At the Mennonite World Conference’s 500th anniversary of Anabaptism event, held in Zurich, Switzerland, on May 29, 2025, to which I was privileged to attend, I was greatly encouraged.

I was encouraged by vocal ensembles from Paraguay, Switzerland, Indonesia, Kenya, and the United States. Each group brought a unique style, voice, dress, culture, and language to the global event. Many of the singers were young and energetic in their delivery of music and lyrics. Outstanding musicians added to the glorious sounds that filled the Grossmünster in Zurich. The organ was especially inspiring.

The Eastern Mennonite University choir filled me with hope, refreshed my beliefs in young adults who proclaim the gospel, and inspired me with the courage to love. Three of the EMU chamber singers were former high school students of mine in Harrisonburg, Va. I loved their outstanding a cappella music at our 500th event in Zurich.

César García’s message, “The Courage to Love,” was a great challenge to love in the face of differences and a hostile world. Using the account of the Israelite slave girl in 2 Kings 5:1-3, García called Anabaptist Mennonites around the world to do something courageous for the kingdom of God: break the cycle of violence; confront the past to heal our wounds; mend fractured relationships; become beacons of hope in a fragmented world; and envision a new creation where compassion and love open doors to new beginnings.

I was encouraged to hear Cardinal Kurt Koch deliver a message from Pope Leo XIV that encouraged Mennonites and Catholics to heal past wounds and build a new future through the ‘courage to love.’ I was encouraged by the footwashing event between the head of the World Reformed Church and the Mennonite World Conference general secretary.

I appreciated Nancy Heisey’s prayer, in which she gave thanks for signs of healing and renewal around the world, as well as the work of peacemaking and evangelism in many places. She concluded by praying that we would never be ashamed of the gospel.