Mosaic Mennonites

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The New Law Against Immigrants in Florida Affects the Church

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by Javier Márquez 

Editor’s note: Mosaic congregations in Florida requested that we share the impact of FL SB 1718 on their churches. Javier Márquez, Mosaic’s Spanish-language correspondent, wrote this article to share their experiences and perspectives on this legislation.    

There is a new, controversial law that takes effect in Florida on July 1, 2023. This new law, SB 1718, increases measures of isolation and persecution of undocumented migrants in Florida. The law will force businesses with more than 25 employees to verify the immigration status of their workers. In addition, the law will prohibit the free mobilization and circulation of undocumented people by prohibiting the use of driving licenses that are not issued by the state of Florida, a measure that is also directly against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in article 13: “Everyone has the right to move freely and to choose their residence in the territory of a State.”  

These are dark moments for the church in Florida. It is not difficult for us to remember, as Christians, so many stories that have nourished our faith: when Christians were persecuted, when being a Christian was a crime and they took you to the Roman Colosseum to be killed by lions, when the disciples had to flee because the empire had captured and sentenced their Master to death.  

The new law is designed at similar levels of injustice. These are dark moments, and that is why we need a church of light that is useful to society with real actions.  The Mosaic congregations in Florida invite you to pray with them and for them.  

Understanding FL 1718

by Eileen Kinch

Florida’s recent legislation, known as FL 1718, goes into effect on July 1, 2023. This legislation requires employers to check on the immigration status of potential employees.  

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 made it illegal for employers to knowingly hire undocumented workers. Some employers simply chose not to ask for documentation. FL 1718 now stiffly fines employers in Florida for not checking a federal database to determine potential employees’ immigration status. Employers can be fined $1,000 per day for not using the database in a certain time period. 

FL 1718 also requires hospitals to ask about patients’ immigration status. According to the legislation, patients may choose not to answer the question on the form. Patients will not be denied healthcare however they respond. Hospitals send the statistics to the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration, which then estimates the amount of money spent on undocumented workers. 

Florida’s new legislation also invalidates certain types of driver’s licenses issued to undocumented workers from 19 other states.  

A summary of FL 1718 can be found here. For more information on understanding the bill, see American Immigration Lawyers Association. 

Some updates from Mosaic congregations in Florida:

  • “Here in Tampa (FL), there is also a lot of fear in our faith community.  Our faith community is 95% immigrants; half have gone to other states,” shared Pastor Secundino Casas, Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Shalom (Shalom Evangelical Mennonite Church). “So, we try to respond to those who remain. We have invited an immigration lawyer to our church, to have guidance and first-hand information.” 
  • Pastor Marcos Acosta, pastor of Homestead (FL) Mennonite Church near Miami said, “I was meeting with local organizations and other pastors, and there is a lot of fear in general and bad information circulating on social networks. Last Saturday we organized a protest here in Homestead. We are trying to show support and provide information and be attentive to see how the law is applied. I also heard that here in Homestead, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been more active these last few weeks and that adds to the general fear that exists because of the law.”  
  • “Here at the Iglesia Menonita Encuentro de Renovación (Encounter for Renewal Mennonite Church) in Miami (FL), some brothers and sisters are planning to leave the state of Florida,” reported Pastor Andres Mendoza. “Let us ask God together to help them make good decisions and give them peace. One of these families has young daughters, and they are very afraid of being separated from their loved ones. Let us pray together to our God, so that he gives a way out of this situation. Thank you again for your support and your prayers. Peace of God.”  

Javier Márquez

Zion Mennonite Church and Indonesian Light Church Worship Together

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On June 11, Zion Mennonite Church (Souderton, PA) invited Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA) to join together for worship and communion. 

Zion created a special sign to welcome the Indonesian Light congregation. Photo by Hendy Matahelemual.

“It’s a natural thing if we’re around people who share the same culture, language, and background,” Pastor Hendy Matahelemual of Indonesian Light Church said at the opening of the joint worship. “But we worship a supernatural God, the One who will unite us to a new spiritual family that enriches us in fraternal love, mutual cooperation to build and complete each other.”

After the worship service, the two churches enjoyed a picnic lunch together.  

Pastor Sonya Stauffer Kurtz (Zion) preaches the sermon while Pastor Hendy Matahelemual (Indonesian Light) interpretes into Indonesian.
The joint worship band of Indonesian Light and Zion.
Indonesian Light Church members posed for pictures in Zion’s courtyard.
Indonesian Light Church and Zion Mennonite Church join for a photo after their joint worship in June. 
The service was followed by a picnic together, including cupcakes with Indonesian flags.

God’s Perfect Timing

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By Cindy Angela

We sing a song regularly at Philadelphia Praise Center called, “Waktu Tuhan” or “God’s timing.” The song’s lyrics explain how we should trust in God’s timing and how God’s time is always best for us even though it’s hard to understand. The song is so easy to sing, but, living out the words is much harder. It’s not always easy to trust in God’s timing.  

I especially feel the pressure of trusting God’s timing when the world seems to demand quick decisions, and I don’t feel like I have time to wait for God to respond. Even if I pray, I still ask myself, “How do I know if my plans are in accordance to God’s plans for my life?” 

Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (NLT). I don’t always know for sure if I’m following God’s timeline for my life. But I know that my plans can’t supersede God’s answers. God’s answer can vary between “yes”, “no,” or “wait”, but I think they all work together to reveal His perfect timing for my life. 

The Green Light (Yes, Go, Now!) 

When God says, “Now is the time,” I sometimes find that it is not the answer I expected. It might feel fast… even too fast. Often, God’s guidance is in response to things I didn’t even pray or think about. These green lights from God have come in many forms to me: a job offer, a graduate program, or even marriage. But in the end, I found myself looking back at these green lights and being incredibly humbled and amazed by God’s faithfulness in my life, even if it didn’t feel like it at the time. 

The Yellow Light (Wait) 

I’m currently in my 2nd trimester of pregnancy and being pregnant has made me reflect on God’s process of timing. A typical pregnancy is 40 weeks, and those 40 weeks can feel very long and full of anticipation, especially for a first-time mother like me. In these weeks, the baby is being shaped in the womb and growing daily. There is some pain, discomfort, and anxiety, but I wouldn’t trade these months of waiting and growing for anything. How wonderful is God’s design! 

 “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake.” 

2 Peter 3:9, NLT

The Red Light (No) 

Lastly, when God gives His red light (which God often does), I always believe that there are better things in store for me. I remember this verse often because I see it happen throughout my life: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT). 

When I look back at my life, I can see the bigger picture form. I see the wonder in God’s “yes”, “no,” or “wait”. I hope to be a better listener to God’s answers. I want to trust and anticipate God’s perfect timing, and maybe I will actually live out what I sing on Sundays at church. 

“Waktu Tuhan pasti yang terbaik 
Walau kadang tak mudah dimengerti 
Lewati cobaan, ku tetap percaya 
Waktu Tuhan pasti yang terbaik” 

“God’s timing is the best 
Even though it’s hard to understand
Though I go through trials, I still believe 
God’s timing is the best.” 

NDC WORSHIP – WAKTU TUHAN

The opinions expressed in this content are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference.

Cindy Angela

Cindy currently works as a Digital Communications Associate for the conference. Cindy was born and raised in Surabaya, Indonesia before moving to Philadelphia, PA where she graduated with a degree in Communications and Digital Media Technology from Temple University. She attends Philadelphia Praise Center with her husband, Andy.

A Celebration of Ministry: San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church

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San Francisco (CA) Chinese Mennonite Church celebrated 33 years of ministry by Pastor Joshua So on ​May 28, 2023, as he now retires as the Pastor of the Mosaic congregation. Photos by Danilo Sanchez.

San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church Choir sang special music during worship.
Jeff Wright, Leadership Minister, presented a Certificate of Service from Mosaic Conference to Pastor Joshua So for his many years of ministry as Pastor of San Francisco Chinese Mennonite Church. Pastor Joshua served for a total of 33 years at SFCMC.
Pastor Joshua So (second from left) and his wife, Anita So (far left), are joined by a guest pastor and his wife, with a cake to honor Pastor Joshua’s retirement.
David Pang, church deacon, and Enoch Wong led the worship service.

Finding the Right Balance 

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by Randy Heacock

I recently began physical therapy to improve my balance.  For the past several years, so-called friends and family have suggested that my walk does not look natural.  Though I do not feel any pain when I walk, some have remarked that it is painful to watch.  On my initial visit, my therapist said my gate is “different”.  Slowly, over 62 years, my adjusting for pain has caused me to walk in a less-than-healthy way.   

I have been wondering if my prayer is also lacking balance. Like walking, has my prayer life been adjusted by and directed by pain? A bulk of our prayers seems to be need-driven.   If a loved one experiences suffering, we ask God to give healing. If we are facing a challenging circumstance, we ask for wisdom or strength. The many prayer requests that fill our bulletins seem to be driven by need.  

As an example, southeastern PA has not had much significant rainfall in the past few weeks, causing very dry conditions. I would imagine that some of us have prayed for rain. In 2 Chronicles 7, God declares, “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls … Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (vss. 13-14, NLT). I cannot recall the last time I heard someone suggest this formula for prayer. I cannot ever remember seeing this type of request on a prayer chain.    

As I continued with physical therapy, I did stretches, a few weights, and eventually some balance exercises.  In the end I went from being able to balance on one leg for 2.5 seconds to consistently more than 30 seconds in six weeks.   

I believe changing my prayer balance will take much longer.  But there are a few things that I have already discovered.  To my surprise, the biblical witness has a much greater view and practice of prayer than the need-driven approach that seems so common in our churches. 

In Ephesians 3, Paul tells his audience of the many wonderful ways he prays for them so that they may be filled with the fullness of God. Surprised, I discovered our need-based approach to prayer is short-sighted in what we wish to see accomplished.  Being filled with the fullness of God is to be filled with the God who in creation created life out of nothing and who in Jesus gave life in the midst of death.  Praying out of need sets the bar too low for what God wants to do.    

To my surprise, the biblical witness has a much greater view and practice of prayer than the need-driven approach that seems so common in our churches. 

How is your prayer balance? Why settle for anything less than being filled with the fullness of God?   

The opinions expressed in this content are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference.

Randy Heacock

Randy Heacock serves as a Leadership Minister for Mosaic Conference while continuing in his role as pastor of Doylestown Mennonite Church.

Where Should Our Offering Go?  

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Children Decide via Consensus

by Jennifer Svetlik

In April, the elementary Sunday School classes at Salford (Harleysville, PA) Mennonite Church spent several weeks learning about decision-making via consensus. Then, they used the consensus method to decide where to dedicate the children’s offering that has been collected since last September. 

During the pandemic, the congregation had stopped passing offering baskets. When basket collections were brought back last fall, the worship team invited children and youth to serve as ushers. These same ushers then separate all the coins and one-dollar bills from the offering to serve as a children’s offering. 

During the Sunday School classes, the students learned that consensus decision-making differs from voting because instead of the majority winning, the desires and needs of the whole group are considered. 

One participant shares his thoughts while holding the “talking rock” while another participant listens attentively. Photo by Jill Drummond.

The students first practiced deciding via consensus about what snack to have.  There were three possible snack choices. It took almost the whole class time, but once the group came to a consensus, it was the most creative snack ever served during Sunday School! 

Then the group learned about three different local Conference-Related Ministries (CRM): Bike and Sol (East Greenville, PA), Crossroads Community Center (Philadelphia), and Ripple Community Building Center (Allentown, PA). They looked at photos, websites, and videos showing the impact of the work of each ministry. Then the children talked about which ministry should receive the offering. The conversations about this were extensive because each ministry does such good work.  

Participants raise a colored card to indicate whether they agree with the proposal (green) or that they can “live with it” (yellow). Photo by Jill Drummond.

Some students had given or purchased bikes at Bike and Sol and were able to speak first-hand about the work. Some students were moved by the welcoming space and the art therapy that is offered at Ripple’s Community Building Center. Other students, convicted about the prevalence of gun violence and that all kids and youth should have safe places to play and hang out, passionately advocated for Crossroads Community Center. 

In the end, the group decided to split the money three ways. This was hard for some students who felt like a particular group was doing the most important work, but it was a way to include everyone’s interests. 

The whole process took two and a half class sessions. “We learned that consensus decision making takes a lot longer than voting! But it felt good because everyone felt included,” one participant shared. 

“Being able to be the ones to decide where this money goes felt really important,” another student shared. 

Observing these children learn, listen well to each other, and creatively generate solutions was a real joy and a unique faith formation opportunity. 

Some of the guidelines used in the Salford children’s decision-making process. Photo by Jill Drummond.

Jennifer Svetlik

Jennifer Svetlik (she/her) directs children’s education and justice Initiatives at Salford Mennonite Church and works in fundraising and marketing for Roots of Justice. She and her partner Sheldon have two young children and live in Lansdale, PA.

Eglise Solidarité et Harmonie Helps Immigrants

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“Hope is a Success Story”

by Eileen Kinch

Eglise Solidarité et Harmonie (Solidarity and Harmony Church), a Mosaic congregation in Philadelphia, PA, has a special missional outreach: the congregation holds clinics to help Haitian immigrants complete immigration-related paperwork. These sessions provide assistance in how to apply for a permit to work in the US.  

Providing legal aid clinics was initially an outgrowth of Pastor Benjamin Toussaint’s work with Parents as Teachers (PAT), an organization that provides in-home visits to help parents understand early childhood development. In this setting, Pastor Benjamin noticed some families experienced a lot of stress when it came to filling out their immigration paperwork. He decided to do something to help. 

Pastor Benjamin spoke with ChiChi Oguekwe of Mennonite Central Committee, who recommended some attorneys who were willing to work pro bono or for low fees.  These attorneys help families to apply for work permits and green cards, as well as to begin the process of filing for political asylum. 

Eventually this legal aid ministry became an outreach of the Eglise Solidarité et Harmonie. Now families request appointments, and legal clinics take place on Monday evenings at the church building. Attorneys and people from the church assist with paperwork throughout the evening. Pastor Benjamin coordinates the program, and the church disperses the funds to attorneys and interpreters. 

Eventually Pastor Benjamin saw that, in addition to legal aid, recent immigrants needed assistance with furniture and clothing, so he brought families to the Care and Share Thrift Shoppes in Souderton, PA, a Conference Related Ministry. The Care and Share Thrift Shoppes have extensive experience with refugee resettlement, and staff give several hours of individualized attention to each family. 

Pastor Benjamin Toussaint (front row, third from the left, next to young man in the green shirt) and families from Haiti finish shopping for clothes and supplies at the Care and Share Thrift Shoppes. Donations to Care and Share have a local and global impact. Photo courtesy of Sarah Bergin and Care & Share.

“Care and Share embraces us and receives us,” said Pastor Benjamin. “They show the love of Christ, and people can see it.” After staff spent three or four hours helping one family furnish an apartment, Pastor Benjamin asked if he could pray a prayer of blessing with the staff, including Sarah Bergin, Executive Director of Care and Share, in gratitude for their ministry.  

The immigrant family and Care & Share staff held hands, prayed, and sang a song. “It was a nice way for us to connect at the end,” remarked Bergin. “We’re in this together.” 

Pastor Benjamin estimates that about 40 people have received help through the church’s legal aid program in the past year.  Many of these people now worship at Eglise Solidarité et Harmonie, and the building is full and overflowing with 100 attenders.  The congregation needs a larger space, and Pastor Benjamin is actively seeking one that will meet the congregation’s needs. 

Along with finding a larger meeting space, Pastor Benjamin has many other hopes and dreams. He would like to start a program in which immigrant families would volunteer at Care and Share, and he also plans to organize an entry-level English class in the fall.  

Working with the immigrant population has its challenges and stresses. Thirty people are currently waiting for legal help, and more people will be emigrating. But Pastor Benjamin points out successes, too. More people are now working and supporting themselves.  

Most important, though, is that Haitian immigrants have hope.  “Hope is a success story,” Pastor Benjamin said. Christ is present and helping in so many ways. 

Eileen Kinch

Eileen Kinch is a writer and editor for the Mosaic communication team. She holds a Master of Divinity degree, with an emphasis in the Ministry of Writing, from Earlham School of Religion. She and her husband, Joel Nofziger, who serves as director of the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville, live near Tylersport, PA. They attend Methacton Mennonite Church. Eileen is also a member of Keystone Fellowship Friends Meeting in Lancaster County.

Mosaic Conference to Attend MennoCon23 

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Mosaic Conference members will be attending and participating in the upcoming biennial convention of Mennonite Church USA in Kansas City, MO, also known as MennoCon23.  The convention for all ages will be held July 3-6 and delegate sessions will follow on July 7-8.   

Mosaic Conference will be represented in many ways at the Convention, notably by: 

  • Danilo Sanchez, Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation and one of the Pastors at Ripple (Allentown, PA), is on the MennoCon planning team. 
  • Marta Castillo, Associate Executive Minister. 
  • Gwen Groff, Pastor of Bethany Mennonite Church (Bridgewater Corners, VT), and Roy Williams, Assistant Moderator and Pastor of College Hill Mennonite Church (Tampa, FL) will attend as Mosaic Board representatives.  
  • Stephen Zacheus, Associate Pastor of Jemaat Kristen Indonesia Anugerah (Sierra Madre, CA) and member of Mosaic’s Intercultural Committee, and Michael Howes, Pastor of West Swamp Mennonite Church (Quakertown, PA) and Ministerial and Credentialing Committees member, will attend as Mosaic Committee representatives.  
  • Noel Santiago, Leadership Minister for Missional Transformation, will be assisting with Spanish Interpretation. (Mosaic Conference’s interpretation equipment will be used for the Convention.) 
  • Lindy Backues, of Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, will be leading seminars. 
  • Whitehall Mennonite Youth (Allentown, PA) and Salford Mennonite Youth (Harleysville, PA) will be attending as a joint youth group.  

Other individuals from Mosaic Conference will also be attending as active participants too.  

Please pray for the MennoCon23 gathering in Kansas City in July and for those attending.