While we provide support to churches, we also receive much in return. As I listened to stories of the suffering these Chin people have endured due to ethnic and religious persecution in Myanmar, I was deeply moved by their remarkable resilience. God's Spirit has clearly shaped in them a character of long-suffering. As they stay connected with family and friends still suffering in Myanmar, they offer meaningful support and encouragement. Many of them must also show resilience in balancing two jobs to make ends meet.
In worship, the congregation gave a powerful witness to the joy they find in God and their dedication as followers of Jesus. I was personally touched by their spiritual enthusiasm. For our worship, the Chin congregation contributed "Zisuh nih a zultu hna sinah (Peace Be With You! Jesus Told His Friends)," #165 in Voices Together.
They also offer a practical example of how to engage youth in worship. Pastor Simon shared his concern about retaining youth, a challenge faced by many churches today. In response, he encourages all youth to learn a form of music, which they eagerly do. The youth play an active role in worship, leading and contributing music with joy. Their worship truly reflects the sense of community central to their faith practice.
This Chin congregation, like the Mennonite Chin in Omaha, Nebraska, extends their support beyond the church by helping refugee families adjust to life in a new country and culture. They are as passionate about mission as they are about worship, eager for others to experience the abundant life found in Christ. After I presented the Mennonite Men JoinHands grant, they graciously gave a sum of money to be used to assist another church with their building project—a beautiful example of generosity and community spirit.
In all these ways, they have much to offer the broader Mennonite Church.
Postscript
This is the second grant we have made to Chin congregations joining Mennonite Church USA. These congregations are a prominent part of the new church movement within our Mennonite family. Approximately half of all new MC USA congregations come from ethnic-racial backgrounds, including African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian groups. This trend reflects the church's growing racial and ethnic diversity, particularly in urban and immigrant communities, where congregational growth has been most pronounced.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have provided over $2.5 million to 93 new congregations to support their building projects. In the past twelve months, Mennonite Men distributed $91,500 through JoinHands grants to four Mennonite churches.