Alumni

In a world where there is individualism and putting up of high walls and sectioning off clean water wells, it’s been encouraging to see the Nigerian church allow the community to access clean water from its different properties within the community. I see that as being Jesus, given unconditionally, without words, to the community.

I’m inspired by the deep desire to learn more about Anabaptist theology and how the churches in Latin America see the relevance of Anabaptism today. The people in the churches often talk about this being their spiritual heritage.

My MVS experience has greatly influenced what I will do next. Throughout my two years at Tucson Community Food Bank, I have learned more about how I function in a workplace as well as what skills, strengths and weaknesses I bring to a job. My time in Tucson, through my housemates, my placement, and the community, has been formational in learning how and who I want to be in the world.

We had time for learning and reflecting on important issues. Just as important, we got to know each other better, to form bonds and to make meaningful connections.

Something that I’ve learned a lot about is social justice and how to participate in that. Coming from a context of being a college student and hearing about all of these protests but not really being involved in any of them, it’s been really cool to learn more about that process and get involved and be able to make my voice heard in some of these actions.

I would never have know about or understood to the level that I do now, having participated in MVS, the homelessness crisis in San Francisco and all of the complexities associated with it. Its been eye-opening and thought-shifting in terms of the beliefs that I’ve grown up around and intrinsically had towards homelessness and the people who are homeless. That’s been really powerful.

I came into MVS because I needed a break between college and the career I was trained to do, which is education. Through MVS, I’ve determined that education is definitely my next step. And I never would have got there so confidently, and probably so excitedly, as I am now.

Psalm 133 is almost an addition to Mary’s Magnificat for me, as I think about the blessing promised when we work together in unity. This is what the churches in Africa are beginning to do very well — to unite across boundaries — transboundary unity and regional unity. And calling upon each other to share gifts across regions and boundaries. Psalm 133 is such a consolidating scripture, calling us to unity and the mystery of God releasing a blessing when the beloved community is united.

I really valued living with people my own age when I was in college. Doing MVS and living with peers who are doing the same kind of thing as me has been a really good experience. I think that doing MVS is good for your personal growth. I would highly recommend it. Just do it!

Relationship is the foundation of everything. Wherever I go, visiting workers, I value the one-on-on in-person relationships. In building relationship with partners, I see God at work in various cultures, various contexts. Practicing two-way mission, we listen to our partners and receive invitation to join them in the work they are already doing.