ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Mission Network) – Passion for mission work may be trending among the Twitter and Facebook generation, based on recent hires at Mennonite Mission Network.
Seven new staff members, of which six are from the millennial generation, joined Mission Network in recent months. The 20- and 30-somethings will be working in key areas where they will represent the agency.
Visibly excited about the resurgence, Rachel Stoltzfus, senior executive for Human Resources, said there’s always mixed emotions when high-quality experienced people leave the organization for other great opportunities. However, the infusion of younger talent to Mission Network helps to keep the majority baby boomer (born between 1946 and 1964) agency diversified and vibrant, she said.
“Whenever we have staff changes, we feel a loss,” Stoltzfus said. “But with every loss comes opportunity and that’s what we’ve experienced. Diversity, including age diversity, is very important. These younger people are very impressive and have spoken passionately about being involved in mission.”
Among the new faces is Brady Peters, an associate with Church Relations. A graduate of Ft. Hays State University, Peters has previous experiences with nonprofits in the area of communications. Hesston (Kan.) College and Goshen (Ind.) College graduate Matthew Lehman is a Development associate. He has traveled broadly, including living in Peru and Scotland. Sara Alvarez, the new editor in the Marketing and Communication department is a Goshen College graduate. She recently volunteered with the Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE). Jolene VonGunten, Christian Service assistant for the SOOP and Youth Venture programs and for recruitment, is a Gen-Xer. VonGunten is a graduate of Indiana University and worked previously for the Center for Community Justice in Elkhart.
Unlike his fellow millennials, Neil Richer, the new assistant director for Mennonite Voluntary Service, is familiar to Mission Network. Richer was a traveling recruiter for the Christian Service department from 2006 to 2008 before leaving to work for Mennonite Central Committee in Bogotá, Colombia.
“It’s been a little bit strange to come back after five years,” said Richer, who will oversee 10 MVS units. “I feel like I have changed a lot, and I’m looking at this as a total new adventure.”
Richer aims to incorporate lessons learned in Colombia, particularly about leadership and cultural diversity, into his new role.
Jenna Liechty Martin is a fresh face in the office, but no stranger to Mission Network either. Hired as a Development associate, Martin had been a mission worker in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with her husband, Peter, until August of this year.
Mission Network has been experiencing this resurgence of younger people serving in international service as well. Since 2012, eight millennial or Gen X workers have made a commitment to God’s mission globally. Joining Deb and Wes Bergen (Ghana) among the new mission workers are millennials Adam and Jeanette Strode (Thailand) and Caleb Yoder (Ecuador).
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For immediate release
Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, leads, mobilizes and equips the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. Media may contact news@mennonitemission.net.
