Our current IVEP participant, Lorenzo Fellycyano, serves as the CPA Host, helping to keep things running smoothly for—and building community among—our diverse participants. Lorenzo is a culturally Chinese Indonesian, and is a part of a church community connected to Mennonite World Conference. As a minority both culturally and religiously in Indonesia, Lorenzo’s deeper understanding of justice issues makes him an excellent fit for the CPA. In his role, he is able to draw on his unique perspective while interacting with colleagues and guests who are passionate about pursuing peace. Branka Marijan of Project Ploughshares, one of the CPA’s core collaborators, underlines this point, saying:
"Lorenzo has been a great addition to the CPA community. He has brought an important global perspective to the issues we regularly discuss. I have learned a great deal about Indonesia from him and have enjoyed learning more about the different cultural customs of the country."
Lorenzo is also gaining valuable insights into Canadian culture and the field of peacebuilding, while developing his skills as a young professional. In his own words:
“Joining the IVEP program is a once in a lifetime experience, and it has been really significant in developing my sense of being a global citizen and a member of the global church. My placement at the CPA has been a real advantage, because I am surrounded by innovative organizations and initiatives. Being in the CPA has helped me understand my role as a global citizen and what I can do to make the world a better place.”
Lorenzo has also been enriched by the experience of living with a host family, attending a local Mennonite congregation, and singing in a multicultural choir.
The CPA has now been home to two IVEPers from Asia—Lorenzo’s predecessor, Socheata Poum, hailed from Cambodia. We look forward to welcoming a third volunteer this coming August!