Mennonite Mission Network engages in ministries across Asia and the Middle East, focusing on holistic witness, community development, and fostering Anabaptist values like peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect. Our ministries prioritize long-term, two-way mission relationships and partnerships with local communities.
Indonesia
Mission Network has been engaged in Indonesia since 2009, partnering primarily with three Indigenous Anabaptist church bodies — Gereja Injili di Tanah Jawa (GITJ), Gereja Kristen Muria Indonesia (GKMI), and Persekutuan Gereja-gereja Kristen Jawa (PGKJ) — together comprising over 250,000 members. Through long-term workers and short-term Service Adventure and SOOP volunteers, we support theological education, peacebuilding, community health, disaster response, environmental stewardship, and leadership development for women and youth. Our partnerships emphasize mutual learning and shared resources and personnel.
India
Predecessor agencies sent missionaries to India in 1899. Today we walk alongside Indian-led Mennonite denominations and ministries in healthcare, theological education, inter-denominational cooperation, and community ministries.
Japan
Predecessor agencies began ministries in Japan in 1949. We now partner with the Mennonite conferences in Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Tokyo, walking alongside multiple families like Akiko Aratani and Ray Epp with Menno Village, Gerald and Rie Neufeld at Tokyo Anabaptist Center, and Angela and Tomoki Yamanaka at Asahikawa Gospel Church.
- Church planting: Initial work focused on Eastern Hokkaido Island, with mission activities now spread across other islands.
- Sustainable practices: Associates like Akiko Aratani and Raymond Epp have been involved since 2007, integrating faith with sustainable farming practices.
- Translation and publishing: Mission Network supports translating and publishing Mennonite literature to share Anabaptist teachings.
Mongolia
In 1993, a predecessor agency, Mennonite Board of Missions, established the Mongolia Mission Partnership with Joint Christian Services International (JCS) and Ohio Mennonite Conference churches. After Mongolia opened to the world in 1990 (with only five known Christians), we sent Laura Schlabach to Ulaanbaatar as JCS’s finance officer. She later served in executive leadership. Key initiatives of the organization include:
- Community development
- Theological education and church planting
- Women’s ministry
- Women share joy of faith as Christianity gains a foothold in Mongolia
- Three decades of transformation in Mongolian mission work
South Korea
Building on post-Korean War relief, the Korea Anabaptist Center in Seoul was established in 2001 providing Anabaptist education and training.
Mission associates Jae Young Lee, Karen Spicher, and family live and work at Peace Building Community in Namyangju, home to partner organizations: Northeast Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute (NARPI), Korea Peacebuilding Institute (KOPI) and Korea Association for Restorative Justice (KARJ).
- Church planting: A Mennonite church was planted in Seoul in 2007, alongside the Korea Anabaptist Center, fostering Anabaptist community and witness.
- Youth Venture: Youth groups visit South Korea to witness what God is doing there.
Taiwan
Commission on Overseas Mission (a predecessor agency), began church-planting ministries in 1954, sending pioneers Hugh and Janet Sprunger. Now, with 24 local-led Mennonite churches, we sustain ongoing partnerships through worker delegations and mentoring.
Our partner, Mennonite Christian Hospital (MCH) in Hualien — the world’s largest Mennonite hospital — began in 1954 under North American mission workers but is now fully led by Taiwanese professionals. Caleb and Stephanie Schrock-Hurst serve in multiple capacities.
Partner Mennonite New Dawn Educare Center supports individuals and families affected by intellectual disabilities.
Thailand
Thailand hosts four Anabaptist denominations with over 63,000 members combined. We partner with Hmong District 20 of the Church of Christ to support Hmong communities and other areas.
Associates Jonah and Memee Yang lead seminars across Southeast Asia, empowering women through Sister Care, strengthening marriages through Compassionate Care programs, and equipping emerging leaders via adapted theological training like the Journey missional leadership course.
Broader efforts
Service programs: Programs like SOOP (Service Opportunities with Our Partners) and Youth Venture offer opportunities across Asia, including short-term placements for peacebuilding, education, and community development.
