MENNO project Colombia

October 8, 2002

Winnipeg, Man.—Ten lucky Mennonites will have a life-changing, eye-opening experience in Colombia this February.

MENNO (Mennonites Encountering New Neighbours Overseas) Project is a two-week work project taking place February 1-15, 2003. Open to ten registrants, it is an educational experience and an opportunity to contribute to the work of the Colombian Mennonite church.

With only about 3,200 Mennonites and Brethren in Christ in the whole country, Anabaptists in Colombia have accomplished some amazing things in the context of a brutal civil war and political volatility. Some of the inspiring work of the Colombian church that MENNO project participants will witness include:

• MENCOLDES, a relief and development agency
• JUSTAPAS, the Mennonite peace and justice centre
• HOGAR CRISTIANO LA PAZ, a home for the elderly
• LA LUZ, a Mennonite bookstore
• CLARA, an Anabaptist resource centre
• The Colombian Mennonite Seminary

Sponsored by Mennonite Church Canada Witness, the program invites North American Mennonites to hear the stories of faith of those who live every day with the reality of violence. “Participants will live and work with brothers and sisters as they cope with demanding and difficult life situations,” said Raul Enns Bogoya, associate director of Christian Service Ministry. Bogoya will coordinate the visit; interested persons can contact him toll-free at 1-866-888-6785, by e-mail at rbogoya@mennonitechurch.ca or by postal mail at the Mennonite Church Canada office: 600 Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg MB R3P 0M4.

“Head south this winter to Colombia to not only reinvigorate your body with the sun and the warmth, but also to renew your spirit, witnessing first-hand the tremendous work and faith of our brothers and sisters in Colombia,” said Bogoya.