Stories of Mission
Explore mission themes in our quarterly magazine as workers tell stories of making disciples in the way of Christ.
Stay informed of all the latest VMMissions news.
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. The nearest hospital, which may or may not offer comprehensive care, is 45 minutes away and as…
Read MoreThe Gospel poured out: a celebration of Eberlys’ retirement and long-time service
On December 27, VMMissions held a celebration for Willard and Eva Eberly for their forty years of ministry in the Mediterranean region. After a worship song led by Shawn Green, Janet Blosser presented a slideshow reflecting on their 40 years of ministry. Their initial assignment included planting churches in Sicily; later they became Mediterranean Regional…
Read MoreYou can tell the Christmas story, even if you can’t hear
Sunday, December 16, the hill of Top Hill in the rural parish of St. Elizabeth was filled with mothers, fathers, aunts, grandmothers, and the students and teachers of Maranatha School for the Deaf. The annual Christmas program brought people from near and far, and both hearing and deaf persons attended. VMM worker Eve Knepp worked…
Read MoreGiving 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!” I was much older when I accepted Jesus. I was all of eleven! I…
Read MoreWalking the Nile: summer learning tour will explore Egypt
In this season of remembering Jesus’ birth and childhood, the Egyptian (Coptic) Church celebrates the special place that Egypt holds in the Christian story. They remember the Holy Family’s pilgrimage in Egypt as they fled from the wrath of Herod (Matthew 2:13-15). Since that time, the Coptic Orthodox Church has been growing and worshiping faithfully…
Read MoreEncouraging our brothers and sisters in Trinidad
Our journey to Trinidad & Tobago actually began in Orlando, Florida! Sam was privileged to attend a church planter’s and pastor’s conference, “Exponential,” in April 2012, thanks to the generosity of VMC, VMM and our Eastern District. One of the highlights of this trip was meeting the pastor of Charlieville Mennonite Church, Ganesh Kalloo. We…
Read More‘Sweet sorrow’ as Eberlys retire from Italy mission and ministry
“You were like a Mother and a Father to me.” “Your friendship was important and precious.” “Your commitment over the years has been a great example for us.” “You have been faithful to us, the church and God.” “You showed us love.” On September 22, members of Centro Koinonia, friends from the community and colleagues…
Read MoreThe 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.” This may be due to a particular kind of upbringing that believed that stern warning…
Read MoreA true presence for the Kingdom of God in Albania
Flying into the beautiful mountains of Albania on October 11, we knew we were there for a new kind of mission. Esther was asked by the board of Lezha Academic Center (LAC) to stimulate an interest in an art program in the school. Myron was asked by VMM to meet with church leaders and speak…
Read MoreMission and the “Ports of Paul”
While Genesis 1 to Acts 12 is a story written by and about people who lived in hills, mountains, deserts, and land empires, almost all of the New Testament from Acts to Revelation was written to, by, and about people who lived in Mediterranean seaports. Paul spent most of his life in seaports. The early…
Read MoreZooks teach English for three weeks at Lezha Academic Center
Albania had never been on our to-do list. But it was a sense of adventure that took us there this past August, and a sense of accomplishment that accompanied us home. Our mission was to teach in the three-week summer English session at the new Lezha Academic Center (LAC), administered by Klementina Shahini under VMM.…
Read MoreBike 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 as they “cycled for service” in Bike Shenandoah, now in its 15th year. Bikers choose between a challenging 100-mile journey and an easy five mile jaunt, or something in between, as they…
Read MoreTake me to the waters: God’s Love Flows in Colotlan, Mexico
The week of July 20-28, Manantial de Vida (MDV), a Harrisonburg District congregation conducted a missions trip to Colotlan, Mexico. This was a mission geared toward reaching children of all ages in a high crime, drug cartel-riddled geographic area. MDV sent four missionaries to minister hope and God’s love to Casa del Padre (The Father’s…
Read More“The Church in Jubilee” – MCTT annual meeting celebrates freedom in Christ
The Mennonite Church of Trinidad & Tobago (MCTT) held its 28th annual general meeting, August 11-12. The theme, “The Church in Jubilee,” reflected the national 50th anniversary of independence for Trinidad & Tobago. While the country celebrated freedom from foreign control, the church celebrated fellowship, worship, service and witness through freedom in Christ. Fraternal guests,…
Read MoreSomething different
Thirty-two people from various churches around Italy came together for “Family Camp 2012,” August 18-25. It was a week of relaxation, study, prayer and fellowship with other believers. Our theme was “Extreme Makeover II: Radical Transformation in Christ.” Pino Arena (Palermo), Giovanni Greco (Vasto), Nicola Cippone and Willard Eberly (Bari) taught on how we are…
Read MoreIn Ecuador, an amazing reunion
The fifth man that I interviewed came into my office like everyone else. He began to explain his situation and we talked for about 10 minutes before I asked him the question, “what kind of work did you do in Colombia?” He opened his jacket and showed me the t-shirt that he was wearing that…
Read MoreMission in the middle
Always remember what you have been taught. Don’t let go of it. Keep safe all that you have learned. It is the most important thing in your life. Proverbs 4:13 If I were to tell you a story of Colombia, would you choose to hear about our runaway kitten that was secretly replaced by a…
Read MoreLet’s transForm missions and transform the world
When Shawn and Laura Green first tested their call to long-term missionary service through a one-year internship with tranSend, they discovered that nearly 50% of the support needed for their service was already in place. The tranSend grant fund was ready, covering up to 50% of the cost of one year internships for up to…
Read MoreDwelling in unity in a divided land
Photo: The Israel/Palestine group near the Temple Mount, standing on an ancient road through the market area. Jesus would have walked here. Photos courtesy of Phil Kniss. This year’s Partners team to Palestine and Israel embarked on a twenty day journey focused on studying the role of Christians in the realms of Empire. Through home-stays…
Read MoreOrganic church planters’ Greenhouse event coming to Harrisonburg
An excellent opportunity to continue to learn and grow as followers of Jesus is coming up soon. On October 19-21, Virginia Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Hispanic Initiative (MHI) will host an “Organic Church Planters’ Greenhouse” intensive training with Neil Cole from Church Multiplication Resources (CMAR), held at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. A Greenhouse is a three-day…
Read MoreItalian “Happy Week” expands to impact adolescents
“How can our tiny church facility host the growing group of community children who love to participate in “Settimana Felice” (Happy Week)?” As the Centro Koinonia congregation submitted this question to prayer and discussion, an exciting idea emerged. Why not organize two weeks of activities— a “happy week” for elementary school kids and a second…
Read MoreMCTT’s mentoring move!
What 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 in the Diego Martin Mennonite Church to install Bro. Ronald Latchman as Pastor Mentoree. The moderator of the service, Sis. Linda Gunpath gave everyone a…
Read MoreFlowing river baptisms provide firm foundation for faith
By Gloria Lehman In June, the Eastern Mennonite High School Touring Choir traveled to Eastern Europe for a three-week tour of Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Italy. Galen and I accompanied this group of lively, talented young people and listened to them singing in both big and small worship spaces. On June 17, we were…
Read MoreMission and money musings
Is there a rise in donor fatigue? We at VMMissions are pleased that so many gifted persons are sensing a call to serve in mission here at home and overseas. In conversations, I sense that family, friends and congregations are pleased as well, yet have mixed feelings. “Does this mean yet another fundraising letter in…
Read MorePaid to serve the Lord?
I have no bone to pick with those who are paid to serve the Lord. After all I do know the Bible says that, “those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” And too, I am one such person, which probably biases me in a particular direction. Being paid to serve…
Read MoreWith Pedal Power, cyclists of all ages gear up to support community development, missions
A year ago, Calvin and Eve Bixler were the youngest riders in the annual Bike Shenandoah. The siblings, six and two-years-old, respectively, completed the five-mile ride with their parents, Sarah and Ben, whose bikes were outfitted to bring the little ones along. “We really enjoy biking,” Sarah, who attends Eastside Church, said recently. “It’s good…
Read MoreAfrican Pentecostalism, a recipe for global church growth
On Saturday, May 19, 28 followers of Jesus from both Calvary and Eastern District congregations gathered in Williamsburg Mennonite Church to discuss what is a disciple and how do we make them? Two persons from international cultures and communities—Phil Detweiler who served with Mennonite Missions Network for 21 years in Africa and Skip Tobin who…
Read MoreA Trip to Albania: Our Availability as God’s Instruments in Mission
By Lee and Peg Martin A picture may be worth a thousand words, but actually being there is in a totally different category. For us, Albania was a distant place we’d hear about through faithful missionaries including Allen Umble and Norma Teles. Allen is a former member of our congregation, Mt. Clinton Mennonite, and Lee…
Read MoreFormed by gratitude
I have great blood! My blood is type O Negative (universal donor), and CMV Negative (it does not contain cytomegalovirus.) The attendants at the blood donor room tell me my blood can be pulled off the shelf and used immediately for trauma patients, and it can be used in young children. I was quite pleased…
Read MoreDeep longings, deep hopes from younger adults
Where are all the young adults? Recent studies show that more than 50% of youth who were active in church during their high school years are not returning after graduation. Indeed, many VMC congregations are noticing this dramatic disappearance of younger participants and are wondering what is happening. Yet in the meta-crisis of a rapidly…
Read MoreBrazilian couple returns to Albania for second term
Rafael and Solange Tartari along with infant son, Paolino, recently returned to Lezhe, Albania, following a busy three-month “home assignment,” visiting family and churches in Brazil. They were commissioned by their sending agency, Junta Menonita de Missões Internacionais (JMMI), and seconded to work collaboratively with VMM missionary team in Albania for a second term. Their…
Read MoreExponential: 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. It has become one tool that VMMissions has used to foster church planting vision, provide access to ideas…
Read MoreConference Assembly: ‘Formed by the Risen Christ’
We gather at Virginia Mennonite Conference’s annual Assembly for worship, fellowship, cooperative learning, sharing our experiences and insights, and group discernment. Delegate sessions, workshops, special events, and evening worship will fill our time together. Assembly participants will explore the theme “Formed by the Risen Christ,” which builds on the Mennonite Church USA Purposeful Plan priority…
Read MoreOne body, one faith
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 Arriving in Jamaica on March 1, I was immediately captivated by the…
Read MoreLove and boldness for Christ’s glory
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 The word “learning” greatly sums up my past year in Germany. Coming to a new language, culture, land, people, and work has made each day full of unknowns, surprises, challenges and all together constant…
Read MoreIn Christ, the crooked made straight
“If you aren’t promoted at school this year, I’ll kill you!” As a child, I believed my father would actually carry out this threat since he punished me severely when I didn’t do my homework well or for other childish misdeeds! My Dad grew up in a family greatly influenced by the mafia mentality where…
Read Morenet·work·ing
net·work·ing noun 1. a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest Networking. This is the one word that can sum up what my role in the Czech Republic has been this past year. Being the first mission intern in Prague for EMM and VMM means my primary…
Read MoreWhen waiting for God’s Spirit, who knows what might result!
Recently, we have been given the opportunity to share in village gatherings and to teach a Bible study for leaders of the LEC. Although our ability to communicate is still limited, these occasions have brought us great encouragement and renewed vision.
Read MoreLove causes Roberto to do an about-face
When we first met Roberto*, he was a man with a bleak outlook on life and had no use for God. “How can God be good when bad things happen to good people?” “I am a good person and do good things, and if there is a God, he will let me into heaven.” This…
Read MoreReflections on the city of rubble: a view through a bullet hole
Words do not come easily when I think of how to describe this city. Contrasts abound. A quiet sorrow hovers, a faint memory of a city, once great, now reduced to rubble. As we traveled from the relative safety of a car with tinted windows, my host pointed at mounds of concrete, skeletons of the…
Read MoreMedical team helps hundreds
When our medical team arrived in Haiti in February, we had a difficult time getting through customs with 14 suitcases of medication. Officials checked expiration dates on the medications and asked many questions about what we were doing and what documentation we had. Fortunately, we were able to get through with everything we brought. Friday…
Read MoreGod is good and showing the way in the midst of trials
Kristel Cajun, 14, is deaf. She likes to sign “God Is So Good” during worship at Jesus Deaf Church. It’s this song that came to my mind as I reflected on what God had done this year. Manuel Tosh, 21, (in photo at right with Nancy Marshall) has grown in confidence and faith, and now…
Read MoreGod is raising up a new pastoral couple: Ramon and Kamla
In 2006, during the first baptismal service our congregation in Sangre Grande had after we were installed as the pastoral couple, I baptized a couple who had received Jesus as their Savior and Lord. We quickly noticed spiritual growth in Ramon & Kamla. They were humble and teachable. Before long they began participating in Friendship…
Read MoreChickens, 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. The chicken operation at the school is in full swing and Rodney…
Read More“Gracias a Dios” for God’s presence and every small miracle
The past year God has placed several amazing people into my life as friends, pastors, a support system and to stretch me as a Christian in Guatemala. One of those people is Rigoberto, the guardian of SEMILLA. He´s often the first worker I see in the morning, and the last one I see in the…
Read MoreAn accidental hair appointment?
Come and see what God has done: his awesome deeds for humankind. Psalm 66:5 Our time in Colombia has been, from the beginning, enveloped in relationship. Defined not by what we have done as much as who we have come to know, who has put down roots in our hearts, and who we cry for…
Read MoreThe unfinished task
“I’ve never heard of evangelicals before. What do they believe?” asked a university student studying English in Centro Koinonia’s “after-school” program. This student’s lack of knowledge surprised us since he comes from a cultured, educated family, his father a surgeon at Bari’s university hospital! It’s a reminder that Italy remains an “under-reached” nation! Consider with…
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