Stories of Mission

A Journey of Mutual Sharing and Prayer

It was more than just an ordinary afternoon of coffee, cake and conversation as ladies gathered recently at Lezha Academic Center (LAC). Instead, it was another stepping stone in principal Klementina Shahini’s vision of sharing God’s love with the women of Lezhë, Albania.

English is Italian for ‘Outreach’

If we wanted, we could be full-time English teachers here in Bari even though we have never had a single lesson on how to teach English! Our mother tongue has opened doors for us to be able to share our faith with many people in our community.

Word and Deed

An interesting dichotomy has been argued in Christian mission. Should the Christian’s mission in the world focus on verbal witness, or should acts of care and compassion be our priority? Word or deed? I answer the question with a resounding, “Yes! Both!”

My Journey to Embrace the Unexpected Turns

I came to Belize seven and a half years ago to plant a Deaf church and train leadership. In my prayers I reach up to God asking, “Are we there yet?” And God replies with Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you the ways you should go.”

My Seven Mile Journey to Emmaus

My experience in Albania has taken me on a path very similar to the road that two disciples traveled after Jesus’ death, seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. I learned two valuable lessons on my seven-mile journey that drastically changed the way I trust God.

My Journey With Complete Trust

When we lived in the US, I thought I trusted God fully, but I’m finding now how much I didn’t. You see, living in rural Jamaica, there are no ambulances to come if something bad were to happen. Our theme verse before we came to Jamaica was Proverbs 3:5-6 and it continues to challenge me today.

The Gospel Poured Out: A Celebration of Willard and Eva Eberly

On December 27, 2012, VMMissions held a celebration for Willard and Eva Eberly for their forty years of ministry in the Mediterranean region, presenting them with a handmade pitcher symbolic of the treasure of the gospel that has been poured out and given freely to others.

Maya Knepp and Kimberly Brown at Maranatha School for the Deaf

Telling the Christmas Story, Even If You Can’t Hear

Most Maranatha School for the Deaf students were involved in this year’s Christmas play, “The Brand New Star,” directed by worker Eve Knepp. The Christmas story was reenacted by students, and the climactic moment came when the lit star moved across the front of the chapel as the wise men followed.

Giving One’s Life

During our Christmas holidays my five year old granddaughter came to me and said, “Do you know what, Grandpa? I gave my heart to Jesus.” Bless that little heart! She told her mother, “When Jesus knocks, you must let him in!”

Encouraging Our Brothers and Sisters in Trinidad

At a gathering of MCTT leaders, we addressed transactional vs. transformational leadership, dream-based coaching, leading change and other topics. The entire time was exciting and stimulating. To see firsthand what God has done and is doing in Trinidad left us energized.

‘Sweet Sorrow’ as Eberlys Retire From Italy Ministry

Willard and Eva served in Italy with great energy and passion for the Word of God. They gave much of their lives to the growth and development of the church and its members. People shared their memories, showing the influence that they have had many over the years.

The Consequence of Christmas

When I think of consequences my mind first goes a rather negative direction. We call it the fear of consequences and are reminded that we reap what we sow, or are warned, “be sure your sins will find you out.” There are, however, good consequences.

Esther Augsburger in a pottery class in Albania

A True Presence for the Kingdom of God in Albania

Flying into the beautiful mountains of Albania, Esther and Myron Augsburger knew we were there for a new kind of mission. Esther was asked by the LAC board to stimulate an interest in a school art program. Myron met with church leaders and spoke in churches.

Mission and the “Ports of Paul”

Paul spent most of his life in seaports. The early church west of Palestine thrived primarily in port cities of the Mediterranean. This environment is where most of the mission drama occurs and the majority of Christians in the Roman Empire lived.

Zooks Teach English at Lezha Academic Center

Our task was to enhance language preparation for incoming 9th and 10th graders who will need to pursue all of their studies in English. While we worked on some foundational grammar and vocabulary, most of our class activities emphasized conversational communication.

Centro Koinonia Celebrates Historic Milestone With Ordination

“What you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” is an important key for church growth and multiplication, given by the Apostle Paul. Centro Koinonia truly has reason to celebrate a significant milestone.

Bike Shenandoah riders prepare to depart

Bike Shenandoah Sees a 55% Increase in Riders

One hundred and seven riders, a 55% increase from last year, enjoyed a trek through the Shenandoah Valley on a beautiful fall day. Bikers chose between a challenging 100-mile journey and an easy five mile jaunt, or something in between, as they traversed area back roads.

MDV group with kids at Casa del Padre, Mexico

God’s Love Flows in Colotlan, Mexico

Members of Manantial de Vida traveled to Casa del Padre in Colotlan. This mission was founded by the Rosales family, who migrated to Harrisonburg more than 30 years ago. The Rosales became born-again Christians as a result of the Christ-love testimony they received.

Trinidadian Mennonites Celebrate Freedom in Christ at Annual Meeting

The Mennonite Church of Trinidad & Tobago (MCTT) held its annual general meeting on “The Church in Jubilee,” reflecting the 50th anniversary of independence for Trinidad & Tobago. While the country celebrated independence, the church celebrated freedom in Christ.

Something Different in Italy

Pastors from Palermo, Vasto, and Bari taught on how we are different when we are transformed by Christ living in us. These lessons not only had an impact on the participants of the conference, but also on other guests and staff in the hotel. The hotel director said, “There is something different about you all.”

In Ecuador, an Amazing Reunion

My heart skipped a beat. I recognized that clown in the picture and I recognized that title. “I met you in Colombia,” I said. “You were at a meeting that I attended while I was on a Witness for Peace delegation. Do you remember me?” I asked excitedly.

Phil and Terri Witmer with friends in Colombia

Mission in the Middle

We formed deep friendships, explored diverse regions of the country, and were challenged and grew into new ministries and new ways of being. From our Colombian sisters and brothers we learned the high value of relationships and how to maintain them with intentionality.

Let’s “transForm” Missions and the World

VMMissions’ transForm program is a support initiative intended to provide up to 50% of the support for long-term workers similar to the way we now support tranSend internships. VMMissions is creating a hybrid support model, combining the best of the new and the old.

Dwelling in Unity in a Divided Land

The kingdom of God is realized, in part, through the building of community between those who are perceived enemies. The ministry of Jesus is rooted deeply in authentic encounters with people of all kinds who need to hear the same message; Jesus is Lord.

Italian “Happy Week” Expands to Impact Adolescents

Twenty-five kids overflowed Centro Koinonia’s facility for “Happy Week.” Maurita Eberly and Dino Colonna created a delightful musical that communicated the biblical story through narration, music, drama, and dance- utilizing the creativity and talent of these adolescents.

MCTT’s Mentoring Move

In an uplifting worship of praise and fellowship, the five congregations of the Mennonite Church of Trinidad and Tobago (MCTT) gathered for a joint service held on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Diego Martin Mennonite Church to install Bro. Ronald Latchman as Pastor Mentoree.

Paid to Serve the Lord?

Being paid to serve God does have its advantages. One advantage is that it increases the available time for service. In some cases missionaries have no other option. I am, however, interested in others who, like Paul, “haven’t made use of any of these rights.” We often call them tentmakers.

Cyclists Gear Up to Support Community Development and Missions

A new Bike Shenandoah effort this year is the Pedal Power initiative. Similar to Penny Power, VMC and Harrisonburg area churches will be challenged to ride their bikes to support community development work at home and abroad.

African Pentecostalism, a Recipe for Global Church Growth

Unlike Pentecostalism in North America, African Pentecostalism is driven by the Kingdom of God with Jesus Christ as its energy, power and motivation for congregational, personal and evangelical life.

Lee and Peg Martin with mission workers and friends in Albania

A Trip to Albania: Our Availability as God’s Instruments in Mission

Albania was a distant place we’d hear about through faithful missionaries, but being among many wonderful people transformed it to a nation and people we hold in our hearts and prayers in a profound new way.

Brazilian Family Returns to Albania for Second Term

Rafael and Solange Tartari recently returned to Lezhë, Albania, following a home assignment visiting family and churches in Brazil. They will work collaboratively with the VMMissions mission team in Albania in their second term.

Exponential: Accelerating Multiplication

Exponential Conference has become a significant conference of leaders and practitioners engaged in God’s work of planting churches. Held annually in Orlando, Florida, this year’s conference included 5,000 people, with 24 persons attending through Virginia Mennonite Missions.

Marsha Kanagy with Germany course classmates

Love and Boldness for Christ’s Glory

Where I once was completely timid and new to missions and speaking boldly of God’s love, I am learning the importance of sharing his love, even at the face of possible rejection. I continue learning love and boldness for Christ’s mission and glory.

In Christ, the Crooked Made Straight

I finally reached bottom and started thinking about God. His word, planted in my soul, still spoke to me. A tremendous inner battle raged. Although drawn back to church with a deep sense of guilt, I was still shackled to worldly friends and vices.

Net·work·ing

Emily Gingerich has learned the importance of a team as she serves in the Czech Republic. The team has connected her with other mission workers, churches, and organizations with a common bond: wanting Czechs to know Jesus.

Life Enrichment Church members and the Schoenhals family

When Waiting for God’s Spirit, Who Knows What Will Result!

Mark and Sarah Schoenhals were given the opportunity to share in village gatherings and to teach a Bible study for leaders of the LEC. Although their ability to communicate is still limited, these occasions brought them encouragement and renewed vision.

Reflections on the City of Rubble

My host’s voice carries a longing of someone who has lost a love. She sees through a lens of memory, now clouded with the blood, dust, and destruction of decades of war. She remembers more. I see only ruin.

Checkups with members of the Haiti medical team

Medical Team Helps Hundreds in Haiti

When our medical team arrived in Haiti in February, we had a difficult time getting through customs with 14 suitcases of medication. We saw about 780 patients in five days of clinic.

God is Showing the Way in the Midst of Trials

Kristel, 14, is deaf and likes to sign “God is so good” from a worship song during worship at Jesus Deaf Church. Manuel, 21, has grown in confidence and faith, and now knows with certainty that God has called him to pastor our church.

God is Raising Up a New Pastoral Couple in Trinidad

Richard and Margaret Keeler quickly noticed the spiritual growth in a married couple at Sangre Grande Mennonite Church. Humble and teachable, they began participating in Friendship Bible Coffee (FBC) studies, and later became leaders, accepting additional responsibilities in the church.

Chickens, Pigs, and More at Maranatha School for the Deaf

We have been blessed to be a part of the work at Maranatha School for the Deaf and the local Mennonite Church. It’s awe-inspiring to see how God works in our lives and provides for us, the school, the church, and our friends.

“Gracias a Dios” for Every Small Miracle

The Guatemalan people have been God’s light in my life. They have taught me to take higher value in my relationships, to stop worrying about the hour and instead focus on the present, and to be hospitable in my home, on the street, or in the bus.

Terry Witmer (center right) with members of the women's group she meets with in La Mesa, Colombia

An Accidental Hair Appointment?

Our time in Colombia has been, from the beginning, enveloped in relationship: who we have come to know, who has put down roots in our hearts, and who we cry for in prayer. God has sewn our lives inextricably into the lives of so many people here.

Willard and Eva Eberly (left) with Mara and Dino Colonna.

The Unfinished Task

Although those of us serving long-term with VMMissions face the constant challenge of overcoming spiritual barriers and strongholds, the persistent hope of establishing viable, Christ-centered churches with Italian leadership propels us forward.

Doors for Ministry Open Through Italian Schools

The schools that our boys attend have become major areas of ministry for us. We help teach English in the middle school. This has been an open door to talk to and be a healthy example to youth that have few good adult role models to follow.

Norma Teles and Joshua Center children, 2012

Mission Encouragements at Joshua Center

It has been a cold winter here in Lezhe, but we have been blessed in a lot of ways. The work at Joshua Center is going well. I can see God working in a very special way in the lives of the little ones.

Allen Umble (right) and Samuel Jablonski, member of the EMM YES team.

A Thirty-year Round Trip of Mission

Thirty years and the circle has come around complete. Only God knows what else will come around full circle in the next thirty years out of the obedience to the call of Jesus by his followers.

Miraculous Turnaround at Lezha Academic Center

We have been through our share of fires this year at Lezha Academic Center. The first months of our ministry here were full of conflict. Each of us had days when we felt like throwing in the towel, but somehow we made it through.

God is a Rewarder!

Muslims are thirsty. We don’t want to just give them a drink, but to see their eyes opened to the well, to drink deep of God’s love for them, so that those rivers can begin to flow out from them as healing for their nations.

Winds of the Spirit

The Spirit blows at will, we are told. We do not fully know its direction nor can we ever adequately predict its affect. We can, however, see some of the results and we have been told what fruit to look for. We do well to continue to look for “love, joy, peace” as evidence of where the Spirit is blowing.

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