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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

I would like to take this opportunity to share three needs that the Mission Society has identified. They are listed in order of timing, not importance. First, we are about to refurbish the Mission Residence so that we might exhibit our love and respect for our guest missionaries and their families in a tangible way. We are removing the carpeting downstairs and will refinish the floors. We will need rugs and other items of furniture and accessories to replace those showing extreme wear. Sr. Emily Fernbach has agreed to serve as our decorator. If you have suitable items and can help with the expenses, please contact Sheila Beaman at the Mission Office.

A recent letter from Br. Jorgen Boeytler, Moravian pastor in Christiansfeld, Denmark and President of the Danish Mission Society, outlines the exciting new evangelistic work in the Congo.  Already there are over 8000 Moravians and the church is growing rapidly. Funds are needed to sustain this missionary work and I believe we could match the $15,000 contributed by the Danes. Our BWM has already decided to include the Congo in their “Proclaiming” goal for 2005. If you would like to be a part of this outreach, contact Sheila and designate “Congo” in your gifts.

The last concern is our own work of spreading the Gospel in 2005. Current projections for our income next year indicate we may have to cut our current budget by almost half. Please consider supporting your Mission Society in the short term with a gift to be used for youth and adult mission trips next year and in the long term think of a charitable gift from your estate to further the work of building the Kingdom. It is from such gifts in the past that virtually all of our operating income is derived.

            We hope to see you at the Provincial Lovefeast, November 7^th at 3 pm at Friedberg Moravian. The band prelude begins at 2:30. Dr. Louis Sutton, head of World Evangelism for Christ USA will be our speaker. We covet your prayers and support.              J. Geis

UNITY YOUTH CONFERENCE - JAMAICA

July 26-August 6, 2004

We went to Jamaica knowing very little and came back with so much. One might think the only thing we had in common was that we were all Moravians, but we shared stories like we were old friends merely catching up. Countries and provinces represented were: Germany, Holland, England, Northern Ireland, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Alaska, USA North & South, South Africa, Trinidad, Tobago, St. Croix, Antigua, Guyana, Jamaica and Tanzania.

                        Our agenda consisted of three goals: breakdown or overcome the cultural differences between the delegates and staff; find a place for youth in the worldwide Moravian Church; create a collective voice for youth. The community that began in Jamaica was a support group for all youth in the church. The collective idea was youth are not viewed as resources by the church but rather as a responsibility or even a burden; but we came away motivated to share what we learned with our provinces and begin a process of growth and renewal. It was educational to see what things people have done to encourage participation within the church and to connect all the members, including the youth, as a vital part of church life. It is easy to forget that other churches do things in different ways and get the same message across. We can’t get caught up in what has always been. If it is no longer working, it is not what we as a church need to be doing. This same sharing has to happen within the provinces to be an effective tool. There are many reasons that globalization is detrimental to our societies and countries, but it does aid in communication of ideas, strategies, and culture. With knowledge of others we can be empowered to share God’s gift with people of all races, creeds and cultures. The same thing applies to our province – what kinds of things can we share and learn from one another? We asked, “What is God’s vision for the Moravian Church and what are we being called to do within the context of that vision?” Finally, we reached our final goal of creating a collective voice for the youth of the worldwide Moravian Church. We elected a steering committee for the newly-created Unity Youth Board. The seven chosen will help plan the next conference. The other delegates were asked to be representatives for their province on Unity Youth Board. We ask for your prayers as we continue planning for another conference and a youth board to encourage and motivate the youth in our Moravian Church. We want to be active and productive members in the body of Christ. (Rebecca Craver, Friedland; Justin Trivett, Holly Springs – S. P. delegates)