ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Mission Network) — As we look forward to the hope and promise of this coming year, we are reminded of the steps that got us here. Here are some of Mennonite Mission Network staff’s favorite news stories from 2014. These are the stories that inspired them as they worked to further the mission of God’s work in the world.
1. Mawuli’s story: La Casa Grande provides infrastructure for miracles
This story, and the video we created to go with it, explained how staff at La Casa Grande, a ministry of caring for children in difficult circumstances in Benin, goes beyond expectations to help their children accomplish their dreams.
“This is a powerful and inspiring story of change, hope, and future for a person, due to a remarkable and unplanned confluence of people and God’s timing,” said Steve Hochstetler Shirk, budget and finance manager.
Katie Jantzen helps the Food Bank of Elkhart County bridge divides and work for greater good. She worked with a program that helps grow and distribute locally grown vegetables to hungry families.
“This was a well written story, putting service and a basic human need — food to eat — together,” said Elena Entz Wiebe, assistant for program human resources.
3. Youth Venture Japan experience much like Midwest U.S.
In the summer of 2014, a team of four youth and their two leaders learned about farming in Japan from Mennonite Mission Network mission associates Akiko Aratani and Ray Epp.
“[I liked this story because] it seemed like such a good experience for both Ray and Aki, and the Youth Venture participants,” said Deb Byler, worker care director.
4. Burgos Mennonites sing in the key of peace
The choir director for Comunidades Unidas Anabautistas de Burgos (Burgos United Anabaptist Communities) won a songwriting competition to memorialize the 10-year anniversary of the train bombings in Madrid. Choirs throughout Spain, and across the world, sang her song, including the choir at the Anabaptist church in Burgos.
5. Triumph after 16 years of nonviolent protest
A Moqoit community in Argentina won a drawn out legal dispute over their ancestral land. After years of the case languishing in court due to legal technicalities, Luis Acosta, a former member of the Mennonite team in the Chaco region of Argentina, said that this latest win helps set a legal precedent to acknowledge the rights of indigenous people.
Notable mentions:
From FBI to MVS: A vocation for greater good
Courage, peace, and good cheer
Moving boundaries in Botswana: Doing church in prison
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Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, leads, mobilizes and equips the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. Media may contact news@mennonitemission.net.
