Stories of Mission
Explore mission themes in our quarterly magazine as workers tell stories of making disciples in the way of Christ.
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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!” Jesus illustrated a seamless concern for peoples’ hearts, bodies and relationships and the early…
Read MoreAre we there yet? My journey to embrace the unexpected turns
Are we there yet? I remember the annual summer trip to our grandparents’ home in Maine. Even though my mother entertained us with car games, fifteen hours in a car as a child was long. My sister and I enjoyed pestering my parents with, “Are we there yet, how much farther?” every hour or so.…
Read MoreMy 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. God is at work even when we can’t see Him.…
Read MoreMy 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…
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