SLAQ Discipleship Cohort to Serve in Colombia

March 4, 2024

SLAQ offers a cross cultural serving and learning experience every other year for youth involved in the program’s Discipleship Cohort. This year, that cohort’s cross-cultural experience is an E3 Collective trip to Bogotá, Colombia, March 23-31.

more
Rissa Martin

Recent Worker Appointments and Reappointments

November 27, 2023

See a list of mission workers that VMMissions appointed or reappointed in 2023.

more

VMMissions Launches North Africa Earthquake Relief Fund

September 15, 2023

Our hearts are broken for the people of North Africa who recently suffered a catastrophic earthquake. Your gift by October 15 will enable the body of Christ to respond with compassion in a time of staggering loss and critical need. Let’s join in prayer for comfort and hope in the midst of grief.

more

Worker Profile: Kate Miller

September 11, 2023

Kate (not her real name) is a computer programmer for a U.S. company that is partnered with a company in Central Asia as business for transformation (B4T). She is working with the office in Central Asia to help strengthen the relationship between the two companies, and lives with a local family.

more

Call to Prayer: Sowing Seeds in the Dust

September 11, 2023

Sarah Schoenhals, serving among the Isaan people in Thailand, writes, “It’s a lot easier to pray when we’re buoyed by seeing tangible results! And yet, so often, the results we seek are not immediate, nor the kind of results we imagined.”

more
Perspectives

2024 Perspectives Course Offered in Harrisonburg

August 14, 2023

Learn about God’s heart for mission and your part in the story. Save the dates for the next Perspectives course, with classes each Wednesday evening from January 10 to May 1, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

more

Riders Hit the Road to Support VMMissions

August 14, 2023

Thirty-nine riders from 18 different churches came together from all across Virginia to spend a beautiful weekend riding in the 11th annual Motorcycle for Missions event through the Blue Ridge mountains. This year’s ride raised over $14,000 towards the Mission Fund, which helps VMMissions recruit, equip, send, and support workers all over the world.

more

VMMissions Awarded $1.2M Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for The Soil and The Seed Project

July 14, 2023

Virginia Mennonite Missions has received a grant of $1,222,766 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support and expand the work of The Soil and The Seed Project, a faith formation project based in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative. The aim of the initiative is to help parents and caregivers share their faith and values with their children.

more
Great Community Give

Great Community Give Fundraiser Raises $11,000+

April 18, 2023

VMMissions joined over 100 other local organizations in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County in the Great Community Give, a special online day of giving on April 19. The event was a success, with a total of $11,380 raised. VMMissions hosted a lunchtime open house cookout and welcomed around 50 people to enjoy food and fellowship.

more
Aaron Kauffman

Invest in God’s Harvest

March 22, 2023

At VMMissions, we step out in faith with the God who can do more than we ask or imagine. This spring, we invite you to invest in God’s harvest with a gift to VMMissions. Can you help us raise the $65,200 we need by the end of April to keep pace with our budget?

more

God’s Mission Has a Church

February 27, 2023

Our church history is shaped by the legacy of Christendom: the church aligning with political power to protect and maintain our position in society. This is vastly different from understanding the church being shaped as a missionary church whose calling is to be embedded as “sent ones” in our own societies.

more
David Gingerich

David Gingerich Named Director of Partner Development

February 27, 2023

David Gingerich has assumed a new leadership role as Director of Partner Development, focusing on fundraising, donor cultivation and church relations. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to nurture and grow relationships with our community of partners,” David writes.

more

This Christmas, Share God’s Greatest Gift

November 21, 2022

With your support, we were able to appoint 18 new mission workers in 2022, bringing our total number of those serving to 61 – kingdom ambassadors representing 12 countries, yet all with the same goal of sharing the peace that Jesus makes possible. This Christmas, help us call, equip, send and support more ambassadors of reconciliation through a donation to our Mission Fund.

more
Bike Shenandoah

Bike Shenandoah Celebrates 25th Annual Ride

September 26, 2022

From the one year old riding in a bike seat with her dad to the 81 year old who rode the 50K route, all 84 participants of the 25th anniversary Bike Shenandoah enjoyed their time on the road and in community on September 17, raising money for six local organizations. The event was a resounding success, raising a total of approximately $28,000.

more
Carol Tobin

Carol Tobin, VMMissions Mission Advocate, Retires

September 1, 2022

On August 31, Carol Tobin retired from her staff role as Mission Advocate and Transforming Content Editor. Though her formal role has ended, she will continue in volunteer roles for VMMissions, including helping to coordinate the upcoming Perspectives course and local missions recruitment efforts.

more

Explore God’s Heart for Justice on the U.S.-Mexico Border, March 5-10

August 5, 2022

Border Perspective, a VMMissions E3 Collective, is an immersive and educational service learning trip that will offer participants a first-hand connection with immigrant leaders serving families on the U.S.–Mexico border. Participants will gain an understanding of the complexity of immigration on the border and service opportunities to help support local immigrant ministries.

more

Perspectives Course Coming Back to Harrisonburg Early Next Year

August 5, 2022

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course is offered next spring (held on Tuesday evenings, January 3 to May 2, 2023) in Harrisonburg. The 15-week course is heartily endorsed by a broad spectrum of evangelical denominations, ministries, and mission agencies.

more

Watch: A Church of Many Cultures Celebration Service

July 20, 2022

Watch the Church of Many Cultures Celebration as VMMissions celebrated nearing the end of a campaign raising $3 million for new initiatives through a service of worship and commissioning new workers. The service was held as part of Virginia Mennonite Conference Assembly at Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, Va.

more

Mission Fund Update

July 18, 2022

Thank you for helping us continue the chain of disciples who make disciples with your gifts to our Mission Fund. Funds are still coming in, but so far we have raised 89% of our Mission Fund fiscal year goal of $460,000. The fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. Your gifts will help more people have the opportunity to know and follow Jesus.

more

Teams Putt Around in Support of Missions

July 18, 2022

Putt Fore Missions was a great way to connect with those who support the vision of VMMissions to strive toward a Spirit-led church of many cultures. It was a hot evening on the greens at Mulligan’s Golf Center in Harrisonburg as twenty teams of four enjoyed a friendly competition in pursuit of the “green jacket t-shirts” awarded to our top golfers in four age categories.

more

What Do Motorcycles Have to Do With Mission?

July 18, 2022

An idea that started at Powhatan Mennonite Church ten years ago has now raised nearly $115,000 to support the mission of VMMissions to “equip the church to share new life in Christ with neighbors near and far.” And this year’s tenth anniversary ride broke records, including the amount raised for missions!

more

VMMissions Celebrates 30 Years of Involvement in Albania

May 31, 2022

As many persons gather June 18-19 in Albania to celebrate 30 years of Guri i Themelit Church, and 10 years of Lezha Academic Center in Lezhë, Albania, learn more about the long involvement of VMMissions in Albania.

more
Aaron Kauffman

The Gospel is for Everyone

May 12, 2022

We launched A Church of Many Cultures in 2021 with the goal of raising $3 million for three new areas of ministry: Business for Transformation, Global Church Planting, and a Mission Training Center. I am happy to share that as of this month, we have raised nearly $2.7 million. If you haven’t already, please consider how God is calling you to support this campaign.

more
Ben and Risa Yutzy family

VMMissions Opens New Category for ‘Marketplace Workers’

April 19, 2022

The “marketplace worker” category supports and equips believers to “live out God’s kingdom in every sphere of life.” This category enables persons employed in trades or professions to receive coaching toward fruitful ministry in the workplace, and to network with other Christians who see their work as ministry.

more
Douglas B. Senior

Douglas Senior, Beloved Leader in Jamaica Mennonite Church, Dies at 75

March 31, 2022

Pastor Senior’s experience as a successful businessman made a great contribution to the development and significant ministry of the Maranatha School for the Deaf in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Galen and Gloria Lehman, former VMMissions workers in Jamaica and later staff members, began their friendship with Pastor Senior in 1981. “We cherished his warm personality, commitment to integrity, his deep prayer life, dignified commanding presence, and strong Christian faith, making him an excellent church leader,” they write.

more

Thank You for Investing in the Life-Changing Kindness of Jesus Christ

December 3, 2021

Christmas is about kindness, God’s kindness toward us in Jesus Christ. In a world where kindness is in short supply, this is good news. We are invited to throw off the shackles of sin and receive the new life only Jesus can bring. Thank you for helping us share this kindness of God through a gift to the Mission Fund and meeting our year-end goal of $160,000.

more

VMMissions Launches ‘A Church of Many Cultures’ Campaign

November 6, 2021

Watch the full video highlighting the ‘A Church of Many Cultures’ campaign. Consider joining this vision!

more

Elio Milazzo: A Man Whose Voice Mattered

October 29, 2021

Within the Italian Mennonite world, there are few who would not recognize the powerful voice of Elio Milazzo, who for years was producer and voice of Parole di Vita, a radio broadcast sponsored by Italian Mennonites in partnership with Mennonites in North America, including VMMissions. The Italian Mennonite Church grieves his recent passing on August 29.

more

My Coins Count Raises Over $17,000

October 22, 2021

My Coins Count is an annual campaign that benefits programs designated by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and VMMissions. In 2021, contributors donated a preliminary total of $17,073.74, of which $8,536.87 will benefit the family discipleship ministries of VMMissions workers Hannah Shultz and Seth & Theresa Crissman.

more

Riders Raise Over $25,000 at 25th Annual Bike Shenandoah

October 4, 2021

On Saturday, September 18, nearly 100 bicyclists gathered at the grounds of Eastern Mennonite School to participate in the 25th annual Bike Shenandoah Cycle for Service. The event raised over $25,000 to be shared evenly among its six partnering entities, including Virginia Mennonite Missions and the Stephen R. Leaman Memorial Endowment for Missions.

more
Aaron M. Kauffman

Thank You for Helping Us Declare the Healing Power of Jesus

July 27, 2021

As we are seeking $100,000 to reach our Mission Fund goal for the fiscal year ending in August, I want to share two recent stories of the healing only Jesus can bring. Dramatic physical healing is not always our experience today, yet Scripture promises that the cross is God’s ultimate answer to the sickness of sin. Your generosity makes these stories possible.

more

VMMissions to Host Fall Cohort on Cultivating a Life of Prayer

July 21, 2021

Prayer continues to emerge as a priority as VMMissions looks ahead at the next decade. One concrete opportunity is available this fall: Michael and Ruth Hershey will be leading a three-month exploration and discovery called “Cultivating a Life of Prayer.”

more
Aaron M. Kauffman

Kauffman Reappointed to Third Term as VMMissions President

July 20, 2021

The Board of Directors of Virginia Mennonite Missions announces the reappointment of Aaron M. Kauffman as President for a third four-year term, beginning January 1, 2022. “Under Aaron’s leadership, VMMissions has continued to thrive and increase in numbers of appointed workers and in financial assets,” noted Lavonne Lehman, Board Chair.

more

Together for a Purpose

July 9, 2021

In both marriage and the church, God brings together people who have different gifts and ways of perceiving the world in order to build communities that provide a foretaste of the kingdom of heaven. Tyler and Kendra draw on varied gifts to strengthen their ministry together.

more

Join the Harrisonburg Leadership Breakfast on August 25

July 9, 2021

Become the leader you’ve always wanted to be. The Center for Serving Leadership is hosted a Harrisonburg Leadership Breakfast on August 25, 7-8:00 a.m. at A Bowl of Good, sponsored by VMMissions. Learn from leadership trainers Nelson Okanya and Jon Byler, and take away a practical action step that you can implement immediately.

more

VMMissions Blesses 130 Families through Relief Effort

May 27, 2021

In March 2020, VMMissions launched the Coronavirus Immigrant Care Fund as a domestic response to immigrants in need due to job loss and other hardships related to the coronavirus pandemic. Staff person Lizzette Hernandez led a distribution committee that fielded requests, verified needs, and made distributions. All told, VMMissions distributed $38,940 to 130 families in Virginia and North Carolina.

more

VMMissions Announces Updated COVID-19 Policy

May 25, 2021

As of May 24, 2021, all office staff and tenants at VMMissions are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In accordance with updated guidance from the CDC and the Governor of Virginia, VMMissions is no longer requiring fully vaccinated staff or visitors to wear masks or maintain social distancing. We ask that all staff and visitors, even if vaccinated, make a point to accommodate requests to wear masks, socially distance, meet outside, or otherwise adjust office protocol for the sake of the comfort, health or safety of others.

more

Todd Van Patter Hired as Director of Operations

March 10, 2021

VMMissions is pleased to announce the hiring of Todd Van Patter as Director of Operations, beginning March 31. In this key role, Todd will lead the Support Services Team and serve on the Leadership Council. His background is in organizational design and culture: the systems and practices that lead to vibrant and effective organizations.

more

VMMissions Joins Hurricane Relief Ministry in Honduras

March 9, 2021

In November 2020, Honduras and other Central American countries were devastated by two major back-to-back hurricanes, Eta and Iota. VMMissions started a Honduras Hurricane Relief Fund to participate with the Honduran effort by providing funds and supplies.

more

Board and Staff Participate in Racial and Cultural Sensitivity Training

March 9, 2021

On October 24 and November 6, 2020, VMMissions board and staff members participated in a two-part training on racial and cultural sensitivity facilitated by Alicia Manning, an educator, consultant, and member of Calvary Community Church (C3) in Hampton, Va.

more

VMMissions Now Hiring: Human Resources Manager

March 5, 2021

Virginia Mennonite Missions seeks a full-time Human Resources Manager (consideration will be given for a part-time position if preferred). This individual will be the primary human resources officer for VMMissions, handling employment applications, coordinating hire and termination events, administering payroll and benefits, and leading the work to review and improve HR systems. Responsibilities will include administrative and office management duties to support the work of VMMissions’ staff.

more

Give Differently This Christmas with Alternative Christmas Gifts

December 7, 2020

Each year, VMMissions workers propose projects to meet some special or immediate need in their ministries for our Alternative Christmas Gifts program. These projects range in scope and are ideal for individuals, families, Sunday School classes, small groups or entire congregations to consider. See this year’s projects.

more

Share the Light of Jesus

December 7, 2020

As 2020 came to a close, we invited you to help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 by December 31. Thank you for helping us reach our goal! Gifts are still coming in; as of January 4, we raised just over $101,000.

more

VMMissions Joins Honduras Hurricane Relief Initiatives

December 4, 2020

After two major hurricanes only two weeks apart bore down on Honduras, VMMissions was invited to join several relief initiatives led by Honduran churches with whom we have relational links, and Manantial de Vida, a partner congregation within Virginia Mennonite Conference. A total of $22,000 is needed to respond to practical needs such as family sanitation kits, food packet distribution in isolated communities, and repairs to homes and church structures.

more

#GivingTuesday Raises $4,800 for Mission

December 2, 2020

VMMissions thanks the 36 donors who contributed a total of $4,800 to this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign. This includes a matching gift of $800 from Everence. VMMissions will use these contributions to multiply disciples among neighbors near and far as we join the work that God is already doing at home and around the world.

more

Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

November 18, 2020

With thankfulness for the ways that God has been faithful to the ministries and partners of VMMissions, and out of gratitude for the prayer and financial support of God’s people, VMMissions hosted an event on November 21 to express our thanks and share stories from our ministries.

more
My Coins Count

My Coins Count Raises Over $11,000

November 2, 2020

VMMissions and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) cooperated this year to channel My Coins Count funds to help some of the most vulnerable people during the global COVID-19 crisis. Gifts through My Coins Count are supporting VMMissions’ continuing response to needs arising in the communities where our workers and partners live and serve.

more
Karen Yoder

Karen Yoder Hired as Ministry Support Coach and Global Assistant

November 2, 2020

This summer, VMMissions hired Karen Yoder as the new Ministry Support Coach and Global Assistant. In these roles she resources Ministry Support Teams and lends administrative support to Jason Showalter and the Global Team.

more

A Bridge Between Former Inmates and the Church

November 2, 2020

VMMissions worker and jail chaplain, Jason Wagner, is happy to announce the launching of a new initiative of care for persons released from incarceration. He has begun a partnership to build bridges between former inmates and the church. He acknowledges that it is complicated to walk with people in hard situations and churches are often ill equipped to do this.

more

VMMissions Hosts Prayer as Mission Seminar

October 7, 2020

VMMissions workers Michael and Ruthy Hershey led a seminar on October 17 and 18 focused on engaging prayer as the foremost tool given to us by which to engage in God’s mission and see God’s purposes unfold in our lives and in our world.

more

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Sign up for an email newsletter with VMMissions updates, news and events or see a list of our other email newsletters.