Mennonite Women USA

Mennonite Women USA's International Women’s Fund (IWF) scholarships help women around the world receive training for church leadership. In 2011, grants totaling $10,000 U.S.  will provide scholarships for educational expenses for 14 Anabaptist women worldwide.   IWF students (l to r) Fada Luz Perez and Maria Calderon 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.

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Meet the 2011 International Women's Fund recipients

Albania Molina, Honduras,  has completed her BA in theology through Seminario Anabautista Latinoamericano Semilla (SEMILLA) and has prepared her thesis. She is in the process of revising and correcting her thesis. Albania is a natural leader. “Her love for the church and her effective participation translates into training and discipleship of others,” affirms Rafael Escobar, dean of the seminary. Albania’s future includes candidacy to become a seminary teacher. Her husband is also involved in theology as pastor of a local church.

Elizabeth Vado, Nicaragua, has completed her BA in theological education through SEMILLA. 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. In addition to further strengthening her administrative and service leadership, she will soon be one of the teachers in the field of theological and pastoral education. Elizabeth has served on the steering committee of Mennonite World Conference.

Maria Calderon, Nicaragua, is working on the courses for a Bachelor of Theology and pastoral degree through SEMILLA. Maria is one of the most well known leaders of her conference. She maintains another job to support her studies. “She is a single woman very committed to ministry of accompaniment in the church she pastors,” informs Rafael Escobar.  She is a candidate to become a teacher at the seminary.

Maricela Godinez, Guatemala, has finished more than half of the curriculum needed for the Theology and Pastoral degree at SEMILLA.  She serves, with her husband, as co-pastor of Iglesia Roca de Salvación of Zona 6 in Guatemala City. “Maricela is a pastor with a lot of passion for the church,” shares Rafael Escobar. She is responsible for the Christian education in her church. She currently serves as a teacher of the Mennonite Bible Institute, teaching a course in Belize in July 2010. “We hope in a few months Maricela will be one of the most prepared teachers.”

Emilia Amexo, Ghana, has progressed well since she began her studies at Good News Training Institute. She has completed her prerequisite program and has successfully completed one year of the degree program. Emelia has worked with youth and young women in her church community. She will continue through her study program. “As she gains experience, Emilia will have the opportunity to minister to women’s groups and to the church as a whole,” affirms Theopholis Tettah, moderator of the Ghana Mennonite Church.

Mimie Kanku, Congo, is one of the first three women of the Congo Evangelical Mennonite Church to study theology. Mimie is married and will be able to finish her studies with this scholarship. Tim Lind, Mennonite World Conference (MWC), says, “Mimie has been a Sunday school teacher and sings in the choir. She has been appointed as an at-large member of the MWC Africa Caucus.” An active part of the Kinshasa Mennonite Women Theologians group, Mimie hopes to be involved in promoting women’s development as she pastors in the church.  Mimie was originally referred for a scholarship by the African Anabaptist Women Theologians.

Nathalie Kanaga, Congo, is one of the first three women of the Congo Evangelical Mennonite Church to study theology.  As a single woman, she sings in the choir and is involved in a prayer group. She is an active part of the Kinshasa Mennonite Women Theologians group.  “Nathalie wants to work with women and girls of her church in literacy training, and also hopes to be a preacher in the church,” offers Tim Lind.  Nathalie was originally referred for a scholarship by the African Anabaptist Women Theologians.

Mitzi Escorcia, Colombia, began her study at Seminario Bíblical Menonita de Colombia (SMBC) in February 2009.  Mitzi and her family recently moved so that her husband, Jaime, could pastor the Mennonite Church in La Mesa.  “Mitzi is very involved in pastoral accompaniment work in the community of La Mesa.  Together with her husband, they provide training activities with children to young adults and with a group of ladies,” shares Zaraí Gonzalía, academic assistant at SMBC.

Maria Inés Palomares, Colombia, recently received her certificate in theology at SMBC and will be able to continue with her BA in Theology. Zaraí Gonzalía says, “Most recently, Maria has had a role in coordinating and providing pastoral accompaniment with families in displacement through her work at a community kitchen.” In addition to providing daily nutritious meals, the kitchen works, among other things, towards psychological and spiritual restoration.

Laura Esther Ruiz, Colombia, in her second year at SMBC, also serves as part-time secretary for the seminary. Laura’s parents left a job to become church planters. They are delighted that Laura has chosen to pursue a BA in Theology.  “She is an energetic young woman, committed to her community in the city.  She works in Sunday school at a soup kitchen for children of low income,” relates Zaraí Gonzalía, administrator at SMBC and former IWF recipient.

Emilse Bobadilla, Colombia, is currently accompanying her husband in coordinating the pastoral church-planting work in the Mennonite Community Facatavivá along with her course work at SMBC.  Zaraí Gonzalía affirms, “Emilse is a good student committed to her church community. She accompanies her husband in pastoral work with different groups in the community.”

Váleria Alvarenga, Brazil, has the support of leaders in the Brazilian church. Linda Shelly, Mennonite Mission Network, reports, “Váleria has a firm foundation in Anabaptist theology from years of less formal study with mission workers. She is well prepared to bring her studies to the university level.” Váleria is secretary of the local church board and is candidate to be the church pastor of Evangelical Mennonite Church in Recife.

Blanca Rosa, Paraguay, is a third year theology student at Centro Evangélico Menonita de Teología Asunción (CEMTA).  She, along with her husband and young child, is a member of a Mennonite Church in San Lorenzo. Werner Franz, director of CEMTA, says, “Blanca has proven to be a dedicated student. She is appreciated in her work with teens of the church.” She is intending to prepare for future ministries in the church, especially in the area of teaching.