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
We all have filters based on who we are, where we come from, and our life experiences. We see the Bible through that filter. So, when you have people who have diverse filters relating together, we get a fuller understanding of the Bible and of God. We recognize the diversity of the global family of faith and the perspectives of the indigenous churches which enrich our understanding of God and what God calls us to do.
- Linda Shelly
- Linda served as Regional Director for Latin America at Mennonite Mission Network
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.
We need to fight the temptation that we are self-suffiecient and that we have all the answers and we learn everything just by talking to ourselves. Our relationship with Benin Bible Institute reminds us that we are part of something larger. It also helps keep us in a posture of curiosity and learning. Our relationship with Benin Bible Institute gives us a fuller understanding of who God is and what it means to faithfully follow Jesus.
- Cindy Voth
- Cindy is lead pastor at Waterford Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana
We went to La Posada, which is the only long-term shelter for migrants to safely live in the area. Coming together as a group to work hard and meet new people was definitely an encounter with God and a positive experience.
- Lawson Kauffmann
- Belmont Mennonite Church, Christ at the Borders Just Peace Pilgrimage
For all the other things we learned and unlearned and remembered and re-membered, reading the Bible in another context just, had the biggest impact on our [Just Peace Pilgrimage] group.
- Arloa Bontrager
- Arloa is the Regional Director for North America (Short-term service) at Mennonite Mission Network
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.
- Sibonokuhle Ncube
- Sibonokuhle is the Regional Director for African Europe
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.
- Conrad Liechty
- Conrad served with Mennonite Voluntary Service in San Francisco, California
The leaders in South Africa were awesome, as well as our leaders from Mission Network, the U.S. leaders. And our group has been wonderful! I’m just really thankful that I’ve had this chance to be a part of this pilgrimage.
- Betty Hollsinger Shenk
- Betty participated in the racial justice Just Peace Pilgrimage in South Africa
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.
- Linda Shelly
- Linda served as Regional Director for Latin America at Mennonite Mission Network
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.
