The Officers’ column

An Executive Committee is elected from the General Council and meets annually. Two members from each continental region are elected from the Council; a President and Vice-President are also elected by the Council. The Treasurer and General Secretary are also members of the Executive Committee. 

Meet treasurer Sunoko Lin, appointed in 2018.  

What does it mean for MWC to be a “communion” of churches? 

MWC is a gathering place for each member church to encourage and strengthen each other by sharing resources with one another.  

What is your hope for what MWC will accomplish or be in the years ahead? 

Our member churches have been growing steadily as faith communities embrace Anabaptist theology and practices of nonviolence, service and community. It is my hope that MWC can expand beyond the traditional Mennonite and Brethren churches. 

Secondly, it is my hope that MWC’s Global Youth Summit will play a more active role in recruiting young leaders and developing initiatives that meet the present challenges, like economic justice, racism and climate sustainability. That MWC will also create space for them to collaborate in developing strategies and action plans. 

What are you reading that has insights to share with the global family? 

I felt convicted this statement in a survey done by a consulting firm, EY: “Gen Z want to make changes for their families, friends and communities – not just today, but for generations to come.”  

We often say, “Youth and young adults are the future of the church.” This needs to change.  

We need to actively listen to the cry of our youth and young adults. They want to make a difference in the world today. Let us work side by side with them. 

How do you serve your local congregation? 

I serve as a volunteer senior pastor at Maranatha Christian Fellowship located in Reseda, a suburb of Los Angeles, California, USA.  

Besides serving the church, I am also engaged in the marketplace, working as Chief Financial Officer with an aviation company. This gives me access to share my faith with non-Christians. The gospel message is becoming more relevant as the world is witnessing a moral decay. 

What is your professional training? 

I am a Certified Public Accountant. I have also received my theological training at Fuller Theological Seminary. 

How do you pray for the global church? 

Info, MWC’s monthly newsletter, and Courier magazine are good resources to keep me informed about our global family. What I from the news, I include in my morning prayer.  

As officers, we often receive an immediate prayer request. If it happens during our meetings, we include this in our prayers. We care for the well being of our members.  

As Apostle Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12:26: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.”