O N W A R D. The Newsletter of the Moravian Mission Society, Southern Province. November 2016 Volume XXXVI Issue 9

Transcription

1 O N W A R D The Newsletter of the Moravian Mission Society, Southern Province November 2016 Volume XXXVI Issue 9 Musings from the Mission Society IT'S ALMOST HERE the annual Mission Society Lovefeast on Sunday, November 6 th. WHERE Konnoak Hills Moravian Church in Winston-Salem WHEN service at 3:00 p.m. with provincial band music at 2:30 WHY to hear a message from Justin Rabbach (Board of World Mission) to be informed about the global work of the Mission Society to give financially toward the support of 12 Moravian missionaries Who are these missionaries that we are privileged to support? Charlie and Vicki Brent reside in Texas, and lead the Bridges International team at Texas A&M University. They share the gospel with students from other countries, in hopes that lives will be changed and those young people will be a witness in their homeland when they return Michael and Brenda Brent live in the European country of Croatia, while serving on the international staff of Campus Crusade for Christ. Their role is to provide leadership development and pastoral care, along with Biblical teaching in numerous locations Dusty and Christin Harrison serve with Greek InterVarsity at Clemson University in South Carolina. Through fraternities and sororities, they encourage students to explore and grow in their faith Steve and Ann Marx are involved in the work of Mission Aviation Fellowship, and live in Idaho where the headquarters are located. They help maintain 60 aircraft operating in 14 countries, so that isolated people may be physically and spiritually transformed Wayne & Rosa Miller, a native of Honduras, pilots the Wings of Mercy plane. His efforts help save lives, as he transports sick or injured people from remote villages to the Moravian Clinic in Ahuas Phil and Eunice Raiford live in Mexico and minister to the Mixe people there. Eunice, a doctor, operates the clinic they have established in the village. Phil works with the men, forming relationships that open faith discussions Phil and Ashley Sineath, who reside in Alabama, serve on the leadership team of Campus Outreach Global, helping to shepherd 800 staff members across 11 countries. The goal is to disciple and deploy the next generation of Kingdom leaders into life beyond college Louis and Susan Sutton serve in Singapore as international directors for Worldwide Evangelization for Christ, striving to make Christ known to the unreached peoples of the world Michael and Ceci Tesh take care of children and youth at the Ray of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. Their facility includes a preschool, along with first and second grades. Their Bible Camp is also a popular offering, drawing about 250 area children each time it is held Robert and Ann Theisson live in Mexico, seeking to share the gospel and plant indigenous churches. They also teach missiology at the Youth With a Mission Discipleship School, mentoring young people interested in becoming missionaries The Woo Family has recently left Southeast Asia to return to Winston-Salem for medical reasons. They are listening for what God may call them to do next Kevin and Charity strive to form relationships with Muslim people in their area of the Middle East, with the goal of one-on-one evangelization and discipleship among new believers. If you cannot attend the Lovefeast, please join in supporting these missionaries by mailing your donation to Mission Society, 500 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC Articles Nepal 2,3 Missionaries 4,5 Cuba 6 Pray Every Day 7 Lovefeast 8 Donna Hurt, President, Mission Society

2 NEPAL Great Bouda Stupa (Buddhist) - Cylinders with prayers behind the prayer flags are turned by people walking around the Stupa How did I get to Nepal? I raised my hand. During a visit by Ken and Trina Holmberg for our fellowship supper at Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, I was the only one who responded to their question, Who would be interested in going to Nepal? After conversations months later about a trip in the spring of 2015, it became apparent that September would be a better time for vacation at Sci Works Science Center where I work as an educator. Jill Kolodjiez, Antioch Director at the Board of World Mission, helped with the organization for my trip, and the BWM contributed 40% of the cost. I also received funds from my church and the Mission Society, Southern Province. On August 30, I flew from Charlotte to Chicago, Abu Dhabi, and finally Kathmandu, a 24 hour trip. Shanti and Vani Pradhan spotted my stuffed blue and gold macaw, greeting me with bottles of cold water. They took me to the DEV Guest House, my home base for the next three weeks. My schedule for school days was waking at 6:00 a.m., eating breakfast at 7:00, meeting Shanti and Vani at 8:00, and going to school. Vani directed me in helping at the school and providing supper at their home. I soon realized that I needed to rest in the evening more than I needed to eat. On Saturdays, we left at 7:00 a.m. for the church service in Khokona. After a quick lunch at Shanti and Vani s home, we traveled to the Kathmandu Church service, along with their son Nahmu. Sunday was a day off for me, and usually a day of meeting, housework, and shopping for the Pradhan s. A church fellowship met for study and dinner once a week in the evening, rotating among the members homes. Shanti and Vani were wonderful hosts. They negotiated shopping, helped me exchange money, and made sure I needed nothing. They introduced me to mo mo s, squash vines, and fiddlehead ferns, and took me to Durbar Square, Pashnupati Temple Complex, the Great Boudha Stupa, and Nagarkot. Shanti is a very brave driver, both in the city and on the nar - row, broken-up roads on the way to Nagarkot. My main work in Kathmandu was with the first grade class at Shristi Academy, which is an extension of the International Kindergarten nearby. This is the pilot class, which will hope Youth Kathmandu Church fully extend to a full 12-year school, adding one grade as this class advances to the next year. I was able to teach science lessons, a unit on weather, as planned, but was also able to teach English reading, social studies, and math. Vani has been teaching the English subjects, but this allowed her a little more time to tend to administration of the overall schools. The instruction was half Nepali and half English. Gita is the Nepali teacher, gifted, enthusiastic, and patient, and even though she and I did not speak the same language, we worked together very well. Lady at Shristi Academy served tea Vani & Shanti at School Office Church in Kathmandu Men and women sit on opposite sides on the floor. 2

3 Nepal Learning names of the 13 first grade students was my first great, frantic challenge Philip, Pragati, Aaryaman, Samani, Namdira, Aabijan, Mayel, Saurya, Gunjan, Aaditiya, Grace, Victory, Manash. With the help of popsicle sticks on which I wrote their names, I did pretty well by the end of the third day. The children all understand and speak English, but getting used to their high pitched voices and their rapid eagerness to share took some time. Each child has an individuality and a unique story. Mornings are spent mostly on academic subjects, and afternoons include music, cultural dance, tae kwon do, fusbol, and art. Song and Dance Class at Kindergarten Phyllis and 1st Grade Class Pinwheel Activity for 1st Grade Weather Class The two Moravian congregations were surprisingly large, and the youth are active participants. I love the Nepali hymns, and everyone sings with great feeling. Some songs are translations of hymns I know, but many use Nepali tunes. The services last about two hours, and any sitting is done on the floor! Instead of offering plates, they have bags with wooden handle tops. I was not surprised, but had to get used to the following: Shoes are left at the door, and slippers or socks are worn inside. When greeting someone, your hands are folded in front of you, you bow your head a little, and say Namaste. In the Moravian churches they say Jai Mashi instead. (I have to ask Vani to explain this further to me.) Bring your own bottle of water, and never drink tap water. Vehicles drive on the left side of the road, drivers go as fast as they can, and there are no stop signs, stop lights, or road signs. Cross at your own peril. Masks for pollution are optional. Adults eat with their right hand, but it s OK to ask for a spoon; children eat with a spoon. There are many dogs on the streets and sidewalks, and a cow is not unusual. Bring a flashlight for walking home at night. The Nepali people are very respectful. With the exception of being elbowed at the airport baggage claim, I never felt insulted or worried for my safety. Before I got on the flight to Abu Dhabi, I reminded myself that His eye is on the sparrow, but all during my time in Kathmandu, I was reminded of I shall not want. The hospitality of the Pradhans, the DEV Guest House, the two church congregations and the home fellowship, and all the staff at the International Kindergarten and Shristi Academy were wonderful. I will pray for the country of Nepal, that it can remain peaceful and continue to be respectful of diversity. I will pray for the school, that all the children will remain safe and that it can continue its mission to lovingly prepare the students for the world. I will pray that the two congregations, in Khokona and Kathmandu, continue to grow in love and truth. I will pray for the Pradhans, who are working so hard and so continually. Phyllis Weatherly-Rosner Educator, SciWorks Science Center Member, Konnoak Hills Moravian 3

4 MANY CELEBRATE LIVES OF MISSIONARIES LORRAINE DREGER Sister Lorraine Roth Dreger passed into the more immediate presence of her Savior at her residence in Nazareth, PA on October 18, She was born September 5, 1924 in Nazareth, PA, the daughter of Roland S. and Lela (Fehr) Roth. Lorraine Dreger She graduated from Nazareth High School and completed training as a registered nurse at St. Luke s Hospital in She was united in marriage to Br. Wilfred L. Dreger on November 21, 1945 in the Old Chapel, Bethlehem, PA. They served in Nicaragua from March 1945 until March 1979, primarily in Bluefields. They began service for the Emmaus and Bethany congregations on the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands in November Their life-long mission service totaled 38 years. She was a leader in Sunday School, music and youth programs, women s fellowship, and Home Church Mission Band. Her husband; two sons, Wilfred Lawrence, Jr. and Dennis Charles and daughter-in-law Catherine; brother James Roth and sister- in-law, Helen; two grandsons, Nathan and Seth; and three nieces and their families sur vive Sister Dreger. She was predeceased by a brother, Ronald D. Roth in Memorial services were held on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Moravian Hall Square, Nazareth, PA, with a private interment. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church, 1021 Center Street, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA GORDON ADOLPH HEJL Reverend Gordon Adolph Hejl, 98, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on October 24, 2016 at home. Gordon was born on February 21, 1918 near Taylor, Texas, to Adolph Hejl and Milady Jansa Hejl. He graduated from Taylor High School in He attended Hus School, Class of Gordon served in the Air Force He graduated from Moravian College in 1950 and Moravian Theological Seminary in Gordon was ordained as a Unity of the Brethren minister on June 17, 1952 at the Wall Brethren Church. During his ministry he was pastor of the following congregations: Wall, Granger, Rosenberg, Alief, Robstown, Placedo, El Campo, Blessing, West, Dallas, Nelsonville, Industry, Fayetteville, and Wesley. Missions were his lifelong passion, with many trips to Alaska, Nicaragua, Honduras, St. John, and Labrador. He served for twenty two years as Chair of the Unity of the Brethren s Mission Board. Gordon loved the Lord, traveling, new adventures, meeting new people, trying new foods, exploring new venues, seeing the good in people. He devoted his life to living by the motto of the Unity of the Brethren: In Essentials Unity; In Non-Essentials Liberty; In All Things Love. Preceding Gordon in death were his parents, wife Lillian, brother Raymond Hejl, and sister Gladys Labaj. Gordon is survived by daughters, Martha Stockton and husband Ron, Ruthie Collins and husband Gary; granddaughters, Susan Stockton and husband Billy, Lauren Wilson and husband Spencer, Marissa McGowen and husband Robby; 3 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other family members and friends. A memorial service was held Saturday, October 29, 2016, 2:30 p.m. at Taylor Brethren Church, 701 Sloan Street, Taylor, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gordon s honor to Brethren Missions or Hus Encampment at unityofthebrethren.org. Those wishing to make personal private condolences may do so at

5 MANY CELEBRATE LIVES OF MISSIONARIES GRACE HOPPE MARX Dr. Sam and Grace Marx and Children Winston-Salem Apr 13, Oct 30, Grace Hoppe Marx, went to be with the Lord peacefully at age 96 at home. A warrior of faith, who served God for 35 years in Nicaragua and Honduras alongside her late husband Dr. Sam, she was dedicated to God, to her five children, and to the Miskito people among whom they lived. Grace was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on a small homestead family farm, and was introduced to, and accepted, God's call on her life through the local Bruderfeld Moravian church. At Van-Es Christian summer camp, she met the tall, striking Sam Marx, then completing seminary. Sam and Grace were married in 1945 during the war years, and Grace worked with the Victorian Order of Nurses while Sam completed his medical training at McGill University. The young couple traveled via Standard Fruit banana-ship to Nicaragua in 1949 to begin faith-based medical work with the Moravian Church among the Miskito people of remote eastern Nicaragua and subsequently Honduras. Grace and Sam first learned Miskito, then Spanish, and developed the small medical clinic in Ahuas, eastern Honduras, into a full hospital. Living in Honduras and Nicaragua, Grace raised five children while simultaneously operating the clinic lab, serving as a surgical tech, sterilizing operating equipment, teaching Miskito Bible classes, leading choirs, playing the pump organ, and baking untold sugar cake and cookies for the clinic staff, and sometimes the local congregation. Grace and Sam were awarded the Honduran Presidential Award in 1986 for meritorious service among the Miskito. They moved back to North Carolina in 1987, where Grace continued participating at Christ Moravian Church as vocalist, pianist, and volunteer. They moved into Salemtowne in 2005, welcoming visitors, witnessing of their Lord Jesus, volunteering where possible. Sam died in 2011, with Grace soldiering on with her limitations, still cheerful. She took on as her job praying for her nurses and care-givers, even as her limitations grew. "Amazing Grace," as she became known in the Health Center, was always thankful for her care, for her family. Grace's children are scattered across the U.S.: Richard (and Vicki) in Winston-Salem; Steve (and Ann) in Nampa, ID; Benno (and Teresa) in Grandview, WA; Catherine (and Joseph) Patzke, in Ben Lomond, CA; and Julie (and John) Wedin in Kendrick, ID. Grandkids number 14 (Jonathan, Brian, Eileen, Cristi, Ryan, Elly, Grace, Laura, Luke, Hannah, Samuel, Stephen, Micah, Marie) and 17 great-grandkids. Online condolences may be sent to the family at Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, 11/5/2016 at Christ Moravian Church with Rev. Dr. David Marcus, Rev. Gary Byrum, Rt. Rev. Sam Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Salem Graveyard. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:30 until 1:45 PM at Christ Moravian Church, 919 W. Academy Street, In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Ahuas Clinic via Moravian Board of World Missions, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA, 18016; Mission Aviation Fellowship, PO Box 47, Nampa, ID, 83653; or Christ Moravian Church.

6 OUR FIRST TRIP TO CUBA We returned from our week long visit to Cuba (Aug 26-Sep ) with lots of pictures and even more stories and vignettes about the people, their life style, and the city of Havana. Much of our time in Cuba was spent learning about Cuban history and culture, trying to stay cool (never been so hot!), trying (with little success) to learn Spanish, developing a whole new appreciation for black beans and rice, touring Ernest Hemmingway s home, and riding around Havana in one of those amazing cars from the 1950 s. We enjoyed dinner at the National Hotel of Cuba with Armando Rusindo, President of the Moravian Church in Cuba and other guests. We met Tania, one of the women pastors being ordained, and Jessica, Armando s niece when we saw the sights in our touring bus. While all of these activities were fun and informative, by far the most rewarding time we spent there comprised getting to know the wonderful members of our Moravian church in Havana. The photo is the Moravian Church sanctuary in Havana. What a joyous group of worshipers they are they freely embody the spirit of Christianity through their hugs, their smiles, their prayers, their songs, and their ever-present willingness to help anyone at any time! This joie de vivre was especially evident at the ordination of two female Moravian ministers Tania and Alay which took place on a steamy Saturday evening in a lovely Episcopal Cathedral in Havana. The joy at the Cathedral and at the post ordination party at one of our hostess s homes was palpable and continued throughout our remaining days in country. Seeing the love these Moravians have for each other and the influence of their faith on everything they do was truly inspirational. Sallie, Sam, and our hostess We can t wait to return for another visit with our new Moravian friends. Susan Kerner and Sallie Greenfield Kernersville Moravian Church

7 PRAY EVERY DAY NOVEMBER All Saints Day. Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. Pray for Antioch Cohort Event. Pray for Charlie & Vickie Brent & Family with Bridges International in campus ministry. 2. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many. Pray for Michael and Brenda Brent serving with Campus Crusade in Croatia. 3. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Pray for Dusty & Christin Harrison (Greek InterVarsity, Clemson) and the students they are serving. ( 4. Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Pray for K & C in the Middle East. 5. Continue securely established and steadfast in the faith. Pray for Steve & Ann Marx with MAF. 6. Sunday. I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. Pray for Wayne Miller and the aviation ministry in Honduras. 7. Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness. Pray for Phil & Eunice Raiford, MX. 8. The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Pray for Phil & Ashley Sineath in Campus Outreach Global. 9. When your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness. Pray for Dr. Louis and Susan Sutton serving with WEC (World Evangelization for Christ). 10. O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. Pray for Michael, Cecilia, and Blessing Tesh serving at the Ray of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. 11. I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches. Pray for Rob and Anne Thiessen in Mexico. 12. In the midst of the congregation I will praise you. Pray for Woo Family on medical leave. 13. Sunday. The Lord knows those who are his. Pray for Steve & Ann Marx with MAF Headquarters. 14. Through those who are near me I will show myself holy, and be glorified. Pray for Safiatu and Mohamed Braima in the Mission area of Sierra Leone. 15. I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. Pray for the Antioch Project, Jill Kolodziej, Director, & BWM Staff. 16 Let all those rejoice who put their trust in you. Pray for Ed Dehnert and Barb Weide Alaska Bible Seminary, Bethel, AK. 17. God's eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been seen and understood through the things he made. Pray for Drs. Bill and Peggy Hoffman with HIV/AIDS ministry. 18. We do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Holy Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. Pray for Ruth Snyder, Claire Wilson with Changed Choices. 19. Whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Pray for Annie B. Mission at Star Mountain in Palestine. 20. Sunday. Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations. Pray for Western Tanzania mission outreach to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. 21. Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Pray for Joe Jarvis and the work with Cuban Moravian Church. 22. As the mountains around Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people. Pray for Allen and Deedee Iobst in Spain in campus ministry. 23. Noah did all that God commanded him. Pray for Justin Rabbach justin@moravianmission.org 24. I know that my Redeemer lives. Pray for Charlie & Vickie Brent and Family serving with Bridges International in campus ministry. 25. The human mind plans away, but the Lord directs the steps. Pray for the Mission Areas of Sierra Leone, Cuba, & Peru. 26. The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water. Pray for Disaster Relief volunteers. Pray for victims of natural disasters. 27. Sunday - My word shall not return to me empty, but shall accomplish that which I purpose. Pray for the Medical Clinic and the church in Ahuas, Honduras. 28. Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments. Pray for the advisory board of the Unity Women s Desk. 29. The gifts and the calling of God are in irrevocable. Pray for the Solar Program and the Food Program in the Sierra Leone Moravian Church. 30. Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert with thanksgiving. Pray for our retired ministers. helengulledge1090@gmail.com

8 WORLD MISSION LOVEFEAST NOVEMBER 6, :00 PM (Band Prelude at 2:30pm) KONNOAK HILLS MORAVIAN CHURCH 3401 KONNOAK DR., WINSTON-SALEM, NC JUSTIN RABBACH, SPEAKER Music presented by the Moravian Provincial Band, Konnoak Moravian Handbell Choir, the Provincial Praise Group, and Konnoak Moravian Organist 8 Contact the Mission Society: sbeaman@mcsp.org ONWARD 500 S. Church St. Winston-Salem, NC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED