July 18th, 2024
Malipayon Peace Hub Fundraising Campaign a Success!

Leadership transition continues for PBCI

By MC Canada release

Winnipeg – Mennonite Church Canada is excited to announce the successful conclusion of a year-long fundraising campaign that raised $235,000 for ministry in the Philippines. 

Jeanette Hanson, Director of Witness International Ministry and fundraising coordinator, said, “Thanks to all the incredible volunteers who helped organize and host fundraising events, tours, and reached out to potential donors. Their work was vital.”

Norm Dyck, Mission Minister at Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC), provided invaluable assistance with the campaign. “I am incredibly grateful for every donor and donation. We also received some large gifts given as bequests that will be used in the long term to stabilize the budget. Thank you!”

The Malipayon Peace Hub is part of the vision of Dann and Joji Pantoja, long-term International Witness workers in the Mindanao region and founding partners of Peacebuilders Community Inc. (PBCI), their umbrella ministry in the Philippines.

The Peace Hub will provide training in peace and reconciliation for organizations, churches, community groups, indigenous communities, and even military leaders, as well as a home for upgraded processing and farmer training centre for Coffee for Peace (CFP), a new staff house and guest house, and a delivery vehicle.

CFP, an outgrowth of the Pantojas’ long-term peacebuilding work, is a for-profit social enterprise that works to elevate incomes for impoverished farmers who were driven up onto the mountains by violence resulting from inter-tribal, religious, and military conflicts.

PBCI wishes to thank all donors, particularly those in MCEC who worked tirelessly to connect with new donors, as well as a significant gift from First Mennonite Church in Kelowna, B.C.

Ongoing donations are welcome as the ministry continues its tireless efforts to build communities of just peace in the Philippines. Visit campaign page.

Leadership at the indigenous-run Malipayon Peace Hub will continue to be mentored by Dann and Joji Pantoja in their last two years of service as Mennonite Church Canada Witness workers. Read more about the leadership transition here.

A celebration and grand opening of the Malipayon Peace Hub is planned for November, 2024. Please contact Jeanette Hanson or Norm Dyck if you would like to attend.

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Supplied photo: Joji Pantoja shows the nearly complete Malipayon Peace Hub building to visitors.