Blessings Flow...
Board of World Mission 2023 Annual Report
A message from our board chair
Embarking on an impromptu road trip has always been a source of joy for me — a spontaneous adventure sparked by a passing thought or casual conversation. Years ago, one such whim led me on a ten-hour journey to see the majestic Niagara Falls. In witnessing that awe-inspiring grandeur for the first time, it felt as if I had stumbled upon a sacred marvel — a moment
so profoundly blessed that it stirred the depths of my soul with gratitude and wonder. Surrounded by others in the observation area, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized at the sheer power and beauty of nature.
That unforgettable experience resurfaced during a recent Board of World Mission board meeting, where I shared the story with a small group after witnessing a similarly powerful display. We had collected water from a nearby, scum-filled pond and watched as it flowed through a small filter into a glass borrowed from the kitchen, transforming the murky liquid into crystal-clear, crisp water before our eyes. This simple act was a powerful reminder of the blessings these filters could
bring to communities where clean drinking water is a daily struggle. The water flowing out of that filter stirred my soul in the same way Niagara had and, in that moment, we began the “Blessings Flow” clean water project.
This is just one of many awe-inspiring and humbling moments that come to mind as I reflect upon our collective mission over this past year. I hope you will join me in pausing to learn about the work of the BWM through the stories and images in our annual report. I also want to thank you for your partnership and fellowship with the BWM, and I can’t wait to hear about the blessings flowing in your lives and communities as we journey in mission together.
— Thomas Baucom
Thomas Baucom, Chair* Board Appointed
Dan Miller, Vice-Chair / Engagement Committee Chair* Board Appointed
Taylor Farrey, Secretary* Western District, Northern Province
Dave Bennett*
PEC President, Northern Province
Neil Routh*
PEC President, Southern Province
A message from our executive director
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Those words were sung almost every Sunday as I was growing up when the offering plates were walked to the front of the church.
As I reflect on the words now while compiling our annual report I see symmetry between the call in this hymn for “praise” to come from everywhere—here on earth and in heaven above. Similarly, in these pages, you will find work being done close to our home office in North America, and around the world.
But in all this—as we give thanks and praise for the many ways our donors are supporting this work, and the ways our global partners are implementing the many projects—we are reminded from whom all these blessings flow.
Take a look in these pages and see the ways that God has motivated so many individuals to be faithful to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Relationships built over months, years and decades are allowing BWM to work with trusted local partners to implement and oversee efforts that simply could not be done by our staff alone. I encourage you to read the whole report, but if you want to cheat, turn to the center-fold for the fea-
ture on our Blessings Flow project bringing clean water to La Moskitia, Honduras.
While the world could discourage us with such great need, at the BWM we have found that when we step out in faith, suddenly our resources are (over) flowing right to where they are needed most!
— Justin Rabbach Executive Director
Joe Jarvis, Finance Committee Chair* Southern Province
Sue Koenig
Eastern District, Northern Province
Andrea Peart-DeFlaviis Eastern District, Northern Province
Lisa Pampe, Outreach Committee Chair Western District, Northern Province
Trina Holmberg
Canadian District, Northern Province
Jennifer Boles Board Appointed, Southern Province
Dion Christopher Southern Province
Cynthia Campbell Mission Society of the Southern Province
Clifford Jimmie
Alaska Prov. Board President
Arthur Coolidge
Alaska Province, Advisory Member
Jeremy Francis EWI Province, Advisory Member
Charmane Daley
Jamaica, Advisory Member
David Miller Unity of the Brethren
Rex Knowlton
Treasurer, Advisory Member
* member of Executive Committee
MORAVIAN DISASTER RESPONSE
The Board of World Mission’s Moravian Disaster Response program (MDR) enables us to quickly mobilize resources to bring relief to those both down the street and around the world who are affected by natural disasters, war and injustice. From 2020 through 2023, the MDR program has disbursed
$1,003,093—a remarkable amount of money that has helped thousands of souls experiencing pain, uncertainty and suffering. Helping refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine has been one of the most significant MDR efforts in recent years.
Ukraine
Soon after the war in Ukraine started, the BWM sent funds to Nová Paka, Czech Republic, which allowed the local Moravian church to welcome refugees from a Christian school in Kyiv. The congregation renovated historic hotel rooms, which were provided as housing, and converted their old church building into classroom space so that teachers and students could continue their work.
While providing space for the school and shelter for families was vitally important, a significant outcome of this effort was the fellowship built between Ukrainians and Czech Moravians, providing opportunities for Ukrainians to find jobs and longer-term housing. In addition to facilitating hospitality work
in the Czech Republic, MDR funds supported Moravian congregations in Germany, including Herrnhut, who also welcomed refugees. In the past two years, our funding has shifted to supporting the aforementioned Ukrainian school’s campus in Kyiv by paying the salaries of two of their teachers who are providing education for children and support for their families in these difficult days of the war.
The best way to support our disaster response efforts is to designate donations for “MDR” rather than for a particular disaster. This allows us the flexibility to respond to disasters as they occur. On the last page of this report, you will find information about how to make contributions.
Top: Worship at the Moravian congregation in Nová Paka includes Czech and Ukrainian families. Bottom: Classes for Ukrainian students held in the congregation’s old sanctuary.
Star Mountain
The Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center (SMRC) is a mission effort of the Worldwide Moravian Unity. It began as a leprosy hospital in 1867 and was originally located in Jerusalem. It reopened at its current site in the Palestinian city of Ramallah after World War II. As a cure for leprosy was developed and implemented, the facility transitioned into a ministry that caters to persons with intellectual disabilities.
Since 1980, SMRC has been contributing to securing a life of dignity for persons with intellectual disabilities through rehabilitation and training, integration and inclusion, awareness building, and community mobilization based on love, dignity, justice and equality. Currently, thirty qualified staff members work with participants aged three months to 40 years.
The BWM funds the salaries of both an occupational therapist and a speech therapist on an annual basis. These staff members work with participants’ language and daily life skills to overcome barriers that affect their emotional, social and physical needs. The speech and occupational therapy programs aim to make it possible for participants to communicate effectively and participate more fully in their society.
Since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, life has been very difficult for the staff and students at SMRC. The war in Gaza has not directly threatened Star Mountain, but all Palestinian territories have been closed off since October. Many individuals have lost their jobs in Israel and now have no income to pay for transportation to SMRC. Now, more than ever, these children and young adults need the routine and peace of mind that Star Mountain provides. The BWM’s Moravian Disaster Response program has sent two $10,000 grants for transportation to ensure participants receive the support they need. We will be in communication with Star Mountain as this situation continues to unfold.
A child practices tactile and daily life skills with Star Mountain’s occupational therapist.
Gaza
Ramallah
Star Mountain speech therapist works with a child on his communication skills.
MDR in Honduras
The BWM has worked diligently over the past few years to help meet the needs of Honduran Moravians who continue to lose crops to the increasingly frequent and unpredictable heavy rains, flooding and (alternatively) drought – the results of climate change, deforestation by colonists that appropriate indigenous lands, and a dam that limits the flow of water on the Patuca River.
Given the immense and recurring need, the BWM is thankful for the many partnerships that have been formed to assist in this effort. Here are just some examples of the ways the BWM and our partners met needs in La Moskitia in 2023:
A shipping container of food from Feed the Hungry – the second in two years –was received and distributed in about 40 villages.
BWM Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) funds covered land, ocean, and river transportation costs.
Samaritan’s Purse, which has supported MDR efforts in Nicaragua and Honduras with several grants since 2020, contributed $25,000. The BWM distributed medicines with half of this grant; plans are in the works to utilize the remaining funds for agriculture efforts.
BWM funds purchased watermelon, cucumber and green pepper seeds for use at the Honduran Mission Province’s family garden training project. Additional generous donations helped cover the purchase of barbed wire, hoes and picks for 20 project participants
Another donor is supporting an ambitious cacao project that already has 6,000 seedlings ready for planting in June 2024. This project is being further supported by CURLA (Regional University Center of the Atlantic Coast) which has agreed to provide two scholarships for students from La Moskitia to attend a one-month cacao diploma program. They will use their training to support cacao projects in both provinces.
Convoy of Hope has donated 20,000 pounds of pre-packaged meals for Moravian child nutrition sites.
Above: Volunteers sort donated medications. Below: MDR supplies arrive where they’re needed most.
Moravian Disaster Response work in Honduras continues to focus on agriculture
Mission Province Synod
In February 2023, the Moravian Church in Cuba held their second synod since becoming a mission province of the Worldwide Unity. The synod took place in the city of Havana, where they elected a new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Obed Martínez. They also held Provincial Board elections and reelected Rev. Tania Sanchez Fonseca as provincial president. New priorities were set for the coming years, including a strong focus on pastoral and theological training at all levels of the church, Sunday School age and up.
BWM was represented at the synod by Executive Director Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Outreach Angelica Regalado-Cieza and Director of Communications and Development Sylvie Hauser. They were blessed to spend time with provincial leaders and delegates both in formal sessions and fellowship time. In addition to elections and legislation, highlights of the gathering included worship with joyful singing and dancing, summer camp planning and a special Valentine’s Day celebration.
Bishop
Consecration
The Rt. Rev. Obed Martínez was consecrated a bishop of the Moravian Unity in January 2024 in Matanzas, Cuba. The Rt. Rev. Evelio Romero
from Honduras and the Rt. Rev. Kingsley Lewis from the Eastern West Indies Province served as the consecrating bishops. The consecration service was well attended by the larger ecumenical community in Cuba, a true reflection of the many years that Bishop Obed has worked diligently to strengthen the relationship between churches in Cuba.
Executive Director Justin Rabbach represented the Board of World Mission and the Rev. Dr. Neil Routh represented the Southern Province, which is Cuba’s accompanying province, at the gathering. The BWM rejoices with the Moravian Church in Cuba and we invite your prayers for Bishop Obed and his loved ones.
Right: Rt. Rev. Obed Martinez participates in worship at synod.
Below: Rt. Rev. Obed Martinez receives a gift from the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation.
Provincial President Rev. Tania Sanchez Fonseca addresses the synod.
GLOBAL PARTNERS SPOTLIGHT: WILL CUTHBERT
In September 2022, the Board of World Mission hosted a Moravian Resources Conference in Panama with representatives from each of our Spanish-speaking partner areas. Among them was Will Cuthbert from Costa Rica, who has since helped the BWM realize our goal of strengthening relationships between our global partners. His work began by forming an online community where youth and pastors could gather weekly to share resources and grow in faith. This initiative is the first of
its kind for Spanish-speaking Moravians.
Recognizing Will’s impactful contributions, the BWM has supported his efforts and engaged him in responding to invitations to host workshops in our partner areas. Will also serves as a co-facilitator of the reconciliation commission in the Nicaraguan Moravian Church. We are grateful for his service and on these pages we offer some of Will’s own reflections on this work, all of which is guided and supported by the BWM.
Weekly Bible Study for Moravian Pastors and Young Leaders
At the conference of Moravian leaders in Panama, I felt the awakening of the Holy Spirit when I saw the work and planning of the BWM to bring us together. From this effort, we now have Bible study groups for pastors and young people.
Our first Bible study was in March 2023 with seven pastors who wanted to expand their knowledge of the Word of God and strengthen ties between Spanish-speaking Moravian siblings. This came with big challenges for our areas, such as venturing into a world of virtual communica-
tion that was quite new for many: managing Zoom and using WhatsApp for further discussion.
The next challenge we had was to make the group
larger, so we wrote to several servants of God to see if they would be interested in joining this Bible study group. To the glory of God, the response was imme-
Will Cuthbert leads music at the 2022 Conferencia de Recursos Moravos in Panama.
The BWM is grateful for Will Cuthbert’s leadership at Moravian workshops throughout Latin America.
diate. The group grew to nine, then 12, and soon we reached 35. In November, we celebrated the first virtual Holy Communion with very good attendance; it was an inspiring moment for everyone.
Today, we have approximately 76 members in the Bible study group from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Cuba, Honduras and the United
States. We hope to continue growing with the help of our Heavenly Father and the help of the BWM, which has led several workshops for us this year. We are grateful that we will be receiving a blessing and a lot of learning to continue growing in the Lord. Some themes covered include:
• A 3-week art workshop on the theme of “Jesus the Redeemer” by David Sommers
*Guantanamo Workshop, December 2023
In July 2023 I attended the annual youth camp in Cuba, and met so many youth who impressed me, especially the youth from Guantanamo, who brought a spirit of joy to the camp despite the difficulties they face. For this reason, Rev. Tania Sanchez, President of the Moravian Church in Cuba, and I visited Guantanamo and offered a workshop for 87 young people and leaders on the theme: “Young people, do
• “The Seasons of the Christian Life” by the Rev. Angelica Regalado-Cieza
• “The Attributes of God” by the Rev. Segundo Regalado
• “Moravian Ecclesiology” by Bishop Sam Gray
• … and we have many more to come this year!
[continued]
not be discouraged; God is with you even in difficult times” to motivate them to continue loving the Lord with fervor.
*Puerto Cabezas Workshop, February 2024
It was wonderful to visit Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, to share resources with young adult leaders. I led a workshop called “Young people, do not faint because Jehovah promises to be with you,” based on Joshua 1:9. It was important and blessed to bring together many leaders from opposite sides of the current conflict to focus on mission and ministry.
*Havana Workshop and Musical Gala, March 2024
A return trip to Havana allowed me a chance to conduct a workshop for 57 youth on “How to continue being a young believer without feeling apart from young people who are not, always being a guide for them” according to Matthew 5:13-14. It was a time of delight in the Lord, a time of worship and praise in which we were filled with the love of God. In addition to the workshop, we were able to fulfill a very special mission:
collecting 100 Bibles from the churches of Havana to donate to remote communities in Nicaragua!
Will Cuthbert
[continued from page 9]
Consistent internet access remains a challenge, and taking into account the needs of this group, a YouTube channel will launch soon so that those who cannot enter the live Zoom study can have access to videos of the workshops. We hope to continue being a group thirsty for the Word, a resource for many to receive the Word of God in their remote homes, and a group in constant prayer for the people of God.
Final Thoughts from Will
I would like to thank the BWM for their financial support and their many prayers as none of this would have been possible without their help. Thanks especially to Justin, Angelica, and all of the BWM staff for their support and for inspiring us to serve the Lord in a better way. We continue to serve with joy and dedication, always in humility taking into account that the entire glory and honor will always be for our Savior and Redeemer, the only one worthy of all glory forever and ever. Amen.
La Moskitia is a remote region, a bit smaller than the state of New Jersey, with an estimated population of around 120,000 people. The Moravian Church has been active in this area for almost a century, with the Clínica Evangélica Morava, the Moravian medical clinic in Ahuas, having recently celebrated their 75th anniversary.
In La Moskitia, water is typically collected from unprotected wells or lagoons and rivers where community members also bathe and wash their clothing, making it unsafe to drink. In Tumtum Tara, the
first village served by the Blessings Flow project, 100% of families were experiencing waterborne illness thus causing 20% of families to have missed school or work in the previous two weeks prior to the survey.
In response to this need, the Board of World Mission is partnering with a clean water organization called One Atta Time and local Moravian leaders to distribute simple household filtration systems that will supply each family with clean water for more than ten years. Since April of 2023, we have distributed filters to about 1,000 households in five villages.
In each village, the Blessings Flow team visits three times. During the first visit, the community gathers to
hear about the water filters and to confirm the village census to determine how many filters will be needed.
During the second visit, existing health issues are treated and filters are distributed to every household! Everyone joins together to assemble filters, fill bags with medication, and ensure that each family has what they need.
During the third visit, the Blessings Flow team measures the success of the project by interviewing community members and answering any questions that they may have after using the filters for a few months.
Each filter provides a household with clean water for at least a decade!
Left: The community gathers to receive water filters for each household. Right: Before filters are distributed, existing rates of waterborne illness are assessed and medications are provided.
Río Plátano is the Spanish name for the village located at the mouth of the river of the same name. The Miskito name for the village, Ras, is used less frequently even by the local Miskito population. Located at the mouth of the river and on the shore of the ocean, many people fish both for profit and for their personal diet. Due to recent storms and hurricanes, there has been much beach erosion and the community is now much smaller than it once was. Most families continue to collect water from the Plátano River. In February of 2024, 260 filters were distributed to every household, school, church, and health center in Río Plátano and the neighboring communities of Utla Almuk and Tasba Pauni.
Kuhrpa is a village located on the upper Patuca River. The long distance from the mouth of the Patuca makes this village somewhat inaccessible, though there is a highway that is increasingly used by colonists who are taking over traditional Miskito lands. The area is known for cacao cultivation, but most people live by planting traditional Miskito crops of rice and beans. In April of 2024, 220 families in Kuhrpa received water filters, which are needed more than ever: the Patuca’s waters are increasingly muddy since colonists have begun felling forests in the area, increasing erosion into the river.
Tumtum Tara is situated in Laka, an area that referred to as the poorest in the Miskito homeland and characterized by a lack of employment, of government services, limited access to ter, and poor conditions for agriculture. Laka often travel several hours to work their plots rice, yucca, etc., and local families obtain their from shallow wells and the nearby rivers where also bathe and wash clothes. 209 filters were ed in Tumtum Tara in April and October of
that is often homeland employment, absence potable waLaka residents plots of beans, their water where they were distributof 2023.
in La Moskitia, Honduras
Warunta is the easternmost community in the municipality of Ahuas, a six-hour walk from the Moravian clinic that has been serving in La Moskitia for over 75 years. Locals in Warunta are engaged in traditional Miskito agriculture, but other employment is limited. There are very few wells in the community as people for generations have been obtaining their drinking water from the same lagoon where they wash clothes and bathe. 200 filters were distributed in Warunta in October of 2023.
Pakwi is a village that consists of about 200 families who live by cultivating rice, beans and other crops traditional to the region. Many families obtain their drinking water from the nearby Kruta River, though during the dry season, they may be forced to travel several hours to the large Apalka Lagoon to find a cleaner source. In January of 2024, the Blessings Flow team distributed water filters to 252 households in Pakwi.
Scan here to learn more!
Yamnika Laya
Yamnika Laya (which means “Blessings Flow” in Miskito) is the group of six local Moravian leaders who are making this project possible. The group includes leadership from each of the two Moravian Church bodies in Honduras, which split more than 25 years ago. Their commitment to finding ways to work together in a mission that transcends their historical division is a
Women and children typically collect water from wells, rivers or lagoons four times per day.
Where will the Blessings Flow next?
The need for clean water in La Moskitia remains significant, with about 200 villages that would benefit from filtration systems. The next phase of this project will focus on the northern shore of the Caratasca Lagoon, beginning with the communities of Puswaia and Ujumbila. Historically a center of Mískito culture and population, this area is also the site of the first Honduran Moravian mission established in 1930.
We will continue to share news as this project expands! Scan the QR code to read more.
Contribute to the Blessings Flow Project at www.MoravianMission.org/ Give. Your $100 donation covers the cost of purchasing the filter and bucket and shipping them into the country, as well as visits to do health assessments, filter distribution, training on how to use and maintain the filter, and follow up to measure impact and ensure continued proper usage.
That’s a lot of value to give these communities a decade or more of clean water and to limit days of work and school lost to the effects of waterborne illness!
tremendous witness to the Moravian Church in this area. The Blessings Flow project would truly
not be possible without the knowledge and skills of this group of dedicated leaders.
MISSION GRANTS
Our mission grant program allows the Board of World Mission to address specific needs and support valuable ministries as they are identified by our partners.
Each year, we receive numerous project proposals from Moravian partners around the world. These are tremendous sustainable initiatives that will be implemented and managed by those on the ground, but
require financial support to get started.
This program has been designated as a priority by BWM directors and continues to grow every year. In 2023, the BWM provided $74,813 in mission grant awards to various projects undertaken by our partners. (This is In addition to the $75,000 budgeted to support other global partner projects that advance the
church but don’t fit grant criteria!)
Visit MoravianMission.org/ MissionGrants/ (or use the QR code) to learn about mission grants and see the impact of this program! Here is one example of a grant funded in 2023:
Construction at the Comenius Polytechnic Institute in Tabora, Tanzania
The Comenius Polytechnic Institute (CPI) was established in 2019 to promote the mission of the Moravian Church through the training of ministers. The institute currently offers a certificate and diploma in theology.
CPI is in the process of building a new facility to house three lecture rooms and an office for theology students. The Moravian Church in Western Tanzania (MCWT) was awarded mission grant funding for the erection of walls and roofing, which was completed in December 2023. They will now move forward with the final stage of construction (plastering, ceiling board, electricity, flooring, windows and doors).
In mid-December, CPI held their fourth graduation ceremony. Bishops Ezekiel
Yona and Conrad Sikombe were present, along with the Tabora regional commissioner. 18 students from MCWT (a BWM global partner province) and one student from the Moravian Lake Tanganyika Province graduated this year.
UNITY MATTERS
Unity Mission and Development Board
The Board of World Mission had the wonderful opportunity in May 2023 to host the Unity Mission & Development Board (UMDB) at Mt. Morris Camp & Retreat Center in
Unity Synod
Unity Synod, the constitutional body of the Unitas Fratrum, convenes representatives from all Moravian provinces and mission provinces every seven years to make decisions about the worship, witness and work of the Worldwide Moravian Church. The 2023 Unity Synod took place in September in Cape Town, South Africa.
One particularly noteworthy synod action, as it relates to the work of the BWM, was the approval of both Brazil and Bolivia as prospective mission areas. The BWM has walked with these areas in their initial discernment process as they
Wisconsin. UMDB’s charge is to monitor new Moravian mission work, evaluate the progression of established work and coordinate partnerships between mission
explored the idea of joining the Moravian Unity; we look forward to their continued ministry.
Additionally, a mission agreement written at the 2017 Unity Mission Conference was officially accepted by the synod and will be included in the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum,
agencies and mission areas or mission provinces. The board is composed of delegates from each region of the Moravian Unity (Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, Europe and North America) and a representative from each mission agency in the Unity.
The group enjoyed fellowship with our international colleagues and learning about recent Moravian work throughout the world. New opportunities for mission were identified, support was allocated to ongoing efforts, and updated methods of sharing resources were implemented.
which is the Book of Order for the Unity as a whole. This agreement helps us understand our call to mission as a church in a globalized world.
BWM Executive Director
Justin Rabbach served as a resource to the gathering and translated for our Spanish-speaking partners.
Nicaragua Province Reconciliation
After nearly six years of conflict with little to no progress, the Board of World Mission is pleased to be a supporting partner in a reconciliation process that has begun in Nicaragua. While it is still in the early stages, the two largest groups have elected rep-
resentatives to serve on a formal commission working toward the goal of reuniting the church.
This commission was formed after the 2023 Unity Synod called on the church in Nicaragua to find a way to come together. BWM
Executive Director Justin
Peru National Conference
In August 2023, Peru’s third National Conference was held in Chiclayo. Rick Nelson represented the BWM; other international guests included the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, representing the Northern Province, which is Peru’s accompanying province; the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray as the ordaining bishop; and Dr. Julie Tomberlin, representing the Unity Women’s Desk.
The National Conference elected a new board composed of representatives from five congregations:
• President: Ana María Huamán Dávila
• Vice President: Andrew Chicchón Gutarra
• Treasurer: Lucero Carrasco Camacho
• Secretary: Fernando Joaquín Santa Cruz Muro
• At-Large: Walter Calle Peralta
Rabbach has traveled to Nicaragua multiple times with Unity Board Administrator Jørgen Bøytler to assist in setting up the commission and to offer guidance and support in the process. In February 2024, the process was strengthened when all four bishops residing in Nicaragua came together to take part in discussions and, afterwards, wrote a joint letter of unity and call for reconciliation.
Much work remains to be done in this delicate situation; we invite prayers for continued discernment and wisdom, as it is truly the desire of so many to see this province reunited.
The BWM holds a new covenant agreement with Peru and is leading workshops to help formalize the next stages of ministry through a new strategic plan and annual budget.
Moravian leaders in Nicaragua and representatives from the Unity gather to discuss steps toward reconciliation.
Representatives Rick Nelson from the BWM, Betsy Miller from the Northern Province and Ana María Huamán Dávila from the Moravian Church in Peru sign a new covenant agreement.
MISSION ENGAGEMENT
Congregational Resources
Through mission engagement, the Board of World Mission seeks to engage North American Moravian congregations in local and global missions. We encourage regular visits to the BWM website and social media pages, where you will find updates and resources available to all congregations. We regularly feature prayer requests from our partners that congregations can post in their newsletters and Sunday bulletins.
As you dig a little deeper,
you can find materials that help your congregation move through a multi-session mission discernment program to match your gifts with the needs in your community.
Once you know where you are being called, you can also find mission team training materials to help teams plan effectively, prepare for cultural differences, and set realistic goals.
To help pastors and educators connect mission to their sermons and lessons, we publish a weekly preaching resource based on the three-year lectionary. While primarily a resource for preachers, it can also be used for Bible studies and personal reflection.
Blessings Flow Filter Assembly
The BWM also offers resources to Spanish-speaking congregations in North, Central, and South America. On our website, you will find translations of the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum, Our Moravian Treasures, and links to workshops on programming, strategic planning and financial recordkeeping.
Learn more at MoravianMission.org/Resources/.
Congregations and individuals engage with our work every day in many ways, but one of the main ways we all connected this year was through our Blessings Flow project. Camps, congregations, Sunday school classes, confirmation retreats and more gathered across the United States and Canada to assemble water filters that were then shipped to Honduras to provide clean water for families in need. Many congregations dedicated their 2023 Moravian Day of Service to working on this project. Thank you for taking such an active and tangible role in the work of the BWM!
Mission Camps
One way the Board of World Mission has encouraged mission engagement and provided hands-on training has been through our support of mission camps. The mission camp program at Laurel Ridge brings youth groups to the camp to do service projects at the homes of people in need who live near the camp. Evening programs and campfires are also provided. Based loosely on this model, the BWM has hosted mission camps for the last few years to prepare our Moravian camping facilities for summer programming.
In May 2023, volunteers gathered both at Camp Hope in New Jersey and at
Mt. Morris in Wisconsin. At Camp Hope, volunteers focused much of their energy on the picnic pavilion roof, removing old shingles, repairing rotting roof decking and trusses, and installing a new roof. At Mt. Morris, the main project was power washing and staining all of the cabins.
While getting needed jobs done is always a primary focus, participants in each mission camp will tell you that the fellowship shared at mealtimes and evenings spent in conversation are what made the week memorable and meaningful. If you are interested in participating in a mission camp, please contact Chris Giesler at chris@moravianmission.org.
Mission Service Awards
Each year, the Board of World Mission recognizes Moravians who have given of themselves for the benefit of others either down the street or around the world through our mission service award.
The 2023 Ted Wilde Award, which recognizes individuals who have been willing to take up the great commission through humble service, was awarded to the Rev. Marian Boyle-Rohloff and Br. Ed Winney, both of West Side Moravian Church in Green Bay, Wis. (at right, bottom)
The 2023 Herrnhut Congregational Affirmation, which recognizes congregations in North America who are doing exemplary mission and service work, was awarded to Trinity Moravian Church in Winston Salem, N.C. (at right, top.)
Read more about the award recipients and submit nominations at MoravianMission.org/Awards (use the QR code here).
Above: Volunteers at the Camp Hope mission camp repair the picnic pavilion roof. Left: Volunteers at the Mt. Morris mission camp stain cabins.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Sue Adams, Administrative Assistant
It is my pleasure to be a part of the wonderful team that makes the Board of World Mission a successful mission sending and support agency of the Moravian Church in North America. Our board members work with staff to establish priorities, determine areas of mission involvement and set goals for future initiatives.
As the administrative assistant, I am blessed to be the person who processes all of your amazing gifts! Donations are carefully processed to ensure each is used for its intended purpose. While the news
around the world is so often filled with negativity, I am privileged to see the positive impact of these compassionate gifts.
As the Moravian Church continues to grow and new prospective mission areas are identified, we know we would not be as effective without your support.
Thank you for helping us to be faithful to our commitments to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission! The list of new project ideas being discerned, funded and completed is ever-changing. Please visit our website at MoravianMission.org to learn more.
Rex Knowlton, Treasurer
Financial Outreach:
Our office has the pleasure of following through on financial commitments made to our national and international partners. This takes the form of issuing payments via check or wire as well as collecting support via credit card, check, or electronic means. It can be a challenge to send funds via wires to other countries; the ultimate reward for us is the successful receipt of needed support to enhance the mission of the worldwide Moravian Church. It is a joy to get generous donations to the projects or areas where the support is most needed.
Finally, while responding to disasters can create a heightened work load and anxiety, allowing BWM to respond quickly in order to meet urgent and essential needs is well worth the behind-the-scenes work.
In the summer of 2023, generous donors contributed over $100,000 to medical debt relief through the Debt Jubilee Project: For the Healing of the World.
Based on our biblical call to care for the sick and our belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right, this project worked to offer grace and hope through the forgiveness of medical debt. Because our call is to our siblings in Christ here in North America and throughout the world, funds were raised to relieve medical debt in the United States as well as at the Moravian medical ministry in Ahuas, Honduras.
Through the generosity of Moravians throughout North America, we were able to forgive almost $11 million in debt here in the United States by partnering with an organization called RIP Medical Debt.
Over $25,000 (25% of the total raised) was allocated for debt relief at the Ahuas Clinic. These funds
cleared existing debt from patient accounts while also allowing the clinic to invest in medication, equipment, and supplies to better serve future patients.
Clinic administrators determined that in order to provide debt relief to the community members who needed it most, patients would be prioritized in this order: 1) patients with terminal illness; 2) HIV patients; 3) patients with disabilities; 4) single mothers; 5) elderly patients. We recently heard from two of the debt relief recipients; use the QR code here to read their stories.
This was a collaborative effort of the Board of World Mission, the Moravian Ministries Foundation, the Southern Province Commission on Congregational
Development and the Interprovincial Board of Communication. It was inspired by the work of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem. The results of this effort are truly a testament to what is possible when Moravians join together in service of our neighbors near and far.
Elma is a 27-year-old single mother whose medical debt was relieved through the Debt Jubilee funding allocated for relief at the Ahuas Clinic.
BOARD OF WORLD MISSION 2023 FINANCIAL REPORT
The Board of World Mission is appreciative of the strong support of congregations and individuals, which enables our continued ministry. The graphics on these pages depict where our con-
Support and Revenue
For the year ended December 31, 2023 (unaudited) Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church
tributions come from and, just as importantly, where the funds go to expand and enhance Moravian mission efforts.
Support from the North American provinces, including congregational giving, is critical to our success. The Society for Promoting the Gospel continues to fund us generously, accounting for 11% of our revenue in 2023. We are grateful for the continued support of the Larger Life Foundation and the Southern Province Mission Society. Grant income is a newer source for the BWM with grants awarded in 2023 representing 4% of our support. Contributions with donor restrictions accounted for 34% of our income this year. This funding
Exchange Accounts
It is worth noting that beyond our budgeted expenditures, the BWM is blessed to receive and distribute additional donations via our exchange accounts. These accounts are created when we receive donations designated for a specific purpose or project, and the BWM ensures their transfer for that specific use.
Over $578,000 in exchange account donations were distributed in 2023. This is tremendous as it reflects donations equal to more than 50 percent of our annual budget!
supported our Moravian Disaster Response efforts, the Blessings Flow project, work with the Ahuas Clinic, and many other specific needs throughout the year.
Investment returns were positive due to the upturn in the economy at year end and keen investment oversight from the Moravian Ministries Foundation.
An amazing 87% of our 2023 expenditures was applied directly to programming, including global partner support and mission grants, our Blessings Flow project, disaster response and meeting other needs. BWM administrative expenditures are modest, and of that we are proud.
Additional details can be obtained from the 2023
The largest expenditures in 2023 included:
• The Ahuas Clinic: $162,175
• Moravian Disaster Response: $132,781
• Water filters in Honduras: $98,162
Other efforts funded include workshops in Peru; mission grants; scholarships to the Moravian Secondary School in Bluefields, Nicaragua; classroom construction at the Comenius Polytechnic Institute in Tabora, Tanzania; an orphanage in Tanzania; ministries in Sierra Leone and so much more!
audited financial statements once they are completed. For additional information or to request a copy of the audited report, please contact the BWM office.
Thank you for your support of this important outreach.
— Rex Knowlton, Treasurer
Expenditures
For the year ended December 31, 2023 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church
CONNECT WITH THE BWM!
The Board of World Mission provides a multitude of ways to stay up-to-date with our work. See the latest updates on our website, MoravianMission. org, and follow us on Facebook (Board of World Mission), Instagram (@moravianboardofworldmission), and TikTok (@ boardofworldmission).
Please contact Sylvie Hauser at sylvie@moravianmission.org or (920)495-8995 if you would like to receive our quarterly newsletter or other regular communications from the BWM. You can also let us know your communication preferences by scanning the QR code here. Thank
you for staying engaged with the work of the BWM!
In order to continue supporting new ministries and maintaining long-standing relationships throughout the Moravian Unity, the Board of World Mission counts on our committed donors throughout North America. Unrestricted donations provide the BWM with the most flexibility to respond quickly and effectively to needs as they arise. You may also indicate that you would like your gift to support Blessings Flow, Moravian Disaster Response, mission grants, the Ahuas Clini, or other specific efforts of the BWM. Thank you for your overwhelming generosity, without which none of the projects described in this
2023 Board of World Mission Staff
annual report would have been possible.
Those in the U.S. can send checks to:
Board of World Mission 1021 Center Street Bethlehem, PA 18018
You can also make your donation online at MoravianMission. org/Give.
Canadians can send checks to: Moravian Church in Canada 600 Acadia Drive SE Calgary, AB T2J 0B8
Interac e-Transfer donations may be sent to treasurer @moravian.ca. In the comments section, please include your name and address to receive a tax receipt.
Rev. Angelica Regalado Cieza Director, Mission Outreach angelica@moravianmission.org
Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler Director, Mission Engagement chris@moravianmission.org
Sylvie Hauser Director, Communications and Development sylvie@moravianmission.org
Sue Adams Administrative Assistant sue@moravianmission.org
Justin Rabbach Executive Director justin@moravianmission.org
Rex Knowlton, Treasurer rex@moravianmission.org
Rick Nelson Mission Consultant rthornel2003@yahoo.com