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The Final Word May, 2005

John H. Giesler

We had the wonderful privilege of attending the 250^th Anniversary of the Friedensthal Moravian Congregation in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands in March. As we walked on the wharf at St. Thomas, we thought about Count Zinzendorf and his party sailing into the harbor in 1738, and finding that all the missionaries were in the very prison at the end of the wharf. These were the “eternal people” he so admired. The witness of these people still fills the heart with joy at what they were able to do. The average length of life on St. Croix of the first 20 missionaries was only four years. The mission graveyard is full of these martyrs. We also had the opportunity to be shown the grave of Br. Leroy Miller by his widow, who had served there with him. We had worked together for eleven years in Nicaragua. We enjoyed the “longest” worship service we ever had experienced, of over 3 hours, but no one left early! It was an unforgettable experience! The singing, the fervent prayers, the wonderful food from loving hands will never be forgotten. This issue contains a wonderful description of four Moravian Easter services. We appreciate the Gilliland saga. We are in debt to Br. Al Reynolds for providing the Lebanon story to Br. Wm. Cranford who showed us the Raleigh paper. Terrence Downs sent the Penn Mar report, and Sr. Sheila Beaman supplied the call for dentists. We hope you join us in prayer for the Kundan family in their rapid response. Br. Iobst has again directed our hearts in prayer around the world. Br. Geis gives a lot to think about in our various churches. We are amazed at all of the experiences that so many youth and adults will have this summer. All the good they do for others will be returned in blessings they receive from those with whom they share. The World Mission Shop continues to amaze me at the way they help craft people around the world to receive a fair return on their labor, and appreciate how they provide help for so many needy people around the world through their profit sharing. Br. Peucker gives us a wonderful reason to go out and buy a good book that will not only enrich our lives but help us to see what a wonderful heritage we have. We are still learning about the lives of our Moravian Church and all it did with so little. Br. Dan Crews can still find much to inspire us in our archives. Thanks to all.  JHG

THE FINAL WORD  - John H. Giesler

ONWARD is published 10 times a year, with two double issues, by the Moravian Mission Society, South, Inc. You can subscribe for     $10 per year. Changes of address and/or checks should be made out to the Mission Society, and mailed to PO Drawer Y Salem Station, Winston-Salem  NC  27108 – Attention Sheila Beaman.  Editor is Rev. John H. Giesler, 1116 Tommy’s Lake RD, Winston-Salem  NC 27105. E-mail John Giesler
 ONWARD is on the world wide web at  www.bethabara.org/ONWARD.htm