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When you see the abbreviation NFL what do you think of? If you are from the U.S., you might think right away of football. NFL stands for National Football League. It is one of the beloved sports of the U.S. On any given Sunday, Monday or Thursday night during football season you will find groups of friends, family, or co-workers gathered together to watch the game.
I’d like to share with you another meaning for NFL. In this brief insight moment I give you NFL: No Fear Living.
Sharon F. Nelson, Young Adult Program Coordinator, Central States, U. S.
Our world is full of chaos. The concept of peace and understanding towards ourselves and each other often gets lost. As we journey through life we must always remember that fear should never be our motivator. We have a beloved creator who wants us to trust in all circumstances. As we have all started this New Year let us hold on to the hope that has been given to us that allows us to live free from fear.
“Be joyful in HOPE, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” –Romans 12:12
Sharon F. Nelson, IVEP Central States Regional Coordinator, U.S.
Participant insight: I am happy to serve here
Nataša Gudalo at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, U.S.
“I feel so happy to participate in this program and meet all these people from different countries and their cultures.” says Nataša Gudalo from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who is working at Park View Federal Credit Union in Harrisonburg, Virginia, U.S. She is enjoying getting to know so many different people through her experience. Nataša also says, “I am enjoying taking photos of the wonderful nature here. Even though sometimes it is hard to be far away from my family, I am happy I can spend this time in such a cute city of Harrisonburg, in wonderful Virginia. I am happy to serve here and give my contribution in my placement.” Read more about Nataša's experience.
Host insight: Felipe would be a blessing to our family
Felipe Goncalves da Silva, holding Ashley's son Malachi Kitchen, with Jordan Stratford, Ashley's cousin, waiting to start their Christmas day tobogganing in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
“When it was announced at our church that there was a young man coming from Brazil through the IVEP program, my husband and I both immediately felt that we were to be the ones to host him!” said Ashley Kitchen. Despite having a busy household, including a new baby, their family has taken time to look for new adventures to share with Felipe Goncalves da Silva who is from Brazil.
“We went tobogganing on Christmas day and came home to hot chocolate and our Christmas roast.” Their family has been blessed by their experience of hosting already, read more to find out how.
Partner insight: like a breath of fresh air
Jay Joel Nans (JJ) (in orange) at work during senior band class at Lake Center Christian School in Hartville, Ohio, U.S.
“The students, faculty, staff, and community at Lake Center Christian School (LCCS) in Hartville, Ohio, U.S., are so blessed to have IVEP student Jay Joel Nans as a part of our family,” says Crystal L Maarschald, the director of bands at LCCS. Mr. JJ, as he is called at the school, has brought musical talents and so much more to his community. To find out more read the full story or watch a video of JJ playing.
Alumni insight: reunion in Indonesia
Indonesia IVEP and YAMEN reunion in December, 2016.
Indonesia IVEP and YAMEN alumni gathered for a reunion and as the different generations came together the positive impact that these programs have could be seen through the alumni testimony. This reunion also increased the alumni knowledge about MCC's work in the world, especially through the YAMEN program. To see some highlights watch the video.
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Hyeonjeong Kim (South Korea) with her second host mom, Beth West, on Mt. Rubidoux in California, U.S., just two days after she moved to her home.
Proshongsita Rema (Bangladesh), Barbara Franzen (Brazil) and QingRun Shi (China), pose with members of The Steel Wheels band after their Central Christian School concert, Kidron, Ohio, U.S.
Michael Ghaly (Egypt) hiking in Colorado, U.S., while there on a Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) retreat.
A scarf that Kao Thao (Lao People's Democratic Republic) knit after her host mom in Ontario, Canada taught her.
António Lembranca (Mozambique) “walking” on water on a lake in British Columbia, Canada.
Wesley Ncube (Zimbabwe), Mary Lynn Retzlaff (Alberta IVEP Coordinator), Shraddha Bux (India) and Felipe Goncalves da Silva (Brazil) spending time together in Alberta, Canada.
The Who's Who of IVEP
IVEP U.S.
National Coordinator AndreaGeiser@mcc.org
Central States SharonNelson@mcc.org
East Coast KimDyer@mcc.org
Great Lakes AmberFalcon@mcc.org
West Coast ReneeHarder@mcc.org
IVEP Canada
National Coordinator KathrynDeckert@mcccanada.ca
Alberta MaryLynnRetzlaff@mccab.ca
BC SophieTiessen-Eigbike@mennonitecc.ca
Manitoba KatieFroese@mccmb.ca
Ontario SherylBruggeling@mcco.ca
Saskatchewan KayteeEdwards@mccs.org
It is a peace program that works, not in a big sweep, but one small ripple at a time, each ripple enlarging with every expanding circle.
– Doreen Harms (IVEP administrator 1949-51, 1955-58, 1968-91)
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