The Moravian Church was built on mission. From its earliest days in Herrnhut, our church went out into the world to serve others. And in the nearly 300 years since the refugees on Count Zinzendorf’s estate ventured out to the Caribbean, the Americas, Africa and beyond, mission has been a cornerstone of the reformed Moravian Church.
In those 300 years, the church has not rested on its laurels; our mission heritage is very much alive and well in today’s Unitas Fratrum, And one place where you can see the activity and impact of that mission spirit is in this issue of the Moravian Magazine.
Each year for the past decade, we have joined with the Board of World Mission to bring you their Annual Report. The center spread of this edition offer 24 pages that share the story of today’s ongoing commitment to mission.
Entitled “Gearing Up for the Long Haul,” this year’s report illustrates the remarkable mission work being done around the world. It shares stories of partnering in Africa and Central America, welcoming new Moravians in South America, engaging with youth in mission, bringing disaster relief to places in the U.S. and abroad, and continuing ongoing initiatives around the world — all to offer a firsthand view of the impact of the BWM’s efforts.
And the BWM is just one part of our church’s mission spirit. It can also be seen in our article on the innovative community partnership underway in Madison, Wis. The Common Grace congregation is both reaching out and welcoming in with a plan to create a community center and affordable housing in its neighborhood.
Along with this issue’s mission focus, we also share the graduation of candidates for ordination from Moravian Theological Seminary; highlight the ways you can learn even more about the happenings in our provinces and agencies; and offer reflections on Luke 11:1-13, in which we learn The Lord’s Prayer.
As with every issue of the Moravian, I hope you find something to celebrate while getting a better sense of Moravians’ long-standing and ongoing efforts to bring God’s love to all. I welcome your ideas, comments and suggestions.
Peace,
Mike Riess, Editor
