Congratulations Natan & Koinonia Award Recipients!
At the 2025 MHS Assembly conference in Pittsburgh, PA, MHS Association awarded its two annual member recognition awards – the Natan Award and the Koinonia Award. MHS Association CEO, Karen Lehman, presented both awards to recipient organizations and their employees.
The Koinonia Award celebrates and recognizes an MHS Association member organization that exemplifies the Anabaptist principle of community. The Greek word “koinonia” conveys community, communion, joint participation, sharing, and intimacy. As Anabaptists, community is central to our lives. As health and human service ministries, this Anabaptist value can bring healing and wholeness. All nominations were reviewed and voted on by an awards committee, which was touched and inspired by the many ways the Anabaptist value of community is being brought to life through MHS Association member ministries.
The 2025 Koinonia Award was presented to Garden Spot Communities, a senior living organization that seeks to spark a pro-aging revolution. This organization is celebrating community through an 8-month Wisdom Course that connects residents with local college students. The participating residents examine their life experiences and glean wisdom. After reflecting on their life story, the Garden Spot cohort share their wisdom with freshmen at a local college. The interactions are intentional and create an environment where the residents, team members, and college students can deepen their relationships and challenge each other to be the best versions of themselves. One participant stated, “I appreciated hearing the stories of fellow participants which encouraged me to not be hesitant to share my story. My experiences have shaped who I am and therefore have value. To be trusted with others’ stories and trusting others with mine has broadened my community.”
Congratulations to Garden Spot Communities!
The Natan Award was created as a way of celebrating the best of Anabaptist values in MHS Association member ministries and the people who work there. “Natan” is the Hebrew word for “to give”, and this award is presented annually to an individual or team whose work demonstrates Christ-like service in leadership. Nominations were reviewed and voted on by an awards committee which was touched and inspired by the nominations we received and the ways Christ-like leadership is being demonstrated in member ministries.
The 2025 Natan Award was presented to Randy Murray, Chaplain at OrrVilla Retirement Community who was nominated by OrrVilla CEO, Myron Weaver.
Murray embodies the essence of the Natan Award through his generosity, servant-hearted leadership, unwavering faith, kindness, and deep commitment to his community. Murray’s attitude of thankfulness, even on difficult days, encourages those around him to focus on the positive and uplift one another. His persistent kindness and generous spirit create a ripple effect, motivating others to extend the same compassion and care. Many are inspired by his deep and unwavering faith in God, which is evident in his prayers, his ability to listen with patience and understanding, and his calming presence. He has helped restore faith in those who have struggled, offering reassurance and encouragement in times of difficulty. Murray’s leadership in Bible studies and church services captivates and strengthens the faith of those who listen.
His personal touch leaves a lasting impact. He spends countless hours sitting with residents, listening to their life stories, sharing encouragement, and offering prayers. He takes the time to celebrate each individual, delivering handwritten birthday notes and even learning to sign the Happy Birthday song for a deaf resident. Murray’s ability to truly see and hear people—whether residents or staff—sets an example of deep, genuine care.
Beyond his pastoral role, his willingness to step into any needed position, including working as an STNA during COVID, showcases his servant-hearted nature. His dedication and humility inspire others to serve with the same willingness and love. Through his actions, words, and faith, Murray encourages everyone around him to be more compassionate, to listen more deeply, and to love others more fully.
Congratulations to Randy Murray on being the 2025 Natan member recognition award recipient!