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September 2009

Bridge building between cultures begins at MCC orientation Lydette Assefa of the United States and Hiwot of Ethiopia started building a cultural bridge between their two countries as soon as they were assigned to be roommates at Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC’s) August orientation for young adult volunteers.
Battle zone's lethal harvest I love the Obama family's White House garden. It's a great way to promote the value of fresh, home-grown food, and I hope many will follow the example that the president and first lady have set. But today I am urging President Obama to pick up a pen instead of a garden hoe, because hidden in the garden's onions and tomatoes is a connection to international humanitarian law that deserves his immediate attention.
Refugee sponsorship marks start of 30-year friendship Thirty years ago Thanh and Te Trinh and their young children risked their lives to escape the harsh economic conditions in Vietnam with the hope of rebuilding their lives in a new country.
Surprise flooding in Burkina Faso destroys homes of the poorest When Levy Madjibe visits victims of flooding in the capital of Burkina Faso, he hears the same story repeatedly – "I was surprised by the water, and I've lost everything."
Recent flooding in Burkina Faso Recent flooding in Burkina Faso, West Africa, has forced 150,000 people from their homes, predominantly in the capital, Ouagodougou, where MCC workers are based.
More poverty, hunger in developing world as recession takes hold Although the worldwide recession appears to be letting up in the U.S. and Canada, in many developing countries it has barely begun and the impact will be devastating, says an MCC spokesperson.
Camp nurtures friendships, spiritual growth in Quebec The relaxing sounds of a small river cascading over rocks at Camp Peniel in the Laurentians north of Montreal create a perfect setting for Nathan Giroux to feel inner peace.

August 2009

Fifty workers begin assignments with MCC Fifty new workers were commissioned for service after participating in an orientation at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) offices in Akron, July 7-17. Nine are serving in Canada or the United States, and 41 are serving in other countries.
MCC names new director for Ottawa office Paul Heidebrecht of southern Ontario has been appointed director of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada’s Ottawa office.
MCC partner in Haiti reports to U.N. council A Haitian partner organization of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), presented a human rights report on June 17 to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
New MCC U.S. resources on cluster bombs available Documentary and study guide provide new advocacy tools.

July 2009

Youth participate in cycle of sharing in Montreal Summer program provides opportunity to learn about effects of poverty and marginalization.
MCC promotes sustainable farming in North Korea New project aims to help farmers increase grain harvests.
Honduran Mennonites call for dialogue after coup The Honduran Evangelical Mennonite Church is calling for peaceful dialogue and respect for human rights in Honduras in the wake of the June 28 coup.
MCC responds to hunger crisis MCC provided a record amount of food aid around the world in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Food needs are continuing to increase.
Christian-Muslim peacemaking in Nigeria Gopar Tapkida, an MCC regional peace networker, describes his efforts to ease tensions that have led to deadly violence along religious lines in the city of Jos, Nigeria.
Washington Office launches campaign for economic justice Congregations are invited to take part in advocacy around issues of health care, international debt, housing and global trade.
Nineteen workers begin leadership assignments with MCC New personnel were commissioned for service after orientation in Akron, Pa.
MCC's in Canada prepare for budget shortfall, cutbacks MCC is behind budget for the first nine months of the 2008-2009 fiscal year ending August 31, 2009.
MCC seeks funds for Congolese hospitals MCC is appealing for financial contributions to help provide medications and other supplies to Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

June 2009

A call to pray for Iran A recent presidential election in Iran sparked debate and sporadic violence. Prayers for the situation are welcome.
MCC responds to gun violence MCC U.S. and MCC East Coast work to curb gun violence in response to calls from MCC workers and church leaders.
MCC worker receives award for commitment to peace-building MCC worker in Manitoba receives YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Community Volunteerism.
MCC U.S. publishes mediation and facilitation manual Fifth edition of manual provides new emphasis on restorative justice.
Canadians set to sponsor Palestinian refugees Some of the Palestinian refugees stranded in an isolated refugee camp on the Iraq-Syria border will soon have new homes in Canada.
A place of life for people affected by AIDS MCC provides financial support to a day care center to ensure children affected by AIDS have a loving, adult presence in their lives.
MCC moves toward new vision and structure New Wine/New Wineskins process includes revised vision and purpose statements.
MCC U.S. offers guide for immigrant conscientious objectors New resource provides information for conscientious objectors applying for U.S. citizenship.
Hopes for peace in Orissa In Orissa, India, MCC sponsors workshops in the wake of widespread violence against Christians in late August 2008.

May 2009

MCC raises Afghanistan concerns with Canadian prime minister Engaging the military in development and reconstruction in Afghanistan is endangering aid workers and civilian recipients, MCC Canada says.