ELKHART, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network) – The ending of a very good thing is not always met with sadness. The closing day of the Mennonite Voluntary Service unit in St. Louis was turned into a celebration.
The unit’s founding members and former MVSers marked its 40th anniversary May 30-31 with an event at St. Louis Mennonite Fellowship. About 100 gathered for a dinner that featured reflections of their fond experiences over the years. Written remembrances from several former MVSers, including some who were not present, were compiled onto a page and converted into a poem that was read aloud.
Amanda Maust, who served from 2006 to 2008, wrote a heart-felt reflection that, along with the others, illustrated the mission of MVS.
“My years with St. Louis MVS opened my eyes to inner-city living and working, through which I began and built my passion for working with the health needs of the underserved.”
Keith Hiebner, who served from 2001 to 2003, wrote: “My time at The Peace Center showed me how much the value of conflict resolution resonated throughout the St. Louis area. It was great to see Mennonites, law professors, police officers, and others come together to help others seek true peace and justice.”
“It was a really good time,” said Nathan Penner, MVS director. “We want to stay in relationship with them (St. Louis Mennonite Fellowship) and still help them in the mission of their church.”
After their term of service, many of the St. Louis MVSers had relocated to and remained active in the local community. However, the number of MVS participants has decreased in recent years and this has led to the closing of certain units. Since the great recession, which began around 2007, many young adults have sought paying jobs instead of volunteer opportunities.
Unit closings have also led to some benefits, such as the increase in the number of people per unit from around three per unit to nearly eight. This has led to opportunities for more varied experiences and meaningful friendships. Remaining MVS units include:
- Alamosa, Colorado
- Chicago, Illinois
- Elkhart, Indiana
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Manhattan, New York
- San Antonio, Texas
- San Francisco, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Tucson, Arizona
- Washington, D.C.
MVS began in 1944 and provided an alternative to military service.
MVS served as an alternative to military service through several wars until the “all-volunteer” military became a reality in 1973. MVS continues as an “all-volunteer” Christian Service program of Mennonite Mission Network. It draws young people from several countries and cultures, and brings them together to serve churches and their communities across the United States.
For more information about service opportunities like MVS, visit www.MennoniteMission.net/serve.
