leaders don’t do it alone, though. Each unit is supported by local advocacy teams and Mennonite Mission Network staff. Together, they make sure units have all the tools […]

Peer mediators gain self-esteem while working for community peace

In March, SADRA (Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency) Conflict Transformation held a Peace Camp near Cape Town, South Africa, to reinforce peer mediation skills taught to high-school school students. March 18-24, SADRA (Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency) Conflict Transformation conducted a Peace Camp for 59 youth peer mediators, from five high schools in […]

Redefining the future of service

Are service programs dying? No! Maybe? But there’s no doubt we need to get back to viewing service as an alternative way of life. This article first appeared in the March issue of Anabaptist World. Are service programs dying? This is a question I get asked through my role as a representative for Mennonite Mission Network. It usually […]

Peace pins

Peace pin

What are we waiting for? The church needs to take Jesus and his teachings of peace seriously. Mennonite Mission Network invites you to wear the peace pin to be reminded of God’s call to peace and justice, and to spark conversation with others about peacemaking and the Prince of Peace. Please donate: $25 donation: receive 1 peace pin […]

Casa del Abuelo: Navigating crisis and compassion in La Guajira

“There are many problems here in La Guajira,” said Maria del Rosario Peña de Melo, a social leader and pastor of a Mennonite church in Riohacha, as she looked around the entranceway of the Casa del Abuelo (House of the Grandparent). She sat at a table with four chairs around it and paused before continuing, […]

Urgent prayer request for Ecuador

Quito

Delicia Bravo Aguilar and Peter Wigginton of Mennonite Mission Network were shopping for supplies for a Quito Mennonite Church project on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 9, when they noticed that traffic was becoming denser and more frantic in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. Shopkeepers were shuttering their windows and locking their doors. Radio announcements requested that parents […]

Counting down the twelve days of service with MVS and Service Adventure (part two)

Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) and Service Adventure units across the country got into the holiday spirit by creating photos that represent the ‘Twelve Days of Service’ for their unit. Below, you’ll find the final six entries from units counting down the twelve days of Christmas — but with a service-focused twist! Missed the first part? Click here to view days […]

Counting down the twelve days of service with MVS and Service Adventure (part one)

Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) and Service Adventure units across the country got into the holiday spirit by creating photos that represent the ‘Twelve Days of Service’ for their unit. Below, you’ll find the first six entries from units counting down the twelve days of Christmas — but with a service-focused twist! Check back next week for […]

A Congolese pastor overcomes fear of preaching in remote communities

Bercie Mundedi was one of the first three women ordained by the Mennonite Church of Congo, a Mission Network partner, in 2013 and thefirst Congolese woman to direct a Mennonite Church of Congo institution. She is part of the Africa Leadership Coaching Network, which brings seminars and workshops to underserved communities in Angola and the […]

Rethinking “Thanksgiving”

Embrace a transformative perspective this season by exploring the Indigenous Solidarity Network: Rethinking ‘Thanksgiving’ Toolkit with your family. In fostering understanding and empathy, this toolkit provides insights into Indigenous perspectives, history, and the complexities surrounding ‘Thanksgiving.’  By reading and reflecting together, we can engage in meaningful family conversations, broaden our cultural awareness, and work towards […]