Mosaic Mennonites

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Working Behind the Scenes with Joy

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by Jennifer Svetlik, Salford Congregation

Kristine celebrating Christmas with sister-in-law Liv, brother Daniel and mom Ilze.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to lighten the load of my coworkers as they seek to accomplish their goals,” says Kristine McClain, Administrative and Communication Assistant for Eastern District & Franconia Conference. “I like to work behind the scenes, but my coworkers are the ‘face’ or ‘mouthpiece’ of the Conference. It’s satisfying to play a role in putting out a successful project, event or communication piece,” reflects Kristine.

Kristine is the friendly face that greets anyone who enters the Conference office. She does so many things that contribute to an organized and informed Conference: Kristine answers the phone, responds to inquiry emails, sorts the mail, distributes bulletin announcements, and maintains the office space. She also assists by creating and distributing publications, maintaining the website, and occasionally editing articles or producing media pieces. When needed, she also provides administrative or communications support to other staff members or committees. Kristine has served in this role officially since 2013.

With one of the “kids” (Tucker)!

Having lived in southeastern Pennsylvania since birth, Kristine knows the area well. She is a graduate of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. “Philadelphia suburb culture is very much my experience,” describes Kristine. “At the same time, I’ve always been drawn to areas that are more rural, with less traffic and a slower pace. When I’ve traveled through states such as Colorado and Wyoming, it made me feel like I was born in the wrong place!”

For 23 years, Kristine had a career in Christian radio, serving as a program director and on-air announcer. Her radio experience technically began as a young child, announcing her parent’s records into a tape recorder. As a student at Messiah College, she took a production class and volunteered at the college station. “I never dreamed it could lead to a career,” Kristine shares. “God had other plans, and I’m extremely grateful for the skills and experience I gained from my work in Christian radio.”

After she left full-time work in radio, she co-founded a small business, Rethink Creative Services, to serve local churches, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses with a variety of web, graphic, and video and audio editing services. “Projects that involve filming and video editing are my favorite, because I can lean more on my creative skills and less on the technical side,” says Kristine.

Many Sunday mornings are spent in the media booth!

In her free time, Kristine is very involved with her church, Bridge Community Church (Lansdale, PA). She runs sound for the worship team, does special media projects, and goes on missions trips. Kristine’s favorite place to be is Alaska, where she has relatives who she has visited her entire life. “There’s nowhere on earth that I feel more at home or at peace. Even in the winter!” Kristine shares.

For fun, Kristine enjoys metal detecting.  She considers it to be “hunting” for someone who doesn’t want to kill animals! “I haven’t found anything I can retire on (yet),” explains Kristine with a smile. “It’s always fun to see what I might find and it’s provided an endless supply of quarters for the laundry. Over the years, I’ve also been able to help people search for lost jewelry, keys, and property stakes, which is always gratifying,” says Kristine.

Why We Might Postpone, Cancel, or Meet Virtually

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Steve Krissby Steve Kriss, Executive Minister

Our conference is approaching a community of 10,000 people stretching from along the Ottauquechee River in Vermont, to the most diverse neighborhood of New York City, to some of the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania, to the biggest cities of California, and to the warmth of both Floridian coasts. Many of our locations were among the first to report incidents of the COVID-19 virus.

I’ve been watching carefully to determine if we should be doing anything differently and trying to pay attention to what might be best practices for us. I’m recognizing that religious communities can be sites of super-infection, as has been true in South Korea and New Rochelle, NY, as well as possibly in Washington, DC. We need to be aware and thoughtful.

I want to invite us, in the presence of Jesus, to “watch and pray” as leaders in this time. And to not fall asleep.

The best research that I’ve seen suggests that cancelling events and working from home helps to flatten the spread of the virus. This makes sense to me. While, at this point, we won’t recommend any cancellation of congregational worship gatherings, we will cancel or postpone some Conference gatherings, particularly those with larger sizes.

The most vulnerable to the COVID virus seem to be those above the age of 70. We will do well to thoughtfully practice worship together with those who might feel more vulnerable, even giving those persons “permission” to skip church services and to watch online. If we haven’t yet figured out how to do that, it’s a good time to learn how to livestream via Facebook or other platforms to make sure that those who are home can still feel connected to the community.

I’ve often thought of cancelling events as somehow lacking the resilience to keep moving without fear. But this virus is different from other events. Some of us don’t have the privileges of health care coverage or jobs that can be done from home, and without sick time, every hour of missed work makes life more difficult to manage.

We might cancel events with consideration of those in our community who might be more vulnerable, recognizing, as Paul said, that “those who might be more vulnerable need more special care and attention.” A “get out of church free” pass might be what faithful senior members might need to comfortably stay home. A special check-in by phone from the pastor or other congregational leaders might then be a helpful follow up.

I’m choosing to avoid shaking hands unless you extend your hand to me. I may try fist bumps more often than a dap or embrace. I’ll greet you by name and look you in the eye when we meet. I might even put my hand on my heart.

In the meantime, I’m still going to the gym. I’m going grocery shopping and eating out for tacos and pho. I plan to still keep one-to-one and small group meetings. I expect to keep regular preaching engagements and meetings across our Conference, wherever that might be at this point. While most of our Conference staff can easily work disbursed, we have begun having conversations about what might happen if the offices need to close. We will be accessible as staff as much as usual, although some staff may choose more than normal social-distancing.

We may cancel. And we may not. Perfect love casts out all fear, but love for our neighbors may require us to reconsider our schedules and practices for a while. And to trust God, even if our plans change, to continue to work within us and around us in this time of anxiety. We are people of faith. We consider our acts of love in this season as contributions toward the common good. In the meantime, we watch, we pray. And stay alert without giving into fear.

In support of our communities, Everence has developed an informational sheet (in English and Spanish) to help churches and other groups respond to and manage issues related to the coronavirus epidemic in their communities. Feel free to share this resource with your leadership team, conference leaders, etc.

Note: Everence is postponing its upcoming Stewardship Leaders Celebrations in the midst of the global spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). They apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but the health and well-being of our members, congregations and communities is our primary concern.

The Work of Reconciliation in Quakertown

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by Sue Conrad Howes, West Swamp congregation

Over time, the Holy Spirit works, making the things that divide us seem so much less important than the things that unite us.

In 1847, a church split occurred over the style of coat worn by the pastor, keeping minutes at church meetings, and whether Sunday School was acceptable. We may laugh and even scoff at the topics that caused the split some 173 years ago, but the lines drawn during that split have been felt until just recently; in November 2019, Franconia Conference and Eastern District Conference voted to become one new conference, a reconciliation that went into effect in February 2020.

In the history books, the conference split was rooted in the history of two congregations: West Swamp Mennonite Church (which helped begin Eastern District) and Swamp Mennonite Church (which broke away from West Swamp and stayed with Franconia Conference). In the 19th century, West Swamp’s pastor John Oberholtzer was a leader in the 1847 division.  The two congregations are now located just over a mile apart in Quakertown, PA.  

Pastor Nathan Good (left) of Swamp Mennonite and Pastor Michael Howes (right) of West Swamp Mennonite serve communion to members of both congregations on March 1, 2020. Photo by Sue Conrad Howes

As a celebration of the reconciled conference, West Swamp and Swamp congregations worshiped together for two Sundays in March 2020. On March 1, both congregations gathered at West Swamp, enjoyed breakfast together, and worshiped with Pastor Nathan Good of Swamp preaching. The next Sunday, the two congregations worshiped together at Swamp, with Pastor Michael Howes preaching, and a fellowship meal following the service. Members of both churches participated in Scripture reading, worship leading, and music at each service. Perhaps most importantly, communion was celebrated both Sundays, together.

The theme for the two services was reconciliation. On March 1, Pastor Nathan invited the congregations to evaluate our conflicts, acknowledging that we all have them. He encouraged each person to engage our conflicts, for God’s sake, and to commit to genuine love. “God is bigger than our disagreements and God’s love frees us to love people despite our disagreements,” Pastor Nathan said.

Members of Swamp and West Swamp congregations gather around tables and take communion. Photo by Lynne Rush

“God is impartial,” he said. “In a divisive time, we need to be reminded that God is the God of all people. God is not ours; instead, we are God’s.”

The next Sunday, Pastor Michael invited the congregants to reach out to those in our lives with whom we need reconciliation. Referring to the Old Testament story of Jacob and Esau, Pastor Michael shared that it is not enough to hang back and let the other person make the first step. “Today the Holy Spirit is prompting you to initiate that reconciliation,” he encouraged. Pastor Michael focused on the ministry of reconciliation that all of God’s people are called to: “God says to us, ‘I want to make you an agent of reconciliation.’”

He acknowledged that the ministry of reconciliation is hard work. “Sometimes we need to say, ‘I forgive you,’ and other times we need to say, ‘I’m sorry, please forgive me.’”

Children from West Swamp and Swamp gather for children’s time on the topic of forgiveness and reconciliation during a joint worship service at Swamp Mennonite on March 8, 2020. Photo by Sue Conrad Howes

From the joyful hugs and delightful connections made in the foyers to the active conversations that happened across tables at the meals, you would not have known that these two congregations ever battled with each other to the point of locking each other out of their church building.

Sometimes it takes a long time to partake in the ministry of reconciliation. While these two congregations will return to their regular places of worship next Sunday, both groups welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the work of reconciliation and to commit to being agents of God’s reconciliation into the future.

The Body as a Temple Full of Gifts

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by Leland Sapp, Plains congregation

It is often too easy for many of us to overlook the dignity of the human body.  Even amid a culture so focused on the physical, many of us take our bodies and the bodies of others for granted.

Eleven years ago, I began to understand the dignity of the human body. It was Christmas 2008, and my first day on the job involved getting two men with intellectual and developmental disabilities out of bed and ready for the day. Both men were over 50 years of age, and both were non-verbal. One was also blind.

In the evening came the showers. With hesitation, sensitivity, and sobriety I performed my task. I did my best to notice the non-verbal cues that indicated if I had not washed well enough or missed a spot. I worked with these men for two years. Every evening when shower time came, I took pause and intuitively knew that caring for another’s body was serious business.

Louise and other residents at Shalom House, part of Peaceful Living in Harleysville. Photo by Kristen Kidd Photography

1 Corinthians 3:16 reminds us that we are “God’s temple,” and that “His Spirit lives in us.” This alone is reason enough to “take serious” the body, and to give it the reverence and respect that it inherently deserves. The adults with disabilities we serve at Peaceful Living have taught me there are other reasons to dignify the body.

I now serve in a leadership role for Peaceful Living, a nonprofit that supports and cares for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I regularly spend time with residents by sharing meals with them and attending events with them.

Recently, I approached one of our non-ambulatory, wheelchair-bound women. In spite of her abnormal overbite and contorted body, her joyful smile and welcoming eyes reminded me that housed within this physical shell is a beautiful human being named Dawn. While her body is indeed the temple of the Holy Spirit, it is also the temple of a human being—a humble, vulnerable, humorous being that calls us to approach with trust, openness, reverence, and dignity.

Another one of my friends is Dan. Housed within the body of Dan is the gift of hospitality. In the summer of 2008, Dan invited me to attend the Catholic mass he attends. I watched as Dan greeted parishioners and ushered and directed latecomers to open seats. After the service, he introduced me to his longtime friends and invited us to join them at a local diner for breakfast. It was evident Dan was among friends he had known for decades. Thanks to Dan, I experienced true belonging that day.

Leland (left) and Dan speak at Salford Mennonite Church. Photo provided by Peaceful Living.

Within Dan’s temple also resides the gift of mercy. As 2018 ended, my mother-in-law was in her last days. A few days before she passed away, I sat in my car feeling somber and reflective. Just before I got out of the car, my phone rang. It was Dan.

“How is your mother-in-law?” he asked. I sat quietly holding back the tears as he waited silently.

“Not good,” I said.

“Sorry to hear that,” he said. More silence.

She died just a few days later. Even now, I choke back tears when I think about how Dan was the only person to pick up the phone and call to ask about an important person in my life who was dying. I know others cared, but it was Dan who picked up the phone and embodied compassion and empathy. I honor him for that. I honor the body in which these qualities and gifts reside.

Within the body of all of us–including Dawn and Dan–lives a bundle of fullness, God’s most precious creation, you. Someday this physical body will decline and die. In that moment, who we are within will reside eternally without bodily limitations. Until then, let us honor and dignify our bodies to the fullest.

Founded in 2000, Peaceful Living is a faith-based nonprofit organization, which identifies and seeks to engage the gifts of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to create belonging for as many people as possible. Through their three primary programs—Residential Services, Day Programs, and Family Services—Peaceful Living’s work impacts more than 180 individuals and their families in Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties. Peaceful Living is sponsored by Mennonite Health Services and is an Eastern District & Franconia Conference CRM (Conference Related Ministry).

A longer version of this article originally appeared in The Mennonite. Reprinted with permission.

Prayer requests for Peaceful Living:

 

§  That the people we support would experience true belonging as they live and serve in our local community

§  Recruit and hire dedicated direct care professionals

§  Raise financial support to enable us to add sites and programs, so we can serve more better

Whatever is Mentionable is Manageable

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by Josh Meyer, Leadership Minister

I recently read The Good Neighbor by Maxwell King.  This biography detailed the life and work of Fred Rogers, creator of the children’s television show, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. The TV show was unlike any other children’s show, due in part to the issues Mr. Rogers addressed. 

The show dealt with topics like death, race relations, and sibling jealousy.  After President Reagan was shot, Mr. Rogers had an entire segment on assassination.  Because he knew the children in his audience were hearing adults talk about what happened, using unfamiliar and scary words, Fred addressed it in an age-appropriate way.  

When asked why he incorporated such weighty issues into a children’s program, Rogers responded, “Whatever is mentionable is manageable.”  If we’re able to name and discuss an issue, it becomes more manageable; we can begin to process it in healthier ways. And the inverse is also true: when we fail to talk about difficult issues, our silence actually gives them more power over us. Whatever is mentionable is manageable.  

Each quarter in our conference, the Faith and Life Commission plans gatherings for pastors and credentialed leaders to discern, study, and pray together.  The focus is on relationship building and expanding perspectives, not decision-making.  

This year’s theme for these gatherings is identity. The February gathering focused on sexual and gender identities. James and Jane Mast (Methacton congregation) shared informatively, rather than directively, as a psychologist and biologist (respectively).  Following their presentation, which offered distinctions between terms like biological sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation, we discussed in small groups.  

I was struck by and grateful for what I observed in those small groups. We were a  group of diverse believers from a variety of places, with varied experiences and perspectives,  talking openly about this topic. It wasn’t easy, and we didn’t all agree. But we were there. Together. Talking. Whatever is mentionable is manageable.  

James and Jane Mast lead the presentation.

Of course, each of us will need to interpret what we heard through our own cultural and theological lenses.  But in order for us to respond with grace and truth to the questions so many in our society are asking about gender, sexuality, and identity, we need to be able to talk together about hard things.    

I fear too often we’ve neglected difficult conversations. We are content to retreat into our echo-chambers with like-minded allies and avoid those with whom we disagree. One of the most profound discoveries of my 15 years in pastoral ministry is that there are good, faithful, honest, brilliant, Bible-believing, God-honoring, Jesus-loving, Spirit-filled people all across the theological spectrum.  I am a better person and better pastor when I’m in dialogue with a broad range of people and perspectives.  

I left the Faith and Life gathering last week feeling overwhelmed, confused, and encouraged: overwhelmed by the volume of new information, confused how our Conference can faithfully navigate the complexities of our deepest identities, and ultimately encouraged to have learned something new. I was encouraged to be in a circle with people who disagree profoundly on issues of sexuality but who respected and honored and prayed for one another. I was encouraged that pastors and leaders are willing to engage the hard questions. I was encouraged by the honesty,  vulnerability, and humility demonstrated by my sisters and brothers in that room. And I was encouraged that though we disagree on things, what we do agree on – the Person and Work of Christ – is far more powerful than what divides us.  

Giving Back/Devolviendo

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(Desplazarse por Español)

“We are creating something new,” shares Danilo Sanchez, Youth Formation Pastor with Eastern District and Franconia Conference. “We have been given permission to try new ideas, and see failures as learning experiences. It is freeing to have that space to be creative.” 

Danilo and family

Danilo has served in this role since February 2019 as the new youth formation team was being formed. The idea for this team emerged from a recent review of the conference’s youth ministry work, in which a geographic model would be used for staffing youth ministry which is currently focused on the Lehigh Valley, Lansdale, and Philadelphia. 

This unique model is something that Danilo really appreciates. “It is especially important to have conference ministers who can speak the language of the churches they accompany, and have a sense of cultural understanding,” Danilo shares. He sees the team’s work as strengthening the overall mission of the conference. 

A geographic, rather than centered, model has meant that regional gatherings for youth leaders can be more accessible. Many churches do not have a full-time youth pastor, so having regional gatherings with meetings that aren’t always during the workday can allow part-time and volunteer youth leaders to participate more easily. 

The churches that Danilo works with are mostly in the Lehigh Valley but also some Spanish-speaking and multicultural churches throughout the region. As a Youth Formation Pastor, Danilo provides resources to youth leaders and informs them of different events. On a quarterly basis he visits the congregations for worship and to meet with members of the church

The other members of the Youth Formation Team currently are Brooke Martin and Hendy Stevan Matahelemual. Together they plan events to engage youth and leaders in leadership development. This past September they organized a student leadership retreat, and they continue to stay in contact with those youth and plan for an expanded gathering next year. 

“As I look at my faith and leadership journey, I think back to the leaders in the church who developed me, challenged me and comforted me,” reflects Danilo. “I really appreciated that.” He is grateful that in his role as a pastor at Whitehall and Ripple he is able to give back to the youth in those congregations. When he was given the opportunity to also do that at the conference level, with a wider impact, he was glad to do so.

Danilo grew up near Reading, PA and was part of Boyertown Mennonite. It was a place that he felt included, welcomed, and encouraged to be a leader. He taught Bible study, helped to lead worship, and preached at least once in high school. These experiences encouraged him to think of himself as a leader in the church. It was in college that he began to sense a call to youth ministry. Nelson Shank, who is still pastor at Boyertown, connected him with Steve Kriss who at the time was Director of Leadership Cultivation for Franconia Conference. Danilo worked with Steve during his summers in college at Eastern University, and through that work got to know congregations throughout the conference. 

“I was excited to help call other young leaders and participate in their development” Danilo remembers. “I am also happy to help strengthen the work of the conference.” 

When asked about his free time, Danilo responded, “I don’t have too much free time, but I make sure to keep sabbath.” During his first year as a pastor, he found it a challenging discipline to practice, but was encouraged by other pastors, especially Rose Bender at Whitehall, to prioritize it. As he has added different roles to his work and feels pulled in various directions, Danilo has embraced self-care and sabbath, and encourages others to do so as well. 

During his sabbath time, Danilo likes to get out of the city for the day. Danilo also enjoys playing worship songs on his guitar, simple woodworking, and spending time with his two young daughters. They enjoy playing legos or going on walks.

“El aspecto más gratificante de este rol es que estamos creando algo nuevo. En la conferencia estamos en una nueva era de formación.. Se nos ha dado permiso para probar nuevas ideas y ver los fracasos como experiencias de aprendizaje. Es liberador tener ese espacio para ser creativo ”, comparte Danilo Sánchez, Pastor de Formación Juvenil de la Conferencia de Franconia.

Danilo ha desempeñado este cargo desde febrero de 2019 mientras estaba formando el nuevo equipo de formación juvenil. La idea para este equipo surgió de una revisión reciente del trabajo del ministerio juvenil de la conferencia, en el cual se empezaría a utilizar un modelo geográfico para el personal del ministerio juvenil que actualmente se localiza en Lehigh Valley, Lansdale y Filadelfia. .

Este modelo único es algo que Danilo realmente aprecia. “Es especialmente importante tener ministros de la conferencia que puedan hablar el idioma de las iglesias a las que acompañan y tener un sentido de comprensión cultural”, comparte Danilo. Él ve el trabajo del equipo como el fortalecimiento de la misión general de la conferencia.

Un modelo geográfico, en lugar de centrado, ha significado que las reuniones regionales para líderes juveniles pueden ser más accesibles. Muchas iglesias no tienen un pastor de jóvenes a tiempo completo, por lo que tener reuniones regionales, reuniones que no siempre son durante la jornada laboral, puede permitir que los líderes juveniles de medio tiempo y voluntarios tengan facilidad para participar. Las iglesias con las que trabaja Danilo se encuentran principalmente en el Valle de Lehigh, pero también hacen parte algunas iglesias multiculturales y de habla hispana de toda la región. 

Como pastor de formación juvenil, Danilo proporciona recursos a líderes juveniles y les informa sobre diferentes eventos. Trimestralmente visita las congregaciones para adorar y reunirse con miembros de las iglesias.

Los otros miembros del Equipo de Formación Juvenil actualmente son Brooke Martin y Hendy Stevan Matahelemual, y juntos planean eventos para involucrar a los jóvenes y líderes en el desarrollo del liderazgo. En septiembre organizaron un retiro de liderazgo estudiantil, y continúan manteniéndose en contacto con esos jóvenes y planean una reunión ampliada el próximo año.

 “Al mirar mi viaje de fe y liderazgo, pienso en los líderes de la iglesia que me ayudaron a  desarrollar, me desafiaron y me consolaron, realmente aprecié eso ”, reflexiona Danilo. Está agradecido de que en su papel de pastor en Whitehall y Ripple pueda retribuir a los jóvenes de esas congregaciones. Y cuando tuvo la oportunidad de hacerlo también a nivel de conferencia, con un impacto más amplio, se alegró de hacerlo.

Danilo creció cerca de Reading, Pensilvania y fue parte de la iglesia menonita Boyertown. Era un lugar en el que se sentía incluido, bienvenido y alentado a ser un líder. Enseñó estudio bíblico, ayudó a dirigir la adoración y predicó al menos una vez en la escuela secundaria. Estas experiencias lo alentaron a pensar en sí mismo como un líder en la iglesia, y fue en la universidad cuando comenzó a sentir un llamado al ministerio juvenil. Nelson Shank, quien todavía es pastor en Boyertown, lo conectó con Steve Kriss, quien en ese momento era Director de Cultivo de Liderazgo para la Conferencia de Franconia. Danilo trabajó con Steve durante sus veranos en la universidad de Eastern University, y a través de ese trabajo conoció a las congregaciones durante toda la conferencia.

“Estaba emocionado de ayudar a llamar a otros líderes jóvenes y participar en su desarrollo. También estoy feliz de ayudar a fortalecer el trabajo de la conferencia ”, reflexiona Danilo.

Cuando se le preguntó acerca de su tiempo libre, Danilo respondió: “No tengo mucho tiempo libre, pero me aseguro de guardar el día sabático”. Durante su primer año como pastor, encontró una disciplina difícil de practicar, pero se animó por otros pastores, especialmente Rose Bender en Whitehall, para priorizarlo. A medida que ha agregado diferentes roles a su trabajo y se siente atraído en varias direcciones, Danilo ha abrazado el autocuidado y el sábado, y alienta a otros a hacerlo también.

Durante su tiempo de reposo le gusta salir de la ciudad por un día. A Danilo también le gusta tocar canciones de adoración con su guitarra, trabajar la madera con sencillez y pasar tiempo con sus dos hijas jugando legos.

What I’m Reading: Baseball, Dr. King, Missiology, and More

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by Jeff Wright, Leadership Minister

What passes for winter in southern California gives way to springtime by February.  As I write, it is 81°F in my home in Riverside, California and 28°F in Souderton, PA.  Pitchers and catchers have reported for spring training. Now is the perfect time to read a good book about baseball, Ballpark: Baseball in the American City. The author, Paul Goldberg, is a Pulitzer Prize–winning architecture critic, and he writes with a concise understatement about the intersections of the greatest sport ever created and the magic of urban architecture. Baseball is a game of pastures brought into the city. We Mennonites might have some missional concepts to learn from such an exercise.

For Black History Month, I re-read A Testament of Hope:  The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. This time around, I have been particularly moved by Dr. King’s early writings and speeches.  In his 1958 essay, “An Experiment in Love,”  Dr King shapes a powerful theological reminder that Christian social justice begins with Agape – the ideal of sacrificial love. “Agape,” writes King, “ is a willingness to go to any length to restore community.” May we have ears to hear such a profoundly simple and difficult word.

I’m always on the lookout for new voices in urban missiology.  Sean Benesh is a Portland-based urban church planter and social entrepreneur whom I can’t get enough of.  It might be easy for us Mennonites to dismiss Benesh as far too evangelical or hipster for us but this would be a big mistake. Benesh’s latest two books, The New Cartographers: Helping Social Entrepreneurship Develop a Map for Local Church Ministry + Church Planting in the New Frontier and Intrepid: Navigating the Intersection of Social Entrepreneurship + Church Planting, are full of practical ideas for launching new expressions of the church that are sustaining and sustainable. Benesh says with a utility of words what I’ve been wishing to say about ministry for the past thirty years.

Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery is a powerful book that my small group is reading… and feeling the weight of its truth. Authors Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah remind me, as a thirteenth-generation  American immigrant from England, that the good news of the gospel often is first bad news for the way I’ve assumed the world works. This book has become a part of my penitential reflections during Lent.

Finally, I’m enjoying The Pietist Option: Hope for the Renewal of Christianity.  Postmodern Mennonites are not always comfortable with “pietism.” We tend to equate it with ignoring the world as it is, and assuming the world that is to come is not a healed version of this world. Early pietism was not so stained by quietism.  Indeed, Pietism had a profound impact on the Anabaptist movement in North America. Brethren in Christ Bishop Perry Engle said, “I like to think these bold and serious-minded believers [18th century Anabaptists in Pennsylvania] were ‘sweetened’ by their personal experience of a heartfelt and life-changing relationship with Christ.” As a lifelong  Anabaptist, no one has yet accused me of being “sweetened” in the Lord. But as I grow older, it seems a compliment worth seeking.

Seeing God in the "Image of a Stranger"

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by Jim Conrad, Blooming Glen congregation

In Holy Envy, Barbara Brown Taylor quotes Jonathan Sacks, who said, “The supreme religious challenge is to see God’s image in one who is not in our image.”

The 11 US volunteers who worked in Honduras the last week of January with Healthy Ninos. (Photo courtesy of Jim Conrad)

While in Honduras in January with Healthy Niños Honduras, I was privileged to experience God’s image in many ways as our team of 11 volunteers served five remote villages during our one-week stay. Four members of our team — Linda and Vernon Martin from Salford congregation (Harleysville, PA) and Glenda Bergey and myself from Blooming Glen (PA) congregation—were from Eastern District & Franconia Conference. 

Healthy Niños Honduras (HNH) began in 2017 as a continuation of the MAMA Project in Honduras. HNH is operated primarily by Honduran professionals who welcome teams of volunteers from the U.S. to aid the program in their mission of helping children and their families to fight malnutrition. 

To achieve this mission, medical and dental teams (as well as construction crews) travel to remote villages to aid those who have no access to clean water or adequate healthcare. The villagers receive visits from these brigades of workers and volunteers about every six months. An HNH team member connects with the village leader ahead of the brigade’s visit to be assured of safety and assess the specific needs for the brigade to effectively prepare. 

One of the many children who come to the Healthy Ninos clinic for healthcare. (Photo courtesy of Jim Conrad)

Some of the brigade pour concrete floors for a few village homes where only earthen floors had existed. Meanwhile, other brigade members distribute and demonstrate how water filtration units can be used by villagers to provide clean water. Medical and dental services are offered by the Honduran and U.S. medical team. Deworming medication and Vitamin A are given to everyone over two years of age. 

Some volunteers check patients’ vision and provide reading glasses. Other team members distribute gifts to each family, generously donated by individuals and businesses from the US. All children are evaluated for nutritional well-being. For those children needing further nutritional attention, the child and mother travel to HNH’s home base. There the mother receives education regarding nutrition while the child receives treatment. During their stay, children receive schooling, appropriate for each child’s age.

One of the visitors to the clinic, with Jim Conrad. (Photo courtesy of Jim Conrad)

During my week, I was able to see the faces and hear the voices of the village residents as they demonstrated deep appreciation for the care they received from the volunteers. Wishing to be seen, listened to, and examined with care was important for recipients as well as the caregiver during these “holy moments.” As a retired physician, I witnessed the image of God in many unfamiliar faces. I will cherish these images, etched in my memory, for years to come.

Many teams from within our conference have made this journey of caring in the past and many more will in the years to come. If you are interested in joining a team, visit to www.healthyninos.org.