ELKHART, Ind.—The new leader of a service program that sends volunteers to live in various communities across the country is known for his intercultural experience.
Nathan Penner joined Mennonite Mission Network Sept. 10 as Mennonite Voluntary Service director. A native of Shafter, Calif., Penner spent the past 11 months in Johannesburg, South Africa, conducting research on cross-cultural partnerships. The research relates to the dissertation for his doctorate in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. He has also served in Botswana with Mennonite Central Committee.
“It is an honor to work with such a long-standing program,” Penner said. “I hope that my intercultural experience will help as we try and strengthen partnerships across the diversity of Mennonite Church USA and all of the unique aspects of the 22 units around the United States.”
MVS, a program of Mennonite Mission Network, places adults 21 and older with Mennonite congregations in 22 locations across the U.S. to live out their faith. They live in community houses, serving in congregations, nonprofits and various agencies. Cities such as, Fresno, Calif.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Chicago; Baltimore; and Washington, D.C. are among those with MVS units.
“We are very excited to have Nathan bring his experience and perspective to Mennonite Voluntary Service as partner congregations engage their neighborhoods with the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Del Hershberger, director of Christian Service. “Each of these local host congregations provides a unique community context for MVSers to live out their faith as they serve, and we look forward to Nathan’s insight into strengthening these partnerships.”
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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 Andrew Clouse at andrewc@mmnworld.net, 574-523-3024 or 866-866-2872, ext. 23024.
