by Javier Márquez
Editor’s Note: This summer, 14 young adult Ambassadors are serving in congregations and ministries across Mosaic Conference. This article highlights four of these Ambassadors, and in the coming weeks, you will be introduced to the other Ambassadors. Read the first two articles here.
Elizabeth Martinez, a 25-year-old Mosaic Conference Ambassador, is discovering new dimensions of leadership and spiritual growth as she serves at Homestead (FL) Mennonite.
“I wanted to be more active in my role as a follower of Christ,” Martinez shares. “That desire to serve led me to take this journey with the Lord, stepping out of my comfort zone to grow personally and spiritually.”
This summer, she is using her creativity and compassion to organize guided painting workshops that include fellowship, reflection, and healing through artistic expression, with Christ at the center. She is also supporting the church’s prayer services.
“Healing, humility, and hope and values of the Kingdom of God expressed in these events,” she explained. “Both painting and prayer invite us to look inward and allow the Holy Spirit to lead our worship.”
“I’ve learned it’s okay to rely on God when I don’t have all the answers, and I’m learning to have patience with myself and to trust in the abilities God has given me,” Martinez reflects.
Though moments of self-doubt and lack of resources have tested her, she remains rooted in her faith. “Even when I feel overwhelmed, I know I’m not alone. I understand now, in a deeper way, the struggles faced by the prophets and the importance of taking refuge in God’s wisdom.”
Martinez asks the Mosaic community to join her in prayer for her congregation: “Homestead is a small, aging congregation. I’ve been called to encourage my local community to seek the Lord. Please pray that the Lord would have mercy on us, and that we would see new life and growth. Pray especially for the Guided Painting Workshop—that we would have a strong turnout and that God would be glorified.”
At just 19 years old, Lincoln Matonti is making an impact in his community as a Mosaic Conference Ambassador. Motivated by a sense of calling and supported by Redemption Church of Bristol (PA), Matonti responds to observed needs with creativity, joy, and faith-filled leadership.
Matonti is collaborating with his church to create meaningful connections with neighbors through a unique film club outreach. This gathering invites people into thoughtful conversations about faith, community, and the role of the church. He is also helping renovate the basement space beneath the church building, transforming it into a welcoming environment for children.
“I’ve learned a lot about the needs around me,” Matonti reflects. “I know my passion for serving the community comes from God and not myself.”
Matonti invites the Mosaic community to join him in prayer for the people of Bristol: “Pray that their hearts would open as they hear the good news and that they would be moved to seek God.”
Josiah Marrero became an Ambassador to build deeper relationships with the children in his community while introducing — or strengthening — their understanding of God. Marrero serves at the Crossroads Community Center (Philadelphia, PA) in the Fairhill neighborhood, where bikes are more than a pastime; they’re a signal that summer has arrived.
“I am using my love for bikes to connect with the youth,” he shares. “I want to invite them to experience God’s love and show them God will never turn them away.”
With only one bike available for about ten children to share, Marrero finds himself modeling patience while encouraging the children to do the same. Whether riding bikes or playing basketball, every moment becomes an opportunity to grow in grace.
“The youth are looking for someone to guide them, whether they realize it or not. I know, because I was them not that long ago,” he says. His experience as an Ambassador is also motivating him to spend more time in Scripture and live out the lessons he’s learning.
Marrero invites the community to join him in prayer for North Philly — for ongoing donations to support the work at Crossroads Community Center, for the protection of the youth and their families, for their neighbors beyond Fairhill, and for the provision of another bike to keep spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
A personal recommendation nudged Myron Tucker toward becoming an Ambassador. “Mr. Joeven told me about the opportunity and that I’d be a great fit because of who I am and how I carry myself,” Tucker recalls. That invitation was an affirmation of the leadership, passion, and heart for service Tucker was already showing in his community, College Hill (FL) Mennonite.
Myron has experienced spiritual growth, formed meaningful connections, and embraced the joy of representing his congregation and culture. “What I’ve enjoyed most is being able to connect with people who share similar passions but come from different backgrounds and cultures. It’s helped me appreciate my own identity even more,” he shares.
Tucker sees this summer as an opportunity to strengthen his sense of calling. “I want to be a light to other young people. Being an Ambassador helps me understand how to do that with purpose and direction.”
Ambassadors Hold Second Online Gathering
On July 11, the Mosaic Summer Ambassadors gathered online for connection, reflection, and encouragement as participants paused to share how God has been at work through their service.
The meeting began with a warm welcome and check-in led by Javier Márquez, who expressed gratitude for the Ambassadors’ commitment and presence in diverse communities. “We’ve heard stories of your courage and learning. This space is for reconnecting and encouraging one another as we continue,” he said.
After an opening prayer, each Ambassador shared their current place of service and one important moment in recent weeks—whether joyful, challenging, or transformative. The time encouraged vulnerability as Ambassadors heard echoes of their own journeys in each other’s stories.
The devotional, led by Hendy Matahelemual, centered on Galatians 6:9 and reminded participants not to grow weary in doing good. The reflection emphasized that small acts of kindness and service matter and carry eternal weight. Ambassadors shared moments that had challenged and shaped them spiritually and emotionally during their time of service.
In a group dialogue on learning and growth, the Ambassadors explored what they’ve discovered about themselves, their faith, and their evolving role in their communities and congregations. It was a powerful exchange filled with insight and honesty.
Throughout the meeting, the Mosaic Conference leadership felt renewed excitement and gratitude for this program. It is a deep joy to know that each Ambassador is not only serving with joy, but also becoming a spark for meaningful conversations and transformation in the places where they’ve been sent.
The gathering concluded with final announcements and a prayer of blessing. Our Ambassadors continue their journey grounded in faith, full of purpose, and surrounded by a community that believes in them.
Javier Márquez
Javier Márquez is Associate for Communication and Community Engagement for Colombia. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet. He is based in Bogota, Colombia.
Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To share your thoughts or send a message to the author(s), contact Javier at jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org.
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.