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.
The Global Family of Faith
A church conference dare not exist for itself. Myopic or extended self-absorbed attention tends to devolve into defensiveness and mere maintenance. It is for these reasons that I believe in missions. The church must always think beyond itself and risk its life for the sake of others.
Read MoreA tribute to Paul Kropf, long-time missionary
On behalf of VMM, I wish to recognize the significant service rendered by Paul and June Kropf, long-term pioneer missionaries to Albania with Eastern Mennonite Missions. Paul died unexpectedly on Christmas morning. With great sadness and sense of loss, we remember Paul and his contribution to the Albanian church. Upon their arrival in Lezhe, Albania,…
Read MoreSeven joyful baptisms in Trinidad
On January 30, Margaret and I had the privilege of participating in the baptism of seven people. The baptism was scheduled for Saturday, but it was raining most of the day and at noon we learned there was a warning out that people should not go in the ocean because of dangerously rough water, so…
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Transformed, Transforming.
All of us at Virginia Mennonite Missions share in common the desire to be instruments of God’s transformation. Then, transformation turns around and continues to change us! Thinking we were the ones changing others, we discover that we are the ones being changed.
Read MoreMennonite Church in Trinidad now “totally local”
Borrowing from a popular local slogan, Pastor Ganesh Kalloo described the signficance of the day at Sangre Grande Mennonite Church in Trinidad as “Totally Local.” On Sunday morning, January 9, the Mennonite Church of Trinidad and Tobago (MCTT) commissioned and installed the first Trinidadian as their conference overseer. Rawl Gunpath had pastored for many years…
Read MoreAmor Viviente pastor challenges Italian Mennonites
“Although God cares about poverty, suffering and pain, these human problems are not His first priority. He sent Jesus to bring forgiveness, to seek that which was lost, to give new life-abundant and eternal. Jesus commissions us to continue His ministry and make disciples. The message must be so clear that people either believe and…
Read MoreSigns of Life Fellowship celebrates one year
On January 9, Signs of Life Fellowship (SLF) celebrated it’s one year “birthday” of meeting for worship at the Shenandoah Valley Club of the Deaf. SLF is a joint outreach ministry of Virginia Mennonite Missions, Springdale Mennonite Church and Community Fellowship Church in Staunton. Four families from the two churches who had been functioning as…
Read MoreMennonite Women gather to consider purpose, discipleship
When the new officers of Mennonite Women of Virginia met for the first time, we began by considering our constitution. We found elements that may need revision. However, we were encouraged to find that the purpose of Mennonite Women of Virginia has not changed. Briefly stated, it is to support each other as we “find,…
Read MoreThree baptized in Kemishtaj, Albania
The Adriatic Sea wind whipped our faces but the bright sun beamed upon the group of believers from the Lajmetaret e Jesus Krishtit (Heralds of Jesus Christ) church of Kemishtaj, Albania, gathered for the baptism of Lazi, Ilir, and Eva. A deserted beach-side food stand sheltered us from the wind as Allen Umble, VMM worker…
Read MoreBlood revenge claims life of Albanian pastor
On October 8, Pastor Dritan (Tani) Prroj died in a busy plaza in the center of Shkoder. Similar to Jesus, he was executed in his early 30s for the sins of others. His crimes? Belonging to the wrong clan, refusing to stay imprisoned in his own home, continuing his public ministry although knowing he was…
Read MoreShining the light in Hickory
Nearly 60 years ago, evangelists from Franconia Mennonite Conference brought the light to Hickory, North Carolina. On Sunday, November 7, the Mennonite churches that grew out of that evangelistic trip celebrated their history and Virginia Conference’s 175th Anniversary. The day consisted of a homecoming celebration for Mt. View Mennonite Church—current members, past members, and family…
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