Ank de Vlas: A life devoted to Kenya’s runners and students
In recent decades, young people from the Kalenjin community in the highlands of Kenya have dominated all levels of competitive athletic running events around the world. They have been described as “the fastest people in the world.” What factors have given these runners the leading edge over virtually everyone else? In this regard, theories abound…
Seniors, youths break down age barriers
When the grey-haired set met the blue-jean generation of Emmanuel Mennonite Church at an evening gathering last year, both generations learned a lot about the other. And everyone agreed it was an experience worth repeating. Although Emmanuel is home to all generations, seniors and youths have few opportunities to converse with one another. Desiring more…
The merger God has been waiting for
It was with singing, dancing and, of course, a potluck that two Lao Mennonite churches in Toronto celebrated their amalgamation late last year. After a seven-year separation, Lao Canadian Evangelical Mennonite Church and Toronto United Lao Mennonite Church became one again on Dec. 11. The reunited congregation will be known as Lao Canadian Evangelical Mennonite…
Heartfelt apology
On Reformation Sunday, Oct. 31, Faith Mennonite Church in Leamington, Ont., was visited by neighbours and friends from the local St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Reformation Sunday marks the anniversary in 1517 when Martin Luther began public theological dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church that is considered the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation Sunday…
Healing memories, reconciling in Christ
Historical records are shaped by the perspectives of those who write them, but perspectives that clash can cause centuries of pain. On July 22, 2010, an apology from Lutherans for their historical persecution of Mennonites initiated a new relationship between these parts of the church and opened a door to revisiting their shared but distinctive…
Embarrassing gratitude
A woman—a good family friend—pours perfume worth $25,000 on Jesus’ feet at a dinner party held at her house in his honour. She removes her head scarf, shakes her hair loose, bends over, and wipes Jesus’ perfumed feet with her hair. The fragrance fills the whole house. Surely that fragrance remains on Jesus’ feet—and in…
