Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Articles

Remembering Bob Walters, Founder of Whitehall (PA) Mennonite 

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Robert G. Walters
December 14, 1927 -June 2, 2025

As a young husband and father, Bob Walters purchased a farm near Kintnersville, PA but after several years was asked to become the pastor of Steel City Mennonite Church (Bethlehem, PA) and later served as interim of Line Lexington (PA) Mennonite (both were Franconia Conference congregations at the time). Walters felt called to plant a new church and founded Whitehall (PA) Mennonite in 1988. A Celebration of Life was held on June 11, 2025, at Steel City Mennonite. Read more from Walters’ obituary.   

Bob Walters, who was raised in the Methodist tradition and became Mennonite through relationships, saying “if there was any reason that we became Mennonites, it’s because we felt loved.” He served as Conference Moderator beginning in 1982 (drawn from Franconia Conference News article by Luke Martin, Jan. 1982, courtesy of the Mennonite Heritage Center). The article stated, “I believe Bob is God’s gift to us for the 1980s.”  

Whitehall Mennonite began because of the vision God gave to Bob Walters. When he was out sailing, he felt called to plant a Mennonite church in the Lehigh Valley. Walters’ unrelenting passion and endless love helped create a place for those who were weary from life, giving them a place to belong and to hear the good news of the gospel. Despite support from other Franconia Conference churches, forming this new fellowship was a challenge and several times they almost gave up. They met in a variety of locations until they finally found their home at 4138 Wilson Street in Whitehall (from the Whitehall Mennonite church website) 

Sharing more about the challenges of those early years, Joel Horst Nofziger, Director of the Mennonite Heritage Center (Harleysville, PA) shared the following during a sermon at Whitehall Mennonite in October 2024:  

When Whitehall Mennonite was to be opened, a poster was distributed in the community that proclaimed the congregation “a place of new beginnings.” I want to take a moment here to reflect on one of the beginnings of this congregation. In 1989, church planter and pastor Bob Walters had a vision for Lehigh County while on his sailboat in the Bahamas. There, outside of Nassau, Bob was dreaming of Whitehall. This grew into the desire to start a church, urged on by the story of the lepers found in II Kings 7.  

Jerusalem was under siege by the armies of Samaria. But the Lord delivers the people and scatters the army. Salvation was discovered by four lepers who sat at the entrance to the gate. They entered the camps and discovered the attackers had fled. It was these people on the margins who brought news of salvation to the people. Bob and his wife Emily felt that now was the time to move and, like the lepers, begin a new testimony to God’s salvation.  

In conversation with friends, a vision began to emerge: “Whitehall: a member of the master’s family,” reads the early vision. The road was not easy. Early minutes of the church planting committee are somber and often downcast.  

In the notes of June 12, 1991, two days before the conference recommended closing the congregation, the situation is clearly stated: “Options do not abound.” Nevertheless, the minutes continue, with the next month reporting forty-five attendees, twenty-three more than average. 

Here we stand, thirty-five years later. Options may not abound, but the grace and power of the Lord surely does. Truly, it is a community that transcends boundaries of nationality, race, class, gender, and language. Taking the opportunity to look back to those beginnings, how is Whitehall Mennonite Church called to serve the master today? 

We honor the legacy of Walters and his life of faithfulness which has shaped who Mosaic Conference has become today. 

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.       

Serving with Purpose and Voice: Ambassadors We’re Learning from the Summer Part II

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by Javier Márquez

Editor’s Note: This summer, 14 young adult Ambassadors are serving in congregations and ministries across Mosaic Conference. This article highlights three of these Ambassadors, and in the coming weeks, you will be introduced to the other Ambassadors. Read the first article here. 

Brendan Sagastume, a 20-year-old Mosaic Conference Ambassador, views this summer as an opportunity to deepen his calling and continue growing as a leader in service to others. After a meaningful experience last year as an Ambassador for his congregation and the Mosaic Conference staff, Sagastume was inspired to become an Ambassador again, this time with Healthy Niños Honduras. 

His responsibilities include coordinating service teams coming from the U.S. to Honduras, processing donations, and helping with communications.  

“I hope to represent the Kingdom values of compassion and service,” Sagastume says. “Through this work, I hope to reflect Christ’s love in practical and relational ways.” 

Sagastume is learning about the importance of flexibility and openness. “Serving often means being ready to help in ways I didn’t expect,” he explains. “I’ve seen how ministry happens not just through programs, but through everyday conversations and acts of kindness.” These insights have drawn him closer to God, teaching him to rely on God’s strength and not his own strength. 

He invites Mosaic Conference to pray for strength, wisdom, deepened faith, and blessings for all with whom he is working.  

Caitlyn Weber, a 23-year-old Mosaic Conference Ambassador, is embracing the legacy of her spiritual ancestors by serving at the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville, Pennsylvania.  

“I was motivated by a desire to be involved in my local community and local congregations,” Weber shared. “Working at the Heritage Center expands my understanding of what it means to be part of a church community and how we carry the legacy of our spiritual ancestors when navigating our beliefs and the world today.” 

Weber’s role includes generating content for social media to extend the reach of the Heritage Center. She draws from artifacts, photographs, individual narratives, and congregational histories to develop stories she hopes will help today’s generations grow in understanding and faith. 

“My work this summer will reflect peace and truth,” she says. “Studying the lives of those who came before us in the faith creates opportunities for understanding and living peace through their examples.” 

She is already recognizing ways being an Ambassador has helped her to grow. “I’ve learned how to navigate museum and archival collections, and I’m learning how to reflect the experiences of others through writing, while collaborating closely with those around me.” 

For Matthias Brockington, a 20-year-old Ambassador with Mosaic Conference, ministry is a calling deeply rooted in his growing relationship with Jesus. This summer, he’s stepping faithfully into that calling as a pastoral intern at Experience Christian Church (Exton, PA), partnering with Mosaic to grow in leadership, ministry, and community outreach. 

“As my relationship with the Lord has grown, I’ve realized God has given me a gift of speaking.” Brockington shares. As an Ambassador, he is exploring the craft of sermon writing, working with the youth, and developing skills to build and lead community.  

“I believe the Lord has spoken a shepherd spirit over my life,” Brockington says with conviction. He sees his ability to connect with people as a gift to reach people that may not know Jesus’ love. 

One of the most important lessons he’s learned as an Ambassador is that young people are not walking this faith journey alone. 

Brockington invites the Mosaic community to join him in prayer for the youth he’ll be leading this summer: “Pray that the Spirit of God moves in ways that are tangible for the children.” 

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, contact Javier at jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org. 

A Prayer for Unity

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by Maati Yvonne

Mosaic Mennonite Conference Executive Board Member Maati Yvonne wrote and offered the following prayer to close the June 23 in-person board and delegate conversation.  

Four conversations (in English, Spanish, and Indonesian) in June and July will offer conversation and two-way communication for the future trajectory of partnership conversations with MC USA. Mosaic Conference Assembly delegates, credentialed leaders, and Mosaic committee members were invited to join.

Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all. – Ephesians 4:1-6, CEB 

Heavenly Father, 

We come before you with humble hearts, acknowledging you as the One who calls us into your service. As our congregations’ Mosaic Conference delegates prepare to make decisions that affect their individual congregations and the wider Body of Christ, we ask for your presence to go before them, to surround them, and to dwell within them. 

Lord, as Paul urged in his letter to the Ephesians, may we walk worthy of the calling we have received—with all humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Bind us together in the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. Remind us that there is one body and one Spirit, just as we were called to one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. 

Equip us, O God, with wisdom beyond our own understanding. Let Your truth guide every conversation, your grace cover every disagreement, and your Spirit lead every vote and decision. May we seek not personal agendas, but the good of the whole Body and the glory of your name. 

As we go forth representing our congregations, give us courage to speak truth in love. Strengthen us to stand firm in faith, and grow our compassion to listen with open hearts. May we serve our Conference and return home with peace in our spirits, confident that we have walked faithfully in our assignment. 

As we go forth, O Lord, we pray for all those headed to the MC USA Convention in July in Greensboro, NC, that they may be ambassadors of reconciliation, peacemakers, and truth-bearers. May we reflect the unity and love of Christ in all we do. Cover us, fill us, and use us mightily for your purposes in Mosaic Conference, in Mennonite Church USA and all over your Kingdom. 

In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen. 

Maati Yvonne

Maati Yvonne Platts is a lifelong member of Nueva Vida Norristown New Life (PA). Maati is committed to anti-racism and is a facilitator with the Roots of Justice Anti Racism Organization. Committed to peacebuilding education, Maati has co-created a Restorative Justice Movement, called Restorative Norristown, which trains, equips and empowers youth and community residents in learning and implementing Restorative Circles.

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.     

Leading Through an Impasse (Or in the Wilderness)

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by Stephen Kriss

For my 40th birthday, I traveled with a group of students to hike Mount Sinai. At the time, Sinai was experiencing a series of kidnappings and a significant decrease in the number of tourists. It was the best time and a precarious time to go. 

Though our guides had assured us our safety, at one stop along the way they ushered us quickly back into the bus due to a suspicious looking approaching vehicle. Our small tourist bus was accompanied by armed guards in a separate vehicle. This was the only time I’ve traveled abroad with a group and second guessed my decision to go. 

Creative Commons (Wikipedia)

Our hotel, seemingly empty except for our group, was foreboding and it felt like something could go awry at any moment. We were among the first wave of returning tourists and may have been the only U.S. American group there. 

The hike to Mt. Sinai is often done to catch the sunrise. It’s a trek up the mountain alongside other pilgrims–most walking, and some on camels or horses. Even in these riskier circumstances, there was a rush of people. I managed to find a few meaningful moments there and the group enjoyed the memorable experience. Afterward, we spent a lovely few days at a seaside resort near the Israeli border that provided opportunity to swim in the Gulf of Elat. 

My experience of Sinai was better in retrospect. While the sunrise hike and the resort were highpoints, what I remember most is the doubt I felt about bringing a group there at that precarious time. 

Creative Commons (Wikipedia)

There are parallels here with the Biblical story. The children of Israel asked, “Has God taken us to this wilderness to die?” Wandering in the Sinai for 40 years before entering the promised land sounds excruciating.  

The liminal space of “not yet” is hard to endure, especially in a culture with instant gratification and same-day delivery. In times of stress, change, and turmoil, we often long for quick answers when we actually need time: time to process and to be formed together. 

Leading with Mosaic Mennonite Conference in this season has involved, for me, some second-guessing and a lot of questions. How did we get here? What is God’s intention for us?   

How did we get here? What is God’s intention for us?   

I declared a few weeks ago that I was done trying to understand systems, whether our government, our church systems, or the Steelers’ decision to hire Aaron Rodgers. Sometimes these processes don’t factor in our perspectives or experiences, especially those of us who don’t regularly have access to points of power and decision-making. 

The reality is that we are almost always living in liminal space. That dash on a tombstone that marks the span of our life is full of experiences of here, but not yet.  

So here we are, many of us leading and wandering in a kind of wilderness. It’s a space and time that doesn’t always make sense to us. We face systems and powers that often seem misaligned with what we need for full individual and communal flourishing. And yet, it is in this space that we are formed. We become more fully ourselves, more fully the people God intends for us to be. It is here we can learn to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which requires patience, pruning, and care to grow.  

We lead in the midst of this process, though the fruit hasn’t fully arrived in us either. We watch for the kind of leaders this moment requires – voices and postures that may be different than those needed in other seasons. We pay attention to the ways that God provides.   

We recognize what is enough for our daily bread. We resist the urge to hoard. We might complain, but we strive not to turn toward building idols—those easy, familiar, most likely ungodly answers that would make it all make sense.  

There are hard questions in front of us. There are not easy answers. There will be menacing encounters and beautiful sunrises along the way.  

The process of becoming God’s people and representing the reconciling love of Jesus in this time will be full of paradox–requiring strength, power, and humility.  

The way will emerge. The Way, The Truth and the Life is always in front of us, behind us, beside us and even within us. So, in these in-between times, how are we preparing to embody that Way—in our flesh, blood, heart, mind, soul, and strength—both individually and together? 

Stephen Kriss

Stephen Kriss is the Executive Minister of Mosaic Conference.

Mosaic values two-way communication and encourages our constituents to respond with feedback, questions, or encouragement. To contact Stephen Kriss, please email skriss@mosaicmennonites.org  

Serving with a Heart for God’s Kingdom: Ambassadors We’re Learning from the Summer Part I

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by Javier Márquez

Editor’s Note: This summer, 14 young adult Ambassadors are serving in congregations and ministries across Mosaic Conference. This article highlights three of these Ambassadors, and in the coming weeks, you will be introduced to the other Ambassadors.   

This summer, George Chile, 19 years old, a participant in the Mosaic Mennonite Conference Ambassadors, is dedicating time to serve God and his congregation, LA (CA) Faith Chapel with a heart full of purpose and passion.

“I want to make an impact guiding youth and leading a movement for Jesus,” he shares. 

As an Ambassador, Chile is serving in various ministries within his congregation, including working in the congregation’s labor department with church equipment, and assisting at Samaritan home—a housing project for unhoused individuals. He is also stepping in wherever else he is needed, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to serve. 

One of the most meaningful lessons he’s learned this summer is the value of offering himself fully to God. “Time and energy are nothing compared to the love God has for you, and it is worth giving to God,” he reflects.

Through his dedication and heartfelt service, Chile is growing in faith but helping to bring the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven into every act of service. 

This summer, Marciella Shallomita, a 22-year-old recent college graduate, is serving God by walking alongside the youth of her congregation, Nations Worship Center (Philadelphia, PA). As an Ambassador, Shallomita is combining her organizational gifts and heart for ministry to make a lasting impact. 

“Being an Ambassador is a good way to help my church in behind-the-scenes ministry, along with the regular ministry that I’ve previously and will continue to help with,” she shared. 

As an Ambassador she will coordinate youth service projects and organize a youth retreat. She hopes to strengthen the spiritual and communal life of the church’s younger generation. 

Shallomita’s approach to leadership reflects the values of servant leadership and fellowship. “I will serve together with the youth to help the congregation and broader community. The youth will be able to understand the true meaning of a church as fellowship with others, as Jesus intended.” 

“So far, I’ve learned administrative work and communications—planning and coordinating with the youth, retreat center, and other leaders in the church,” she said. 

Shallomita asks the Mosaic community to join her in prayer for the youth she is walking with this summer: “Please pray that God will help them understand and build a personal relationship with Jesus. Through the service and fellowship they’ll participate in this summer, pray that they can be more on fire for God.” 

Hensley Ducasse, a 24-year-old participant in the Ambassador Program, is serving his congregation, Homestead (FL) Mennonite and community with compassion, leadership, and vision. 

“My passion for Jesus Christ motivated me to become an Ambassador,” Ducasse shared. 

One of his bold goals for the summer is to open a food bank in the local community, to provide nourishment to those in need and serve as an invitation to connect with the church and experience God’s love. Ducasse is also planning to host sporting and gaming events for children and young adults—creating spaces of fun, community, and spiritual growth. 

“I’ve learned how to lead by listening and how to lead by example,” he reflects.  

Ducasse extends an open invitation to the Mosaic community: “I am taking prayer requests from anyone in need.” 

Ambassadors Gather for First Meeting

Many of the Ambassadors who gathered on Zoom for the first formation meeting of the summer.

On June 5, the 2025 cohort of Mosaic Conference’s Ambassadors gathered for the first time to officially launch their summer journey of service and leadership. This program offers young adults (ages 18–24) practical ministry experience in their local communities, helping them grow in their calling and commitment to God’s Kingdom. 

Led by Javier Márquez and Danilo Sánchez, the meeting began with greetings and team introductions, followed by a time of prayer and mutual encouragement. The devotional, based on 1 Timothy 4:12, reminded participants that youth is not a limitation but a calling to be an example in word, love, faith, and action. The reflection encouraged Ambassadors to live out their service with integrity, sensitivity, and courage—trusting that even small acts can reveal God’s Kingdom. 

One of the most enriching parts of the gathering was a group dialogue, where the young adults shared their motivations, hopes, fears, and dreams for the summer. Hearing one another helped build connection, empathy, and the assurance that they are not alone on this journey. It was a meaningful time of vulnerability, hope, and shared vision. 

The meeting closed with a sending prayer, commissioning the group into a season of growth, service, and transformation. We encourage each Ambassador to give their best, trusting that God will guide and use them powerfully to impact their communities! 

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, contact Javier at jmarquez@mosaicmennonites.org. 

Ministerial Committee Update – June 2025

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The Ministerial Committee makes decisions on ministry credentials and policies that promote the support, health, and training of credentialed leaders and safe church practices for congregations. They meet quarterly to act on recommendations from the credentialing committee, review and revise current policies around credentialed leaders, and provide leadership in cases of misconduct.    

Report from the June 4, 2025, Ministerial Committee Meeting 

Committee Actions  
Credentialing

Licensed toward Ordination (LTO) – grants the person all the privileges and responsibilities accorded to an ordained person, except to ordain someone else. This license is issued for a three-year period with the purpose of testing the inner and outer call to ministry, further discerning of ministerial gifts, abilities and aptitude and may or may not lead to ordination.    

  • Dave Moyer – Zion Mennonite (Souderton, PA) 
  • Michael Marpaung – Ark of Christ (Westminster, CA) 

Ordination – grants the person the full range of ministerial privileges and responsibilities. This is a long-term, leadership ministry credential appropriate for all pastors, area conference ministry staff, chaplains, missionaries, evangelists, and those determined by the church to have a continuing ministerial-leadership role in, and on behalf of, the church.  

  • Kevin Opett – Church of the Good Samaritans (Holland, PA) 
  • Jaye Lindo – 7 Ways (Bowie, MD) 
  • George Makinto – Los Angeles Faith Chapel 
  • Mukarabe Makinto – Los Angeles Faith Chapel

Transfers

  • Karl McKinney – Nueva Vida Norristown New Life (PA), from Illinois Conference/LMC to Mosaic Conference 

License Extension – An extension of the 3-year license towards ordination for credentialed leaders who need additional time for the process. 

  • Gary Alloway  
  • Dania Hernandez  

Retired – held by those who have retired from active ministry. The credentialed leader must be over the age of 55 to hold this status. This credential is valid for performing ministerial functions and is to be exercised in consultation with Mosaic Conference. Mosaic Conference is not responsible for the actions of a person holding this status. 

  • Samuel Claudio Sr. 

Inactive – held by those who have been without a ministerial assignment for more than three consecutive years. 

  • Mary Beth Benner  

Withdrawn – is given when a ministry credential is ended for non-disciplinary reasons 

  • Michael Clemmer is currently serving with LMC (Lancaster) and they hold his credentials. 
Pastoral Transitions 
  • Jordan Luther, Methacton (PA) Mennonite, joins the pastoral team. 
  • Carl Walcott, North Tampa (FL) Mennonite will go on sabbatical for his health 
  • Roy Williams will pastor at North Tampa Mennonite. 
  • Lydia de Jesus, Luz y Verdad (Lakeland, FL) is on a two-year sabbatical for her health. 
  • Artemio de Jesus, Luz y Verdad (Lakeland, FL) is in a pastoral position during Pastor Lydia’s sabbatical. 
  • Wayne Nitzsche, Salford (PA) Mennonite, bridge pastor 
  • Dave Greiser, Salford (PA), moves to Active without Charge  
  • Haroldo Nunes will move from ministry at Seguidores de Cristo (Sarasota, FL) to Resplandece Mennonite (Pembroke Pines, FL/Colombia/hybrid) 

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.      

Be My Witness

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2025 MOSAIC FALL DELEGATE ASSEMBLY THEME 

“Those who had gathered together asked Jesus, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?” 
Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. Rather, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 1:6-8 CEB

at Souderton (PA) Mennonite Church  
November 1, 2025 9am – 4:30pm  
Primary Preacher:  Dr. Meghan Larissa Good 

In May the Mosaic board affirmed the scripture for the 2025 Mosaic Fall Delegate Assembly, which highlights the theme:  Be My Witness.

Our focus will be on the present realities and future of Anabaptism, while recognizing 500 years of Anabaptism in 2025.  

“Our guiding scripture reminds us that we are called to be witnesses for the gospel in our churches and in our communities,” shared Danilo Sanchez, Mosaic Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation.  

“As our planning team discussed possibilities for the theme this year, there was a sense of being called together by God and being sent out by God, which fits well with our Mosaic identity.” 

We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Meghan Larissa Good as the primary preacher for the Delegate Assembly worship.  

Good is currently the Faculty of Record for Teaching Leadership in the Doctor of Ministry program at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She is a frequent speaker and workshop leader around such topics as biblical hermeneutics, contemporary preaching, and the peacemaking role of the church in an age of polarization. 

Her latest book Divine Gravity: Sparking a Movement to Recover a Better Christian Story explores contemporary distortions in how the Christian story is told that have left many people adrift or deconstructing their faith and suggests how a recentering of theology on Jesus can revitalize the Christian movement for generations to come. 

Dr. Meghan Larissa Good

“Delegate Assembly is a joyful space to gather and hear the stories of Mosaic,” shares Conference Moderator Angela Moyer Walter. “Come see old friends and meet new ones. Embodying the reconciling love of Jesus looks different in each of our congregations and communities, and when we gather, we create a beautiful tapestry that is a testimony of God’s faithfulness, love, and power.” 

On Friday prior to the Delegate Assembly, a time of equipping will be offered.  

This year, the Fall Delegate Assembly is being planned by a team that includes Stacey Mansfield (Mosaic Administrative and Hospitality Collaborator); Jaye Lindo (Mosaic Hospitality Coordinator); Cindy Angela (Mosaic Director of Communications); Danilo Sanchez (Mosaic Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation); Stephen Kriss (Mosaic Executive Minister); Maati Yvonne (Mosaic Board Executive Committee); Joel Horst Nofziger (Mennonite Historians of Eastern PA); and Makinto (LA Faith Chapel).  

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.      

Rooted in Love, Reaching Across Borders

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Reflections from Anabaptism@500 and the Global Youth Summit

by Brendan Sagastume

From May 29 to June 1, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the 500th Anniversary of Anabaptism in Zurich, Switzerland, followed by the Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, which took place in a small town in southern Germany.  

The Anabaptism@500 event was a full day of connection and reflection. We took part in smaller workshop sessions on a variety of topics, historical walking tours, exhibits, performances from different choirs, and a powerful worship service. The day was centered around the theme of “The Courage to Love.” 

After writing notes and prayers, youth gather to pray over the world as a whole. Photo by Brendan Sagastume.

One of the sessions I attended was titled “Testimonies of Hope.” I heard moving stories from people who chose to love others in circumstances that made it incredibly difficult to do so. One of the most impactful insights shared by a speaker was, “The courage of love is the courage to overcome shame; to reach out to someone you feel you cannot embrace.”  

As I talked with others who attended different sessions, it was inspiring to hear the wide range of ideas, stories, and lessons being shared. The main worship service took place in the historic Grossmünster church, with live streams happening simultaneously in three other churches across Zurich. Nic Morales (Souderton [PA] Mennonite) and I were fortunate to be among the last people allowed into the Grossmünster. Even though our view was obstructed, the experience of being in that space and worshiping alongside everyone there is something I will never forget. Throughout the day, I was reminded of some of the core values of Anabaptism: a deep commitment to seeking God, reconciliation, nonviolence, and, of course, love. 

Worship service at the Global Youth Summit led by young anabaptists from Asia. Photo by Brendan Sagastume.

The next day, Nic and I made our way to Germany for the Global Youth Summit. After a few train delays and cancellations, and an unexpected 30-minute uphill hike, we finally arrived at the Schönblick Christian Guest Center in Schwäbisch Gmünd.  

Each morning and evening, we were led in worship by groups from different continents, followed by a speaker. Worshiping in such a wide variety of styles and languages was an incredible experience. After each session, we broke into small groups to reflect on what we had heard. There were also plenty of opportunities to attend workshops, play games, or simply hang out and talk with others.  

Danisa Ndlovu sharing during the Testimonies of Hope workshop session. Photo by Brendan Sagastume.

What struck me most throughout the weekend was how much I had in common with other young Anabaptists from around the world. Despite our different upbringings and the physical distance between us, we all share a deep desire to seek God, love others, and create a world with peace at the center. 

To close out the weekend, we shared communion in small groups and then came together to pray for the world. It was deeply moving to witness the many ways people were praying over different regions and concerns.  

Attendees from around the world gather before the day begins at the Grossmünster church. Photo by Brendan Sagastume.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of these two events. Being surrounded by such a diverse and passionate community of believers reminded me of the beauty and depth of the Anabaptist tradition. Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible. It is one I will carry with me for a long time. 

Brendan Sagastume

Brendan Sagastume is a member of Perkiomenville (PA) Mennonite. He is studying at Messiah University and is a part of Mosaic’s 2025 Ambassador 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.