UNDERCURRENTS

A 30 second scroll through the headlines will give you a glimpse of a world desperately in need of peace. But peacebuilding is not only needed in Palestine and Israel, or Ukraine, or in South Sudan. Peace is needed in our own communities and in our own lives.In my conversation with Rod Friesen, we reveal three stories of peacebuilding from his career- and what we can learn something from each of these stories and how we can apply these lessons in our own lives.Transcription here.Discussion guide for small groups here.Undercurrents is sponsored in part by Kindred Credit Union. Production assistance from Christen KongTheme music by Brian MacMillanArtwork by Jesse BergenExecutive produced by Sandra Reimer

How do we practice peace in this broken world? How can we make a meaningful impact in our community? How can we better align our faith and values with our actions?These are the questions we want to explore in Season 6.For 105 years, MCC’s mission has been to show God’s love to all by meeting basic human needs and working for peace and justice. A quick scroll through the newsfeed is enough to tell you that the needs are many.But we also know that there is beautiful work being done that is making a real impact in the world. And we're inviting you to be a part of this work.In this all new season of Undercurrents, we'll share not only the stories of hope and challenge from MCC’s programs, but also to help us learn from them and ultimately inspire us to action.Season 6 launches on January 29th and this year, we'll be posting an episode every other week from January through to July! Search for “ Undercurrents MCC" wherever you listen to podcasts, please subscribe and share with your friends!Undercurrents is supported by Kindred Credit Union

Host Ken Ogasawara and producer Christen Kong share insights from listeners, tease an upcoming mini-season, and the audio clip that started it all!mcc.org/undercurrentsUndercurrents is sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

 This update episode is with Ly. She shared her story so eloquently and vulnerably back in 2021 in Episode 10 about the impact of MCC’s hand-crafted relief materials how it changed her life. So today you’ll hear an update from Ly as she shares about how she and her church have paid that forward in a huge way, and how another Undercurrents episode (Ep 13 - I believe in miracles) inspired her during a tough stretch. Update begins at 27:53.

This update episode is with Wayne. I got to know Wayne through interviewing him a number of times over 2019 and despite the disruption of the pandemic, I’d still see Wayne occasionally around the office at various Circle of Friends gatherings. But over the last few years, I’ve been seeing less and less of Wayne. At the end of this episode, he’ll explain why. He also makes an unusual request.Undercurrents is sponsored in part by Kindred Credit UnionTheme song by Brian MacmillanArtwork by Jesse Bergen

We check in with Patrick - he of the beautiful singing voice and piano lessons - who was featured in the very first pilot episode of Undercurrents. Since I first interviewed him in 2018, life has changed a lot for Patrick. I re-connect with him to find out what's new (spoiler: a lot).Undercurrents is supported by Kindred Credit Union.Artwork by Jesse BergenTheme song by Brian MacMillan

The most brutal conflict of the modern era is grinding onwards in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this episode, we’ll hear from Justin Zihindula and Esther Muziranenge, two Congolese from different families who were displaced and resettled in Canada many years apart. Undercurrents is generously supported by ⁠Kindred Credit Union.⁠Transcription is here.Download the discussion guide for this episode here.Read about MCC’s new $4.7M relief project with Global Affairs Canadahttps://mcc.org/our-stories/mcc-canada-awarded-47-million-grant-humanitarian-assistance-democratic-republic-congoDonate to MCC’s response in DR Congo:https://mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/disaster-response/dr-congoCollaborative global Anabaptist response to crisis in DR Congo:https://mcc.org/our-stories/collaborative-anabaptist-response-dr-congo-crisisA concise history of the 30-year conflict in DR Congo:https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violence-democratic-republic-congoCREDITS:Editing support by Christen KongTheme song by Brian MacMillanArtwork by Jesse Bergen

On January 18, 2025, a brand new 10,000 square foot facility had its grand opening at the MCC Hub in New Hamburg, Ontario. Over 700 people of all ages including local dignitaries and politicians, came out to tour the place, eating bushels of popcorn, drinking gallons of coffee, and generally creating the most festive atmosphere you could imagine for the opening of an industrial canning facility. Why the excitement? Because this was MCC’s new Stationary Meat Cannery. We hear from Jon Lebold, Martin Rahn, and Dylan Yantzi about the early challenges, the recent challenges and how this project “kept drawing in miracles."Transcription here.Discussion guide here. Read more about the new stationary cannery ⁠here⁠. Support MCC’s meat canning here.Undercurrents is sponsored in part by Kindred Credit Union - they know a thing or two about putting faith and values into action!This episode was edited by Christen KongTheme music by Brian MacMillanCover art by Jesse Bergen

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 There are 22 scriptures in the Bible about welcoming newcomers from another land, but it could be argued that none resonate with MCC as much as that verse from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”. Follow along as MCC Ontario sponsors a refugee family for the first time.  Transcription here. Discussion guide here. Read the written story about the Salazar family and MCCO (includes photos). Read about how MCC started the world's first refugee sponsorship program.  Read about Bill Janzen's legacy in this work and how he recently received the Order of Canada for it. Editorial assistance by Christen Kong Theme song by Brian MacMillan Artwork by Jesse Bergen Undercurrents is sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

"Water is life." Indigenous Water Walker Mary Anne Caibaiosai takes us on a 200 km journey of prayer, solidarity and celebration. Transcript here. To learn more about the Grand River Water Walk, go to grandriverwaterwalk.com Produced with support from Kindred Credit Union. Editorial support: Christen Kong Original music: Brian MacMillan Artwork: Jesse Bergen

We're back at the auctions. But instead of being surrounded by children with pie in their hair, like at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale featured in Episode 16, I’m with farmers with manure on their boots. This is bonus mini-episode that book-ends Season 3 which started with an exploration of the Relief Sale. We explore the mysterious Heifer Sale, get a crash course in dairy farming and how a group of farmers created something truly unique 41 years ago. Transcription is here. More stories of creative ways to support the work of MCC: Small scale with big impact - Norm & Sharon Ewert renovate intricate wooden dollhouses as MCC fundraiser From troublemaker to tractor whisperer - Jerry Toews in Kansas restores all kinds of mechanical vehicles to be auctioned at relief sales. Quilting for peace - Hedy Kopeschny and others at Niagara United Mennonite Church hosted a quilting event to support relief efforts in Ukraine. Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union Edited by Christen Kong Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music Original music by Brian MacMillanArtwork by Jesse Bergen

A mystery caller provides some more behind-the-scenes insight into the thrilling quilt auction profiled in Episode 16 -  Bidder Sweet: A Quilt to Remember. See you at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale on Friday May 27th and Saturday June 28th! nhmrs.com

We go back in time to investigate the heart-pounding, sweaty-palm-inducing thrill of the greatest quilt auction ever caught on tape. Join us for a fun bonus episode of Undercurrents that will whet your appetite for the coming relief sale season! Transcription can be found here. Here is a link to the original auction footage. Thank you to Jennifer Johnston for recording and uploading!  Check out all things New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale at their website here, including a photo of the Renske’s newest (and last) feature quilt. Here is link to all the relief sales in Canada and US! Renske Helmuth’s blog has plenty of insight into her quilts, including a whole section on her relief sale quilts (this is not updated but still a rich resource). Credits: Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union Editorial assistance by Christen Kong Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music Original music by Brian MacMillan Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Welcome to a third season of Undercurrents! We go behind the scenes of an epic quilt auction, to South Africa with the SALT program, we dig into Indigenous food sovereignty, and much more. This season we’re excited to be adding something new with each episode. We heard from many of you who were using Undercurrents in group sessions like church Sunday schools and community outreach events. To help you out with that, starting with episode 2 on Indigenous food sovereignty, we’ll be including a resource package with each episode complete with discussion questions and action items. Undercurrents is sponsored by Kindred Credit Union. Find Undercurrents wherever you listen to podcasts and look for our first episode of Season 3 which drops on April 4th.

This episode is from Season 1 and originally aired in spring of 2020. We learn about the oldest Residential School in Canada and hear a powerful story from a survivor. We hear from settlers who are wrestling with the legacy of colonialism and residential schools. And we hear from Indigenous partners who are courageously reclaiming their culture. Transcription can be found here Links: Woodland Cultural Centre’s Save The Evidence campaign. VIDEO: Sandy Yuen and Nick Hamm share about their experience learning from indigenous leaders and working at the Mohawk Institute Residential School. VIDEO: Karen Hill shares part of her story as a survivor of Mohawk Institute Residential School along with visuals of the Mohawk building looks like, inside and out. Learn more about MCC’s Indigenous Neighbours program Deeper reading (which we will be getting into more in Season 2!) Truth and Reconciliation Commission report. Statement from Mennonite Church Leaders in response to TRC. Credits: Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan. Artwork by Jesse Bergen. Licensed music from deWolfe Music. Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

Why MCC's relief materials are created as gifts and how one such hand-made item changed the life of one young girl in a refugee camp over forty years ago.  Impact report for Material Resource volunteers: https://mcccanada.ca/learn/about/annual-reports/impact-report-material-resources-summer-2021 New! MCC’s Dignity Kits: Provide sustainable support for vulnerable women and girls! https://mcccanada.ca/dignity-kits Story of MR champions at Grantham MB Church: https://mcccanada.ca/stories/its-privilege-joy-serve-way Credits: Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union Editorial assistance by Christen Kong Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music Original music by Brian MacMillan Artwork by Jesse Bergen

This episode covers some heavy topics, including pedophilia and suicide. We don’t go into details, but please take care as you listen. In this final full episode of Season 2, we hear from Chuck, a man who both experienced and caused great suffering. We also hear from his therapist, as we ask ourselves 'how can we keep our community safe from sexual harm'? The answer might not be what we expect. Transcription here. Here are some important resources that could save a life, prevent a victim, and reduce future harm. Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) Andrea Bevan (Therapist, social worker, featured in this episode): 289-228-7317 Alan Kaine (Sexual Therapist): 905-578-4127 Shalem Mental Health Network is a faith-based, Ontario-wide network  that provides responsive and preventive mental health support to  individuals, families and communities. Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), an international association of practitioners and researchers in the fields of sexual abuse, deviance, and related topics. Mental Health and crisis resources from the Government of Canada Ontario Network of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centres, https://www.sadvtreatmentcentres.ca/ . Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union Editorial assistance by Christen Kong Research by Cameron Phillips Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music Original and theme music by Brian MacMillan Additional licensed music from deWolfe Music. Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Content warning: This episode covers some heavy topics, including pedophilia and suicide. We don’t go into details, but please take care as you listen. This story is about a father's anguish and pain, as well as resilient hope and love as he walks through unimaginable challenges with his son who has committed a crime. Part 1 of a two-part series on Restorative Justice and Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA).  Transcription is here. Here are some important resources that could save a life, prevent a victim, and reduce future harm. Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH) Andrea Bevan (Therapist, social worker, featured in Episode 15): 289-228-7317 Alan Kaine (Sexual Therapist): 905-578-4127 Shalem Mental Health Network is a faith-based, Ontario-wide network  that provides responsive and preventive mental health support to  individuals, families and communities. Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), an international association of practitioners and researchers in the fields of sexual abuse, deviance, and related topics. Mental Health and crisis resources from the Government of Canada Credits: Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union Editorial assistance by Christen Kong Research by Cameron Phillips Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music Original and theme music by Brian MacMillan Additional licensed music from deWolfe Music. Artwork by Jesse Bergen

In this episode, we explore what it means to "make a living" - what does that mean? How much is enough? And what happens when you can't make it? Also, we explain why we love Kindred Credit Union so much.  Here is the transcription for this episode. Here is the Living Wage Framework that shows how the Living Wage is calculated, and here is a blog post from the Ontario Living Wage network on how that has been updated to calculate the 2021 Living Wage. Check out the Ontario Living Wage Network: https://www.ontariolivingwage.ca/ A business owner tells us why Living Wage is good for business. Marjorie’s boss, Executive Director of House of Friendship explains why they implemented a Living Wage Credits: Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union Edited by Christen Kong Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music Original and theme music by Brian MacMillan Additional licensed music from deWolfe Music. Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Israeli Jewish filmmaker Lia Tarachansky shares a powerful story of shared humanity, shared home, and challenges all of us who live on settled land. Palestinian poet Izzy Hawamda shares beautiful art throughout this episode as he grieves the ongoing tragedies of the occupation, as well as sharing his hopes for the future.  Transcript is here. Show notes: A link to Lia Tarachensky’s feature film “On the side of the road” where she explores Israeli soldiers’ collective denial of their roles in displacing Palestinians. https://vimeo.com/117772052 A link to Lia’s short film OCEAN which juxtaposed raw audio from her field recordings of the 2014 Gaza War, with images from her new life in Toronto: https://vimeo.com/181224988 MCC’s A Cry For Home campaign which is packed with stories, videos, fact sheets, and more: https://mcccanada.ca/learn/where/middle-east/palestine-israel/cry-for-home Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union Editorial assistance by Christen Kong Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music Original music by Brian MacMillan Artwork by Jesse Bergen