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Finding fulfilling mission work behind the scenes
“My role at Mission Network is to provide support for other workers,” explains Betty Weaver, health plan administrator. “People often don’t realize how much happens behind the scenes to coordinate the day-to-day things of life for staff and missions workers.” For Weaver, that behind-the-scenes work is a ministry she finds rewarding and energizing. As a young woman, living and working in her small hometown of Milford, Neb., Weaver felt the need to explore new possibilities. One day she asked a friend how she might contact someone at Mennonite Board of Missions, unaware that her friend was hosting the MBM personnel director that week. Within two months, Weaver came to Elkhart, Ind., for an interview, was hired, found an apartment and began her new career and life in Indiana. As Weaver reflects on that significant leap of faith, she said with a smile, “I never questioned my move. You just know when it’s the right thing.” Recently Mission Network celebrated Weaver’s 30-year work anniversary. Over the years, Weaver has worked in many departments, including personnel, executive office, overseas department and for the past 15 years the finance department. In her current role as administrator for the Mennonite Church USA self-funded health plans, Weaver works closely with staff, international workers and Christian Service volunteers. An advocate for people as they navigate issues of health care and insurance coverage, Weaver said, “I can’t change some things, but I can listen. I can explain policies. I can help people look at options for coverage.” She values this interaction with others that makes her job an active ministry rather than simply financial reporting. A typical workweek for Weaver includes reviewing health care claims, assuring that claims are paid, preparing financial reports, and developing health care policies. Weaver’s supervisor in the finance department, David Weaver, appreciates her wide experience and the integrity she brings to her job. “Betty deals with sensitive issues and people trust her to listen and care for them as individuals. She meshes her fiscal responsibility to Mission Network with care and compassion for the staff and workers.” Weaver and her family attend Sunnyside Mennonite Church. When the congregation worked at spiritual gifts evaluation, Weaver found it affirming to learn that her skills in planning, administration and organizing are indeed spiritual gifts. She is grateful to be able to offer those gifts to the wider church through her work at Mission Network. In this issue: Features Highlights Viewpoints |
