Meet your new YABs Committee members
“Young people are already leaders in the church, yet they are often overlooked because of their age. We must recognize that every young person has the potential to grow and be mentored. With patience, we can allow them the space to explore their God-given gifts and share those gifts with the church,” says Ebenezer Mondez, YABs staff mentor (2025-2028).
Three new continental representatives have been appointed to the Young AnaBaptists (YABs) Committee. The five volunteer Committee members plus a staff mentor facilitate a network of global Anabaptist young people for empowerment, support and decision-making. The YABs Committee also presents to the Executive Committee and General Council about the concerns of young Anabaptists worldwide.
Historically, YABs Committee members were appointed for a six-year term. At stage of life with frequent transitions, that is a long term. Each term, at least one YABs Committee member has not be able to serve the full six years.
In 2025, the structure was adjusted, along with the increased frequency of the Global Youth Summit (GYS). Now YABs Committee members serve three-year terms, with at least two asked to sign on for another three-year term. This provides both continuity and change for the Committee.
YABs Committee (2025-2028)
Asia
Blessing Joy Turqueza
Local congregation
San Juan Anabaptist Mennonite Church
National church
Integrated Mennonite Churches Inc. – Philippines (IMC)
Favourite memory from GYS
One moment that stayed with me was leading a small group discussion with the youth assigned to me. In that space, I felt how deeply we were united by one faith and one calling, despite our differences. The global church became very real and personal to me.
Memory from first encounter with MWC
I was starstruck seeing people from different countries and cultures, speaking different languages, all worshipping the one true God together. Knowing, of course, that heaven will be even more beautiful than this, I felt like I was given a small glimpse of what heaven might be like.
What are your hopes regarding becoming a YABs Committee member?
I want to listen, learn from others and also share what God has taught me, so that together we can contribute to God’s kingdom … and bring glory to God’s name.
What gifts do you bring to the global church?
I hope to help reach more people, especially youth, in places where we currently have little or no connection – particularly in Asia. I also hope to help build partnerships with other countries as we work together to strengthen and build up the body of Christ, the Church.
Favourite “MWC” song
“Siyahamba” / “We are marching” / “Caminamos en la luz” / “Nous marchons” (Indonesia 2022)
Europe
Raphael Burkhalter
Local congregation
EEMT: Église Evangelique Mennonite Tavannes, Switzerland
National church
Conférence Mennonite Suisse (CMS / KMS) Konferenz der Mennoniten der Schweiz
Favourite memory from GYS
Worshipping in unity with our different languages and cultural diversities. The game nights that brought us together.
Memory from first encounter with MWC
Being able to meet during the General Council was indeed a privilege that helped make important connections within MWC. It was impressive to see young leaders from other Mennonite congregations worldwide. Finding common ground was unforgettable.
What are your hopes regarding becoming a YABs Committee member?
I learned so much from our 2025 YABs delegates meeting in person. How can we learn to foster more relational communities? I hope to learn to recognise the beauty in the variety of facets Mennonites engaged in their common vocation to follow Jesus, living out unity and building peace across the globe.
What I hope to bring
I have learned, growing up in a small, rural, bi-lingual Mennonite congregation in Switzerland, that there is already a diversity of understanding faith, the Bible and how we see the church. Living in the Global South and studying theology in Pentecostal and Roman Catholic universities has deeply shaped me, and I hope to be a peace and bridge builder within our MWC youth in Europe and globally with the YABs committee.
Favourite “MWC” songs
“True evangelical faith” (India 1997, Indonesia 2022), “We want peace” (Zurich 2025)
North America
Liam Kachkar
Local congregation
First Mennonite Church in Edmonton, Canada
National church
Mennonite Church Canada
Favourite memory from GYS
Learning with, reflecting with and praying with my small group at GYS – also the nature walk!
Memory from first encounter with MWC
Attending Assembly 2015 in Pennsylvania and having late night chats at Messiah College with youth from around the world.
What are your hopes regarding becoming a YABs Committee member?
MWC is a constant reminder to me that God’s Kingdom is stronger through our diversity and our many commonalities. This is especially impactful to me in a world that frequently divides, segregates and classifies people into different groups. I am confident that my time with the YABs Committee will further demonstrate that strength in diversity and the unity that we share in Jesus Christ.
What gifts do you bring to the global church?
I hope to bring a calm, joyful and hardworking presence to the team. I am someone who enjoys reflecting and dreaming on what is possible together. I look forward to connecting more fully with the unique expressions of the global church through interactions with my YABs peers and the young people I will meet in the coming months.
Favourite “MWC” song
“Kirisuto no heiwa” / “May the peace of Christ be with you” (Pennsylvania 2015, Indonesia 2022)
Leaders respond
The YABs Committee members are appointed to serve their whole continental region. For anyone appointed to a staff or volunteer role with MWC, MWC seeks an endorsement of their member church leaders (General Council delegates).
“In addition to his work as youth pastor of our Youth Conference, encouraging youth to seek to anchor their spirituality in a Christ-centred Anabaptist understanding of the faith, Raphael also engages in witnessing to the Anabaptist understanding of faith in the ecumenical community and he participated in GETI 2025 (Global Ecumenical Theological Institute) in Egypt. With his pastoral approach and his capabilities of active listening, he will be an enrichment for the YABs.”—Jürg Bräker, general secretary, Conférence Mennonite Suisse (CMS / KMS) Konferenz der Mennoniten der Schweiz
“Liam’s love for Christ and the church is clearly evident. We know that Liam’s time on the YABs Committee will be a blessing to MWC and to MC Canada. Spending time together in worship, prayer, and planning with Anabaptist young adults from around the world transforms you. We consider it a wonderful privilege for one of our young adults to experience the rich blessing of global church involvement.”—Doug Klassen, executive director of Mennonite Church Canada
“The appointment of Blessings Joy Turquesa to the YABs Committee will serve as an inspiration to other young Filipino Anabaptist within the IMC. I believe that Blessing Joy by the grace of God and by the gifts bestowed to her by the Holy Spirit will be useful in serving the global church through the YABs committee. And her experience and learnings in return I believed, will become beneficial to IMC National youth organization.”—Eladio Mondez, Bishop Moderator – CEO, Integrated Mennonite Churches, Inc.