Letter from Dan Nighswander

	Dan Nigh- swander

In this issue of Equipping you will find information about the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Assembly to be held next summer in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. And as I write this we are preparing for a special time of prayer and fasting for Mennonite Church Canada staff on behalf of that gathering.

I trust you are aware that from the beginning of MC Canada's formation, following the 1999 St. Louis Assembly, we have placed a high value on our connection with other national church bodies through the Mennonite World Conference. The MWC Assembly that happens every six years is the most public fellowship event that also includes:

• Faith and Life Council
• Peace Council
• Global Anabaptist Peace and Justice Network
• Connecting Theological Educators on Five Continents
• Global Church Sharing Fund
• Global Visitors Exchange
• Global Gifts Sharing Project
• Global Mennonite and Brethren in Christ History Project
• World Fellowship Sunday
• Global Anabaptist Missions Consultation Committee
• In 2003 the Our Family is Your Family art exhibit

Why is the MWC important for us? I take particular delight in this world-wide fellowship as the spiritual fruit of a century of mission work by North American and European Mennonites: there are now more of our spiritual sisters and brothers in Asia, Africa and Latin America-the "southern" countries-than in Europe, USA and Canada-the "northern" countries.

Relating to the maturing churches that we have planted is similar to the process of watching children become adults. We have a continuing responsibility to: (a) continue supporting them toward their spiritual maturity; (b) receive the gifts (both pleasant and challenging) that they offer to us; and (c) recognize who they have become and enjoy fellowship as peers in an equal relationship before God.

MWC Assemblies provide an opportunity to worship together in anticipation of the prophesied worship of all tribes and nations before God's throne. They also offer a forum for learning from one another. To avoid the danger of heresy and ego-centric or cultural-centric understandings of God and of our response to God we need the broadening and deepening experience of a world-wide, multi-cultural family. (I think the parallel experience of the Anglican community in addressing ethical and theological issues through international discernment is instructive for us.)

It is perhaps obvious why the hosting Brethren in Christ churches in Zimbabwe need our attendance-to support them in their challenging context, to contribute to their economy, to honour their invitation and receive their hospitality. Mennonite Church Canada also needs this Assembly for our spiritual growth.

Please,

• check the MWC web site (http://www.mwc-cmm.org) to learn more about this wonderful network of churches that share our spiritual heritage and identity;
• continue to pray for our sister churches around the world, and especially for the Assembly of next August 11-17 (plus assembly scattered events before and after);
• identify the people in your congregation who would be able to contribute, receive and bring back the gifts of this Assembly to your congregation, and urge them to attend;
• encourage your members (by your own example) to contribute funds so less affluent brothers and sisters in impoverished churches around the world can attend;
• prepare for the overflow of blessings that God will pour upon the world-wide fellowship of Mennonite churches through this event.

Sincerely,
Dan Nighswander