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 members to think about the role they play in the agency, and how they see their daily work joining into what God is doing around the world.
In this installment, Cynthia Friesen Coyle reflects on her role as Graphic Design Specialist.
What brought you to your role with Mennonite Mission Network?
I left Habitat for Humanity International (Americus, Georgia) in March 2008 when my husband, James, took a two-year job with the census bureau in Bothell, Washington. We moved there and I was a stay-at-home mom for our 6-month-old daughter, Rebekah. I continued doing graphic design through freelance work as well as continuing to volunteer design time for the Peace and Justice Support Network, led by Susan Mark Landis at that time. James’ job wrapped up in the fall of 2010, during the recession. We began looking around at what job options there were. I got an email from Susan Mark Landis saying that a graphic design position was opening up at Mennonite Mission Network. Did I want to apply? I thought to myself, if there was any job I’d want to do in the Goshen/Elkhart area, it would be that! I applied.
Soon after, my uncle, Richard Friesen (a former Mission Network worker) passed away in Argentina and a celebration of life service was taking place in Evanston, Illinois. We decided to attend and, since I was heading east anyway, I called Mission Network to see if I could just stop by when I was in the area. It worked out for me to visit for an “informal” interview. Later, once I was back in Bothell, I got a call that they wanted to set up a Zoom interview. I was hired and we moved back to Goshen, Indiana, (my hometown) in October 2010. I’ve been working here ever since and really love my job. I’m so glad Susan thought of contacting me about the position.
What is your favorite part of your role with Mission Network?
I really enjoy doing graphic design and using my creative skills to support the work of Mission Network — a ministry I feel good about supporting. I get to work with many different parts of the organization to help create promotional and educational materials for print and digital media. I love hearing about the work that is happening around the world with our participants, workers and partners, and enjoy looking through the many photos in our archives. Those stories energize me for the work that I do. I am all about teamwork and feel like the best work comes out of a team effort, where input and critique are valued. We have a great team in our Marketing and Communications department. Overall, I feel like I don’t just work with coworkers, but with friends who enjoy working together and supporting one another. There have been many times when I have sought council as well as prayer support from my friends here at Mission Network.
How has your perspective on your role with Mission Network changed over your time with the agency?
My perspective on what I do and how I do it has not really changed all that much. I am supporting the work of Mission Network by creating pieces that invite people to either be informed or motived to join in in some way. The work itself has changed a bit over the years — when I came in, it was pretty much all print. Now, it’s a mixture of print, digital graphics, and video work.
When I first started, I was somewhat aware of anti-racism efforts being made in communications, but I have definitely become more informed over the years because of the training offered by Mission Network, the Shared Voices guidelines we use in our work, and the intense review process we have for each of our pieces. This is very important work.
How do you view your role with Mission Network fitting into God’s mission for the church?
I grew up in a family that had a legacy of being missionaries. I always envisioned myself as being a missionary someday too. Outside of participating in voluntary service through Eastern Mennonite Missions for two years after college, I never really followed in the footsteps of my ancestors as I had envisioned. But I have found a way to use the gifts that God has given me to support those who are in missions and to inspire others to consider serving through the materials we produce. That has been very fulfilling for me.
What is something that has surprised you about your role with Mission Network?
When I first came to Mission Network, I was happily surprised to see that the leadership took the time to eat lunch in the break room with everyone else. That is something that I don’t think happens in many workplaces. I got to learn a lot about the different aspects of the ministry, ask questions and share thoughts during those times of casual conversation around the table. Since COVID, there have been less opportunities for face-to-face time because more people work remotely and less people work the entire week in the office (me included). But, leadership and Human Resources have found ways to help us connect through planned potlucks once a month, and virtual gatherings of various sorts. I feel like the leadership has become more transparent and open to input from the broader staff as time has gone by. I have also really appreciated the antiracism work that Mission Network has taken part in over the time I’ve been here. I have learned a lot, and it has had an impact on the way I design pieces and in my daily life as well.
