Alumni
Did you know that over 600 pastors in Mennonite Mission Network-connected churches are alumni of our service programs? It’s true!
Those numbers are no accident.
As an alum of our service programs, you already know the impact that a service experience can have on the life of a participant. Putting your faith into action, experiencing life from a different perspective and forming community with others are not easy things to do. They are, however, experiences that help us grow. They allow us to experience God in formative ways. They strengthen our bonds to our communities of faith.
Alumni newsletter
In Alumni Connections, you’ll find uplifting stories from Mission Network’s service programs. As you read, think about how your service experience has affected your connection to your faith community.
- What was changed?
- What was strengthened?
If your service experience was formational for you, consider sharing your story with your congregation. Going by the numbers, your pastor may be able to relate!
Alumni Stories
Alumni Perspectives
The First Mennonite Church community of San Francisco is so amazing. They are very supportive of the MVS program and put energy into building relationships with us. The church is a beautiful place to think in new ways about my Mennonite faith and build connections with people.
- Ana Esperanza Neufeld Weaver
- Ana serves with Mennonite Voluntary Service in San Francisco, California
At the Homeless Prenatal Program, more than half the staff are former clients that have moved up to be case managers and service providers. I am truly humbled every day by my co-workers’ and clients’ stories of perseverance, hope and strength, as well as their continued humility and service.
- Stephan Baumgartner
- Baumgartner served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at the Homeless Prenatal Program in San Francisco.
I remember hearing about Service Adventure all throughout high school and at my church. I thought it was a cool idea, but for the longest time, I thought I had to go straight to college after high school or I would be considered a failure. I am so glad that God called me to change my plans and that I decided to follow through with Service Adventure
- Mindy Marinko
- Mindy served with Service Adventure in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
After college, some of my friends moved to a new city and had trouble meeting people and building up a sense of community. MVS is really good at creating community, both within your unit, within your house, as well as your place of work, and within the broader community. I would say that I have really found that community in Alamosa.
- Josh Kennell
- Josh Kennell served with Mennonite Voluntary Service in Alamosa, Colorado
Doing MVS, specifically in Alamosa, exposed me to a new set of issues that I really hadn’t thought about before. From water use and agriculture, to rural homelessness. Each geographical area has their own issues. In order to truly be a part of a community, you need to learn about that community. And, in that learning, you’ll learn both the beautiful things and the areas where there’s work being done. That’s one thing I will take away.
- Jake Myers
- Jake served with Mennonite Voluntary Service in Alamosa, Colorado
To this day I still credit my term with Service Adventure as one of the most influential experiences in my life. It not only led me to my current career, but opened many doors for me, gave me a new ‘family,’ and ultimately changed the way that I view the world.
- Erin Graber
- Erin served with Service Adventure in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
MVS gave me the opportunity to explore a vocation that I probably otherwise wouldn’t have encountered. I was able to really help people in very tangible ways.
- Lisa Koop
- After completing her term with MVS, Koop went on to graduate magna cum laude from Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 2004.
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.
- Wendel Landis
- Assembly Mennonite Church, Christ at the Borders Just Peace Pilgrimage
I’m passionate about faith formation, and I think Mission Network provides fantastic opportunities, especially for young people, to be the hands and the feet of Jesus in this world.
- Rachel Gerber
- Rachel is a Mennonite Mission Network board member
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.
- Karina Kreider
- Karina served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at the Community Food Bank in Tucson, Arizona.
