'Meet EMM' connects supporters and staff
SALUNGA, Pa. – Soft music, foods from around the globe, and colorful textiles, outfits and maps transformed Eastern Mennonite Missions’ meetinghouse into an international café Friday evening, November 30, as more than 150 visitors mingled with staff.
“The Meet EMM night was a time for supporters and staff to connect,” said Kaylene Derksen, associate director of development at EMM. “Our three-way relationships among missionaries, donors, and the administration were enhanced. I sensed energy and excitement during the evening.”
Guests toured the various EMM departments, from Finance to Global Ministries. Discipleship Ministries welcomed visitors into a typical “dorm room” as it would appear at the Harrisburg Discipleship Center, complete with volunteer staff reading their Bibles in bed.
“When people think of the administrative offices at EMM, we want them think of Carol Brubaker in Finance or Antonio Ulloa in Global Ministries,” said Leon Miller, mission resource coordinator. “They will be able to see the human dimension of what happens here, to put a face on the people who are working with them to go where the church is weak or nonexistent.”
Tables with hosts and international foods were set up around the meetinghouse, each featuring one of the six continents where EMM works. The Africa table, covered with an embroidered Sudanese tablecloth featuring giraffes and cheetahs, offered sesame cookies and ginger carrot salad to visitors. Bamboo lamps shined brightly at the Asia table, where spring rolls and sticky rice were offered. The chocolate fountain was popular in the North America area.
Visitors mingled and sat around tables to snack. “I talked with a family that had several generations present,” said Derksen. “They were all enjoying the evening on different levels. The grandparents were former missionaries, and the grandchildren might be future missionaries.”
Activities for children included story telling, origami crafts, memory and map games featuring missionaries, and making cards and harmonicas. Video clips featuring real people, places and music from around the globe were playing. Visitors ranged from the very young to long-time supporters. One family drove from Baltimore to attend the event.
“It’s important that people know what goes on here,” Derksen said. “We want them to ask any questions they have, to explore who we are, to come and see us at any time. It is valuable for staff to meet the people are who are passionate about missions and are called to give, and for donors to see where their hard-earned money is going.”
Visitors also registered for door prizes, including T-shirts, gift bundles of missions-based books, and the grand prize – a framed portrait of two Pakistani girls, by photographer Shane Knudsen.
“There was a gracious spirit about the evening,” said Derksen, “and I sensed that people had a pleasant curiosity about what we do.”
“Hopefully we answered everyone’s questions well,” Derksen said. “One man, as he was leaving, said he now knew how his offerings were used at EMM. Missionaries, staff, and supporters are working together to further God’s kingdom.”
After the event, one attendee wrote to thank staff for their work on that evening, and every day. She wrote, “I was touched with awe and gratitude for the work God is doing through his people, and especially, the faithfulness of his people in that work, depending on God, connecting with each other in interdependence, seeking God's glory in it all.”
-Linda Moffett
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