The editors and MWC communication staff invited a series of persons who have served in leadership or staff positions with Mennonite World Conference to contribute particular memories from their years of involvement.

by Jean M. Kraybill

     The years 1977 to 1990 were special years for me as I watched Mennonite World Conference evolve from being predominantly North American/European to a worldwide body including all Mennonite churches from many countries with representation on the Council from all participating Mennonite groups around the world. This brought a new awareness of different cultures, new ideas, new ways of looking at issues, a time of listening to each other, learning from each other and a time of sharing problems with each other.
     It was a time when many Mennonite groups, especially in Africa and Asia, discovered they were not alone--that there were Christians and Mennonites in other countries. Church leaders in Africa became aware of Mennonite congregations in South America, Japan, Indonesia, Paraguay and elsewhere. The Mennonites in Russia were surprised to learn there were Mennonites in Africa when a delegation visiting their congregations included Million Belete of Ethiopia.
     It was a privilege for me to travel with Paul and to share in the worldwide ministry of the Mennonite World Conference leaders and their congregations. I witnessed their joys, frustrations, hopes and visions for their congregations. I received new insights as I worshiped with them in the bustling city or in the small village. I observed their joy in witnessing and their faith and courage in difficult circumstances.
     Everyone everywhere seemed to enjoy singing. As we travelled, I heard them sing and discovered their songs along with the drums and choirs of Africa, the guitars and marimbas of Paraguay and the children's choirs of Indonesia and Guatemala. These songs were eventually printed in a songbook for the MWC Assembly held in Wichita, Kansas. I am thankful that some of these songs have been incorporated into our hymnals for everyone to sing.
     I learned many things as I sat in their worship services, committees and public meetings. I learned about openness, confession and forgiveness. During a gathering in Japan a Japanese brother stood in front of the group and asked the delegate from the Philippines to come forward. He then asked forgiveness for the atrocities the Japanese Army did to the Filipino people during World War II. It was a very moving experience.
     We are members of one body. When one member suffers, all the members suffer. During a morning session of the MWC Council in Paraguay we heard that the government had taken possession of and closed the church buildings of the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia and that some of the church leaders were in prison for their faith. Immediately there was a lengthy prayer service for the Ethiopian Church and other Mennonite churches experiencing persecution in other countries praying that their faith would remain strong in difficult times.
     In 1981 Paul and I moved to Strasbourg, France, to help the European Mennonite churches prepare for the Assembly in Strasbourg. We probably didn't realize the enormity of our task. First it was important to get acquainted with the European Mennonite churches and to explain the reason for this big conference. Many Sundays and weekends were spent in different communities explaining the work of MWC, that we needed a variety of skills and that we needed their expertise and help in preparing for the Assembly. Young people who felt there was nothing they could do were encouraged to volunteer. They did, and their help was very valuable.
     We lived in a very picturesque city and a drive into the countryside was relaxing after a busy day at the office. In the last few months before the Assembly each room in our apartment, except for our bedroom, literally became an office, with committees and typewriters at work everywhere. Throughout the three years as I served meals and provided lodging to committee members and other guest I learned to know them as friends. Friendships were formed which have continued through the years. I value this highly.
     In each of the three assemblies (Wichita, Strasbourg, Winnipeg) it was rewarding to see everyone working together toward one common goal: Assembly X, XI, XII. Naturally there were problems and difficult times. Not all was smooth sailing and easy going. At times there were disagreements. Sometimes there were language difficulties and different thought patterns and ideas, but the anticipation of and participation in a gathering together of God's global people kept us moving forward and made it all worthwhile.
     The assemblies are only one part of MWC--but they were an important big first step toward awareness of the global church. As I reflect on the three assemblies--Wichita, Strasbourg, Winnipeg--each one similar and yet different, I am reminded again of that great assembly in heaven when people will come from every nation, race and color to bring glory to God and sing His praises in a multinational choir forever. I continue to thank God for the privilege of being part of Mennonite World Conference and the global church.

Jean M Kraybill, Goshen, Indiana, USA, served as hostess, secretary and organizer for MWC during the years that her husband, Paul, was Executive Secretary of MWC.