In 1920, the Russian Mennonites’ world was in upheaval. Civil war had been raging for three years, creating political and social chaos and leaving the country’s Mennonites impoverished, hungry and fearing for their future. Their brethren in North America responded by founding Mennonite Central Committee, putting aside their sectarianism to come together to feed the hungry and clothe the naked.
Closing churches when the pandemic hit was easy — nobody had a choice in the matter. What’s harder is reopening. That’s one of the things leaders of Canada’s four largest Mennonite conferences are finding as the country begins to emerge from lockdowns due to COVID-19.
Hurricane Hanna brought added misery to a community devastated by COVID-19 on July 25 when it hit South Texas and Mexico. For New Life Christian Center in San Benito, Texas, the damage served as inspiration to keep praying and assisting neighbors.
Positive COVID-19 cases of Eastern Mennonite University student leaders and potential exposure of student and resident life staff have delayed residential move-in plans.
LITITZ, Pa. — In the wake of a powerful Aug. 10-11 derecho — a straight-line windstorm — that tore through the Midwest, Early Response Teams from Mennonite Disaster Service are helping people clean up, remove damaged trees and cope with feelings of isolation. As of Aug. 19, power still had not been restored in much of the state.
Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., announced Aug. 16 a cluster of COVID-19 cases was identified among students and staff. The Harvey County Health Department confirmed at least 50 cases — 43 students and seven staff — out of about 500 people tested.
There was no “Anabaptist theology” in the 16th century. There were many Anabaptist theologies, says Astrid von Schlachta. The German Mennonite historian is leading the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism in 2025. “Daring” is the name of this joint project of Mennonites and Baptists that considers what an Anabaptist movement means for the church today in light of its history.
For Mennonite Economic Development Associates, taking care of clients — and business in general — during the COVID-19 pandemic has meant providing new services in several countries, including Tanzania, Ethiopia and Myanmar.
