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.
Mennonite 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 MorePraying with the Early Church
On December 12, the Early Church (in downtown Harrisonburg) gathered to ordain Ron Copeland to the ministry. It was my first visit to their worship service and remarkable in many ways. The youthful diversity of the gathering—students from EMU and JMU—meet with the group on a regular basis. Persons with various racial/ethnic characteristics came together…
Read MoreThoughtful choices change lives with fair trade products
When you hear the term “fair trade,” what comes to mind? Whenever I give tours of our organization, I find that there are many folks who are not acquainted with the term or the impact that fair trade has on artisans and farmers around the globe. In a nutshell, fair trade organizations offer a market…
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…
Read MoreThe Gospel in cultural context
With eyes riveted in wonder at the dancers and their gentle gyrations, Wiang’s heart leapt in longing. Who are these people who can dance with such freedom and joy? Did she care who they were? Not really. She simply sensed intuitively that she belonged among them. Wiang was attending a gathering of followers of Jesus. …
Read MoreFirst international tranSenders finish well
“We’re here to honor Dino & Mara for their service among us this year.” With these words, Centro Koinonia’s usual mid-week meeting suddenly burst into a surprise farewell party! After listing their many accomplishments, we gave them a hearty round of applause, words of appreciation, incomparable party delicacies, plus many embraces and kisses, Italian-style! Here’s…
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