“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain,” declares the psalmist in Psalm 127. Mennonite Church USA office workers in Elkhart, Ind., who were displaced from their offices several years ago, understand this psalm.
With little notice, Mission Network and Executive Leadership staff had to leave downtown office facilities when water leakages repeatedly disrupted work and threatened some workers’ health. An out-of-the-way former credit union building in a west side industrial section is now home. The downturn in the economy has meant a one-year delay of groundbreaking for new office space adjacent to Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary--a new home for the vital denominational programs that staff members help administer.
My wife and I have increased our gift for the
Joining together, Investing in hope campaign several times. We think the campaign is a good deal for the whole church. The offices will symbolize what we can accomplish together when we join in what God is doing in the world.
The new building will free up annual rent money for other ministries. Shared spaces for staff members for Executive Leadership, Mission Network, Mennonite Education Agency and other church organizations will bring increased collaboration and more effective use of contributions.
Adjacent to AMBS, denominational staff members can better connect with future pastors and church leadersÑboth domestic and international. AMBS has an effective track record of being a good neighbor, and that can help other Mennonite Church USA representatives increase their understanding of living and working in an urban context.
I believe that the Lord is building this new house for Mennonite offices. But the house is not the most important thing. God is preparing to do a new thing in and through us as a church.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the many ministries of Mennonite Church USA. Your additional gift for this campaign will help ensure that we are not laboring in vain.
Ron Byler finished as acting executive director of Mennonite Church USA on January 31.