Asia: Promoting healing and restoration

Mennonite Mission Network engages in various mission activities across Asia, focusing on holistic witness, community development, and fostering Anabaptist values like peace, reconciliation, and mutual respect. Our work emphasizes long-term relationships and partnerships with local communities and churches using two-way mission.

India

Mennonite work in India started in 1899, and today, Mission Network collaborates with local partners to focus on:

• Leadership and peacebuilding training: Providing scholarships for Indian Mennonite pastors and health workers to enhance their skills and to train individuals in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
  • Teachers become students in India

Japan

Mission Network’s presence in Japan dates back to 1949, following a call from Dr. Takuo Matsumoto for mission workers. Current efforts include:

• Church planting: Initial work focused on Eastern Hokkaido Island, with mission activities now spread across other islands.
• Sustainable practices: Associates like Akiko Aratani and Raymond Epp have been involved since 2007, integrating faith with sustainable farming practices.
  • Faithful stewardship nurtures sustainable haven in Hokkaido
  • Breaking the (food) chains of injustice
• Translation and publishing: Mission Network supports translating and publishing Mennonite literature to share Anabaptist teachings.

South Korea

Mission Network’s work in South Korea builds on post-war relief efforts by the Mennonite Central Committee. Key activities include:

• Church planting: A Mennonite church was planted in Seoul in 2007, alongside the Korea Anabaptist Center, fostering Anabaptist community and witness.
  • New book chronicles history of peacebuilding in Northeast Asia
  • Community: A place of belonging, sharing and love
• Youth Venture: Youth groups visit South Korea to witness what God is doing there.
  • Sweaty flights and bulgogi: the first two days with the Youth Venture South Korea team

Thailand

Mission Network personnel in Thailand focus on both urban and rural ministry:

• Bangkok: Workers engage in language study to prepare for evangelism and economic development among the Isaan people, who migrate from rural areas to the city. They build networks for future ministry.
• Northwest Thailand: Mission Network supports Hmong churches within the Christian Church of Thailand, providing scholarships for young church leaders to pursue biblical and theological education.
  • Women talking is like a sweet candy” – Sister Care in Thailand

Central Java

• Theological and peacebuilding training and partnerships.
  • Waiting for Hong Kong noodles

Taiwan

• Mission Network creates lasting impact like establishing the world’s largest Mennonite hospital: Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien, Taiwan.
  • Mennonite medical ministry changing in Taiwan even as Christ’s love remains the same

Broader efforts

Service programs: Programs like SOOP (Service Opportunities with Our Partners) and Youth Venture offer opportunities across Asia, including short-term placements for peacebuilding, education, and community development.