God’s children dream for a better Botswana
In anticipation of the post-Pentecost mission of his followers, Jesus trained and prepared his disciples. He instructs them with these words before he sends them: “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to […]
A miracle for Marina
One day in 2004, another child was brought to Annette and Paco Castillo. This tiny person did not speak at all, despite appearing to be about 3 years old. Her name was Marina Bankole and she was warmly welcomed into the growing family at La Casa Grande, a children’s home in Benin and a Mennonite […]
Un milagro para Marina
Un día del 2007, a Annette y Paco Castillo les llevaron otra niña. Esta niña no hablaba, a pesar de que parecía tener unos 3 años. Se llamó Marina Bankole y la recibieron en su familia —cada vez más grande— de La Casa Grande, un hogar de niños de Benín y socio de la Red […]
Following the Holy Spirit in Mission
On my first visit home from seminary, I told my pastor that I had been reading and enjoying Mennonite theology. My pastor, a former Assemblies of God missionary turned nondenominational church planter, affirmed my interest but also observed that Mennonites belonged to the "obedience stream" of Christianity while we belonged to the "Holy Spirit stream." […]
Shaped by service
Daniel Morales* was 5 years old when he was abandoned by his parents, and he survived living on the streets. Even at that young age, gangs tried to intimidate him to join. As a teen, Daniel escaped the pressure, and traveled on top of trains through Mexico to the United States—a journey many deem as […]
Moldeados por el servicio
Daniel Morales* tenía 5 años cuando sus padres lo abandonaron y sobrevivió viviendo en la calle. Aun a esa edad tan temprana, las pandillas intentaron intimidarlo para que se les uniera. De adolescente, Daniel escapó de aquella presión y viajó por México sobre trenes hasta llegar a Estados Unidos, en un viaje que muchos consideran […]
Anabaptist Essentials
Available in French. Available in Spanish. What is the essence of Anabaptism? Jesus. Community. Reconciliation. These sum up the core values of Anabaptist faith and life, writes pastor Palmer Becker in this concise new resource. In Anabaptist Essentials, Becker introduces readers to the key convictions and practices of Anabaptism, the Christian tradition of the Amish, […]
God’s love has no boundaries
In the Letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul talks of the dilemma of the human condition. If indeed we believe that we are saved by the grace of God and made members of the family of God, then Paul suggests in Romans 12:1-2 (NRSV) that our need is for transformation: “I appeal to you, […]
Steps toward a more peaceful year
What are your hopes for peace in 2017? Are they for a specific issue, country, or group of people? Most of us have certain "hot buttons" that drive us to do more and work harder. I have ideas on what peace topics perhaps should take priority over others, and so do you. But after a […]
Unexpected Invitations
An unexpected invitation to spend a summer at a Mennonite church in Pennsylvania impacted the rest of our lives. We had grown up on the fringes of General Conference Mennonite Church, but God led us to serve in its denominational center in Kansas and its eventual merger into Mennonite Church USA. That path included a […]
Preparing local leaders for success
The Bible is a story of leadership succession. Though God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, the task of bringing the people into the land of promise fell to another, Moses’s assistant, Joshua. King David did great things for God, but God appointed Solomon to build what was in his […]
White Awake
Daniel Hill will never forget the day he heard these words:"Daniel, you may be white, but don’t let that lull you into thinking you have no culture. White culture is very real. In fact, when white culture comes in contact with other cultures, it almost always wins. So it would be a really good idea […]