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about us
GOD IS ON A MISSION
to love, reconcile, and transform people of all nations.
And he is inviting us to join him.

Together, we send disciples, to make disciples, who make disciples.
Together that the world may know Jesus
At Multiply, we are passionate about God's mission in our world today, and we are committed to finding ways to work together for his glory. 

"As the father has sent me, even so I am sending you."  Jesus

our three key strategies are:

SENDING
OUT MISSIONARIES

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Jesus’s Great Commission was given to all disciples for all times. Today, as God’s people are sent from everywhere to everywhere and join together unto a common mission, the world is seeing the love of Jesus in action and hearing the Gospel.
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” (Luke 10:2)

PARTNERING WITH NATIONALS

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God's mission is vast and vital, and we are committed to joining him through global partnerships. Our aim is to honor the work God is already doing by collaborating with national leaders worldwide. We support their vision for reaching the lost in their nations and leading the local expression of the Church.
“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35)

HELPING DISCIPLES MULTIPLY

The Gospel thrives when everyday disciples follow Jesus on his mission. We are dedicated to encouraging and equipping these disciples through mission training programs, resourcing workshops, and one-on-one mentoring relationships. We make disciples because we have been sent and commanded by God, trusting that he will make our efforts fruitful.
“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)
As the mission agency of Mennonite Brethren churches in North America, we celebrate over 150 years of fruitful partnership with the United States Mennonite Brethren (usmb.org) and the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (mennonitebrethren.ca). These two church conferences work within a global MB family called the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (icomb.org), which serves to connect, strengthen, and expand global conferences toward Christ-centered mission.

Countries where we are partnering to make disciples of Jesus

We currently have partnerships in about 70 countries around the world where we are working together to make disciples of Jesus.

There are still thousands of people groups without the Gospel of Jesus. In the eight regions where we serve, our network supports teams that are dedicated to preaching the Gospel and loving the lost.

Hundreds of Mennonite Brethren churches in the US and Canada are actively supporting missional teams around the world. Hundreds of everyday disciples are participating in our mission training programs across North America and thousands more in our global network are participating in similar training worldwide.

we are better together

Not only does God invite us to join him on his mission but he also invites us to work in unity with one another. Our heart is to partner with churches that desire to engage in God’s mission. Partnership is essential, but it’s also hard work.

Jesus prayed, “…that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them.” (John 17:23)
Why We Send North American Missionaries (click to expand)

Jesus’ Great Commission was given to all disciples for all times. This includes disciples in North America in the twenty-first century. We celebrate that the global Church is stepping up to take her rightful place in God’s mission and yet that doesn’t mean that North Americans should now step back or just contribute financially. Over 40% of the world’s 8 billion people still do not have a viable Christian witness! The harvest is still plentiful and the workers are still few. In love and obedience to our God, we must continue to send workers!

However, our role is changing. Many within the global Church are asking us to truly partner with them in their local efforts to reach the lost, knowing that we are better together. It is especially in our diversity, when God’s people are united unto his mission, that the world sees the effect of the love of Jesus in action and takes notice. This kind of witness is only possible when people are sent from everywhere to everywhere and join together unto a common mission. If we stop sending missionaries from North America, multitudes of lost people will miss out on seeing and hearing the Gospel in their lifetime.

Jesus  prayed, “...that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them.” John 17:23

As the mission agency of Mennonite Brethren churches in the U.S. and Canada, Multiply is committed to equipping and sending North Americans into global mission. As we send, we look for invitations and assignments that add value to what God is already doing through the local church where possible. Some of our workers from North America are involved in equipping and mentoring national partners, such as Jeremy and Adrienne Penner in their ministry among Myanmar church leaders in Thailand. In addition to making disciples, some of our workers are also providing administrative support to national leaders in their host countries, like Travis Jost in Burundi or Rebecca Hiebert in Thailand. Others are working closely with local churches to find contextual ways to reach the unreached together, such as Robert and Marlene Baerg in Mongolia or Paul and Sara Raugust in France.

The Church of Jesus Christ is truly a global family that is engaged in a global mission, so we are excited about finding our place in that mission and working together effectively with our brothers and sisters, that the world may know Jesus.

Why We Partner With Nationals (click to expand)

“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
- Jesus  (John 4:35)

The mission of God to love, reconcile, and transform people of all nations is too big and too important for us to engage without partnership. At Multiply, we believe in partnering with nationals as they lead the local expression of the Church. We seek to honor what God is already doing through local believers and to support them and their vision for reaching lost people in their nations. As we develop relationships with local leaders and churches, we are often invited to partner with them through prayer, giving, and serving alongside them. Potential partnerships emerge when there is alignment on mission strategy and shared values. 

We believe that nationals are best suited to serve churches in their context and to sustain movements that will last long after foreigners are gone. Local believers know their language, culture, and context, and have the practical advantage of being able to gain access to remote (and unreached) areas. Additionally, as many nations restrict access to foreigners, it is not surprising that Multiply’s primary mission strategy in regions like South Asia, North Africa and the Middle East has become to encourage and support the faithful work of national partners.

Multiply is also thrilled to have missionaries from North America serving long-term alongside national leaders like Robert and Esther Mponye in Uganda and Pastor Naat in Thailand. For any of these partnerships to work, our posture needs to be that of a servant and encourager, not a director or owner. This posture was best modeled by Jesus who took on the very nature of a servant, loved his disciples well, and encouraged them to join God’s mission in the world.

We are thankful that the Good News of Jesus is spreading like never before and that there is opportunity to serve the vision of local believers in so many nations. As we strive for mutuality in partnerships, we realize that humility and patience are essential. And by the grace of God, those healthy partnerships produce strong disciples, churches, and leaders, unto the glory of God and the revealing of his kingdom on earth.

Why We Help Everyday Disciples Multiply (click to expand)

“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” - Jesus (John 15:16)

We love sending missionaries and it’s an honor to partner with national leaders, and yet the Gospel has the greatest impact in the world when everyday disciples follow Jesus on his mission. He calls each and every one of us to make disciples through small acts of love and obedience, regardless of our title or position.

In Jesus’ upside-down kingdom, everyday disciples are central to his multiplying mission. Fast-growing movements are organic, grassroots, and light on their feet. They are typically not encumbered by hierarchical leadership structures, administrative protocol, or facility-oriented programs. Movements are guided primarily by the Holy Spirit through groups of people who are living out core values, exercising habits of the heart, and embracing a shared vision of a preferred future. In many nations, we are currently seeing movements with amazing growth and new believers multiplying, much like what you may have heard is happening through the underground Church in China.

As we’ve looked into what is being practiced by multiplying disciple-makers in these movements around the world, we’ve discovered something unexpected. They are not powerful leaders with secret strategies but ordinary people who know that God is with them. Their practices include spending time with their neighbors, sharing meals together, listening to their stories, and sharing their own. God’s mission is for every one of us.

At Multiply, we are passionate about encouraging and equipping everyday disciples, whether through our mission training, our resourcing workshops, or one-on-one mentoring relationships. 

We have intentionally refocused our mission training programs on actively engaging participants in God’s mission locally, where they can practice loving their neighbors and making disciples in the midst of their training. For example, even in a week-long, church-based program like SOAR, participants come together not only for mutual learning and encouragement, but they engage in mission in their local context looking to share their faith in love through word and deed. SOAR participants are the everyday disciples who become disciple-makers.

We’re also working on some exciting new resources that will help multiplying disciples around the world to mentor and learn from each other. Please join us in praying for God to lead us and feel free to reach out to your Regional Mobilizer to explore ways you can join God’s mission wherever you are.

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” - Jesus  (Luke 10:2)

OUR VALUES

1. Proclaiming Jesus and his kingdom
2. Laying down our lives in love and obedience
3. Serving the Church on God's mission
4. Partnering in mutuality
5. Celebrating Spirit-led fruitfulness

our leadership

Leadership is an interesting word. We use it all the time, but it actually only shows up a few times in Scripture. What shows up regularly is the call to servanthood and sacrifice. Two of our core values are "laying down our lives in love and obedience" and "partnering in mutuality." Living out these values requires a different kind of leadership from all of us, but it's the leadership that Jesus modelled. We do this kingdom work together, so that the lost will be found, and that all the nations of the earth will know the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a privilege to serve together with you as fellow disciples of Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, on God's mission to love, reconcile and transform people of all nations.

Bruce Enns
Bruce Enns

General Director

REGIONAL TEAM LEADERS

GLOBAL LEAD TEAM

The Global Lead Team (GLT) focuses on global mission, discerning missiology, strategy, and initiatives. They discern which national leaders to partner with and coach and encourage them in their ministries, aligning activities with the Mission Strategy Map.

Johann Matthies

Europe & Central Asia

Doug Hiebert

Sub-Saharan Africa

Nasser al'Qahtani

Middle East & North Africa

Bruce Enns

North America

Carol Letkemen

Mission Training Program

Derek Parenteau

Member at Large

Louise Sinclair Peters

Southeast Asia

DH

South Asia

Emerson Cardoso

Central & South America

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Bruce Enns

Bruce began serving as the General Director in May 2022, previously serving for over 20 years as a local church pastor. He loves to help the local church connect globally to experience more of God's kingdom invitation. Bruce and Lisa continue to live in Saskatoon and have four adult daughters.

Stephen Humber

Stephen leads the US mission team and also serves as a Regional Mobilizer for the East of the Rockies USA team. Both roles involve walking alongside churches and individuals to encourage mission engagement and disciplemaking.

Jeff Friesen

Jeff serves as the Director of Finance. His areas of responsibility include financial and legal compliance and reporting, insurance, and asset management. Jeff holds a CPA, CGA designation.

Carin Van Den Berg

As the Director of Human Resources, Carin oversees all aspects of HR and Team Health, including Member Care, HR Administration and field preparation and resourcing of long-term workers.

Galen Wiest

Galen serves as the Regional Mobilizer for the Pacific District in the U.S., where he helps churches and individuals discover their place in God’s global mission. Additionally, Galen is a Member at Large for the U.S. on the Executive Team, contributing his leadership to further Multiply’s vision of sending disciples, partnering with nationals, and multiplying everyday disciples.

Larry Neufeld

Larry gives leadership to the operational support and resourcing of missionaries and global projects that North American churches partner with. He also oversees the recruitment and development of missionaries, supporting the Mission Training Program Director, Carol Letkeman and her teams that equip young leaders for a lifetime of mission.

Daniel Lichty

Daniel serves with the Media Team as Director of Communications and also gives leadership to the Donor Engagement Team. Daniel holds a CFRE designation and is credentialled as a Stewardship Minister with the BC Conference of MB Churches.

Viv Johnstone

Viv is the Director of Global Projects and her role is quite diverse. She monitors and helps to ensure all ministry projects are aligned with the strategic initiatives of the region while maintaining financial compliance for the organization. Viv manages the Vine, our interactive tool that houses ministry ideas, plans, finance projects, and reporting.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Bruce Enns

Bruce began serving as the General Director in May 2022, previously serving for over 20 years as a local church pastor. He loves to help the local church connect globally to experience more of God's kingdom invitation. Bruce and Lisa continue to live in Saskatoon and have four adult daughters.

Stephen Humber

Stephen leads the US mission team and also serves as a Regional Mobilizer for the East of the Rockies USA team. Both roles involve walking alongside churches and individuals to encourage mission engagement and disciplemaking.

Jeff Friesen

Jeff serves as the Director of Finance. His areas of responsibility include financial and legal compliance and reporting, insurance, and asset management. Jeff holds a CPA, CGA designation.

Carin Van Den Berg

As the Director of Human Resources, Carin oversees all aspects of HR and Team Health, including Member Care, HR Administration and field preparation and resourcing of long-term workers.

Galen Wiest

Galen serves as the Regional Mobilizer for the Pacific District in the U.S., where he helps churches and individuals discover their place in God’s global mission. Additionally, Galen is a Member at Large for the U.S. on the Executive Team, contributing his leadership to further Multiply’s vision of sending disciples, partnering with nationals, and multiplying everyday disciples.

Larry Neufeld

Larry gives leadership to the operational support and resourcing of missionaries and global projects that North American churches partner with. He also oversees the recruitment and development of missionaries, supporting the Mission Training Program Director, Carol Letkeman and her teams that equip young leaders for a lifetime of mission.

Daniel Lichty

Daniel serves with the Media Team as Director of Communications and also gives leadership to the Donor Engagement Team. Daniel holds a CFRE designation and is credentialled as a Stewardship Minister with the BC Conference of MB Churches.

Viv Johnstone

Viv is the Director of Global Projects and her role is quite diverse. She monitors and helps to ensure all ministry projects are aligned with the strategic initiatives of the region while maintaining financial compliance for the organization. Viv manages the Vine, our interactive tool that houses ministry ideas, plans, finance projects, and reporting.

board of directors (click to expand)


Maryanne Berge has served as the Mission Pastor at Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon, SK since 2007, working closely with Multiply to develop strong relational partnerships in Panama and Mexico. Maryanne has a passion to see the local church engage in mission and to foster healthy, mutual relationships with the global Church. She has served on the Matthew Training Center Board in Mexico since 2011 and is a certified coach with CMI. Maryanne and her husband Scott have four adult children and one granddaughter.

Aaron Halvorsen 
has been serving as Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church in Olathe, Kansas since 2015. He has an MDiv from Western Seminary in Portland, OR, and served as administrative assistant for several professors, and academic and ministerial programs in the greater Portland area. Aaron was a lay elder for Trinity MB Church. Aaron and his wife Maggie are serving the church and raising their family, continually living in God’s grace, mercy, kindness, patience, truth, and love.


Wendi Thiessen has served as an elder at The Meeting Place (TMP), in Winnipeg, MB, as well as on the MBCI Board and Executive Committee. Her work experience includes being Corporate Treasurer at Great West Lifeco, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Finance, with involvement in acquisition financing as well as treasury-related projects. Wendi and her husband Richard have three sons and, in her retirement, she has been volunteering with the urban poor, working on a variety of local and international projects.

Norm Poehlke
Norm serves as the lead Pastor of Mountain Park Community Church in Abbotsford, BC where he arrived in 2018. He has a background in church planting (Calgary, 1998-2008), and also served ten years on the Executive Team of the North American Baptist Conference, giving oversight to International Missions and Church Planting (2008-2018). Norm and Melissa have 3 married children, and seven grandchildren.


Talitha Sannes-Venhuizen was born and raised in Frazee, MN where she and her husband live currently. She felt called by God into medical ministry at an early age, and after obtaining her Bachelor's degree attended the University of ND School of Medicine and Health Sciences where she received her medical degree. She completed a residency in Family Medicine then worked in full spectrum primary care before completing a fellowship in hospital medicine in 2014, and has worked primarily as a hospitalist since. She and her husband, Jason and their four children have done many short term mission trips over the years and continue to look for God to open doors for them to pursue further mission opportunities. Talitha's passion is to help those who are most vulnerable - the young and old - who are unable to care for themselves. She strives through her work and life to live out Luke 10:9 - Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Talitha and Jason are members of Lake Region Mennonite Church near Detroit Lakes, MN.



Vivian Wheeler serves as Director of Church Operations at Birch Bay Bible Community Church. She and her husband Jay owned and operated a dairy business for twenty years, and Vivian worked in music education for fifteen years. They have been actively involved in church leadership, serving on various boards. Vivian grew up at Birch Bay Bible Community Church and served in various ministry roles there until 1991, when they moved to Central Washington, before returning to Birch Bay in 2006. Vivian and her husband Jay have three grown children and six grandchildren.

Vince Balakian comes from a background of farming in California’s Central Valley, where his enterprise, Fruit Patch, Inc., quickly grew into a large marketing company with worldwide sales and multiple growers in countries in the southern hemisphere, including Australia, Brazil, Chile and South Africa. Since leaving this business, he has partnered with Multiply and his home church of Reedley MB to organize Vision teams of North American pastors sent to learn from the global churches in Thailand, Lithuania, and Turkey, and has helped organize short-term mission teams to these and other global locations. Vince has a passion for church-to-church partnerships and seeing multi-generational mission teams serving together and learning from one another.

 His full story can be read here



Bryan Born is serving at Willingdon Church (Burnaby, BC) as the Pastor of Theological Education. He formerly served as the President of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, BC (2012-2023), and before that was the Director of CBC's Intercultural Studies Program (2004-2012). Bryan holds a Doctorate in Missiology from the University of South Africa. He and his wife, Teresa, spent twelve years serving in Botswana with MB Mission (Multiply), working together with African Initiated Churches in the areas of discipleship, theological education, community development and HIV/AIDS prevention and care. His passion is to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and encourage people to experience reconciliation with God, life transformation and a sense of mission in their lives. Bryan and Teresa have three married children and seven grandchildren.




Justun Chan currently serves as the Children and Youth Pastor at South Vancouver Pacific Grace MB Church. Since 2020, he has also been leading the executive team of the MB Chinese Christian Association (MBCCA). Previously, he was an intern at Vancouver Chinese MB Church and an English Adults Pastor at Tri-City Chinese Christian Church. As a member of Multiply's Board of Directors (since 2023), Justun and his wife, Fueng Yan, are excited to see where God will lead them in making disciples that make disciples.

Maryanne Berge has served as the Mission Pastor at Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon, SK since 2007, working closely with Multiply to develop strong relational partnerships in Panama and Mexico. Maryanne has a passion to see the local church engage in mission and to foster healthy, mutual relationships with the global Church. She has served on the Matthew Training Center Board in Mexico since 2011 and is a certified coach with CMI. Maryanne and her husband Scott have four adult children and one granddaughter.

Aaron Halvorsen has been serving as Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church in Olathe, Kansas since 2015. He has an MDiv from Western Seminary in Portland, OR, and served as administrative assistant for several professors, and academic and ministerial programs in the greater Portland area. Aaron was a lay elder for Trinity MB Church. Aaron and his wife Maggie are serving the church and raising their family, continually living in God’s grace, mercy, kindness, patience, truth, and love.

Norm Poehlke Norm serves as the lead Pastor of Mountain Park Community Church in Abbotsford, BC where he arrived in 2018. He has a background in church planting (Calgary, 1998-2008), and also served ten years on the Executive Team of the North American Baptist Conference, giving oversight to International Missions and Church Planting (2008-2018). Norm and Melissa have 3 married children, and seven grandchildren.

Justun Chan currently serves as the Children and Youth Pastor at South Vancouver Pacific Grace MB Church. Since 2020, he has also been leading the executive team of the MB Chinese Christian Association (MBCCA). Previously, he was an intern at Vancouver Chinese MB Church and an English Adults Pastor at Tri-City Chinese Christian Church. As a member of Multiply's Board of Directors (since 2023), Justun and his wife, Fueng Yan, are excited to see where God will lead them in making disciples that make disciples.

Vivian Wheeler serves as Director of Church Operations at Birch Bay Bible Community Church. She and her husband Jay owned and operated a dairy business for twenty years, and Vivian worked in music education for fifteen years. They have been actively involved in church leadership, serving on various boards. Vivian grew up at Birch Bay Bible Community Church and served in various ministry roles there until 1991, when they moved to Central Washington, before returning to Birch Bay in 2006. Vivian and her husband Jay have three grown children and six grandchildren.

Wendi Thiessen has served as an elder at The Meeting Place (TMP), in Winnipeg, MB, as well as on the MBCI Board and Executive Committee. Her work experience includes being Corporate Treasurer at Great West Lifeco, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Finance, with involvement in acquisition financing as well as treasury-related projects. Wendi and her husband Richard have three sons and, in her retirement, she has been volunteering with the urban poor, working on a variety of local and international projects.

Vince Balakian comes from a background of farming in California’s Central Valley, where his enterprise, Fruit Patch, Inc., quickly grew into a large marketing company with worldwide sales and multiple growers in countries in the southern hemisphere, including Australia, Brazil, Chile and South Africa. Since leaving this business, he has partnered with Multiply and his home church of Reedley MB to organize Vision teams of North American pastors sent to learn from the global churches in Thailand, Lithuania, and Turkey, and has helped organize short-term mission teams to these and other global locations. Vince has a passion for church-to-church partnerships and seeing multi-generational mission teams serving together and learning from one another.

 His full story can be read here

Bryan Born is serving at Willingdon Church (Burnaby, BC) as the Pastor of Theological Education. He formerly served as the President of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, BC (2012-2023), and before that was the Director of CBC's Intercultural Studies Program (2004-2012). Bryan holds a Doctorate in Missiology from the University of South Africa. He and his wife, Teresa, spent twelve years serving in Botswana with MB Mission (Multiply), working together with African Initiated Churches in the areas of discipleship, theological education, community development and HIV/AIDS prevention and care. His passion is to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and encourage people to experience reconciliation with God, life transformation and a sense of mission in their lives. Bryan and Teresa have three married children and seven grandchildren.

Talitha Sannes-Venhuizen was born and raised in Frazee, MN where she and her husband live currently.  She felt called by God into medical ministry at an early age, and after obtaining her Bachelor's degree attended the University of ND School of Medicine and Health Sciences where she received her medical degree.  She completed a residency in Family Medicine then worked in full spectrum primary care before completing a fellowship in hospital medicine in 2014, and has worked primarily as a hospitalist since.  She and her husband, Jason and their four children have done many short term mission trips over the years and continue to look for God to open doors for them to pursue further mission opportunities.  Talitha's passion is to help those who are most vulnerable - the young and old - who are unable to care for themselves. She strives through her work and life to live out Luke 10:9 - Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
Talitha and Jason are members of Lake Region Mennonite Church near Detroit Lakes, MN.

our history

As the global mission agency of Mennonite Brethren (MB) churches in the United States and Canada, Multiply has a rich mission history within the larger story of the Anabaptist movement, which began in Europe as a part of the Radical Reformation during the broader Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. The Anabaptists were initially seen as a threat to the established Protestant and Catholic churches due to their counter-cultural, freechurch stance. During the first few decades, thousands of Anabaptists were imprisoned, drowned, beheaded, or burned at the stake. Menno Simons was one of the few Anabaptist leaders who was not martyred, and his followers (called Mennonites) adopted a stance of pacifism and withdrew into smaller communities in what is now the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland. Over time, some Mennonites immigrated to southern Russia where many prospered economically but grew spiritually complacent. In 1860, among these Mennonites, a few experienced a renewal in their passion for Jesus and in their desire to reach their neighbors. The renewal group became known as the Brethren and, later, the Mennonite Brethren. Their passion to share the Gospel was seen first locally with their fellow Mennonites and Russian neighbors and then by sending workers globally, which first happened in 1889 when they sent missionaries to India. 

Due to persecution in Russia in the early 1900s, many MBs were scattered internationally and started new churches wherever they went. Eventually, in North America, their churches united around a common mission to see the Gospel proclaimed and churches planted around the world, so they formed a global mission agency. 

Over the years, the agency was able to assist in sending out many workers called by God to short- and long-term service assignments. God has been powerfully at work, raising up national leaders who are leading churches and experiencing unprecedented fruitfulness. In response, the mission agency began to re-position their global workers to support these national leaders more effectively. The focus shifted from pioneering to building healthy partnerships with national church-planting networks. As a result, families of churches in many nations have organized into conferences and joined the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB), which was formed in 1990. This movement highlights how God is using these partnerships to advance his mission.

More recently, the world of mission has changed dramatically. Due to major people movements, the world’s population has shifted radically, allowing many to hear the Gospel for the first time. In addition, the Church of the Global South has become a major mission force. Both of these factors have pushed North American churches to re-envision global mission as being “from everywhere to everywhere.”

In 2018, when MB Mission embraced the new name of Multiply, a new tagline was also adopted: together that the world may know (inspired by the prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-23).

At the heart of Multiply is a basic belief:
God is on mission, reconciling the world to himself, and he desires to accomplish this through his family, the Church.

what we believe

Multiply is aligned with the following belief statements of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB), which can also be found at icomb.org/what-we-believe
Core Beliefs (click to expand)

PEOPLE OF THE COVENANT COMMUNITY

In the church, the covenant community, believers commit themselves to worship together, pray as Christ taught us, to fellowship, and to care for one another.


Believer's Baptism

People from all cultures, nations, and languages who are willing to follow Jesus as obedient disciples confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and are baptized by water into the fellowship of the church. The Mennonite Brethren church baptizes by immersion.


Lord's Supper

In the Supper the church identifies with the life of Christ given for the redemption of humanity and proclaims the Lord's death and resurrection until he comes. This Supper of remembrance expresses reconciliation, fellowship, peace, and unity of all believers with Christ.


Accountability

The church interprets God's will, discerning what is right and what is wrong. AII believers hold each other accountable for a Christ­like walk of faith. The purpose of accountability is to heal and restare through repentance and not punish or condemn. The church excludes those who consistently disregard discipline.In the Supper the church identifies with the life of Christ given for the redemption of humanity and proclaims the Lord's death and resurrection until he comes. This Supper of remembrance expresses reconciliation, fellowship, peace, and unity of all believers with Christ.


Priesthood of all believers

The Spirit of God gives all believers gifts for service to build up the body of Christ. The church discerns the call of God and confirms servant leaders who equip people for ministry.

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Scripture references: Matt.16:13-20; 18:15-20; 28:18-20; Acts 2:37-47; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 11:23-32; 12-14; Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 2:12-13; Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Peter 2:9-10; 4:10-11



PEOPLE OF RECONCILIATION

Jesus carne announcing the kingdom of God. The mission of Jesus was to reconcile humans with God, each other and the world. The church is called to participate in God's mission.


Mission

Christ has commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all his commandments. Jesus teaches that disciples are to love God and neighbor by telling the good news and by doing acts of !ove and compassion. Since Jesus is the only way of salvation, the evangelistic imperative is given to all believers.


Peace witness

Peace and reconciliation are at the heart of the Christian gospel. Jesus calls the community of faith to be peacemakers in all situations. We believe that peace with God includes a commitment to the way reconciliation was modeled by the Prince of Peace. As Christians we are called to turn from lifestyle choices that harm us, to choices that nurture wholeness, healing, joy and peace and from hating enemies and ignoring neighbors to showing love and justice to ali.


Family

God blesses singleness, marriage and family. God calls all people to live a sexually pure life. Marriage is a life-long covenant commitment of one man and one woman. Godly parents instruct their children in the faith. The church nurtures family life and makes every effort to bring reconciliation to troubled relationships.


State

God has given the state the responsibility to promote the well-being of all people. Followers of Christ respect and pray for government authorities but resist the temptation to give the state the devotion that is owed to God. The primary allegiance of all Christians is to Christ's kingdom and his global church. In each state and society Christians cooperate with others to defend the weak, reduce strife, care for the poor, and promote justice, peace and truth.

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Scripture references: Matt. 5-7; 22:34-40; 28:18-20; Luke 4:18-19; 10:25-37; Rom. 12:17-13:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-6:2; Eph. 2; 5:21-6:4; 1 Tim 2:1-6; Jam. 2; 1 Peter 2:21-25


PEOPLE OF HOPE

The Church belongs to the in-breaking kingdom of God. The citizens of the kingdom model an alternative community, challenging godless values of this world’s cultures. The people of God join in the struggle for justice, yet are prepared to suffer persecution knowing that sin, guilt and death will not prevail. Confident in this hope the church engages in mission until the Lord returns, empowered by the certainty that God will create a new heaven and a new earth.

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Scripture references: Matt. 5:10-12; 10:7; 13:24-25; Mark 1:15; 13; Luke 17:20-37; 21:5- 36; Titus 2:11-14; Rev. 21-22.



GOD'S WORK IN THE WORLD

God, the sovereign Lord of all, created the heavens and the earth through his powerful word. God made humans, male and female, in the image of God to live in fellowship and to be stewards of creation. Humans abused their freedom by rebelling against God in disobedience, which resulted in alienation and death. In the rebellion against God’s rule, the evil powers of Satan, sin and death claimed control of the world.

God, the Deliverer, acted to establish a covenant people, beginning with Israel. God purposed to form the covenant community to live in relationship with God, to experience God’s blessing, and to serve as a light to all nations. Through the prophets God communicated his law and purposes, expressing that God is forever faithful, just, righteous, with a father’s tender mercies, and a mother’s compassion. God promised the hope of a new creation.

God the Father sent the Son, Jesus Christ, to the world born of the virgin Mary. Jesus inaugurated the reign of God, proclaiming repentance from sin, announcing the release of the oppressed and good news to the poor, and calling disciples to follow his way as a new community. Jesus responded to the violent evil powers by taking the cross in order to die for the sins of the world and reconcile creation to God. Jesus gained victory over sin, death, and Satan as God vindicated Jesus by raising him from the dead and exalting him to God’s right hand where he intercedes for the saints and rules forever.

At Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit, who had acted in creation, in empowering the prophets, and in inspiring the Scriptures. Through the Spirit, God established the church, the body of Christ, to proclaim God’s reign and to give witness to the new creation. The Spirit is poured out on all who receive Christ, baptizing them and sealing them for redemption as God’s children. AII who believe and confess Jesus as Lord are born anew into Christ. Believers are baptized by water into the new covenant community in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. By grace they are saved through faith to live out God’s peace and love in the face of opposing circumstances.

The church is God’s new creation, agent of transformation, called to model God’s design for humanity. The people of God call everyone to repentance and conversion, seek to promote righteousness, are faithful in suffering, share generously with those in need. They act as agents of reconciliation to reverse the alienation brought on by sin. In the Lord’s Supper the church proclaims the Lord’s death and celebrates the new covenant.

The new creation will be completed when Christ returns. AII who belong to Christ will rise with a new body while Satan and those who have rejected Christ will face eternal condemnation. The new heaven and new earth will live under God’s rule in everlasting peace and joy.

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Scripture references: Genesis 1-3; 12:1-3; Exodus 6:6-8; Ps. 8; Isa. 49,6; Jer. 9:23-24; 31:37-34; Hos. 2:19-20 Matt. 4:17; 25:46; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 4:18-19; John 3:16; Acts 2; Rom 8; 1 Cor. 11:23-32; 2 Cor. 5:17-6:2; Eph. 1:13-14; 2:8-10; 6:10-12; Col. 2:12-15; 1 Thes.4:13-5:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 7:25; Rev. 21-22



MENNONITE BRETHREN

The Mennonite Brethren Church is rooted in the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century Reformation, a movement that sought to recapture the faith and life of the New Testament church. The Mennonite Brethren Church was born within the Mennonite renewal in Russia in 1860. World mission and migration have produced a Church that circles the globe. As a world wide MB fellowship we commit ourselves to be a people of God.



PEOPLE OF THE BIBLE

The Bible is the authoritative Word of God and the infallible guide for faith and life.


Worldview

The Bible provides the framework for our understanding of the world.


Interpretation

Our interpretation is Christ-centered. We read the Scriptures with a New Testament perspective. The person, teaching, and life of Jesus Christ bring continuity and clarity to both the Old and New Testaments.


Community of interpretation

Every believer is encouraged to seek to understand the Bible in order to discern God 's will for obedience. Since the Holy Spirit is present and active in all believers, we read and interpret the Bible and its demands for today's life in community.

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Scripture references: Genesis 1-3; 12:1-3; Exodus 6:6-8; Ps. 8; Isa. 49:6; Jer. 9:23-24; 31:37-34; Hos. 2:19-20; Matt. 4:17; 25:46; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 4:18-19; John 3:16; Acts 2; Rom 8; 1 Cor. 11:23-32; 2 Cor. 5:17-6:2; Eph. 1:13-14; 2:8-10; 6:10-12; Col. 2:12-15; 1 Thes.4:13-5:11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 7:25; Rev. 21-22



PEOPLE OF A NEW WAY OF LIFE

By God’s grace the Holy Spirit calls people to a new way of life through conversion, discipleship and ongoing renewal.


Conversion

Christian conversion begins with new birth and always involves a deliberate personal commitment. As Christians we are called to turn from a broken relationship with God to a personal relationship with the true God and from bondage of sin and past mistakes to freedom, forgiveness, and healing.


Discipleship

In Christ salvation and ethics come together. As Christians we are called to turn from individualism to interdependence with others in the church and to prove ourselves faithful to the life and teachings ofJesus in everyday life.


Renewal

The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, testifying that we are God 's children, offering continua! renewal and cleansing in order to empower for a life of witness and service.

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Scripture references: Is. 43:7; Mark 8:34-38; John 1:12-73; 3:5-8; Rom. 8; 1 Cor. 4:2; Col. 3:1-4; Tit. 3:3-7

 

Protecting your Privacy

Multiply's Privacy Policy

MULTIPLY Network Personal Information Privacy Commitment Statement

In accordance with relevant legislation, MULTIPLY Network is committed to protecting the privacy of its members, adherents, donors, volunteers, employees, directors, officers and any other persons about or from whom MULTIPLY Network collects personal information. MULTIPLY Network complies with the federal government’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which regulates the collection, use and disclosure of personal information to ensure that all personal information is properly collected, used only for the purposes for which it is collected and is disposed of in a safe and timely manner when no longer required. Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information has always been an important part of our commitment to constituents.

In being, or becoming, a member or adherent of MULTIPLY Network, it is recognized by all such individuals that the Bible portrays believers as members of one body (see I Corinthians 12). This requires the sharing of personal information with the body. Further, it is recognized by the body that MULTIPLY Network is affiliated with the CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES & the U.S. CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES. Because of that affiliation, MULTIPLY Network, its members and adherents by voluntary implied contract submit to, and are bound by, the CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES GENERAL OPERATING BYLAW & the U.S. CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES STATEMENT OF BELIEF. Except for the above implied consent to collect, use and retain personal information, no personal information will be sold, rented, leased or otherwise made available to any person without the explicit consent of the member or adherent. Except as otherwise required by the CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES GENERAL OPERATING BYLAW & the U.S. CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES STATEMENT OF BELIEF or the operation of law, every member and adherent has the right, at any time, to withdraw his or her implied or explicit consent for the use of his or her personal information for any or all previously authorized uses.

With respect to the privacy of personal information the above means that all members and adherents have given their implied consent to use their personal information for all internal purposes of MULTIPLY Network, CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES & the U.S. CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES and its agencies to the extent that such use is in agreement with the CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES GENERAL OPERATING BYLAW & the U.S. CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES STATEMENT OF BELIEF and the pronouncement of CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES & the U.S. CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES from time to time, provided that such body shall not provide personal information to agencies that are not directly operated, or wholly controlled, by the CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES & the U.S. CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES to carry out its ministries.

Other persons or organizations who act for, or on behalf of, MULTIPLY Network are required to comply with the principles and the policy and will be given restricted access to personal information solely to perform the services they may be retained to perform for MULTIPLY Network.

PIPEDA permits individuals to submit written requests to us to provide them with:

  • their personal information under our custody or control;
  • information about how their personal information under our control has been and is being used by us;
  • the names of the individuals and organizations to whom their personal information under our control has been disclosed by us.

MULTIPLY Network has designated a Privacy Officer. Any inquiry, request or concern related to privacy matters should be made in writing to:

Privacy Officer
MULTIPLY Network
32040 Downes Road, Abbotsford, BC, V4X 1X5
Phone: 604-859-6267


Privacy Policy

In accordance with relevant legislation, MULTIPLY Network is committed to protecting the privacy of its members, adherents, donors, volunteers, employees, directors, officers and any other persons about or from whom MULTIPLY Network collects personal information. MULTIPLY Network complies with the federal government’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which regulates the collection, use and disclosure of personal information to ensure that all personal information is properly collected, used only for the purposes for which it is collected and is disposed of in a safe and timely manner when no longer required. Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information has always been an important part of our commitment to constituents.

1. ACCOUNTABILITY

MULTIPLY Network is responsible for maintaining and protecting the personal information under its control. MULTIPLY Network has appointed a Privacy Officer who is responsible to ensure that MULTIPLY Network complies with its privacy obligations in accordance with applicable privacy laws. MULTIPLY Network reserves the right to change our privacy policy and practices at any time as required or necessitated by circumstances, provided such changes are permitted by the applicable legislation. If we make any substantial changes in the way we use your personal data, we will post these changes on this page and do our best to notify you. Please check our privacy policy on a regular basis. MULTIPLY Network’s privacy statement and policies apply solely to information collected by MULTIPLY Network and not to information held by a service provider.

2. IDENTIFYING PURPOSES

MULTIPLY Network collects and uses personal information for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to,

  • providing services to individuals ministered to by MULTIPLY Network;
  • establishing and maintaining members lists;
  • recruiting participants for its mission programs;
  • managing payroll and benefits;
  • employee performance evaluations;
  • establishing and maintaining lists of donors.

MULTIPLY Network shall identify and explain the purposes for which it collects personal information, to the person from whom the personal information is being collected, before or at the time the information is collected.

3. CONSENT

Consent will be obtained from the person whose personal information is collected, used and disclosed, unless obtaining the consent would be inappropriate or not required by law. Sometimes the person’s consent may be implied by virtue of their membership in MULTIPLY Network or because of the person’s conduct within MULTIPLY Network. When it is appropriate, written consent will be obtained.

Written consents will be kept on file for as long as the information is reasonably necessary. A person may withdraw his or her consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice. The person will be informed of reasonably foreseeable implications of the withdrawal.

4. LIMITING COLLECTION

Information collected will be limited to that required for the purpose or purposes identified by MULTIPLY Network. MULTIPLY Network is committed to collecting personal information in a fair, open and lawful manner.

  1. Collection of non-personal information

We may automatically collect non-personal information, such as the type of internet browser you use, or the website or search engine from which you accessed our website. We may also aggregate other demographic information, such as your geographic location. You cannot be identified from this information and it is only used in assisting us to better serve you through this website.

  1. Cookies

We may place a “cookie” on your computer to provide you with a better browsing experience while visiting the Website. “Cookies” are small files stored on your computer’s hard drive in order to identify users and prepare customized web pages for them. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us. If you do not want us or others to place “cookies” on your computer, most internet web browsers include a function that will allow you to stop “cookies” from being placed on your computer. Please see your instruction manual or help feature for your browser on how to do this.

5. LIMITING USE, DISCLOSURE AND RETENTION

Personal information shall not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the person or as required by law. All collected personal information shall be destroyed, erased or made anonymous as soon as the purpose for which it was collected is no longer relevant, or as permitted by the law. Your information will not be sold, exchanged, transferred or given to any other organization or company for any reason whatsoever, without your consent, other than for the express purpose of delivering the product or service requested by the individual, or unless we are legally entitled or required to do so (for example, for the purposes of prevention of fraud or other crime) or if we believe such action is necessary to protect and/or defend the rights, property or personal safety of our users.

 Nothing in this Privacy Policy prevents the elders or pastoral staff from collecting, retaining and using information related to individuals ministered to by MULTIPLY Network, since such information assists in providing quality services to those ministered to.

6. ACCURACY

Personal information shall be maintained in as accurate, complete and up-to-date a form as necessary in order to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected.

7. SAFEGUARDS

Personal information will be protected by security safeguards that are appropriate to the sensitivity of the personal information. This safeguarding could include physical measures such as locked filing cabinets and premises security, organizational measures such as restricted access to files with personal information or technological measures such as security software.

All credit card or banking information (if applicable) is obtained through a secure, third party provider using encryption software.

8. OPENNESS

Information regarding the privacy policy of MULTIPLY Network, as well as the personal information management, shall be available as requested. The information will include:

  • Name and address of the Privacy Officer

  • Means of gaining access to personal information held by MULTIPLY Network

  • Copy of any brochures or other information that explains MULTIPLY Network’s policies, standards or codes

9. ACCESS TO PERSONAL INFORMATION

Access to personal information will be granted, where MULTIPLY Network is legally required to release the information and provided that the disclosure does not violate any applicable statutes or contracts, to the person to whom the information pertains where there is an appropriate written request. The existence, use and disclosure of the personal information will be granted within a reasonable period of time. Any inaccuracy or incompleteness of personal information will be amended as required.

10. CHALLENGING COMPLIANCE

Complaints or inquiries about the collection, use, disclosure or retention of personal information MULTIPLY Network’s compliance with these ten principles should be directed to the Privacy Officer. The Privacy Officer will investigate complaints and ensure that appropriate measures are taken.