Voluntary service important in cross-border interaction
Re: “Cross-border interaction in decline since integration” letter, Sept. 14, page 9.
I appreciated Fred Martin’s letter listing some of the lost relations between Mennonite Church Canada and MC U.S.A. One area that was missed is a long history of cross-border service work. Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) was the main organization that provided an avenue for Canadian and American young people to serve on both sides of the border. An MVS unit provided an environment to learn about similarities and differences. This would often include cultural, theological and practical learning about “the other.” Many of these relationships were lifelong and provided the groundwork for cross-border relations in the future when many MVS alumni found themselves in leadership roles in the church.
—Brad Reimer, Fannystelle, Man.
Long-ago nuclear protest brings back strong memories
Re: “Defeating Goliath.” Sept. 14, page 26.
I remember this very well. I was in high school at the time and I remember getting up and speaking at the hearing. Sam and Gert Rempel were my parents, and Dad was so upset about the lies we were told about the purpose for the land.
When the lie was discovered, the Saskatchewan Economic Development Corporation told us that the nuclear refinery was completely safe. But if it was so safe, why did they lie?
Dad was generally a quieter person and not a public speaker, but this matter really galvanized him.
I also remember Eldorado wooing the town and municipality. There were a lot of hard feelings all round.
—Theresa Rempel (online comment)
(Graphic by Betty Avery)
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