Shirley grew up on a farm in the heart of Lancaster County PA. She went on a Medical Group Missions trip to Dominican Republic in high school, and was hooked on travel. She lived for a summer in Scotland with Teen Missions, and then moved to the Netherlands for a year with Intermenno (MCC sponsored), working as an au pair. This is where she met her future husband Fred, from Ontario, who lived in Switzerland and France. Together they lived 3 years in Thailand through MCC, supporting SE Asia refugees moving to Canada. Their first son was born there. Since moving to Elmira, Canada, Shirley has worked for Mennonite Church Canada as Director of Christian Service Ministries, and for the past 14 years works as a Family Outreach Worker with House of Friendship for families experiencing low-income in Waterloo region. Shirley's husband Fred was a pastor at Floradale Mennonite Church for 25 years where she was youth pastor, worship leader, Sunday School teacher and Bible Study leader. They now attend St Jacob's Mennonite Church. Shirley is presently President of Mennonite Women Canada. She and her husband have four amazing adult children, one daughter-in-law and two grandsons. Her travels have taken her to Europe, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Central/South America, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, India, Turkey and Greece. Shirley enjoys reading, talking, coffee in outdoor cafes, movies, travel and motorcycling.
THIS IS A CUSTOM PROGRAM. Registration by invitation only.
Trace your family and faith story through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland! Begin in Amsterdam with a visit to the famous Keukenhof gardens, a leisurely cruise along Amserdam’s canals, and free time in a traditional Dutch village. Connect to the Anabaptist story in the Netherlands with visits to Singel Mennonite Church, Asperen, Witmarsum, and Pingjum. In Münster, see the cages where the bodies of Anabaptist leaders were once displayed—the cages which still hang from the St. Lamberti Church tower today. Relish a cruise along the majestic Rhine River. Browse Mennonite archives in the Weierhof. Learn about Pilgram Marpeck’s story while enjoying the picturesque charm of Strasbourg. Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of the Emmental and visit homesteads, churches, and castles connected to the Swiss Anabaptists. Ascend Schilthorn Mountain for breathtaking views and uncover the origins of the Anabaptist movement on a Zürich walking tour. Conclude the tour with a meaningful time of worship and reflection in the most unique setting: the Anabaptist Cave at Bäretswil, where Anabaptists once worshipped in secret.
