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The Final Word November, 2004

John H. Giesler

THE FINAL WORD – John H, Giesler, Editor

We appreciate the work of Sr. Glenna Tasedan, who filled in for me during a busy time for the October issue, only to learn that she was in a busy time in her life, as well. Thanks, Glenna!

This issue has some exciting news, which is not unlikely with the many hurricanes, a very busy Board of World Mission with new leadership, and lots of things happening around the world. We thank Br. Al Reynolds for sending us our cover story from Geneva, via the Internet, for the coverage of Sr. Angelene Swart’s important speech before the Lutheran World Federation. A number of our Moravian leaders have served the Federation in important ways because the Moravians and Lutherans have worked together for years in Germany. Bill Rosenbaum, our technician for ONWARD, is an active member at Bethabara. Br. Will Sibert, as the new Exec. Dir. gives us helpful detail about the Hurricanes and Moravians. Sr. Sheila Beaman provided the detail on Clean Up and Health Kits, and I turned it into a prayer activity. Br. Bob Iobst gives us another “pray around the world” with his global view. We appreciate his unique style and concerns. Br. Jack Geis gives us the latest news and reminds us of the upcoming Lovefeast on Nov. 7. If you have not been to Friedberg recently you will be amazed. Rebecca and Justin give a view of the recent Youth Convo.

We had a wonderful Trail of Tears Tour with a great meeting of the new Cherokee/Moravian Historical Society in Oaks Indian Mission in Oklahoma. There were over 100 Cherokee present for the meeting, which included a return to the original New Springplace site, a wonderful tour of the graveyard,  a delightful meeting in the Eben Ezer Lutheran Church, plus a great authentic Indian banquet. Having direct descendents of the leadership of the Moravian Mission from both groups was a blessing. Br. Frank Crouch of Greensboro is a direct descendent Rev. E.J. Mock, plus a direct descendent of Br. James Ward, a Cherokee and the only martyr of the Mission, made the group really fascinating. Upon returning from the Tour we had the privilege of hearing the top historian of the Cherokee, Dr. Theda Perdue at Salem College. We look forward to hearing our Moravian Scholar on the Cherokee, Sr. Anna Smith at the Wachovia Historical Society meeting at Old Salem Visitors Center on Tuesday, October 19, 2004, at 7:30pm. The lecture is free to the public.  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