BeyondOctober 2013 Ourselves M ONGOLIA

PART20 yearsN of sharingE the WordR throughS deeds Editor’s note

Different surroundings, familiar hope

By Wil LaVeist wenty years ago, Mennonite Mission many of whom have been orphaned or who are from Network joined other Christian agencies in poor and troubled homes. Oyunbold met a Christian setting aside doctrinal differences to focus woman, Badamtuya Haltar, whom he fell in love with. Ton their shared belief in Jesus, and to do one She introduced Oyunbold to Jesus and also laid down thing—serve alongside the Mongolian people. In this the law of what it would take for Oyunbold to be with issue of Beyond Ourselves, we commemorate that com- her long-term—he needed to attend a Discipleship mitment to JCS International and how the Mongolia Training School, which is also supported by JCS Mission Partnership of east-central Ohio churches International. Oyunbold’s experience at the school led has, through the Word and their deeds, been a blessing to his accepting Christ as his savior and developing the as well as been blessed. Their financial, physical and boxing club to teach Christian principles. It also led to prayerful support has helped programs of varying char- Badamtuya accepting Oyunbold’s hand in marriage. acteristics to go forth and minister to people of all ages. The boxing club is in the basement of an apart- I was blessed to experience some of these programs ment building in an area that would certainly qualify during my visit to Mongolia in May. Through their as the ‘hood in any major American city. As we curiosity, I felt a genuine warmth and hospitality walked to the entrance, the sign above the door- that has often been opposite of my experience as a way was of, ironically, two black boxers. Inside, the “minority” in neighborhoods with white picket fences youths (including two girls) were shadow boxing, in my native America. Particularly, I felt the love from jumping rope, and punching bags. There was also a the children, and saw in them my childhood growing boxing ring crammed into a small square room. The up in a low-income area of Brooklyn, New York. kids grinned and laughed as I threw phantom punches In the more rural Bayankhongor, I imagined the with them and showed my footwork. children were saying, “Michael Jordan, Michael Some may see amateur boxing as an odd way Jordan!” as they stared at me, and giggled on the to share the gospel of peace. But boxing is actually school playground. I joined their hoop game, and about self-defense, discipline, making good decisions, kind of created a scene as kids gathered around to taking care of your body, being responsible to others, watch. When it was time for me and my Mission and handling adversity and victory with grace. When Network traveling companions to leave the play- dealing with kids from tough family situations, you ground, the kids tracked me down for autographs, have to meet them where they are to gain their trust. handing me small sheets of paper to sign. Obviously, You have to become their partner. Oyunbold teaches Mongolians don’t normally see someone as tall, hand- the boxers these values as they train for team com- some, and as dark as I am. petitions throughout Mongolia and Russia and other Team sports can be a valuable ministry tool parts of Asia. His wife, a certificated teacher of char- because success hinges on individuals becoming com- acter training, conducts classes for the kids as well. mitted partners. We visited a man whose ministry is The couple only shares their Christian faith when the a shining example of partnership, not only because children ask. of the support it receives from JCS International, but Many Mongolians lack material advantages that also because of his bond with his wife. are often taken for granted in America, but they are We met Oyunbold (in Mongolia, it is common rich in their sense of community and hospitality. Even to use only one name), the founder and trainer of greater things are in store as the growing church con- the Eagle Boxing Club. The club helps to save kids, tinues to spread the hope of Christ across the nation.

Beyond Ourselves is published by Mennonite Mission Network © 2013 by Mennonite Mission Network. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Subscriptions and changes of address should be sent October 2013—Vol. 12, No. 3 Mennonite Mission Network exists to lead, mobilize and equip to Beyond Ourselves, Mennonite Mission Network, PO Box 370, Executive director/CEO ����������������� Stanley W. Green the Mennonite Church to participate in holistic witness to Elkhart, IN 46515-0370. Editor ����������������������������������Wil LaVeist Jesus Christ. Cover: In 2008, Shannon Miller Hoffman (left), then a member of Art director ������������������������������ David Fast Offices in Elkhart, Ind., and Newton, Kan. Martins Creek Mennonite Church in Millersburg, Ohio, visited with Designer ������������������������ Cynthia Friesen Coyle “O” (name withheld at subject’s request) in Mongolia. Photo by Copy editor ���������������������������� Karen Ritchie Toll-free: 1-866-866-2872 www.MennoniteMission.net Laura Schlabach. Opening lines

Equal partners in Mongolia

By Stanley W. Green believe that the Trinity is not only a good demon- to become the Mongolia Mission Partnership. stration of the nature of God, but it is also a God honored those congregations in Ohio model that mirrors God’s desire of unity for all that made that early commitment to be a part of Icreated beings. Just as the Trinity is a partnership “strengthening what remained.” God increased the of equals—Creator, Son and Spirit—in which each faith of the partners, and they grew in capacity from serves the others, I believe God expects our relation- supporting one worker (Laura) to a place where, ships in the church to echo the commitment to equal- at one time in the late 1990s, the partnership was ity and a willingness to serve each other. When we do, supporting six family units in Mongolia. There were unsurprisingly, we discover that we are able to do so exciting exchanges where participants from the Ohio- much more than we could on our own. based congregations traveled to Mongolia to support In the last quarter of the 20th century, Mennonite the work there, as well as Mongolians traveling to Mission Network (through its predecessors) began a Ohio to visit with their partners. More importantly, journey of partnership as a new, more exciting and the Ohio-based congregations grew toward becoming effective way of being involved in mission. The invita- fully engaged in God’s mission in Mongolia. Indeed, tion emerged from exchanges they became key partners in writing the story of the between Mennonite Board of resurgence of the Christian church in Mongolia. I believe God expects our Missions (a Mission Network Through the work of God’s Spirit and the faithful wit- relationships in the church predecessor agency), Joint ness of many who came from various places, includ- Cooperative Services in Mongolia ing Ohio, the Christian church has grown to be a to echo the commitment to (now JCS International), and a community that numbers about 50,000 worshipers in equality and a willingness cluster of churches in east-central churches across that land. to serve each other. Ohio. Most of the potential part- What a testament to God’s ability to honor the ners in this new venture in mission small mustard-seed faith commitments we make. had limited experience in the What a story of small (even tentative) beginnings practice of partnership. The initial commitment by the leading to a great work that honors God and builds participants was cautious and unsure. the church. Like each member of the Trinity, these The opportunity, however, was compelling. After partnerships we are building around the world—indi- decades of Soviet repression, during which secular viduals, congregations, conferences, and even national atheism was the official ideology, Mongolia became church bodies—have crucial parts to play. Partners independent and embraced religious freedom. During pray, contribute, go, write letters, organize events, the years of Soviet suppression of religion, many and engage in a myriad of various activities that make mosques and temples were destroyed, many more mission effective. monks were martyred, and the Christian church expe- We thank you for the part you play in sharing rienced persecution. When the invitation came to par- what God has entrusted to you, so that together we ticipate with JCS in witnessing for Christ in the newly can respond to God’s call to mission in Mongolia and free nation, there were just five known Christians in so many other places around the world. Thanks! who had survived the repression. Committed to send- ing an eager Laura Schlabach as our earliest repre- sentative of the Mennonite Church’s desire to build the community of Jesus followers in Mongolia, the mission agency and the Ohio churches developed an Stanley W. Green infrastructure of support and relationships that grew Executive Director

www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves ■ 3 Moving forward

Camel parade The annual Camel Festival in Gobi Altai, Mongolia, celebrates nomadic culture and helps to protect and preserve the dwindling camel population.

Photo provided by JCS International.

4 n October 2013 Mennonites in Ohio celebrate the history and future of the Mongolia Partnership

Moving forward t began with a fall that led to a nation’s rebirth. In 1990, Mongolia, the ancient society with the rich heritage that had been suppressed by the Soviets for nearly 70 years, was finally Iopening to the outside world. Founded in the late 12th century by the controversial and complex leader Chinggis (Genghis) Khan, the world’s largest continuous empire had once stretched from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan. Khan was a conqueror, but was also known for spreading religious tolerance throughout this predominantly Buddhist country in

www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves ■ 5 Asia. However, under Soviet atheist-communist influ- San Antonio, Texas. An accountant, she was at first ence, the knowledge of God had been stifled. insecure about how her work could be considered The fall of communism opened a pathway for vari- mission. Still, she heeded the call and volunteered. ous Christian mission efforts. Mennonite Board of The five known Christians in Mongolia in 1990 had Missions, a predecessor agency of Mennonite Mission multiplied to approximately 1,000 in this nation Network, began discussions with other denomina- of 3 million people by the time Schlabach arrived tional agencies that eventually led to the formation of in 1993. Twenty years later, Schlabach, now the a partnership in 1993 that is now known as JCS (Joint JCS International representative for Bayankhongor, Christian Services) International. A nongovernmen- is more confident that she has helped JCS play an tal organization, JCS provides projects throughout integral role in the growth of the Christian church Mongolia in and around cities such as Ulaanbaatar to approximately 50,000 members in more than 400 (Mongolia’s capital), Bayankhongor, and Erdenet. congregations nationwide. However, the new organization’s most pressing need “It’s amazing to watch what God has done!” was not necessarily church planters to be sent out, but Schlabach said. someone with a more practical skill set. JCS needed an It is for this reason that these Ohio churches will accountant to help manage the new partnership. gather for a banquet at the Carlisle Inn, Walnut Some 6,300 miles away, seven Mennonite churches Creek, Oct. 19-21, to celebrate 20 years of commit- in east-central Ohio heard the call to support God’s ment through their Mongolia Mission Partnership. movement in this Asian country. Connected to the Activities will include many commemorative congre- churches was Ohio native Laura Schlabach, for- gational worship services. merly a Mennonite Voluntary Service participant in Marc Hochstetler, pastor of Moorhead Mennonite

JCS INTERNATIONAL JCS MINISTRY JCS addressed JCS International 1995 poverty 1993 is formally amongst herdsman in registered with the Mongolia Gobi Altai by improving Ministry of Trade and Industry. livestock management.

1993 1994 1995 20 Laura Schlabach 1993–2013 YEARS IN MONGOLIA LONG-TERM MISSION WORKERS MONGOLIA PARTNERSHIP CHURCHES

Berlin (Ohio) Mennonite Church

Longenecker Walnut Creek (Ohio) Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church Winesburg, Ohio

Smithville (Ohio) Moorhead Mennonite Mennonite Church Church, Holmesville, Ohio

Martins Creek Pleasant View Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church, Millersburg, Ohio Millersburg, Ohio* *Former original partnership member

Church, a member congregation in Holmes County, In Mongolia, JCS celebrated its 20th anniversary Top left: Grace Soong (center) volunteered said the partnership has been a blessing for the Ohio May 23-27 after the agency’s annual board meetings with JCS, meeting churches by encouraging them to work together, and at its downtown Ulaanbaatar office. During the open- Boloroo (left) and Anuka (right). providing a hands-on experience to overseas mission. to-the public ceremony at the Mongolia Children’s Photo courtesy of JCS.

“Instead of simply sending money to a large organi- Palace, Mongolia’s former Prime Minister, Sh. Top right: Laura zation, we can focus on a particular place and people, Gungaadorj, was among the dignitaries who praised Schlabach (left), MMN worker, and Kwai Lin learning about them and praying for them specifi- JCS. Gungaadorj said that JCS had been instrumental Stephens, executive cally,” he said. “It also provides a greater sense of in helping to facilitate a dramatic national transfor- director of JCS. Schlabach has served partnership with the missionaries in their work.” mation by establishing and supporting various service in Mongolia with Mennonite Mission Hochstetler said that at the start of the partnership, projects, particularly those that have trained needy Network for 20 years. church members of all ages were given seed money families to better provide for themselves. Photo by John F. Lapp. to raise more support for the partnership. The effort Among those projects was the Model Dairy Farm modeled the “parable of the talents,” he said. in Batsumber that was started by Bill and Mary Jane “One child used the seed money to start a lemonade Yoder and their family, who served with Mission stand. Others used it to plant a garden from which they Network. During the three-year project from 2000 could sell produce,” to 2003, the Yoders Hochstetler said. “As built a barn and people got involved in showed local farmers this way, you could see how to produce and their excitement for sustain milk produc- missions grow.” tion during Mongolia’s

Early Childhood JCS began work in 1998 Education project Model Dairy Farm 1996 Zavkan province with the began as a way to provide educational 2000 is established in Timber Products project, leading opportunities for children of Batsumber. By 2003, it is under to the Reforestation project in 2002. low-income families in Erdenet. full Mongolian management.

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Mary Ellen and Drew Robinson 1995–2011 Anita and Melvin Penner 1997–1999 Handoyo Vicky and Marlow Ramsay 1999–2008 Mary and William Yoder 1999–2003 harsh winters in which temperatures can remain well “I very much enjoy experienc- below 15 degrees Fahrenheit during the cold season. ing other cultures and meeting the A Mongolian family now owns the farm, which has people living there, but most of been replicated by several local farmers. Some barns all, seeing firsthand what God is can be seen dotted along the countryside outside doing,” Hochstetler said. of Ulaanbaatar, said Sheldon Sawatzky, a former Mongolia’s transition from a JCS board chair and East Asia director for Mission socialist to a democratic govern- Network during the Yoders’ term. ment, along with its growing min- “The farm received a national award … and when ing industry, is rapidly transform- the Yoders left, there were 20 believers in that little ing the land-locked nation from a community,” said Sawatzky, affirming JCS’s overall nomadic and rural culture to one approach of promoting God’s kingdom by applying that is urban and consumer-driven. “both Word and deed.” Mongolians are moving from the JCS projects range from counseling services for countryside, where many live in addictions and help to escape prostitution, to a café gers (a movable tent-like house that offers job constructed of wood and felt), to training, to high-rise apartments in cities, for It’s amazing to watch jewelry- and job opportunities. Chinggis Khan’s what God has done! quilt-making ancient kingdom is rapidly becom- initiatives, and ing modern and industrialized. —Laura Schlabach sports clubs for JCS personnel have witnessed youth. Support the positives and negatives of this from Ohio churches usually exceeding $100,000 annu- transition. Wealth has increased ally has been critical. For example, support helps the and there is broader access to ArtisAltaï project where women develop life and busi- information via TV and the ness skills through creating jewelry and felt products. Internet, but the gap between The churches have also been hands-on. Work teams rich and poor has also expanded. Social and health from Ohio travel regularly on short-term visits to help problems tied to overcrowding have increased along with construction projects, such as a playground for with traffic congestion and smog. Alcohol addiction, the school in the village of Erdenetsogt. They worked particularly among men, has long been a major soci- on buildings at the Mongolian Mission Center in etal ill. Sexually transmitted diseases are also rising as Erdenet and the women are often forced into prostitution to provide nearby Rainbow for their families. Kindergarten. JCS Executive Director Kwai Lin Stephens said Hochstetler has the organization will continue to adjust to help been among Mongolians build their new society. the work team “Mongolia is facing a global economy now,” she members. said. “Mongolians have to deal with other nations in

VetNet Relief work 2003 establishes a 2004 was initiated in veterinarian training Bayankhongor to encourage 20 clinic in Ulaanbaatar herders to stay in or return YEARS focused on training to rural areas after the winter IN MONGOLIA veterinarians in rural areas. disasters of 1999-2004.

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 >>> Laura Schlabach 1993– >>> Mary and William Robinson 1995–2011 >>> Petrus and Yuliana Handoyo 2001–2011 >>> Vicky and Marlow Ramsay 1999–2008 >>> Mary and William Yoder 1999–2003 Tonya Starner 2002– Children playing inside the ger at Word of Salvation church in Bayankhongor, Mongolia. Photo by Craig Welscott. terms of the economy and international partners.” waiting for the opportunity to share the gospel,” said This Mongolia is a far different land than when Schlabach, who also offered praises to the several Schlabach first arrived 20 years ago, soon after the mission workers over the years who have joined this New Testament had been translated into Mongolian. great work. Two percent of the population is now Christian. Ohio churches responded with the Word, their The Mongolian Evangelical Alliance (the umbrella deeds, and their prayers. organization for the local Mongolian churches) aims that by 2020 the pop- ulation will be 10 percent Christian. Ultimately, they hope to spread the gospel as far as Khan’s former empire. “Various mission organizations had been praying for Mongolia and

JCS’s Family ArtisAltaï Papa Café 2008 Agriculture 2009 project begins 2010 opens to Clean City Resource Mongolia helping participants to train people to run a 2012 anti-littering JCS and Ohio is registered as an increase their income with café, providing a positive campaign kicks off JCS’s 20th 2013 partnership independent NGO. craft and business skills. environment for students. anniversary celebrations. celebrates 20 years.

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Peace, love and uppercuts JCS International, a consor- tium of Christian organiza- tions, shares the good news of economic opportunities by developing Jesus Christ with the people of ArtisAltaï and selling local crafts. The project Mongolia by working with them Bringing economic stablity is helping individuals regain hope, www.artisaltai.org confidence and dignity by acquiring a to achieve their full potential professional trade, and enhancing the The ArtisAltaï project in the Gobi value of local products that are rooted in through development, relief, Desert of Mongolia works to create ancestral traditions and skills, such as the and encouraging the planting, micro-enterprises that will be owned manufacturing of felt products. growth, development and unity by the local people. Altai City has high unemployment, largely due to Video online of indigenous churches. Here are severely cold weather in 2001, which See how economic stability changes lives starved to death many of the herds of in Mongolia. www.MennoniteMission. just a few ways that JCS works the people who are primarily nomadic net/BeyondOurselves to be the gospel. shepherds. The project aims to offer Photo by Craig Welscott.

Streams in the Desert Sharing life skills and support www.streamsinthedesertjewelry.blogspot.com

Streams in the Desert provides material, emotional and spiritual support for men and women who have fallen into destructive lifestyles of alcohol abuse and prostitution. The participants make and sell items, such as jewelry, mittens and blankets, to raise funds for the project and to help meet the needs of the participants. “We use the employment as a transition into discipleship where we are encouraging them to have a life of hope,” said Liz Sedore, coordinator of the program.

Video online Find out how craft skills bring hope. www.MennoniteMission.net/ BeyondOurselves Photo by Craig Welscott.

10 n October 2013 She insisted that he attend a Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Eagle boxing club discipleship class if he wanted to date her. They are now Offering discipline, discipleship and love to kids married with two children. “Since I was a child, I never cried, but on the graduation of As a troubled youth, Oyunbold (pictured above with his son, the (discipleship) school, I cried because I felt the love of Jesus Amaraa) used his boxing skills to intimidate and harm people. and fully knew I am a son of God,” Oyunbold wrote. “God’s Now, through his Eagle Boxing Club, he’s using boxing to deliver light cast out the dark things in my heart, one-by-one … The love to youths who are troubled like he was. Oyunbold trains vision God gave me is through boxing practice. I reach out to kids in boxing and, with his wife, Badamtuya, in Christian-based kids … love them and make them understand [that] they are character building. Oyunbold reports that at least of six of the worthy and valuable [and] Jesus loves them.” youth attend church regularly. The team travels to competitions throughout Mongolia, Russia, and other parts of Asia. YWAM in Mongolia God used Badamtuya to turn Oyunbold’s life around. www.facebook.com/ywamubmongolia Photo by Craig Welscott.

Find Mennonite Mission Network on Facebook. www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves ■ 11 Mongolia facts Mongolian church reaches out “Genghis Khan” is actually Small fellowships make big impression a title of which the definition is unclear. His real name was By John F. Lapp Temujin. ongolia grows on you. For the 3 million citizens of the land-locked The current president MAsian nation—and for the few thousand expatriates who choose to of Mongolia, Tsakhiagiin live there—Mongolia is not just home, but a place to appreciate, to care for, Elbegdorj, attended both the and to love. University of Colorado at Sure, Ulaanbaatar has too many people. As a fast-growing city, this capital Boulder and Harvard University suffers many of the maladies of Asia’s largest megalopolises, such as serious crime, poverty, in the United States. homelessness, alcoholism and corruption. But as soon as you get out of that city (which A ger is a movable tent-like holds almost half of Mongolia’s population), you wonder where all the people are. Driving house constructed of wood a few hours, you will occasionally catch sight of a ger. (This traditional structure, small by and felt. Western standards, is the cozy home of generations of Mongolians.) Last spring, I visited the regional capital, Bayankhongor, in the midwestern part of the Zud is the term for an country, with a delegation from our local partner organization, JCS International. One day, extremely snowy winter where our travels took us along a bucolic river valley to the tiny village of Erdenetsogt. This village large numbers of livestock of about 100 gers, each surrounded by a board fence on about a quarter-acre of land, is visi- often die of starvation because bly proud of its children, its religious legacy, and its place in Mongolian history. I visited the they can’t find fodder through village school, a thriving institution with a vigorous principal, Mr. Batsukh, who supervises the snow cover. the education of children. He says that a majority of graduates go on to university—most of Mongol Khuumii, or throat them need to travel 12 hours and 400 miles to Ulaanbaatar for their higher education. singing, involves produc- We participated in a small ceremony honoring current students for a variety of achieve- ing two simultaneous tones ments—of course, they were with the human voice. Go to hospitable and honored their Mission Network www.MennoniteMission.net/ writer Wil LaVeist foreign visitors, too. As I turned and Pastor Urtnasan. BeyondOurselves for a link to to the assembly to acknowledge a video where you can see and their applause, I noticed a row of hear a Mongolian throat singer. photographs across the hall above Ulaanbaatar (which means our heads. I later asked who these “Red Hero”) is the coldest venerable people were, and was capital city in the world! told that they were the “famous Winter lasts from November graduates of our school.” There

to late April; spring is May were doctors and politicians, Photo by Craig Welscott. through June. Summer scientists and sports figures. The continues from July through oldest photo was of Gandolgoriin Batsukh, Sambo Wrestling world champion (Mongolian to September. The average National Nachin) in the 1950s. He was further honored by having his outsized likeness in summer temperature is +20c stone in front of the school! (+65F). The average winter The community has been strengthened by a local Christian fellowship led by Pastor temperature is -20c (-13F) . Urtnasan (pictured above). With the help of JCS, they have brought international work Sheep outnumber people teams to build a community playground and help renovate the school dormitory (used by 35 to 1. children from herder families who live too far from the village for daily transportation). The Mongolian church is spreading rapidly, reaching into tiny villages. And these small fellowships are growing and enriching the ancient culture with the good news of Jesus Christ. Mongolia is transforming. Creativity and optimism are painting an exciting new horizon!

12 n October 2013 Journey through the lens Telling the stories with images

Words and photos by Craig Welscott t is incredibly difficult to put into words my experience in Mongolia. There Iis something intangible about images that allow them to speak in ways that sometimes we cannot. When looking back through the images, there are a number that stand out to me. One image is of the father-in-law of our driver, Ayor, while in Bayankhongor. We were returning from visiting a school in Erdenetsogt. The bumpy route led to Ayor’s in-laws’ property (pictured below), a small farm where his extended family lives. Greeted by a nervous cow protecting her calf outside the front gate, Ayor ushered us inside through the snow flurries. The visit included fresh yogurt made on site, sweets, conversation, and a warm seat inside the family’s home. It was a chance to not only see how many Mongolians live, but more importantly, to make a connection. Looking through the photos from this particular day trip, I remember feeling keenly aware of how physically small I was in comparison to everything around me, despite stand- ing at a healthy 6 foot 2 inches. It is hard to describe this feeling, but maybe it comes from the observation that at most vantage points, you have an unobstructed view of the complete landscape without fences or boundaries, including the openly grazing animals, and maybe the occasional herdsman on a dirt bike wandering around on the horizon keeping track of the herd’s movement. Or, it could have been that once outside the confines of the vehicle, I was greeted by a brilliant blue sky that seemed to have no limit— unlike what I have become accustomed to in northern Indiana. Ultimately, having the privilege to visit a place and to authen- tically connect with people in their context—whether it was visiting a local family’s ger, being graciously hosted by longtime Mission Network workers, or mingling with JCS International board members and staff—was a significant part of my expe- rience. What a great privilege to experience this through the unique perspective behind the lens. Photo by Craig Welscott.

Photos and videos online Find more images and video clips from Mongolia. www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves

www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves ■ 13 that people wanted to fill. Buddhism was Mongolia’s Prayers prepared fertile soil predominant religion for many years prior to com- Mongolia was ready for the gospel munism. With God’s timing, the New Testament By Laura Schlabach had been in the process of being translated into hat a privilege to be a part of the Mongolian and was ready from the printers in 1990. Wwork God is doing in Mongolia. The Jesus film had been translated. With the film and Being in the midst of it, I don’t always the newly released New Testament, a number of evan- realize the magnitude of what has hap- gelistic teams went throughout the country in 1991 pened in 20 years—from four or five and 1992 sharing about salvation in Jesus. People known believers to 50,000! And from no churches to responded. The “truth” of Jesus is what Mongolians more than 400 throughout the country! I needed to needed to fill the void they were experiencing. And hear stories from work in other countries to realize, the ground had been well prepared. “Wow! God is doing something magnificent here.” A sermon I heard on a recent Sunday focused on The vision of Mongolian Evangelical Alliance (the the “Parable of the Sower” in Luke 8. Yes, there were umbrella organization for the churches) is that by seeds that fell on the path, on the rock, and amongst the year 2020, 10 percent of the the thorns, but the pastor’s focus was population will be Christian—it is All that we do should on verse 8, “Still other seed fell on good currently less than 2 percent. There be prepared with soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a is a Christian presence in every hundred times more than was sown.” province, and the goal is to have prayer beforehand. How do we find good soil? “By pray- churches in all of the 329 counties. ing,” the pastor said. All that we do Various times I have been asked why the growth should be prepared with prayer beforehand. As he rate has been so fast in Mongolia compared to other was sharing, I thought of a story I heard about a countries that have had Christian workers for much woman from the imperial family, named Chabi. She longer than Mongolia has. The quick answer would was the wife of Chinggis (Genghis) Khan’s grandson, be, “It’s a God thing.” But that incorrectly makes it Kublai Khan. Chabi was a Christian and prayed for sound as though God is not at work in other coun- Mongolia. These prayers were part of the preparation tries. Reflecting on it a bit longer, the answer would for the fertile soil. Many people, such as members of be “communism.” How can communism promote the Mongolia Mission Partnership churches in Ohio, church growth when it abolishes all religion? have been praying for Mongolia for many, many When communism fell in 1990, a void was left years—even before it opened in 1990. It has been humbling to be a part of God’s work here. Sometimes to plant the seed. Sometimes to water what has already been sown. And sometimes to see the harvest. A few of the young people who I worked with during my first few years here, when my main involvement was through teaching English and building relation- ships, are now church leaders. “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering pro- duce a crop (Luke 8:15).” Please continue to pray for good soil and that we may all persevere to produce a crop. Photo by Craig Welscott Annual report 2012–2013

Thank you! Because of your generosity, we are able to carry out our mission to be the gospel. Photo by Isaac Fast Giving Mennonite Church USA congregations Allegheny Conference Gulf States Conference Ohio Conference of MC USA

15 of 30 conference 1 of 12 conference 56 of 77 conference congregations gave an congregations gave an congregations gave an $48,386 average of $3,226 $594 average of $594 $873,889* average of $15,605

Atlantic Coast Conference* Illinois Conference Pacific Northwest Conference 15 of 36 conference 22 of 49 conference 20 of 37 conference congregations gave an congregations gave an congregations gave an $221,153* average of $14,744 $213,657* average of $9,712 $85,314 average of $4,266

Central District Conference Indiana-Michigan Conference Pacific Southwest Conference

31 of 45 conference 51 of 75 conference 13 of 42 conference congregations gave an congregations gave an congregations gave an $225,068* average of $7,260 $517,952* average of $10,156 $44,139 average of $3,395

Central Plains Conference Lancaster Conference South Central Conference 35 of 54 conference 11 of 172 conference 11 of 28 conference congregations gave an congregations gave an congregations gave an $331,585 average of $9,474 $91,226 average of $8,293 $192,031 average of $17,457

Eastern District Conference Mountain States Conference Southeast Conference

8 of 17 conference 12 of 21 conference 7 of 29 conference congregations gave an congregations gave an congregations gave an $89,362* average of $11,170 $51,124 average of $4,260 $31,770 average of $4,539

Franconia Conference New York Conference Virginia Conference 26 of 42 conference 6 of 15 conference 25 of 71 conference congregations gave an congregations gave an congregations gave an $219,927 average of $8,459 $17,016 average of $2,836 $211,911 average of $8,476

Franklin Conference North Central Conference Western District Conference 4 of 11 conference 41 of 67 conference 0 of 14 conference congregations gave an congregations gave an congregations gave $0 $8,163 average of $2,041 $306,244 average of $7,469

*Figure includes contributions from dual conference congregations.

Above: Kristin Spalding, Youth Venture participant in Fort Myers, Fla., embraces Skyelind Morales.

www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves ■ 15 Giving Businesses / Foundations / Organizations / Estates

Businesses $305,171.51 Eden Mennonite Church Inola, Okla. Claassen, Aaron J. Goshen, Ind. Fairview Mennonite Church Fairview, Mich. Claassen, Virginia M. Goshen, Ind. First Evangelical Free Church Wichita, Kan. Crossgrove, Cora Goshen, Ind. Acu-Cut Hair Concepts Ephrata, Pa. First Presbyterian Church Newton, Kan. Deckert, Adam P. Lenexa, Kan. Affinity4 Norfolk, Va. Garden Valley Church Garden City, Kan. Derstine, Margaret G. Lancaster, Pa. Ag-Land FS Inc Green Valley, Ill. Germantown Mennonite Church Philadelphia, Pa. Diener, Inez V. Goshen, Ind. Custom Mobile Equipment Inc Baldwin City, Kan. Gibson City Bible Church Gibson City, Ill. Drawbond, Joseph Goshen, Ind. Dutch Flats Farm Wooster, Ohio Grace Community Church Great Bend, Kan. Fireoved, Katherine Berne, Ind. Elanco Chiropractic Inc Ephrata, Pa. Grace Community Church Dallas, Ore. Frey, Raymond E. and LuEtta J. Newton, Kan. Everence FCU Lancaster, Pa. Grace Mennonite Church Enid, Okla. Freyenberger, Joseph D. Wayland, Iowa Harper Industries Inc Harper, Kan. Hays Foursquare Church Hays, Kan. Friesen, Elmer Portland, Ore. Harrison Hauling Inc Goshen, Ind. Indian Valley Faith Fellowship Harleysville, Pa. Friesen, Wilbur Freeman, S.D. HRM Enterprises Inc Hartville, Ohio Ivanhoe Reformed Church of the Gingerich, Jerry Goshen, Ind. Indiana-Michigan Camp Assn Sturgis, Mich. Reformed Church of America Riverdale, Ill. Gingrich, Willard E. Goshen, Ind. Inter-Cambio Express Inc Elkhart, Ind. Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 Lancaster, Pa. Graber Memorial Fund, Abe Middlebury, Ind. Jayco Inc Middlebury, Ind. Landis Homes Lititz, Pa. Hallman, Abram P. Goshen, Ind. Jiloa Enterprises Berlin, Ohio Lifegate Fellowship Elizabethtown, Pa. Halteman, Esther Goshen, Ind. Keim Lumber Company Millersburg, Ohio Living Branches Lansdale, Pa. Hartman, Esther K. Goshen, Ind. Maplewood Farms, Ltd Bay Port, Mich. Maturing Pilgrims Group Perkiomenville, Pa. Headings, Dorothea G. Bluffton, Ohio Miller Poultry Orland, Ind. Mennonite Central Committee Winnipeg, Man. Hershberger, Neva L. Goshen, Ind. Pettisville Grain Co Pettisville, Ohio Mennonite Mission Network Auxiliary Elkhart, Ind. Honderich, Glen Goshen, Ind. Roth & Troyer Construction Inc Milford, Neb. Mennonite Women USA Newton, Kan. Huber, Kurt Yankton, S.D. Steffen Farms Apple Creek, Ohio Mission Fish San Jose, Calif. Kempf, Wayne D. Shickley, Neb. Trace Worldwide Corporation Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. Mount Nebo United Methodist Church Pequea, Pa. Kropf, Ivan Goshen, Ind. Wendy Jo’s Homemade LLC Lancaster, Pa. N.C. Yearly Meeting of Friends Greensboro, N.C. Lapp, Erma Goshen, Ind. Willowdale Apartments Ltd Fredericton, Neb. North Oak Community Church Hays, Kan. Lauver, William G. Salunga, Pa.

Northwest Ohio Partners In Mission Wauseon, Ohio Lefever, Grace B. Goshen, Ind. Foundations $135,385.00 Obihiro Menn Church Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan Liechty, Fredrick Goshen, Ind. Ohio Mennonite Women North Canton, Ohio Maust, Elmer Bay Port, Mich. EC Fund Wauseon, Ohio Petitcodiac Mennonite Church Petitcodiac, Neb. Maust, Marie P. Pigeon, Mich. Hospira Employee Giving Campaign Princeton, N.J. Pine Grove Church Bowmansville, Pa. Metzler, Laura Goshen, Ind. Schowalter Foundation Inc Newton, Kan. Presbyterian Church of the Atonement Silver Spring, Md. Milne, Robert Goshen, Ind. United Service Foundation Inc Shrewsbury, Pa. Protection Mennonite Church Protection, Kan. Moyer, George S. Goshen, Ind. Skyline Acres Baptist Church Fredericton, Neb. Moyer, Mildred Souderton, Pa. Tabor United Methodist Church Woxall, Pa. Nafziger, Blanche M. Wauseon, Ohio The First Mennonite Church Vineland, Ont. Neuenschwander, Paul A. Goshen, Ind. Other organizations $158,122.44 Nice Trust, Rachel D. Morrison, Ill. The Generosity Trust Chattanooga, Tenn. The River Church Community San Jose, Calif. Penner, Elsie Omaha, Neb. ACC/VEMZO Partnership Administration Akron, Pa. United Methodist Church Mount Pleasant, Iowa Peters, Isaac G. St. James, Minn. Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission Goshen, Ind. Victory Chapel Cowboy Church Mountain City, Tenn. Reeser, Clarence and Ruth Goshen, Ind. Bethany Mennonite Women St. Catharines, Ont. Virginia Mennonite Missions Harrisonburg, Va. Rice, Mary Goshen, Ind. Bethel Mennonite Church Hydro, Okla. Whitewater Mennonite Church Boissevain, Man. Sawatzky, Delphia Billings, Mont. Boynton Mennonite Church Hopedale, Ill. Winnetka Bible Church Winnetka, Ill. Schertz, Dale E. Remington, Ind. Bread For The Journey Ministries Hackensack, N.J. Wood Green Mennonite Church London, U.K. Short, Doyle J. Coralville, Iowa Brethren in Christ World Missions Mechanicsburg, Pa. Souder Foundation, Nelson Goshen, Ind. Butter Valley Community Church Bally, Pa. Sprunger, Helen Berne, Ind. Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church Washington, Ill. Stoltzfus, Daniel Goshen, Ind. Canada Helps Organization Toronto, Ont. Estates $2,547,934.40 Strite, Ethel Harrisonburg, Va. Carlisle Evangelical Free Church Carlisle, Pa. Stuckey, Rutheda Goshen, Ind. Central District Mennonite Women Goshen, Ind. Alderfer, Mary E. Souderton, Pa. Stucky, Regina Marion, S.D. Central Plains Mennonite Women Kalona, Iowa Banman, Elda S. Newton, Kan. Sweigart, Gladys A. Goshen, Ind. Christchurch Evangelical Covenant Portland, Maine Bartel, Lawrence A. Souderton, Pa. Troyer, Dana O. Three Rivers, Mich. Christliche Dienste Bammental, Germany Becker, Marie Hesston, Kan. Troyer, M. Arlene Seward, Neb. Community Bible Church Olathe, Kan. Bergey, Curtis Goshen, Ind. Von Gunten, Naomi V. Goshen, Ind. Community House Church Washington, D.C. Blosser, Elsie Goshen, Ind. Wedel, Della Nickerson, Kan. Community United Church of Christ Morton, Ill. Bontrager, John I. Goshen, Ind. Wyse, Lorraine Goshen, Ind. Cornerstone Church Garden City, Kan. Brenneman Family, Jacob Lenexa, Kan. Wyse, Paul E. Goshen, Ind. Covenant United Methodist Church Bath, Pa. Brilhart, Earle R. Goshen, Ind. Yoder, Ora Goshen, Ind. Croghan Conservative Mennonite Church Croghan, N.Y. Byler, Verda E. Goshen, Ind. Zehr, Henry Goshen, Ind. Ebenfeld MB Church Hillsboro, Kan. Cassel, Mahlon E. Goshen, Ind. Zehr, William M. Hutchinson, Kan.

16 n October 2013 Annual report Ministry 2012–2013

Indivi 9.5% duals 6 ions .5% gat gre on C 16% Partnership contributions $1,370,000

tions 20% bu Individual ri contributions t $1,650,000 n o C Total gifts 36% $8.34 Congregational contributions million 10% $2,950,000 Program revenue s ce $870,000 ur so Other re 15% 1% Bequests Other income Where the money goes $1,220,000 2% $120,000 Investment income $150,000 Where the money comes from 34% International Ministries $2,860,000 Program m in 22% i Christian s Service t r $1,840,000 Total expenses y

6% M $8.34 i s Fundraising s million i $510,000 o n s u p po rt 14% 14% M inistry grants Resources, education Support services and communication $1,180,000 $1,210,000 Additional notes 1. Mennonite Mission Network 2012–2013 fiscal year was Aug. 1, 2012, to July 31, 2013. 2. The total value of bequests received during the 2012–2013 fiscal year was $2,550,000. These funds are used over a four-year period. 3. Program revenue includes funding from partner organizations, program fees, event fees, sale of publications and resources, and worker earnings. 4. In addition to operating fund programs, $810,000 was dispersed to short-term projects funded by 4% 3% special contributions. Firstfruits grant to MennoMedia 5. Cash held in reserve as of July 31, 2013, totaled $4,830,000. Mennonite 3% $190,000 6. Confidentiality policy: Giving information in the Mission Network/Mennonite Church USA database Church USA Denominational $360,000 will not be shared. Address information may be shared with other Mennonite Church USA agencies. Ministries $210,000

www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves ■ 17 Network news

Delivering living water in Congo One day, while walking by the La 100 human beings packed into small Prison Centrale de Mbuji Mayi, concrete-block rooms. Though Jean-Richard Muteba Wa Mbuyi, prisoners’ families are expected to a Mennonite pastor in Democratic provide food for them, the prison Republic of Congo, heard strains of a normally assures enough water to song from inside the prison walls that sustain life—except for the preced- gripped his attention. “We are dying ing week when the water shortage in of thirst. No water for days,” wafted the city was more severe than usual. through the razor-wire overhead. This provocation inspired the pris- Muteba laid aside all other oners’ desperate song. responsibilities, and entered the Muteba carried the news of the prison gates. He passed from eye- thirsty prisoners to the Sangilayi blinding sunlight into a dark foyer Evangelical Mennonite Church, where he asked the warden to where he is part of the pastoral allow him into the cell area. Since team. The church leaders decided prison officials know him well, to disburse some of the funds Muteba was quickly granted access that Henry De Leeuw, a surgeon to the rooms where approximately and member of Yellow Creek 800 people are held waiting for Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind., their trial dates. gives for prison ministry. In Congo, people accused of a With some of these funds, crime are guilty until proven inno- Muteba paid for several loads cent. It can be several years before of water to be sent to the prison Richard Muteba in the doorway a judge reviews their cases. During because Mbuji Mayi, a city of 3 of his church this time, prisoners struggle to sur- million inhabitants, has no piped in Mbuji Mayi, Congo. vive in cramped conditions, often water. Videos explore legacy of Serbian war For Serbian young adults, the con- around and forced into the army. flict of the 1990s is a vague memory, That story, along with the other but the effects of that war still linger videos, helped illustrate some of the all around them. Lane Stopher, trauma that war causes to individu- a Mennonite Mission Network als and culture. worker, and his co-workers at “Most people don’t really know the War Trauma Center in Serbia much about the larger effects of wanted to explore the aftermath of war—the causes, the symptoms, war on society. and what they do to the larger soci- They enlisted the help of young grand-prize-winning film, Stolen ety,” Stopher says. “We wanted to adults by creating a video con- Freedom, featured the story of do something educational but also test around the subject of “psy- Serbian refugees as they fled the con- creative.” chological effects of violence,” and flict that encroached on their homes asked the youth to submit videos in parts of Bosnia and Croatia. The Video online See the film, Trauma, one of the Serbian film for a chance to both educate the refugees thought they reached safety, contest entries. www.MennoniteMission. net/BeyondOurselves public and win prize money. The but they were immediately turned

18 n October 2013 Photo by Kenneth Krehbiel/ImageWorks Kenneth by Photo Photography

Youth volunteers Convention volunteers serve Phoenix servants fill boxes of food at St. Mary’s Food There were few idle hands at the inventory at food banks and thrift the different nonprofits,” said Bank in Phoenix as part of their Servant Mennonite Church USA Convention stores. They served at 43 organiza- Arloa Bontrager, director of SOOP Project during the Mennonite Church in Phoenix as Servant Projects tions, donating about 42,000 hours and Youth Venture at Mennonite USA Convention. brought out 2,100 volunteers. over the course of the week. Mission Network, who coordinates Some volunteers washed cars “This was a great way to work the Servant Projects. “We get to and wheelchairs at a retirement alongside people, both the employ- learn from them and show them we home, and others helped to organize ees and those being served, from care.” Youth Venture sees peace in Colombia When a six-person Youth Venture paramilitary group, was returned to English, made new Colombian team visited Colombia, July 10-31, the original owner. Where violence friends at a church young adult they saw the fruits of peace in and cocaine plants once grew, there retreat, and “witnessed firsthand action. A 10-hour mule ride car- is now a farm. During the three how God is at work in the world,” ried the Youth Venture team to the weeks in Colombia, the team visited said Graham Unruh, who co-led the top of a mountain that was once a coffee processing plant, tutored team with his wife, Rachel. a paramilitary control center. For Left to right: Anya almost 50 years, Colombia has been Slabaugh, Fiorella gripped by civil war. Hundreds of Villanueva, Christina Hofer, Christhian thousands have died and more than Better, Leah Unruh, Dennis Herrera, 4 million have been displaced from Haley O’Neil. their homes. In the northern part of Colombia, the Youth Venture team didn’t experience any vio- lence. After years of peace talks, the mountain-top land controlled by the

www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves ■ 19 Network news

(Kansas City, Kan.), Whitestone Mennonite serving with Church Church (Hesston), New workers enter service Community Services serving with Habitat Mission workers beginning assignments from May to September 2013 Kansas City, Kan. for Humanity of Dane County ReStore Angela Bishop, assignment in Israel Mennonite Church River East Mennonite Souderton, Pa., New York International with Nazareth Village. (Goshen, Ind.), serv- Brethren Church Souderton Mennonite Alora Canty, Manheim, ministries He is a member and ing with Center for (Winnipeg), serving Church, serving with Pa., Landisville (Pa.) Bill and Carol Frisbie pastor of Portland (Ore.) Restorative Programs with Erie Neighborhood Migrant Farmworkers Mennonite Church, serv- began a one-year Mennonite Church. Boulder, Colo. House Project ing with World Vision special assignment to Corin Wenger started Erica Buller, Lenexa, Lauren Stoltzfus, Sophia Lapp, Kyle Howard, Senegal, Ghana, and a one-year internship in Kan., Rainbow Lancaster, Pa., Goshen, Ind., College Halstead, Kan., Hope Côte d’Ivoire, where Argentina through the Mennonite Church Community Mennonite Mennonite Church Mennonite Church they are providing partnership of North (Kansas City, Kan.), serv- Church of Lancaster, (Goshen), serving with (Wichita, Kan.), serv- leadership training with Central Conference, ing with Out & About serving with South Rosedale Development ing with Urban Justice partner organizations. Mission Network, and Association Center Adriana Martinez, Chicago Chamber of They are members of PROMINOA (Programa Berwyn, Ill., Lombard Commerce Fabian Petersen, Rochester, N.Y. Living Faith Fellowship Misionero al Norte (Ill.) Mennonite Church, Nathan Vader, Kaltenkirchen, Germany, Rebekah Enns, in Elkhart, Ind. Argentino). He will sup- serving with Out & Mechanicsburg, Pa., Protestant Church of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alisha and Joshua port the youth in local About Assembly Mennonite Kaltenkirchen, serving River East Mennonite Garber serve as congregations, and Church (Goshen, Ind.), with Urban Scholastic Brethren Church resident directors at LCC participate in a mission John Reesor, serving with Chicago Center (Winnipeg), serving International University training program. He Stouffville, Ontario, Community Mennonite Community Mennonite Benjamin Preheim, with Judicial Process in Lithuania. Their attends Evangelical Commission assignment as Mission Covenant Church in Church of Stouffville and Church Lawrence, Kan., Peace Associates is for one International Falls, Minn. RISE United Methodist Elkhart, Ind. Mennonite Church Keturah Miller, Faith Community (Lawrence) and Bethel Louisville, Ohio, First year. They are members Caleb Yoder started a Matthew Cordella, (Harrisonburg, Va.), serv- College Mennonite Mennonite Church of Trinity Mennonite two-year assignment as Manorville, N.Y., St. John ing with Boulder Shelter Church (North Newton, of Canton (Canton, Church in Glendale, Ariz. an International Service the Evangelist (Center for the Homeless Kan.), serving with Ohio), serving with Naomi and Paul Kniss Worker in Ecuador, Moriches, N.Y.) and Chicago St. Luke the Evangelist Connecting for Good Monroe County Public completed a two-week where he will work in Defender’s Office special assignment leadership development Anna Hershey, (Geneseo, N.Y.), serv- Madison, Wis. in India, where they and pastoral accom- Harleysville, Pa., Salford ing with Center for Brian O’Leary, Seattle, San Antonio fostered and supported paniment. Along with Mennonite Church Community Justice Seattle Mennonite Sarah Amthor, Hoover, relationships with part- Mission Network, this (Harleysville), serving Seth Martin, Church, serving with Ala., serving with Inner ner churches and lead- partnership includes with Erie Neighborhood Columbus, Ohio, Toledo Community Action City Development ers of Bihar Mennonite Colombia Mennonite House (Ohio) Mennonite Coalition Marie Bergen, Mandli. They are Church and Central Rebecca Longhurst, Church and Rainbow Jamison Unruh, Winnipeg, Manitoba, members of Ridgeway Plains Mennonite Winnipeg, Manitoba, Mennonite Church Hesston, Kan., First Mennonite Mennonite Church in Conference. He is a Harrisonburg, Va. member of West Union Brian and Kelly Mennonite Church in McPhail started a Parnell, Iowa. three-year assignment as International Service MVS Workers in China. They are teaching English in Chinese universities Alamosa, Colo. and serve as program Heather Driedger, coordinators for Fuller Saskatoon, Theological Seminary. Saskatchewan, They are members of Wildwood Mennonite Epicentre Church in Church (Saskatoon), Pasadena, Calif. serving with Center for Wilbert Shenk com- Restorative Programs pleted a two-week Emma Regier, special assignment in Newton, Kan., Shalom India. He participated Mennonite Church in a consultation in (Newton), serving with Bangalore and taught at Rio Grande Headwaters Union Biblical Seminary Restoration Project in Pune. He is a member Laurel Woodward, of Belmont Mennonite North Newton, Kan., Church in Elkhart, Ind. Shalom Mennonite Rod Stafford complet- Church (Newton,

ed a three-week special Kan.) and Assembly Photo by David Fast. Brian and Kelly McPhail serve in China.

20 n October 2013 Find Mennonite Mission Network on Facebook. Church (Winnipeg) and Sioux Falls, S.D. Mennonite Church Service Adventure Holyrood Mennonite Katherine Widmer, and Strawberry Lake unit in Johnstown, Pa. Church (Edmonton, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Mennonite Church Back row: Annika Wiebe, Theresa and Rob Alberta), serving with College Mennonite (Ogema, Minn.), Service Wolf (leaders). Front Catholic Charities, Church (Goshen, Ind.), Adventure leaders row: Laura Reindel, Archdiocese of San serving with Lutheran Ashley Brugh, Elkhart, Gabrielle DeVito. Antonio, Inc. Social Services, Refugee Ind., Sugar Grove & Immigration Programs Katie Miller, Seattle, Church (Goshen, Ind.), Seattle Mennonite St. Louis serving with Helping Church, serving with Nicholas Handrich, Hands Homeless Shelter Catholic Charities, Goshen, Ind., Silverwood and Thrift Store, and Archdiocese of San Mennonite Church Mennonite Village Antonio, Inc. (Goshen), serving with Nathanael Dick, North Habitat for Humanity San Francisco Newton, Kan., Bethel St. Louis Sara Brubacher, College Mennonite Lincoln, Neb., First Justus Kerber, Church (North Newton), Mennonite Church Sinsheim, Germany, serving with Community Sinsheim Mennonite (Lincoln) and Conrad Before/After School Church, serving with Program, and ReStore Grebel College Chapel Photo provided by Rob Wolf. Bicycle Works (Habitat for Humanity) (Waterloo, Ontario), Mark Kreider, North Church (Wichita), (Archbold, Ohio), serv- serving with Mission Allison Trent, Orrville, Belinda Mueller, Newton, Kan., Bethel serving with Interfaith ing with Ten Thousand Graduates Ohio, Smithville (Ohio) Niederhorbach, College Mennonite Hospitality Network Villages, and Growing Mennonite Church and Germany, Deutschhof Amanda Smith, Church (North Newton), Johnstown, Pa. Together Preschool Walnut Creek (Ohio) Mennonite Church, Washington, Iowa, serv- serving with Bureau of Robert and Theresa James Lang, Mennonite Church, serv- serving with Mennonite ing with The Gubbio Land Management Wolf, Decatur, Ga., Portland, Ore., Portland ing with South Side Day Village Project Nursery Tyler Smith, Goshen, Port Orange (Fla.) Mennonite Church, Albuquerque, N.M. serving with Habitat for Rachel Stoltzfus, Ind., Yellow Creek Presbyterian Church Tucson, Ariz. Sharayah Williams, Mennonite Church and Inman Park United Humanity Restore Elkhart, Ind., Prairie Anna Johnson, Forest Kalona, Iowa, Kalona (Goshen), serving with Methodist Church Daniel Thimm, Street Mennonite Grove, Ore., Solid Rock Mennonite Church, Habitat for Humanity (Atlanta), Service Enkenbach, Germany, Church (Elkhart), serving Church (Portland, Ore.), Service Adventure leader Adventure leaders Enkenbach Mennonite with Homeless Prenatal serving with Tucson Leah Swartley, Gabrielle DeVito, Church, serving with Program Community Food Bank Sandie Becker, Elkhart, Ind., Sunnyside Heilbronn, Germany, Mennonite Church Goshen, Ind., Waterford Arts Together Preschool, Seattle David Joshua Brethren Congregation (Elkhart), serving with Mennonite Church and Loaves and Fishes Annika Janzen, Fresno, Sanabria, Bogota, (Heilbronn), serving AWAIC, and Children’s (Goshen), serving with (an after-school pro- Calif., Mennonite Colombia, Mennonite with First Nations Lunch Box Head Start of Cambria gram) Community Church Church of Teusaquillo County, and New Day, Healthsource and East Colorado Springs, (Fresno), serving with (Bogota), serving with Inc. Central Ministries Colo. University District Food Primavera Foundation SOOP Adrienne Derstine, Michelle Musselman, Laura Reindel, Bank Washington, D.C. Harleysville, Pa., Colorado Springs, Colo., Wilnsdorf, Germany, April Kabagambe, Mariah Hostetler, Franconia Mennonite Beth-El Mennonite Evangelische Adam and Jennifer Newton, Kan., First Dodge City, Kan., First Church (Telford, Pa.), Church (Colorado Kirchengemeinde Cobb and children, Niederdressindorf Mennonite Church Presbyterian Church serving with Harwood Springs), Service Archbold, Ohio, Lockport (Burbach, Germany), (Newton), serving with (Dodge City), serving Art Center Adventure leader Mennonite Church Ozanam House with Briya serving with ACRP (Stryker, Ohio), served Brian Krehbiel, David Bergen, Grace Parker, Wichita, (Alternative Community one week in Lincoln Grant Miller, Danvers, Donnellson, Iowa, Bielefeld, Germany, Kan., Prairie Street Resource Program) City, Ore. Ill., Hopedale (Ill.) Zion Mennonite Bielefeld Mennonite Mennonite Church Annika Wiebe, Michael and Tonya Mennonite Church Church (Donnellson), Church, serving with Our (Elkhart, Ind.), serving Rehburg, Germany, Dean and children, and Berkey Avenue serving with Greater House, Inc. with Briya Mennonite Church of Fisher, Ill., East Bend Mennonite Fellowship Albuquerque Habitat for Rachel Knight, Hannover (Hohnhorst, Mennonite Church (Goshen, Ind.), serving Miriam Weaverdyck, Humanity ReStore Moundridge, Kan., Eden Germany), serving with Ann Arbor, Mich., (Fisher), served two with Legal Action Center Anchorage, Alaska Mennonite Church Head Start of Cambria Shalom Community weeks in Glendale, Ariz. Hannah Schumacher, (Moundridge), serving County, and New Day, Church (Ann Arbor), Renee Neufeld, Mark and Tammy Bluffton, Ohio, First with Our House, Inc. Inc. serving with Catholic Hurley, S.D., Salem Deitrick, Jersey Shore, Mennonite Church Charities DC Mennonite Church Abigail Musser, Raleigh, N.C. Pa., Mountain View (Bluffton), serving (Freeman, S.D.), Service Newport News, Va., Jeron and Leah Fellowship (Trout Run, with Washington Trails Adventure leader Huntington Mennonite Baker, Hesston, Kan., Pa.), served three Association Service Church (Newport News), Hesston Mennonite months in Ephrata, Pa. Adventure Marlene Allebach, Brian Troyer, Harleysville, Pa., serving with Springs Church, Service Ann and Sherman Marysville, Ohio, Cypress Albany, Ore. Towamencin Mennonite Rescue Mission Adventure leaders Eberly, Harrisonburg, Wesleyan Church Ben and Jill Baker, Church (Kulpsville, Scott Thompson, Molly Bruner, Va., Harrisonburg (Galloway, Ohio), serving Albany, Ore., and Pa.), serving with The Wichita, Kan., Lorraine Wauseon, Ohio, Central Mennonite Church, with Grist Callaway, Minn., Albany Downtown Soup Kitchen Avenue Mennonite Mennonite Church served two months

(Continued on next page)

www.MennoniteMission.net/BeyondOurselves ■ 21 Service workers, continued

in Petitcodiac, New Ecuador Brunswick. Paul Regier, Newton, Lois and Lowell Kan., Shalom Mennonite Gerber, Lititz, Pa., Lititz Church (Newton), Youth Mennonite Church, Venture leader served two weeks in Jill Schlabach, West Abbotsford, British Liberty, Ohio, Oak Grove Columbia. Mennonite Church Cynthia Hoff, Emmaus, (West Liberty), Youth Pa., First Mennonite Venture leader Church (Wadsworth, Jacob Hill, Newton, Ohio), served three Iowa, Christ Community months in Macon, Miss. Church (Des Moines, Jim Juhnke and Iowa) Miriam Nofsinger, Ben Peterson, Des Wichita, Kan., Lorraine Moines, Iowa, Christ Avenue Mennonite Community Church (Des Church (Wichita), Moines) served two months in Jacob Thompson, Shipshewana, Ind. Urbandale, Iowa, Christ Photo by Del Hershberger Susan and Tom Community Church (Des Russack and chil- Moines, Iowa) Radical Journey participants dren, New York City, Back row: Austin Regier, Brianna Derstine, Ben Wiebe, Corin Wenger (intern to Argentina). Jacqueline Thompson, Redeemer Presbyterian Front row: Emily Epp, Brittni Leatherman-Gascho, Hannah Yoder, Lydia Stoll. Urbandale, Iowa, Christ Church (New York City), Community Church (Des served two weeks in Ashlynn Good, Baptist Church (College Hannah Sauder, Faith Christian Moines, Iowa) Toano, Va. Hesston, Kan., Park) Lititz, Pa., Neffsville Fellowship (Fresno) John Timmons, Hoffnungsau Mennonite Mennonite Church Opal and Roger Antonia Lucero, Hollywood Urbandale, Iowa, Christ Church (Inman, Kan.) (Lancaster, Pa.) Waugh, Gilbert, Ariz., Denver, His Love Christian Montero, Community Church (Des Gold Canyon (Ariz.) Josh Harms, Corry, Pa., Fellowship (Denver) Denver Los Angeles, Alcance Moines, Iowa) United Methodist Beaverdam Mennonite Kenya Phillips, Manuel Alvarez, Bell Victoria Este de Los Church, served one South Africa Church (Corry) Stone Mountain, Flower, Calif., His Love Angeles month in Reedley, Calif. Ben and Sarah Roth Kristin Spalding, Ga., Israel Missionary Fellowship (Denver) Arthur Penate, Los Shank, Harrisonburg, Garrett and Maranda Lancaster, Pa. Baptist Church (Stone Kyle Balzer, Denver, Angeles, St. Thomas the Va., Community Whorton, Colby, Kan., Mountain) His Love Fellowship Apostle Catholic (Los Mennonite Church Congregational Church Jordan Pounds, Locust (Denver) Angeles) (Little River, Kan.), (Harrisonburg), Youth DOOR Discover Grove, Ga., Higher Samuel Foxvog, Odalys Romero, Los served one month in Venture leaders Living (Locust Grove) Tiskilwa, Ill., Plow Creek Angeles, Christ the King Lincoln City, Ore. Alisha Brubaker, Mennonite Church USA Kenneth Rogers, Mennonite Church Catholic (Los Angeles) Harrisonburg, Va., Zion groups that served with Decatur, Ga. (Tiskilwa) Hill Mennonite Church Discover Wendy Salazar, Youth Venture (Singers Glen, Va.) Mykeisha Walker, Shemeza Los Angeles, World Denver Jonesboro, Ga., Morning Habonimana, Aurora, Outreach House of Eric Dawson, Grand First Mennonite Star Baptist Church Colo., Meadowood Haven, Mich., Resting Prayer (Los Angeles) Colombia Church (Newton, Kan.) (Burlington, N.C.) Church (Aurora) Graham and Rachel Place (Norton Shores, Kevyn Silva, Los Angeles Greeley Mennonite Chicago Alexus Holliday, Unruh, Newton, Kan., Mich.) Kyle Wahe, Palmdale, Church (Greeley, Colo.) Erika Alvarez, Chicago Denver, The Potter’s First Mennonite Church Calif., First Presbyterian Katherine Mumaw, House (Denver) (Newton), Youth Venture Linville, Va., Weavers Hollywood Chris Crater, Chicago, Church (Hollywood) leaders Calvary Mennonite First Church of the Matt Kilian, Clive, Mennonite Church Miami Christina Hofer, (Harrisonburg, Va.) Church (Aurora, Ore.) Brethren (Chicago) Iowa, Heartland Presbyterian Church Carolyn Friedhoff, Dolton, S.D., Salem-Zion San Antonio Tyler Gehring, Pretty Rachel Springer, (Clive) Pinecrest, Fla., Riviera Mennonite Church Minier, Ill., Hopedale Bluffton University Prairie, Kan., First Presbyterian Church Elizabeth Martinez, (Freeman, S.D.) (Ill.) Mennonite Church (Bluffton, Ohio) Mennonite Church (Miami) (Hutchinson, Kan.) Denver Haley O’Neil, Salem, Ft. Myers, Fla. West Philadelphia San Antonio Ore., Salem Alliance Lakewell Gordon, Danae Miller, Rose Jantzi, Mennonite Joel Castanon, San Church Denver, His Love Middlebury, Ind., Yellow Harrisonburg, Va., Fellowship Antonio Anya Slabaugh, Harrisonburg Mennonite (Philadelphia, Pa.) Fellowship (Denver) Creek Mennonite Robert Gallegos, San Kalona, Iowa, East Church, Youth Venture JD Hershberger, Church (Goshen, Ind.) Antonio Union Mennonite leader DOOR Discern Hesston, Kan., Hesston Nicole Smith, Elkhart, Church (Kalona) Kassidy Love, Goshen, Mennonite Church Ind., Prairie Street Katie Miller, San Leah Unruh, Walton, Ind., Life Spring Chris Nellet, Tucson, Mennonite Church Antonio Kan., Tabor Mennonite Community Church Atlanta Ariz., Catalina United (Elkhart) Abigail Nickle, San Church (Newton, Kan.) (Goshen), Youth Venture Dax Lewis, College Methodist Church Patricia Vazquez, Antonio, University leader Park, Ga., Live Oak (Tucson) Fresno, Calif., United

22 n October 2013 Mennonite Church USA

Presbyterian Church (South Bend, Ind.), serv- San Antonio (San Antonio) ing with Gathering Place Meredith Cox, Partnership in mission April Sugimoto, Roswell, Ga., Roswell By Ervin Stutzman DOOR Dwell Caledonia Mich., serving Presbyterian Church, with African Community serving with Divine was delighted to see the Missio Dei Center Redeemer booklet, Walking Together in Mission, Atlanta Hollywood Julius Lorenzi, San highlight the partnerships between Sophie Beal, Shaker Freddie Bell, Concord, I Antonio Mennonite Mission Network and the con- Heights, Ohio, Forest Hill N.C., serving with My James Martin, Church (Shaker Heights), Friend’s Place gregations or area conferences of Mennonite serving with Gateway Wenatchee, Wash., Tara Corbett, Pullman (Wash.) Church USA. Several years ago, a survey showed that Mission Justin Chambers, Pinehurst, N.C., Grand Rapids, Mich., Presbyterian Church, Network was actively assisting 310 congregations in 19 Brownson Memorial serving with Health Mt. Zion Baptist Church Presbyterian Church conferences to make connections in mission. In addition, Science Center (Kalamazoo, Mich.), (Southern Pines, N.C.), congregations and conferences forge their own partnerships. serving with Mercy Ashley Morales, San serving with PATH I will offer a few examples of both kinds of connections from Church (People Assisting the Antonio Daniel Edmonds, Homeless) Maggie Wood, the hundreds that could be mentioned: Lebanon, Ohio, Trinity Brent Davis, Finleyville, Elizabeth City, N.C., The Arca de Salvacion congregation in Ft. Myers, Fla., Presbyterian Church Pa., serving with The Cann Memorial (Columbia, Mo.), serving has had strong ties with several Guatemalan congregations, Center at Blessed Presbyterian Church with House Proud Sacrament (Elizabeth City), serv- which began through their mission outreach to farm workers. Rachel Huggins, Chantel Hoover, ing with Refugee and Calvary Community Church in Hampton, Va., has a Alexandria, Va., Bush Rawson, Ohio, Gateway Immigrant Center for sister relationship with a Mennonite congregation in Ghana. Hill Presbyterian Church Evangelical Presbyterian Education and Legal Harrisonburg (Va.) Mennonite Church has a sister rela- (Alexandria), serving Church (Findlay, Ohio), Services (RAICES) with Central Outreach serving with My Friend’s tionship with a Mennonite congregation in Guyana, South Advocacy Center Place America. Ian Nance, Monroe, Radical Journey John Kupar, Lexington, North Baltimore (Md.) Mennonite Church relates to a La., serving with Atlanta Ky., serving with Lord’s Furniture Bank Lighthouse Ministry at Paraguay congregation in Democratic Republic of Congo. They also Jackson Schonewolf, First Presbyterian Church Brittni Leatherman- relate to congregations in Japan where James and Faith Granite Falls, N.C., St. Hollywood Gascho, Goshen, Ind., Luke’s United Methodist Wenger served under Mission Network. Laura Robinett, College Mennonite Church (Hickory, N.C.), Atlantic Coast Conference has been a partner for some Jefferson City, Mo., First Church (Goshen) serving with Wilderness Presbyterian Church years with a group of Mennonite churches in Puerto Rico. Works Austin Regier, (Jefferson City), serv- As a result, this conference of Puerto Rican churches has Chicago ing with PATH (People Newton, Kan., First Megan Schreurs, Assisting the Homeless) Mennonite Church become an associate member of Mennonite Church USA. (Newton) Hugo, Okla., serving Miami The Central Plains Conference partners with Mission with Little Brothers Suyeon Kim, Benjamin Wiebe, Network and the Mennonite Church of Colombia (IMCOL) Friends of the Elderly Matthews, N.C., Korean Goshen, Ind., Eighth Clarissa Sents, First Presbyterian Church Street Mennonite to place workers in Ecuador. The workers are Colombian. McPherson, Kan., First (Charlotte, N.C.), serv- Church (Goshen) Support for the workers is part of the conference budget, and Presbyterian Church ing with South Florida Hannah Yoder, Akron, they have representatives who meet with Mission Network (McPherson), serving Interfaith Worker Justice Pa., Akron Mennonite with Graceseeds, and and IMCOL to make decisions about the work in Ecuador. Michelle Muniz-Vega, Church Build Beyond these congregational or area conference con- San Juan, Puerto Rico, South Africa Billy Sheppard, serving with Miami Brianna Derstine, nections, Mennonite Church USA is pursuing covenant Alpharetta, Ga., Roswell Rescue Mission (Ga.) Presbyterian Harleysville, Pa., relationships with Mennonite churches in Congo. We hope Kelly Nevling, North Frederick (Pa.) Church, serving with Brook, Ill., serving with to connect with representatives of these churches at the Mennonite Church and Build Riviera Presbyterian Franconia Mennonite Mennonite World Conference meeting in Harrisburg, Pa., Denver Church Church (Telford, Pa.) in August 2015. This gathering will be an ideal time to both Sean Lent, Carmel, Lanier Smith, Camden, celebrate our current partnerships with congregations around N.Y., serving with African S.C., serving with Emily Epp, North Community Center Yvonne Learning Center Newton, Kan., First the world and to forge new ones. It also provides an ideal Mennonite Church Kelsey Pennington, Molly Turner, opportunity for the staff of the Executive Board of Mennonite Houston, serving with (Newton, Kan.) Colorado Springs, Colo., Church USA and the staff of Mennonite Mission Network to Denver Urban Ministries Timberline Church (Fort Lydia Stoll, Alison Reist, North Collins, Colo.), serving Harrisonburg, Va., partner as never before to welcome our brothers and sisters Liberty, Ind., Kern Road with United Way - Community Mennonite from around the globe. Mennonite Church Branches Church (Harrisonburg) Let it be so.

Ervin Stutzman is executive director of Mennonite Church USA. Getting duplicate copies? If you are receiving duplicate copies of Beyond Ourselves, or have a change of address, call toll-free 1-866-866-2872, ext 23043. Be a

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