June 2010
The global celebration of the 150th birthday of the MB movement last week in Germany was a rich experience. I attended the faith and history symposium prior to the convention and learned several things about my own family story. I learned the background on why my family moved to Terek (a new colony established in the Ukraine for MB's in the 19th century). Their Mennonite neighbors had petitioned for them to be sent to Siberia, but the local authorities decided that a new colony in the Ukraine would be a better location for this group of dissidents bent on renewal and mission regardless of the cost.
The global celebration of the 150th birthday of the MB movement last week in Germany was a rich experience.
I attended the faith and history symposium prior to the convention and learned several things about my own family story. I learned the background on why my family moved to Terek (a new colony established in the Ukraine for MB's in the 19th century). Their Mennonite neighbors had petitioned for them to be sent to Siberia, but the local authorities decided that a new colony in the Ukraine would be a better location for this group of dissidents bent on renewal and mission regardless of the cost. Those years in Terek were very hard for my family.
The text we were invited to reflect on at the celebration was Paul's discourse to a group of philosophers from Acts 17. Paul points out that God has determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. (Acts 17:26) Was that also true of the tragedies in my family story and in our collective story as an MB family? As we reflected on these stories from MB history, the newer members of our global MB family stated that they could now more closely identify with this global movement. Their stories of pain and loss in Congo, India and L*os could also be redeemed as we viewed them through God's lens of history.
It was a big privilege to serve this global gathering last week with a number of presentations. Our last day of meetings brought 1800 people from local MB congregations in Germany together with our global delegates. Together we celebrated Pentecost as the birth of the church and her mission to go and make disciples of all nations. Many responded to a call to walk through open doors of opportunity as we seek to live on mission today both locally and globally.
Ministry Updates:
Alfredo and Sandra Beltran are Colombian missionaries who have been serving in Mexico since 2003. They recently planted a new church called Campo Real. Pray that Alfredo & Sandra will make good connections with people in this neighborhood. Pray also for new missionaries James and Alyssa Wiest who will be coming alongside the Beltrans and serving at Campo Real. www.mbmission.org/mexico
John & Evelyn Wiens have planted a church called New Hope Church in Zaporozhye, Ukraine. The TREK team that is serving with them has been teaching English at a school, and some of their students have begun attending the Saturday night service at New Hope Church. Pray that they will choose to entrust their lives to Jesus and will become the next generation of godly leaders in Ukraine. www.mbmission.org/ukraine
Items for Prayer:
From June 2-4 we are bringing together all of our North American staff for our staff summit. We will be meeting at Cedar Springs Retreat Centre in Sumas, Washington. Please join us in prayer for this event and for God's blessing and work amongst us. Pray also that God would refresh, renew and encourage our team in the call we share together.
During the summer months we are hosting two MINA (Ministry in North America) retreats for those missionaries returning home for a time of reconnection with families, friends and churches. One of these retreats takes place from June 22-25 for 8 of our missionary families. Please pray for a time of rest, refreshment and renewal for them.
Until He comes,
Randy Friesen
Vision for Mission