Happy fall, dear reader!

I hope wherever you are you can take advantage of cooler weather and all the yummy treats that come with it. I can never say no to fresh apple cider this time of year.

It gives me great joy to feature Marisa Smucker in this issue. I consider it a privilege to have worked with Marisa during my time at Mennonite Mission Network. As you will learn, Marisa is an outstanding person, and I’m glad to be a part of sharing her story with you.

As you read her story, you might be reminded of others who have given so much to their communities. It is a gift to witness colleagues’ accomplishments and how they positively impact the world.

Please remember that we love to hear from you when inspiration comes. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’d like to recommend others whose stories we could tell.

In the United States, October intersects with Hispanic Heritage Month. In honor of that month, I want to celebrate a new Spanish-language graduate certificate in theology. This will be a digital program, through a partnership with Mennonite Education Agency’s Hispanic Ministries and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. You can read about it on page 33. What an awesome new project! I’m so excited for its participants and organizers and all the ways their work will strengthen the church.

One more note from me: On page 28 you’ll see a photo of a sign marking a historic Potawatomi trade trail, unveiled at AMBS on Sept. 29. The trail passes through Goshen, Ind., on its way to what is now Fort Wayne.

My current home sits very close (if not directly on) this historic trail. I’m grateful to the Trail Marker Group, which organized this commemoration. They are making something once forgotten now visible. In doing so, they remind us that we are merely short-term stewards of the land. 

Their work challenges me to consider how I should care for the Earth so that those who come after me will inherit a healthy home. I hope it does for you as well.