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After working for more than 20 years as a business strategy consultant, it's the “simple things” that fulfill Conrad Grebel University College alum Paulinus Okoye. “Whether it's exploring scenic landscapes, enjoying cozy evenings at home, or embarking on adventures with our two children and Tucker, our beloved dog,” said Paul, “every moment is a cherished memory.” Living in the moment reminds Paul of what is truly valuable and acts as a consistent motivator to continue his social justice work.

TST Spring Conference on the theme “Theology, Conflict, Violence, and Peacebuilding” took place on May 3, 2025, at St. Michael’s College. Two MTS students, Shelly Jordan and Mariia Smyrnova, were presenters.

Last two weeks MTS students were learning new things about the art of preaching with the sessional instructor from AMBS Allan Rudy-Froese. Below MTS students are sharing some feedback about their experience and insights!

In April, MTS students got together to listen to the final research projects of four soon-to-be graduates Chulmo Kim, Sean Harris, Margaret Sherk, and Devin Hogg, The Research Seminar was followed by MTS Devotional in the Chapel organized by Kate Strathdee, Sarah Weber, and Devin Hogg.

On April 13 at Convocation ceremony, we gathered to celebrate MTS students' accomplishments in the program. Join us in congratulating your classmates - Charles Biswas, Devin Hogg, Margaret Sherk, Peter Haresnape, and Christa van Daele on their achievements! Devin Hogg was this year's valedictorian!

In February 2025, Prof. Allan Rudy-Froese met with MTS students to tell them about his intensive spring Preaching course, in particular, what techniques make you a good preacher, how to prepare for a public speaking, and what structure a successful sermon should have. See the photo from the event!

On March 12, MTS students marked PIE Day early by taking in the current exhibit on the 4^th floor gallery. The exhibit, "Daughters, mothers, granddaughters, and other sexual outlaws", provided material for reflection and insight into the lived experience of cultural, intergenerational struggles in advancing sexual health and reproductive rights in countries such as El Salvador, Bangladesh, and the Phillipines. 

Devin Hogg, the organizer and facilitator of the MTS event, shared: "We were moved by the heartrending stories of intergenerational struggles where girls were mothers at 14 and grandmothers in their early thirties. We were heartened by the work being done to resist systems of oppression in solidarity with others. We were reminded of the power of photography, and the potential of images to contribute to social change. If you have some time, we recommend checking out the exhibit this week since it is on until Thursday, March 20."

Grebel's Master of Theological Studies program is careful to include indigenous perspectives in the curriculum. This is part of the College’s commitment to following Call to Action #60 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that addresses theological schools and “the need to respect Indigenous spirituality in its own right.” In particular, courses like TS 732 - “Theologies of the Global South,” and TS 733 - “Indigenous Theologies and Methods” explore Indigenous theologies with attention to experience, history, the nature of the spiritual, key figures, and important themes. MTS students who have taken these courses reflected on some of their key learnings. 

KyongJung Kim is a Mennonite pastor who serves at two churches and also works as a school bus driver for students with disabilities in the Waterloo Region. His spiritual awakening occurred after meeting Anabaptist Christians in Winnipeg from 1994 to 1997. Since then, he has continued his journey with Jesus and has remained committed to his faith no matter where life takes him.