What is Menno Match

As I was saying previously, I was in my 30’s and single, and finding it difficult to meet single young men.  Long gone were the days of Bible school and youth groups.  This was a time in my life when I was working a lot and moving out on my own.  I didn’t have  time to think of how to meet someone, and I didn’t know where a place like that would be.  I had tried online dating a couple times with poor results.  I was not prepared for the sheer amount of available men or the disturbing way in which some men would try to communicate with me.  I did not have the right tools to navigate the online dating world.  Years later, I happened upon an online coaching class that helped me prepare to do online dating well.  This is how I met Rob.   Because of all this I have decided to help other singles with matchmaking.  

The culture I grew up in taught me to be embarrassed and ashamed to admit that I was longing for and wishing for a husband and a family of my own.  I have heard many of my single friends say the same thing.  I strongly believe that marriage is instituted by God and the desires are also of Him.  I believe that to acknowledge this desire is healthy.  I also believe that it is okay to take steps to be able to find someone because God leads and directs in many ways.  We do not need to pray and then wait quietly for years, hoping something will happen.  We don’t use this method for other decisions in our life, so why is this the accepted form when asking God for a spouse?  When we are praying for a job, or looking to buy a house, or need a new car, we pray about it, but we also search for these things.  I believe the same should be true for finding a spouse.  Genesis 24.

I think when singles are in their upper 20’s/30’s + that it is ok to date casually.  By this I mean a guy and girl can go out for a coffee/date together to see if there is interest without being in an official relationship.  This requires both parties to understand this, and there should be no hard feelings either way after the meet up.  It should be a way to get to know each other without the strings attached of an official boyfriend/girlfriend.  It is unfortunate when couples do not know each other well at all and their first date is publicized as if they are on their way to their wedding.  There is so much pressure on the couple and they do not even know each other.  I think it is very healthy to start out slowly and get to know each other in a basic way before being an official couple.   

I have always liked matchmaking, and have had some success stories in the past, doing this for friends.  I wished there would have been a service like this when I was single, but there wasn’t, so now I would like to be able to help you.  I have decided to keep this to mostly Mennonites, and predominantly to Canada and USA, and ages 25+.  The first step is to fill out the Intro Form.  This will help me figure out if this is the place for you.  After that I will email you a questionnaire.  You might have to check your junk email bin for the questionnaire.  I am asking for $50 CAN or $40 USA.  I thought of not charging anything, but I want to be sure you’re invested in this.  It will also take time to be able to match people well.   I want to give everyone a match, but unfortunately  I cannot guarantee this.  But do understand that I want people in relationships and will do my best.  To be able to match people I will need both guys and girls to sign up.

All information you share with me will be confidential.  The questionnaire has around 40 questions.  The more open you are about your answers the better I will be able to get to know a bit about you to be able to match you with someone that shares your same interests.  I will take the information you share and make up a personal sheet for each person using their basic information including name, age, geographical location, a picture, and a few interesting facts.  I will then send this to you, to see if you are ok with this page, and this will be used to share with a potential match.  When I find people that will match, I will send the personal information page to each other, and wait to see if there is interest.  If not, we will try again.  If yes, I suggest the guy sending an email to the girl with a set of 10 questions.  This can then be answered and sent back to the guy along with the same 10 questions.  If there is still interest after this, you can decide what you would like to do- keep sending emails for a bit, meet for a coffee, have a phone/zoom call,etc.  

I am hoping that everyone that applies is seriously looking for a spouse.  If you get a match I would like you to please consider at least trying to get to know them.  I am not saying you have to date them, but to at least give them a chance - get to know them a little.  Relationships are not built on looks, but on personalities and who we truly are.  This is not able to be communicated by a picture and some basic information.  I think you will be amazed how much different a person is after you get to know them and not just judge them on appearances or the little information you will be sent.  I will know a lot more about both of you from the questionnaires, and I am going to try to do matches well.  

For the picture you will be sending, I suggest you send at least 4.  Pictures should be of only you.  While scenery and backgrounds are great, make sure you are the main focus of the picture.   There needs to be at least 1 picture of your head from shoulders up.  And at least 1 full body shot.  It’s a good idea to get a buddy to help you shoot the picture and not just send a mirror shot with your phone.  

A good way to keep up with announcements and information is to follow MennoMatch on facebook or Instagram.  The links are below.   I hope you're as excited as I am :)

Christina Jeffries