BOBO-DIOULASSO, Burkina Faso — Terrorist attacks have displaced 700,000 people in this West African nation. Many say what they most need is prayer.
Mennonite churches and other organizations are finding new ways to operate or canceling activities to stem the spread of coronavirus.
With a series of quick, practiced strokes, Aïchatou Hamidou clears the area around a newly built latrine with a long broom made from dry grass.
After the trash and waste are swept into a tidy pile and safely disposed of, she unties the brightly patterned red handkerchief over her nose and mouth and adjusts the royal blue smock designating her as a member of the WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) team.
Bluffton (Ohio) University is replacing in-person classes with remote classes. Mennonite World Conference is canceling an international gathering in British Columbia. Landis Homes is restricting access to its personal care home in Pennsylvania. Mennonite Health Services has canceled a conference. Seattle Mennonite Church is suspending all gatherings.
HILLSBORO, Kan. — At the first North American event celebrating the centennial of Mennonite Central Committee, Tabor College unveiled a treasure from MCC’s history.
In 2016 and 2017, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai region was devastated by an armed conflict. Rebel militias gathered around a traditional chief, Kamuina Nsapu, to fight against the central government. They attacked posts where security forces were located and sometimes attacked schools, churches and hospitals.
Mennonite Church Canada reports that 10 North American English teachers serving with Mennonite Partners in China have not been able to return to their placements in China due to the coronavirus outbreak, as the government puts restrictions on worship and public gatherings.
Over two weeks in January and February, I traveled in the U.S.-Mexico border region from San Diego, Calif., to Brownsville, Texas, with stops in more than 10 cities on both sides of the border. I have seen and keenly feel the pain of immigrants.