“Participation in football and tree planting together provided shared experiences that that went a long way in uniting individuals from different religious and ethnic backgrounds,” said Rev. George Ochieng, general secretary of Kenya Mennonite Church, Diocese of Nairobi. “Such shared experiences helped to break down barriers between different social or cultural groups, fostering a sense of belongingness and communion.” 

Anabaptist churches observe Peace Sunday according to their own contexts all around the world. This year’s theme was “Kintsukuroi: The broken vessel is often more beautiful than the original.” 

A group from Kenya Mennonite Church planted trees and held a football match in an ethnically diverse rural district where fights sometimes break out over access to pastureland.  

“We thank God because through these activities we witnessed people from diverse backgrounds coming together, interacting and building relationships [which are] crucial in promoting understanding, tolerance and mutual respect among community members,” said Rev. George Ochieng. “We also managed to witness Christ and share the gospel together.” 

In DR Congo, a country familiar with armed conflict, the congregations of Communauté Evangélique Mennonite celebrated peace Sunday “with great enthusiasm,” said president Jean Felix Cimbalanga. “The sermons given on this occasion in our various local churches exhorted the faithful to be new vessels for a new message: the gospel of peace from our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.” 

“I praise the Lord for God’s help in bringing this important evangelistic project to fruition,” he said. 

At Mennonite Church Shantipur, India, the congregation made an intricate mural from broken bangles and worn-out cloth donated by congregation members. 

“We aimed to bring our imagination to life in a culturally relevant way by creating mosaic art,” said pastor Estika Nanda. 

In Colombia, Comunidad Cristiana Menonita de Girardot practiced a Peace Sunday tradition called Pan y Paz (bread and peace). After the service, members walk through the neighbourhood with bread and cold water to share with anyone on the street.  

“We are in a very hot area, so people welcomed us with joy, and we were able to share with them the message of peace and hope from our Lord Jesus Christ,” said pastor Juan Carlos Moreno. 

How did your congregation celebrate Peace Sunday 2024? Send your photos and story to photos@mwc-cmm.org. 

Download the Peace Sunday 2024 worship resource package here.