We are passionate about reaching out to this special ethnocultural group because we recognize the need and because of our common roots which give many of us a special connection and opportunity.
The Places & Opportunities
Low German Bolivia
The breakdown in religion and education has left many in this area in great poverty. We are partnering with others in bringing new hope through intentional discipleship, education and economic development.
Click for more information “40 years of Ministry in Bolivia – Celebrating the Faithfulness of God”
The school in Villa Nueva (Pailon) is growing. Each year another grade is added, and they celebrated their first Grade 12 graduation in 2012. There are currently around 150 students. Facebook Page
A new outreach has begun in the San Jose area in Bolivia. Bill and Martha Kehler started their ministry in that area in February 2011. In April 2012, a work team went to San Jose to help build a ministry centre. This centre will resource materials in both Spanish and Low German. More information on the work team can be found here.
Another new ministry that is starting up (Feb 2012) is a counseling ministry in the area of Santa Cruz. In September 2011 the MEM (Mision Evangelica Menonita) Bolivia team identified a need, and drafted a vision for a counseling ministry aimed at our Mennonite people that would seek to restore hope and help people find healing from their past.
As MEM, we are involved in education, evangelism and discipleship, community development, etc. but this would involve an even more relational approach in meeting individual people where they are. The project involves opening an office/drop‐in centre that would be accessible to all Mennonite people that visit the city of Santa Cruz, but would not be directly run by a specific church group but rather be overseen by multiple organizations such as ourselves, and possibly staff from MCC. The main aim at the start of this ministry would be to reach out to women, but quite likely it would involve couples and marriages as well.
Check out the missionary blogs under “Bolivia Low German Ministry Blog” in the sidebar.
Read Jack Heppner’s reflections on the current Bolivian Mennonite situation.
Low German Belize/Mexico South
Our churches in Region 6 are strategically reaching out to their surrounding communities with the good news of Jesus. Follow their most recent church planting efforts and find out how you can help by going to their page. Click to go to regional page or check out their blog in the sidebar on this page.
Low German Mexico North 
Our church plants in this region have matured and become their own conference (Conferencia Missionera Evangelica or CME). We maintain a close connection through EMC missionaries John and Lorna Wall and continue to help in many practical ways. (Soon you will be able to click here and connect to their web page.)
North America
In Canada, the greatest needs and opportunities seem to be in the southern Alberta region. We are partnering with the churches in that region and a new church plant was started in September 2010.
Ben and Tina Froese are currently the pastor couple of this new congregation and are focusing on reaching Low German speaking Mennonites in the Vauxhall area.
Read more in the July/August 2010 Recorder (p.10) and the September/October 2011 Recorder (p. 6-8)
Low German / Plautdietsch Resources and Connections
Steinreich Bibelschule
A Bible School in Steinreich, Chihuahua, Mexico with a focus on discipling and preparing Low German Mennonites for ministry. Diedrich Harms, our conference evangelist, is actively involved in teaching and recruiting students for the school.
Low German Translation Work
Many of the people in this ethnic group have not had the opportunity to learn to read their heart language – Low German or Plautdietsch. Realizing that resources in Low German are very limited, we have assembled a group of dedicated individuals to be part of a translation team. This team is currently working on projects that will provide study material for our Low German friends.
Books & Resources currently available in Low German
Daut Christliche Läwen
Daut wieetvolle Läwen
Christus sien Lawen 1. Buak
These study books / workbooks are designed to be used in a small group setting. A great way to teach, learn and disciple.
All of these resources are available by contacting [email protected] or call 204.253.7929 in Winnipeg Manitoba
Low German Translation Guidelines
Low German Radio Ministries
Other Low German Radio Ministries:
Radio Trans Mundial (R.T.M.) Mexico
De Brigj – 105.9 FM in Aylmer, Ontario. Email: [email protected]
