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 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 […]
A conversation with Myrrl Byler — Part 2
In this second video, John F. Lapp, senior executive for International Partner Engagement at Mennonite Mission Network, continues his conversation with Myrrl Byler, executive director of Mennonite Partners in China, as part of The Hope Series. Mission Network partners with MPC. MPC has carried out a wide variety of academic exchange programs in China for […]
A conversation with Toni and Matthew Krabill — Part2
The second video in a two part series, Sharon Norton, co-director for Africa and Europe ministries for Mennonite Mission Network, interviews Toni and Matthew Krabill about their experience during this time of COVID-19 and social distancing. Toni and Matthew are based in Paris, France, at the Paris Mennonite Center. They help resource French-speaking churches throughout Europe […]
A conversation with Elena and Freddy Satalaya
Linda Shelly, director for Latin America ministries with Mennonite Mission Network, interviews Elena and Freddy Satalaya in Iquitos, Peru, where they serve with Iglesia Cristiana Menonita del Perú in children’s and youth ministries, including education. In the interview Freddy and Elena share the impact of Covid-19 on the city and especially the families involved in […]
A 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 about their experience during this time of COVID-19 and social distancing. David works with DMFK, the German Peace Committee, a partner of Christian Peacemaker Teams, in fundraising, environmental advocacy and congregational speaking engagements. Sophie serves as an […]
Should I take a service gap year?
Hear how members of the 2019-2020 Jackson, Mississippi, unit made their decision to take a gap year with Mission Network’s Service Adventure program. Want to experience unit life yourself? Contact Susan Nisly, SusanN@MennoniteMission.net, to visit a unit during our yearly "preview weekend" experience in February!
What are Service Adventure volunteer placements like?
Listen to Paula Klätte, Estella Sandweg and Risa Fukaya share their volunteer experience in Jackson, Mississippi, during their 2019-2020 volunteer year. Check out current Service Adventure placements on our website and apply before January 31 before August placements are full!
What is Service Adventure like?
Hear the 2019-2020 Jackson, Mississippi, unit share about daily life in the house of a Service Adventure unit. Read more reflections about Service Adventure in our story archive.