Focus

Carol Wert reflected on her own ability to hear from and speak with God. Over the years, Carol’s prayer life has mostly consisted of speaking at God rather than speaking with him. The conversation has often been one-sided, with her telling God her long list of (valid) requests for herself and others.

In 1938, scientists began tracking the lives of 268 Harvard University sophomores to discover the source of happiness and a good life. What did they find? Was it wealth, having a successful career, a good education, or being born into an upper-middle-class family? No, it wasn’t any of those things. They discovered it was relationships. Their conclusion: “Good and close relationships and a happy marriage can keep us happier and healthier. Period.” When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was. He simply said, "Love God and love your neighbor.”

David W. Shenk of Lititz, Pa., went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2023. David was an ambassador of Christ’s peace who devoted his life to serving God through missions and the church. In his memoir, “A gentle boldness,” David concluded by reflecting on Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:20. David wrote that he and his wife Grace “were seeking to celebrate the peace of Jesus … Jesus commissions us to be his ambassadors of peace.” Indeed, that is what David has been: an ambassador of Christ’s peace!

David W. Shenk went home to be with his Lord and Savior this morning, Tuesday, January 31, 2023. We grieve the loss of David's presence here on earth but rejoice that he has been received by his heavenly Father. Next week, we’ll spend more time on this program, highlighting the ministries for which God used David and his wife, Grace, for many decades through EMM. This week, we felt like it was appropriate to share some of his own words from his memoir called “A Gentle Boldness.” May you be inspired as you listen to these words from David.

"Influence" is something we strive for in the youth and young adults we lead, and it's a trait we hope to cultivate in our students. We desire to train youth in biblical teaching and nurture them as individuals. We hope that as they interact with their peers and as they continue to learn and grow, they will engage their communities as Kingdom people.

In November, a 12-member team from EMM, Virginia Mennonite Missions, and the Integrated Mennonite Church of the Philippines joined the team serving in Thailand in Det Udom. This prayer-vision team tip included first- hand exposure to the Isaan context, building trusting relationships for potential future partnerships, and onsite prayer for current and future kingdom work here in Isaan.

It’s hard to believe that we are already at the end of 2022, and as we have been reflecting on the year, the word “hope” came to mind. There are many days when the world feels hopeless — the news is filled with war, famine, drought, natural disasters, and violence. Some days it seems that all may be lost.

EMM worker Austin Zuercher, and his wife Griselda, returned to Costa Rica and have enjoyed reconnecting with people after having spent a few months in Spain. For two months they are enjoying good coffee and sweet memories before they relocate to Honduras long-term. It has been very bittersweet for them, as they know these are the last months they’ll have in Costa Rica.

At first, it was a deliberate choice for EMM workers Alan and Wert, because it’s their stage of life with adult children. But the run-up to Christmas this year has felt less frenetic and more peaceful than in other years.

This summer, William Higgins took his first trip as an EMM non-resident missionary. To get to his final destination, William flew to Doha, Qatar, then to Nairobi, Kenya, and finally to Kisumu. From Kisumu they drove down to Migori, about three and a half hours, where the school is that he would be teaching, the Mennonite Anabaptist Theological College.