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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

The annual Mission Society Lovefeast, was November 6th, 2005. What a glorious celebration it was!  It started with the weather, a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Macedonia Moravian Church and a band prelude lead by Br. Denny Fordham. The attendees numbered 402 with about 15-20% being youth. This compares to 273 in 2003 and 245 last year. What a blessing - both the total count and the number of youth!  The service began with an introit by their Youth Choir - followed by a welcome and prayer by Br. Jeff Carter, pastor.

   The lovefeast was served by the dieners,and representatives from the RYC - under the leadership of Br. Brad Bennett.  Music was under the most capable direction of Br. Steve Gray - a mixture of traditonal hymns and praise songs that seem to please everyone. Following the lovefeast, eight new Life Members and 22 Honorary Life Members (appointed by the Board) were introduced. We now have 742 Life Members and a total membership of 2935. It was announced that all members will receive Onward upon payment of their dues for the coming year.

   The offering was $3,634. If past history is a guide, this will climb to about $12-13,000 by the end of this year. Our causes were: BWM HIV/AIDS Initiative, Charity Johnson in Asia, Michael Tesh Orphanage Project in Kenya, and new works in Nepal, Chukotka, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire).

   The Unity Youth, in their first conference in Jamaica in 2004, decided to have a prayer watch for one week, beginning December 27, 2005. Details of the daily prayer focus can be obtained from Rebecca Craver (Southern Province] or Cherice Job (East West Indies Province) at reesey82@yahoo.com or Rlittlelady@ecite.com.

   Dr. Richard Marx delivered the address on The Call to Missions.  He cited wonderful examples of people he met on mission trips to Mexico, Iraq, and India who overcame great personal struggles by giving their lives to Christ and becoming disciples to their own people.

   Rather than conclude the service with a benediction, we invited everyone to continue their enjoyment in the Lord with each other in the fellowship hall.  Photo displays were presented by youth groups who went to Mission Camp at Laurel Ridge - Christ, Friedland, Konnoak, Olivet, Peace and New Philadelphia; to Jamaica- Christ the King; to Reston Va. - Clemmons.  Additional displays were offered by BWM-HIV/AIDS and disaster relief, BCE - Children's Lovefeast and Rally, Kenya Orphanage by Donna Tesh, and China Medical - by Cindi Jones and Debbie James. The feedback thus far has been extremely positive - Hallelujah!

Jack Geis

Keeping Things In Perspective…

     During our trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo we had the opportunity of worshiping in several Congolese Moravian Churches.  But one experience stands out in my memory:

      We had traveled for hours into “the bush,” and arrived at a sanctuary made of clay bricks with a thatched roof.  The place was filled with people as well as with joyous music and celebration.  After the service, I had the opportunity of chatting with the Pastor, and I asked him what kid of challenges he faced in his ministry.  I must admit, I was hoping to hear exotic stories of fighting off lions or rhinos on his way to church, but what he said surprised me.

      “Brother, we want our church to grow, and we know that we need to reach our young people.  But, you know, when they come to church they enjoy more modern music, with keyboards and electric guitars…” (déjà vu) “and it is difficult for us to provide those things.  Also, we don’t want to lose our traditional Moravian music.”

      “Hmmm,” I said, “and what would that be?”

      He looked at me as though I had come from a distant planet.

      “Why, the traditional Moravian music, with leather drums and dancing!”                             

Sam Gray

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Parlais vous Français ?

If you speak French, you share a language with close to 15,000 Moravians in the Congo.  French is the official language of the country and is spoken by most people there.  Many Congolese Moravians also speak Chiluba.

       If you do speak French, your services may be needed in the future.  Documents, letters, Christian Education resources, teaching materials and other publications will need to be translated for our Congolese sisters and brothers.  If you are willing to offer any help in this area, please contact the Board of World Mission office:500 South Church Street

Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

Merci !                                                              Sam Gray