March 22, 2010 issue
MB anniversary celebrations begin
By Elmer MartensJADCHERLA, India — The country that received the first Mennonite Brethren overseas missionaries more than a century ago started the denomination’s 150th anniversary celebrations in January.
An eight-member girl’s troupe performs a welcome dance before ordained ministers at the Mennonite Brethren 150th anniversary celebration in Jadcherla, India. The ministers are wearing newly introduced uniforms. — Photo by Ken Martens Friesen
About 2,000 people attended a conference marking the sesquicentennial of the MB movement.
Founded in 1860 in Russia, the Mennonite Brethren have a worldwide membership of about 280,000, including 94,000 in India.
The celebration took place Jan. 17 on a hospital grounds at Jadcherla. The crowd met beneath a shamiana, or tent, for a five-hour program.
It included an address by P.B. Arnold, president of the governing council; a presentation on Anabaptist history by I.P. Asheervadam, historian and teacher at MB Centenary Bible College in Shamshabad; and the launch of Knowing and Living Your Faith, a study guide to the international MB Confession of Faith, just printed in Telugu.
The program ended with the Lord’s Supper, as well as a groundbreaking service for a monument marking the occasion, and a meal.
Officials from the Indian church and several MB representatives from North America brought greetings.
MB history online
WINNIPEG, Man. — As a tribute to the 150th anniversary of the Mennonite Brethren Church, a team of historians and communicators has created an interactive historical timeline.
This resource illustrates highlights on the MB journey since its beginning in 1860 in what is now Ukraine. A timeline gives historical information and photographs. This project complements several commemorative celebrations and events taking place in 2010 around the world, including a U.S. and Canadian gathering in Surrey, B.C., July 12-18. — Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
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