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Beneath the baobab: A journey of unity, laughter and inspirations
Assuming the role of the YABs Representative for Africa is not just a title; it is an immersive experience into a world of diverse perspectives. Collaborating with fellow representatives is a profound learning journey, encompassing cultural understanding, decision-making skills and the cultivation of shared values. The experience reaffirms that unity is not merely a theme…
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From division to unification
India A brief description of the journey of the Bharatiya General Conference Mennonite Church from the darkness of the 7-year period of division to the light of unification. The division and reunification of the Bharatiya General Conference Mennonite Church were marked by a series of events and challenges. The initial division was caused by a…
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Gathering of world communions focuses on God’s work
The Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions met at the Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches at Bossey, Switzerland, from 30 October-3 November 2023. To foster mutual understanding and familiarize participants with each other’s areas of work, each communion presented a report. Morning and evening prayers reflected on ongoing wars and violent…
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AWFS 2024 Anabaptist historical context
Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday is an annual event for MWC member congregations around the world, worshipping together in spirit using the same worship resources, knowing that we belong to each other in this global family of faith. Anabaptism is a Christian movement that traces its origins to the Radical Reformation. The most widely accepted date…
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High water and helping hands
In December 2022, heavy rainfall caused flooding in several cities in Central Java, Indonesia. One of the most affected areas was Tanjung Karang Village, Kudus. The Wulan River overflowed, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes. Some 130 people took refuge in the hall of GKMI Tanjung Karang, a local Mennonite World Conference member church.*
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A “capital C” church worldwide
Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, Mennonite World Conference’s Executive Committee (EC), regional representatives, YABs Committee, senior staff and development volunteers met at Camp Squeah in British Columbia, Canada, for annual governance deliberation. The joy of gathering in person after the pandemic years of Zoom meetings was tempered by sadness over Executive Committee members…
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Ministry partner update: ICOMB – July 2022
An unforgettable gathering of the nations After two years of virtual meetings, ICOMB hosted a face-to-face summit in May 2022, inviting close to 100 global Mennonite Brethren delegates from more than 20 countries – leaders of both established conferences and representatives of emerging conferences – to participate, along with Multiply staff and global workers, in…
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A Mission Story of KMC – witnessing in faith
KMC traces her beginnings from Tanzania Mennonite Church (KMT). KMT inspired evangelists planted pioneer congregations in Kenya from 6 December 1942. Up till 1977 when the Conference was registered under Societies Act of Kenya, the KMT leadership oversaw the congregations.
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A gentle peace witness: The Mennonite church in the Philippines
Since 2016, the Philippines has been led by a president who is controversial for his anti-drug campaign. There has been an increase in extra-judicial killings where policemen are said to execute drug pushers and anyone who fights back. There is a massive support for the charismatic president, yet there are also controversies around his character…
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MWC makes space, shares hope
“Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord,” said Mennonite World Conference (MWC) President J. Nelson Kraybill. At the Executive Committee meetings, eight pastors and leaders from Asociación Iglesias Cristianas Menonitas de Costa Rica shared about how their congregations are growing together and start new ministries. The MWC Executive Committee (EC) met 8–12 April,…
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Peace, history, mission and care: new developments in MWC
Mennonite World Conference weaves a web of connections within the Anabaptist Mennonite family around the world through website, emails, social media, publishing and relations with other organizations. Here are some new connecting points. The Mission Commission appointed José Arrais of Portugal to a newly created part-time role as coordinator of networks. He is the contact…
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Ministry partner update: ICOMB – April 2017
The International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) is made up of 21 national churches in 19 countries with approximately 450,000 members. ICOMB exists to facilitate relationships and ministries to enhance the witness and discipleship of its member national churches – connecting, strengthening and expanding. Gathering of global Mennonite Brethren fans passion: ICOMB consultation on mission…
