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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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‘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…

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The 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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A true presence for the Kingdom of God in Albania

Flying into the beautiful mountains of Albania on October 11, we knew we were there for a new kind of mission. Esther was asked by the board of Lezha Academic Center (LAC) to stimulate an interest in an art program in the school. Myron was asked by VMM to meet with church leaders and speak…

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Mission and the “Ports of Paul”

While Genesis 1 to Acts 12 is a story written by and about people who lived in hills, mountains, deserts, and land empires, almost all of the New Testament from Acts to Revelation was written to, by, and about people who lived in Mediterranean seaports. Paul spent most of his life in seaports. The early…

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Zooks teach English for three weeks at Lezha Academic Center

Albania had never been on our to-do list. But it was a sense of adventure that took us there this past August, and a sense of accomplishment that accompanied us home. Our mission was to teach in the three-week summer English session at the new Lezha Academic Center (LAC), administered by Klementina Shahini under VMM.…

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Centro Koinonia celebrates historic milestone with ordination

One of the greatest satisfaction cross-cultural missionaries can experience is leaving the churches they’ve planted in the hands of qualified national indigenous leaders. To reach this goal however, missionaries must intentionally focus on a careful strategy of involving local believers in everything they do and dedicate much time, prayer, and energy to discipling/mentoring. This is…

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Bike Shenandoah sees a 55% increase in riders

One hundred and seven riders, a 55% increase from last year, enjoyed a trek through the Shenandoah Valley on a beautiful fall day as they “cycled for service” in Bike Shenandoah, now in its 15th year. Bikers choose between a challenging 100-mile journey and an easy five mile jaunt, or something in between, as they…

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Christmas gift ideas to give joy, hope, light and health

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Take me to the waters: God’s Love Flows in Colotlan, Mexico

The week of July 20-28, Manantial de Vida (MDV), a Harrisonburg District congregation conducted a missions trip to Colotlan, Mexico. This was a mission geared toward reaching children of all ages in a high crime, drug cartel-riddled geographic area. MDV sent four missionaries to minister hope and God’s love to Casa del Padre (The Father’s…

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“The Church in Jubilee” – MCTT annual meeting celebrates freedom in Christ

The Mennonite Church of Trinidad & Tobago (MCTT) held its 28th annual general meeting, August 11-12. The theme, “The Church in Jubilee,” reflected the national 50th anniversary of independence for Trinidad & Tobago. While the country celebrated freedom from foreign control, the church celebrated fellowship, worship, service and witness through freedom in Christ. Fraternal guests,…

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Something different

Thirty-two people from various churches around Italy came together for “Family Camp 2012,” August 18-25. It was a week of relaxation, study, prayer and fellowship with other believers. Our theme was “Extreme Makeover II: Radical Transformation in Christ.” Pino Arena (Palermo), Giovanni Greco (Vasto), Nicola Cippone and Willard Eberly (Bari) taught on how we are…

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In Ecuador, an amazing reunion

The fifth man that I interviewed came into my office like everyone else. He began to explain his situation and we talked for about 10 minutes before I asked him the question, “what kind of work did you do in Colombia?” He opened his jacket and showed me the t-shirt that he was wearing that…

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