MCC Low German Mennonite Networking conference

The 65 – 70 participants at the MCC Low German Mennonite (LGM) Networking conference on April 23-25 in Aylmer, ON, came from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Mexico, Bolivia and Texas. This Networking conference was an occasion for MCC LGM program staff to network with each other, to learn more about MCC Ontario’s work with LGMs and to discuss issues of common concern when addressing needs in LGM communities. Dr. John Elias from Saskatoon had been invited to present on the topic of mental health and social well-being in one of the plenary sessions and in a workshop. Dr. Bill Janzen (MCC Ottawa office) had been asked to make a presentation on the history of MCC Ontario’s work with LGMs and in a second presentation, to provide a historical perspective on the migration of LGMs from Canada to Mexico in the 1920s.

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Mennonitische Post 30th anniversary

At the MCC Low German Mennonite (LGM) Networking conference in Aylmer, ON, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Mennonitische Post (German news paper for LGM communities). MCC Canada began publishing the Mennonitische Post (MP) in April of 1977 and is still subsidizing the ministry of this publication, as well as Das Blatt, Der Schulfreund and the book ministry. In the picture are Kennert Giesbrecht, editor of the MP, and Mary Friesen, MCC Canada LGM program coordinator, lighting the candles at the 30th anniversary celebration on April 25, 2007.

LGM Networking conference

MCC Low German Program staff, service workers and advisory committee representatives will meet in Aylmer, Ontario, on April 23-25, 2007 for a three-day Networking Conference.

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Remember your leaders:
Low German stories about Mennonite leaders

(Denkjt aun jüni Learasch:
Plautdietsche Jeschichten äwa Mennonitische Leidasch)

A audio collection (on CD) of short life histories of four Mennonite leaders, translated into Low German from the book Twelve Becoming: Biographies of Mennonite Disciples from the Sixteenth to the Twentieth Century.

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DE BRIGJ 105.9 FM a Hit with Low German-Speaking Audience

Canada’s first and only Low German language radio station plays a crucial role in reducing the sense of isolation for some newcomers in southwestern Ontario.

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Learning Tour 2006

Ten members of the MCC LGM Advisory Committee participated in a learning tour and a meeting at the end of April. The group arrived in Newton, Kansas, on April 24, (2006) travelled to Paris, Texas, on April 26 and on to Seminole, Texas, on April 27. In addition to the Advisory Committee members, Kennert Giesbrecht, editor of the Mennonitische Post, participated in the learning tour.

Mexico Disaster Relief

During the sharing session at the Advisory Committee meeting in April 2006, Peter Enns from Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, shared about their involvement with MCC Mexico in the disaster relief project in southern Mexico. The Old Colony Mennonites in Cuauhtemoc have donated over $100,000 to this disaster relief project.

Mennonitische Post

Printing of the Mennonitische Post in Paraguay for the first time on October 21, 2005. This German newspaper is published in Steinbach, Manitoba, twice a month for LGM readers in North and South America. After shipping costs increased again in fall of 2005, the staff decided to explore printing the copies for Paraguay in that country. The file is sent electronically to Paraguay and then printed in Asuncion, Paraguay. Local Mennonites assist with the distribution once the Post has been printed.

MCC Networking Conference March 7-10, 2005, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

54 participants representing different regions and countries where MCC works with LGM’s participated. Other guests included four representatives from Sommerfeld colony in Paraguay, two representatives from Western District Mennonite Conference in Kansas and members of the Advisory Committee.

Paraguay Learning Tour, 2005

In March 2005 a group of 18 MCC staff and spouses participated in a learning tour to Paraguay where many valuable connections were established with the Mennonite communities in that country.

Rehabilitation Centre Luz En Mi Camino in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico

Celebrated it’s first year anniversary in March 2005. MCC service workers John and Ruth Janzen participated in this celebration. At the celebration, many of the men and their families were paying tribute to what God has been able to achieve through willing residents and capable staff. Several Support Groups and/or Bible study groups have been formed in the community. Since the Centre opened, approximately 230 men have completed the addictions treatment program.