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In this issue: Moravian Missions Latino Ministries SPECIAL SECTION: Board of World Mission Annual Report
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On the Cover: Rev. Brinmore Phaul, chairman of the Guyana Province, prays with participants In the Board of World Mission Global Leadership Summit. Photo by Mike Riess.
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In this issue: Moravian Missions Latino Ministries SPECIAL SECTION: Board of World Mission Annual Report
6 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love
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Moravians in Mission 6 Global Leadership Summit brings together World Mission partners Latino Ministries 9 Conference emphasizes growth, challenges of Latino Ministries Ministries Foundation 31 Moravian Ministries Foundation: Future perspective from historical inspiration
Member, Associated Church Press
In Our Congregations 37 Lamb Ministry brings comfort In Every Issue 4 Ponderings: Recognizing the Spirit in changing times 38 Provincial Elders’ Conference News
Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org. Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at pubs@mcnp.org.
June/July 2013
SPECIAL SECTION 10-30 Preparing the Soil: The Board of World Mission 2012 Annual Report 3
PONDERINGS
Recognizing the Spirit in changing times Last month, my family and I went through one of life’s major changes — the loss of my father. I know we all go through it eventually and none of us are really prepared for it. But it seems that it’s times like these when we become more aware of the hand of God at work. Yes, we see (and feel) His touch daily. But when our personal worlds shift and shake — in both major and minor ways — I believe His presence becomes more evident. If my father had passed three years ago, before I began my Moravian faith journey, I’m not sure if I would have been able to recognize the Spirit’s presence. In working with the church, writing about its faith traditions and happenings, coming into contact with so many gifted people of God and returning to weekly worship, it has become easier to see God’s spirit in the everyday. When I arrived at my parents’ house after hearing the news, amidst all the sadness and activity, I felt two spirits among us — my Dad’s and that of the Holy Spirit. It was in the calm of the breeze, the stars above and the comforting words of family. That sense of spiritual closeness helped guide my fingers as I wrote my father’s obituary. It’s one of those times when I’m thankful for the gift of stringing words together. The words just flowed. The same thing happened when I went to write his eulogy. The outpouring of condolences and support from my friends both within and outside the Moravian community gave my family the feeling that God was with us. Cards, messages and words of support came from all corners. In fact, the first condolences came from my pastor and his family, followed almost immediately by co-workers and friends from the Church Center. When we met with my father’s priest, Father Iain, I again sensed the Spirit at work. His way of comforting the family, helping us through the time of mourning and working with us to plan my father’s service was invaluable. This is a man whose spirituality and love of God is evident in his work. His ability to bring comfort and hope made what was to come a little easier to handle. And since that time, my conversations with a number of Moravian pastors demon-
(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) June/July Vol. 44, No. 5 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Express Messenger International, PO Box 25058, London, Ontario N6C6A8, email: emi@exmessenger.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries. Individual copies available for $3.00 each. The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245. Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian. Michael Riess, Editor Siobhan Young, Communications Assistant Jodi Bortz, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Paul Knouse, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Richard Sides Jane Burcaw Jane Carmichael Valerie Wagner Jill Westbrook Lance Fox Gary Kniskern Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: pubs@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2013, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America. All rights reserved
The Moravian
strated the love and compassion of men and women of God. But I think the most telling sign of God’s presence came when I entered the church of my youth for the funeral service. Fond memories of attending mass with my parents came flooding back. To my surprise the soloist for the service was an old high school friend known for his beautiful voice (he’d played Jesus in our high school production of Jesus Christ Superstar). My next-door neighbor growing up, now in his 80s, was also there — he serves as the church’s janitor now. And then as I looked toward the altar, there, hanging behind the baptismal font, was a sign that brought it all home for me: a banner with our conquering lamb, holding the staff and cross banner. That image gave me strength and filled me with that spirit of “yes, everything is going to be okay…” I’m writing this from the front porch of my parent’s home in Connecticut. This isn’t the first Ponderings I’ve written from here…it’s a special, spiritual place for me. It’s quiet — the only sounds are the wind through the trees, the rain on the roof and the soft tinkle of the windchimes. And as I write, I can feel a sense of calm and purpose — the joint work of my father and the Holy Spirit. I want to thank everyone who supported my family and me during this tough time. Again, this experience strengthened my beliefs and my surety that I am in the right place. On a different note: For this issue of the Moravian, the Board of World Mission and the Interprovincial Board of Communication got together to try out an old idea in a new way — combining an issue of the magazine with the Board of World Mission’s Annual Report. A little history: long before my time with the IBOC, a spring issue of the Moravian Magazine was dedicated to the BWM annual report. In the mid-2000s, the BWM began publishing a standalone annual report. Then, in 2011 and 2012, the IBOC designed and oversaw production of that report. This year, we decided to put the June/July issue of the magazine and the annual report in the same publication. Since we both use the same address list, and mission stories are a common feature in the magazine, it made sense to both of us to share the costs and the content for this issue. We hope you enjoy this month’s Moravian articles and learn about the great work of the Board of World Mission. As always, we look forward to your thoughts and comments. Peace.
MORAVIANS IN MISSION
Global Leadership Summit brings together World Mission partners From April 8-10, the heads and leaders of
our partner provinces, along with representatives from our North American provinces and the Board of World Mission, gathered at Laurel Ridge Camp and Conference Center for a Leadership Summit. Participants came from our traditional partners: Nicaragua (Superintendent Rev. Cora Antonio and Provincial Board member Rev. Gilberto Molina), Honduras (President Rev. Isai Granwell, Provincial Board member Frank Goff, and Medical Director Dr. Ovelio Lopez), Costa Rica (Chair Dr. Leopold Pixley), Guyana (Chairman Rev. Brinmore Phaul), Eastern-West Indies (Chairman Rev. Dr. Cortroy Jarvis), Newfoundland/Labrador (Chairperson Sarah Jensen), and Western Tanzania (Chairman Rev. John Italazyo). In addition to our traditional partners, one of
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our mission areas, Cuba, was represented by Rev. Armando Rusindo, current President of the Moravian Church there. Also present were chairs of our North American provinces (Rev. Peter Green, Alaska, Rev. David Guthrie, America South, and Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, America North) and Board of World Mission members Rt. Rev. Sam Gray, Rev. Judy Ganz, and Loren Jendro. We opened our gathering with a focus on mutual encouragement (Romans 1:11-12) and did an exercise in asset-mapping and how we might begin to share our resources and capabilitiies with one another. We then moved into discussion of a topic that had been suggested by some of our partners: sustainability. While our contexts are very different, we found that both North American and global The Moravian
provinces struggle on some level with this issue — the capacity to cover the basic functions of our church, which include an upward focus (worship, prayer), an inward focus (discipleship, pastoring, community life), and an outward focus (evangelism, benevolence, missions). Jean Johnson of World Mission Associates led our discussion. She reminded us that no church in the early apostolic time required outside funding for its basic operations. The offering for the church in Jerusalem was a one-time collection. And she challenged us to begin to evaluate how we can better use what we have to create what we need , bringing a sense of pride and empowerment to the ministry of the local church. Sis. Johnson told us that four areas are crucial to move toward sustainability. The first is to gradually wean chronic subsidies and outside funding. The second is to evaluate the structure of one’s ministry in relation to the context in which it exists. Is the structure af-
fordable and sustainable? Are there forms of ministry that fit better with the culture of the people and can be readily reproduced? The third element toward sustainability is to promote and teach sound principles of stewardship in which people contribute to the ministry from day one. And the fourth is to mobilize the local — encourage bottomup, community-driven efforts rather than top-down efforts. Jean’s new book, We Are Not the Hero , provides many examples of what has worked and what has not worked in mission environments in attempts to promote growth of indigenous congregations. Additional topics for discussion at the summit were Biblical Principles of Leadership, led by Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, and Conflict Resolution, led by Rev. David Guthrie. (continued on next page) Rev. Judy Ganz is executive director of the Board of World Missions in North America.
Members of the Global Leadership Summit pause for a photo during their time in Bethlehem. Left to right: Judy Ganz, Isai Granwell, Gilberto Molina, Leopold Pixley, Brinmore Phaul, Cortroy Jarvis, Sarah Jensen, Cora Antonio, John Italazyo, Armando Rusindo, Frank Goff, Barbara Ottervik, Sam Gray and Ovelio Lopez.
Rev. Cora Antonio from Nicaragua prays during a song service at Central Moravian’s Old Chapel.
(continued from previous page) This was actually not the first gathering of partner provinces. Several gatherings were held under the leadership of Rev. Hampton Morgan, which included the signing of the Barbados Agreement in 2000. This agreement was shared with our current partners and they were amazed that they had not seen it (except the two who had signed it)! We agreed that decisions made at these consultations must not be put on a shelf. All signed a “Laurel Ridge Agreement” that affirmed the principles of partnership that were outlined in the Barbados Agreement. It pledged we would work together to use what we have to create what we need in our efforts toward sustainability, and covenanted to intentionally pray for each other and the many issues that confront our worldwide church today. Participants felt that the summit was a worthwhile event for everyone, providing opportunities for fellowship and sharing, for meeting the Board of World Mission, as well as being present in many of the congregations in the Winston-Salem and Bethlehem areas. One participant commented that we were forced to think about the realities in which we 8
live and how we can maintain and strengthen our church in our own context. Bro. Phaul wrote afterwards that “Much has been learnt and would be very beneficial in improving our sustainability, To God be the glory for the great things He has done in and through the Summit’” and Bro. Jarvis echoed his words saying, “I thank God for all of you and for the wonderful fellowship we experienced. The Leadership Summit was quite revealing and enriching. To God be all honour and Glory!” We are grateful for the donations from UBC in Staten Island, the Larger Life Foundation, Bethlehem Area Moravians, and Salem Congregation, which allowed us to bring in our partners and to hold this important summit. We are also grateful to the Southern Province Mission Society, the Friedland Moravian congregation, Central Moravian Church, the East Hills Moravian Church, and for the many families and congregations in Winston-Salem and Bethlehem who hosted our partners and provided opportunities for them to worship with them and to share their stories. We only regret that not all of our churches could have face-to-face interaction with these brothers and sisters in Christ. ■ Global partners work through ideas and issues during the Global Summit at Laurel Ridge.
LATINO MINISTRIES
Conference emphasizes growth, challenges of Latino ministries In April, Moravians from across the Southern
excitement and enthusiasm that we greet you as you come together to celebrate, discuss and learn from each other about emerging Latino ministries in the context of shifting local communities. We too are excited about your capacity to continue to share your knowledge and call with the larger church and her affiliates as we seek together to ‘prepare the way…and make straight paths for the Lord’ for all of His people.” During the opening worship service, Chris meditated on John 17:20-25, pointing out the inclusiveness of the high priestly prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ, when he was asking on our behalf to the Father, saying, “That they (We, the church) may be one,” and “May be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you (the Father) have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
A Welcome at New Beginnings In welcoming the conference attendees who travelled from churches in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, New Beginnings’ Rev. Pastor Chris Thore said, “It is with sincere
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Province met to discuss and learn about the church’s growing efforts in Latino ministry. The Latino Ministries Conference is a ministry of the “Advocacy and Missions” Taskforce of the Board of Cooperatives Ministries of the Moravian Church Southern Province. The 2013 Conference Working Committee members, including Rev. Tripp May, Rev. Wilma E. Israel, Sis. Paddy Wigney, Bro. Gregorio Moody, Rev. Judith Justice and Sis. Leibia Willis planned this year’s conference for more than half a year. Welcomed and embraced by the Salisbury Road Regional Conference of Churches, the Fourth Latino Ministries Conference was held at New Beginnings Moravian Church in Huntersville, N.C. and at Peace Moravian Church in Charlotte.
June/July 2013
Gregorio Moody serves at the King of Kings Moravian Church in Miami, Fla. Photos by Charles Beaman. 9
(continued from previous page) Unity and inclusiveness is a powerful testimony of the church to the world, stressed Chris, and this is what we envision and try to encourage within our Moravian congregations through the Latino Ministries Conference events. Rev. Tripp May
Above, Rev. Willie Israel lifts her hands in praise; below, Phillip Rayford and Raymond Wilhause.
On to Peace The conference resumed on Saturday at Peace Moravian Church in Charlotte. During the opening worship service, led by Bro. Gregorio Moody and Rev. Tripp May, participants followed bilingual hymns and liturgy as usual along with songs of praise and worship with Uncion Fresca (Fresh Annointing), a praise band from Florida. The closing was featured a multilingual benediction by Rev. James I. Doss, pastor of Peace Moravian (English), Rev. Israel (Spanish) and Br. Moody (Miskito). During her message to the conference, Board of Cooperative Ministries Executive Director Ruth Cole Burcaw helped focus the vision of the conference: “We know that the vision of a multiracial, multilingual and multicultural community of faith is as old as the story of creation… and that scripture promises this multicultural journey will continue even beyond this life. As we read from the book of Revelation: ‘after that I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands.’ (Revelation 7:9-12). “Let us fervently hope and pray that the church seizes the growing diversity in our na(continued on page 34)
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The Moravian
Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!
Preparing
The Soil
BOARD OF
WORLD MISSION of the Moravian Church • North America 2012 Annual Report
Chairman’s Message
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ELCOME TO THE ANNUAL REPORT of the Board of World Mission! On behalf of the Directors and Staff, I thank you for the privilege of accompanying you as partners in mission and service. Our work as the mission agency of the Moravian Church of North America is best accomplished through relationship. Actually, all mission is best accomplished through relationship. It is through our relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior that we are called to share the love, grace and peace that he provides. And we share those wonderful blessings that come from a relationship with Jesus by building relationships with one another. It is in the comfort and trust of a loving relationship that we can share the good news of salvation. Relationships are how Moravians do mission. So that is what this Annual Report is: a story of relationships. Through the Board of World Mission, the members of the Moravian Church in North America are in relationship with brothers and sisters around the world. In Tanzania, Honduras, Nicaragua, Labrador, Cuba, Guyana, the East West Indies, Kenya, Peru and Sierra Leone, we work in relationship and partnership to serve humanity by sharing the love of Christ. I hope that you enjoy reading these stories of the fruits of our relationships. Rev. Joe Moore, Chair Board of World Mission
BOARD OF
WORLD MISSION of the Moravian Church • North America Joseph Moore, Chair* Southern Province Loren Jendro, Vice-Chair* Western District David Geyer, Secretary* Eastern District Roman Brady Board Appointed/ Youth Representative
From the Executive Director
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S IN OUR REPORT LAST YEAR, the Moravian Board of World Mission in North America (BWM) has been seeking out the new thing that God is doing in missions. We celebrated the consecration of the first bishop of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Rt. Rev. Tshimanga Moise. We saw the first women’s board installed in Cuba, the growth of the International Kindergarten in Nepal and new leadership at the Ahuas Clinic in Honduras, just to name a few. But the new possibility that God would provide for us depends to some extent on the soil that we prepare (Mt. 13:8). In this issue of our annual report, we look to how we cultivate possibility in mission. We do this in our efforts at reconciliation where conflict exists in the church. We consider our work with our new mission areas, helping them to discern the appropriate structure for their church within their context. We walk alongside the women in Gininiga and Magu, Tanzania as they try to develop community strengthening projects to better the lives of their families. We see ongoing efforts at education through the Kisanji Girl’s School and Adopt-a-Village in Tanzania, plans for a missionary couple at the Bible Institutes in Honduras and a Spanish Resource Summit in Costa Rica. We work toward aiding our global partners in improving their financial accountability. Central to all, however, is the call to all of us to prepare our own soil, building that foundational relationship with our Lord who transforms all that we do. Rev. Judy Ganz Executive Director
Becky Frey Eastern District Jack Geis Southern Province Peter Green Alaska Province David Guthrie* PEC President/ Southern Province Donna Hurt Mission Society/ Southern Province Kent Laza Unity of Brethren Shirley Louis Western District Betsy Miller* PEC President/ Northern Province Marion Perrin Canadian District Justin Rabbach Board Appointed Errol Connor EWI Province/ Advisory Member Joel Landreth, Treasurer * Executive Committee
Continuing Mission Guyana ESPITE ALL OF THE CHALLENGES it faces, The Moravian Church in Guyana presses on steadfastly towards its vision of being a “spiritually empowered and growing church in and with the Lord.” Membership of the church in Guyana has shown some encouraging improvement in the past two years and is currently 1,005. There are eight congregations served by three ordained pastors and eight lay pastors. They provide free medical outreach in their communities bimonthly, radio broadcast programs, work with HIV/AIDS and a school feeding program. The Lichfield congregation is making good progress on their new church building. The Guyana Mission Province has a goal to upgrade to a Unity Province by 2016. —Rev. Brinmore Phaul, Chairman
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Nicaragua UR NICARAGUAN MORAVIAN sisters and brothers continue to minister in five districts among people of five ethnicities who speak five different languages! There is an emphasis on education and a strong youth ministry throughout the country. Provincial women’s ministries continue to grow and, inspired by the Unity Women’s Desk, to join forces with women’s groups in neighboring Honduras. The ADSIM (social ministry) program is focusing on smaller local community development projects that have more hope of being sustainable. The Board of World Mission and the Nicaraguan Moravian Church are very grateful for the work that Chuck and Esther Tesh have been doing with the welldrilling project in an effort to provide clean water in several communities.
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Spanish Resources Summit ITH MORAVIAN ministries among Latino people expanding, there is a need for Moravian materials and resources in Spanish. In 2012 a Spanish Resources Summit was held in Costa Rica. Representatives from
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North, Central and South America gathered to share resources and produce official translations of existing materials. Their labors resulted in Spanish versions of a Bishops’ Manual; the Church Order of the Unitas Fratrum; the Ground of the Unity; the Covenant for Christian
Reconciliation in Honduras N ORDER TO PREPARE the soil for God’s new possibility, we do the hard work of sharing our differences and finding a way to walk together. In July, 2012, Unity Business Administrator Jørgen Bøytler, along with Judy Ganz and Lorena Gray, met with pastors of the Honduras Province and
the Honduras Unity Undertaking (traditional group) to dialogue about steps toward reconciliation. The majority affirmed that reconciliation was the ultimate goal for all. With this in mind, this past November the Unity Board approved the request of the Unity Undertaking to become a Unity Mission Province, giving this group of Mora-
Labrador OR LACK OF ANY monumental events, one might feel that very little has happened in Labrador during the last year. But looking back we see significant small steps along previously established paths. The Happy ValleyGoose Bay congregation is progressing toward selfsustainability under the leadership of Rev. Glenna Tasedan. Steps are being taken to build a new manse in Nain to replace the one that burned down
several years ago. While attempts to find additional pastoral leadership have not always been fruitful, additional possibilities are being explored. Provincial leadership is developing under Sarah Jensen, who was elected as Provincial Chair at the Synod in October after she had fulfilled a previously uncompleted term. The province continues its focus on leadership development and is exploring on-line resources for Bible study.
Living; an inter-generational Sunday School curriculum; Readings for Holy Week; and Ordination and Consecration Liturgies. At the time of the Summit, brother Zach Dease was beginning his Antioch Service in Costa Rica. The Costa Rica Pro-
vincial Board asked Zach to work with their youth program in an effort to disciple local leaders who might carry on this important ministry. Brother Dease’s most significant contribution to the Summit (along with worship leadership) was to point out the need for solid
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vians a legitimate voice at the world table.
These small steps are the key to developing a strong church in Labrador. —Loren Jendro, Labrador Liaison Biblically-based resources on the nature and work of the Holy Spirit (since, in Zach’s words, “in the present catechism, the Spirit doesn’t even get its own chapter!”). The group commissioned a new guide to be developed and published in 2013.
In Tanzania
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HE MORAVIAN CHURCH of Western Tanzania’s orphan care initiative is now in its thirteenth year. It serves 38 villages and parishes, primarily in the Sikonge district. The Adopt-A-Village program began seven years ago to support their effort. It now includes 54 churches, organizations and individuals throughout North America. Currently 3,229 orphans are registered for assistance, a figure that includes 438 who are receiving their secondary or higher education on full scholarships. The village of Kavale was incorporated into the orphan program last fall, the first new addition in six years; it has been established as the eleventh orphan hub. An orphan center has been erected in the village of Imalampaka; it provides space for an office as well as storage of over 100 sacks of maize. The program has had two major accomplishments over the past year. Asha Mikadadi became the first girl to pass her entrance examinations for high school, where she is
now enrolled in a tract for the exceptionally gifted. In addition, Leonard Sindano became the first orphan to graduate from teacher’s college and begin work in his new profession. Evangelism of the Sukuma remains a major endeavor in western Tanzania. The construction of the first Sukuma Moravian church in the region has been completed and consecrated in the village of Mabangwe. Intensive work by pastor Oscar Pyumpa and two assistants, funded in large part by The Society for Promoting the Gospel, has resulted in 400 members of this reclusive tribe joining the Christian community. Moravian churches have been finished in the villages of Kiloleli and Ukondamoyo. A third has been roofed in Kavale and is being utilized each Sunday; it should be completed by the end of the year. Four additional churches are at earlier stages of construction. —Drs. Bill and Peg Hoffman
Annie B Mission OD HAS BLESSED Annie B Mission this year and seems to have bigger plans for us in the future. To date, Annie B Mission has raised $21,000 for Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Ramallah, West Bank. The staff there recently received speech therapy training through the Red Crescent Society of the Red Cross.
For in-field training, two staff sat in on actual speech therapy sessions, learned about how plans work for individual clients and were shown how educational toys were used for speech therapy. These teachers taught what they had learned to the rest of the staff at Star Mountain. The Red Crescent Society continues to super-
Nepal EPAL, A LAND ONCE closed to the Gospel, is now a land open to not just the Word but the work as well, which is an integral part of the Good News. Lives of many youth and adults have been touched and transformed by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. But, Christians have now risen up to be more involved in preparing the soil for the future through the ministry of education. Children between the ages of 18 months to six years
spend several hours each day away from home and come into an environment that is different, as it is under the Christian leadership, the Moravians. As the Apostle said, “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”(1 Cor 3:6) We too have planted what we inherited from Christ, trusting that someone will water and God will give the fruit in His time. In partnership, we are preparing the soil for God’s Kingdom. —The Revs. Shanti and Vani Pradhan
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vise the staff’s progress once a month. Star Mountain hired a part-time speech therapist in February 2013. She has more than ten years experience and has been helping the members at Star Mountain and people in the community. She also assists in training the Star Mountain staff. We appreciate your ongoing support of this important work.
Partnerships
Antioch
2012
WAS A FRUITFUL YEAR in preparing the soil for continued development and growth of ministry partnerships through Antioch. Electronic resources have enhanced our ability to better communicate and collaborate with our global Moravian partners and even “meet” them before an Antioch servant arrives on site. This allows for better preparation for mission—all that is done by the church and individuals to serve God. We are so grateful to God who enables us to serve together in this world that we share. Here are reflections from Antioch servants who served this past year. — Jill Kolodziej, Director of Antioch Kisanji Girl’s School, Tanzania S CUSTOMARY, at the end of teaching my class, I ask the girls if they had any questions. The questions were rarely about the lesson at hand; instead, they were more curious about my life or what living in America was like. “Will you marry one of my brothers?” “Do you have children?” “Why do you have so many ear piercings?” But today all those
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lighthearted and fun questions were absent. One of the more reserved girls slowly raised her hand and asked, “Why was America so successful while countries like mine are full of poor people living in poverty?” I was taken aback, but managed to ramble something about how the industrial revolution sparked our economy but I was not positive. I assured her that it was not fair nonetheless. She went on to question me why I was allowed countless opportunities in America and why her government did little for their people and was unable to provide them with basic needs. I was stunned at the seriousness of the questions. I explained that America no doubt had flaws and that like them I could not trust the government to take care of me. I told them that education would provide
them opportunities and a way to achieve a job that could support them one day. I blindly assumed the blissful idea that people are content to live their lives with what they have because they do not realize the amenities that others have. This was not the case at the school. The girls showed me the mold on the ceilings, the long walk to get water when their pumping system failed and their lunches of porridge. On my last day at the school a small assembly was held for me. The same girl that asked me those tough questions left me with these thoughts, “Forget any bad that you saw here at the school, we are trying our best,” she said. “Please just remember the good here and in the world. Life is not long enough to sit on the bad. Please tell America how much we appreciate their support.” —Meredith Berk
Antioch Ray of Hope, Kenya T TOOK LETTING GO of the life I was used to and accepting the way things are done in Kenya to have of the best experiences of my life. The beauty of the land around Ray of Hope and the generosity and thankfulness of the children I met proved to me that God was working in this place, even through me. I learned so much about life from just a month and a half in Shimba Hills. Working at the preschool every day taught me Swahili, while at the same time I was teaching English to children as young as two. I learned to cook Kenyan foods and
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understand the customs and culture of Kenya. Near the end of my trip, I climbed one of the hills around Ray of Hope with my friend Adynice and one of the children, Ali. We reached the top of one of the tallest hills and the view was breathtaking. In one direction, there were palm tree covered hills for miles. In the other, we could see all the way to the Indian Ocean. It was so peaceful and it seemed to me that God was saying, “Look, didn’t I tell you that this place would be good for you? Didn’t you believe me when I told you this is what you should be doing?”
When it came time for me to leave, tears were shed and Cecilia, one of my hosts, asked if I would come back. My answer then and now is the same: I would go back in a heartbeat. —Kayla Beckerdite
Alaska Youth Conference HEN I FIRST STARTED thinking about going on this I sense a very real passion trip, I had feelings of great anticipation. Justin from the Alaskan Rabbach called me and first told me of the opportunity to go to Alaska roughly a month prior to the trip. I was congregations for world thankful that my name came up in conversation to go, missions. but I had my hesitations. In the back of my mind I knew that it wasn’t everyday that God calls me to go on a trip to Alaska. Within days I decided to go. I experienced six very memorable days in Alaska. We were in Kong for the annual Alaska Moravian Youth Festival, organized by the Alaskan Province director of youth ministry, Rev. Arthur Coolidge. The festival is held every November and can draw anywhere from 50-100 youth flying in from neighboring villages. During this particular weekend, about 60 youth and an equal number of people from the village participated. The theme focused on looking outward at our international Moravian brother and sisters, specifically through Antioch. I helped lead events and shared my experiences in Nicaragua through Antioch. The photos I shared sparked conversation with many different people (both youth and village members). I sense a very real passion from the Alaskan congregations for world missions. —Dan Miller
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Board of World Mission Initiatives Congregational Partnerships Adopt-A-Village • M3 (M-Cubed) Youth • Star Mountain (Annie B Mission) • Sierra Leone • Mission education
Congreg Partne
Short-term Missions Antioch (young adults) • Retirees and older adults • Nepal • Tanzania • Ahuas • Costa Rica • Labrador • Church Camps
Short-term Missions Volunteer Resources Katrina Relief • Sandy Relief • Work Crews: Alaska, Honduras, Haiti and others
Volunteer Resources
Board of World Mission Initiatives
gational erships
Global Partners & New Work
Global Partners & New Work • Western Tanzania • Guyana • Labrador • Eastern West Indies • Costa Rica • Nicaragua • Honduras • Cuba • Peru • Sierra Leone
Likewise Ministries AIDS Ministry • Honduras • Community Development: HUKWAFA in Tanzania
Likewise Ministries
Cuba HE MORAVIAN WORK IN CUBA was accepted as a Mission Area of the Board of World Mission in January, 2012. Under the leadership of Rev. Armando Rusindo, the ministry has grown and expanded in Havana and 4 other provinces: Mayabeque, Matanzas, Camaguey and Holguín. About 800 people participate in 22 small cell groups and house churches. In November 2012 a Women’s Conference was held with the participation of sisters from North America.
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Peru HE PERU MISSION AREA was delighted to host a team from Friedberg Moravian and to spend time working and worshiping together with them. The ministry in Peru focuses on the San Juan de Lurigancho area of Lima (under the direction of Manuel and Carmen Verástegui) as well as the Cruz de la Esperanza area of Chiclayo, where the ministry is led by Walter and Monica Calle. The soil is being prepared and seeds are being planted. Pray for a wonderful harvest celebration in God’s time!
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Sierra Leone UR LORD IS DOING A MIGHTY WORK in the village of Luawa Yiehun, Sierra Leone, West Africa. The Reverend Mohamed and Safiatu Braima are ministering to the adults and children of this small village. Besides having a Moravian Church where God’s Word is proclaimed, they have built a school where children are taught about Jesus, as well as other basic educational classes. Many of these children suffer from malnutrition. Therefore, the Braimas have begun a program of feeding the school children lunch twice each week, which promotes their learning. Feeding the children is a huge undertaking since all cooking is done over an open fire and there are about 200 children in the school. Many individuals and church groups have “adopted” one or more children for $20 a month to help support this program. This enables the Braimas to purchase the food and pay some of the village women to prepare and serve the meals. What a blessing it is to feed children both physically and spiritually! —Claire Wilson
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New Work
HUKWAFA Strengthening Community UKWAFA (acronym in Swahili for “Huduma kwa Watoto na Familia” – Serving Children and Families) is a thriving grassroots project in the villages of Magu and Gininiga, Tanzania, under the auspices of BWM Likewise AIDS Ministries. In addition to food distribution and ensuring education and health care for 250 vulnerable children, groups of local villagers in Magu and Gininiga have taken full ownership of projects for income generation. Groups are comprised of both men and women (who share in the leadership), young and old. Each has between 9 and 21 members. They have managed and added to the start-up funds that HUKWAFA had provided them. The immediate benefits are so important, as villagers are finding ways to support their fami-
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lies. Equally important are the long-term skills they are learning, such as leadership, community development and entrepreneurship. HUKWAFA has provided workshops in budgeting, handling, and lending money and how to market produce. The villagers are so thankful to God for these opportunities and are clearly enthusiastic and proud of their accomplishments. One group leader, David (not his real name) is a beautiful man with no legs; he walks on flipflops tied to his stumps. Smiling broadly, David told us that his group has increased their capital with loan proceeds and has now rented land for planting rice together when the rainy season comes. Some groups are growing beans or cotton, while others are investing in chickens or goats for their own use and to sell at market.
We rejoice in the hope, determination, and improved lives of these villagers in Magu and Gininiga and give thanks for the Likewise funds that support the HUKWAFA project. —Alice Sears, Likewise member
“It was transplanted to good soil by abundant waters, so that it might produce branches and bear fruit and become a noble vine.”
Ezekiel 17:8
Moravian Volunteer Resources of love to those on the Gulf Coast, you answered the call and blessed so many by helping to bring their lives back to normal and sharing the love of Jesus. Special thanks go out to Joanie and Weldon Harris for their three years of selfless love serving as House Hosts and Work Coordinators. WAS A YEAR 2012 also saw the OF HIGHS continuation of our work and lows for Moravian in Honduras with teams Volunteer Resources as visiting Ahuas to do a we continued to try and number of projects includserve those that were in ing an airplane hangar, need of hope, but it was roofing, electrical work all for the glory of our and plumbing. In addition Savior! The lows included to all of the volunteer Hurricane Sandy which hours there, the BWM was wrecked the lives of many able to purchase wellin the Northeast. Under drilling equipment to help the leadership of Northbring a clean water source east Moravian Disaster to the Moravian Clinic and Response (NEMDR), our the surrounding villages. Moravian effort to help re- This water project will build is in full swing with need your help as well, teams serving on Staten Island. Also with the help of the United Brethren’s Churches of Staten Island (UBC), funding has been received and distributed from around the larger Moravian Church to help in this effort. This effort will continue for some time and we will continue to need your help, either by serving or giving!! Another low was the closing of our Mission House in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. In seven years
2012
by serving or giving, as we continue to dig wells for many. Each well takes around two or three days to complete and the cost for each well will run approximately $1000. Alaska is another place in which we had volunteers serve. With the help of other denominations, volunteer teams built a new parsonage for the Moravian Church in Bethel. There was also a team of youth that served in the villages leading Vacation Bible School. Many of you did things we know nothing about and for those we give you thanks for being Disciples of Christ. All in All, 2012 was a good year and we should simply rejoice in what He, our Lord and Savior, has done through us, may He be ever praised, Amen! —Mark Ebert
Medical Services Ahuas Clinic N A PLACE LIKE the Ahuas Clinic one marvels first at the amazing, complex medical orchestra which requires so much cross-cultural and spiritual teamwork to allow the multiple instruments and melodies to produce healing among the sick. This living organization changes has seen unusual areas of transition during these past months. Pedro Cedrack and Sosan Jacobo had been named by the Honduran Moravian Provincial and Medical Boards as Clinic administrator and bookkeeper. Employee incomes now meet or exceed government salary minimums; all current employees are registered in government programs for retirement or
disability pensions. Financial constraints continue to cause real challenges as the Clinic attempts to provide fair compensation to employees and deliver good medical care. These areas of transition reflect considerable effort by many volunteer groups at the Clinic. Over the past three months at least eight separate international groups have contributed to Clinic development: electrical, administrative, spiritual, well drilling, medical and surgical and engineering. It’s been great to see people working together and see people’s needs met—much of the time. Dr. Kenneth, as one example, volunteered to travel from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, as a Miski-
Bilwas Clinic HE BILWASKARMA MORAVIAN CLINIC in Bilwaskarma, Nicaragua, under the direction of Dr. Patricia Ballesteros, continues to prepare the soil of healthcare with its outreach project for health education and a preventive health delivery system that impacts many small villages in its region. Village leaders are selected and trained in health topics and then
are able to share this information with others in their village. The program resulted in an infant mortality rate down to zero in the past three years, as well as no childbirth deaths of at-risk mothers. Nutrition standards were raised and contagious disease reduced to a minimum. The clinic also treats basic ailments and refers more complicated cases to the hospital. It is expected that preventive health educa-
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to surgeon and retrain our medical staff to do needed prostatectomies. Now men “de la tercera edad” (i.e. senior citizens) like Edwin and Marcelino walk about free from indwelling catheters and have returned home to assume their respected family positions. We hope to encourage this type of local Central American assistance in the years to come. —Dr. Benno and Teresa Marx
tion will be the backbone of rural health in the ten villages served by the Moravian Clinic. —Dr. Peter Haupert, with Jill Grant, Andy Herriott and David Haupert
Financial Results
2012
PROVED TO BE a continuation of the financial markets rebound by adding approximately $170,000 of realized and unrealized gains to the unrestricted funds of the Board of World Mission (BWM). The BWM continues to support longtime partner provinces and other ministries by again this year expending funds in excess of revenues by $45,639. Throughout this year’s annual report you will see where and how these funds were utilized to bring the good news of the gospel to so many. BWM staff continue to be good stewards of funds
entrusted to this interprovincial agency by cutting operational costs where possible and by having four of the seven staff members perform their duties on a part-time basis. The BWM expended $382,657 in support of the traditional partner provinces and an additional $570,039 in support of the various mission programs and initiatives that have been ongoing along with new initiatives. An additional $231,163 of temporarily restricted funds were also expended in support of ministry efforts in Nicaragua, Honduras, Tanzania, Antioch Servants in various locations, and medical clinics in both Ahuas, Honduras and Bilwaskarma, Nicaragua.
The accompanying pie charts give a graphical representation of where the BWM’s funding comes from and how it is expended in support of the worldwide mission efforts of the Moravian Church. The audited financial statements give additional information related to the financial position and results of operations on a comparative basis for both 2012 and 2011. If you would like to have a copy of the audited financial statements please contact the Bethlehem office of the BWM. —Joe Landreth, Treasurer
Financial Results
2012 Revenues
Temporarily Restricted Funds Released
Unrestricted Contributions
$80,489
$231,163 Investment Returns
Northern, Southern and Alaskan Provincial Support
$170,357
$517,516
Society for Promoting the Gospel
$181,833
Southern Mission Society and Belo Estate
$36,000 Total 2012 Revenues Total 2012 Expenditures Net excess (deficiency)
$1,217,358 $1,262,997 ($45,639)
2012 Expenditures Assistance Grants
$643,012 Ministry Management
$246,370 General Operations
$310,301
Supplies, materials, occupancy
$25,957
Publications, Travel, meetings $31,914 communications
$14,443
Moravian Missions Around the World
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OME OF THE 21 PROVINCES that make up the Unitas Fratrum—the worldwide Moravian Unity—have mission responsibility for areas around the world. The Provinces shown here are responsible for six Mission Provinces and 14 Mission Areas. The Worldwide Unity as a whole has two Undertakings: Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center in Ramallah (Palestinian Territory) and the Unity Archives in Herrnhut, Germany.
Unity Provinces
Mission Provinces
Mission Areas
Alaska Northern Province Southern Province (Board of World Mission)
Guyana
Cuba
European Continental Province
Peru Labrador Czech Mission
Great Britain and Ireland
South Asia Belize
Honduras
Garifuna
Jamaica and the Cayman Islands Nicaragua
Haiti Honduras Mission
Suriname
Tanzania Southern
Tanzania Southwestern
Tanzania Western
Sierra Leone
French Guiana Ruvuma/Njombe Tanzania Eastern
Zanzibar
Zambia Burundi Kenya Rwanda Uganda
A Final Word
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FTER JESUS HAD SENT OUT one of the first (and most unlikely!) missionaries – a Samaritan woman – he said to his disciples: “As you look around right now, wouldn’t you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It’s harvest time!” John 4:35 (The Message) It is our hope that the pages of this report have given you an opportunity to “look around.” You’ve looked around at the work that God is doing all around the world… in Cuba, Peru, Sierra Leone, Guyana, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Labrador, Tanzania, the Eastern West Indies and beyond! In John 4:35, Jesus tells his disciples that it’s good to look around and see the amazing harvest that God can produce, but they also need to look at what’s right in front of
them. What is God doing right here and right now? Given their cultural context, it may have been difficult for the disciples to think that God could be doing anything good in Samaria. But Jesus said, “It’s harvest time – right here and right now!” How surprised they must have been. We believe that God can surprise us as well! As you look around, don’t miss what God is doing right in front of you. How can you be a part of it? What can God do in you and through you… right where you are? You might be surprised! So let God go to work on your heart—preparing the soil and planting seeds—letting Jesus live in you! Then join in the harvest time in your own Jerusalem and let God lead you outward through Judea and Samaria and into all the world! —Rt. Rev. Sam Gray
As you look around, don’t miss what God is doing right in front of you...
BOARD OF
WORLD MISSION of the Moravian Church • North America Stay in touch! How to contact the Board of World Mission On the web:
www.moravianmission.org
Through the mail/On the phone: Board of World Mission PO Box 1245 Bethlehem, PA 18016 610.868.1732 fax: 610.866.9223
Board of World Mission 500 South Church St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336.773.1732 fax: 336.725.1893
Via e-mail Judy Ganz, Executive Director judy@mcnp.org Sam Gray, Dir. of Intercultural Ministries & New Work sgray@moravianantioch.org Mark Ebert, Director of Volunteer Ministries mebert@mcsp.org Sheila Beaman, Admin. Assistant, Winston-Salem sbeaman@mcsp.org Jill Kolodziej, Director of Antioch jillannk@charter.net Barbara Ottervik, Admin. Assistant, Bethlehem barbara@mcnp.org
Many thanks to the contributors who provide articles, information, photographs and other material for this year’s Annual Report. Originally published as a special section of The Moravian Magazine, this Annual Report is also available in digital format from the Board of World Mission. Design by Mike Riess, IBOC ©2013, Board of World Mission
ministries f ou ndation
Moravian Ministries Foundation: Future perspective from historical inspiration By now you have seen the Moravian Minis-
tries Foundation’s new ads in The Moravian, and hopefully you read our story that appeared earlier this year. I also hope you received and read the letter we wrote to each of you recently. Now the Foundation wants to share more important information about our hopes, dreams and work. Last year we began a process of reexamination, reevaluation and renewal. Sometimes organizations need to step back, reflect, and learn. We also wanted to prepare for our 15th Anniversary. We just knew the time was right to do this. Our process continues to be enlightened and inspired by Katherine CartÊ Engel, PhD, a Religious Studies faculty member at Southern Methodist University. Kate is not Moravian, but she knows our history from her research and
June/July 2013
study of early American Protestant churches, and in particular, the Moravian Church. In fact, Kate has published papers on this topic and a book titled Religion and Profit: Moravians in Early America. Not only is her work highly regarded, but has won her national awards and accolades. What did she say about the Moravians that drew so much attention? To begin, her research came from reading correspondence, reports, and official documents housed in the Moravian Archives. What (continued on next page) Paul D. McLaughlin is president of the Moravian Ministries Foundation. Find out more at www.mmfa.info. Photos by Christine Rucker. 31
The book, Religion and Profit: Moravians in Early America, by Katherine Carté Engel, has provided some historical context to the work of the Moravian Ministries Foundation
(continued from previous page) they tell us, with Kate’s insights, is that the early Moravian Church in America was unique in its view of the intersection of money, profit, the economy, and ministry. Kate shares that the early Moravian Church in America — clergy and lay leaders — embraced the notion that using and promoting profits earned by individuals were good things, so long as they furthered the ministries the Moravian Church was called to do. How the individual conducted his or her business affairs was also important; the buyer, whether s/he was Moravian or not, was treated with respect and never exploited. The profits were expected to be well-earned. The early Moravian Church was organized around this model and helped early Moravians be leaders in mission work throughout the Americas. Put in contemporary Eng 32
lish — Moravians literally invested where they believed! Jumping a few centuries ahead, we now hear of churches and the works of the Moravian Church struggling because finances are tight. We lived through a stressful financial period which affected all of us. The reality is, like the rest of America, the Moravians are in the early stages of the greatest wealth transfer to ever take place and there appears to be great capacity to support more ministry than we might believe. Therefore the question before of all of us is: How can we motivate and encourage Moravians to Invest Where They Believe, just as the early Church did? In America, experts have projected that over the next few decades over $41 trillion — yes, trillion — in assets (cash, real estate, life insurance polices, personal investments, etc.) will pass from one generation to the next through bequests and the like. In a recent study of Moravians, the data are also compelling; it found the 17,500 Moravian households in the USA owning between $8 billion and $12 billion in assets, with a large portion passing from one generation to the next during the next 25 years. Some may ask: How can this be? It is easy to grasp. Think about the value of your home or farm. Think about what you might have in CDs, investments, life insurance and commercial annuities, in retirement plans, and the value of other items like family jewelry, art, antiques etc. It all begins to add up and Ad Policy for The Moravian — The Moravian accepts paid advertising that is consistent with the magazine’s objectives and editorial convictions as they are stated in the purpose and mission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Advertisements for activities, ser vices and products of specific interest to members of the Moravian Church have priority . The Moravian does not accept purely editorial adver tisements that advocate specific ideas or issues. Articles, columns and letters to the editor are the appropriate vehicles for the presentation of ideas and issues. The Interprovincial Board of Communication is responsible for the content and design of the magazine, including advertisements. Ad rates and specifications are available www.moravian.org.
The Moravian
the averages are between $450,000 and $700,000 per Moravian household. Then I put my Foundation hat on and ask: Gee, if every Moravian set aside just 10 percent of what they own in the form of a bequest to their Church or favorite ministry, how much good and essential works could be performed? It would make what the early Moravians did pale by comparison. People often say there is more to Church than money. This is, of course, true. We are a Christ-centered faith community. However, when you read the Gospels, Jesus talks about money and its use a great deal. He saw it, just as the early Moravians did, as a means towards an end – supporting the manifestations of our faith. For example, money enables us to educate men and women who are called to serve the Church as pastors…it enables West Side Moravian Church in Bethlehem to operate a safe homeless shelter for women… it enables the retirement communities to care
for frail elders who have exhausted their savings, with dignity…it enables the Board of World Mission to bring the Gospel to people in far away lands…it enables church groups, from across both Provinces, to go to Staten Island and New Jersey to aid in the recovery effort after Sandy…it enables the pastor at First Church in Dover, Ohio to help someone who needs assistance with a paying for utilities or for food from the church’s Pastoral Care Fund…it enables King Moravian Church to have a wonderful new organ and strengthen its vibrant Moravian Music program…and so much more. In closing, I am asking you to consider these questions: Which ministry or minis tries does the Church offer that are impor tant to me? Then: How much more good work could this do if I left 10% of my estate for perpetual support? Invest Where You Believe; it’s important and very Moravian. ■ Paul McLaughlin and Chi Chi Messick work with Moravians from across the U.S.
Rev. Russell May from Anthony’s Plot
Latino ministries (continued from page 10)
tion as an opportunity for bringing about this wonderful Pentecostal reality,” said Ruth. Working in Mexico Keynote speakers Phillip and Eunice Rayford, from Oaxaca, Mexico shared their personal experience in church planting among the Mixe people in San Juan Juquilla Mixes, near Guatemala, where they planted the first Moravian church. With the help of Eunice, Phil’s wife, who is a doctor, they minister to the community through prayer and health service and run a private clinic as a family business. Phillip, a lifelong Moravian from the Winston-Salem area, explained that his journey began in a village called Yoloxochilt or Yolo, some years ago. There he arrived knowing no Spanish, to be trained in Church planting at a discipleship training school led by Robert Thiessen, his mentor. After one year of training, his language proficiency and cultural awareness and approach grew, just as the church in Yoloxochilt did with his help, and baptized 13 people in a community well known as a place of witchcraft. He summarized his training experience with three principles that helped him in his jour 34
ney, which could be of importance for anyone preparing for or working in church ministry: 1. Letting the people teach you how to live and do things 2. Allowing to humble ourselves 3. Bonding with people and the community He also pointed out and even demonstrated with a group of participants at the Conference, that language learning is a big part of apprenticeship in a cross-cultural ministry. Eunice Rayford shared how they work, build relationships and witness in San Juan Juquilla Mixes, known as a village of Pistoleros (pistol duelers). They run a self-sustaining clinic as a resource for their ministry. The principles on which she focused for ministry were self sustenance; empathy and understanding with the people; and real balance to relationships. In closing, the Rayfords reminded us that in ministry we always need to keep in mind that “We won’t be permanent. What is permanent is God’s work in this culture or community.” Developing opportunities We also had the chance to hear from other speakers developing Latino Ministry opportunities within our church and other denominations. Sister Hilda Regalado, director of Latino Ministries and Mission at Bethabara Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, introduced a Youth Group from Friedberg Moravian Church who shared their Mission Experience at Chiclayo and Lambeyeque, in Peru last summer. “It all started two years ago,” the group members explained, “when in our youth group we prayed for God’s leading to do what he wants us to do. And we decided that we wanted to do mission work. We didn’t know how or when, but we were sure that this is what we wanted to do. We kept working and The Moravian
praying, until last summer when we received word of an opportunity for young people to do mission work in Peru. This was the answer to our prayer.” One by one, the members of this young mission team shared insights about their trip, the schools they visited, the audiences they reached and the things they experienced with brothers and sisters in Peru. It was very touching to hear how they felt that, at the same time they were ministering the people in Peru, they were also being ministered by them. Rev. Russell May, who helped create Anthony’s Plot, an intentional ministry in the Winston Salem area, spoke about “the informal Moravian fellowship in a diverse neighborhood where 30% of the population is Anglo, 30% African American and 30% Latino, with a predominant Mexican background.” “The goal of Anthony’s Plot is not being with one group or another,” said Russ. “It is about reconciliation, it is about people identifying, it is about being the church across, to, and with Latinos.” Russell summarized the work of Anthony’s Plot in four key ideas for us: a. It takes a village to do effective Latino ministry: “We need to start living as a village around the congregation. We need to share meals, do neighborhood gardens, exchange goods, and share living as in a village.” b. We need opportunities to lift up our celebrations. Celebrations draw people together. Anthony’s Plot draws people together with events like a meal that the neighborhood shares on Great Sabbath day, the sharing of garden crops, the singing of “Las Posadas” at Christmas season in the (continued on next page) June/July 2013
Members of the group Uncion Fresca (Fresh Annointing) perform during the Latino Ministries Conference.
(continued from previous page) neighborhood, reading and sharing books with the children, providing basic school materials for kids, etc. c. The church can ‘caucus.’ The church can and should engage in social and personal matters and seek to work for shared goals on problems in the community, helping to create solidarity among its diverse members. d. Latino ministry is church development in changed neighborhoods. The Moravian Church Southern Province should understand the importance of this kind of ministry. We should help the Moravian churches or congregations understand they are serving in places with a growing Latino population and give special encouragement and support to those congregations that are stepping out to do Latino ministry. Results of the Open Forum and Closing: Rounding out the conference was an open forum in which ideas were shared about hopes, dreams and concerns. Out of this time of sharing came a four points proposal for Latino ministries: Youth from Friedberg Moravian Church discuss their work in Peru
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Latino Ministries Conference attendees discuss topics during an open forum.
1. That we continue to function (remain) as a conference (the Latino Ministries Conference). 2. That we continue to seek provincial affirmation via the Provincial Elders’ Conference and Board of Cooperative Ministries for the work that needs to be done. 3. That the committee consider and work on the possibility of convening the 2014 conference immediately prior and at the same place where the 2014 provincial synod, is to be held, in order to facilitate a wider participation. 4. That the committee insists that at least one representative from each congregation be present at the 2014 Latino Ministries Conference. And, as the words of the closing hymn “Pass It On,” used at the opening worship service, say: “It only takes a spark to get the fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love…” We, the Latino Ministry Conference want to be that ‘chispa,’ that starting ‘spark’ in Christ’s name. So, pass it on, my brother. Share the word my sister. Invite the youth, amigo. We’ll see you at the 2014 Latino Ministries Conference. ■ The Moravian
IN OU R CONGREGATIONS
Lamb Ministry brings comfort A flock of stuffed lambs spreading from New
Philadelphia Moravian Church in WinstonSalem is helping shut-ins feel connected to their church family. “In its first year, the Lamb Ministry of New Philadelphia Moravian Church has been a reminder to more than 50 church members that they are an important part of the New Philadelphia family,” explains Clyde Manning, a part of New Philadelphia’s Lamb Ministry team. “As a part of pastoral care, small, stuffed lambs have been delivered to men and women who are hospitalized, home-bound, living in nursing homes or assisted care facilities, are experiencing serious challenges, or who have become disengaged from the church body through various other life situations.” Each lamb wears a tag around its neck proclaiming John 10:11, that Jesus is the good shepherd who “lays down His life for the sheep.” The tag also describes the Lamb Ministry as an activity of the church that carries the prayers of the congregation with it. The Lamb Ministry originally had two purposes: • To be a tangible reminder to the recipient that he or she is in the thoughts and prayers of the New Philadelphia family; • And to strengthen the relationships between those who are no longer regular church attendees and the active church body. “As those purposes were fulfilled, another benefit was realized,” says Clyde. “Church members have asked for permission to carry the lambs to family members and friends outside of the church body who might be comforted by the gesture.”
June/July 2013
While stuffed animals may seem to have a gender preference, both women and men have received — and appreciated — the lambs. Recently, a young parishioner prayed over a lamb that was then presented to a special friend, an elderly gentleman who was hospitalized. Through the lamb delivered by a pastoral care member, young hands caressed old. Those individuals receiving lambs are invited to keep them or pass them on. In the late fall of 2012, a lamb made its way to a rehabilitation center room of a woman who was recovering from brain surgery. It was a gift from her best friend, a 99-year-old woman who had received it earlier in the year. Through the lamb ministry, church members and those they love are being reminded that “Jesus, the Good Shepherd, loves you and watches over you.” ■ Clyde Manning is a member of New Philadelphia Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C.
OFF ICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Presbyterial Consecration Sister Judy Ganz, presently serving as executive director for the Interprovincial Board of World Mission, will be consecrated a presbyter of the Moravian Church on July 14, 2013. Bishop Kay Ward will officiate at the service, which will be held at Edgeboro Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference
SOUTHERN PROVINCE Provincial Treasurer The Provincial Elders’ Conference and the Provincial Support Services Board are pleased to announce that Dennis Stanfield has accepted the appointment as our new Pro-
vincial Treasurer for the Moravian Church in America, Southern Province. Dennis is a life-long Moravian and an active member of Trinity Moravian Church. Dennis has been working for the past five years as an independent consultant in finance, real estate and general business matters. Prior to that, he worked as an assistant real estate manager for Wake Forest University and as a manager of financial planning and analysis for Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Dennis is a CPA and received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. Starting in late May, Dennis will work alongside retiring Treasurer Ted Leinbach. This change in new Treasurers has resulted in Ted delaying his retirement until late June.
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