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MISSION TEAMS GO ALL AROUND THE WORLD

Wow! This has been a hot summer for Moravian Mission teams! At one time or another during the summer of 2006, Moravians from the Northern and Southern Provinces could be found in such places as Sikonge (Tanzania), Nain (Labrador), Kathmandu (Nepal), Usti nad Orlici (Czech Republic), Mombasa (Kenya), Bethel (Alaska) and Gulfport (Mississippi).  They weren’t on vacation!  No, they were doing mission or being missionaries.  As one Moravian put it, they were sharing the heart of God with sisters and brothers worldwide!

In Sikonge, Tanzania, Mia Mengel was part of a Mission Team that was sent out from Central Moravian in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on June 18^th.  She writes: “the Orphan Program was started a few years ago and run by a local Sikonge Superstar, Mama Kimwaga. She visits surrounding villages in the Sikonge District and enlists women (whose only qualification must be their love for children) to register the kids and assist families caring for orphans. Drs. Bill and Peg Hoffman of Bethlehem, Pa oversee the Program.”

            Mia visited 7 villages in one month and has taken hundreds of digital photos of AIDS orphans.  She gave Mama Kimwaga photography lessons so that she can now be chief photographer, and she has also offered to create a database to compile information on all of the orphans. The program is growing so much it is getting harder to track it on paper.

Mia says, “I have been blessed for having the opportunity of this trip. Although I am sad to leave, I have my photos, memories and experiences to carry with me.  Please keep these local Orphan Program women, the Hoffman’s, and all of the children in the Sikonge District in your daily prayers.”

            In Nain, Labrador, Joe Moore – a director of the Board of World Mission and co-pastor of First Moravian Church of Georgia – was the leader of a Mission Team that included  three Moravian College students: Rebecca Angstadt, Jessica Jonas, and Brad Wankewicz; and a recent graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, Sayward Green.

            Nain is the largest Moravian community on the north coast of Labrador, and it has seen many changes over the years.  However, life has not necessarily gotten better, especially for the youth.  Hoping to address a situation of alcohol abuse, suicide and hopelessness, the Labrador Province and the Board of World Mission developed the “Nain Experience.”  As part of that experience, Joe Moore and his team began their work in Nain on June 29^th, building relationships with the youth through sports, games, Bible Study, dance and other activities.  Most importantly, they shared their life and hope in Jesus Christ.

In Kathmandu, Nepal, Nola Knouse and a team of six other Moravians from the Northern and Southern Provinces, conducted a three day workshop at the School of Music and Worship (July 19 – 21) that was attended by more than 100 students and included the following classes:

Hymn writing and composition (Nola Knouse).

Guitar (Joe Mixon and Thomas Baucom).

Keyboard (Steve Gray and Sam Gray)

American College Experience (Sarah Barnes and Thomas Baucom).

Four-part singing (Mallie Graham and the Team).

Music history (Nola Knouse)

Worship leadership (Steve Gray and Sam Gray).

The team also took part in services and programs at the Upasana Moravian Church; visited a nearby village to meet with a newly formed fellowship group; met with faculty of the School of Music and Worship to discuss curriculum development; presented a concert of instrumental, choral and praise music; and learned about the structure and functioning of the ecumenical School of Music and Worship and the organization, Christian Arts Association Nepal (CAAN).  This team laid the groundwork for continuing partnerships with the Moravian Church in Nepal.

In Usti nad Orlici, Czech Republic, Jason Clubb led a Mission Team of 10 Moravian youth and youth leaders who shared their hearts and their lives with about 40 young people at an English camp.  Upon their return, they shared their experiences in a Sunday morning worship service at Ardmore Moravian and also gave a Wednesday evening presentation so that the congregation could celebrate their mission together.

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