Although thousands of fallen trees were cleaned up by Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers after the hurricane struck Cape Breton, and some roofs were patched or tarped, the organization was unable to do more before winter came.

What are the tiny compromises by which a logger, nurse, mechanic, or masseuse gradually abandons their integrity? With the help of Terry Hiebert and Terry Kaufman, professors here at SBC, I offer such a list for pastors because that’s what I know best.

We are told that at this time of year this place is usually hopping with tourists coming out to enjoy the vast beaches, but this year is a little different. With all the protests going on, the town is quiet and tranquil.

The Personnel Committee is pleased to announce that George Dumitrascu has agreed to serve as EMC Director of Global Outreach. George will begin his role in the summer of 2023.

As the tragic toll of the Feb. 6 earthquakes continues to unfold in Syria, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is working with long-term partners in Aleppo and surrounding areas to meet urgent needs.

Nicaragua is an extraordinarily beautiful country with amazingly resilient people. Sadly, these people live in a geographical region that is susceptible to natural disasters and political instability.

I called it The Strand. And we were not friends. The Strand arrived unannounced on the top of my head, shiny and unwelcome among the darker occupants. I was unamused.

Readers write in, responding to various articles in previous issues of The Messenger. Also includes a letter to and from Aberdeen regarding leaving the EMC.

With the breakthrough in AI technology that came through ChatGPT, people have been asking it to respond to all sorts of queries. Out of curiosity, I asked it to write an editorial on Christian suffering.

One of my favourite stories in the New Testament is the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). As they are walking a stranger comes up beside them and starts a conversation. The stranger proceeds to explain to them what Scripture says about the Messiah. Only later do these disciples recognize the stranger is Jesus himself!

My family has had our share of medical and health struggles in recent years, which we have generally been fairly open about. Our home is no stranger to intense suffering. Through this, we have wrestled with the Lord but also come to learn invaluable truths that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

People are talking about emotions and boundaries and getting by for one more day. I’m relieved that, as a newcomer, it’s all right if I just listen. Hiding symptoms, pretending I’m OK, has become second nature, a way to go on breathing.