11:30 am,
Wednesday,
February 9, 2005
dining hall
Mennonites in Prison in Viet Nam - Lowell & Ruth Jantzi, Mennonite Central Committee, Viet Nam
Lowell and Ruth will tell about their work and witness in Viet Nam, where freedom/human rights have been a concern because Vietnamese Mennnonite leaders have been improsoned this past year.
Viet Nam is a traditional, agricultural society transforming itself into a
modern, industrialized country. It is a dynamic fast changing place filled
with optimistic, hard working, hospitable and proud citizens. While
tremendous progress has been made many challenges remain unresolved. While
such issues as educational reform, war legacies, poverty and basic health
care were on the Vietnamese agenda the Vietnamese Mennonites in prison
caught the attention of the international Mennonite community last year.
Religious freedom/human rights required much of MCC Viet Nam's time and
energy in 2004. It is a very sensitive issue in Viet Nam and the
authorities do not appreciate foreigners' involvement. And yet we felt
compelled to express solidarity with our Mennonite family in prison and
advocate for their well being. We look forward to hearing your concerns and
questions.
Lowell & Ruth Jantzi are MCC Country Co-Representatives to Viet Nam since
2003. Lowell served an earlier MCC term in Viet Nam from 1970-73.
Contact: Sylvia Shirk Charles, phone (574) 535-7542, email sylviasc@goshen.edu