Mennonite Women USA

Mennonite Women USA's International Women’s Fund (IWF) scholarships help women around the world receive training for church leadership. In 2010, grants totaling $7,000 U.S.  will provide scholarships for educational expenses for 11 Anabaptist women worldwide.   IWF graduates: Rosario Rosales (left) and Sandra Campos Referrals are received from agencies and conferences related to Mennonite Church USA. See Guidelines.  Your gifts assist women's leadership training in our worldwide Mennonite church.  See also:importance of women as spiritual mentors discussion with Colombian theology students.

__________________________________________________________

Meet the 2010 International Women's Fund recipients

Lidia Roman, Paraguay, is in the 4th year of her theology program. Werner Franz, director of the seminary, said Lidia is a very dedicated student, especially interested in working with children, young people and women. For the past 11 years she has worked with women and teenagers in her church. After graduation she plans to continue this work, putting into practice what she has learned in the classroom.

Lucila Diaz, Colombia, is a returning scholarship recipient. After taking a few years to focus on work responsibilities, Lucila is back in the classroom. Currently she serves as treasurer in the Colombian Mennonite Church. In addition to her gifts in finances, Lucils works in the area of pastoral accompaniment and teaches adult Sunday school. In the three years she has left, Lucila will continue with her work at the national level as well as commitment to and involvement in her local church.

Maria Calderon, Nicaragua, after years of study is now focusing on theology and pastoring. Maria is very involved in her church and community. She is a good student and especially enjoys her studikes in theology.

Fada Estrada, Nicaragua, is a very dedicated student. She is a strong leader with deep conviction. She is a leader in the Nicaraguan Mennonite Church. In her congregation she teaches Sunday school and is a member of the church board.

Albania Molina, Honduras, is a volunteer teacher of the Bible Institute.  She and her husband pastor the Central Mennonite church in San Pedro Sula.  Albania is the Vice-President of the Anabaptist theologian women’s organization in Central America.  She also works in a social project with people affected by HIV/AIDS in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and supports the formation and training of church counseling teams that work for the prevention of HIV.  Her dreams and hopes are to prepare herself so that she may work in the realm of education at the national level. Albania is a student with SEMILLA.

Elizabeth Vado, Nicaragua, has only four more courses to complete her theological education. Elizabeth has been described as a natural leader of the Mennonite Church in Nicaragua. "She is and will be a solid pillar in the administrative development of the church," cites Rafael Escobar, leader at SEMILLA. Upon completion of her studies, she will likely serve as a certified theology and pastoral teacher.

Alina Itucama, Panama, has been very involved in the Panama Mennonite Church. She is currently the director of the Bible Institute of Panama. Her education will certify her to teach. Because she speaks the language of the village, Alina will be vitally important in her teaching endeavors.

Mary Yunga, Tanzania,  has successfully completed her first year of theological education. She has been a very active evangelist in her home congregation and beyond. In the future, she plans to teach theology. She will also collaborate with other organizations to encourage women to establish income-generated projects in order to alleviate poverty amongst women.

Maricela Godinez, Guatemala, is very involved in the Mennonite Church. She serves as co-pastor of Iglesia Roca de Salvacion of Zona 6 in Guatemala City. Maricela is a teacher of the Mennonite Bible Institute.