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We are one
Evangelism rallies, energetic music and dancing all day; witnessing, altar calls with a dozen respondents. Praying is loud, through tears or joy. You can feel the enthusiasm. I was heartily welcomed by the Mennonite Brethren church in DR Congo to celebrate their 100th anniversary in August 2024. The multiday event was held in a big…
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Power of prayer cannot be underestimated
“Those who are involved in humanitarian projects and pastoral care are familiar with loneliness, anhedonia, weakness, despondency, cynicism… But all this was washed away with water and wiped off with towels,” Denis Gorenkov, a Baptist pastor in Ukraine, reflected on the footwashing ritual with MWC president Henk Stenvers. From 22 to 25 February 2024,…
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Kenya Mennonite: a living church
After an eight-year gap, leaders and members of Kenya Mennonite Church (KMC) held its national convention in in the town of Migori in August 2023, attended by 1 300 people. A delegation from Mennonite World Conference consisted of president Henk Stenvers, Faith and Life Commission member Desalegn Abebe of Ethiopia, Mission Commission member Simon Okoth…
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Renewal: the core of the gospel
Over the past 100 years, the world has changed immensely and at the same time, not so very much, says Henk Stenvers; both then and now, there is nationalism and polarization in church and society, and even war in Ukraine. As we prepare to mark 100 years of MWC and 500 years of Anabaptism in…
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The house of God is never finished
It feels like a big responsibility; however, after four years of being president elect, I don’t know if I’m ready, but let’s begin. In MWC, we work as a team: the officers, Executive Committee, staff – we all work together. I feel honoured and humbled to stand in that line of presidents.
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A little more light
Like the chambers of a heart, the four MWC commissions serve the global community of Anabaptist-related churches, in the areas of deacons, faith and life, peace, mission. Commissions prepare materials for consideration by the General Council, give guidance and propose resources to member churches, and facilitate MWC-related networks or fellowships working together on matters of…
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MWC Deacons communicate the church’s care
“The Lord’s work is one of great responsibility and being careful with the blessings that come,” says a church leader from a flooded region in Peru. With 11 churches a region affected by extreme rains and flooding, the Conferencia Peruana Hermanos Menonitas (CPHM) responded with assistance from Mennonite Central Committee, MB Mission, Mennonite World Conference…
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Nepal church celebrates growth
In 2000, the Brethren in Christ (BIC) church board of Nepal sent Bhagan Chaunde to Surunga, Jhapa, Nepal, to plant churches. The passionate evangelist shared the gospel and planted a church. Starting with one new believer, Surunga Church has grown to 120 baptized members and planted three daughter congregations with 40–50 baptized members each. Surunga…
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Your light is needed
Like the chambers of a heart, the four MWC commissions serve the global community of Anabaptist-related churches, in the areas of deacons, faith and life, peace, mission. Commissions prepare materials for consideration by the General Council, give guidance and propose resources to member churches, and facilitate MWC-related networks or fellowships working together on matters of…
