Prayers of gratitude and intercession

  • Following Jesus together across barriers

    Mennonite World Conference (MWC) global Assemblies are the equivalent of a Sunday meeting at a local congregation.

    Through the liturgy, we declare the sovereignty of Christ in our global church, challenging nationalism, racism and other false ideologies that claim our obedience and following.

    Through teaching, workshops and preaching, we affirm our Anabaptist identity and facilitate character building in our churches by exposing them to different perspectives and biblical emphases shaped by the context of many different cultures.

    In informal activities, we appreciate the importance of each individual and their community, share the gifts we have received and mutually enrich ourselves with the new relationships that arise.

    Through moments of prayer, we support those facing persecution, violence, extreme poverty and natural disasters.

    We discover that we are not alone, that we are a living organism and that we are part of the body of Christ.

    These are just a few reasons why MWC Assemblies have been an essential part of our global community for decades. In 2022, we celebrated the second world Assembly in Asia and the 17th since the inception of MWC in 1925.

    When we started planning Assembly 17, we never imagined the magnitude of barriers we would have to cross. Indonesia 2022 will go down in history as one of the most complex and challenging events we have ever developed. In addition to differences in culture, social class and theological perspectives, some barriers we had to overcome included the following:

    • Finances: Moving the event from 2021 to 2022 due to the pandemic resulted in substantial financial costs.
    • Health: A significant number of people had to quarantine – myself included – due to COVID-19 and other viruses. That prevented the full participation of many attendees.
    • Technology: With this being the first officially hybrid Assembly, many activities were planned to facilitate online participation. However, technical failures hampered the live broadcast and prevented reception of simultaneous interpretation on site, despite many tests and the apparent certainty of the experts that the technology would not fail.

    The leadership of the Assembly prepared for seven years to carry out a successful event. The evaluation that we develop after the Assembly and the participants’ experience will reveal the event’s success level. However, as a church, it is worth remembering that we are called to have fruitful events more than just successful events.

    It is in the sense of fruit that we can appreciate the value of the Assembly in Indonesia.

    Thanks to varied barriers, disciples of Christ from many nations learned to practice patience with one another. People from many different cultures mobilized to work in unity and seek the welfare of those sick and needed support. The love and concern for others, in many cases, were evident. Misunderstandings and unexpected conflicts led us to practice the ministry of reconciliation in our midst. We discover again the importance of vulnerability and the confession of faults committed. We understood how crucial it is to humbly ask for and receive forgiveness.

    Consequently, the Assembly in 2022 deepened the intercultural relationship of many members of our churches and facilitated unity amid diversity. Admittedly, Assembly 17 may not have been the most successful in human parameters that measure the quality of events. Still, it has been one of the most fruitful to grow in our call to be a global communion in the Anabaptist tradition.

    —César García, MWC general secretary, originally from Colombia, lives in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

    This article first appeared in Courier / Correo / Courrier, October 2022

  • Resource highlight: Anabaptism and mission: an online bibliography

    “The relationship of Anabaptism and mission is a hot topic, and the field continues to expand to include a number of disciplines and sub-disciplines emerging which attempt to integrate a vision that is both missional and faithful to the Anabaptist message – and to wrestling with what precisely that means!” 

    Our principal preoccupation as a Mission Commission is exploring and implementing ways to strengthen Anabaptist communities in their witness and service to God’s mission.  

    What are the best ways to do that?  

    • Through printed and on-line resources?  
    • In-person gatherings?  
    • Virtual conversations?
    • Storytelling? 
    • Preaching? 
    • Bible studies? 
    • Seminars? 
    • Testimonies?  

    We want to hear from the global community which of these is most helpful!  

    In the meantime, however, we need to remind ourselves that we are not the first to carry out this task. From the earliest days of the “radical reformation” nearly 500 years ago, Anabaptists were impassioned with the desire to share their faith and model what the church should look like in serving others.  

    Many of these efforts exist only in oral form and currently remain out of reach to the broader faith community. Others have been recorded in written form and are scattered around the world in archives, church libraries, and personal collections. 

    In 1984, a first attempt was made to compile a published list of some of these written materials by and about Anabaptists in mission. Later editions in 2002 and 2012 updated the list. It now includes several thousand entries in multiple languages of journal articles, books, book reviews, unpublished documents, dissertations and conference papers. 

    This is an incredibly important resource to God’s Anabaptist-people-in-mission. And it is available to the global community in digitized form on the MWC Mission Commission webpage: mwc-cmm.org/resources/anabaptism-and-mission-online-bibliography-1859-2011.  

    I refer to this bibliography on a regular basis in my research.  

    But I am also aware that we need to update it once again to make the list searchable and inclusive of more diverse voices from the MWC family around the world.  

    We will work on this as a Mission Commission over the next few years. In the meantime, enjoy this valuable resource and stay tuned for updates!  

    To offer your feedback to the mission commission, please comment below or write to info@mwc-cmm.org.  

    —James R. Krabill, Mission Commission chair 

    Like the chambers of a heart, the four commissions of Mennonite World Conference 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 common interest and focus.

  • “MWC was a school for me. It really helped me to know Anabaptist doctrine and understand how the church operates,” says Francisca Ibanda. 

    Known around the world as “Maman Cisca”, Francisa Ibanda, along with Barbara Nkala, recently completed her service as regional representative for MWC. Prior to serving as regional representative for Central and Western Africa (2015-2022), she served as one of two Africa representatives on the Executive Committee (2009-2015). 

    “During my service at MWC as regional representative, I discovered my gifts and learned much about humility, communication and love of neighbour; in short, Christian values. I am proud to have served on the global level,” says Francisca Ibanda. 

    “Regional representatives are our eyes and ears,” says Arli Klassen. These volunteer servants are ambassadors for Mennonite World Conference in their region. They represent the work of MWC (through commissions, networks, the executive committee and production of worship resources and stories) to the MWC member churches in their region. And they share the concerns, questions, needs and celebrations of the MWC member churches with the rest of the global Anabaptist body.  

    “This task of serving MWC taught me many things, such as the development of my Christian faith, the improvement of my personal relationship with God and the love of the church,” says Francisca Ibanda. “It was also an opportunity to improve my English and open myself up to the world.” 

    Regional representatives also offer an invitation: when a national church is interested in joining MWC, the regional representative visits the church leaders. They introduce the applicant national church to MWC leadership and explain MWC to the applicant church.  

    “I would like people to know that my global Mennonite family is a structure that is rich in values and opportunities that each member brings to the table.” 

    “My experience at MWC helped me to understand that the global church is built on important values such as fellowship and it is in diversity that it forms the body of Christ.” 

    “In the next five years, MWC must become well known by its members so that they can better understand it and engage in the accomplishment of its vision,” says Francisca Ibanda.  

    “My prayer is that MWC will continue to assist its members to better understand its vision in order to truly experience fellowship at the local, regional and international level. My most fervent wish is that MWC will develop its communication with the churches of the Southern Hemisphere (Latin America, Africa and Asia).” 

    Francisca Ibanda will continue to serve her local church and to mentor women. She is now working to start an NGO to assist orphans and people with disabilities.  

    “We are so thankful for the work of these brothers and sisters who form essential connections among Anabaptist-Mennonite churches around the world,” says Arli Klassen. “We bid a fond farewell to Cisca and Barbara, and extend a warm welcome to Siaka Traoré and Danisa Ndlovu who are now filling these roles.”  

    Click here to read reflections from Barbara Nkala.  

  • 9 September 1939 – 30 September 2022 

    Mesach Krisetya, Mennonite World Conference (MWC) president 1997-2003, died 30 September 2022. He was born in Jepara, Indonesia, 9 September 1939. A theologian, professor and academic administrator, author and counsellor, Mesach Krisetya was beloved as a mentor and teacher.  

    Upon his conversion to Christianity, he created a new name for himself to mean “fire-proof man, loyal to Christ”: “Mesach”, from one of the Hebrew men who were not consumed by fire in Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace, and “Krisetya” meaning follower of Christ.  

    During his term as MWC president, MWC entered into ecumenical dialogue on the global level with both the Catholic Church (Vatican) and the Lutheran World Federation. In 2002, with the invitation of Pope John Paul II, he participated on behalf of MWC in the Day of Prayer for Peace in the World. 

    As president of MWC, Mesach Krisetya emphasized church-to-church relationships, insisting “MWC needs to belong to the people” not just to the leaders directly involved.  

    His 1993 address “From Dependence to Interdependence in the Global Church,” delivered to the General Council in Zimbabwe influenced the development of MWC’s identity as a koinonia. He said that he envisioned MWC as a place “where Mennonites form a working relationship in respond [sic] to the need of ‘interconnectedness’ between Mennonites and the world…; glue for church-to-church or conference-to-conference relations….; a centre where every members of the body feel accepted and needed [sic], so they form a new kind of relationship of interdependency in a global sense.”  

    Mesach Krisetya studied theology in Semarang. He received a master of divinity (MDiv) from Goshen Biblical Seminary (USA); a master of theology (MTh) from the Christian Counselling Centre in Vellore, India; clinical pastoral education from Prairie View, Newton, Kansas, USA and United Theological College, Bangalore, India; and a doctor of ministry (DMin) Claremont School of Theology (USA).  

    Mesach Krisetya taught and served in administration at several universities in Indonesia, pioneering in the field of pastoral counselling. He wrote books on pastoral counselling and published articles on inter-religious relations in Indonesia, pastoral care, Christian mission and the mission of the church.  

    In Indonesia, he served MWC national member church GKMI* as chair from 1996-1999. He was involved in the creation of PIPKA, the GKMI mission board. He was also a supporter of the youth revival movement that developed into today’s JKI.*  

    During Assembly 17 in Indonesia, he was not able to participate in the gathering for health reasons, but welcomed small groups into his home for the encouraging conversations he was known for.  

    “This situation has taken from us, for a while, the possibility to continue sharing with Mesach,” says César García, MWC general secretary. “The global ministry he developed leaves us with a deep sense of gratitude for the gifts God gave us through his life. The Officers, the Executive Committee, and all the Mennonite World Conference staff join the GKMI family in mourning his death.” 

    He is mourned by his wife Miriam, two adult children and their spouses, and five grandchildren. Funeral proceedings took place 30 September – 2 October 2022.  

    Mesach Krisetya and his wife Miriam with Assembly program committee members at GKMI Salatiga, 2019. Photo: Karla Braun

    Responses from other MWC leaders: 

    Mesach Krisetya was a humble leader. As a person who was born in the gospel and the church, he was very concerned about the church and people. We’re very proud of him for his achievements as professor of pastoral counselling. Beside of all of his achievements, he was still a faithful member of his local GKMI congregation in Salatiga. He and his wife always arrived at the church service early and greeted all the members with full hospitality. 
    —Agus Mayanto, GKMI* president and MWC regional representative for Southeast Asia 

    The relationship with Mesach was one of the most precious gifts I received during my 22 years with MWC. He became a big brother to me after the death of my biological brother, and was a source of inspiration to “keep the faith” to the end as I watched him incarnate the meaning of his name.  
    —Larry Miller, former MWC general secretary (1990-2011) 

    Each MWC president builds on the legacy of those who have served before. Mesach was a giant: a tall man who lived out Anabaptist values of humility and grace. His vision for MWC is what we are still building on. We remember him with gratitude and love.  
    —Henk Stenvers, MWC president (2022-2028) 

    Mesach Krisetya was a very humble man, an unassuming man of God, serious in his commitment to the global church. At the same time underneath his deep spiritual veil, Mesach had some sense of humour. The Anabaptist Mennonite family has lost a loving, gracious, fatherly, humble, and God-fearing leader.  
    —Danisa Ndlovu, MWC regional representative for Southern Africa and MWC president (2009-2015) 

    *Today, there are three Anabaptist-Mennonite groups in Indonesia:  

    • Gereja Injili di Tanah Jawa (GITJ –Evangelical Church in the Land of Java) 
    • Gereja Kristen Muria Indonesia (GKMI –Muria Christian Church of Indonesia)   
    • Jemaat Kristen Indonesia (JKI –Indonesian Christian Congregation) 

  • Introducing the global family: 

    Iglesia Misionera Anabautista – Bolivia 

    ICOMB emerging conference & MWC national member church 

    These first months of the year 2022, have been times of much growth for the church. In the month of September, the church celebrated 14 years of service, and we can safely say that we have seen the hand of God in this time since the birth of the church. 

    We had the opportunity to send a representative to the ICOMB Summit in Curitiba, Brazil. In this event, we shared that we have the challenge of planting new churches until the end of the year. Today we can say that this goal has been achieved since we were able to establish new preaching points of the gospel during the last few months. 

    We ask for your prayers dear brothers, that God may allow us to continue growing in the ministry in which we are currently working, that God may always provide what is necessary in terms of economic needs and also that in this month of October 2022, the Lord may give us strength for the evangelism activities that we have prepared. 

    —Kevin Gonzales, ICOMB Update 

    ICOMB
    The International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) is made up of 22 national churches in 19 countries. ICOMB also has associate members in more than 20 countries, all at different points along the pathway to full membership. ICOMB exists to facilitate relationships and ministries to enhance the witness and discipleship of its member national churches – connecting, strengthening and expanding.

  • Testimonies from Africa

    Working as a nurse is a challenging job. It needs a heart with passion, patience and love. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw the hand of God in my life as he protected me. There were times when I despaired with anxiety, but when I remembered how King David in the Bible hoped in the Lord and encouraged himself, I would be revived.

    I was pregnant when the coronavirus pandemic started. I’m also asthmatic. My gynecologist stressed how I should be careful not to catch COVID-19 because it would be too risky for both me and the child. I wondered how I would fare working at the biggest hospital in the country, Parirenyatwa, that was also treating COVID-19 patients.

    One time at work, a difficult patient was admitted. He was frustrated and agitated. Worse still, he showed quite an attitude and did not want anything to do with nurses, doctors and being in the hospital. He was coughing so badly. Many of my colleagues were fed up with his antics. I then offered to nurse him, trying to create a nurse-to-patient relationship, chatting kindly and giving him his medication, and coaxing him to wear a mask. He was impossible, but eventually complied after 20-30 minutes of persuasion. I was happy too as I tucked him in.

    As I was leaving, I saw two people in full PPE (personal protective equipment) running toward the cubicle. They said the patient I was nursing was COVID-positive and that he should be changed to the COVID ward.

    I was filled with great fear when I thought of all the time I was chatting with him closely while he did not have a mask on. I worried. But I reminded myself that worry is like a rocking chair. I’d keep rocking in one place and get nowhere. I prayed.

    I drew on my hope in the Lord. I remembered that those who hope in the Lord keep flying high like eagles, they run and do not become weary; they walk and do not faint. I mustered all my hope in the Lord and believed I would be well. Days went by, I continued with my work and felt strong. I had no COVID-19 symptoms.

    On another vivid occasion when my baby was three months old, I nursed a patient who had been admitted the previous night. I bathed and dressed the patient’s wounds only to be told she had to be transferred to a COVID-19 ward. I worried about how I would quarantine with or without my breastfeeding baby. I just had faith and hoped God would continue to protect me. He did, because up until today I haven’t suffered from COVID, despite being highly exposed countless times. Yes, I am very cautious, but I do believe God protected me and I’m very grateful. I shall keep hoping in Jesus. Jesus is my true hope.
    — Hazel Nenguke, Brethren in Christ Church, Zimbabwe

    Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday 2023

     

  • Testimonies from Africa

    Psalm 62 expresses the cry of Christians in the West African Sahel. Several Sahelian countries have been experiencing terrorist attacks for more than 10 years. Like David, we feel hungry and harassed by the enemy. David was abandoned by his faith collaborators, betrayed. In these difficult times, David did not use violence, trickery or any physical means to get rid of his enemies. He left it to God and he put his trust in God.

    God is our home, our refuge and our hope in times of trial.

    There was a retired high school teacher in eastern Burkina Faso. For some time, this region has been controlled by terrorists. One day they found him in the church, teaching. They asked him what was he was doing, and he replied that he was teaching the Bible. The terrorists told him that the stage of the Bible has passed and it is now the time of Muhammad; he must change his religion. He replied that at his age he cannot change his religion.

    They told him he must stop teaching, and they will take him to their leader. They forced him to take his car, which they also got into. On the way, the terrorists said that this car now belongs to them. The teacher started to pray, asking God to give him wisdom in how to respond to the terrorists.

    Arriving at the leader of the terrorists, he was asked who owned the car. He responded, “It belongs to my sister-in-law.” The leader answered: “You are fortunate it belongs to a woman because we do not take away women’s property”. They ordered him not to teach about Jesus anymore because it s now Muhammad’s time. He replied that it was not Muhammad that Jesus was talking about who would come, but the Holy Spirit who was to come and help believers.

    After a period of interrogation, where the teacher remained calm and confident, they sent him to a place where he could easily return home.

    The teacher placed his faith and hope in God, who promised his children by saying to keep calm and that God will fight for them (Exodus 14:14).

    Testimony provided by

    Siaka Traoré, pastor, Eglise Evangélique Mennonite du Burkina Faso

     

    Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday 2023

  • It was with great anticipation that I went to attend a Brethren In Christ Church (BICC) conference in Mozambique, in July 2016. This was my first trip as a regional representative for Mennonite World Conference. It was held in a small town called Milange, in the northern part of Mozambique bordering Malawi. 

    Unfortunately, I did not know any of the languages of Mozambique, official or local. I tried to communicate with sign language till the people understood what I was asking for: to be shown where the meeting place was.  

    A man with a motorbike beckoned that I sit behind him. I had never ridden on a motorbike. I went astride but did not know where to place my feet or my hands. So, I held onto this man’s back for dear life. Thank God it was dark; no one could witness the spectacle.  

    As this man rode deeper into the dark, panic set in. Would I get to the meeting place? A hundred and one unpalatable thoughts flashed through my mind.  

    All of a sudden, he stopped. There were two vehicles in darkness and people milling about.  

    While I was in a turmoil, I was greeted by Rev Laston Bissani, a missionary in Mozambique from Malawi. I had met him once in Zimbabwe. I was led to sit down on a chair, where there was a missionary from Zimbabwe with his wife. Sweet relief. 

    The conference was held in a makeshift place, open ground, with grass thatch bordering one side. Women sat on the ground on pieces of material. It was a chilly evening, but many women and children did not have warm clothing. 

    As the whole situation dawned on me, I was so humbled. This is what it took for some people to seek their living God in abject poverty.  

    Yet, did the men, women and children sing: with vim and gusto!  

    I was a changed person by the end of that worship service. I came out of that conference with more appreciation of differences in place and style of worship. We are all God’s children, born and bred in different environments. 

    BICC Mozambique convention in Milange in 2016.  
    Photo: Barbara Nkala

    When you have not belonged to a bigger, international institution, your perspective of other denominations is stunted. You are bound in your small viewpoint with all sorts of negative perspectives of others. I see how perpetuating misunderstandings among Christian believers is a trick of the devil who thrives on dividing.  

    MWC has made me mature concerning different faith practices. The efforts to bridge the global church differences have touched me greatly. Indeed, unity in diversity is possible if we all try. 

    From MWC, I have learned how enriching it is to hear shared experiences. I greatly appreciate the concept of consensus when there is need to agree on a resolution. This shows respect to the people who have dissenting views, and they rest knowing their view is appreciative. That is love in action. It is the Jesus way. 

    The Assembly in Indonesia made me see that it is possible to adapt to the situation and adopt new ways. It is possible to meet internationally on a virtual platform and make decisions. Important meetings do not have to wait for person-to-person physical meetings. 

    As I look to the next five years, I see more connectedness of the Christian church, more appreciation of differing viewpoints, and more understanding toward one another. I see MWC continuing to engage denominations. I see a time when the global church will decide to hold a big celebration together, in unity of the spirit.  

    My prayer: 

    • That MWC may continue to be a meaningful voice for social justice world over. 
    • That MWC may not waver in its quest to engage with denominations for better understanding and good relationships. 
    • That God will continue to provide adequate funding for all the activities planned. 

    —Barbara Nkala was MWC regional representative for Southern Africa (2016-2022). A teacher and speaker, she is currently on the General Conference Board for BICC Zimbabwe. She is the founder of a literary trust to grow, develop and preserve the Ndebele language for the next generation. She also compiles and writes articles, stories and devotions in the Ndebele language.  

    Click here to read reflections from Francisca Ibanda

     

  • Testimonies from Africa

    I was in a dark space June to July 2021 when my husband and my mom fell ill at the same time. My mother later passed on in August. Then in February to March 2022, my husband fell ill again. It took more than two weeks for the doctors to come up with a diagnosis. Meanwhile, I watched helplessly as he suffered: weak body, not eating, losing weight, drenching sweats. I almost despaired.

    At such times, the mind questions and almost blames God. I then remembered that God never promised a problem-free life (Psalm 34:19, Psalm 23:4) and God reminded me that I was not alone and that I needed to look up and call to God (Psalm 34:17-18, Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 121).

    I learned not to focus on the situation, because this would fill me with despair; not to focus on myself, as I would then start feeling pity for myself; not to look for someone to blame, as that would lead me to complaining; and not to focus on the present, as that would make me miss the point of what God wanted to achieve in my life.

    I learned that hope is a position of optimism: God is good (Exodus 34:6); God is working for our good (Romans 8:28); and God is in control (Psalm 22:25). Above all, these dark moments have a beginning, a middle, and an end; they last for only a season (Romans 25:4, Hebrews 6:19).

    And in all this we have to remember the greatness of God and who we are in Christ.

    I can never downplay the power of family relationships in getting through this bleak period, especially the encouragement and support from my biological and spiritual family, and the hope they created. What would I be without this blessed hope in my Lord? My husband became better and we cannot sing praises enough. I keep hoping for many more days of good health and happiness.
    —Virginia Makanza, Brethren in Christ Church, Zimbabwe

    Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday 2023

     

  • Watch parties bring Assembly home 

    “I think this type of ‘hybrid’ connectedness has great potential for strengthening the communion of Mennonite-related churches around the world,” says Ray Brubacher. 

    Along with a planning team representing other MWC member churches in the region, Ray Brubacher organized daily watch parties in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, during Mennonite World Conference’s Assembly 17 in Indonesia, 5-10 July 2022.  

    Taking part a little bit  

    Each day, a different local church pastor served as “host” for the local event. When First Hmong Mennonite was host, the women’s group sold 500 homemade spring rolls to raise money for a ministry in Asia.  

    Seventy people attended the opening event showcasing Indonesian culture at First Mennonite Kitchener. After a few days of an average of 20 in attendance, some 40 people gathered for the closing ceremony at Meheret Evangelical Church. This church of first-generation immigrants from Ethiopia was chosen to acknowledge the host country of the next Assembly in 2028.  

    In Fresno, California, USA, Willow Avenue Mennonite hosted watch parties along with another two local congregations to screen plenaries, music and testimonies. Decorations from the local Mennonite Central Committee fair trade store adorned tables where participants enjoyed refreshments during a daily 90-minute gathering. On two days, they had a Zoom call with local church members who were in Indonesia.  

    “It meant a lot of trying everyday – trying to find out if the Internet connection is working,” says Erwin Röthlisberger who watched Assembly sessions with Evangelische Mennoniten-Gemeinde Bern, Switzerland. “But it was nice to hear something from Indonesia and take part a little bit.” 

    At Bethel Place, a retirement home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Henry and Marie Dueck coordinated watch parties in the common room.  

    Bethel Place programming coordinator Melanie Camara helped the Duecks to set up the broadcast attended by 20-25 people – most of them retired missionaries, service workers or others with international experience.  

    Due to pandemic activities, “we’re used to the idea of logging in,” says Henry Dueck. “We learned things and felt the connection again.”  

    The international choir songs have become familiar, “so you can enter into worship,” says Marie Dueck.  

    Steps to an international event 

    Henry and Marie Dueck attended Assembly in Wichita (1978), Strasbourg (1984) and Winnipeg (1990) where Henry served as hosting coordinator. For Paraguay (2009) and Pennsylvania (2015), they also watched the sessions posted to YouTube. 

    Henry Dueck recalls the “sea change” appointment of Million Belete from Ethiopia as MWC president in 1978. The first Assembly held in the Global South, “Curitiba (1972) was a step; Wichita was a step; India (1997) was a step” to a gathering that reflects all members of the international family.  

    The strength of the Indonesia church, which first revealed itself to Henry Dueck in the 1960s was again on display. “It is eye-opening to see that camaraderie between groups doing significant interfaith dialogue,” says Marie Dueck. “You have those moments when you learn new things about that community [like Indonesia], and you realize, oh, that church has been there for a long time [GITJ and GKMI].”  

  • In the drought-prone Borena region of Ethiopia, believers saved water to hold a baptism for 120 new believers. The area in Southern Ethiopia currently has a severe water shortage.  

    Believers excavated land and lined it with plastic to preserve rainwater. They used traditional methods to prevent evaporation. Finally, in yellow 20L containers, they brought water for immersion baptism from 10 kilometres away.  

    Abebe Seyoum, lead pastor of Misrak Addis Ababa Meserte Kristos Church (MKC), presided over the baptism in August.  

    Misrak Addis Ababa was one of the four MKC local churches established in Addis Ababa after the Derg government fell in 1991. At present, the congregation supports 30 missionaries who are spreading the gospel and planting churches in remote rural areas.  

    More than 70 Bible study groups at Misrak MKC in the church give money every month. Some Bible study groups support one missionary each, but other Bible study groups support one missionary in common. 

    a group of people stand outside a hut with yellow water cans
    In yellow 20L containers, believers brought water for immersion baptism from 10 kilometres away.

    After five years of MKC mission work, there are five local churches and more than 40 new church planting centres in Borena.  

    “The harvest is plenty, and we need to send more missionaries to evangelize the people and plant more churches in the area,” says Abayneh Anjulo, director of MKC Evangelism and Church Planting Department.  

    Many of the new believers pack into small houses to meet for worship. Abayneh Anjulo, Director of MKC Evangelism and Church Planting Department, highlights the need to construct church buildings for gathering  

    “The decision of Misrack MKC to send a missionary or go faraway to share the gospel of the kingdom created an encouragement not only the people in the region but also to other MKC leaders,” says Desalegn Abebe, president, MKC.   

    —adapted from MKC News 

  • “It was nice to hear something from Indonesia and take part a little bit,” says Erwin Röthlisberger of Evangelische Mennoniten-Gemeinde Bern, Switzerland. He attended Assembly from his home in Europe.  

    Videos from MWC’s Assembly Indonesia 2022 will begin to be posted on MWC’s website and YouTube channel starting in October.  

    Until now, the plenaries and workshops were available only to registered participants. “We thank everyone who invested in Assembly by registering to attend online,” says Liesa Unger. “You took a risk to register for our first fully hybrid event. We are grateful for your patience with the unexpected.” 

    Anyone can access the Assembly videos which will be rolled out gradually over the next months. See the Sufi dancers in Jepara; hear the testimony of harmony between a church and a mosque in Desa Tempur; watch Jeremiah Choi’s powerful testimony of faithfulness amid government pressure in Hong Kong, and watch workshops on creation care, Bible study and peace work.  

    Assembly videos: MWC YouTube channel