These days I try to avoid declaring with certainty what I will “never” do. I’ve said it before and been wrong. In those moments, I felt God gently reminding me I don’t know everything. As much as I like to plan for the future, God has often worked beyond the limits of my understanding and imagination.
One such statement by my younger self was: “I will never go to a Mennonite school.” That might be surprising, since I am decidedly Anabaptist. As my faith journey progressed as a young adult, I came to appreciate Mennonite and Anabaptist faith more and more. It wasn’t until after I graduated high school and volunteered for a year in Brazil that I decided to enroll at Hesston College and then Goshen College.
I’ve had conversations about my education in which I’ve been asked, “Would you do anything differently?” I wouldn’t. My education at these Mennonite colleges was vital in laying a foundation for my life. Professionally and personally, the ripple effects of my experiences in college are too many to count. The privilege of writing to you now is one of them.
We have dedicated the leadoff features in this issue to Anabaptist schools, their work and their impact. After a year of historic challenges, we share a few snapshots of these diverse institutions and their dedication to their students. The beginning of a new academic year offers an opportunity to reflect on what students and educators have experienced, achieved and discovered — and now meet what is to come better equipped.
This month, Anabaptist World reaches its one-year anniversary. As a team, we continue to be encouraged by how AW readers show up for us. To celebrate, we are planning a livestream event with our staff via our YouTube channel and Facebook page. This will be a conversation where we’ll share about our roles, work and experiences in Anabaptist World’s first year. It is also an opportunity for us to gush a little bit about how great you, AW readers and supporters, have been. We wouldn’t have much to celebrate if not for how you support Anabaptist World.
If you’d like to participate, visit our Facebook page or YouTube channel at 7 p.m. EDT Sept. 21. We hope to see you there.
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