This issue of Beyond Ourselves has a similar
theme to the last one in that it explores how partnerships
have become a central way the Mission
Network does mission. Where the focus of the
last issue was on ministry support teams, this
issue is about global partnerships. In this case,
global means a higher degree of engagement in
planning and decision-making than an MST has.
I would like to add a personal note about
this issue. For the past four years, it has been
my privilege to edit Beyond Ourselves on behalf
of Mennonite Mission Network. Our goal has
always been to tell the story of God’s work in the
world through Mennonite Mission Network with
stories that engage our readers.
However, since I am retiring from my position
as director of communication, this issue will
be my last as editor. I want to express my appreciation
to the writers and designers who have
made those 14 issues readable, visually exciting
and educational. Some of those names appear on
the masthead on this page: David Fast, designer
and photographer; writers Ryan Miller, Lynda
Hollinger-Janzen and Hannah Heinzekehr; and
the production assistance of Karen Ritchie and
Brenda Hess. Others have moved on to other
jobs. I want to thank designer Ken Gingerich,
writers Ann Price and Bethany Keener, and Tom
Price, who helped shape the themes of many
issues. Helen Tellez has been an excellent copy
editor. The skills of all made my job much easier
and frequently a joy.
My thanks also to Stanley Green for the editorial
freedom he has given me, and to Stanley and
Jim Schrag for the thoughtful columns they have
contributed to each issue.
As I turn the editing responsibility over to
a new editor, I have no doubt that Beyond
Ourselves is in excellent hands, and I look forward
to reading future issues that challenge me
and enhance my sense of mission.
In this issue: Features