Prayers of gratitude and intercession

  • Akron, Pennsylvania – Part-time registration is now available for PA 2015, the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Assembly slated for 21-26 July in Harrisburg, PA, at the Farm Show Complex.

    “We’ve determined that there will be enough space to accommodate those who can attend PA 2015 only for a day or two,” said Liesa Unger, Chief International Events Officer for MWC.

    “We strongly encourage everyone to attend the whole wonderful event if at all possible,” Unger stated. “But we know that some older persons may not be physically able to participate for the entire time. And there are others who find it difficult to get three days off from work to attend.” (The Assembly, which opens on Tuesday evening and closes at noon on Sunday, involves three weekdays, in addition to Saturday.)

    The daily rate for adult registrants from the Global North is $120 per day (for the days of 22, 23, 24, or 25 July). That grants admission for the first event of the day – International Singing beginning at 9:30 a.m. – through the end of the Evening Worship Service at 8:30 p.m.

    Part-time registrants may join in Friendship Groups, attend afternoon workshops and the Art Exhibit, and participate in the Global Church Village and on-site sports activities. Parking or shuttle service is included in the fee.

    But tours, service projects, the Anabaptist World Cup and Assembly Scattered are available only to those who register full-time.

    No meals are included in the daily rate, although food will be available for purchase throughout the Farm Show complex each day. A one-day registration is  transferrable to another person, but not to another day.

    “We recognize that this is not for bargain-seekers,” Unger said. “We simply want to make it possible for those who can’t manage it for the whole time to join this transforming experience.”

    The part-time rate for children (ages 4-11) is $50 per day and includes lunch, since the children will eat lunch together as part of their activities.

    The part-time rate for youth (ages 12-17) is also $50 per day, but does not include lunch.

    Sharing a full-time registration

    “We’re also encouraging people who work together or live near each other to share a full-time registration if they can’t each attend all of PA 2015,” explains Registration Manager Magali Moreno of Paraguay.

    “For example, one Mennonite agency purchased 15 full-time registrations to share among its staff who work locally. They can’t close down for a week. In fact, they’re hosting several tours from PA 2015, so this allows staff to attend by sharing registrations.

    “Several retirement communities are considering buying multiple full-time registrations so that their residents can sign up for different days.

    “We’ve heard, too, of congregations and small groups – even extended families – who are buying a number of full-time tickets and then coordinating who will go when.

    “Within one household, two people can share a full-time pass, with only one of them using it at a time,” Moreno suggested.

    “There are sacrifices, though,” she pointed out. “We can offer only a single one-of-a-kind registration bag, outfitted with necktie handles, and filled with our brand new songbook, with each full-time ticket.”

    “And you will miss unforgettable music, fellowship, and international workshops on those days when you’re not with us at PA 2015!” said Unger.

    Registration fees rise on June 21

    “After 21 June – exactly one month before the opening of PA 2015 – an additional fee of $15.00 will be added to the price of each Global North full-time adult registration,” said Moreno. “Later registrations require more staff time,” she explained. “Home-stays are nearly all filled, which means we have to look for alternative lodging. Several tours have reached their limits. Building MDS houses on site has been so popular and has nearly all the helpers needed, so we can’t even guarantee that all service projects will continue to have openings.

    “And you could miss getting an Anabaptist World Cup T-shirt if you delay signing up since we’ll be ordering those before long. Staff try to find other options for those registrants who can’t get their first choices.

    “Don’t forget to add a visit to one of the Assembly Scattered locations, either on your way to Assembly Gathered, or on your way home. You will be enriched immeasurably by your stop in these highly interesting locations where Mennonites live and work. Sign up soon so you’re sure to get your first choice.”

    Too many North Americans?

    “Some North Americans have wondered if they should not come so people from the U.S. and Canada don’t overwhelm the event,” commented Unger. “There are always more attendees from the host country at MWC Assemblies than from any other country. That was true in India, in Zimbabwe, and in Paraguay. But we already have strong registrations from 64 countries beyond North America: 18 African countries, 15 Asian countries, 20 Latin American countries and 11 European countries.”

    “Once you enter the Farm Show Complex, you will be in a global community,” commented Moreno, who deals daily with registrations coming from around the world. “Inside that setting, you will belong to a different place. Your registration is like a passport to the global church!”

    For full-time or part-time registration for PA 2015, go to www.mwc-cmm.org/pa2015

    Article by Phyllis Pellman Good, a writer and editor for Mennonite World Conference

    Photos of Liesa Unger and Magali Moreno. (Click on names to download high resolution photos.)

     

    [sidebar]

    Who will I meet at PA 2015

    By mid March, registrations totaled around 3,400. (Note that the registration numbers cited here are rounded off and increasing daily.) There were 1,790 registrants from North America – 1,070 from the U.S. and 720 from Canada. Other continents were represented as follows.

    Africa: 18 countries represented with 500 registrants.
    Countries with most registrants: Zimbabwe (200), Democratic Republic of Congo (100), Kenya (50)
     
    Asia: 15 countries represented with 300 registrants.
    Countries with most registrants: India (200), Indonesia (20), Nepal (10)
     
    Latin America: 20 countries represented with 450 registrants.
    Countries with most registrants: Colombia (90), Paraguay (70), Mexico (70)
     
    Europe: 11 countries represented with 360 registrants.
    Countries with most registrants: Netherlands (90), Switzerland (80), Germany (60)
     
    Assembly organizers have indicated that the Farm Show Complex can accommodate up to 10,000. They are planning for at least 6,500 registrants. 
     

  • When I was at the European Mennonite gathering, held in Madrid, in November 2011, I met Liesa Unger who asked me if I could be in Switzerland in May of 2012 to translate into Portuguese at an MWC event. I knew that brothers from Angola and Brazil would be there, so I was very glad to do that.

    When the time came, I went to Chrischona/Basel, Switzerland and the day I started to work I was very surprised to also see a brother from Mozambique, his name was Filipe Mubecane. Right then and there we had the chance to connect and talk about that former Portuguese colony.

    Besides the fact that with Mozambique we have a common language and it being a former Portuguese colony, perhaps the biggest connection was that my brother-in-law and his family moved to that country in 2007 and work as missionaries there.  So we had good chats about his country, the work there and also I promised from my side that when I would go visit my family there I would make sure to connect him, brother Filipe, and pay him a visit.

    Well, because ICOMB reunion in 2014 was programed to happen in Luanda, Angola I asked ICOMB Executive Director and my very good friend David Wiebe if I could fly instead to Maputo, Mozambique, visit my family and Filipe and from there I would fly to Luanda at my expense. David gladly agreed and I immediately sent an e-mail to Filipe Mubecane saying that I was on my way to Mozambique…and he was very excited.

    After my time in Luanda and the deep Angola interior for 2 weeks (that’s another story…) I flew back to Maputo and with the help of my brother-in-law we settled a time to meet again. You might imagine how thrilling and exciting was that moment with brother Filipe…he right away had a big agenda for me, seminaries, preaching, visiting churches, but unfortunately I had a short time there so I could see his frustration, he actually said “Brother José, you’re killing me!”…but with some further talk we could manage to visit a church the coming Sunday and have a great time with the community there.

    Also, like a commitment with the church in Mozambique my brother-in-law promised he will visit that conference again, prepare some seminaries and also help in any way he could the brothers there. So that brought lots of peace to brother Filipe and in the end of our meeting he had a big and glad smile!

    So Sunday 8 June, we visited one of the Brethren in Christ churches in Maputo with brother Filipe, his wife and children. It was a great service with lots of singing, lots of joy and happiness and I was able to share the Bible with the community. I also shared that they are not alone, there is a big Global Family around that prays and is really interested what is going on in Mozambique, and I assured the brothers and sisters there that I would talk about Mozambique when I returned to Portugal.

    In the end, it was time to leave, but I had such a great time in this country with these people that I really must return there…and hopefully my words will challenge some of you to go there to and feel….The Land of the Smiles!!!

    P.S – When Vasco da Gama, on his way to India, stopped in a place called Inharrime, south of Mozambique, he was so impressed the way he was received by the local King that he called that place “The Land of good people”. The date of this event was 11 January 1498.

    Story by José Arrais, Portugal

  • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – The arts will be featured in a variety of ways at PA 2015, the Mennonite World Conference Assembly to be held here 21-26 July. Go to www.mwc-cmm.org/mwc-arts for further information, including a link to a downloadable overview brochure.

    A juried exhibit of contemporary artwork by artists of all ages and traditions will be held in a central gallery. The juror will be Theodore Prescott, a sculptor and writer who taught previously at Messiah College and was instrumental in founding CIVA (Christians in the Visual Arts).

    April 30 is the deadline for submissions to the juried art exhibit.

    A second gallery of artwork will feature special collections related to the history of Anabaptists. The collections include: artist curator Ray Dirks depicting the courage and faith of Mennonite women following the Russian Revolution; etchings from copper plates used in the production of the original Martyr’s Mirror; Molly Kraybill’s photos of 100 women from age 1 to 100; Howard Zehr’s photos of lives of victims following criminal trauma; artists from Community Mennonite Church in Lancaster depicting Lenten interpretations of the stations of the cross.

    In a display in the top level of the Global Village Area churches will share their banners, tapestries, art panels and other worship art pieces.

    Further, during the gathering, art made by children in their own programs will be displayed in the Children’s Arena.

    In addition to these exhibits, there will be a number of workshops related to the arts. 

     

  • Global Communion and Why It Matters: Exploring our shared commitment to being a worldwide family

    As Mennonite World Conference, we share a commitment to being a worldwide communion (koinonia) of faith and life. Together, we seek to be a fellowship that transcends boundaries of nationality, race, class, gender and language. Yet because of our diversity, each MWC member church brings a distinct understanding of the importance of global communion to its participation and investment in MWC.

    The April 2015 issue of Courier / Correo / Courrier seeks to discern the variety of reasons why Anabaptist communities from around the world come together to form MWC. In the articles that follow, writers reflect on the question: Why does my local or regional fellowship need a global communion?

    Jesus with Skin On

    “Late one stormy night, a small voice was heard from the bedroom across the hall. “Mommy, I’m scared!” Mom responds sympathetically, “Honey, don’t be afraid, I’m right across the hall.” After a short time, with thunder snapping in the distance, the little voice says again, “I’m still scared!” Mom replies, “You don’t need to be afraid. Close your eyes and pray. And remember that Jesus is always with you.” The next time the pause is longer—but the voice returns along with a little child standing next to her bed: “Mommy, can I get in bed with you and Daddy?” As Mom is just about to lose her patience, her little boy catches her eyes and says, “Mommy, I know that Jesus is always with me, but right now I need Jesus with skin on.”

    Every time I hear some version of this little story, I smile at the humorous way that its simple truth is conveyed. There are critical times in life when we need the presence of another person to serve as the physical presence of Jesus—someone to be “Jesus with skin on” for comfort, strength or some other significant need we have in that moment. I imagine many can relate to this child’s desire!

    In a similar manner, there are other spiritual truths that need some “skin on,” some concrete embodiment, in order to become real to us. For Brethren in Christ (BIC) congregations in Canada, the Mennonite World Conference provides this embodiment of the important truth that we belong to a church family that spreads around the world. We know that followers of Jesus everywhere are made one through faith in him; however, we can experience this precious truth in a practical way since MWC puts “skin” on it for us. As MWC embodies the reality of our global fellowship in Christ, our BIC Canada congregations are strengthened in important ways.

    First, our witness for Christ is strengthened. Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. As you spend time in our cities, walk our streets, visit our shopping malls or go into any number of our schools, you will soon observe a rich mosaic of people groups, languages, faiths and cultures. With hundreds of thousands of new immigrants coming from every region of the globe each year, this diversity only increases. As we lovingly reach out to our neighbours and co-workers with the message of Jesus, our BIC congregations are increasingly reflecting this diversity. The truth that the Gospel bridges all ethnic and cultural divisions is made real and visible through congregations that actually reflect the demographic reality surrounding them.

    Our engagement with MWC expresses this same commitment: in Christ we become one global family. MWC provides our congregations a concrete avenue by which to realize and reveal this truth. In turn, this strengthens our witness to the peace possible in Christ. Those coming into our congregations from various backgrounds can see that the reconciling message of Jesus is more than mere words.

    Second, as we engage in the programs and activities of MWC, our process of discipleship is also strengthened. In BIC Canada we are convinced that a core way to become more like Jesus is to cultivate mutual, compassionate relationships locally and globally. MWC provides the opportunity to be in proximity with others that otherwise might seem distant. The spiritual formation that comes through being in community with others – hearing their stories, learning of their joys and sufferings and seeing truth from their vantage point – is provided through MWC. The global family is often more seasoned in kingdom truth than those of us who have only lived in Canada. 

    One of our congregations recalls the visit of Anabaptist friends from southern Africa that helped them discern aspects of spiritual warfare the congregation was experiencing and then encouraged them through intercessory prayer and worship. Our sisters and brothers who have had to wrestle much more with suffering, with poverty and with persecution have so much to teach us as we share life together. This interaction allows for a course correction, on a personal and congregational level, as we align with realities that are discovered through friendships within our global family.

    The way we live our lives, spend our time and money, invest our energies and embrace the suffering that comes into our lives changes as a result of coming close to and being family with those from around the world. The more we engage in global fellowship, the more natural it seems to embrace the deeper change that needs to happen in our lives, and in our churches, in order to be more like Christ.

    We are blessed to belong to MWC – “Jesus with skin on” for the congregations of BIC Canada.

    Darrell Winger served as bishop/executive director of Brethren in Christ Canada from 1997-2004 and 2009 to 2013, and the general secretary of Brethren in Christ North America from 2004-2006. For several years, he also served in leadership with the International Brethren in Christ Association. Currently, Darrell is pursuing a PhD in political theology at Toronto School of Theology.

     

  • Ingersheim, France – Along with our country and its population, we are under the shock of the recent events of terrorist attacks against the journalists of Charlie Hebdo, police officers and Jewish citizens in Paris. People’s emotions are varied, ranging from anger expressed about these acts and toward their perpetrators, to the fear of insecurity and how the situation might unfold, or to sadness, uneasiness or confusion.

    We think of those who died and pray for their families and close friends. We are in mourning. The demonstrations that happened in many cities witnessed to people’s desire to live together in peace. Indignation is understandable and should encourage the refusal of indifference in regard to other tragedies throughout the world.

    This drama also encourages us to reflect on the state of our country, on the deeply-rooted causes that lead some people to extremism: the feeling of abandonment by underprivileged populations, the absence of constructive reference points, the weakening of social relationships, military interventions, etc.

    Beyond these circumstances, we fear the possible consequences for our country: mistrust and tension, that could lead to hateful acts, a politics of “security”, demonization of enemies. The present atmosphere includes the risk of encouraging those who already attempt to arouse hatred towards foreigners and our muslim co-citizens.

    In response to this deteriorated climate, Christians and Churches are called to respond in the manner of their Lord. To hatred, Jesus responded with love, to violence with non-violence, to those excluded, he reached out, to massacres, he called to conversion.

    It is Jesus’ way of acting that should guide us and incite us to respond to evil by practicing good. May we take the initiative to show respect, friendship and hospitality. May we refuse to spread lies and destructive clichés, may we denounce any encouragement to prejudice, and to fear coloured by racism. Let us collaborate with others to favour peace in our society.

    Let us take initiatives to go towards those who feel excluded, especially youth, may we dialogue with our Jewish and Muslim compatriots so as to learn how to truly live together.

    In the present situation, all churches and all Christians are called in a new way to be peacemakers and to work for justice.

    16 January, 2015 press release from Association des Églises Évangéliques Mennonites de France (French Mennonite Conference), signed by the President and members of the Executive Committee, the Faith and Life Commission and the Peace Commission

     

     

  • Bogotá, Colombia – Are you an artist? Do you know an Anabaptist artist? Mennonite World Conference is calling for artwork to be displayed at Assembly Gathered, 21-26 July 2015 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania USA.

    At the Assembly there will be a central gallery, which will feature representative contemporary artwork by artists of all ages and traditions. While there is no theme for the exhibition itself, the MWC Assembly theme is “Walking with God.” Artists are encouraged to create new artwork or submit existing work for this global Assembly.

    Artists must be associated with one of the over 100 MWC member or associate member churches. Artwork to be considered for this show can be from a wide variety of media, subject matter, and ethnic or national origins. All artwork must be original.

    For more information on submitting artwork for this gallery, click here.

    Call for Worship Arts

    Another gallery at Assembly Gathered will display worship art from our churches around the world. Mennonite World Conference is calling for banners and tapestries from MWC-affiliated congregations.

    This gallery will show case worship arts banners and visual art pieces created by and for the worship spaces of the many thousands of different congregations represented. If your community has commissioned or created unique tapestries, banners or visual art that is available to share, we’d love to hang these banners and images in one of the busiest spaces in the complex.

    For more information on submitting worship arts, including banners, tapestries and visual art pieces, click here.

    In addition to these two exhibitions, there will be galleries located throughout the complex with children’s artwork, historical art, and resources.

    MWC Release

     

  • Bogotá, Colombia – Early Easter morning, 5 April, Edgardo Sánchez, a leader in Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Argentina (Evangelical Mennonite Church of Argentina), died in a car accident while travelling to his home in Neuquén, Argentina.

    Later that day, Mennonite World Conference General Secretary, César García of Bogotá, Colombia shared the tragic news with the MWC staff and officers. Sánchez was a member of the MWC Executive Committee since 2009, and represented his church on the MWC General Council.

    According to reports, Sánchez and his daughter were involved in an accident while travelling home to Neuquén from meetings in Buenos Aires. Both were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Sánchez died several hours later from accident injuries. His daughter survived and was released from the hospital.

    Sánchez, age 52, was a pastor and principal of Fundación Vida (Foundation of Life) school in Neuquén. His funeral was held 6 April. He is survived by his wife Erica and three children.

    “We stand with the family in their loss and grief,” wrote Danisa Ndlovu, MWC president. “This is also a big loss as a family of faith, more so as we look forward with great anticipation to meet [for the July 2015 Assembly] in Pennsylvania.”

     

     

     

  • La Ceiba, Honduras – After decades of misunderstanding and little collaboration, Organización Cristiana Amor Viviente and Iglesia Evangelica Menonita Hondureña (IEMH), the two largest Anabaptist groups in Honduras, have publicly reconciled with each other and are actively working at improving their relationship. Both are Mennonite World Conference member churches.

    In August 2013, leaders from both groups met with other church leaders from around the world at the Holy Spirit in Missions Conference in Changi Cove, Singapore. The conference was organized by the International Missions Association (IMA), an association of about 21 Anabaptist mission bodies established for prayer, mutual support and partnership. Many are MWC member churches.

    As conference participants gathered to share in the Lord’s Supper, Carlos Marín Montoya, president of Amor Viviente, publicly asked for forgiveness from Adalid Romero, president of IEMH, for “all the damage you have received from us in the past.”

    “Brother, you are forgiven,” responded Romero, and the two groups committed to mutual forgiveness, fellowship, collaboration, and support between the groups.

    Momentum for improving the relationship has grown, and leaders of both groups are taking concrete steps to encourage fellowship at all levels of the church. In July 2014, Montoya accepted an invitation to attend the annual assembly of IEMH in La Ceiba.

    “I was invited to give a series of talks to pastors and leaders from across the country who participated in the assembly,” said Montoya. “There Adalid and I informed them of what happened in Singapore, and they were pleased with our testimony and gave a vote of affirmation for walking together more closely and forgetting what has happened in the past.”

    While the two churches never engaged in large-scale conflict with each other, there have been tensions between them since the 1970s.

    IEMH was established in 1950 through the work of several missionary families from Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM), an agency of the Lancaster Conference of Mennonite Church USA, a MWC member church. IEMH began in the city of Trujillo, a maritime port two to three hours from the nearest city, La Ceiba, and ministered primarily to the rural poor in the area.

    Amor Viviente was established in the 1970s by EMM workers Ed and Gloria King, who developed a ministry to youth immersed in drugs and alcohol. It became a fast-growing charismatic discipleship movement that spread throughout Honduras.

    – Adapted from an EMM news release by Chris Fretz 

     

  • Pimpimso, Ghana – The Ghana Mennonite Church (GMC) experienced an act of reconciliation at its 49th annual conference, held 10-11 October 2014 at the Pimpimso congregation, a new church plant of the GMC’s Somanya district.

    The reconciliation occurred between the northern Ghana churches and the rest of GMC. The northern churches had withdrawn from GMC a few years ago, and recently expressed interested in rejoining the main body.

    The act itself occurred on 11 October, as the executive of the GMC sat down with representatives from the northern churches. Since the northern churches wished to rejoin GMC and GMC wished to have them, the meeting was brief and most of the discussion focused on procedure. It was agreed that the northern churches would write a letter requesting reunion with GMC. Once this letter is received, another meeting will be held to formalize the new situation.

    One of the remaining difficulties is clarifying the number of churches currently connected to the northern group. When the northern group split off some years ago, there were roughly nine churches in that area. But some recently split off from the Mennonite church, due to the influence of a prophet in the area. The current estimate places the number of northern churches between 4-6.

    Currently, GMC consists of 28 congregations with a baptized membership of around 5,000. GMC is a Mennonite World Conference member church.

    – Based on a report by Wes Bergen

     

  • Bogota, Colombia – For the second time in four months Mennonite World Conference issued an urgent appeal for prayer, this time for the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria – EYN), who is experiencing horrendous violence and persecution of the Boko Haram organization.

    In a letter shared with MWC member churches and networks, MWC calls for its churches to offer a shower of prayer, blessing, solidarity, and financial support for the suffering church in Nigeria.

    In a recent news release, Samuel Dali, the President of the EYN, warns of the possibility of ‘genocide’ of Christians in northern Nigeria. He reports that 8 pastors and 3,038 EYN members have been killed, 80 kidnapped and 96,000 displaced. He also writes that, “EYN is severely damaged by the terrorists in many ways. The whole Lardin Gabas, the historical center of EYN, has been almost destroyed. So, continue to pray so that the Lord can increase our faith and give the strength to bear the suffering… The people they have killed are still uncounted and not buried.”

    MWC encourages its members to become informed about what our brothers and sisters in Nigeria are experiencing, by using resources and links included in the letter. Member churches are also encouraged to send MWC a cc copy of correspondence and connections made with EYN, so that MWC is aware of all possible initiatives.

    In regards to the September urgent appeal for the Middle East, MWC has heard from Middle East church leaders how critically important our solidarity is for them. MWC wants to urge those who have not yet done so, to continue the “shower” with the Middle East churches. The details of how to do so can be seen here. Please do consider giving these, our brothers and sisters, a message of peace, hope, and goodwill during this time of advent and Christmas.

    Often in situations such as these, it is the sense of loneliness and lack of evident support from others that is most discouraging. Let us bear these burdens together. Let us assure these brothers and sisters of prayers and actions on their behalf.

    MWC Release

     

    Contact Information for EYN:
     
    Contact Information for MWC Peace Commission:

     

  • Bogotá, Colombia – “We want to partner with our brothers and sisters in the West and in Ukraine to call for a negotiated diplomatic settlement to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

    “This conflict cannot be solved with violence. Both NATO and Russia are too strong to be defeated by military means…. The costs of a military ‘solution’ are way too high for any side to pay.”

    This appeal was issued in a 05 February letter from The Russian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists to “dear friends in Christ primarily in North America.”

    The letter expresses particular concern that the 18 December signing of the “Freedom Support Act” by the United States could bring “a serious military escalation.”

    “Russian society too is far from perfect,” stated the letter. “Pray for us.”

    Mennonite World Conference has sent assurances of prayer and solidarity to the Russian church.

    MWC is also sending a letter to its 102 member churches, urging them to pray for the church in Russia and to use whatever opportunities they have to ask political leaders to consider other than military options in Ukraine.

    MWC release

     

  • Musoma, Tanzania – Joram Mbeba, a bishop in Kanisa la Mennonite Tanzania (Tanzania Mennonite Church), died on November 22, 2014 at the age of 84.

    He completed undergraduate and graduate studies in the United States and then returned to Tanzania for a career in teaching and education administration until his retirement in 1985. From 1985 to 1990, he served as a general secretary in the South Mara Diocese of Tanzania Mennonite Church and was consecrated as bishop in 1990, retiring from church service in 1999.

    From 1990 to 2003, he served on the Mennonite World Conference Executive Committee as a representative of Anglophone Africa.

    He is survived by his wife, Ludia Mbeba, two daughters and several grandchildren.