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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I was placed in a nonprofit organization that serves refugees, and I found myself falling in love with the work and the people. I also really like San Antonio and all the opportunities that it has to offer young people like me willing to do service. I am very happy to stay with my placement organization and work with them for this amazing cause.
- Luz Varela
- Luz served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at RAICES in San Antonio.
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.
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.
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.
This year of work, community and church has reminded me over and over again that the place that God consistently shows up in our society is among those who are most vulnerable. Those on the edges, and in the shadows. God offers an invitation to us to join in and amplify that movement. That is the good news.
- Katrina Kniss
- Katrina serves with Mennonite Voluntary Service at RAICES in San Antonio.
