“We cannot effectively respond to the immense humanitarian needs if there is not an immediate ceasefire,” implored Seth Malone and Sarah Funkhouser, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Representatives for Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, in a statement to Salford Mennonite Church (Harleysville, PA), which is their sending congregation. “Israel has heavily restricted our capacity to deliver aid, which is leading to an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.”  

“We lose hope when the US government continues to materially and diplomatically support this war. We ask for continued prayers for those affected, and we ask for your action in this moment. Do not let this government rest from your letters, calls, and protests,” they urged. “We cannot be complicit nor complacent in this moment – now is the time to act. We need this to stop now.”  

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, members of numerous Mosaic congregations responded to this plea by participating in Day of Mennonite Action for a Ceasefire, organized by the newly formed group Mennonite Action.  

Prayer and song, peaceful witness, and advocacy visits were held at the offices of PA Senator Bob Casey, PA Rep. Madeleine Dean and PA Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, urging them to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and for a just peace in the region. Over 140 Mennonites participated in these three actions, including members from Mosaic congregations Ambler, Indonesian Light, Methacton, Perkasie, Philadelphia Praise Center, Plains, Souderton, Salford, and Zion, among others.  

As Mennonites, our faith calls us to be peacemakers, and we extend our prayers to all those affected by this conflict, asking for an end to the violence and a renewed commitment to dialogue and understanding,” shared Hendy Matahelemual, pastor of Indonesian Light Church, during the prayer service at Sen. Casey’s office in Philadelphia.  

“May our vigil not only serve as a plea for a ceasefire but also as a collective affirmation of our shared responsibility to promote a world where the pursuit of peace is at the forefront of our actions and prayers,” Matahelemual implored. 

During the visit to Rep. Dean’s office in Glenside, PA, the group arrived at the door singing, “We will follow Jesus.” Staffers did not allow the group to enter, so they squeezed together on the sidewalk, praying and singing and recording their message for Rep. Dean. 

“Although we did not get to meet with either representative . . . I am grateful that we were able to speak with district staff at each office,” shared Tori Jones Long, lead organizer for two of the events and a member of Salford. “It was meaningful to be able to share about our core values, our 70-year history of peacemaking in Palestine, and our deep conviction to live in alignment with the peaceable way of Jesus. My prayer is that we will continue to bravely and publicly advocate for peace.” 

Michelle Curtis, co-pastor of Ambler, reflected, “What stood out most to me was that we were all there because Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. We were there because Jesus goes out of his way to look out for those who are suffering and forgotten. That means the people of Gaza, who are being bombed and starved by Israeli troops. It means the Israelis who were killed or taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. It means Muslims and Jews around the world who are living in fear because of what’s happening in Palestine and Israel. Jesus cares about all these people. And he asks us to care too.” 

Around 41 advocacy events took place across the US and Canada with Mennonite Action on December 19, involving the prayer and witness of 1700 Mennonites and interfaith allies, making it the largest coordinated Christian day of action for ceasefire since Oct. 7, according to Mennonite Action.