New Voices: By and about young adults

In my last column (February), I committed to bringing you stories of non-Mennonite people of color who serve Mennonite institutions and offer you a peek into their perspective in their work in Mennonite agencies.

Not only is this a unique opportunity to meet someone you may not have known, but their perspective as an outsider can help us see ourselves differently.

I didn’t know what to expect, and I put out a few feelers to see who would enjoy sharing their story. It was more difficult that I thought, but, thankfully, Mennonite Mission Network has a strong, diverse presence of people of color.

It’s encouraging to read positive stories like that of Haiam Shank (in photo), who lives in Goshen, Ind. Thank you, Haiam Shank, for sharing this encouraging perspective.

In what ways do you work or serve with Mennonites?
I work at Mennonite Mission Network with the Global Ministries team as assistant for Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. I also coordinate the International Ministry websites and the Council of International Anabaptist Ministries (CIM).

How did you meet Mennonites or how were you introduced to the job where you work?
The first person who welcomed me when I moved to Goshen was my Mennonite neighbor. She came to welcome me and my family, only a few minutes after our moving truck arrived, with a five-course meal, a big smile and godly love. Soon after that, we became friends, and she told me later, “I believe you should work for the church; you have that serving heart, passion for ministry, mission and God’s work.” When she learned about the opening for my current position, she introduced me to my now co-worker, who encouraged me to apply, and God did the rest.

From your perspective, how would you define Mennonites or Mennonite culture?
Mennonites are a group of Christian believers who believe in the Holy Trinity, Anabaptism and the Bible. The Mennonite church places strong emphasis on peacemaking, service around the world and living a Christ-centered life.

What has surprised you about your work with Mennonites?
Their openness and acceptance of having people with other beliefs working among them. I don’t think all Christian denominations will allow that.

What challenges have you met with working with Mennonites?
The biggest challenge is my ignorance of Mennonite history and how it affects what’s going on in the church today. Even though people are open to having me and others among them, I still sometimes feel like an outsider.

Have you considered joining a Mennonite community outside your work/service? If not, why not?
I don’t see anything in Mennonite beliefs and mission that comes against my own beliefs to stop me from joining the Mennonite church. In fact, I visited a Mennonite church a few times, and I like it. I think I just have to find the church that meets our needs as a family.

Anything else you’d like to add to give us a peek into your Mennonite experience?
I have felt supported and respected by Menno­nite Mission Network since I started working here. It is such a blessing to see and know there are people who apply the Word of God so truly to their lives and try to live out the Great Commission. It is a church that wants to spread the good news of Jesus Christ around the world, a church that loves and supports all people without looking at their color, a church that makes every effort to live in peace with all people.

Janet Trevino-Elizarraraz lives in San Antonio, Texas. She can be reached at
alpasofirme@gmail.com.