Grand Opening Celebration
MB Foundation, the stewardship ministry for the Mennonite Brethren church family, hosted several celebrations to mark the dedication of its new headquarters building in Hillsboro, KS. On Thursday, July 13, 45 board members, former and current staff, USMB personnel, spouses and friends of the Foundation, gathered to celebrate what God has done and this important milestone for the Foundation through dinner and a sneak peek of the facility.
On Friday, July 14, the celebration began with a program of dedication at 9:30 am followed by a come and go open house until 1:00 pm. Approximately 250 guests attended the event with folks coming from as far away as California, Washington, Oklahoma, Arizona and N Carolina.
Special guests for the dedication program included Don Morris, National Director of USMB, who offered an opening word of prayer. Following the prayer, Dan Ray, Chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors, recognized and applauded the spiritually significant work that is done through the Foundation. Hillsboro Mayor, Delores Dalke, spoke of the transformation that MB Foundation has brought to the Hillsboro community through the new building saying “The Hillsboro community is excited for the Foundation and we are privileged to be the home of MB Foundation!” Randy and Delores Steinert of Bakersfield, CA (representing MB Foundation’s constituency) were present for the dinner and dedication. “MB Foundation is instrumental in providing support and resources to the Mennonite Brethren family,” said Steinert. “We are excited about the additional ministry that will be able to be done with this new building,” he added. Lastly, Reg Boothe, Director Emeritus of the MB Foundation Board of Directors, closed the program with a few words and prayer. “I was one, maybe the only one, who thought that the headquarters of MB Foundation should be re-located to Wichita KS, and today this building is proof that it belongs in Hillsboro,” said Boothe.
Following the dedication program, the doors of the new building were opened and everyone was invited inside for tours of the building, refreshments, giveaways, and fellowship.
MB Foundation’s theme for the past year has been to build resources for Kingdom impact. In keeping with that theme, guests were entered in a drawing for a chance to win $1,000 to GIVE AWAY to their favorite ministry(ies). Coleen Ball of Hillsboro KS was randomly selected for the prize. ” I had been dreaming about what I would do with the money if I won,” said Ball when she was notified about winning. She added, “It is more than I usually have in my God Pocket!”
“We were overwhelmed with the love and support that was shown during our grand opening celebration,” said Jon C. Wiebe, President and CEO. “It was such a joy to celebrate this huge milestone with our constituency and the Hillsboro community. We couldn’t have asked for a better day and we are so thankful to God for all He is doing through MB Foundation.”
If you weren’t able to make it to the Grand Opening, please check out the transformation here or stop by when you’re in the area!