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.
Thank you! Year end goal exceeded
Due to your generous responses and the gifts of supporters who matched with $15,500, we have exceeded our goal of $60,000 with a total of $66,442 in our first-ever matching gift campaign! Thank you for investing in hope with gifts to our Mission Fund. The peace of Christ to you in this New Year!
Read MoreVMMissions welcomes two new staff members
Virginia Mennonite Missions is pleased to welcome Steve Leaman and Melanie Sherer as new staff members. On December 2, 2015, Steve Leaman began employment with Virginia Mennonite Missions as Director of Public Relations. In this 60% role, he will lead the Advancement Team in the work of communications, public relations, and fundraising. Steve will also…
Read MoreMission begins with God
I grew up in a church that had altar calls. Not all the time, and not in manipulative ways, but from time to time, the leaders at Mountville Mennonite Church would invite us to respond to God by coming to the front of the sanctuary. The invitation would vary. Sometimes it would be for prayer,…
Read MoreA snapshot of Kids Club with Seth and Theresa Crissman
Katie waited on her porch, waiting to get picked up for Kids Club, like every Monday evening. Kids Club is her favorite part of the week. She was among the first to come when Kids Club started in May. Leaders from Early Church and Immanuel Mennonite Church met with Seth and Theresa Crissman to listen,…
Read MoreNew Creation opening shop to combat sex trafficking
The New Creation team at a “pop-up” shop selling items at the ONE Justice Conference in Richmond this past May. Courtesy photo I grew up with the idea that to be a missionary meant going overseas to a poverty-stricken land where no one had ever heard of Jesus. I watched missionaries leave my church to…
Read MoreLiving the incarnation
In the heart of the South Asian Muslim world, James and Ann (not their real names) work with a small business and with the local church in discipleship, neighborhood outreach, and developing leadership and resources. Girls from the South Asian country where James and Ann serve display traditional dress. Photo by authors Ann enjoys spending…
Read MoreBeing a bridge
Richard and Elsie Bowman served with Partners in Mission at Lezhe Academic Center and as a bridge to the local Mennonite church, living the Gospel incarnationally in the city of Lezhë, Albania. Elsie Bowman (left) and Xhilda visit after a church service. Photos by Richard Bowman As I consider some of the scenes from our…
Read MoreExtending God’s embrace
Sometimes the Apostle Paul sounds absolutely crazy. For example, take these words from 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NRSV): “Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the…
Read MoreTwinkle’s journey: The education of a Kalinga missionary in the Philippines
Twinkle (right) in Kalinga with her mission mentor Rev. Daniel Pantoja (center), during a time of fellowship with her newly-organized mission community. Photo: Bryan Jay Nahag Paler . When she was five years old, Twinkle Algag Bautista gazed at the sun’s rays and wondered “Where is this? Where is my homeland? Where is Kalinga?” In…
Read MoreLearning to Walk After Jesus
In the slum outskirts of a large Southeast Asian city, Yosiah and Anita live and serve among the poorest of Asia’s people. In a place of few economic hopes, they manifest the love of Jesus and work to bring hope to their community through transformational discipleship. A view along the street where Yosiah and…
Read MoreCome to the table
In the southern Italian context where Chris and Melody Riddle and their three sons served for eight years, sharing food and friendship around a table is where evangelism and discipleship can have the most openings. . . Micah, Adam & Isaiah enjoy a New Year’s meal with friends at the home of Elena’s sister. Photo:…
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