U.K. Anabaptist Theology Forum explores legacy of MMN worker Alan Kreider

​BROMSGROVE, England (Mennonite Mission Network and Eastern Mennonite Mission) — Participants at the Anabaptist Theology Forum applauded when former Mennonite Mission Network worker Eleanor Kreider walked into the conference room in Barnes Close near Birmingham, England. Some considered her a spiritual mentor or close friend; others had never met her, but had been influenced in some […]

Annual Colombian camp participation on the rise

​ELKHART, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network) – Surrounded by the lush beauty of the Colombian highlands and with damp ground under their feet, Mennonite youth came, in record numbers, to their annual youth camp. Jan. 5-8, 90 young adults and leaders traveled to Cachipay, the birthplace of Iglesia Menonita de Colombia, IMCOL (Mennonite Church of Colombia), […]

Global disciple and teacher

​ NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) – C. Norman Kraus, who served as a long-term mission worker in Japan, died Apr. 6, 2018, at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He was 94. Norman and his wife, Ruth, served in Japan for six years through Mennonite Board of Missions, a predecessor agency to Mennonite […]

Ecuador, a call to prayer

As the peace accords and the other negotiations in Colombia have advanced, there have been many people in favor of the steps forward and also people who feel like not enough has been done to forge a lasting peace. There are also people who have felt betrayed that injustices have occurred and true justice has […]

SOOP unit celebrates 25 years of service in Phoenix

​NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) – From Feb. 23-25, the Menno Guest House in Phoenix opened its doors to dozens of veteran SOOP volunteers, returning for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Phoenix SOOP location. The weekend celebration was marked with volunteer opportunities at partner organizations, sightseeing tours, as well as ample time for storytelling […]

Service Adventure partners with Mennonite Disaster Service in South Texas

​NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) – On March 25, participants, leaders, and their director joined Mennonite Disaster Service’s (MDS) work in South Texas. The project marked the first time in the history of the Service Adventure program that participants from all units across the country were able to meet in one place to work and […]

Growing relationships between urban and rural communities

NEWTON, Kansas (Mennonite Mission Network) – Akiko Aratani and Raymond Epp had decided to give five years to Menno Village. Five years to help start a Christian community in rural Hokkaido, Japan, on land purchased by nearby urban churches. Five years to use the land to start a farm rooted in the idea of community […]

Easter in San Antonio, a SOOP reflection

Will you let me be your servant,let me be as Christ to you?Pray that I may have the graceto let you be my servant, too. We are pilgrims on a journey,we are trav’lers on the road.We are here to help each otherwalk the mile and bear the load. I will hold the Christ-light for youin […]

Sharing Anabaptism throughout Latin America – a life of study and service

​Elkhart, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network) – Laverne Rutschman, son of David and Lizzie (Elise) Zuercher Rutschman, born Mar. 31, 1919, in Newton, Kansas, passed away Mar. 21, 2018. Brought up on a farm three miles southeast of Elbing, he attended Elbing Elementary School and Whitewater High School, graduating in 1936. On May 31, 1937, two […]

Called to serve

​I remember hearing about Service Adventure all throughout high school in chapels at Dock Mennonite Academy, and presentations from past participants at my church. I thought it was a cool idea, but for the longest time, I thought I had to go straight to college after high school or I would be considered a failure. […]

Smart ways to give

giving options

​ BERLIN, Ohio (Mennonite Mission Network) – Wish you could be generous, but are buried in student debt? Here are some ways to give to your favorite charities (ahem, Mennonite Voluntary Service or another ministry of Mennonite Mission Network!) without spending an extra dime of your own money. It’s a win-win situation when you stay […]