May 4, 2009 issue
The church still works
U.S. tour inspires MWC team from three continents
By Ferne Burkhardt Mennonite World ConferenceYes, the church still works — in far-flung countries and in the United States.
From left, Tigist Tesfaye Galagle, Cynthia Peacock and Albert C. Lobe relax after driving 1,500 miles from Kansas to upstate New York. — Photo provided by MWC
A recent tour through seven states confirmed that sense for four people from three continents representing Mennonite World Conference.
Albert C. Lobe of Canada; Cynthia Peacock of India; Tigist Tesfaye Gelagle from Ethiopia, currently on assignment in New York; and Pakisa Tshimika, from California but with deep roots in Congo; made presentations in 84 meetings and had conversations with some 3,100 people Feb. 20- March 18.
They visited seven colleges, high schools and seminaries, 21 churches, participated in 16 worship services and Sunday school classes, as well as meeting with individuals and small groups.
Their message was to encourage people, including young people, to attend MWC’s Assembly 15 in Paraguay in July; invite contributions to the assembly Travel Fund and other funds that help global brothers and sisters who have less; and to promote the total ministry of MWC.
Some people still were aware only or primarily of the MWC global assembly held every six or seven years.
In conversations with the team, people learned they are among 1.6 million Anabaptists in 75 countries — among which about 100 national church conferences make up the MWC “communion” — and that Anabaptist churches are growing rapidly among poor, young and suffering people.
Enthusiasm for assembly
These churches will be represented at the assembly in Paraguay, where the theme is “Come Together in the Way of Jesus Christ.”
Everywhere the team encountered keen interest in — even enthusiasm for — MWC and the assembly. Many churches already had members signed on to go to Paraguay. Others were still making plans to go or to help others to go.
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