ELKHART, Indiana (Mennonite Mission Network) — As this year quickly comes to an end, Mission Network is especially grateful for all the efforts and service done by our partners and workers around the world. The following stories are some of Mission Network staff’s favorites from 2015, and inspire them to continue to further the mission of God’s work in the world.
1. Young leader "gives back" on three continents
Originally from Goa, India, Mikhail Fernandes, a current Goshen College student, shared about the journey that led him to serve in South Africa. While working with Southern African Development and Reconstruction Agency, he spent time teaching peace education, and life skills, to children and adolescents with whom he greatly identified.
"South Africa was a life-changing experience," Fernandes said. "The initiative was from God."
This mother-daughter collaborative short story is based on interviews and friendships with Kichwa women in Ecuador. Jane Ross Richer researched changes in the food landscape that Ecuadorian women have experienced in their lifetimes. Sierra, Jane’s daughter, compiled the research into a compelling narrative.
During his service spanning 10 months in Indonesia, Travis Duerksen reflected on the privilege that even his meager, by North American standards, stipend granted him, and the discomfort of the "tangible" disparity around him.
This story shares the account of Maryam and Koroush and their journey of flight from their homeland due to their Christian faith. When their travel ended unexpectedly in Spain, Comunidades Unidas Anabautistas de Burgos (Burgos United Anabaptist Communities) and longtime Mission Network worker Connie Byler were glad to help them adjust to their new home and to welcome them to their new community.
5. Mission Network hosts Black Mennonite leaders
African American church leaders came together for a time of connecting and equipping. Mission Network had dreamed that time together could empower leaders and create an opportunity to listen and learn from them.
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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.
