Several things stood out to me about being in Zurich for the celebration of 500 years of Anabaptism.
First, I noted the sheer amount of people in attendance from all over the world gathered to celebrate our Anabaptist history. I had many conversations with people from different countries where, despite cultural differences, we found unity in our shared history.
Second, I learned the history by physically being in locations where it took place, such as seeing the Limmat River where Felix Manz was drowned for his Anabaptist beliefs and being in the Grossmünster cathedral.
Lastly, I participated in worship in different languages and with different cultures. This was one of the most edifying things for me as it moved my focus to a place of greater appreciation for the global church.
My favorite experience was being in Zurich with my fellow Young Anabaptist delegates. Being able to tour Zurich and take part of the festivities on that day alongside others in a similar stage of life and ministry made all the smaller things—such as exploring restaurants, stores and the city—much more enjoyable. Building relationships and being in community added greatly to my time in Zurich and the delegate meetings in Germany.
I learned how truly faithful God was and has been throughout the Anabaptist story despite persecution and opposition. Looking at our history and how it is marked by believers standing firm in biblical truth, even at the cost of their own life, has great relevance for the church today.
My hope is that, as Anabaptists, we would continue to hold strong to our theological convictions and biblical truths as we face social issues and seek to be faithful to our mission of making disciples of all nations.
Sebastian Mireles served as a USMB delegate at the Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit in Germany May 30-June 1.
Sebastian Mireles is youth pastor at Bethesda Church in Huron, S.D.
