MCC Canada annual meeting marks 50 years in Newfoundland and Labrador

Delegates to the Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCCC) annual meeting, Nov. 26–27, celebrated 50 years of service in Newfoundland and Labrador. Tom and Judith Snowdon, co-directors of MCC Eastern Canada, noted in an overview that 417 workers have worked in 79 Newfoundland and Labrador communities during that time.

Cutting a cake marking 50 years of service in Newfoundland and Labrador are (l–r) Claude Queval, Melody Morton Ninomiya, Irene Ascough, Peter Ascough and Muriel Queval. Claude and Muriel Queval are regional representatives for Newfoundland and Labrador. MCC Canada Photo

A guest at the annual meeting, Bishop Thuma Hamukang’gandu, a bishop of the Brethren in Christ church in Zambia, brought stories of the hope and overwhelming human need growing out of the ravages of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Noting that MCCC has a private refugee sponsorship agreement with the Canadian government, he challenged MCC to recognize that the children orphaned by HIV/AIDS have the same status and challenges that face refugees. They are at risk and merit the same government and relief agency attention afforded refugees.

The delegate body took advantage of the Members Forum to ask questions and offer counsel to the MCC Canada board and staff. Delegates also participated in a long-term planning process, interacted with three areas of MCCC program, and attended workshops on the Eastern Canada program.

Gay Lynn Voth, professor at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, offered a biblical reflection on the theme, “Listening With Our Hearts.” She called for action that springs from hope – a hope that rises from listening in prayer and silence to the Spirit of God and is able to continue in the face of human need that threatens to overwhelm the mind.

—MCC Canada release