ONWARD Mission Society of the Moravian Church Newsletter
Volume XLI—Issue 2
March/April 2021
Mission Society—Did You Know? Did you know...that several young men in Salem had a deep interest in the missions of the Moravian Church, possibly because of their participation in the Young Men’s Missionary Society. These young church leaders pushed to get the province involved in missionary activity. The Synod of 1905 heard their call and appointed them the Provincial Missionary Committee. Synod said further that they could do as they desired for missions as long as they paid for it. The committee had a stereopticon machine with which they showed pictures of faraway mission fields to the churches of the provinces, visiting them all, always on dirt roads. The children loved their visits and filled the churches to learn about Moravian Missions. In various ways the committee saw to it that the churches had literature about Moravian Missions, and every few years they brought in a missionary to visit and speak to the churches. They later established a fund with the Society to provide hospitality for visiting missionaries. The committee was also probably the first agency in the province to teach the churches about budgets and good stewardship. It advocated tithing and the designation of 25 percent of the budget for benevolences. It was able to report increasing mission giving and interest to each succeeding Synod. The members of the Provincial Missionary Committee served without complaint until 1923 when the Missionary Society of the Moravian Church, South was authorized by Synod. They were instrumental in organizing the new society and served as directors throughout much of their remaining lives. (From A Seventy-five Year History of the Mission Society of the Moravian Church South by Christian D. Weber)
In This Issue Don’t forget to update your Mission Society contact information. Jennifer Boles, Administrative Assistant
P. 2 Missionary Updates
P. 3 Sierra Leone
P. 5 Missionary Prayer Requests
P. 6 Pray Every Day
P. 8 Unity News
jboles@mcsp.org Mission Society 2178 Freidberg Church Road, Winston Salem, NC 27127 336-773-1732 Online Giving: https://mmfa.info/mission-society-of-the-moravian-churchsouthern-province-donation-form/
MISSIONARY UPDATE Michael Brent Update Sven Muller, son of our pastor in Split, kept messaging Ana to tell me we need to start up an online Bible study again. I finally spoke with Sven and his friend Dela in January via Zoom. They want a serious study of the book of Romans that also teaches Bible study skills. Sven said he could get 35 students to come. But even though he can be quite persuasive, that sounds way too optimistic when I think back to my days in Split studying Romans with Joško, Vjenci, Denis, Marin, Vedran and Daniel, struggling to get just 2 more to join. Since it is to be a serious study, we are using Zoom and Google Classroom. I told Sven everyone would have to be on gmail. He would have to recruit and gather registration info. Sven just sent me a list of 30 students, 20 guys and 10 girls. The invitations went out today. We start March 2. I am waiting to see how many will do the assignments this first week. Please pray for these students to get motivated and stick with it, and for God truly to be at work in their lives! Sven is still working on recruiting 5 more ☺ Dusty Harrison Update As students continue to face difficulties and disillusionment this year, many are tired and wondering, "Is there any real point to all of this?" But what if there is more to this? What if it is possible to find meaning, hope, joy, and God in the midst of this, whatever "this" may be? On February 21, this is the question we are asking Greek students to consider during Beyond This. This interactive YouTube premiere will feature the stories of three students who found God and meaning in the midst of hardship: including mental health challenges, unhealthy relationships, substance use, and more. During the event, students will have the opportunity to discuss and respond to God along with friends in "watch parties" happening in-person or via Zoom around the country. While we are not hosting our annual Greek Conference this year, we are praying God will use this event as a unique opportunity for students to encounter Jesus. Since last July, I have been honored to serve with a team of staff committed to praying and planning for creative events like Beyond This. Robert and Anne Thiessen Update Greetings from Winston-Salem, where I am perched above a downtown street of eclectic shops and restaurants, under a foggy sky that obscures the tops of the tallest neighboring buildings. RuthE and Mikael chose here in the heart of the restored center of the city to make their home for now, but Covid is keeping this from being quite what they expected. There is enough movement to be fun, however, surrounded by the sights, sounds and lights. We crossed into the USA in late December, just in time to celebrate Christmas with both sets of kids up in the mountains of North Carolina (picture attached). After RuthE’s 26th birthday (Jan 02) we headed to Florida to see Anne’s parents for a bit (It had been over a year since seeing them). We helped them with some logistical things, organizing some of the parts of life that get harder the older you get. They are in their late eighties, healthy enough, living in a great community of retired missionaries, well looked after by great staff. Anne passed the milestone of 60 years a week ago. She got to celebrate with Philip and Cailey over a breakfast party, and with RuthE and Mikael for supper (pictures attached). We’ve been here with them this week, tying up loose ends here. Tomorrow we drive back to Atlanta, return Philip’s car, and fly to Oaxaca on Thursday. Continued on page 5 2
SIERRA LEONE MINISTRY Dear Friends of Sierra Leone: Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, from the Worldwide Unity Mission Area in Luawa Giehun, Kaihalun, Sierra Leone. Safiatu Braima (Provincial Acolyte) and all the Brothers and Sisters send heartfelt thanks for your support—both prayerful and financial. They thank God daily for His blessings, grace, peace, and mercy as exemplified through your generosity and care. You have joined God in His Kingdom Building in Sierra Leone, which makes you an important partner in this expanding ministry. The Sierra Leone ministry, as with everyone worldwide, was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Churches were not allowed to meet in large groups, schools were shut down, and other controls put in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Our brothers and sisters remained faithful in their response to God’s love and protection by finding unique ways to continue worship in small house groups. Without a platform such as video streaming services to which we are accustomed, the churches still continued to be safe and worshiped in small groups. As we write this letter, regular services are resuming at the five churches. Here are some highlights from each congregation:
Giehun Church: Safie does most of the preaching here at the “home church.” Two young men assist in preaching, teaching, and leading worship. These two young men are an important part of the future leadership of the Sierra Leone Ministry, and are involved in other leadership roles, including the Moravian School. Giehun church is doing well!
Mbaoma Church: Additional supplies are being sent to this church to complete some necessary construction projects. Though one of the smaller churches, the members remain faithful and committed to their discipleship of Jesus Christ.
Morfindor Church: This small congregation continues to be faithful in their worship and is dedicated to working with the other churches in the quarterly meetings, where cross-congregational support is so necessary to “stay on track” with Christian teaching.
Kaihalun Church: The largest of the five churches, Kaihalun is now meeting in their spacious building, but construction projects for finishing additional areas were placed on hold to turn more attention to the pressing building needs for the expansion of the Moravian School in Giehun. This congregation is thriving!
Yandohun Church: Though still meeting in a thatch hut, the congregation is collecting supplies and making mud bricks to break ground on building a permanent structure. We pray for their Christian influence upon the people, and for the expansion of God’s Kingdom in this village.
We pray for the leaders in each congregation, and for their continued sound teaching and doctrine, as supported through the guidance of Safie through the Quarterly Meetings, the first of 2021 occurring in late January. Pray for safe travels for the leaders from all of the villages as they gather to learn, worship, and celebrate God’s work with His people. The Moravian Secondary School resumed classes in September, and to record numbers of students. The popularity of the school can be attributed to the fact that, once again, the highest test scores on the grade advancement examinations (BECE) which were held in Giehun for the first time. There was a 100% pass rate—never before achieved—and quite an accomplishment for the Moravian Secondary School. Continued on page 4 3
SIERRA LEONE MINISTRY Performance of this stature led over-capacity classrooms, which required additional classrooms to be built next to the main school buildings. These additions were completed in 2020, and the entire school now serves upwards of 500 students. Repairs and upgrades have also been made to the original two structures, which overlook the village with a powerful presence in the main village of Giehun. Additionally, your past support helped install the solar power for electricity in the Moravian School several years ago, which continues to light the classrooms in the evenings for study. The Moravian Secondary School Board has appointed two Principals and two Vice Principals to the Junior and Senior class levels. Their duties include implementation of regulations of the local school board; regulations apply to teachers, administrators, and financial affairs. Pray that these men are diligent in their duties and guide the youth with wisdom and honor. We praise God for the continued growth of Christian education in the village, and the amazing influence the Moravian Secondary School provides for the students, as well as their families. With the expansion of the footprint of the Sierra Leone Ministry, it was apparent that steps should be taken to provide additional administrative support and guidance from the Worldwide Moravian Church. Such steps include the formation of the Sierra Leone Mission Area Board, under the auspices and combined efforts of the Worldwide Unity, the Southern province of the Moravian Church in America, The Board of World Mission, and Little Church on the Lane Sierra Leone Ministry Committee. The first National Conference of Sierra Leone was held in early February 2020 to elect the Board, with Safie providing oversight. This Sierra Leone Board will be responsible for taking steps to transition this Worldwide Unity Mission Area to a Mission Province. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the Sierra Leone Mission Area Board, as they continue to provide structure, documentation, and leadership in this exciting task for the Worldwide Unity, and keep them focused on God’s direction. Even though the villages were impacted by Covid-19, much oversight was needed by Safie Braima, including the Moravian School Board, the Church Board, dealing with local authorities of various regions, and caring for her own household. Saife is truly an amazing servant of Christ, working tirelessly to further the Kingdom of God in West Africa. With travel restrictions in place since early 2020, Safie has not been able to return to the US for a well-deserved break. Pray especially for strength and wisdom for Safie and ask that God keep her safe and healthy. Most of all, we must thank God for his work and protection for ALL of our leaders in Sierra Leone, and that they continue to be examples of Jesus Christ. Again, thank you for your support during 2020. We thank God for His constant care and provision as we follow Him in His great work in the spread of the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in Luawa Giehun and the other towns and villages in Sierra Leone. Your Brothers and Sisters in West Africa pray for you and send thanks for your support of this important Mission Area of the Moravian Church. God is good—very good!
In Jesus Christ,
The Sierra Leone Ministry Committee Little Church on the Lane
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MISSIONARY UPDATE The gray, veiling clouds outside our window suit our outlook as we get ready to go. Perhaps more than any time in the last twenty years, we are going into the unknown, without a clear view yet of what is waiting. Mexico is suffering even more from the pandemic that the USA, with far fewer resources to confront the difficulties. Our Sin Frontera missionary friends are also caught in this in-between world, not always able to travel to their adopted villages, skirting outbreaks of the disease. Many towns, including our city of Tlaxiaco, are mostly shut down (we are trusting we can get to our house, though). We are returning, despite this uncertainty, knowing that God has called us to walk with our Mexican friends as they reach into indigenous areas with His love, through thick and thin. The pandemic thing looks like it won’t abate any time soon, seems to be hitting everywhere, and we don’t want to put off returning any longer. And we go knowing we are supported by your prayers. Thank you. On a final note, I want to ask for your patience and understanding if we couldn’t visit you during these months in Ontario, or along the recent path through the USA. The pandemic restrictions were not always easy to navigate, with many ways of interpreting them. We weren’t always in a great space mentally either as we processed aspects of our ministry and general life. Through much prayer and companionship and medical help we are now ready to carry on. We hope to be able to return to at least the USA this summer, and then visit many of you. We may have to go to Ontario to get our vaccinations, so we look forward to seeing all the ones we couldn’t earlier. Many thanks for your faithful support and love throughout, Robert and Anne Thiessen. K. and C. Update Out of the blue, we got an email and then a call about a team of eight Americans with Cru who have been reaching out to students in our city (online) for a few months and have already seen 4 people make commitments for Christ! WOW! We have been praying for a SLM (Student-Led Ministry) team for a few years, but we had no idea that this team was already reaching students online from another Middle Eastern country. When they asked if they could visit, C. and I looked at each other and said in unison, “You need to think about moving—not just visiting!” Interestingly, this team was slated to be in East Asia—in the city that C. and I once lived in! Because of COVID-19, they were redirected and ended up in the Middle East. After a few short weeks, they got approval and came for a visit with an eye towards moving here permanently.
MISSIONARY PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for Michael Brent as he and Brenda extend their stay in North Carolina so she can help her mother and he continue to work remotely. They plan to travel back to Europe in May. Please pray with Kevin and Charity that the CRU team of 8 will be given permission to move to their mission area. Please join with Dusty in praying for God to use the “Beyond This” event to reach more Greek students in the Carolinas and beyond with the Gospel. Please pray with the Woo’s to bring health to Naomi and Little Miss Woo. Bring relief to Naomi's headaches! We pray for a smooth and safe delivery of Baby Girl Woo . Protect and sustain this new little life. Give Michael and Naomi wisdom as they head the Candidate Department and seek Your will on each candidate and decision. We pray for You to send more workers into the harvest field of East Asia!
5 to me, and I will hear you.” Jeremiah 29:12 “Then you will call upon me and come and pray
PRAY EVERY DAY—MARCH 1. Let each of you look to the interests of others. Pray for Michael and Brenda Brent in Croatia. 2. Teach me good judgment and knowledge. Pray for Charlie and Vicki Brent in Texas. 3. Lord, teach us to love each as family. Pray for Safiatu Braima in Sierra Leone. 4. I have plans for your future with hope. Pray for Moravians in Peru. 5. The name of the Lord is a strong tower. Pray for the Thiessens in Mexico. 6. Nations and kings will come to your light. Pray for the Teshes in Kenya. 7. Sunday We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. Pray for Alas de Socorro in Honduras. 8. O Lord, you are our God. Pray for Armando Rusindo Foundation and Cuba. 9. You are all children of light. Pray for Justin Rabbach (BWM). 10. Those who abide in God abide in Love. Pray for the Sineaths in Campus Outreach. 11. Practice hospitality. Pray for Annie B Missions (Star Mountain). 12. Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. Pray for Steve and Ann Marx (MAF).
13. Say,”If the Lord wishes, we will do this or that.” Pray for the Harrisons with Greek University. 14. Sunday. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Pray for Unity Women’s Desk. 15. We can not keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard. Pray for the Hoffmans in HIV/ AIDS Ministry. 16. Show me your glory, oh Lord. Pray for Brian and Heather Marx (MAF). 17. You are the God who sees me. Pray for Jenna and Andrew Craver in Alaska. 18. The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps. Pray for Alan and DeeDee in France.
19. Keep my statutes, I am the Lord who sanctifies you. Pray for Kevin and Charity in the Middle East. 20. Jesus was asleep in the stern in the midst of the storm. Pray for Dr. Benno and Teresa Marx. 21. Sunday. Create in me a clean heart and a right spirit, oh God. Pray for Moravian volunteers. 22. Knock and the door will be opened to you. Pray for Adopt A Village in Tanzania. 23. Be strong and courageous. Pray for those still suffering loss due to disasters. 24. All belong to you, and you belong to Christ. Pray6 for Moravian ministers and for the churches need-
ing them to bring God’s word. 25. Do not forsake me, O God of my salvation. Pray for the food programs taking care of those needing good nutrition. 26. Repent and do the works that you did at first. Pray that our country will turn back to God. 27. Do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God. Pray for all those suffering from the COVID-19 virus. 28. Palm Sunday. Deliverance belongs to the Lord. Pray for the leaders of our churches and our country. 29. The Lord will be king over all the earth. Pray for medical personnel serving in the war against Covid-19. 30. Jesus received honor and glory from God the Father. Pray for PEC members and other church leaders 31. Do not let your heart envy sinners . Pray for Police and Fire fighters everywhere.
helengulledge1090@gmail.com
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UNITY NEWS March 1 is the anniversary of the founding of the Unitas Fratrum (Moravian Church), in 1457 (564 years ago!) Congregations are invited to include prayers for our worldwide church in worship services February 28 or March 7. Each year the Unity Mission Development Board designates a particular work of in one of our Provinces to be supported by a worldwide Unity Offering. Congregations throughout the 24 Unity Provinces, and 5 Mission Provinces are invited to receive contributions in support of that project or need. Once gathered, funds may be sent directly to the Board of World Mission, indicating that this is for the “Unity Offering”. In 2021 the Unity Prayer Day Project is a Community Multipurpose Hall for the Moravian Church in Malawi, in the capital city Lilongwe.
All 2021 Day of Prayer services will be virtual this year for the Southern Province..
Recognizing the continued challenges and risks associated with COVID-19, the Board of Elders of the Salem Congregation announces that the 2021 Easter Sunrise Service will again be livestreamed from the interior of Home Moravian Church. There will be no outdoor component, and attendance indoors will be restricted to the worship team.
ONWARD 2178 Friedberg Church Road Winston-Salem, NC 27127 336-773-1732
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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