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
I saw skills forming that I never knew I had. My true self finally felt seen. I entered the year being a shy kid who felt overlooked and left as a leader.
- Lauren Eash Hershberger
- Lauren Eash Hershberger has served as a participant and leader with MMN's Service Adventure program.
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.
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.
I chose MVS because I was excited about serving God in a new city that I get to explore every day.
- Emma Koop Leichty
- Emma Koop Leichty served with MVS in Washington, D.C.
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.
We are grateful for the intergenerational relationships that have been formed through the holy experience of faith formation and community living. Our lives have been forever transformed by our Service Adventure experiences.
- Sondra Tolle
- Sondra and Bob Tolle served as unit leaders of Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure Albuquerque unit from 2015-2018.
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.
Serving as an environmental advocate for the greater Madison community was more than just a year-long commitment. It was an experience that helped shape my vocation.
- Mikhail Fernandes
- Mikhail served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at the Audubon Society in Madison, Wisconsin.
My year of serving with RAICES through the MVS program strengthened the idea of the importance of helping populations that need assistance as well as my desire to go into law. I became more aware of both the rewarding aspects of the work and the arduous, difficult parts in a legal position.
- Neal Brubaker
- Neal served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at RAICES in San Antonio, Texas.
Because of my time in L.A., I know that I want to work with issues concerning race in the future. I was able to make friends, experience a different place, learn, and just have fun. I would recommend Youth Venture to anyone and everyone.
- Elizabeth Eby
- Elizabeth served in Youth Venture in Los Angeles.
