“This is freedom. We have everything a human being needs to be alive. Education, work, food, health care.” – Mohammed Kasem, a refugee welcomed by his sponsorship group with support from MCC BC The Rohingya are one of Myanmar’s ethnic…
When you look at Servan managing his own tailoring business in the Valley Fair Shopping Mall on Lougheed, you might not think of him as a refugee sponsored by Ridge Church. You might not readily label Harpreet at Subway, or…
It was a shock, followed by great sadness, to have heard the news today of David’s passing. In 1989, newly hired to head the Restorative Justice work of Mennonite Central Committee Canada, I was perusing correspondence of my predecessor, Restorative…
Many of the Mennonites who fled southern Ukraine in the early decades of the 20th century ended up in the Fraser Valley. Some of the areas where their ancestors lived – northeast of Crimea, west of Mariupol – have already…
President Vladimir Putin must be shocked by the worldwide intensity of opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the depth of support for the attacked nation. Many Vancouverites are joining the chorus, with large public demonstrations and much media coverage.…
For the past 50 years the annual MCC Festival for World Relief in Abbotsford has raised funds for uprooted and vulnerable people around the world. This year, thanks to the pandemic, the September 19 – 20 event will be a…
We are now just over a week away from Missions Fest 2020 – so it’s time to register. Attendance is still free, but registration is now required; go here. For those who haven’t attended – or haven’t attended for some…
Peter Biggs of The Light Magazine is researching one Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley municipality each month, and producing a four page feature. The June issue features Abbotsford. Situated some 30 minutes east of the Port Mann Bridge, Abbotsford – aptly named ‘city in the…
For many years I have admired the way Mennonites champion restorative justice. Whenever you hear about citizens working with prisoners, or ex-prisoners, or Victim-Offender projects, or mediation . . . you’ll always find Mennonites in the mix. The latest manifestation…
Frank Sawatsky is a coordinator with CoSA (Circles of Support and Accountability), which offers support for high risk sex offenders who have served time in prison. Last Friday night at Cedar Park Church (his church) in Delta, he and his…