Aug. 17, 2009 issue
Americans, Congolese draw closer at MWC Assembly 15 in Paraguay
MWC facilitates a growing relationship
By Mennonite Church USA staffPage:
- 1
- 2
ASUNCION, Paraguay — Far from all of their homes, Mennonite leaders from the United States and Congo had the opportunity to meet face to face.
From left, Mama Sidonie Swana Falanga, a leader of the African Anabaptist Women Theologians group, and Nina Bartelt Lanctot, pastor of the Florence Church of the Brethren-Mennonite in Constantine, Mich., meet during a gathering of American and Congolese Mennonites in Paraguay. — Photo provided by MC USA
“When we visit with each other, the illusions begin to fall away,” said Mattieu Shimatu, Congolese pastor and church leader, in the July 17 gathering of about 35 people at Mennonite World Conference Assembly 15.
Mennonite Church USA and two Mennonite conferences in Congo are forming a church-to-church relationship with guidance from MWC.
Benjamin Mubenga, president of Communauté Evangélique Mennonite, and Adolphe Komuesa Kalunga, president of Communauté Mennonite au Congo, joined four members of the MC USA Executive Board — Juanita Nuñez, J. Richard Thomas, Terry Shue and Ed Diller — and a roomful of others from both countries.
Ron Byler, interim executive director, invited participants to look around the room to celebrate the many connections between Mennonites in Congo and the United States.
“A rich history of mission connections and more recent relationships through a women theologians group are joined by many other intersections among us through the years,” he said.
Tim Lind of MWC shared with the group about the importance of developing relationships where gifts are shared with each other.
“We all need to think about what gifts we have to share and what gifts we want to receive from the other,” he said.
Nina Bartelt Lanctot, pastor of Florence Church of the Brethren-Mennonite in Constantine, Mich., said the churches should connect at all levels, including among women and youth.
“How do we learn to know people deeply?” she said. “I see your gifts of faith, prayer, music, vibrant worship and creative survival, and I know we have much to learn from you.”
Page:
- 1
- 2
Comment on the article Americans, Congolese draw closer at MWC Assembly 15 in Paraguay
The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.
Download
Download a free PDF showing the populations of
Mennonite groups and other Anabaptists.
