Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

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A Life Well Lived: Remembering Ruben Mercado

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Ruben Mercado, a pastor and missionary with close ties to Mosaic Conference, died on June 9, 2021 from COVID-19. He was 50 years old. Photo provided by Kirk Hanger.

Ruben Mercado grew up on the streets of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, a drug addict who stole and ran with gangs to survive. At the age of 19, he had a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ that transformed his life. He became a pastor and leader in the Evangelical Anabaptist Church of Bolivia (LIEAB).

In 1997, the Mercado family was sent to Mexico City as missionaries to work with the United Committee for Anabaptist Mission (CUMA), an inter-Mennonite effort to plant churches in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. After 12 years of ministry in Mexico, the Mercados returned to Bolivia where Ruben was the pastor of the Light and Truth Church in Santa Cruz and a mentor to pastors and leaders.

Sadly, Ruben Mercado passed away on June 9, 2021 from COVID-19. He was 50 years old. He is survived by his wife, Guadalupe, daughters Heidy and Abigail (married to Franz), and a granddaughter, Hannah.

I met Ruben and his family the day they arrived in Mexico City where we had been sent by Franconia Mennonite Conference to serve as church planting missionaries. We became close friends and worked together for 24 years. Out of our shared vision for church planting, leadership development, and sending Latinos to areas with little or no Christian witness, we formed the International Network of Missionary Churches / Red de Iglesias Misionaras Internacional (RIMI), a partner in ministry with Mosaic Mennonite Conference. Today RIMI is made up of over 100 churches and church plants in 13 countries.

In 2012, while visiting Ecuador, Ruben noticed the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations. The modern building was surrounded by the colorful flags of its member nations. Ruben thought, how much more should Christian youth of Latin America come together to be encouraged and equipped to participate in God’s mission in the world? Out of that experience, the vision for Generacion Sana / Wholesome Generation was born.

Generacion Sana holds an annual conference that brings youth together from different countries for training and building relationships. Since 2014, Generacion Sana conferences have been held in Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Bolivia and most recently in Venezuela where over 1000 youth participated. Due to the pandemic, Generacion Sana conferences were suspended in 2020 and 2021, but plans to resume in 2022, possibly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As a gifted evangelist, Ruben preached in churches, stadiums, streets and fields. He effectively used radio, television, and the internet to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ. Several years ago, Franconia Conference provided funds to produce a video of Ruben’s testimony which has been used as an evangelistic tool in many countries. Through Ruben’s encouragement, new radio stations were started in Mexico. He was also the co-host of the weekly program, Consejo Oportuno / An Opportune Word.

Ruben never ceased to be amazed by the grace and power of God who took a young drug addict off the streets of Santa Cruz and gave him the opportunity to preach to the nations. He rejoiced to see other lives transformed by the same Lord who changed his. Ruben now joins that great cloud of witnesses. The memory of his life well lived for Christ encourages and challenges us to live our lives fully for Christ and God’s mission in the world.

Ruben Mercado (right) with his wife, Guadalupe. Photo provided by Kirk Hanger.

My Cry of Terror

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My friend, Jorge, and I had been climbing the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia for more than six hours. The rolls of bread we bought in the early morning were now battered and hard as a stone; we decided to throw them away. We hoped to soon find a place to buy food and water.

The road up the mountain was lonely, and we couldn’t find any place to stock up on water and food. Soon it was dark, and we couldn’t see the road. We found an abandoned house, desolate, without doors or windows.  We spent the night on the floor of that house. We were hungry and thirsty. We regretted having thrown away the stale bread that would have turned into a feast. As the saying goes, “With hunger, there is no stale bread.”

In the early morning darkness, I was awakened to giant eyes staring at me, embedded in a horrible, horned face only half a meter away.  I stuck my head through the window. I let out a cry of terror that woke up my friend Jorge and echoed through the mountain. The face with the giant eyes that were watching me opened its mouth and emitted a low, “Mooo,” as hideous as my scream. The cow and I were terrified of each other. All three of us experienced a tremendous terror.

After the terror of the encounter with the cow, the first rays of the sun were beginning to appear. In the distance, far down the mountain, we saw smoke rising from what looked like a house. We went down to find peasants who offered us two large cups of coffee, sweetened with sugar cane molasses. This sweet coffee gave us enough energy to continue on our way.

I was 17 years old when this story happened. Throughout my life, I have thought of this story as I reflected on the Lord’s prayer, especially “Lord, give us today our daily bread.”

I recently learned that a high percentage of US households throw away approximately $100 worth of food in good condition, each month. This food, bought in excess and then thrown away while still viable, is worth approximately $1,200/year.  As a result, my wife and I made the decision to not buy food in excess. We prefer to visit the supermarket more frequently and consume the food we buy, so that little goes to waste.

How MennoCon21 and Youth Service Week Impacted my Life

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Editor’s note: Evan Hostetler, a Mosaic youth, attended, with other Mosaic youth, MennoCon21 (July 6-10) in Cincinnati, OH and participated in “Love Where You’re At,” a Mosaic-sponsored youth service week (July 12-15) in eastern PA.  

In order to fully understand my convention experience, you need to realize that this is the first convention (Mennonite or not) I’ve ever been to … period. For me, walking into my first full day of convention was rattling. It was not what I expected. I had always heard that people went to convention, but I never knew what the scene and day consisted of.  

The energy was welcoming and overpowering. The seminars were engaging and impactful. The worship was freeing and uniting. This convention blew my world away. Though I was told how downsized this 2021 convention was, it still felt like something to behold.  

I appreciated how I could read what a seminar would be about in the convention program and pick the one that interested me. Almost every seminar I chose offered new insights. The ones designed for youth allowed our respective tables to engage in conversation about our views on the topic at hand. That was something I hadn’t done in a long time. I made new friends at these seminars, as our thoughts mingled.  

Meeting people in the recreation area was also a blast. There were some intense games of ultimate frisbee, as well as some chill games of pickleball. Everyone I met there was friendly and welcoming – a pleasant Mennonite atmosphere. Of course, I didn’t just meet awesome people, but traveled with them as well. The relationships forged will be treasured memories, and hopefully will continue beyond.  

At the end of the day, groups filed out of the Duke Energy Convention Center, and we all made our way to bed. Psych! We all met up in my hotel room and stayed up not too late because I eventually kicked them out. My sleep is precious.  

But each fun-filled, productive day left out one very important exercise… reflection. Regret. I loved each seminar I attended to the core, but I can barely remember them to this day. Nevertheless, it was still an excellent experience that I will write about in my college essay. 

After attending MennoCon21 from July 6-10, youth from Zion (Souderton, PA), Salford (Harleysville, PA), and Deep Run East (Perkasie, PA), participated in Mosaic’s “Love Where You’re At” youth service week (July 12-15), which comprised of local service projects, worship, and group activities.  

Youth from Salford, Zion, and Deep Run East participated in a week of local service and worship in mid-July. Photo by Jordan Luther.
Youth from Salford, Zion, and Deep Run East participated in a week of local service and worship in mid-July. Photo by Jordan Luther.
Youth from Salford, Zion, and Deep Run East participated in a week of local service and worship in mid-July. Photo by Jordan Luther.
Youth from Salford, Zion, and Deep Run East participated in a week of local service and worship in mid-July. Photo by Jordan Luther.
Youth from Salford, Zion, and Deep Run East participated in a week of local service and worship in mid-July. Photo by Maria Hosler Byler.
Youth from Salford, Zion, and Deep Run East participated in a week of local service and worship in mid-July. Photo by Maria Hosler Byler.

Service week was initially less exhilarating than convention. The issue was – I kept comparing it to convention and it just didn’t reach that bar. That was initially the case … and then Pastor Scott Roth (of Line Lexington (PA) Mennonite) appeared.  

Bike & Sol Director, Scott Roth (left), works with 2 youth in the bike shop. Photo provided by Scott Roth.

On day two, the Salford youth group volunteered at Bike & Sol, a Conference Related Ministry, where Pastor Scott Roth is Director. I gobbled up the opportunity to serve. During lunch, Pastor Scott gave an excellent, interactive speech challenging our beliefs about God and service work.  

Fortunately, I got to see Pastor Scott later in the week. He spoke at Zion for one of our joint worship sessions. After his second talk, I approached him, and had a nice, long conversation about seeing and interpreting God in our daily lives. I learned a lot about myself and God from Pastor Scott that week. The other speakers from the week were also superb, as were the group activities.  

I hope you got a sense of how impactful convention and service week were for me this summer. 

Even youth (from Zion Mennonite in Souderton, PA) run out of energy after a full day of activities together. Photo by Luther Jordan.

Age and Culture Should Not be a Barrier: Young People to Learn From This Summer, Part III

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Editor’s Note: This summer, six young adult interns have served Mosaic congregations. Five interns are participating in the Summer Service Program, a ten-week program for young adults of color sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). This article highlights two of Mosaic’s summer interns. To read about the other four interns, read the first part and the second part of this series.

Spencer Garrison has spent this summer as a pastoral intern with Whitehall (PA) Mennonite Church and Ripple (Allentown, PA). He also has been serving with Ripple Community Inc, Ripple’s community center, sometimes helping in the kitchen and spending time with people. On Wednesday evenings, Garrison works in Ripple’s community garden and then helps distribute food to people in need. Some days, he helps the pastors lead worship or devotions.

Garrison grew up on a farm in West Salem, Ohio, and wanted a broader cultural experience this summer than his rural upbringing. In high school, Garrison became interested in Spanish and speaking with people who were different than him. While studying Spanish and business at Bluffton (OH) University, he noticed something that bothered him.

“Our chapels [at Bluffton] aren’t very diverse,” he said. Kingdom building is an important part of Garrison’s faith. “I don’t want culture or language or anything to be a barrier to enter the Kingdom. Everyone deserves a chance to come see what it’s all about.”

Garrison described another challenge for him: wanting to do work that matters in a short amount of time. He has learned to emphasize “restorative practices, not just charity work.” Living with and talking to people are indispensable to him while ministering.

In June, Garrison attended a COVID-19 trauma healing workshop for Mosaic leaders. He felt a good sense of community, however, he was the youngest person there, as well as the youngest person working at Ripple and Whitehall this summer. Like race, culture, or language, he doesn’t want age to be a barrier to serve and learn. Young people are a large, under-used force, and he hopes that they will be more involved in future Mosaic activities.

Garrison is a whiz at music production, loves to worship, and enjoys hiking, singing, and playing guitar. He also plays baseball for Bluffton University.

Rachel Hannanto is a Summer Service Program intern, serving as a Sunday school teacher’s aide, at International Worship Church in San Marino, CA. Hannanto is supporting five to seven years old this summer. Since children are not yet vaccinated for COVID-19, Hannanto’s work has primarily been done remotely. She researches and creates content for basic biblical stories that emphasizes wholesome deeds, assigns homework, requests talent videos (song, dance, etc.), and gives weekly presentations through Zoom.

Originally she felt challenged to simplify concepts and condense her vocabulary in her ministry to children. However, while working through these challenges, she discovered that the children are much smarter than they get credit for from adults.

International Worship Church is Hannanto’s home church, where her father, Pastor Buddy Hannanto, has pastored for over 25 years. Hannanto says she is proud to support and serve in her church.

Hannanto has learned that positive energy and confidence in your leadership can truly impact others. “Always approach the next opportunity that comes your way with courage and optimism,” she says. Hannanto has always believed that her goals will ultimately revolve around good people she loves and can laugh with. “I want to be a radiating, confident leader who can aid those who are overlooked and in need,” shares Hannanto. “The people you spend time with and create memorable relationships with … are what matters most.”

Hannanto and has an education background from Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University. She is developing a pollinator-friendly backyard, directly supporting the endangered Monarch Butterfly population. She enjoys tending her garden, eating sushi, reading or watching anything in the horror genre, and swimming.

Dock Mennonite Academy Releases Investigation Findings

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On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, Dock Mennonite Academy released a letter to their school community and Mosaic Conference staff about the findings of their investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct.  Since the allegations were made public in March, Conference staff have remained in conversation with Dock’s board and administration, local law enforcement, and Dove’s Nest. 

In April, the Conference committed to waiting for the results of Dock Academy’s civil rights/Title IX investigation before pursuing any internal review processes.  Dock’s investigation has been completed.  Our board and committees are now working with conference staff to discern next steps and will share additional information by September 10.  Conference leadership anticipates a response shaped by our commitments of support and accountability reflected in the Conference Giving and Receiving Counsel document and within the structure that Eastern District and Franconia Conference delegates approved in the reconciliation process that formed our new conference in 2020. 

Mosaic Conference has partnered with Dove’s Nest to provide resources for individuals, youth groups, and congregations on preventing and responding to situations of abuse or boundary-violation.  Additionally, John Drescher-Lehman’s series of articles on understanding the trauma of abuse is now available as a printable pdf resource.  Dove’s Nest continues to be available to congregations for policy reviews, Zoom or in-person trainings for adult volunteers, and general consultation. 

Mosaic Conference takes allegations of abuse or misconduct seriously (resources on church safety).  Please report any suspected child abuse within your ministry context to your state’s hotline: 

CA: list of phone numbers by county 
FL: 1-800-962-2873 
MD: list of phone numbers by county 
NJ: 1-877-652-2873 
NY: 1-800-342-3720 
PA: 1-800-932-0313 
VT: 1-800-649-5285 

Penn Foundation Joins St. Luke’s

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The Loux Center of St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, a CRM.
Photo provided by Penn Foundation.

Penn Foundation, a Mosaic Conference Related Ministry (CRM), and St. Luke’s University Health Network are pleased to announce the completion of their merger, effective July 1, 2021. Penn Foundation is now part of St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Penn Foundation will retain its affiliation with Mosaic Conference as a Conference Related Ministry (CRM). This connection to its Anabaptist faith heritage will continue to shape the ministry of Penn Foundation as it grows in its role and reach in partnership with St. Luke’s.

Headquartered in Sellersville, PA, Penn Foundation is a nonprofit, community-based behavioral health provider with 25 behavioral health and substance use treatment programs that serve approximately 20,000 individuals annually. St. Luke’s is a regional health network with 12 hospital campuses and more than 300 outpatient sites serving 11 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Wayne A. Mugrauer, who will remain President of St. Luke’s Penn Foundation, said, “Penn Foundation is fortunate to be well-positioned to make this strategic change for the future health of our community. Joining St. Luke’s University Health Network assures continued regional access to high-quality behavioral healthcare that is fully integrated with general medicine.”

The St. Luke’s Penn Foundation partnership was unanimously approved last fall by the Board of Directors of Penn Foundation and the Board of Trustees of St. Luke’s. Securing regulatory approval from various agencies followed the votes and was completed this spring.

Now that Penn Foundation is part of St. Luke’s, St. Luke’s operates the largest nonprofit network of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services in eastern Pennsylvania. The Network’s combined services establish a comprehensive continuum of care to treat patients with behavioral health and substance use disorders.

“Mosaic Conference is grateful for the good work Penn Foundation has done since 1955,” says Margaret Zook, Director of Collaborative Ministries at Mosaic Conference. “Penn Foundation ‘quietly shone a light’ as a faith-based leader in creative initiatives as it pioneered responsive and innovative approaches in behavioral health. We trust that this new partnership will empower Penn Foundation in its support of local congregations, pastors, and their communities.”

Penn Foundation’s merger with St. Luke’s comes at a time when the demand for behavioral health services is rapidly rising. Rates of depression, anxiety, suicide and substance use disorder have surged because of the global pandemic.

From Banker to Pastor: A Story of God’s Call

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God always has a purpose and special call for us. Prior to moving to the US in 2015, I was a banker in one of biggest banks in Indonesia. In Indonesia, I had a good life with a very good job, great salary, and excellent benefits. I also enjoyed serving in my church as a youth pastor and worship leader. I thought that I could be a businesswoman while doing ministry in the church. However, God had a different plan for my life.

One day, as I was riding my motorcycle to church to lead youth group, God spoke to me. It was raining very hard, and it was hard to drive. During that difficult moment, I felt God asking me, “Lia, do you love me?”

I said, “Yes, Lord.”

And God said, “Feed my sheep.”

I replied, “I do. I am serving in the ministry as youth pastor. I believe that our youth are your sheep.”

Then God asked me again with the same question, “Do you love me?” I replied, “Show me your will, oh Lord. I don’t understand what I need to do.”

God continued to speak to me and confirmed my calling to serve God through the word of prophecies that I received from several pastors and preachers. In responding and preparing for the calling of God, I began looking for a seminary or Bible School in Jakarta where I was working. I was planning to continue my work at the bank while attending seminary classes in the evenings. Those plans didn’t work as I had planned.

Pastor Angelia Susanto (right) and her husband, Pastor Beny Krisbianto. Photo provided by Nations Worship Center.

However, God had some extraordinary plans for my life and future. One day, my senior pastor introduced me to a young pastor from the US who eventually became my husband. After we got married, I resigned from my bank job. I left everything behind in Indonesia to serve Jesus full time and move to the US to support my husband’s ministry.

I began taking courses at Missio Seminary in Hatfield, PA. While I was taking seminary courses, God kept reminding me of the calling to serve Him. I believe that this is the way God prepared me to enter His calling.

To be honest, it was hard for me to adjust to a new place, ministry, and culture. It was difficult because I took seminary classes while caring for our home, my husband, and our six-month-old daughter. I was also doing ministry in the church on the weekends. I was so stressed, and I cried a lot. I was ready to give up and go back to Indonesia.

God helped me through that process. Praise God! God gave me a good support system through my family who cared for us so much. Finally, I graduated from Missio Seminary, in June 2020, with a Master of Arts degree.

Pastor Lia Susanto worships with her congregation at Nations Worship Center in Philadelphia, PA. Photo provided by Nations Worship Center.

Pastor Marta Castillo, my mentor from Mosaic Conference, said that I should give thanks to God for the talents He gave me. She also said that God had already prepared me to be a minister through the seminary courses and encouraged me to take the next step to be a licensed pastor.

I cried when I heard Pastor Marta’s words of encouragement because I felt that she spoke with authority from God, reminding me of His calling in my life. After spending a lot of time to pray, think, and discern, I finally decided to say, “Yes,” to the calling of God and surrendered my life totally to Him to be His servant.

Young People to Learn From This Summer, Part II

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Editor’s Note: This summer, five young adult interns from Mosaic Conference are participating in the Summer Service Program, a ten-week program for young adults of color sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). This article highlights two of those interns. Read last week’s article to learn about two other interns.   

Syerafina Himawan (center in yellow shirt), summer intern at Philadelphia Praise Center, assists with Peace Camp. Photo by Philadelphia Praise Center.

Syerafina Himawan, 18, was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and raised in south Philadelphia, PA. She attended Folk Arts – Cultural Treasures (FACT) Charter School in Chinatown, where she could connect with Asian-American peers. She later graduated from Central High school in north Philadelphia, where she began a Fellowship of Christian Athletes club.

Himawan’s work this summer is at Philadelphia Praise Center (PPC), her home congregation. Earlier this summer, she worked at PPC’s Peace Camp for three weeks, a day camp for children. Peace Camp participants interacted with kids from the community, heard Bible stories, and listened to guest speakers. A highlight for Himawan was seeing how the kids grew spiritually within three weeks.

Since Himawan grew up at PPC and attended camps as a child, she knows the impact camp can have on a child’s life. PPC did not have Peace Camp last year, due to the pandemic, and she wanted to be part of bringing it back.

Planning the camp was a challenge, Himawan says, because she struggles with organization and doesn’t always find it easy to ask for help. This year’s number of participants was low, due to COVID-19. For Himawan, this made her realize that spreading the message of Christ’s peace was even more important than ever.

She knows that Mosaic Conference stands for diversity, and her interactions with the Conference have been meaningful. She hopes more awareness about Mosaic will spread to young people and church members. In early July, Himawan attended MennoCon 2021 in Cincinnati, OH, describing it as “more intimate” than past years due to attendance restrictions.

Himawan enjoys sports, especially field hockey. and reading young adult fiction. She will begin studying political science at Drexel University in Philadelphia in the fall.

Marciella Shallomita (far left) teaches at Nations Worship’s VBS. Photo by Andrés Castillo.

Marciella Shallomita, 18, is a member of Nations Worship Center in Philadelphia, PA. She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and moved to Philadelphia when she was eight. This summer, she is working with her church’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, which runs Tuesday through Friday. The children experience Bible stories, lessons, and worship led by Pastor Beny Krisbianto.

In 2019, Shallomita experienced the success of her church’s VBS the first year it was held and was looking forward to its second year before the pandemic prevented it. As Nations Worship planned its VBS for this year, Shallomita was eager to return. During the pandemic, she learned how to play the guitar and cajon, in order to assist with worship.

Although VBS can be tiring, Shallomita feels a responsibility to help, as a member of Nations Worship Center. Serving at church is a part of living for her. It’s something Shallomita has grown up with, and she has learned that she’s not just serving her church, but also her community.

On Saturdays, Shallomita participates in a kids’ zoom meeting and youth service. She assists Pastor Beny and Pastor Angelia with worship for Azusa St. Prayer Tower, a 24/7 broadcast that connects churches from Indonesia, the US, and Canada. On Sundays, she plays on the worship team and interprets sermons for non-Indonesian speakers.

Although she spends a lot of time during worship on stage, playing the keyboard and other instruments, Shallomita values behind-the-scenes work. “You don’t have to be seen in order to do it,” she emphasizes.

Shallomita enjoys music, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. She recently graduated from Dock Mennonite Academy in Lansdale, PA and will attend Eastern Mennonite University In Harrisonburg, VA to study biology and neuroscience.