Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

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Men Strengthened in Their Calling at Florida Leadership Empowerment Gathering

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by Javier Márquez

Pastors and leaders from Mosaic Mennonite Conference congregations in Florida gathered on June 13 for a men’s leadership empowerment event hosted by College Hill Mennonite (Tampa, FL) in partnership with pastors from across Florida. The gathering provided opportunities for worship, teaching, fellowship, and reflection on biblical leadership for men.

For Pastor Secundino Casas of Iglesia Menonita Shalom (Tampa, FL), one of the most meaningful aspects of the event was reconnecting with fellow ministers after several months apart. Spending time with other leaders strengthened friendships and served as a reminder of the importance of serving God together.

“It was a real blessing to greet one another and share this time together,” Casas said.

Pastor Secundino also expressed appreciation for the event’s organization, thanking Pastor Joseph Brooks and the College Hill Mennonite host team for their work. He had the opportunity to open the gathering with a prayer based on Joshua 1:5, a passage that set the spiritual tone for the day.

What stood out most to Casas was that, without any prior coordination, Pastor Tomás Ramírez of Iglesia Menonita Luz y Vida (Orlando, FL) centered his teaching on the same book of Joshua. For Secundino, this was a confirmation of the Holy Spirit’s leading and a reminder of God’s call to strengthen those who serve in Christ’s name.

One of the teachings that resonated most deeply with participants focused on the role of men as fathers and spiritual leaders. Secundino shared that one statement, in particular, stayed with him: the observation that many fathers have begun to live in fear of their own children.

“That reflection made me think about my own family and also about our role as spiritual fathers within the church. We need the strength God gives us to counsel, correct, and serve with love—not out of fear, but with confidence that God equips us to do what is good.”

The gathering also featured testimonies from two Christian authors who shared how God transformed their lives after difficult experiences. Their stories reminded those in attendance of God’s restoring power and the hope available to those who place their trust in God.

Beyond the teaching sessions, the event created a rare space where men could worship together, have honest conversations, and openly share their struggles, challenges, and lessons learned in an atmosphere of mutual support.

“I left feeling strengthened and reminded that God gives us the power to do good. I came away encouraged to continue serving with greater confidence, both in my family and in the church,” Casas shared.

The gathering reaffirmed the commitment of Mosaic’s Hispanic churches to continue equipping men to lead with humility, spiritual strength, and faithfulness to Christ’s calling.

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Associate for Community Cultivation and Leadership Development. 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 contact Javier Márquez email jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org.

Men Gathered for Empowerment, Encouragement and Spiritual Growth in Tampa

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by Joseph Brooks

College Hill Mennonite (Tampa, FL) hosted its 2026 Men’s Empowerment Network on June 13-14, bringing together men from across Florida and beyond for a weekend centered on the theme, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

The event combined biblical teaching, worship, fellowship, and conversation, featuring speakers from Mosaic congregations and beyond, including Tomas Ramirez (Iglesia Menonita Luz y Vida [Orlando, FL]), Pavel Gailans (Homestead [FL] Mennonite), Phillip Moore (The Refuge Church), author Nathaniel Roddy, and Sunday preacher Rev. Chidi Ihezuoh (LA Faith Chapel). Participants reflected on Scripture, encouraged one another in their faith, and discussed both the challenges and joys of following Christ, and the call of men in Joshua 24. The gathering generated enthusiastic feedback both from those attending in person and those participating online.

The weekend offered strong spiritual leadership and meaningful connections among the men who attended. Here are the key points:

Empowering: Participants described feeling strengthened and affirmed in their faith. The conversations throughout the weekend reflected a renewed sense of purpose and encouragement as men worshiped and learned together.

Engaging: From beginning to end, men were deeply engaged with the speakers, discussions, and one another.

Encouraging and Exhorting: The biblical practice of exhortation, walking alongside one another to build up, comfort, motivate, and encourage faithful Christian living, was a central part.

Exciting: There was enthusiasm throughout the weekend. Conversations continued long after each session, and many participants were already asking who might host next year’s gathering.

Edifying: Each speaker shared powerful messages that built up those listening. Charge!

Educating: We all learned a lot about the word of God and a little about one another.

Experience: Men traveled from Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, Homestead, Miami, and other parts of Florida to participate. The presence of Rev. Chidi Ihezuoh, who traveled from California with his family, along with those who joined online, made the gathering memorable.

Example: Resolution for Men, a resource inspired by the film Courageous, was offered a practical tool for continued spiritual growth.

Joshua was a man of resolution. He knew who he was and what his responsibilities were. Time and again, his boldness, faith, and courage rallied men. Finally, standing before them near the end of his life, delivering a farewell address to his countrymen, his wholehearted resolve and commitment to God as the leader of his family still showed through. He said:

If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15).

From the heart, we at College Hill Mennonite are grateful to God for spiritual leadership and guidance, and the support from Mosaic, each guest speaker, family, friends in the community, and those who joined us online… May God bless you and keep you, in Jesus’ name, amen!

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 us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

Amahoro International and Mennonite Church Uganda meet for a Two-day Conference in Mukono, Uganda

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Editor’s Note: Reprinted with permission from Mosaic Conference-Related Ministry Amahoro International.

Following last year’s three-day visit of Musumba (Pastor) Makinto at Ntale Mennonite Church, Uganda, Mosaic Conference-Related Ministry Amahoro International (AMI) and Mennonite Church Uganda under the leadership of Bishop Simon Okoth Onyango organized a two-day conference on July 18-19, 2026, with the theme: Peacebuilding in troubled times: Living in the security of God’s kingdom.

The morning of July 18 greeted us with long-awaited rain, very heavy at times, to the point that only four of the 15 member congregations were able to brave the weather and send a delegation. The smaller number gathered did not diminish in the warm, welcoming, and spiritually-edifying atmosphere that reigned during the day-long conference on Saturday and the Sunday morning worship.

The congregation in the open church building (no windows or doors) worshipped in the rhythm of the falling rain on the metal roof. The stomping feet of the youth worship team dancing in Congolese formation and singing familiar African praise songs, with their contagious smiles and movements, drew the congregation into joyful worship. The two loudspeakers, running exclusively on solar power, could barely last throughout the four-hour service.

Nevertheless, the joy of praising the Lord through song and dance radiated throughout the building, and as the rain slowly subsided, the Amahoro team taught, preached and testified on the conference theme. Musumba Makinto preached on Matthew 7 and 2 Chronicles 18 about the persecution and reward of peacemakers in conflict situations; Mukarabe Makinto gave her testimony of a refugee finding her calling through the legacy of her late father, a champion of girls’ education; and Emery expanded on five biblical principles for godly living.

Clairia spent creative time with the children and youth, studying bible verses, leading singing, and most importantly, counseling teenage girls and listening to their heartbreaking stories. Her workshop with these girls was very impactful; the simple act of sharing stories of abuse, lack of education, and family brokenness illuminated the dire situation of young girls in Africa. It showed the girls participating that their situation is not isolated but a societal pattern.

Finally, the whole congregation, including the children and youth, participated in the final workshop with Musumba Makinto: learning three-part harmony on a well-known African praise song: Mwamba Mwamba, which became the beloved “special number” for the Sunday morning service.

Pastor Simon Okoth Onyango is Bishop of Mennonite Church Uganda (MCU), member of Mennonite World Conference (MWC). Through his advocacy, MCU is well represented within MWC, as his recent trip to MWC leadership conference in Accra, Ghana demonstrated. Onyango and Makinto agree that the relationship between Mennonite Church Uganda and Amahoro International is important to establish stronger ties with Mosaic Mennonite Conference and other Mennonite agencies in the U.S. AMI has been active in Uganda since 2016 as a development agency working with refugees and young people to foster a culture of self-sustainability and African leadership of integrity. With good relationships both in the U.S. and in East Africa, AMI could serve as an important link between partners in both worlds.

The two-day conference ended with a traditional lunch at the bishop’s residence: karo, chapati, cabbage, beef and chicken stew, and a prayer for peace in the world’s conflict areas and for journey-mercies for the Amahoro team traveling back to Bombo.

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 us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

Soccer Brings Neighbors Together at Zion Mennonite

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by Jenn Moyer and Bonnie Moyer

A love of soccer became a bridge for new relationships as nearly 50 people gathered at Zion Mennonite (Souderton, PA) on June 25 for Victory Beyond the Cup, a community soccer watch party supported through Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s Vibrant Mosaic congregational experiments.

The event invited members of the congregation and neighbors from the wider community to gather around two World Cup soccer matches on a big screen while sharing food, conversation, and activities for all ages. Participants included families connected with Zion’s preschool and Bean Bag Food Program and members of sister congregation Iglesia Menonita Ebenezer.

Lots of good food and fellowship was shared.
Pickup soccer was a highlight of the evening.

The fellowship hall was decorated to celebrate the four competing teams and included country facts and a world map. A craft table was also available where kids could design their own paper soccer ball and jersey, make a soccer bracelet, and color the teams’ country flags.

Outside, a pickup soccer game and rounds of 9-square were as popular as the games on television, creating opportunities for children and adults to engage across generations and backgrounds.

The buffet table was filled with all kinds of delicious food and drink, including Peruvian and Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, barbequed wings, chicken fingers, and more. Dessert choices included Mexican brownies, churros, funny cake and shoefly pie. The crowd enjoyed it all.

While soccer brought people through the doors, the event also helped Zion members build relationships beyond their usual circles and strengthen connections among the many communities that intersect through the congregation. By creating a welcoming, low-pressure environment centered on a shared interest, the event encouraged conversations and friendships that might not have happened otherwise.

Those gathered play 9 ball.
Children make bracelets together.

Victory Beyond the Cup was one of several congregational experiments funded in 2026 through Mosaic’s Vibrant Mosaic program, of which Zion Mennonite is a participant in the second cohort. This year, participants from four congregations in the second cohort took classes on Vibrant Relationships (focused on Mosaic’s intercultural priority) and Vibrant Identity (focused on Anabaptist, Mosaic, and local congregation history, polity, and identity). Following the classes, each congregation had the opportunity to discern and design an experiment they’d like to try with their congregation, applying learnings from the classes. Up to $5,000 in funds are available to support these experiments.

Bonnie Moyer and Jenn Moyer

Bonnie Moyer and Jenn Moyer are both participants from Zion Mennonite in the Vibrant Mosaic program.

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 us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

Exploring the Many Stories of Mosaic Conference

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by Eszter Bjorkman

As part of Mosaic’s ordination process, pastors and ministry leaders must take four courses through the Mosaic Institute. My first course, titled “Introduction to Mosaic Conference,” was taught by Executive Minister Stephen Kriss and Leadership Minister for Formation Rose Bender Cook. This class focused on the origins of Anabaptism, the evolution of the Mosaic Conference, and what it looks like today.

The course included several assignments and experiences, ranging from Zoom lectures and readings to field trips and projects. One of the main elements was hearing each other’s “path towards Anabaptism,” encapsulated in our life stories. Many of these stories were heartbreaking, some even funny, but all unique. Even with just eight people in our group, we represented many different cultures and ethnicities. There is one thing that brought us all together: the way that Jesus has moved in each of our lives.

Most of these stories were told throughout the intensive portion of our class, in which we spent four days together in the Souderton and Philadelphia area for hands-on learning and relationship building. We began by meeting at Zion Mennonite (Souderton, PA), for dinner. Here we began learning about Anabaptism through Zion’s history in that community.

At the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville, PA.

Our first full day began at the Conference-Related Ministry Mennonite Heritage Center (Harleysville, PA), led by Joel Alderfer and Regina Wenger. This is a phenomenal museum that outlines the complicated history of the Anabaptist movement and Mennonite people with preserved artifacts, alongside a glimpse of where Mennonites are today.

After a quick lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant, we went to the Conference-Related Ministry Penn Foundation (Sellersville, PA) and met with Chaplain Sue Howes. There, we learned about how this institution was founded: many drafted Mennonites worked in sanitariums, the mental hospitals of that time, in lieu of active military duty. When they saw the deplorable conditions of these “hospitals,” they bravely exposed the truth. The outcry in response allowed the establishment of the Penn Foundation, which was one of the first institutions to treat mentally ill people with dignity. The following day began at the Conference-Related Ministry Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust in Philadelphia where we stood at the site of the first permanent Mennonite meetinghouse in America. This community fought for justice and loving its neighbor, even as people seeking refuge in a foreign land. They created the first formal written petition against slavery, and though the petition never gained enough traction to have any effect, I was encouraged to learn that Mennonites have been standing up for justice since the beginning.

At Rittenhouse Town in Philadelphia.

We then journeyed to Rittenhouse Town, a small Mennonite village created around one of the first independent paper mills in the area. This paper mill allowed them to print their own Bibles without being taxed by Britain for the paper. The paper mill, and the community that formed around it, helped that area prosper and slowly become what the Philadelphia area is today, all owed to the Rittenhouse Mennonites.

Next, went to South Philadelphia to one of Mosaic’s Indonesian churches, the Philadelphia Praise Center (PPC), pastored by Aldo Siahaan. There we were blessed by a delicious homemade Indonesian lunch while we heard from a couple of Everence representatives about the financial resources available to Mosaic pastors. Following, Pastor Aldo told us about PPC’s incredible history. Learning about PPC provided a glimpse of the type of conference Mosaic strives to be.

Food and fellowship with local pastors.

Following our time at PPC, we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant with the pastor of Centro de Alabanza de Filadelfia, a Spanish-speaking church that originally began with PPC but now worships in its own space.

At the Mosaic Offices in Landsdale, Stephen Kriss continued to teach us about Anabaptist history and the “polygenesis” theory of their origination. This is the idea that Anabaptism emerged in multiple places through shared commitments to believers’ baptism, discipleship, and nonviolence. Then, over a lunch of phenomenal Indian food, we heard from Ertell Wigham, the former pastor of Nueva Vida Norristown New Life, a bilingual, multiracial church. Despite their many differences, this community has continued to work towards unity and interculturalism; their church is such a powerful example of the body of Christ!

From the Mosaic offices, we made our way to FernRock Retreat, a beautiful place surrounded by nature and intentional opportunities for connecting with God, operated by Mosaic Pastor Sandy Drescher-Lehman and her husband, John. I spent over an hour walking and observing God’s beautiful creation, talking to Him out loud without any expectations or fear. After learning, thinking, and discussing almost non-stop for three days, this was a welcome breath of air. I am so grateful that Mosaic values sabbath time and understands how important quiet and rest are, not just learning. What a gift!

I confess that at first, I was not looking forward to this course. I had already taken Anabaptist history in seminary, so I did not see the usefulness in learning it again. Yes, I would get to meet new pastors, but I did not see the point of building relationships with pastors from all over the country that I would likely not see again. However, God humbled me quickly. I was moved by learning everyone’s stories. These stories, mixed with learning about the history of my ancestors, made it all come to life in a deeply personal and impactful way that I had never experienced before.

I began to see how my story as a Christian, as a woman, as a Mennonite, and as a member of Neffsville (PA) Mennonite fits into the larger story of God’s people. I was struck with a deep sense of God moving and speaking within me about my future and the future of Neffsville. Coming to the end of this course, I still have much to learn, but in the meantime, I am certain that I am exactly where God wants me to be. I am grateful to Mosaic for this experience and its continued support.

Learn more about Mosaic Institute!

The next Introduction to Mosaic course will be offered August-October 2026.  

Mosaic Institute is a conference-based, Anabaptist school of leadership for newly credentialed leaders, experienced pastors, Conference Related Ministry leaders, and lay leaders in Mosaic congregations and beyond. Courses are required for newly credentialed leaders but open to all.  

Eszter Bjorkman

Eszter Bjorkman serves as Associate Pastor of Youth Ministry & Congregational Life at Neffsville Mennonite Church. Since she began there in 2022, she has enjoyed serving the youth ministry, supporting ministry teams, and preaching. She and her husband, Karl, live in Lancaster where they enjoy watching movies and petting their bunny, Totoro.

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 us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

Introducing the 2026 Mosaic Summer Ambassadors: Part 4

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Editor’s Note: This summer, 16 young adult Ambassadors are serving in congregations and ministries across Mosaic Conference. This is the final article highlighting four of these Ambassadors. Click to read Part I | Part II | Part III.

The Summer Ambassadors are approaching the end of their 10 weeks of service. Some of them were able to visit the Lansdale, PA area last week to have lunch with the Mosaic Conference staff and dinner with friends and supporters. It was energizing for them to share their reflections and learnings. The Ambassadors who gathered last week for a closing retreat in Cartagena, Colombia had a very meaningful time reflecting on leadership, their summer experiences, and developing friendships. Please pray for the other half of the Ambassadors who will gather in Arkon, Pennsylvania next week for their closing retreat.

Below, four more Ambassadors introduce themselves:

Ana Hernández, Fraternidad Cristiana Vida Nueva (México City) 

“I became an Ambassador to help people in need and share the Gospel with them. My other motivations were to develop my leadership skills and put my professional knowledge into practice. This summer, I hope to grow in leadership and in my spiritual life.”

School: Autonomous Metropolitan University, studying psychology
Interests: I like nature and art, and I enjoy listening to and supporting people.
Hobbies: I enjoy writing poetry, singing, listening to music, reflecting, and delving into the Bible.

Eunice Domínguez Ferrer, Fraternidad Cristiana Vida Nueva (México City) 

“I became an Ambassador because I enjoy seeing different perspectives and how different people live. It is also an opportunity to reflect on everything God allows me to have, which I sometimes fail to appreciate. This summer I hope to help people, and I pray that God grants me the wisdom to understand and listen to them, to continue preaching the Gospel, and to help more people come to know God.”

Studies: Psychology 
Interests: I am very sociable, always ready to help, and know how to listen. 
Hobbies: I enjoy drawing and spending time with family and loved ones. 

Daniel Torres, Christian Council of Liderazgo y Fe de Colombia Oasis de Fe

“I became an Ambassador to learn and contribute my knowledge. This summer I hope to enjoy every moment and create unforgettable memories.”

Occupation: Teaching 
Interests: I enjoy reading and am sociable; I like proposing ideas and working in a team. 

Heydi Perez Casas, Iglesia Menonita Shalom (Tampa, FL)

“I became an Ambassador this year because I have been an Ambassador previously and had an amazing experience. I wanted to learn even more and continue developing skills I can use for my community, my congregation, and my own life. I hope to experience new ideas and become a stronger leader. This summer, I want to meet new people, building meaningful connections, and learn about other cultures. I want to explore the idea of how, though we all have different perspectives, cultures, traditions, we all serve one God.”

School: Hillsborough Community College, studying education
Interests: I am studying to become an elementary school teacher.
Hobbies: I am the photographer in my congregation; I love to capture many beautiful moments in church. I enjoy spending time with loved ones and learning from others so to expand my life.

En Mosaic, valoramos la comunicación bidireccional y animamos a nuestros miembros a responder con comentarios, preguntas o palabras de aliento. Para contactar a Javier Márquez, envíe un correo electrónico a jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org. 

Building Partnerships and Belonging Across Mosaic

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2026 Board Listening Sessions Report

Over the spring and summer, the Mosaic Conference Board hosted a series of listening sessions to hear responses to the conference’s growing network of partnerships and to gather hopes, concerns, and ideas about Mosaic’s future. In February through July, sessions were held in Tampa, FL, Lansdale, PA and South Philadelphia, southern California, and on Zoom. Forty-six Mosaic congregations (more than 80% of member congregations) were represented across the sessions.

The input time in these conversations centered on Mosaic’s commitment, affirmed by delegates in Fall 2025, to cultivate healthy mutual partnerships with Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite World Conference, and other Anabaptist communities. See the slides from the partnership presentation here.

Partnership Work Inspires Hope

Participants expressed appreciation for the breadth of relationships Mosaic has maintained and developed during this transitional period.

Staff highlighted ongoing collaboration with Anabaptist colleges and seminaries, Mennonite Church USA leadership development initiatives, Everence, Mennonite Mission Network, Mennonite Central Committee, MennoMedia, Mennonite World Conference, GRACE, and others.

Several participants expressed excitement about possibilities for additional partnerships, including expanded Spanish-language ministry collaboration, leadership development opportunities, and new connections across the broader Anabaptist family.

Many participants were encouraged that Mosaic has remained connected to a wide range of Mennonite and Anabaptist organizations while creating new opportunities for collaboration. Several also expressed excitement about strengthening relationships across regions and cultures, including expanded Spanish-language ministry, partnerships with international congregations, and greater connection among youth from different parts of the conference.

“Having two-way relationships to build partnerships should give us more joy than worries, precisely because this is work to be shared by everyone,” reflected Pastor Tomás Ramírez of Iglesia Menonita Luz y Vida (Orlando, FL) during one of the sessions. “Mosaic has expanded its wings, and when there are joys and when there are problems, all glory must be given to God.”

Desire for Stronger Relationships Within Mosaic

Across the sessions, participants repeatedly emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships within the conference itself.

Many expressed a desire for deeper connection among congregations and between congregations and conference leadership. Participants spoke about the need for more opportunities to build trust, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful conversation across differences.

Suggestions included more congregational visits, accessible communication, opportunities for churches to share ministry stories, and additional forums for conversation and learning. Participants also envisioned regional gatherings, retreats, worship services, and local ministry partnerships that would help neighboring congregations know one another better, particularly recognizing that part-time pastors often have limited capacity to build those connections on their own.

Michael Bishop, associate pastor at Blooming Glen (PA) Mennonite, reflected on the importance of these gatherings: “The main benefit for me has been relational. While the topics change over time, fellowship, vulnerability, listening, prayer, and mutual accountability remain at the heart of why I participate.” Bishop noted that conversations revealing either celebrations or frustrations helped strengthen trust and mutual understanding through face-to-face relationships.

Discernment, Identity, and Shared Purpose

Participants wrestled with questions about what holds Mosaic together amid significant diversity.

Many affirmed Mosaic’s desire to create space for congregations with differing perspectives while remaining centered on Jesus and participating in God’s reconciling work. At the same time, participants expressed a desire for greater clarity about the conference’s shared commitments and how discernment happens when disagreements arise.

Questions included:

  • What beliefs and practices are central to Mosaic’s identity?
  • How should congregations navigate differences while remaining in relationship?
  • How can the conference foster genuine discernment rather than simply debating positions?
  • What role should delegates, congregations, and conference leadership each play in shaping the conference’s direction?

Participants emphasized the importance of listening well, creating space for difficult conversations, and seeking mutual respect even when consensus is not possible. Several participants emphasized the importance of spiritual formation and biblical literacy, encouraging Mosaic to remain attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit while equipping congregations to grow as disciples of Jesus. Others encouraged continued teaching about Anabaptist history and identity, so newer leaders and members better understand the tradition that shapes the conference.

“The Holy Spirit is revealed more completely when we discern together in the midst of our differences than when we discern alone because of our differences,” reflected Assistant Moderator Janet Panning (Plains Mennonite [Hatfield, PA]).

Questions About Inclusion and Belonging

Questions of belonging emerged in multiple sessions, from different perspectives.

Some participants expressed concern about whether congregations with differing theological convictions will continue to find a place within Mosaic. Others raised concerns about whether LGBTQ+ people, pastors, and affirming congregations can fully belong and flourish within the conference.

In some sessions, the increased challenges for immigrants in the U.S. was a primary focus. Participants shared about the work their congregations are doing to build resilience and support immigrants and expressed appreciation to Mosaic for financial support through mutual aid, and recent pastoral letter.

As the conference continues to grow, participants also asked how Mosaic can ensure that relationships remain strong. Questions were raised about supporting international congregations, strengthening regional connections, sharing best practices across the conference, and ensuring that growth never comes at the expense of care, accountability, or mutual support.

Participants consistently emphasized the importance of listening well, practicing hospitality, and building trust through ongoing relationships.

Becoming More Fully a Mosaic

Participants also reflected on Mosaic’s intercultural vision and identity. Some asked what it would mean for Mosaic to become more fully a mosaic of cultures and communities. Participants wondered which cultural assumptions and power dynamics may still dominate conference life, and how every community could more fully see itself reflected in leadership and decision-making.

A recurring hope centered on younger generations. Participants encouraged continued investment in youth leadership development, spiritual formation, and opportunities for young people from different congregations to build relationships across regions. Some envisioned expanded support for the Ambassadors program, additional regional resources in California, and stronger connections among youth throughout the conference.

While perspectives differed on particular issues, several shared themes emerged:

  • Appreciation for the conference’s expanding partnerships.
  • A desire for stronger relationships and communication within the conference.
  • A commitment to remaining in conversation across differences.
  • A commitment to investing in youth, leadership development, and spiritual formation.
  • Questions about discernment, belonging, shared identity, and healthy growth.
  • Hope that Mosaic can continue growing as a diverse, Christ-centered community.

Throughout the listening sessions, participants expressed gratitude for opportunities to be heard and encouraged conference leaders to continue creating spaces for dialogue, relationship-building, and mutual learning as Mosaic moves forward.

There will be a final listening session in South Texas at the end of August. The Mosaic Board will use these themes, and ongoing conversations across the conference, to continue shaping priorities for the years ahead.

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 us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.   

Introducing the 2026 Mosaic Summer Ambassadors: Part 3

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Editor’s Note: This summer, 16 young adult Ambassadors are serving in congregations and ministries across Mosaic Conference. This article highlights four of them. In the coming weeks, you’ll be introduced to the remaining Ambassadors. Read Part I | Part II.

The Summer Ambassadors are well into their summer projects and have been receiving site visits from Mosaic staff. This weekend, half of the Ambassadors will gather in Cartagena, Colombia, for a closing retreat. The following week, the other half of the Ambassadors will gather in Pennsylvania for their in-person time of reflection and relationship building.

Below, four more Ambassadors introduce themselves:

Brendan Sagastume, Healthy Niños Honduras and Mosaic Mennonite Conference

“I became an Ambassador because I wanted to be part of a community of young leaders who are passionate about making a difference and supporting one another. I have had the opportunity to learn from mentors, connect with peers from different backgrounds, and develop both personally and professionally. I look forward to strengthening the relationships I’ve built and contributing to a supportive and encouraging community. This summer I hope to continue building my skills, learning from those around me, and preparing for the opportunities that await me after college.”

School: Messiah University
Interests: Leading worship at my congregation, Perkiomenville Mennonite
Hobbies: Music and soccer

Demarcus Daniels, Midian Leadership Project (Charleston, WV)

“I became an Ambassador to learn and grow in leadership skills, to be able to share with the next generation for them to spread as well. This summer, I hope to impact my community in a positive way through Jesus.”

School: Fairmont State University
Interests: My passion is to help the next generation in any way God leads. I love being in my community because I remember being a young guy and the troubles I had, so I hope to help others.
Hobbies: Serving my community, pursuing a degree in education, and playing defensive back on the football team.

Josiah Marrero, Crossroads Community Center (Philadelphia, PA)

“I became an Ambassador because I wanted to continue building stronger relationships with the children in my community while deepening their understanding of God through spending time together and learning about bikes. My interest in the bikes is what sparked the idea, but being invested in the youth is what encouraged me to apply to be an Ambassador again. This summer I hope to learn more about myself, including my weaknesses and my strengths, so that I can continue to grow in all areas. I hope to be a light to at least one youth within my community.”

Occupation: Youth Worker
Interests: I’m interested in becoming a minister or youth leader. I would like to start a YouTube channel that is relatable and encouraging to today’s youth of today, with positive messages because there are too many negative influences reaching our youth today.
Hobbies: I love basketball, and I’m easy to talk to.

Lincoln Matonti, Redemption Church of Bristol (PA)

“I became an Ambassador because I’m very passionate about the community where I live. I view any chance to give back to my community as exciting and worth my time. This summer I hope to reach out to young people through a Christ-based video game group.”

School: Bucks County Community College
Occupation: Security Guard
Hobbies: I love playing ice hockey, hanging out with friends, and having fun with my family.

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 us at communication@mosaicmennonites.org.