Southeast Asia Mennonite volunteers congregate in Thailand

Mennonite Central Committee
Friday, 3 August 2001

CHA-AM, Thailand -- A first-of-its-kind gathering brought volunteers from various Mennonite agencies working in Southeast Asia together for four days in June.

Participants numbered 71 adults and 41 children, most who work through Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM), Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services International (MBMSI), Commission on Overseas Mission/Mennonite Board of Missions and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

Gathered at a hotel in coastal Thailand, the group became acquainted with each other and shared experiences of life and work in Southeast Asia. The retreat provided an opportunity to learn about the various ways Mennonite volunteers and agencies work and was a connecting point for workers spread out across the region.

MCC's office in Vietnam, for example, is located in Hanoi, while EMM Vietnam is based in Ho Chi Minh City, much farther south.

"Our relationship with EMM grew stronger as a result of the time we spent together," said Fran Martens Friesen, co-administrator of MCC's Vietnam programs. "Over meals and in informal sharing times, we became better friends with the EMM Vietnam team and learned more about the joys and struggles they are having.

"We were also able to discuss possible areas of collaboration. For instance, we discussed a proposal with EMM about assisting Vietnamese Mennonites in a community development project," said Martens Friesen.

Gordon Nickel, of MBMSI, echoed those remarks, saying volunteers gained "an appreciation for the ministries of agencies different from one's own."

"I believe that can only make the work of each agency more effective," he continued. Nickel serves in India but attended the retreat while awaiting a visa renewal in Thailand.

Participants likewise made connections with those who live and work close by. One MBMSI worker was surprised to learn someone from MCC has been working practically "in my own backyard," in northern Thailand.

A similar retreat may be planned for 2003.

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org