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.
Will You Go? Our Expansion into the Caribbean
Twila Y. Brunk’s book, Together in the Lord, is an engaging account of the first twenty-five years of the Jamaican Mennonite Church. The following recounts those beginnings, as well as the expansion of VMMissions’ work into Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
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In Honor of Paul Timothy (PT) Yoder, 12th President of VMMissions
Paul Timothy Yoder, Sr., president of VMMissions from 1985 to 1990, died on December 16, 2019. He was 91. During his tenure, Paul envisioned VMMissions as a channel through which resources would be released for the purpose of expanding God’s kingdom.
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From Virginia Into the Heart of Christendom
“I do not believe that it is above what we could expect, if the Lord tarries, that we would have a native Mennonite Church in Sicily,” wrote Truman Brunk in his report to the executive committee of the mission board upon his return from a visit to Sicily in 1950.
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Update: Albania Earthquake Relief Fund
VMMissions is delighted to report that the Albania Earthquake Relief Fund needs have been met! In 2019, VMMissions received $28,712 towards the expenses of a temporary shelter in Lezhë for 15 Roma families who lost their homes in Albania’s 6.4-magnitude earthquake.
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Tidewater Virginia: Our Antioch
The ministry of the early church began in Jerusalem, but Antioch became an important mission center, similar to the way Tidewater, Virginia, became in the mid-20th century. What made that particular context so special? How did VMMissions promote greater faithfulness and fruitfulness there?
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Beginnings: Called to the Mountains
In the early days, mission vision emerged at the district level of Virginia Mennonite Conference. Middle District was exemplary in mobilizing witness over the mountains into West Virginia. A steady stream of workers labored over the years, eventually giving birth to over a dozen churches.
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Catching the Wind of the Spirit: VMMissions Celebrates 100 Years
Hundreds gathered to celebrate the centennial year of Virginia Mennonite Missions. Leaders from partner church conferences were featured guests at events that included a reunion brunch, a banquet, an evening worship service, and a Sunday afternoon a cappella concert.
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One Hundred Years of Sharing Jesus with Neighbors Near and Far
This year marks 100 years of Virginia Mennonite Missions helping the church share Jesus with neighbors near and far. How did it all get started? What has God done through our work? Where might God be leading in the future?
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The River and the Sea: Making Sense of the Story
For one hundred years, VMMissions has existed to help the church know itself as sent. It is when we look back that we are best able to see an unfolding storyline that can then help us to orient toward our future. What do we see when we look back?
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Call to Prayer: No junior Holy Spirit for children!
By Priscilla Gnanamanickam Children don’t have a junior Holy Spirit.” This is what we were told by a missionary couple when we were young parents in India, as we were learning to listen to the voice of the Lord and follow him. “Encourage your children to listen to the voice of the Lord speaking, like…
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Melba Heatwole, Longtime Mission Worker, Dies at 85
Melba Frances Kiser Heatwole, longtime mission worker in Jamaica and later Albania, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at her home following a stroke. She served in Jamaica for 20 years and for two years in Albania through Virginia Mennonite Missions.
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VMMissions Cohosts Coaching Training Event with J.R. Briggs
Studies continue to reveal that leaders who participate in coaching are more effective and exhibit long-term vitality in their personal lives. A Coaching Training event with J.R. Briggs was co-hosted by VMMissions and Virginia Mennonite Conference, October 1-2, 2019.
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