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Committed to serving people
How do you stay in relationship in a diverse global communion comprised of 110 national member churches scattered across 61 countries, with vastly different economic circumstances and political and cultural contexts, speaking more than 30 different languages? “Mennonite World Conference is an organic community and not a bureaucratic institution. As a global church, we are…
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Mentoring the next wave of global church leaders
From YABs to General Council: A path laid through mentorship “The strength of the young and the wisdom of the old, the Lord wants both,” said Timo Doetsch from Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mennonitischer Brüdergemeinden in Deutschland (AMBD) in Germany. He took to heart what church planter Lawrence Warkentin said to him many years ago – and so…
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A lifestyle of giving takes many shapes and forms
Young adults are ambitious, capable, and more educated than the previous generations, according to a 2025 study by Randstad. However, the job market is becoming more competitive, and many are struggling to find employment. Yet giving is a part of life as Christians. Young Anabaptists agree that financial giving is important. They recognize their local…
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Young Anabaptists eager to encounter the global family
During the Global Youth Summit (GYS) in 2015 in Pennsylvania, USA, Mennonite World Conference (MWC) general secretary César García said, “If you want a revolution, ask someone young to lead.” This year’s GYS was the latest step in MWC’s journey of walking with young leaders in following Jesus together. From the creation of the GYS…
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Assembly 18 theme revealed: Christ unites us
“If you come to the next Assembly, you can also have a shirt like mine!” said Kelbessa Demana, General Council delegate for Meserete Kristos Church (MKC). Dressed in a traditional, crisp white shirt with intricate embroidery, he was part of a delegation that invited the General Council to the upcoming Assembly 18 in Ethiopia. Held…
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Living “inefficiently” as the children of the Lord
Recently, the number of young people in churches across Asia has significantly declined. This is likely a global phenomenon. Why has believing in God become a foolish act? Because in this harsh world, what young people need most is money, and to earn money, one must become an “efficient” being. The younger generation lives with…
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Bigger responsibilities in the global church
At the meetings in May 2025, General Council members will vote on a proposal for every Mennonite World Conference full member to have one Young AnaBaptist (YAB) delegate in the General Council starting 2028.
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A training ground for leaders
YABs mentor Ebenezer Mondez describes his journey from attendee at the Global Youth Summit (GYS) in 2015 to staff from 2022-2028 and his hopes for the Global Youth Summit. Young AnaBaptists (YABs) aged 18-30 are the target audience for GYS. What was it like going to GYS in the USA for the first time in…
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Celebration of Christmas in Ghana
Photo: Mennonite church of Ghana – Dalive congregation Christmas! Christmas!! Christmas!!! Christmas in Ghana is a season of magic and wonder. Every Ghanaian has their own definition to what Christmas means to them. It reminds me of the fact that no matter what one might go through, nothing is permanent. It brings joy and assurance…
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“They just want me to learn”
From Indonesia to Bolivia – a YAMEN year through the five senses: This is how Arni Alice Paidjo describes her time in Bolivia, Santa Cruz. The member of Gereja Kristen Muria Indonesia (Muria Christian Church of Indonesia, GKMI) in Salatiga, Indonesia, served with YAMEN 2023-2024. The Young Anabaptist Mennonite Exchange Network (YAMEN) program is a…
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Investing in young adults is key
“Investing in young adults is a key way to move forward. Mennonite World Conference is the best way I can imagine to do that,” said Doug Klassen, executive minister of Mennonite Church Canada and the North America representative on MWC’s Executive Committee. The member church of Mennonite World Conference puts its money where its mouth…
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What does peace need to thrive?
A YAMENer’s reflection from Colombia Peace doesn’t look the same in every context. That’s a lesson that Hector “Ramon” Calix Dueñas says he’s learning during his YAMEN (Young Anabaptist Mennonite Exchange Network) year in Colombia. “Ramon” Calix Dueñas is 27 and from Saba, Honduras, where his parents are pastors of Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Hondureña, the…
