MCEC Staff Say Goodbye to Colleagues

As the MCEC staff came together for their Christmas celebrations, the atmosphere was one of joy, gratitude, and a touch of bittersweet emotion. This special occasion was not only a time to celebrate the season but also an opportunity to honour and say farewell to four colleagues. Wendy Janzen (eco-minister), Stephen Reist (regional ministry associate), Charles Tabena (mission associate) and Ronald Alexandre (mission associate) were celebrated for their contributions and dedicated service. Their ministry roles concluded on December 31, 2024, their presence will be deeply missed.

Wendy Janzen began her journey with MCEC in January 2022 as eco-minister, bringing a passionate commitment to empowering congregations in their worship and witness within their communities. Through her work, she inspired others to engage in the sacred task of caring for God’s creation.

Her leadership extended far beyond MCEC, equipping countless congregations across North America with resources and inspiration to explore the vital intersection of faith and ecological responsibility. “Wendy’s leadership has deepened our collective understanding of creation care theology and inspired a faith-rooted response to environmental stewardship,” reflected Norm Dyck, mission minister.

Wendy’s presence at the 50 Kent office will be deeply missed—not only for her thoughtful and caring conversations or engaging theological discussions but also for her shared love of coffee and the friendly competition over who could brew the best cup! Her steadfast encouragement to care for God’s creation has left an indelible mark on staff, often prompting a playful yet reflective question when planning events: “What would Wendy say about this?” Her influence has shaped a culture of stewardship and environmental awareness that will carry forward with gratitude.

“Wendy’s ministry has changed my reading of Scripture,” said Fanosie Legesse, intercultural mission minister. “No scripture that mentions creation is read by me in the same way. She helped me to appreciate creation care as a perspective and not only as an avenue of advocacy.”

Reflecting on her time in ministry with MCEC, Wendy shared, “Thank you for taking the risk three years ago and working together to create a new eco-minister role. These three years have been a wonderful journey that I would not give up for the world.”

Wendy is pastor of Burning Bush Forest Church. She is one of the co-founders of the Wild Church Network, a support system for new and growing wild churches.

Stephen Reist began his ministry with MCEC in January 2022 as regional ministry associate, joining the church leadership ministry team. In this role, he provided support and encouragement to pastors across MCEC. With intentionality and care, Stephen walked alongside pastors, fostering a spirit of collaboration and renewal in their ministries.

At a recent cluster meeting with pastors, Stephen was warmly affirmed for his compassionate listening and spiritual grounding. He played a pivotal role in launching Pastors Learning Circles, peer support groups designed to foster connection and growth among pastors. Under Stephen’s attentive and caring leadership, these circles have flourished, becoming a valued resource for pastoral support and renewal.

“Stephen’s sensitivity and pastoral approach to his role as regional ministry associate has been a source of meaningful support and care for the pastors in MCEC,” shared Marilyn Rudy-Froese, church leadership minister.

Known for his authenticity and thoughtfulness, Stephen raised important questions throughout his ministry with MCEC, helping to guide meaningful conversations in the evolving landscape of ministry. A cherished memory shared by MCEC staff was when Stephen hosted one of the staff retreats at his home. Much laughter filled the day as staff members took daring turns on the zip line and roasted hotdogs over an open fire on a sweltering summer afternoon.

“The MCEC staff team carries a considerable responsibility, which I believe has only grown heavier over the past decade as the church continues to change in Canada,” reflected Stephen. “As we struggle to adapt and understand what that means, it has been a privilege to be part of some of those conversations. It has also been a privilege to listen to and care for pastors and hear their unique stories. That has been a real treasure.”

Stephen began his new role as pastor at Pioneer Park Christian Fellowship in Kitchener, in January 2025.

Ronald Alexandre and Charles Tabena began their ministry with MCEC in January 2023 as mission associates in Quebec. Working closely with the mission team, they provided pastoral support, fostered fellowship, and connected leaders with valuable resources throughout Quebec and Ottawa.

Ronald and Charles were unable to attend the staff gathering. The team reflected on their impactful ministry as mission associates. Their contributions have been highly valued and appreciated across MCEC.

Described as a leader of integrity, faith, and dedication, Charles Tabena worked closely with the Swahili church plants in Quebec and Ottawa. “Through Charles’ guidance, emerging Swahili-speaking congregations have taken meaningful steps toward becoming full-fledged Anabaptist/Mennonite communities,” said Norm Dyck, mission minister.

Charles continues his ministry as lead pastor at Centre Béthésda Mennonite de Québec in Quebec City.

Ronald Alexandre supported church plants in the Montreal area, fostering vibrant, intercultural congregations within the Anabaptist tradition.

“Ronald’s passion for church planting and the pastoral way in which he addressed the needs of pastors has strengthened the bonds within our community of congregations,” says Norm Dyck. “I am grateful for the way he advocated for the needs of the pastors in his care, supporting them as they worked to thrive in their ministry.”

Ronald continues his ministry at pastor at Église de Dieu Réparateur des Brèches (RDB) in Montreal, Quebec.

MCEC is truly grateful for the years of service and ministry offered by Wendy, Stephen, Charles, and Ronald. Saying goodbye to friends and colleagues is never easy, but we trust that God will continue to guide MCEC as it grows into the future, with hearts full of gratitude for all they’ve contributed.