Leaving is always bittersweet. Even if it is a decision for good reasons, I find no consolation in stepping away from a job that I have loved and felt privileged to be engaged in for almost three decades. During those years, I had the honor of visiting with you in your office, at home, or in a restaurant (once in a combine and another time on a fishing boat!). With some of you, I traveled to see God at work where Mennonite Mission Network is engaged. Through all these opportunities, I treasured the deepening of our relationship. In getting to know you better, I was moved and inspired by your commitment to God’s mission of bringing healing and hope around the world. I was often heartened by your generous sharing that helped advance that vision. I derived so much joy from each of those encounters and looked forward to every visit. Now, as I contemplate moving on, I am sad I will not see you in the routine of my work. I feel great loss and lament. As my tenure ends July 31, 2020, I feel keenly the clutches of anticipatory grief. I would feel sorry for myself if this ending were my only reality.
Thankfully, amid the anguish of letting go of so much that I value and cherish, I find sweet relief in what is ahead. I am thrilled that the Mennonite Mission Network board of directors, after conducting a careful nationwide search, has appointed Mike Sherrill as the next executive director for the agency. I care deeply about the career of Mission Network. And with Mike’s appointment, I feel greatly reassured that the agency will be in good hands: God’s (whose mission it is, after all), yours (as critical partners in responding to God’s call), our partners (who care deeply about bearing witness to God’s salvation in their context of ministry), and Mike’s (along with the Mission Network team he will lead).
Serendipitously, my recent ministry engagements have brought me into a closer working relationship with Mike. I grew increasingly impressed by his passion for mission and his sense of call. This sense has fueled his devotion through many years of mission service in Japan, and it has provided leadership as Mission Network’s regional director for Asia during the past several years. I am ready (if not eager) to move on. I can do so with comfort and joy, knowing that God’s mission will continue strong with Mike’s leadership, your partnership, and the commitments of our local and international partners.
It has been a wonderful gift serving alongside of you. Most days I was head over heels in love with my job. I am deeply grateful that you were a part of the journey and often the reason for my delight in the work. I appreciate how you influenced my life, helped me to grow, and touched my heart. As I conclude this reflection near the end of my service with Mission Network, I thank you for being in my life and in God’s mission. You are touching lives, bringing happiness, and advancing healing in our hurting world. I have two final requests:
Forgive me that the current global health crisis did not allow me to visit you to thank you in person as I had planned.
Please support Mike with the same (or even greater) generosity as you supported me. This is important work, and you are important to this work. May I count on you?
You will remain in my heart. I wish you, and those who matter to you, safety, good health, a generous supply of happiness, and God’s favor.
Ever grateful,
Stanley W. Green
Executive Director