Mennonites today trace their beginnings to the early Anabaptists of the 16th Century, who sought to carry the Reformation of the church back to its roots in the New Testament church.
First Corinthians 3:11 became their motto: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” They held that Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount spell out the basic principles for the Kingdom of God, and all Christians are called to live according to those principles. Jesus was seen not only as Saviour but also as Lord to be followed in faithful discipleship. Jesus exemplified for believers how they were to live out their lives in love for all, humble service of the needy and seeking peace and justice for all.
Who are the Anabaptists?
February 26, 2016
The following is the transcript of the video. I am Margaret Ediger, member of the First Mennonite Church in Kelowna, B.C. Many people perhaps are wondering about who are the Anabaptists? What relevance do they have today? What contribution do they make toward life in the 21st Century? We hope that through this series of
Anabaptist Response to Recruitment into the German Army
March 9, 2016
I had just turned three in January of 1945 when my father faces a challenge to his Anabaptist faith. He is a nonresistant Mennonite being conscripted into the German military near the end of WWII. Earlier he refused service in the Soviet army back in the Ukraine. The family fled west to escape being deported
Rosa Triana
March 26, 2016
I learned to know Rosa in 1980 when my family lived in the town of La Mesa about a two-hour drive from Bogotá, Colombia. My husband and I were missionaries serving under the Mennonite Church. My principal assignment was training leaders in the churches, but I was also active in the local Mennonite Church in
Saved by the Torah – Johann Funk
April 17, 2016
Janet Benvie and I are swarmed by Israeli settler youth as we monitor the occupation of Wadi Nasara on the outskirts of Hebron, Palestine. We are both on the Hebron Christian Peacemaker Team that monitors checkpoints and potential conflict zones in an effort to reduce the level of violence. For several days the youth blockades
Felix Manz
June 7, 2016
Felix Manz, First Anabaptist Martyr (presented by Margaret Ediger) I want to tell you about Felix Manz. He was born and died in Zurich, Switzerland, the first Anabaptist to be martyred for his faith. He was very well-educated with a thorough knowledge of Hebrew, Greek and Latin. He translated portions of the Bible, and met
Finding Help, Find a home
July 1, 2016
MENNONITE STUDY COMMISSION 1920: FIND HELP, FIND A HOME Helene Wieler Following the First World War in 1918, war, famine and anarchy ruled the land in South Russia, the home of many Mennonites, most of whom came from Prussia in the 1800s. Instead of peaceful villages, starvation, murder, rape and pillage were rampant. Their situation
I was hungry and you fed me – Gleaners
October 1, 2016
Several years ago I presented a paper on Mennonites in the Former Soviet Union in a public forum at the Okanagan University College. During the question period I was asked, “What is your strongest memory as a refugee from WWII?” I had never given this much thought since life has been generous after emigrating to
The Schleitheim Confession
October 10, 2016
This is an accounting of The Schleitheim Confession. Margaret Ediger recounts some history and details of Anabaptist’s in the 1520s. Video and graphics by David Ediger – davidedigerdesign.com During the 1520’s the Anabaptist movement was spreading like wildfire throughout central Europe, mainly Switzerland, Germany, and Holland. Parallel to the Lutheran and Reformed churches break-away from
MCC, a Perceptive Organization
December 6, 2016
Helen Wieler talks about how Mennonite Central Committee was create and how it is impacting our world today. An Anabaptist story of hope, help and peace. TRANSCRIPT In 1920, the conditions in post-war Russia made life very difficult for the Mennonites living there. Instead of the peaceful village there was famine, murder, rape and pillage.
Michael Sattler – A story of faith
March 11, 2017
Michael Sattler, one of the early Anabaptist leaders, was born around 1495 in the small town of Staufen, located in the Black Forest region of south-western Germany, a mere 61 km. north of Basel, Switzerland. Sattler became a Benedictine monk in the abbey of St. Peter in the town of Freiburg, a few miles north
