by Margaret Zook
Amid so much violence, loneliness, and deep despair in our world, even in our church communities, I am asked by many, “How are you finding hope this year?”
My response, usually, is that I have a large, loving family, the work of Mosaic inspires me, the small signs of spring assure me, and my congregation cares for the community. I follow the encouragement of Lizzie Moyer, the matron of Souderton Mennonite Homes (1927-1952), “Look to Jesus.” My trust in the Lord and the choice and freedom to follow in the path of Jesus, all these give me hope.
But where is the hope in response to the world’s suffering?
I see the hope in the depth, width, and impact of the Conference-Related Ministries (CRMs) in their communities.:
- On the porch of Ripple Community, Inc. in Allentown (PA) where the door opens to all with a snack, a bathroom, a table and a friendly hello.
- At the homes of Peaceful Living (Harleysville, PA) where belonging and acceptance are always present for people of all abilities.
- At Bike and Sol (East Greenville, PA) where the dedicated service center makes rebuilt bike magic happen.
- At Living Branches (Souderton, PA) where a friend is just a door away.
- In the village children of Honduras served by Healthy Niños and in the pastors of India accompanied by Peace Proclamation Ministries.
This is hope in what Dr. Betty Pries calls “the butterfly effect.” The idea that the distant beating of butterfly wings over time and space may produce a whirlwind elsewhere in the world. Making a difference.
The CRMs beat their wings over the world to bring hope, healing, education, and belonging to their communities.
Every small act of showing up well for one another, leading with kindness, and sowing small seeds of hope makes a difference. “Make a difference in someone’s life every day,” encouraged Kathryn Kulp, former Administrator at Hatfield Home (1969-1987, now The Willows, part of CRM Living Branches).
These small acts of love, one person at a time, may be the butterfly wings’ whirlwind. While these acts won’t stop the wars, violence, or climate crisis, they bring peace to the people that they touch.
Doing their best in what they’ve been called to do, working with what is available, our CRMs create community, connections, and support. They are butterfly wings of caring, loving, and sharing that whisper hope into the community. They give me hope for our church and our future.
Will you join me in praying for the leaders of our CRMs (from the Voices Together hymnal, #968)?
God who calls you to this ministry,
grant you grace, joy and endurance
Guide and empower you for service
Fill you with the gifts you need
And may the one whose love unites us as the body of Christ
voices together hymnal, #968
strengthen us to live and proclaim the gospel together.
This reflection was inspired by one written by Dr. Betty Pries in December 2023.
Margaret Zook
Margaret Zook is the Director of Collaborative Ministries for Mosaic Conference. She and husband, Wib, are members of Salford Mennonite Church and live in Harleysville, PA.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.