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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.

Stay informed of all the latest VMMissions news.

Update: Albania Earthquake Relief Fund

VMMissions is delighted to report that the Albania Earthquake Relief Fund needs have been met! Thank you! Through December 31, 2019, VMMissions has received $28,712 towards the expenses of a temporary shelter in Lezhë, Albania, for 15 Roma families who lost their homes in Albania’s recent 6.4-magnitude earthquake.

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It’s #GivingTuesday!

This year for #GivingTuesday, join with VMMissions as we equip the church to share new life in Jesus Christ with neighbors near and far. All donations will go to the Mission Fund, which allows us to support 32 individual ministries in 24 countries.

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Tidewater Virginia: Our Antioch

“We know that in the time of the early church, ministry began in Jerusalem. Later, Antioch became an important mission center. The Shenandoah Valley is the Jerusalem of Virginia Mennonite Conference. But, realize, Tidewater Virginia is our Antioch!” What made that particular context so special? How did VMMissions contribute to the picture, promoting greater faithfulness and fruitfulness?

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John-S-Coffman

Beginnings: Called to the Mountains

In the early days, mission vision emerged at the district level of Virginia Mennonite Conference. Middle District was exemplary in mobilizing witness over the mountains into West Virginia. Though many declined the invitation to serve, a steady stream of workers labored over the years, eventually giving birth to over a dozen churches.

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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 in Italy, Jamaica, and Trinidad were featured guests at events that included a reunion brunch for present and former workers, staff, and board members, a banquet to honor financial and prayer partners, an evening worship service, and a Sunday afternoon a cappella concert.

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College students at a prayer and worship service of Eastside College, a discipleship ministry of worker Rachel Yoder. Photo: Rachel Yoder

One Hundred Years of Sharing Jesus with Neighbors Near and Far

This year marks 100 years of Virginia Mennonite Missions helping the church share Jesus with neighbors near and far. How did it all get started? What has God done through our work? Where might God be leading in the future?

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The River and the Sea: Making Sense of the Story

For one hundred years, VMMissions has existed to help the church know itself as sent. It is when we look back that we are best able to see an unfolding storyline that can then help us to orient toward our future. What do we see when we look back?

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Call to Prayer: No junior Holy Spirit for children!

By Priscilla Gnanamanickam Children don’t have a junior Holy Spirit.” This is what we were told by a missionary couple when we were young parents in India, as we were learning to listen to the voice of the Lord and follow him. “Encourage your children to listen to the voice of the Lord speaking, like…

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End of fiscal year campaign nearly reaches goal

We express a hearty THANK YOU for your generous gifts to our Mission Fund during our fiscal year end campaign! We ended the campaign on August 31 with $146,404 received of the $150,000 goal. As we walk with longtime ministries and chart new paths with Jesus, the prayers and financial support of our donors and friends makes it possible.

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Melba Heatwole

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.

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VMMissions to co-host 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. Join us for a Coaching Training event with J.R. Briggs from Kairos Partnership, co-hosted by VMMissions and Virginia Mennonite Conference, October 1-2 at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, Va.

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Family treasure hunting

As a child, I loved treasure hunts. Almost as fun as finding my treasure was continuing to search in order to hide the knowledge of the treasure from my siblings and to share in their joy when they found it. Discovery, amazement, wonder and joy are all unmistakable markers of those who have discovered the Kingdom of God made flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

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