Moving Forward on the Journey

The PSMC Board met high in the mountains at Camp Keola for a weekend in September to look at the next steps in our journey as a Conference. There was a chill in the air, but the sun was shining, there was a roaring fire in the dining hall, the food was wonderful and the lake was full this year. We prayed together and felt the Spirit among us as we worked to discern God’s will for our churches and our Conference. We heard positive reports on Full Circle Thrift and ministries planned through the Anabaptist Resource Center. We struggled with a budget and staffing, but at the end were able to say, “to the best of our ability, we have listened and discerned, and believe this the direction that God is leading us.”
 
Since then, we have been moving forward on our journey and the Board is excited to announce that we have appointed two Regional Ministers for 2018. Both will begin their work on January 1st. During the past year, as we restructured and talked to many people throughout the Conference, there was a call for more connection between congregations. The Regional Minister position will enable this connection and fellowship, as well as strengthen the ministry and mission of PSMC congregations. 
 
Antonia Onye will be the Regional Minister for Southern California. Antonia lives in LA with her 16 year old son, LeRon Chibike Anubalu, and is a member and Associate Pastor at LA Faith Chapel. She is a PSMC Board member and has founded several ministries in the LA Area. She was ordained in the Mennonite Church in 2016.
 
Andrew Harshman will be the Regional Minister in Arizona. Andrew lives in Phoenix with his wife, Anna, his 12 year old son, Luke, and his 9 year old daughter, Lucy. He is a member of Trinity Mennonite Church where he works with both Junior High and Senior High students. Andrew received his M.Div. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Phoenix Seminary.
 
We are excited to have both Andrew and Antonia begin their work, because they are excited!  We are very impressed by their vision, energy and enthusiasm to interact with and connect people, and their love for God and the Church.
 
Please continue to pray for and support our staff and PSMC!  ​

By Kathi Oswald, PSMC Moderator