Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Lessons Learned: Serving with MCC changed his life

Henry J. Rempel, high school biology teacher. Served with Mennonite Central Committee in Somalia (1980-1983), Uganda (1990-1991) and Ethiopia (summer of 1999).

"I was permanently changed after living in the Horn of Africa. I witnessed extreme poverty and people dying. Yet I also experienced the largest human generosity in my lifetime. I saw people give away much of what they owned in the name of friendship.

I went for short periods of time with very little to eat and drink. Water was at a premium in refugee camps. Today I try to live in a way that reflects the reality that many in the world don't have the abundance we do. I try not to waste water. I feel obliged to do this.

When I think of how our Canadian lifestyles create life-threatening climate change for others, I see the faces of my friends. If more people had this same direct connection, they too might be led to further change in how they live."

 

-- compiled by John Longhurst

 

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 18, 2012 0

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Jets aren't dead (quite) yet

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • A goose heads for shade in the sunshine Friday afternoon at Woodsworth Park in Winnipeg - Day 26– June 22, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • A young goose gobbles up grass at Fort Whyte Alive Monday morning- Young goslings are starting to show the markings of a adult geese-See Bryksa 30 day goose challenge- Day 20– June 11, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Can Winnipeg support a downtown grocery store?

View Results

Ads by Google