UNITY MISSION CONFERENCE, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA

Transcription

1 O N W A R D The Newsletter of the Moravian Mission Society, Southern Province March 2018 Volume XXXVIII Issue 2 Musings from the Mission Society UNITY MISSION CONFERENCE, CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA. I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages The 200 or so people gathered in Cape Town for the Unity Mission Conference last November caught a glimpse of that vision. We re not there yet, but we re on our way! There were Moravians, not from every nation but from at least 35 of them; not from all tribes and peoples but from many of them; not from all languages, but worship times included songs, hymns and prayers in Swahili, Afrikaans, French, Yupik, Inuktitut, Xhosa, German, Dutch, Albanian, Papiamento, Miskitu, Spanish, Czech, Danish, Portuguese, Latvian, English (in many accents, including Southern) and more! The theme of the Conference was Moravian Unity in Mission: Giving Heed to God s Call in the 21 st Century. Each morning began with devotions led by delegates from each of the 4 regions of the Unity (Africa, Europe, Caribbean and Latin America, and North America). On 3 of the 6 days of the conference, the plenary session included the presentation of a paper on one aspect of Moravian Mission History. These were presented by Craig Atwood, Brian Abrahams and Jørgen Boytler. Following each paper, participants could choose from two follow-up papers that focused on mission principles that can be learned and applied to the 21 st century Moravian Church. Continued p. 2 Articles Mission Conf. p. 2 Marx p. 3 UMDB p. 4 AK / Albania p. 5 Greek IV p. 6 Pray p. 7 Fundraiser p. 8

2 UNITY MISSION CONFERENCE Delegates had the opportunity to attend 3 workshops (from a total of 11) during the course of the conference. These workshops, led by Moravians from all around the Unity, focused on the following themes: Women and Mission; Refugees and Immigrants; Sustainable Mission Models; Youth in Mission; The Caribbean Worship Experience and the Pentecostal Impact on the Moravian Church; Mission in the East African Context; The Missional Church; Communicating the Gospel; Moravian Treasures; and the WCC Conference on World Mission and Evangelism. On Thursday evening, sister Nola Knouse and sister Gwyn Michaels led a Mission Singstunde where the conference participants sang their way through Moravian mission history. Small groups of about 20 people met several times to share ideas and to formulate proposals, challenges and statements for the conference. The groups were named for Moravians who have had a special place in God s mission: Erdmuthe, Nitschmann, Christian David, Zinzendorf, Spangenberg, Schmidt, Dober, Dorothea, Gregory, and Rebecca. On the last day of the conference, these groups presented their proposals and ideas to the total group. The conference affirmed and endorsed some important documents (including the Our Moravian Treasures curriculum resource, the Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World statement and a Unity Mission Agreement ); they asked the Unity Board to consider more worldwide networking (social media, translation of documents, sharing of resources, exchange programs, etc.) and emphasized the importance of young adults in the Unity. That importance could be seen very clearly throughout the conference. Young people led small groups, workshops, worship times, prayers, and discussions and were a source of energy and hope for the conference. One day was set aside for excursions. Participants had a choice of (1) the oldest mission station in South Africa Genadendal (the site of the pear tree); (2) the Mamre Mission Station; or (3) a tour of the city and the Cape. The final Sunday afternoon concert at Moravian Hill Chapel was truly a taste of the vision! People had prayed together, discussed issues together, listened together, and now it was time to make music together! And what a glorious, worldwide symphony it was, as people sang in many languages, with diverse harmonies, rhythms, instruments and styles, but praising God together! May that harmony fill our hearts as we join together to share the Good News with people from every tribe and nation! Bishop Sam Gray 2

3 MIRACULOUS BABIES Over 200 people swarmed around the woman clutching a bundle as the doctor led her toward the airplane. This unusually large crowd on the airstrip was the first sign MAF was about to have some unique passengers on the return trip back to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The crowd pressed in, shouted questions, snapped pictures, and reached out to touch the woman as she struggled to reach the airplane. Once safely aboard, the escorting doctor explained. That bundle in her arms is twin girls, conjoined twins, attached at the navel. They were MAF Plane Papua, New Guinea born in a remote village so far away that no one around here even knows where it is. They were born naturally! he said incredulously. Conjoined twins born naturally at 37 weeks! It s unheard of! The family traveled to a nearby health center, then 250 kilometers farther, squished on the back of a motorcycle, through the jungle, to reach the hospital here in Vanga. The twins are now nine days old. We can t perform the surgery here, but we ve contacted a team of volunteer surgeons in Kinshasa who operate free of charge on children born with malformations. They are going to assess them and can hopefully separate them. The escorting doctor continued, We began the preparations for another long and difficult journey through the jungle to Kinshasa, but we were concerned for the safety of the fragile newborn babies. When I was told that MAF would help, it was great news for us! After the father of the twins was also buckled into the plane, the MAF employees did their best to move the crowd away from the airplane, ready for departure. A week later MAF received news that the twin girls had been successfully separated and were recovering normally! These miracle babies even made the international news programs. We thank God for His mercy and the opportunity to be a part of what He is doing through MAF. At our parts purchasing office here at headquarters in Idaho, we regularly purchase and ship the necessary parts to keep this plane, and the rest of our fleet in the Congo, flying. Please realize that your vital role supporting our ministry with MAF makes you a crucial partner in this story about these miracle babies. We are very grateful for your willing and faithful giving! Steve and Ann Marx " at takes aim at [evangelism] in Queensland primary schoolyards. Examples of evangelizing cited in the review include sharing Christmas cards that refer to Jesus s birth, creating Christmas tree decorations i; ve away, and making beaded bracelets to give to friends as a way of sharing the good ne 3

4 UNITY MISSION DEVELOPMENT BOARD MET IN WINSTON-SALEM Thirteen members of the Unity Mission Development Board met in Winston-Salem on February 6 8, Several members were unable to get visas, but the following were able to attend: (Left to right in the photo, front row) Aart Schalkwijk (Netherlands), Dick Mlimuka (Tanzania West), Pius Kavana (Lake Tanganyika), Ernest Mwakasenga (Tanzania East), Petr Krasny (Czech Republic) Bob Hopcroft (British Mission Board), Jorgen Boytler (Denmark), Johannes Klemm (Switzerland), Bishop Graham Rights (U. S. Tour Director), and Patty Garner (Unity Women s Desk). (Left to right, back row) Justin Rabbach (North American Board of World Mission), Doreen Nelson (Guyana), and Sam Gray (North American Region). David Guthrie joined with the group at lunch one day. Several long days were spent reviewing the mission efforts of all the provinces of the Unity. Some of the responsibilities were considering and monitoring new mission work, assessing established mission work, referring issues of concern to the Unity Board, reviewing funding for mission projects, overseeing partnerships between mission areas/provinces and mission agencies, forwarding proposed changes for Star Mountain and South Asia to the Unity Board for approval. A welcome break was spending time touring historic sites in Old Salem. Bishop Graham Rights directed the tour and shared historical insights with the group. A visit to Sunnyside gave the visitors a first-hand look at a current Moravian outreach ministry. Many decisions were made to encourage mission endeavors throughout the worldwide Moravian Church. Sheila Beaman

5 HELEN GULLEDGE SERVES AT COLLEGE IN AK In case you do not know why I am writing, I am in Alaska for 3 to 4 months, cooking for a group of young adults who are in a Bible College learning how to lead and serve in church/worship and how to share their testimonies and the Gospel. I wish that I could attend more of the class work but following breakfast, devotions, and the first session, I have to have a snack at 11:15, lunch at 12:30, and dinner at 5:30. So it is a pretty busy day. One full week gone and it seems like only a couple of days. It is snowing heavily on the mountain now. It has been snowing most of the day but not this heavily. I took my first day on the campus alone to finish a book, do my laundry go down the mountain in a borrowed vehicle with 4 wheel drive and studded tires. I went grocery shopping and had a burger at the Noisy Goose. Got back up the mountain and got the groceries put away before the snow caused me any trouble. Church tomorrow looks pretty iffy unless I can ride Helen Gulledge, Left with someone else. I do not want to take a borrowed vehicle down the mountain in deep snow. The students are off for their first practice weekend at different churches where they will be helping the church leadership with leading, planning, and generally learning how to lead and serve. I can not believe that I will not be at the Little Church on the Lane for Easter, Lent and Holy Week. That will be a first in many years. I miss you and will look forward to being back with you. Love and blessings to all, Helen Gulledge MINISTRY IN ALBANIA We are having a mild winter in January. December was mostly rainy and colder but still we felt its blessing and magic. Our common effort in Bathore has been a real blessing for our church. It has given us more possibilities to do our mission, to enjoy the fruits of this work, to come closer with each other and feel closer with our Lord. Merita Meko (L) describes learning skills to a team including Ann Radford and Betty Cole As you know the project started with 40 families in 2016 and during the year 2017 they became 45. During the last trimester we have been more focused in evangelization. During those meetings the participation has really been high; the room has been full, mostly women, young people and children and some men too. Besides the 45 families, there are 7 more attending the worship services, and we hope to have real fruits this year. We expect three baptisms in March when Boytler (Moravian pastor) will come, and hopefully more. The general knowledge classes have really been a blessing and a success. As we have reported before the number of participants in these courses where they learn to read and write, do simple math, geography, history, ethics, etc. is 18 to to 20 are regular. Half of them were totally illiterate and half functionally illiterate (done 2 or 3 classes and stopped). They all now are not anymore illiterate. They can read and write simple things, of course, but they will progress more because they enjoy learning. from Albania Moravian Ministry, submitted by Ann Radford, a member of Home Church Albanian Task Force.

6 CLEMSON GREEK IV Thank you for joining us in praying for Greek Conference which happened February in Raleigh! Over the weekend, 151 students from across the East Coast (plus a few all the way from Utah) and 36 from Clemson came together to connect with God and learn more about how to be Greek AND Christian. Join us in praising God for the answered prayers and work He did in students' lives at GC! There were 151 attendees from 25 campuses: 11 Took a step of faith and decided to follow Jesus and commit their life to Him 90 Removed a barrier in their life and are taking steps to thrive in their faith 33 Decided to Lead like Jesus and are taking a risk by leading a Bible Study in their chapter 6 Committed to Seeking Truth and are being open to Jesus' claims Below is a recap of Greek Conference from our current Clemson Greek IV President, Drew Pickens: "Greek Conference 2018 was an experience that filled me with a lot of joy for the ways that God is continuing to work through the ministry of Greek IV. The weekend consisted of fun, fellowship, and reflection on how God has worked in my own heart and life over the last two years in Greek IV. The experience was one that filled me with a renewed awe for Jesus. The weekend gave me gratitude to the Clemson IV community for making decisions to be bold for Jesus, thankfulness for staff workers, volunteers, and financial supporters that give up their time and money for a Greek student to experience life change, and a restored vision for how God wants to work in my own life (there was also some crowd surfing involved that was super fun)... But I would say it was definitely a weekend that I will look back on and remember the relationships that were made and the life change that happened." Praise God for the amazing things He did in students' lives at Greek Conference and for new and deepened friendships! I am so thankful for each of you and for all your continued support of this ministry! Please join us in continuing to pray as we follow up with students after Greek Conference. Pray that the work God did in their lives at Raleigh would have ripple effects back on campus! Upcoming Prayer Requests: -For our National Greek IV Staff Conference THIS WEEK in Orlando! -For new believers and new Bible studies starting up post-greek Conference. -For students who are seeking Jesus in our Greek IV community. -For our leadership selection process for during March and April. -For Greek ministry to flourish on campuses across the Carolinas! -For my support-raising: $3,000 of new support will help me reach 100% of my ministry budget for this fiscal year. Much Love & Gratitude, Dusty

7 PRAY EVERY DAY MARCH Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. Pray for Dusty & Christin Harrison ( 2. God knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. Pray for Brian (pilot) & Heather Marx 3. As the Lord God spoke, the spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. Pray for Steve & Ann Marx with MAF 4. Sunday. If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. Pray for Safiatu and Mohamed Braima in the Mission Area of Sierra Leone. 5. When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Pray for Rob and Anne Thiessen in Mexico. 6. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another. Pray for Michael Woo and children. 7. Jesus said, "I do the will of him who sent me to complete his work. Pray for Ed Dehnert and Barb Weide Alaska Bible Seminary, Bethel, AK. 8. Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns. Pray for Alas de Socorro in Honduras. 9. Oh Lord, and do your eyes not look for truth? Pray for the Moravian Volunteer Resources and Moravian Disaster Response. 10. He was oppressed, and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Pray for Drs. Bill and Peggy Hoffman with HIV/AIDS ministry in Tanzania 11. Sunday. For your sake, Lord, let your face shine upon your desolated sanctuary. Pray for Michael, Cecilia, Love, and Blessing Tesh in the Ray of Hope orphanage in Kenya. 12, The Lord drew me up from the desolate and out of the miry bog and set my feet up on a rock. Pray for Michael and Brenda Brent serving with Campus Crusade in Croatia. 13.If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels but do not have love I am but a noisy gong. Pray for Charlie & Vickie Brent and Family serving with Bridges International in campus ministry in TX. 14, The revelation awaits an appointed time; though it linger, wait for it. Pray for Kevin & Charity, Middle E. 15. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. Pray for Dr. Louis and Susan Sutton with WEC (World Evangelization for Christ). 16. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness. Pray for Ruth Snyder and Claire Wilson with Changed Choices. 17. Oh Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. Pray for Adopt-A-Village Program TZ. 18. Sunday. Show us your steadfast love, and grant us your salvation. Pray for the Mission Areas of Sierra Leone, Cuba, and Peru. 19. Oh Lord our God we set our hope on you. Pray for the food program, Sierra Leone Moravian Church. 20. The Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. Pray for Annie B. Mission with Star Mountain in Palestine. 21. As all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. Pray for Phil & Eunice Raiford with Mixe, MX. 22. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be. Pray for BWM and Justin Rabbach. 23. The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes. Pray for Allen and Deedee Iobst in Spain in campus ministry. 24. The eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth. Pray for the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation aiding the Cuban Moravian church. 25. Palm Sunday. Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise? Pray for the Moravian churches and missions in Peru. 26. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day-to-day.pray for the construction of a radio tower that will allow the Word of God to be broadcast into Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. 27. Great is his steadfast love toward us. Pray for the Marshall Mission Outreach of AK Moravian Church. 28. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Pray for 15 Mission Areas and 5 Mission Provinces of the Moravian Unity. 29. Maundy Thursday. Know that all lives are mine. Pray for Antioch servants. 30. Good Friday. Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and the Lord drove back the sea. Pray for the Medical Clinic and the church in Ahuas, Honduras 31. The Lord waits to be gracious to you. Pray for Phil and Ashley Sineath with Global Outreach. Helengulledge1090@gmail.com

8 ELVIS FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS MISSION COME TO FRIEDBERG MORAVIAN ON MARCH 9, 2018 AT 6:00pm ENJOY BBQ DINNER WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS AT 6:30 pm STAY FOR THE ELVIS CONCERT AT 7:15pm CHARGES: $75 COUPLE/ $40 SINGLE/ $20 CHILD 12 & UNDER PROCEEDS WILL SUPPORT UPCOMING MISSION TRIPS ONWARD 500 S. Church St. Winston-Salem, NC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED