News Archives - Page 5 of 7 - Virginia Mennonite Missions

Jason Rhodes Showalter to Join Staff as Global Ministries Director

Jason Rhodes Showalter was hired as Global Ministries Director, effective February 3, 2020. He has 15 years of experience as a cross-cultural worker with a sister Anabaptist agency, where his roles roles included orientation, mentoring, and developing strategic vision.

2020 Year End Financial Goal Exceeded

VMMissions is delighted to report that we exceeded our year-end financial goal of $100,000 by almost $7,000. Thank you! We are grateful to God and to everyone who has prayed, given financially, and supported our work in many ways.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sowing and Harvesting: VMMissions Kicks Off Centennial Celebration

On July 18, 2019, a crowd of over 450 gathered at Lindale Mennonite Church to kick off a series of events celebrating the 100-year history of VMMissions. The evening’s theme was “cultivating good soil,” based on Jesus’ parable in Mark 4:1-9.

Aaron M. Kauffman Graduates with Doctor of Ministry Degree

Dr. Aaron M. Kauffman, president of VMMissions since 2014, graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary on May 18, 2019. His dissertation uncovered five key strategies of local churches that are successfully engaging young adults.