Nearly 300 people from more than a dozen countries carried each other’s burdens figuratively and literally at Mennonite World Conference’s ninth annual Renewal event March 14 in Lumban, Philippines.

Participants gathered in the historic town plaza, where the highlight of the opening ceremony was a symbolic procession featuring a traditional nipa hut (bahay kubo), representing the Filipino value of Bayanihan.

This cultural practice — where neighbors work together to move a home in times of need —served as a vivid metaphor for the gathering’s theme, “Solidarity in the Family of Christ: Sharing Burdens, Sharing Hopes.” The gathering underscored the call to “carry each other’s burdens” from Galatians 6:2-10

Rooted in unity, compassion and cooperation, Bayanihan captures a defining characteristic of an Anabaptist understanding of the gospel.

“God calls us to respond with solidarity and selfless action to the needs of others in our global church,” said MWC general secretary César García. “In doing so, we experience Bayanihan in our family of faith and carry it into a world that longs for faithful love and enduring solidarity.”

The program also celebrated the heritage of the Philippines through music and dance.

Several church districts presented traditional performances of dance and music, joining faith with local identity. Among the featured dances was Pandanggo sa Ilaw, a folk dance symbolizing light in darkness inspired by Matthew 5:14-16. Other performances included the Cariñosa, reflecting themes of love and connectedness and harvest dances celebrating God’s provision through agriculture.

The Renewal event brought together members of Integrated Mennonite Church of the Philippines, MWC’s Executive Committee and the Young AnaBaptists (YABs) Committee members.

Through worship, testimonies, cultural expression and prayer, participants witnessed to unity, resilience and mutual care across cultures and continents.

Testimonies and prayer formed a central component of the program.

“As I listened [to the stories of the Integrated Mennonite Church pastors], I heard faith, perseverance and a deep trust in God,” said Blessing Joy Turqueza, Asia representative on the YABs Committee. “Even in hardship, they continue serving. Even in uncertainty, they continue trusting God to provide. And through it all, I have seen hope in the community of believers.”

She emphasized that solidarity within the church is not rooted in perfection, but in shared commitment.

“The church carries wounds and questions,” she said, “but we also carry something greater — faith, hope and the love of Christ. When we stand together as the family of Christ, supporting and encouraging one another, we begin to see God’s faithfulness.”

Sindah Ngulube, a Brethren in Christ bishop from Zimbabwe, spoke of solidarity after a devastating fire at a boys’ residential school. Remarkably, all the children escaped without harm. The local church community mobilized quickly to provide care and begin rebuilding efforts.

Mennonite Church Canada executive minister Doug Klassen asked for solidarity in discerning the Anabaptist commitment to peace amid discussions about military preparedness and potential conscription in Canada.

“Seventy years ago, many Mennonites claimed conscientious objector status,” he said. “Today, we must ask ourselves what we would do. We need to learn from the witness of Mennonites in Colombia and Myanmar, who continue to embody peace in difficult contexts. The global church has much to teach us.”

Participants were formally welcomed by Integrated Mennonite Church bishop moderator Eladio Mondez and Lumban Mayor Belen Raga, who both expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host an international gathering. The presence of global church leaders alongside local congregations highlighted the interconnected nature of the MWC family of churches.

The Renewal gathering is part of a series of MWC events celebrating Anabaptism’s shared history and diverse expressions. MWC Executive Committee members join local participants at a mass worship event in which hosts and the guests share gifts. In addition to worship and teaching, these gatherings provide space for storytelling, building relationships and prayer for the global church.

The Mennonite presence in the Philippines began after World War II through relief, medical and reconstruction work led by Mennonite Central Committee. Missions Now Inc. began in 1965 as a Filipino-led organization focused on evangelism and church planting, particularly in rural and tribal communities. Following a period of internal transition, the Integrated Mennonite Church was formed in 1991 and joined MWC in 1993.

The gathering concluded with shared meals and fellowship, and a renewed sense of solidarity.