Reader gives biking story a ‘wow’
Re: “Cycling into the future,” July 22, page 30.
I enjoy Canadian Mennonite very much.
This story really impressed me. Philip Martin had the smarts to see the need for bike safety for his school pupils; he realized how important it was for young people to learn this, and then went to work to fix it.
Thanks to him, and with help from Ella Strathdee and other volunteers, more than 5,000 kids have received these important lessons and are safer when biking on the streets. Wow.
—Annie Saunders, Waterloo, Ont.
Bringing peace, dignity and hope to those who need it most
Re: “Where does MCC fit in the Mennonite world?” July 22, page 8.
In his letter, Richard Penner rightly highlights that helping others is a core motivator for Anabaptists. For close to 100 years, this call to service has, in part, found practical expression through the work of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), and for good reason.
Impact is the best measure of an organization’s value, and MCC’s impact around the world is significant. MCC is currently working in close to 60 countries on more than 700 relief, development and peace projects. The breadth and depth of this impact is possible because of the organization’s reputation for efficient and effective work that has been built decade upon decade by volunteers, supporters and staff, who continuously and thoughtfully deliver highly valued programs with expert partners. It is clear that those committed to the mission of MCC are impacting the lives of program participants around the world in practical and meaningful ways every day.
There are currently nearly 71 million displaced people around the world—the most there have ever been. The necessary response requires bold action by organizations that attend to the short-term, emergency needs of individuals and families, that help rebuild lives and sustainable livelihoods, and that establish meaningful relationships that help ensure lasting peace for all. This is MCC.
On the eve of the organization’s centennial in 2020, there is much to celebrate, but so much more to do. MCC is committed to investing the required time, energy and resources to bring peace, dignity and hope to those who need it most. The work is as urgent as it’s ever been, and MCC is taking action.
—Scott D. Campbell, Winnipeg
The writer is MCC Canada’s director of communications and donor relations.
Subscriber questions digital issues idea
I have received your digital issues this summer but haven’t read any of the articles. I don’t care to read long articles on the computer.
And people without computers are left out “in the cold” after having paid the full subscription price.
What actually is the rationale for no print editions for several issues? What about your stated objective of connecting people and congregations via Canadian Mennonite?
—Ingrid Lamp, Swift Current, Sask.
Comments
I thank Scott D. Campbell for an excellent articulation of what MCC does. Left unsaid, is the reason?
Without an articulation of faith, is not MCC and the work it does a post-Christian organization? Even the nominal "in the name of Christ" is left off.
By the measure of development theory, and best business practices and fundraising theory, there is much good MCC does. By the measure of furthering the cause of Christ? Nary a whisper.
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