MWR : Articles : Dec. 11, 2006

Last updated November 24.

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Articles : Dec. 11, 2006

Realistic visionary, friendly pest

Critics might have said Marian Franz worked for a lost cause. But she believed no witness for peace and conscience is ever wasted. And she was right. For 24 years she led the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund, challenging lawmakers and peace-church members to live up to the highest ideals of their nation and their faith.

Ukraine: Church responds to HIV increase

SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine — Too weak to walk, Irina Anatolievna crawled to Second Baptist Church, located just a few meters from her house in this city of about 360,000 people.
Families appreciate curriculum’s connection of church and home

NEWTON, Kan. — Mennonite families are responding positively to a new Sunday school curriculum, Gather ’Round: Hearing and Sharing God’s Good News, launched this fall.
MCC partners add to progress on AIDS

AKRON, Pa. — The world is witnessing unprecedented growth in efforts to stop the spread of AIDS and care for people affected by the disease, according to Sarah Adams, AIDS program coordinator for Mennonite Central Committee.
Uganda: Teen clubs deter HIV spread

KAMULI, Uganda — The girl, on the verge of wailing, dropped to her knees in front of an audience of about 50 students and adults.
Freedom fighter

KINSHASA, Congo — Charlotte Djimbo is a fighter on behalf of impoverished Mennonite women.
Flying car missionary’s dream

NEWTON, Kan. — A missionary pilot whose life was depicted in the 2005 film The End of the Spear is working with members of First Mennonite Church to develop a kind of flying car that can be used by indigenous people in remote parts of the world.

Scholars celebrate 20 books in 20 years

WASHINGTON — Writers and editors of an Anabaptist Bible commentary series recently celebrated the publication of 20 volumes in 20 years.
U.S. MB Conference executive director resigns

FRESNO, Calif. — Charles Buller has resigned as executive director of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, effective Jan. 31. His resignation was announced Nov. 1.
MC USA appoints new intercultural relations director

NEWTON, Kan. — Mennonite Church USA Executive Leadership has named Iris de León-Hartshorn director of intercultural relations, effective Jan. 18.