Mennonite World Conference
Expands Staff
by Ferne Burkhardt
On September 1, two Mennonite World Conference associate executive secretaries began full-time work. The new portfolios will allow Larry Miller, executive secretary, to focus more on vision and oversight of MWC, relationships with churches around the world, communications and financial development.
Ray Brubacher, Waterloo, Ontario (Canada), formerly MWC director of special projects, is now Associate Executive Secretary, Events and Administration. Brubacher worked for MWC part-time while studying at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana (U.S.A.) in 1999. He then worked in the MWC office in Strasbourg, France, from January 2000 until he moved to the Kitchener, Ontario, office in October 2000.
Brubacher’s new administrative tasks will include updating policies and ways of keeping records, but his primary task for the next two years will be planning the Africa 2003 to be held August 11-17, 2003 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, “has the potential of being one of the most exciting world conferences ever,” said Brubacher.
Southern Africa’s special gift of music, along with plans by an international committee to lead vocal and instrumental music will give music, special emphasis at this assembly, said Brubacher. He also anticipates more emphasis on programs for youth and higher attendance from the southern hemisphere.
Among Brubacher’s challenges will be putting to rest, primarily in western countries, anxieties around politics and HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe. He acknowledges that the political situation may worsen in the run-up to the election in April 2002, after which he anticipates greater stability in the country. He urges people to look beyond current unrest as they consider attending the Assembly in 2003.
The health crisis in Zimbabwe should not be a concern for visitors, he said. Pre-assembly information will suggest any health precautions participants should consider.
Brubacher knows Africa well, having served there with Mennonite Central Committee in positions ranging from teacher to Africa director to international program director over nearly 30 years. While he was pastor at Elmira Mennonite Church in Canada from 1981-89, he also served on the binational and MCC Canada boards.
Assuming the position of Associate Executive Secretary, Networks and Projects is Pakisa Tshimika, Fresno, California (U.S.A.).
“I do whatever Ray doesn’t do. I’m the director of leftover jobs,” quipped Tshimika. In a more serious vein, he added, “There are lots of ideas floating around ... that might work with a new twist. I want to start with results and figure out how to build to get there.”
He’s had experience with “a new twist.” A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tshimika came to the U.S. to study to be a surgeon. When a horrific car accident thwarted that plan, he turned to other health fields, earning Masters and PhD degrees in California. He then worked in the DRC, as African Program Director for Mennonite Brethren Missions Services International and National Director of Health and Development. One of his specialities is HIV/AIDS.
With conflict raging in the DRC, he returned to California in August, 1999. Travel in Africa for his job was easier from a U.S. base, he said. He continued working halftime for MBMS International, but ready for a change, he began working for MWC as director of the Global Gifts Sharing Project and as an advisor on other projects.
Most recently, Tshimika has traveled all over Africa with MWC Global Gifts Sharing Project co-worker Tim Lind, creating an inventory of gifts African Mennonites and Brethren in Christ have to offer. His new full-time position expands his responsibility to creating and overseeing a range of projects and staff, including the new YAMEN! (Young Anabaptist Mennonite Exchange Network!) program.
“I like to network with people who have challenging ideas. I want to make them happen,” said Tshimika, whose immediate travel and work link him with Africa, Europe, and North America with Latin America and Asia in waiting.
