Toni and Matthew Krabill are Mennonite Mission Network workers based in Accra, Ghana. As mission educators, they teach, train, develop resources, and work in Christian peacebuilding alongside the African church. They support theological institutions across sub-Saharan Africa, with partners in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.
The Need
Churches across sub-Saharan Africa face deep challenges, including tension and violence between Christian and Muslim communities and conflict among ethnic groups. Women and children suffer most. The church needs biblically grounded theological training in peacebuilding that draws on Africa’s rich cultural and religious traditions.
Their Work
The Krabills’ work in sub-Saharan Africa includes working with ministry parters to equip Christian peacebuilders, developing training inspired by Anabaptist and African peacebuilding traditions, and supporting Christian-Muslim peacebuilding across the region.
Forming peacebuilders in French-speaking Africa
Toni and Matthew brought together theologians, missionaries, and practitioners to create an online Master’s in Conflict Transformation for pastors, missionaries, lay leaders, and teachers in French-speaking countries in Africa and Europe. The program is unique because it integrates the biblical foundations for Christian peacebuilding with Africa’s rich cultural roots and traditions. The first cohort includes students from nine countries, including Mennonite pastors and ministry leaders from Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This degree is offered by the Center for Justice and Peace at the Université de l’Alliance Chrétienne d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast.
Building Christian-Muslim bridges in Ghana
Matthew serves with The Sanneh Institute (TSI), which promotes Christian-Muslim peacebuilding in West Africa. At TSI, he contributed to a multi-year research project on the pacifist tradition of West African Islam. He also, helped lead a survey of students and administrators at 55 Ghanaian high schools. The findings shaped TSI’s Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy training for principals, counselors, and chaplains who serve Christian and Muslim students. In addition, Matthew supports TSI’s Christian-Muslim Scripture Sharing Program, which creates spaces for Christians and Muslims to come together and to learn about each other’s faith. This program is building peace between communities. Matthew’s work combines scholarly research, practical training, and grassroots interfaith dialogue to strengthen religious understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Their Approach
The Krabills serve alongside African leaders, theological institutions, and ministry organizations to equip pastors and Christian leaders in conflict transformation, strengthen theological institutions, and build relationships across religious and cultural divides.
Why it matters
Churches across sub-Saharan Africa minister amid conflict, religious tension, political instability, and division. Many Christian leaders are choosing another way: the way of Christ’s reconciliation and peace. Toni and Matthew have the privilege of walking alongside these leaders. The goal is not only to respond to conflict, but to prepare peacebuilders who can prevent violence, restore relationships, and cultivate peace in their churches and communities. This is the heart of the Krabills’ work.
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