In addition to hosting fourteen Mosaic Mennonite summer Ambassadors, five other young people within Mosaic congregations participated in the MCC summer service program, a 10-week program for young adults of color in the U.S. that runs from June to August. The program encourages and strengthens leadership capabilities within young adults while nurturing a commitment to community engagement.
Ivan Farrel, a summer service worker at Philadelphia (PA) Praise Center, admits hesitancy in joining this program. As a nursing student who has not enjoyed pediatrics, he was reluctant to work with children in the summer Vacation Bible School program. But he recognizes the value in providing a space for low-income families to send their children in the summer and decided to step out of his comfort zone.
In addition to organizing the VBS, Farrel is responsible for helping to organize the Indonesian Night Market in August, an annual event designed to bring the whole local Indonesian community together, amid cultural and religious diversity. He is also volunteering as a student nurse at a free clinic, leading the Youth Worship team to develop their musical potential, collaborating with other MCC youth leaders to create a Youth Worship Night, and helping his pastor with any work for the common good.
“Being a leader isn’t primarily about telling people what to do,” Farrel reflects. “It’s more about leading by example and teaching and being adaptable.”
Farrel asks for prayers around the current presidential administration’s stance on immigration, for the safety of immigrants, and efforts to resist current policies. “I’m working closely with immigrants, and the fear is so real,” Farrel says. “Recently the place next to my dad’s workplace got raided by ICE agents.”
Joseph El Timotius, (center in the photo from MCC Orientation), became a service worker to “pursue God’s calling to serve and to learn how to be a heart-centered leader to empower the next generation of Indonesian youth immigrants in Philadelphia.”
Joseph is leading kids and youth ministry at Nations Worship Center (Philadelphia, PA) through a youth camp and Vacation Bible School for the local Indonesian community. In these spaces the children and youth are empowered to make an impact in their communities.
“Meeting new friends from different backgrounds, cultures, and communities helps me to see the world in a different perspective and to have a growth mindset,” El Timotius reflects. He invites prayers for the Mosaic Indonesian congregations in Philadelphia who will gather for a youth worship event on August 2.
Hillary Karn of International Worship Church (San Gabriel, CA) became a Summer Service Worker because she wanted to get more involved in her congregation in a way that would allow her to grow and serve more intentionally. Several members of the congregation had mentioned that she has a natural connection with kids, and hearing that affirmation of her gifts encouraged her to step forward in service.
This summer Karn is a teacher for the young children and preteens in her congregation.
“These kids represent the next generation of our faith community, and it’s such an honor to walk alongside them as they learn about God. I truly hope that through our time together, they begin to understand what it means to be a child of God and grow up with a strong foundation in faith,” Karn reflects.
The experience this summer has helped Karn see how she wants to grow in her journey as a teacher and as a follower of Christ. “It’s humbling and motivating to know that there’s always room for growth, both spiritually and in the way I lead others,” she adds.
She invites prayers for a summer that is full of joy, learning, and meaningful moments for her and the children she serves.
When asked why she is a Summer Service Worker, Victoria Lioe of Indonesian Light Church (Philadelphia, PA) shares, “I desire to grow deeper in relationship with God and be more intentional about living my faith. God is stirring something new in my heart — a stronger hunger for God’s word, a deeper conviction to serve others, and a desire to surround myself with a community that supports and challenges me spiritually.”
She continued, “I’ve been praying for a space to be equipped and mentored, and I’m also excited about connecting with others who are on similar journeys — to encourage each other, grow together, and build lasting relationships centered on Christ.”
Lioe also believes God has placed gifts and callings in her that she hasn’t fully explored yet, and she wants to be faithful in developing those for God’s glory.
Over the summer Lioe has been helping clean and maintain the church, coordinating programs, managing schedules, and assisting in planning events, which has helped her build leadership and organizational skills and to understand what happens behind the scenes. One of the most meaningful roles she has been in is leading the youth. She supports them through lessons, activities, and spiritual guidance. Lioe also visits elderly members and others in the congregation, offering encouragement and care.
“I’ve learned that ministry is not just about being in front of people or having a title — it’s about being consistent, dependable, and willing to serve in any way that’s needed, even when no one is watching,” Lioe reflects. “I’ve also seen how important emotional and mental support is within the church, which is why pursuing a mental health certificate has been eye-opening. It’s helped me understand how to be more compassionate and present for people going through silent struggles.”
She invites prayers that she would “continue to serve with humility, joy, and a willing heart—even during times when things get difficult, go unnoticed, or when it feels like people look down on me or don’t fully appreciate the work I’m doing. There are times when the responsibilities I carry feel overwhelming, and I might feel like giving up. Yet, I want to remain faithful, grounded, and focused on the purpose God has placed on my life.”
Amajae Sanusi is also serving as a Summer Service Worker at 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.
