In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul reminds that body of early Christians not to be focused on who gets the credit for ministry that is happening. It’s true, he says, that “I planted.” But “Apollos watered” and, most importantly, “God gave the growth”(1 Corinthians 2:6). EMM’s desire is that the world would be full of disciples making disciples. We want to faithfully do our part in that grand mission. But we recognize that many other organizations are doing their part as well. It’s our joy and privilege to partner with like-minded believers whenever possible, more concerned with the spread of the gospel than who gets credit for it. We recognize that while we have gifts and resources to offer, we have much to learn and gain from others’ contributions and from walking this path of discipleship together.

LANCASTER, Pa. — Do we really see who’s at our door? Or do we see who we expect to see? Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) worker Dr. Philip Gottschalk says much of what we see when we look at the “other” — the immigrant, the refugee — depends on what we are prepared to see and what we expect to see. 

There are countless stories to tell of all the ways that God is at work through EMM workers around the world.
Here is a brief glimpse of stories from these regions in 2020.

At the end of 2020, EMM staff began their move to relocate the Central Administrative Office to Lancaster City. We’re calling this newly renovated space, Hub 450, after its physical address at 450 North Prince Street. The first floor is already beginning to be used for meaningful cross-cultural ministry, and the second floor is providing a space to continue carrying out the important work of calling, sending, and supporting workers around the world. Here’s a first look at the new space with some reflections from EMM staff.

From a young age, “church” was a big part of my life. I accepted Jesus as my savior at the age of 3. My mom says I boldly came to her one afternoon and told her it was something I wanted. She had also accepted Jesus herself just a short time before my request. After a bit of searching, our home church became In The Light Ministries (ITLM), where some of my earliest memories took place. Up until age 13, I was consistently attending services and participating in events. I even participated in a homeschool group for 6th grade held at ITLM. For one reason or another, I had decided to return to public school by the end of the year.

“Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13, ESV)

In early January 2021, outgoing president Gerry Keener sat down with Marvin Lorenzana to talk about this transition. Here’s a look at some of that conversation.

In October 2020, the EMM Board of Directors announced Dr. Marvin Lorenzana’s appointment as the ninth president of Eastern Mennonite Missions. We’re grateful for Marvin and the extensive leadership he’ll bring to EMM.

NZÉRÉKORÉ, Guinea — Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) is saddened to share the death of volunteer worker Beryl Forrester. While teaching and resourcing a young church plant in Nzérékoré, Guinea, Forrester experienced a brief illness and passed away on Tuesday, March 2, at the age of 80.

God is taking EMM in a new direction. EMM is venturing forth into the city — to an ideal location on North Prince Street. Lancaster City is a beautiful place that I have come to appreciate. I am so grateful our God has called me into Lancaster, and I’m encouraged that God has called EMM too.