What We Discovered on the Magdalena
A Conversation with Jack & Irene Suderman
Webinar
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 1 - 2 PM CT / 2 - 3 PM ET
Location: Zoom
Colombia is a place Jack and Irene Suderman already knew. But travelling the Magdalena River revealed a side of the country they had not experienced in quite the same way before.
Along the river, the journey became less about simply seeing Colombia and more about encountering the people, communities, landscapes, and stories shaped by its waters.
Join Jack and Irene Suderman for a conversation about what they discovered along the Magdalena. Together, they will reflect on the moments that surprised them, the people who stayed with them, and what they learned about faith, culture, nature, and everyday life along the river.
The conversation will explore questions such as:
What surprised them about experiencing Colombia from the Magdalena River?
Which encounters with local people have stayed with them?
Why did visiting Palenque make such a lasting impression?
What is it really like to travel the river and experience the communities and natural environment along its banks?
How can travelling in Colombia contribute to something larger happening within the country today?
Having experienced this journey firsthand, Jack and Irene will also share what makes them excited to return and introduce another group to this remarkable part of Colombia.
Whether you are considering travelling with us or are simply curious to discover another side of Colombia, this conversation offers a chance to hear the stories behind the journey and follow the Magdalena through the eyes of those who have travelled it.
We look forward to welcoming you to the conversation.
Register Now
About our Speakers
Jack & Irene Suderman
Bridge Builders · Global Educators · Cross-Cultural Nurturers · Peace Advocates
Jack and Irene have jointly dedicated more than 110 years to the work of the church. If you ask them why, they will speak of intercultural hospitality, bridge-building, contextually sensitive leadership development, biblical engagement, radical initiatives for peace, and empathetic ministry with the dispossessed and dying. They have lived in five countries and have provided leadership training in more than three dozen others.
Their time accompanying the church in Colombia during years of horrendous violence was both inspiring and challenging. Fluent in Spanish, they walked alongside local congregations and national leaders as they navigated profoundly difficult pastoral situations and participated in both formal and informal peace processes with all sides of the conflict.
For the past 37 years, they have also accompanied the churches in Cuba. Jack spent 14 years in various executive roles with Mennonite Church Canada, while Irene has dedicated more than 25 years to hospice and palliative-care ministry.
Now retired, Jack and Irene make their home in Kitchener, Ontario, where they remain active members of First Mennonite Church.