UNDERCURRENTS

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

"Some things in this life ... have no explanation". Season 2 of Undercurrents is coming! We take a deep dive into some incredible stories from our programs and partners. We hit rock bottom, we wonder at miracles, we find defiant hope, and own our shameful past.  Check out the trailer and subscribe on Spotify, Apple podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Thank you to our sponsors Kindred Credit Union for making Season 2 possible! Artwork by Jesse Bergen Theme song by Brian MacMillan Production assistance by Christen Kong Additional editorial assistance by Seun Olowo-Ake and Cameron Phillips. Mixed by Francois Goudreault Jr at Hello Francy Sound and Music.

*This is a special early release of one episode from the upcoming Season 2 of Undercurrents. Look for the rest of Season 2 in September!* This is the story of how one man, who used to work at a residential school, has spent the rest of his life trying to hold himself accountable, and what it means for other Settler Canadians. Undercurrents is produced with support from Kindred Credit Union. Transcription of the episode can be found here. National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419. Kid’s Help Phone line 24/7: 1-800-668-6868 https://kidshelpphone.ca/ Merle Nisly’s reaction to the uncovering of 215 Indigenous children in Kamloops. https://mnisly.com/the-impact-of-215/ Stories of repair: a reparative justice resource. A very practical booklet of 'next steps' for churches and individuals to take: https://dofdmenno.org/stories-of-repair/ “Every child matters” - Indigenous History Month: https://mcco.ca/remembering TRC 94 Calls to Action: http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf Justice Sinclair: “TRC One Year Later” https://youtu.be/_MhqF4yeSXo?t=241 “Change may not look like what you thought it would” CBC - news: “Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKKLgwlosaw Some history of Northern Light Gospel Missions and Poplar Hill https://ontariomennonitehistory.org/2015/06/08/ontario-mennonites-and-the-poplar-hill-development-school/ Canadian Mennonite series: https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/how-complicit-are-mennonites-residential-school-abuse “A first step towards healing” - Personal reflection on the first TRC event (June 2010) https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/first-step-towards-healing “MC Canada shares the pain of Indian Residential School legacy” - A report on discussions at MC Canada Assembly 2010 https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/mc-canada-shares-pain-indian-residential-school-legacy Edited by Christen Kong Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music Production Research by Seun Olowo-Ake Original music by Brian MacMillan Artwork by Jesse Bergen

We would have been hearing great feedback from you - THANK YOU. It reminded us that especially during this time of self quarantine and physical isolation, it would be especially meaningful for those who shared their stories so vulnerably and candidly, to hear from YOU.  We are asking you to send a note of encouragement, gratitude, inspiration, etc, to our podcast guests who shared their stories with us. Please send your notes of encouragement, thanks, etc to podcast@mcco.ca or even better, leave a voicemail at 519-745-8458 ext 233. Toll free at 1-800-313-6226 ext 233. (Please leave your contact information in case we'd like to get your permission to share your message in a future update.) We are so grateful for people like Wayne (Ep 2: Wayne's World) who shared about his life and journey to stable housing. There’s Patrick and his family (Ep 3: Refugees and Piano Lessons)  who used music and language to stay connected to their culture after arriving in Canada as a refugees. Or Maria (Ep 4: Radical Acceptance) who taught us the power of radical acceptance after two stints in prison. And Israeli peace activist Sahar Vardi (Ep 5: David and Goliath) who had been imprisoned by her own government for advocating for Palestinian human rights. Or crusty old MCC staff like Pete Olson (Ep 1: Being Jesus) who shared his testimony and how it challenged him to work with people who were made homeless.

What happens when David becomes Goliath? This is our only international episode in Season 1. We explore the tragic realities of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, and hear from those on both sides of the wall working for peace. What can you do? When confronted with the enormity of this story, we might feel angry, dispairing, or helpless. Here are a few action items for you to do to work toward Palestinian justice: Advocate: Sign this petition. It is a call for the Canadian government to "request that Israel immediately lift the blockade on Gaza to enable medical and humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, and insist that Israel permanently end its blockade of Gaza; and vote at the UN General Assembly in alignment with the majority of the international community taking a stance in line with international law and human rights for Palestinians." Sign this petition. No Way To Treat A Child Canada - "I urge you to prioritize human rights of Palestinian children and hold Israeli authorities accountable for widespread and systematic ill-treatment and torture of Palestinian child detainees. " Donate: Support MCC's work in Palestine and Israel. Pray: Click here to read or download this beautiful prayer for peace for Palestinians and Israelis. Links: A Cry For Home - a rich resource of stories from Palestinians and Jews living in Palestine and Israel. Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Centre, where Tareq Al-Zougbi works. Implications of US “Peace Plan” for Middle East   US Congressional Research Service report on Israel - detailing US military aid to Israel over the years. Credits: Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan. Artwork by Jesse Bergen. Licensed music from deWolfe Music. Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union. Leave us a message at podcast@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 233. We would love to hear from you!

Forced migration, the unique way Canadians can protect lives, and how music is helping one resettled family stay grounded. (This was originally the pilot episode created Fall 2018 but has been updated to reflect current statistics). Links: Choose Welcome - a national campaign for Canadians to transform lives through refugee sponsorship: www.choosewelcome.ca Credits: Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan. Artwork by Jesse Bergen. Licensed music from deWolfe Music. Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union. Leave us a message at podcast@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 233. We would love to hear from you!

From a childhood lesson, to homelessness, to dress shopping, Wayne shares one of the most valuable things we can receive: the gift of a stranger’s story. Links: Circle of Friends: https://mcccanada.ca/learn/more/circle-friends Credits: Assistant producer: Broderick Visser Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan. Artwork by Jesse Bergen. Licensed music from deWolfe Music. Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union. Leave us a message at podcast@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 233. We would love to hear from you!