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The Final Word SEPTEMBER, 2003

John H. Giesler

We are always grateful for those who contribute to ONWARD each month and this issue has some fine writers. Our cover story is written by Dr. William Hoffman, a medical cardio-thoracic surgeon, and his wife Margaret Kraybill Hoffman, internist, both retired but giving active leadership to our church’s response to HIV/AIDS in Africa and the Caribbean. They are members of Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem. They are on the cutting edge of combating what is our most challenging medical emergency in centuries. Donations to their  work may be made through the Board of World Mission, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016. Copies of this article are available from the BWM. The article about the European Mission Council was written by the Rev. Jackie Morten, and appeared in July in the British MORAVIAN MESSENGER.

       Sr. Maggie Gray writes for her Kernersville Church paper and shares her appreciation of Sr. Rosemary. Br. Ray Griggs shares part of his vision for a wonderful program beginning to be realized in Honduras. We will here more of this. Ray and his family are from the Unity of Brethren in Texas.

       Our Prayer Focus is by Br. Mark Ebert and highlights his new program to coordinate and train lay cross-cultural workers. We hope this will give the smaller isolated churches  opportunities to take part in this important Christian out reach of our church.

       Bishop Iobst again leads us in prayer opportunities. This is the most used item each month. Thank you Br. Bob.

One of the important services provided by our Society are the two mission apartments in the heart of Salem. We used them when we were active missionaries on several occasion. They provide wonderful hospitality to many people each year. Br. Jack Geis is a world traveler, just returned from an important trip to Jamaica, and soon to visit the Scandinavian Moravian Churches and Estonia. He will have lots of stories to share with us. Thanks Br. Jack for sharing with us about Jamaica. It is a wonderful opportunity to share our skills, (especially in the winter time, which is just delightful in Jamaica.

            We are ready to embark on our Trail of Tears tour in September. We have a total of 46 for the trip. We have a huge bus that will seat 59, so we have lots of room to spread out. We have good results on our accommodations along the way. We are planning to repeat the tour in May 2004 so we hope more will have the chance to experience this important chapter in our churches  story.

        We hope a good number of our members will be taking part in the AAA (Adults in Action in Alleghany County). The week of September 7-11 will be dedicated to addressing the basic needs of families in Alleghaney County through building repair and social service projects. It depends on when you see this announcement, but call Debbie Good at 336.359.2951 to see if there is room for you. God bless you.      JHG