Virginia Mennonite Missions: Called. Sent. Transformed.

January 2012

Invitation to Partners: Ethiopia 2012

January 13, 2012
by VMM Admin

Partners in Mission is announcing an immediate opportunity! The Wollega Church in Ethiopia has extended an invitation for a service and learning team, led by Carl Hansen, a church leader with decades of history with Christians in Ethiopia, to help them build a rural satellite campus in Nekempte for Meserete Kristos College, their denominational seminary. Tentative dates are for two to three weeks in March, and the estimated cost per person is $2,000. If you have interest in participating in or supporting this group, call VMMissions at 540-434-9727 or email …

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The eye-opening reality of being sent, from everywhere to everywhere

January 7, 2012
by Carol Tobin
VMM & EMM Global Ministries Associate

The eye-opening reality of being sent, from everywhere to everywhere

As the boat cut through the grey water of Lake Toba, the stiff breeze slapped our faces awake. It was 7:00 am and the volcanic sides of the Northern Sumatran crater were still shrouded in morning mists. It occurred to me that my two Thai friends might need that chilling wind in their faces to remind them that they weren’t dreaming. How could it be that they were here, soaking in this spectacular sight? Who could imagine that they, two farm women, would spend a week in Sumatra, rubbing shoulders …

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Extreme Makeover theme sparks renewal at Italian retreat

January 5, 2012
by Eva Eberly
VMM Mediterranean Regional Assistant

Extreme Makeover theme sparks renewal at Italian retreat

The annual retreat/vacation for Italian Mennonites took place this summer on the “heel” of Italy among the pine groves that shade the Ionic seacoast. Participants convened from extreme ends of Italy, from Turin in the north to Sicily in the south, with most coming from central Italy—representing various church affiliations. Following prayer time each morning, we enjoyed a free, relaxed schedule until 5 p.m., when we gathered together with great expectancy for the highlight of the day. Celebrative worship and music expressed joyful gratitude stirred up by daily Bible studies …

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Service sows passion to see German youth grow in God

January 3, 2012
by Marsha Kanagy
Serving in Germany with VMM & EMM

Service sows passion to see German youth grow in God

In reflecting over this past year on my mission-intern assignment in Kaiserslautern, Germany, I have been astounded in God revealing more of the passions and skills He has placed in me. I have the opportunity and blessing to live with nine Germans currently between the ages of 16-19 years old. The youth live here for a one-year volunteer discipleship program. As my German language ability has greatly increased, I can now relate to the youth on a personal and deep level. This current team arrived not even two months ago, …

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The difference between hope and despair: refugees in Ecuador

January 1, 2012
by David Shenk
Serving in Quito, Ecuador, with Mission Network & VMM

As I was enjoying the company of a few Ecuadorian friends in late June, my cell phone unexpectedly rang. The anxious Colombian voice on the other end explained the details of a dilemma that has become a common story since I began working with the Colombian refugee population in Ecuador in December of last year: a family of four, internally displaced due to paramilitary death threats, tracked down in their new location, urgently wanting to flee Colombia, frightened and disoriented. The voice was Raul, desperately seeking advice regarding the border …

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