Who is MWC?

World Directory
  *World Map 2003

World Assembly: Africa 2003
  *Photo Tour

Faith and Life Council, Peace Council

Global Youth Summit

Global Mission Fellowship

Program Plan 2003-2006

World Fellowship Sunday

Publications

News Releases

How can you participate?

Walking the Way to Discipleship

“He has told you, O people, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8

HWACHEON, South Korea (Mennonite Mission Network/Mennonite Church Canada Witness) — What happens when an unlikely group of Christians living in different countries, speaking various languages and coming from diverse backgrounds, meet together for nine days of discipleship training from an Anabaptist perspective?

They do justice, love kindness and walk humbly.

From July 7-15, 15 participants from Taiwan, Japan, Philippines and South Korea gathered together to dialogue and experience what it means to be Anabaptist in Asia. The Asia Anabaptist Discipleship Training Program, hosted by Jesus Village Church and the Korea Anabaptist Center, took place at Abba Shalom Koinonia in the mountains near the demilitarized zone three hours northeast of Seoul. Despite the peaceful setting, the military bases and soldiers in the area were a constant reminder of the context in which we are called to be disciples.

The training program theme was “Walking the Way,” based on Micah 6:8. Richard Rancap, pastor in the Integrated Mennonite Church of the Philippines, challenged the group to consider carefully what it means to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly in individual contexts.

After several days at Abba, the trainees divided into three groups. A “doing justice” group learned about peace- and justice-related issues in Korea by visiting an organization working for land justice, a home for elderly women who were sexual slaves of the Japanese military and “The Frontiers,” a Christian organization sending young people to serve through peace camps in conflict areas around the world.

A “loving kindness” group visited with patients at a hospice, walked with workers from a Christian homeless ministry, learned from the Korean Sharing Movement working in North Korea and served 1,000 lunches at a soup kitchen in central Seoul.

The “walking humbly” group examined Korean churches’ discipleship and community and history. Group members visited the largest church in the world (Yeoido Full Gospel Church) and worshipped and served with Sarangbang Community Church, a small, rural, community-focused congregation that runs an alternative school.

During final-day reflections, a Japanese participant working with peace and justice projects at her church and issues of sexual slavery said she was inspired to continue her work, knowing others in Asia support her.

A Filipino participant will explore ongoing food distribution and medical service in her country. Words from a homeless man spoken in Japanese convinced one participant to work at homeless ministries needed in Japan.

"Without action," the Japanese man said, "we can't know the meaning of prayer and study."

One participant from Taiwan leaves with a passion for peace-building awareness in the Taiwanese Mennonite Church, particularly in relationship with China.

A Korean brother renewed his commitment to a discipleship involving faith and action that combines justice, kindness and humility.

Finally, another Korean participant said she has found an identity as a peacemaker. Previously unsure of what it meant for her to be Mennonite, she will change her approach when she returns to her classes at a Mennonite school in the United States.

What happened when this unlikely group gathered? They experienced God’s spirit in community and left inspired and encouraged to continue following God’s call to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly in all contexts. Participants hope to continue learning from each other “walking the way” as disciples of Christ in Asia.

— Author Cheryl Woelk works at Korea Anabaptist Center through Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite Church Canada Witness.

_____

2006 Mennonite Mission Network photos available on request:

1. Richard Rancap from the Philippines and SoonJae Kwon from South Korea try to untangle themselves during team-building building activities on the first day at the Asia Anabaptist Discipleship Training in South Korea in July 2006.
2. Kentaro Wakamatsu from Japan explains that in the kingdom of God, the least of these is worth more than the whole world during the final reflections on the last day of the program at the Asia Anabaptist Discipleship Training in South Korea in July 2006. Cheryl Woelk, a Mennonite Mission Network and Mennonite Church Canada Witness worker with Korea Anabaptist Center, listens.