Searching and Serving in Rochestery NY

In August, I am planning to enter the Mennonite Voluntary Service program. MVS is an experience designed for young adults to grow in their faith, develop a deeper appreciation for the church, learn how to see what God is doing in the world, and imagine ways to become a part of God’s kingdom work. 

Through MVS, I will be spending the next year in a Rochester, New York. There I will have the chance to live in a mall intentional community of other MVSers and be a part of the faith community at Rochester Area Mennonite Fellowship. As my service placement, I will be volunteering full time with the Judicial Process Commission, a small NGO that supports ex-offenders in the reintegration process. I am looking forward to serving and building relationships that are transforming in my life.

This is a really great opportunity for me to explore what my dreams are in terms of justice and faith. I'm excited for this time of prayerful discernment, challenging experiences, and new relationships. 

However, I very much need you to go with me into this time of service and exploration.  Going with MVS requires me to raise part of my financial support because we do not ask the communities we serve in to fully support us financially. I also covet your prayers and thoughts during my time of service.

I invite you to prayerfully consider contributing whatever feels appropriate for you.While each of you can pray in equal measure, the funding is a little bit more complicated. 

For my American friends: 

All gifts in US funds should be made electronically on the Mennonite Mission Network web site http://www.mennonitemission.net/GiveToService. Please designate it for MVS and include my name as the participant you wish to support. All donations made through the website are tax-deductible and you will be sent a donation receipt from Mennonite Mission Network on behalf of MVS. 

For my Canadian friends: 

My home church, River East Mennonite Brethren, will be supporting me through their Service/Education fund. I invite you to consider contributing to this fund.  All gifts in Canadian funds should be made payable to River East Mennonite Brethren Church, with “SeEd fund” indicated on the memo line.  The gift is tax-deductible, and you will be sent a donation receipt from River East MB. 

For everyone:

I'm really excited about this new period of growth and the new challenges and insights it will bring. I would love to have you accompany me in the learning, thinking, dreaming, and growing. Feel free to follow my blog, shoot me an email, or send me a text (thanks to the support of my Richmond family, I will continue to use my 804 number during my year of service).

Thanks!