A tale of two worlds and one God of abundant hope
The COVID-19 pandemic threw Mennonite Mission Network into a Charles Dickens-like "tale of two cities" during its previous fiscal year, spanning Aug. 1, 2019 – July 30, 2020. To paraphrase Dickens, it was the best and worst of times … it was the spring of hope and the winter of despair. During the final four […]
Sharing God’s abundant hope during uncertain times
Etty and beauty By Laurie Oswald Robinson If I could channel the resilient spirit of anyone during this pandemic, it would be the late Esther "Etty" Hillesum(Jan. 15, 1914 – Nov. 30, 1943). She was the Dutch author of confessional letters and diaries, which describe both her religious awakening and the persecutions […]
Story 1: Distributing care packages; reformatting ministries
Directors of Mennonite Mission Network’s service programs reflect on how service opportunities pave a stronger pathway for the future Anabaptist church. On March 24, at the outset of the shut-down in the United States, Mission Network’s Executive Cabinet released thousands of dollars of emergency funds to help its partners throughout the world. Mission Network […]
Story 2: Providing an emotional-spiritual “vaccine” for isolation
Jason Boone, coordinating minister for Mennonite Mission Network’s Peace and Justice Support Network (PJSN), woke up March 17 with the COVID-19 pandemic heavy on his heart. He sensed a call for Mission Network to provide a new ministry of hope during harrowing times that could connect people of faith who are isolated from public worship and […]
Story 3: Praying and caring for supporters
In lieu of face-to-face visits with supporters, Donor Relations representatives made personal phone calls and emailed prayers, said Karen Horsman, Mission Network’s director of Donor Relations. In a blog post marking the U.S. National Day of Charity Sept. 5, Horsman wrote, "Our phone calls reached lonely people who were isolated from family and friends. They […]
Story 4: Persevering in Christian Service programs
The pandemic shut down many endeavors, but it did not succeed in doing so with Mission Network’s Christian Service programs. In all cases, directors are either reconfiguring service and discipleship opportunities or regrouping for 2021. Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) executive director Andrea Sawyer-Kirksey: Instead of canceling summer programs, DOOR, a partner agency […]
November conversation with David and Sophie Lapp Jost
Sharon Norton, co-director for Africa and Europe ministries for Mennonite Mission Network, interviews David and Sophie Lapp Jost. They give us first-hand stories of the plight of migrants on the Greek island of Lesbos and highlight the life-giving work of two organizations that focus on solidarity with the migrants. May your heart and mind be […]
Heart-warming letters affirm SOOP experience during pandemic
This past summer, SOOP staff members received two heart-warming letters from participants. Their words say it best why SOOP volunteer experiences, even in the uncertain times of a pandemic, provide joy, unforgettable memories, and meaning. Letter from Katrina and Matt Eberly This email note is from the Katrina and Matt Eberly family who served at […]
Mission Sunday reflection
The Repentance that Leads to Life Jonah 3:1-10 For Mission Sunday 2020, Joe Sawatzky, Church Relations Representative at Mennonite Mission Network, shares insights on repentance from the story of Jonah and today’s global context. It is through our own repentance that we can experience the forgiveness and life that God offers.
Repentance that leads to life
November is mission month. Racism harms the body of Christ and God’s reconciling mission. But God has made a way to receive forgiveness — the repentance that leads to life! Mission Network November mission month materials invite MC USA to witness across the church to God’s plan for reconciliation. Introduction Two plagues have erupted in 2020 — […]
A conversation with Rebekah York
Linda Shelly, director for Latin America ministries with Mennonite Mission Network, interviews Rebekah York. Rebekah serves in Bogotá with the Seminario Bíblico Menonita de Colombia (Mennonite Biblical Seminary of Colombia–SBMC) to prepare young leaders as well as provide continuing education opportunities for seasoned leaders in the churches. In her role, she accompanies the broad work […]
Mennonite peace witness
Peace with God, peace with neighbor, peace with the world. If we are pursuing peace in those areas, we are on the right track, because that is the track Jesus modeled for us. The time spent in prayer and communion with God gave Jesus strength and wisdom to do his work in the world. […]