Today (Tuesday), 53 young adults representing 27 countries will come together to discuss peace-building, to learn from each other’s experiences and to worship together.
Each one is a participant with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)’s International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP), which connects Christians from around the world in service and learning.
IVEPers are placed in assignments across North America. Their mid-year conference will be held in B.C. from Feb. 7-14 and includes an international worship service on Sunday, Feb. 12 to which all are invited.
Sophie Tiessen-Eigbike, MCC BC’s service program coordinator, has attended several IVEP mid-year conferences and worship services and described the experience as “enriching and life-giving.”
“Each participant comes sharing their talents but also with a servant heart that is willing to be molded,” she said. “The energy and sharing during the worship service is just a brief window into how our hosts, partner agencies and MCC are encouraged every day.”
During workshops and sessions IVEPers will share their life experiences and faith with each other. They explore differences in their world views and values, talk about what it means to be peacemakers, and celebrate the richness of their diversity in planning an international worship festival.
The IVEP worship service takes place Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Mennonite Church, 3471 Clearbrook Rd. All are welcome.