February 20, 2022 ( Happy Family Day ) Good afternoon,
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9Since the beginning of the 20th century, Mennonites have been building institutions. These include credit unions, mutual aid societies, MEDA , Shalom Counseling, MennoHomes and many other good groups. We have decided that we can do more things together than alone.
Mennonite Central Committee began in 1920. It was to be a one event committee, to help the Mennonites in the Ukraine. It did a good job in a complex time. But, they did not stop doing good. MCC began with relief, then education, then development and now peacemaking. They have adapted to the world and its needs. They are still best known for their relief work in the aftermath of disasters, both natural and manmade.
Although they are led by a board of directors, the strength of the organization is the grassroots volunteers. We make quilts and comforters . We pack meat, school bags and relief kits. We write letters to governments. We work at Thrift Shops, and donate lots of money to the work of MCC. And we eat lots of food at the Relief Sale to raise more funds.
What should MCC be doing these days ? With the recent events in Ottawa, how can the MCC staff be voices of reconciliation and hope ? What should we be writing to our Members of Parliament ? If we can resolve our differences here, maybe our voices will be stronger throughout the world ? Thank you for supporting the work of MCC for its 100 years.
” Let us not become weary of doing good… ”
Prayer Lord, help MCC to continue to be prophetic. Lord, challenge MCC in its peace work in the world. Lord, keep safe MCC workers and the people they walk with on this earth. AMEN.
Tomorrow : Mennonite World Conference
Fred Chaos in the winds Scattering my troubled thoughts to land on soft clouds Monica Pieper Landoni 2022