Mennonite Mission Network is looking for young adults who are eager to put their faith into action through service.
Mennonite Voluntary Service, Service Adventure, DOOR: Dwell, and Radical Journey are all still accepting applications. Applications and more information about each program can be found here.
Each program, while having distinct differences, invites young adults to come alongside communities and congregations who are making a difference in the world through living out Jesus’ call to service and peace.
MVS is the oldest of the four programs, inviting adults who are 20 and older to live in neighborhoods around the United States, and to work with congregations, nonprofits and other agencies to impact communities through serving. Service Adventure is a similar program for young adults aged 17-20 who live in community together with a leader or leader couple. Radical Journey is an international service and spiritual formation program that challenges young adults (18-27) to see how God is working in the world, while DOOR: Dwell invites participants (18-30) to be part of God’s transforming work in one of six cities across the United States. Program terms range from 10 months to two years.
Read about Dwell participants choosing to live simply, or watch a video from Radical Journey.
“There are so many options for young adults wanting to serve,” said Kelsey Shue, traveling recruiter. “As mentors, it’s essential for youth pastors, teachers, and college advisers to remind young adults about these service opportunities in communities everywhere.”
Sofia Hess, from Goshen, Ind., is a current Service Adventure participant in Raleigh, N.C. She spends part of her time serving a preschool run by Kathy Boos, a member of Raleigh Mennonite Church.
Boos says the Service Adventurers are an essential part of her program, doing everything from meal preparation and cleanup, to playground activities, bus duty, and the setup and cleanup of learning centers in the classroom.
“I help with breakfast and then we do centers,” Hess explained. “My center is writing and drawing. The kids are just so fun. They have their own personalities, and it’s great working with them.”
At the MVS house in Elkhart, Ind., participants hold a weekly potluck meal for the community, inviting anyone to come and join them. The participants have deeply invested in relationships both with local congregations and their communities.
Read about Jubilee House in the Elkhart Truth.
“It’s not just about doing a service assignment and going away,” said Suella Gerber, the local coordinator. “It’s about learning: Who is this community? Who lives here? What’s gone on before here?”
June 1 is the deadline for MVS and Radical Journey applications. The two other programs have rolling deadlines throughout the summer.
“It is an exciting time of year as we prepare to have a new group of participants come alongside communities and engage together in God’s transformative work,” said Jill Schmidt, recruitment coordinator for Mission Network. “It’s a privilege to partner with churches all around the world as they are living out God’s call.”
For more information about how you can be involved in service next year, visit Service.MennoniteMission.net or e-mail Service@MennoniteMission.net.
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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 Andrew Clouse at andrewc@mmnworld.net, 574-523-3024 or 866-866-2872, ext. 23024.
