ELKHART, Ind.—John Powell, who has worked tirelessly toward creating an anti-racist culture in the Mennonite Church, retired Dec. 31 from Mennonite Mission Network after 23 years covering two different time periods.
Included in Powell’s large range of gifts is his beautiful tenor voice. Powell led those who attended his retirement celebration on Dec. 12 in singing “Guide My Feet,” a song that symbolizes his faith journey.
Powell worked for Mennonite Board of Missions, a predecessor agency of Mennonite Mission Network, from 1969 through 1974. He left the Mennonite Church, angered and disillusioned by the racism he encountered. However, he later returned, serving with Mennonite Mission Network from 1994 through 2012.
“I am deeply humbled,” Powell said. “This leave-taking feels different from my leaving in 1974. It feels good. It is painful in a different way. This time I’m leaving for my own good. I have enjoyed working at Mennonite Mission Network, but finally, at 71, I can say, ‘Enough.’”
“We appreciate the leadership you gave in cultivating a vision for justice and reconciliation,” said Stanley W. Green, Mission Network Executive Director, in a statement read at Powell’s retirement recognition. “We are especially grateful for the special care you gave to shepherd the agency in pursuit of its vision of becoming a non-racist institution. Your grace, patience and courage challenged and inspired us to go further than we might otherwise have, and we particularly celebrate the momentum you helped stimulate for us on this journey toward a more faithful future.”
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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.
