With the blessing of the Provincial Elders’ Conferences of the Northern and Southern Provinces, the Board of World Mission (BWM) planned and hosted the Moravian Youth Convo for the first time.
The 23rd Youth Convo took place in Miami, Florida, July 2–7, 2025, under the theme “Mission In Action.” Twenty high school-aged youth and 13 adult staff from Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Wisconsin, Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad, St. Thomas, and Jamaica—representing four Unity provinces—gathered on the campus of Florida International University for fellowship, learning, worship, and fun.
With gratitude for those who had led and participated in previous Convos, this group embraced the inherited purposes for Convo:
- To give young people of the denomination from all over the world an opportunity to meet.
- To give young people a wider vision of our denomination, not just as the little church on the corner, but as a church serving the world.
- To encourage young people to consider their life’s work in Christian service.
- To provide a pilgrimage for young adult Moravians.
- To examine the spiritual motivations that empowered our Moravian foremothers and fathers to start the Moravian Church, withstand adversity, and to take the Gospel message to all the world.
- To experience this pilgrimage in a group, to share it with others treating each person with respect and care.
- To build community as we share the spiritual pilgrimage, experience Moravians in a different culture, and serve the community we find ourselves in through mission and outreach.
Throughout the week, nearly every experience connected to these purposes. Outings like Everglades airboat tours and a Major League
baseball game, along with time at Dolphin Mall, Miami Beach and on campus, fostered relationships. Singing together, teaching each other regional prayers and songs, and worshiping with New Hope (Fla.) and Prince of Peace Moravian Churches, built community. Learning Moravian history with Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber, improvisation and spiritual listening with Rev. Brian Dixon, and leadership development with BWM staff deepened participants’ understanding of their gifts and how God might be calling them to serve back home.
What follows are some of the voices of Convo—participants and staff sharing what the week meant to them.
“Convo 2025 presented an out-of-this-world experience as we participated under the theme “Mission in Action.” Our spiritual, social, and personal interactions provided meaningful opportunities for us to unite as brothers and sisters in Christ — the very purpose for which we gathered.
It was truly amazing how well we bonded, forming healthy relationships that will remain etched in our hearts and minds. Both small and large group discussions were enlightening, offering valuable insights into the global impact of the Moravian Church.
“We were reminded that the Moravian Church is not just a “little church around the corner,” but one with a rich history and a mission being carried out with deep intentionality.”
Michelle Flemming-Daley
(Counselor, Covenant Moravian Church, Jamaica Province)
“I was deeply honored and humbled to have been selected as the chaperone for the Moravian Church Eastern West Indies Province at
Convo 2025. As I reflect on that incredible week spent with my newfound family in Christ, I am reminded that we are Moravians in Action—Moravians on a mission, not Moravians missing in action.
“Looking back on the history, struggles, and hardships faced by our early pioneers, I am compelled to examine my own walk with Christ. We are blessed with the freedom to worship openly, and yet, at times, we take that freedom for granted. This experience reminded me to never lose sight of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a follower of Christ.
“One powerful moment for me was during the airboat tour in the Everglades. Surrounded by alligators and navigating unfamiliar terrain, we had no choice but to trust our captain to guide us safely. It was a vivid reminder that no matter the situation or how uncertain the path may seem, our faith in God will always carry us through.
“As believers, we can rejoice and have fun while still giving God the glory. I left Convo 2025 encouraged, uplifted, and more committed than ever. I’m not afraid to say it wherever I go, I am a Christian on Mission for [the] Moravian[s]. “
Alcia Browne-Weston (Counselor, Grace Bay Moravian Church, Antigua, Eastern West Indies Province)
“Throughout the week, we were able to enjoy several wonderful activities. We went shopping at the mall, spent some time at the beach, attended a Marlins baseball game, and even explored the Everglades, where we saw alligators. We also worshipped together at Prince of Peace and New Hope [Moravian] churches. These experiences brought us closer as a group, but more importantly, they reminded us of the joy that comes from fellowship.
“The heart of Convo, however, was focused on spiritual growth. We learned new and creative ways to share the gospel in ways that are both fun and meaningful. In our small groups, we had the chance to dive deeper into these topics. This gave us the opportunity to open up, to reflect on our faith, and to encourage one another in our walk with Christ.
“I would like to sincerely thank the church for your prayers and support, which made it possible for us to attend. This may have been my only opportunity to attend [a Convo], and that makes this experience even more meaningful to me, and I will always carry the lessons and memories from this Convo with me. Thank you.”
Marsha Peart (Participant, Margate Moravian Church, Lauderhill, Florida)
“I was honored to represent Barbados at the Moravian Youth Convo 2025 in Miami, an enriching and unforgettable experience. I explored global Moravian worship through songs and learned about influential figures like Count Zinzendorf and Rebecca Protten. We visited New Hope and Prince of Peace Moravian churches, where meaningful discussions and sermons deepened my faith. I connected with amazing people from across the Caribbean and the U.S., sharing fun activities and cultural experiences. The trip also broadened my understanding of Christian leadership and the impactful global mission work of the Moravian Church.”
Keshana Bartlett (Participant, Grace Hill Moravian Church, Barbados, EWI Province)
“My time at Convo 2025 was absolutely phenomenal! We were able to engage in various activities such as going on an airboat ride, attending a baseball game and even just a fun day at the beach/pool. In addition, I learned a lot about the different Moravian provinces, a few of the Moravian missions taking place around the world, and even history about the Moravian Church, all while still having fun. But most importantly, Convo was the place where lifetime friendships were created and where long-lasting memories were formed. If only I could go back to the past, I would surely attend Convo 2025 again!”
Rihanna Roberts (Participant, Grace Bay Moravian Church, Antigua, EWI Province)
The Board of World Mission is deeply grateful to everyone who supported this event by planning, traveling, attending, hosting, and welcoming us
Written by Rev. Dan Miller, Director of Mission Service (BWM). Photos by Sylvie Hauser, Director of Communications and Development (BWM).
