Alumni
Did you know that over 600 pastors in Mennonite Mission Network-connected churches are alumni of our service programs? It’s true!
Those numbers are no accident.
As an alum of our service programs, you already know the impact that a service experience can have on the life of a participant. Putting your faith into action, experiencing life from a different perspective and forming community with others are not easy things to do. They are, however, experiences that help us grow. They allow us to experience God in formative ways. They strengthen our bonds to our communities of faith.
Alumni newsletter
In Alumni Connections, you’ll find uplifting stories from Mission Network’s service programs. As you read, think about how your service experience has affected your connection to your faith community.
- What was changed?
- What was strengthened?
If your service experience was formational for you, consider sharing your story with your congregation. Going by the numbers, your pastor may be able to relate!
Alumni Stories
Alumni Perspectives
I was placed in a nonprofit organization that serves refugees, and I found myself falling in love with the work and the people. I also really like San Antonio and all the opportunities that it has to offer young people like me willing to do service. I am very happy to stay with my placement organization and work with them for this amazing cause.
- Luz Varela
- Luz served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at RAICES in San Antonio.
Serving as an environmental advocate for the greater Madison community was more than just a year-long commitment. It was an experience that helped shape my vocation.
- Mikhail Fernandes
- Mikhail served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at the Audubon Society in Madison, Wisconsin.
We are grateful for the intergenerational relationships that have been formed through the holy experience of faith formation and community living. Our lives have been forever transformed by our Service Adventure experiences.
- Sondra Tolle
- Sondra and Bob Tolle served as unit leaders of Mennonite Mission Network’s Service Adventure Albuquerque unit from 2015-2018.
MVS gave me the opportunity to explore a vocation that I probably otherwise wouldn’t have encountered. I was able to really help people in very tangible ways.
- Lisa Koop
- After completing her term with MVS, Koop went on to graduate magna cum laude from Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 2004.
At the Homeless Prenatal Program, more than half the staff are former clients that have moved up to be case managers and service providers. I am truly humbled every day by my co-workers’ and clients’ stories of perseverance, hope and strength, as well as their continued humility and service.
- Stephan Baumgartner
- Baumgartner served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at the Homeless Prenatal Program in San Francisco.
Because of my time in L.A., I know that I want to work with issues concerning race in the future. I was able to make friends, experience a different place, learn, and just have fun. I would recommend Youth Venture to anyone and everyone.
- Elizabeth Eby
- Elizabeth served in Youth Venture in Los Angeles.
My MVS experience has greatly influenced what I will do next. Throughout my two years at Tucson Community Food Bank, I have learned more about how I function in a workplace as well as what skills, strengths and weaknesses I bring to a job. My time in Tucson, through my housemates, my placement, and the community, has been formational in learning how and who I want to be in the world.
- Karina Kreider
- Karina served with Mennonite Voluntary Service at the Community Food Bank in Tucson, Arizona.
This year of work, community and church has reminded me over and over again that the place that God consistently shows up in our society is among those who are most vulnerable. Those on the edges, and in the shadows. God offers an invitation to us to join in and amplify that movement. That is the good news.
- Katrina Kniss
- Katrina serves with Mennonite Voluntary Service at RAICES in San Antonio.
To this day I still credit my term with Service Adventure as one of the most influential experiences in my life. It not only led me to my current career, but opened many doors for me, gave me a new ‘family,’ and ultimately changed the way that I view the world.
- Erin Graber
- Erin served with Service Adventure in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
SOOP is an opportunity to have one’s eyes opened to what the needs are … not just here, but to reflect on back home as well.
- Jim Gascho
- JimGascho, along with his wife, Lila, served as the directors and hosts at the Phoenix SOOP location from 2016-2017.
