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A MESSAGE  FROM OUR PRESIDENT

“They that wait upon the Lord…” Ecclesiastes might have said it better – There is a time for waiting!  We await the reports from our many groups that have gone out this spring and summer on various mission trips. Preliminary news has been received from some; the work crews that went to Honduras and the early groups in Mission Camp at Laurel Ridge. We look forward to hearing from everyone, especially those who will tell their stories at the Mission Awareness Dinner next May. [We rescheduled it for that time to avoid weather related cancellation experiences in previous years.] I would encourage all who have gone on trips to send a brief, very brief, summary of their activities to Br John Giesler so that we might put it in Onward and let everyone in on the good news.

It was good to visit with Ray Griggs and his family, Laurie, Zach and Meghan.  They have been in town speaking at Ardmore and Fairview Moravian. His ministry of economic development in Puerto Lampira, Honduras is truly exciting. He is teaching people how to harvest and kiln dry mahogany lumber for export. In addition, they are learning to plant trees, and to fabricate wood products, such as doors, for the US market. This will provide meaningful employment for many villagers. If you like to know more about this venture, or to invest in it, you can contact Ray at raygriggs@miksitocoast.com in La Ceiba, Honduras.

            We anticipate a blessing at our next board meeting at 6 pm on July 20^th at Ardmore Moravian.  Charity Johnson has returned from China, Charlie and Vickie Brent are up from Texas [they have a ministry to Chinese there] and Michael and Brenda Brent are home for a while from Croatia.  Each will be sharing their work in spreading the Gospel and making disciples for Christ. You are invited to hear what is going on beyond the borders of Winston-Salem.

            A final note: Celeste Handy was in town recently.  She is working with Native Americans in New Mexico through Intervarsity and she told me about the mighty work God is doing with these people. To me, this ties in with our Trail of Tears Tour led by Br. John Giesler in September.  Contact him if you would like to join us. My fondest hope is that this trip will open a door for us to be invited to share Jesus with the Cherokee Nation here in North Carolina. Anything is possible with God! God bless. Jack Geis, President

 A JAMAICAN CELEBRATION

MALVERN, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. – Rev. Justin Peart and his wife Lucinda, have touched the lives of so many people in Malvern, St. Elizabeth over the years. They were recently honoured by their neighbors who turned out in force at the Bethlehem Moravian Church to show their appreciation.

            It was a fitting location, as Rev. Peart has served as the minister there for years.  He has also been the chaplain for the Malvern police, the chairman of the Malvern Branch of the Jamaica Library Service and a member of the parish’s Ministers’ Fraternal while finding enough time to play an active role in the Boy’s Brigade.

            His wife Lucinda has been no less active in the community.
 

        For 19 years, she had dedicated much of her time to the field of education, serving at both the Hampton and Bethlehem Moravian schools.  She was also a Sunday school teacher at the Upward and Onward Organization for Moravian Girls.

       And while they have each played a part in the community’s development, the Pearts have also worked together to establish the Peart Memorial Scholarship.

           This year’s recipients were Anna Harry, who is pursuing a law degree at the University of the West Indies and Creg Farquharson, who is a Business Administration student at the University of Technology.

       The Pearts believe that the country’s youth should “strive for the highest” and their scholarship aims at encouraging this.

 From The Jamaica Observer

PENN-MAR MISSION SOCIETY

          The annual meeting was held Mar. 20, 2004 at Graceham Moravian Church, with 24 persons representing five congregations.

The first session speaker was Br. Al Frank from BWM. He spoke about the reorganization and refocusing of the Board. He brought word that Br. Will Sibert, Jr. was named Executive Director of BWM in North America.

The Scholarship Program was discussed. Treasurer Suzanne Sload indicated tuition money is short for June payment. We are supporting 13 students.

A delicious lunch was served by host church.

The 2^nd session was lead by Sr. Beth Rohn of Lititz. She spoke of the future in mission. How do we inspire our youth? We must plant a seed, give them support and guidance, youth need affirmation. One-on-one contact, hands on experience, and the camping ministry are important. Beth has served as youth representative for the MC on the NCC and served as counselor at youth camps in both the Eastern and Western Districts.

Minutes were accepted as presented by motion and were approved. Thanks to Br. Bill Mitchell for taking minutes.

Treasurer’s report, presented by Sr. Suzanne Sload was accepted by motion. Motion carried. Sr. Hibner made motion to eliminate the collection of dues permanently. Motion unanimous.

Results of the Election of officers: Pres. Br. Ralph Fisher; VP. Br. Jeffrey Gehris, Sec. Sr. Miriam Boll, Treas. Sr. Suzanne Sload. Two additional Exec. Bd members were appointed–Srs. Arlene Hibner, Terrence Downs. 1^st Exec. Meeting. York 1^st, 1pm, 11.6.04  Miriam Boll, Secretary (Edited for space)