Board of World Mission Annual Report 2015

Investing

in Mission

2015 Annual Report

Board of World Mission

1

From our Board Chair: Investments in mission I am excited to share with you the work of the Board of World Mission in our 2015 Annual Report.

Our theme for 2015 is

IC A

BOAR

ION SS

AM

VI RA

ER

MO

2

CH

U R C H • N O RT

see new investments in areas that are just starting to bear their first fruit and to consider the possibilities for the future.

Most of all, it is a personal source of rejoicing for me that we are able to collectively bring our own time, talent, and resources to this mission.

No matter how small these gifts are when we bring them, they always seem to multiply.

On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, I thank you for your commitment to the work that we do, and I invite you to explore how the investments you have made in mission are working in the world and how we can continue to journey together!

Thomas Baucom, Chair Board of World Mission

Board of World Mission 2015 Board of Directors

WORLD M I D of

AN

Investing in Mission. Whenever I think of investing, I am instantly transported back to the family beach trips of my childhood. My grandfather would come up from the beach for lunch and tune the small television set to the financial news. He would study the small ticker at the bottom of the screen and make a few scribbles in pencil on the side of a spare newspaper indicating the soundness of a particular investment.

I believe the commitment of spiritual, human and financial resources to the mission of the Moravian Church is a sound investment. It is humbling to look back to the investments made by Moravians and see how relationships forged centuries ago are still bearing fruit. It is exciting to

H

BWM logo seal with words in circle type reversed.

Thomas Baucom, Chair * Boad Appointed David Geyer, Vice-Chair* Eastern District, Northern Province

Becky Turnbull, Secretary* Eastern District, Northern Province Dan Nelson* Southern Province

Illustrating how we invest in mission Last year we shared that we

ways this past year—training and supporting individuals and teams in mission; providing programs at camps and FIT First to guide our young adults in mission involvement and leadership; walking with global partners in mission outreach, leadership development, and economic strengthening; and offering our congregations ways to participate in and support the mission of the Moravian Church in North America, in partnership with the Alaska Province and the Unity of Brethren in Texas.

I hope that in this annual report you can see the many ways that your provision individuals and churches on for the common ministries all levels. We are grateful for of our provinces, as well as your partnership in mission! your individual donations, are The Rev. Judy Ganz used by the BWM to impact Executive Director

Isaac Amik Alaska Province

Lisa Pampe Western District, Northern Province

Errol Connor EWI Province / Advisory Member

Betsy Miller* PEC President, Northern Province

Jermaine Gibson Jamaica Province / Advisory Member

Tommy Cole Board Appointed

Rex Knowlton Treasurer / Advisory Member

are journeying together with our congregations and our global partners to INquire, INform, INvite, and INvest in others to go OUT and make disciples to share the gospel of Christ. In many ways these elements are best illustrated in how the Board of World Mission (BWM) INVESTS in people and churches to promote the work to which we are called.

As Paul states in Ephesians 4:11-13, the many gifts that we are given are meant for equipping “the saints for the work of ministry and building up the body of Christ” so that all might mature in faith and in the knowledge of God. BWM has been doing this in a number of

David Guthrie* PEC President / Southern Province Donna Hurt Southern Province David Miller Unity of the Brethren

Joe Jarvis Southern Province Mission Society

* member of Executive Committee

3

Investing

in People

• FIT First • Intern Program

FIT First helps youth discern mission calling Labor Day weekend 2015 brought together 50 young adults and mentors for an event called “FIT.” Participants made commitments to maintaining a “Focus” with great “Intensity” over a period of “Time.” Leaders from across the Northern and Southern Provinces led conversations on Moravian essentials and history, guiding participants through a discernment process of ways God may be calling them to service and mission. As follow up, the

4

BWM is working to provide leadership opportunities for these inspired young adults.

Just a few highlights of plans already in action: Caitlyn Mischnick (Freedom in Wisconsin) leading a team of peers through an urban service experience in Chicago; Hailey Geis (New Philadelphia in North Carolina) preparing to serve as an Antioch Servant in Alaska coordinating work teams in the summer of 2016; and Jamie Dease (Mayodan in North Carolina) and

Rachel Schachter (Edgeboro in Pennsylvania) planning a team to work at the Ahuas Clinic in Honduras.

Young adults are also realizing their potential through leadership in their congregations and among their peers at youth events.

Taylor Wickert (Watertown in Wisconsin) helped to lead the program at the Florida District Youth Retreat, inspiring peers with her mission experiences and encouraging them to take the opportunity to

join an upcoming trip to Cuba.

Johanna Dertinger (Waconia in Minnesota) has shared her faith journey and life experience as a way to inspire others as they seek to continue growing their faith.

Keep your eyes and hearts open for ways to support and engage with these young adults as they continue to live into their place in God’s mission. Also, think about young adults you would encourage to attend the FIT event being held Labor Day weekend 2016 at Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center in Wisconsin!

Zach Routh, left, served as BWM intern in 2015.

BWM Internship opportunities Did You Know?

The BWM has many services and resources available to congregations. In 2015, our staff trained and prepared teams for travel; helped congregations and mission committees discern mission goals for the year ahead; and shared our message about the ongoing work of the BWM and the worldwide Moravian Church.

Contact the BWM if you would like to have a staff member work with your congregation to encourage and invest in your next step in God’s mission!

Beginning a summer internship program is one unique way the BWM invested in people this year.The internship was designed to help the individual grow in faith and develop skills, taking on leadership roles facilitating mission programming and resource development.

Of the more than a dozen applicants who sought an opportunity for the paid 10-12 week internship. BWM chose Zach Routh, a student at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina. He did a phenomenal job, walking with the BWM as it worked to establish this first-time program. Zach’s work helped coordinate resources that are available to individuals and congregations looking to take part in mission. He also helped organize events and lead programming at the East-

ern District Conference and at Mission Camp during the months of June and July.

With the success of this program, BWM will offer this paid internship again in 2016, while considering further opportunities for expanding the role of volunteers to assist in the wide ranging work of the BWM. Angelica Regalado, a student at Wake Forest Divinity School, fulfilled several course requirements through work with the BWM. We encourage you to be on the lookout for upcoming opportunities to serve with the BWM that augment our traditional service options!

Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Engagement

5

Investing

in People

• Antioch Short-term Missions

Moravians serve around the globe through Antioch In Jesus’ Spirit of personal companionship and investing in others, Antioch works with and serves individuals who seek to actively live their faith through “loving neighbor as oneself.” During 2015, 12 individuals and eight teams responded to invitations to share in the work and ministries of Moravian partners. “Antioch Alums” shared their experiences among God’s people:

1

2

6

I learned about the importance of human interaction to strengthen faith in God. The first two weeks of our time in Hopedale [Labrador], we spent getting to know the people, the culture, and the community.This was a vital part of our mission. Without human interaction, we could not have completed our service.The community took our boldness and embraced it.

Norman Ayagalria & family, Bethel, Alaska

My second time serving as an English teacher at Bishop Kisanji Girl’s School in Tanzania was an eye opening experience. It was entirely different from the first time I went when the school was… struggling financially.

The headmaster informed us that the consistent presence of American volunteers has boosted the volume of students and popularity of the school. However, because of this, I witnessed many things that have changed, both posiLast summer, I had the optive and negative. I initially felt portunity to travel to the as though I had made the Moravian Medical Clinic in wrong decision to return to Ahuas, Honduras with Rachel the school. However, I realized Schachter. While there, we I was where God needed me recorded the story of the when the grades of the girls clinic by taking pictures, talking in my classes on the results of with people at the clinic, and their second English test had videotaping the interviews. improved greatly. I started to With the help of Mike Riess notice small changes in the of the Interprovincial Board of girls: they showed up to class Communication, we created on time, stayed focused, and a video to bring an awareness turned in assigned homework of the work of the clinic.This on time. Being in Tanzania summer, Rachel and I will lead taught me to truly embody another group to Ahuas to the fruit of the Spirit, especomplete different projects cially on this second journey. and continue building relation- When you follow where God ships with the people we met leads you, you won’t always last summer. get a reason immediately.That Jamie Lynn Dease, doesn’t mean you should stop North Carolina (1) fulfilling the purpose and the signs God has set forth.

Rhyssa Beckford of Florida (2)

3

5 Each person I met throughout the trip was a blessing.They taught me something about life and God that I know I will carry with me on my future adventures.

Emily Burrell, from Ohio, who served on Staten Island, N.Y. (3) My trip to Nová Paka, Czech Republic gave me an opportunity to experience the way that another culture understands God. I was also able to worship in new ways and widen my view of the Moravian Church, globally and historically.The Moravian Church and even the wider Christian Church seem so much bigger to me now and I

4

feel as though I have a better context for understanding our mission in the world.

Sylvie Hauser, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin (4) The mission trip to Tanzania at Bishop Kisanji changed my life. I believe God put me there at that time for a reason.

I learned about myself and about the love I have for being a part of such a mission. I thought I would just go there to teach, but I learned so much more than expected.

I hope to go on many more trips for more experiences that I will never forget.

Olayinka Idowu, Staten Island, N.Y. (5)

Antioch has blessed me with the privilege to see the love of God in action. I witnessed young adults serve those less fortunate, then dine with them and share personal stories of loss, failure and redemption. Former strangers became friends as we conversed for hours about Christ and life, in a language I don’t speak fluently. I felt like family with people I met only hours or days ago.The new friendships remind me that God is always with us sharing love and wisdom. Sometimes you just have to be willing to listen.

Caitlyn Mischnick of Wisconsin served in Peru (6)

6 7

Antioch

(Continued from previous page) Education has always been important to me. My parents were stripped of their opportunity to get an education as a result of the deadly Liberian Civil War. My main focus is to empower women and children, especially young girls, through formal and informal education.The education of women and girls is not valued in Tanzania. However, as a Mathematics and English teacher at the Bishop Kisanji Girl’s Secondary School, I was given the opportunity to empower girls who are pressured to devalue their education and themselves.

Emmerline Nelson-Rogers, Staten Island, N.Y. (7)

8

As you can see, the opportunities for service and the unique gifts that people share through that service are quite varied. Individuals are able to partner with Antioch at many levels, encouraging leadership development, cross-cultural awareness, spiritual formation and the creation of community with people they meet and live alongside.

These relationships and experiences continue to inform and enrich the Alums

8

7

Angélica Regalado (8), a ministerial candidate and student at Wake Forest Divinity School, fulfilled many requirements of her Wake Forest internship by serving with Antioch. She took part in the Cuba Moravian Youth Camp, led a mission weekend at Prince of Peace in Miami, translated nine Moravian leadership learning modules into Spanish, translated the “Simply Moravian” resource, participated in the Young Adult CONVO in the Czech Republic and Germany, led a workshop on “Women in Ministry” at the first National Conference of the Moravian Church in Peru, took part in the FIT First event at Laurel Ridge and spoke in several Moravian churches in the Southern Province. throughout their lives. And Antioch is not just for young

adults! Come and join us!

Jill Kolodziej, Director of Antioch

Investing

in People

• Adopt a Village • Likewise Ministries

Investing in Tanzania’s future Throughout North America, Moravians have been investing in the future of Tanzania.

Working through Adopt a Village, Moravians have provided food, clothing, school supplies and uniforms, medical care, and educational scholarships to 3500 orphans in our partner province of Western Tanzania.This has only been possible because of the organizational skills and leadership of Mama Zipora Kimwaga and her 28 Moravian “Mamas” who serve these children with love and compassion.

Several churches have begun working directly with their adopted village.They

have helped construct school classrooms and supplied them with desks and text books.

Dormitories have been built and filled with beds, bedding, and mosquito nets. Fourteen new wells are now giving villages clean water. Eleven churches have been completed; three more are under construction.

The investment of North American churches in the people and communities of their partner province is a tangible demonstration of Moravian commitment to worldwide mission.

Drs. Bill and Peg Hoffman Mama Kimwaga at one of the new wells in her village in Western Tanzania.

Minstry heeds the call to “Go and do Likewise” Likewise Ministries is the Moravian Church’s response to “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:36-37)—living out the Gospel through the efforts of a BWM committee made up of members from the North American Moravian Church with a wide range of experience in public health, crosscultural ministries, administration, research, and education.

Likewise Ministries: • supports access to treatment and monitoring for HIV+ individuals in Ahuas, Honduras; • explores ways to promote health and wellness, address violence against women, and support income-generating programs;

• supports HUKWAFA (Huduma kwa Watoto na Familia—Serving Children and Family) in Western Tanzania, lifting children and families in Magu and Gininiga out of poverty through the development of agricultural and small businesses that provide food and support for children’s education.

We celebrate with gratitude the amazing contribution of $7,000 CAD from Good Shepherd Moravian Church in Calgary, Alberta, raised by producing the musical drama “And on the Sixth Day”.

If you feel called to be part of this ministry, contact the BWM. BWM supports

the HUKWAFA program in Mwanza,Tanzania, with continued thanks to the gift of the Stafford Fund along with other donations.

Marion Perrin, Edmonton, Alberta

Students with new school uniforms in Magu.

9

Investing

in Healthcare

• Clinica Evangélica Morava, Honduras

Despite challenges, Ahuas Clinic continues its work The Clínica Evangélica Morava has been curing diseases, easing suffering and winning souls for the lamb since 1945. In 2015 this ministry saw 3294 outpatients, performed 319 surgeries, attended to 365 births (including 63 cesareans), and admitted 969 patients.

Recently, however, the Honduran Moravian Medical work has faced unprecedented challenges with rising debt, aging infrastructure and changes

in leadership.

In 2015 the clinic moved to a computerized accounting system to assist with financial management. With the help of outside accountants we now get more accurate financial data. Many teams of physicians and workers have been coming to Ahuas to help with the medical care and with repairs. Donations from many brought an improved sanitation system, repaired ceilings,

and buildings were painted.

We are currently searching for a new medical director as our former director, Dr. Ovelio Lopez, left in December. Dr. Kenneth Serapio from Nicaragua continues to help with surgeries; Dr. Maylo Wood, an OB/GYN specialist, helps out two weeks a month, while Dr. Ratli Bendles, a recently licensed physician, helps everywhere.

As we wonder where

God is in all of this, we see the commitment of many who wish to ensure the long-term viability of this ministry. Two recent visitors share their stories: Susan of the New Era Reformed Church writes:

“While New Era Reformed Church in Michigan has supported the Clinica Evangelica Morava for more than 25 years, we’ve never set eyes, hands or feet on it … until now!

“For seven people from New Era, following the instruction of Jesus in Matthew 25 to work with the ‘least of these’ just got real.The vision and mission of the clinic was so clear: to bring both compassion and excellence in meeting the physical need for health care in Ahuas and surrounding villages, and opening the door to share the good news of Jesus, in word and deed.

“As we fully participated in community—from daily devotions, to working hard alongside the staff, to meeting people from the community—we were changed. While we came to help, the Lord touched our hearts deeply through the work and love at the clinic.

“We believe our investment of a week here will have far reaching implications in our community back home. We will be praying and digging deeply before the Lord and into our pockets. As our debt has been paid in full by our Lord and Savior, what would we not give for our brothers and sisters in Ahuas? We’re with you! We’re in!”

Dan Nelson of the Friedberg Moravian congregation says of his experience in Ahuas:

“It was Isaiah who responded to God’s call by saying, ‘Here am I, send me.’ I heard a similar call to go and serve God in Ahuas, Honduras, so I found myself traveling to Ahuas to do whatever I could to help the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I saw firsthand the dedication of the Hospital Staff to serve those who Jesus called “the least of these.”They absolutely need our continued financial and spiritual support and encouragement.

“As I returned home to North Carolina I wondered why God led me to Honduras.Then I heard another call being issued, ‘I need somebody to be an advocate for the Hospital in Ahuas. Dan, I want you to be that ‘somebody.’’ This was going to take my level of investment to a new level, but how do you say ‘no’ to God?

“Since I have taken on God’s new call, He has revealed Himself in awesome ways. My investment to mission work in Honduras has rekindled my desire to do all that I can to serve my Savior and Lord wherever He calls and wherever He leads.”

We feel that the Moravian medical work in Honduras provides a vital ministry for the indigenous community and we thank the many who passionately support this mission!

Rick Nelson, missionary serving in Ahuas, Honduras

Investing

in Global Missions A focus on self-sustainability

1 2

3

In 2012 BWM began a gradual decrease in subsidy to our global partners. We are happy to report that in 2015 the Province of Costa Rica went off of subsidy and in 2016, Guyana will, too. We celebrate these partners’ strong focus on self-sustainability, even as we explore new ways to walk with them in the ministry of their churches.

In 2015 we began to put the amount decreased from partner subsidies into a mission grant fund.This new fund will allow us to support our global partners in ways that will strengthen their churches and promote their sustainability through leadership development, mission outreach and economic strengthening.

In 2015 mission grants were disbursed to: • Costa Rica, for continued work on a Multiuse Building that will help generate income for the province; • Western Tanzania, in collaboration with the British

Province, for a stewardship training workshop for their pastors; • Honduras, for development of a fish market project (3); • The Honduras Mission Province, for an upcoming pastors’ training event; and • Peru, for an income-generating project.

In this past year we also supported one representative from Honduras to attend the Theological Conference in Germany and helped leaders from Cuba, Peru, and Honduras attend the Unity Caribbean Regional Conference.

Through donations received, we were able to send support for the newly constructed Alaska Bible Seminary in Bethel.

In 2015 we provided funds for other programs in mission: • Phil and Eunice Raiford serving with the Mixe in Mexico; • Michael and Ceci Tesh (2) at the Ray of Hope orphanage in Kenya, and Adopt a Village in Tanzania, thanks to a gift from the Stafford Fund for hunger in Africa; • Andrew and Amy Fields, serving the Moravian Bible Institute in Pte. Lempira, Honduras; • George Goff and the Moravian plane ministry in Ahuas, Honduras; and • Steve and Ann Marx, serving Mission Aviation Fellowship in Idaho (1).

Global partners invested in mission, too Our global partners are also invested in mission, and sometimes there are ways that we can partner with them in sharing the gospel beyond their own churches.

The Moravian Church in Western Tanzania (MCWT) is actively evangelizing the Sukumu, a group of migrant herdsmen. BWM provides funds each year to support this ministry and Central Moravian Church is actively involved as well. Many thanks to the Society for Promoting the Gospel for its significant contribution to this ministry.

In addition, MCWT has new churches developing in Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.

Guyana has supported an ecumenical ministry to the mining region of their country for many years.

The Eastern-West Indies Province (EWI) has a mission in Grenada and another in Tortola. Bishop Sam Gray has helped do an assessment of the Tortola Mission.

The Alaska Province agreed at its synod in 2015 to take over a mission outreach in Marshall, Alaska that was begun under Samaritan’s Purse. It is a unique ministry because it is outside the area assigned to the Moravians, but the Orthodox in the village are very open to a Moravian presence and ministry. The

Board of World Mission plans to provide support to this mission in 2016 and beyond, not only financially, but with short-term Antioch servants helping with Vacation Bible School or other needs.

The Honduran church has outreach to Belize, as well as to the Garifuna people in northeast Honduras, while faithful in Nicaragua are spreading the gospel along that country’s west coast areas.

It is wonderful to see the many ways that we can partner with the worldwide Moravian Church as together we invest in sharing the gospel with the world!

Make an Investment

in Global Missions • Support a Music Ministry Outreach in Guyana by sending $50 or more to help music workshops in 2016.

• Consider an offering for the Alaska Moravian Church to establish a Moravian Church in Marshall, Alaska.

• Help the Honduras Province develop its Fish Market project, with another $2,000 needed.

• Donate toward scholarships for high school fees for Ray of Hope orphans.

• Help toward solar systems for pastors in Western Tanzania ($1,310 ea.)

• Donate $50 to help families purchase chickens, pigs or invest in a milling machine as part of HUKWAFA in Tanzania.

• Renew or commit to three years of support, at $1,000 per year, for Adopt a Village and the care of orphans in Tanzania.

• Support a house rental ($200-$400/mo) for the churches in Peru.

Investing

in Mission

• Sierra Leone Mission Area • Cuba Mission Area

Investing in prayer for Sierra Leone mission So, why does the Sierra Leone Mission Area report begin by mentioning a Youth Gathering in the Czech Province? Well, it was at that conference of about 225 participants that many young adults inquired how they might be more connected to other parts of the Worldwide Unity.They were informed of opportunities and needs throughout our 23 Unity Provinces, 5 Mission Provinces and 16 Mission Areas. Then they were invited to pray for people all around the “Moravian world.” Some of them wanted to take this a step further by investing their own time, talents and resources to be part of the answer to their own prayers for needs in other places.

Several of the young adults were touched by the stories from Sierra Leone: the ministry of the Rev. Mohamed and Safiatu Braima, the churches that are being planted, the school, the library and the work in the communities of the Kailahun District.

14

So they wrote letters to the Braimas. Here are some excerpts:

Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Christ in the Czech Republic! We learnt about your ministry in Sierra Leone and we want to encourage you and bless you in your service there. Your story is very encouraging to us! We want you to know that we support you in our prayers and that we’ve accepted your pain as our own.We bless you to be the healing hands of Christ, the living water and the light in the dry and dark places that were struck by both war and disease. God will lead you; trust God in everything. A single drop of God’s mercy can touch an entire country! Where I live, people have so much and sometimes they think they don’t need God. How sad, but how happy I am that you are looking to God for power and grace.

One young woman went further with her “investment.”

She offered a full month’s salary that was sent to support the ministry in Sierra Leone.The Czech Province has established some ongoing and meaningful connections with this Mission Area. How beautiful and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters can dwell together in unity!

God works in amazing—and unlikely—ways in Cuba We know that God works in many amazing but unlikely ways and often through amazing but yes, unlikely people.

A little over a year ago, the Cuban government decided to send an engineer to Ecuador to work on a project for two years. This engineer just “happened” to be a Moravian – a member of the church in Santayana. He took his faith in Jesus Christ (and his love of the Moravian Church) along with him!

Even though there are many Christian churches in Ecuador, brother Rony found that this was not the case in the little town where he is living (about two hours from Quito). So he started inviting people to his house to pray, worship, study the Bible and share fellowship together.

The Rev. Armando Rusindo, president of the Moravian Church in Cuba, stayed in communication with him and provided resources and guidance for this new outreach effort. Brother Rony’s wife and daughter are still in Cuba and have remained active in the Moravian Church.They will be joining him in Ecuador in 2016. Rony’s wife has taken part in Moravian Leadership Development courses in Cuba and plans to use this knowledge to help to “grow the church” in Ecuador. How exciting to see disciples making disciples!

Meanwhile, the Moravian

Church in Cuba continues to grow (in wisdom, in stature and in increasing favor within the community). Some signs of growth: • 23 baptisms, 14 confirmations and four reaffirmations of faith in 2015.

• The completion and dedication of the National Headquarters (which also houses the Belén Congregation) in Havana.

• Continued cooperation and collaboration with the Armando Rusindo Mission Foundation (ARMF) on projects (clean water, sustainable farming, remodeling of facilities, children’s outreach ministry, special needs hospital ministry, etc.) that benefit the communities of Jagüey Grande, Santayana, Arroyo Naranjo and others.

• Continuation and expansion of the children’s ministry in Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, and near completion of the Jon Amos Comenius Center.

• Leadership training modules for 22 pastors and leaders in Havana, Jagüey Grande, Mayabeque, Holguín, Camagüey and Guantánamo, with more training opportunities to come in 2016.

Sam Gray, Director of Intercultural Ministries and New Work

15

Investing

in Mission

• Peru Mission Area • Moravian Disaster Response/Volunteer Resources

Continuing development in Peru After several years of development as a Mission Area, the Moravian Church in Peru held its first official National Conference in August 2015.The delegates, representing four congregations and one fellowship (in Lima and Chiclayo) took the following steps: • Ratified the Book of Order of the “Iglesia Evangélica Morava en Perú”.

• Affirmed the ordination of two deacons (Manuel Augusto Verástegui and Christopher Valencia Alcántara) and the commissioning of 3 Acolytes (Ana Maria Huaman, Brandon Lee Valencia and Walter Calle Peralta).

The ordinations and commissioning took place at the closing service of the conference.

• Elected the official Mission Area Board.

• Adopted a five-year ministry plan, including steps toward self-sustainability.

• Took part in workshops on • Women in Ministry (presented by Angélica Regalado) • Biblical Interpretation in a Moravian Context • Ministerials and incidentals • Pastoral Care and Family Ministry (presented by the Rev. Segundo Regalado and Sister Hilda Regalado) • Elected a representative to the Unity Women’s Con-

16

sultation in Suriname (Sister Ana Maria).

Earlier in 2015, the Rev. Betsy Miller met with pastors and leaders in the Peru Mission Area.The Church Order of the Worldwide Moravian Unity states that Mission Areas must be under the supervision of (or accompanied by) a Unity Province. Sister Miller proposed that Peru be supervised and accompanied by the Northern Province (America). The details of this agreement were discussed with Peruvian Moravian leaders, approved by the Northern Province PEC and ratified at the Peru National Conference in August. During her visit to Peru, Sister Miller also preached in Lima, took part in baptisms in Chiclayo and accepted the role of “godmother” for the Rhemanente Praise Band!

Because of security concerns and space limitations in the existing house churches, the Moravian Church in Peru asked that BWM partner with them to obtain rental properties for their congregations and ministries. Many Moravians in North America have responded to this request, and all four of the congregations have found church homes where they can continue to grow and share the good news in their communities!

Sam Gray, Director, Intercultural Ministries and New Work

Responding to disasters at home and abroad In 2015, many communities around the world were affected by disasters, and Moravian Disaster Response (MDR) looked to respond as best as possible.The largest financial response by MDR was to the earthquake in Nepal, which occurred in April of 2015.The BWM thanks our donors and congregations that enabled the sending of nearly $20,000 to assist in the relief in Nepal and help acquire land for their new church in Khokona.

More funds will go this year.

Visits by a Moravian team made up of members from Pennsylvania and Minnesota in December, as well as a visit

by Northern Province President Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller, have helped to strengthen relationships for this ongoing work.

Other international support from MDR in 2015 went to Malawi to assist with flood damage and to the Unity to help with refugees from Burundi crossing into Tanzania. Donations received for Syrian refugee relief were sent to our fellow Moravians in Germany. They were most grateful for our help.

Domestically, flooding and storm damage occurred across the Southern United states, with large amounts of damage in Missouri and South Carolina. Planning began in late 2015 for teams to respond to this damage. A team is also returning to the gulf coast of Mississippi to continue the ongoing work following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

To better meet the ever changing needs and locations involved in disaster response, the BWM has worked to “right size� our tools and equipment available for response. In 2015 this involved the sale of the 32 foot MDR trailer, and purchase of two replacement 14 foot trailers.

These smaller trailers allow for better use and accessibility to multiple locations, as well as not requiring extra skill and vehicle restrictions to put them to use.

There is a great need for volunteers to assist in disaster response in 2016. Please contact the BWM for more information on ways you can get involved!

Left, Wsconsin Moravians at an MDR build; right, working in Nepal after last April’s earthquakes.

17

Investing

in Mission

18

The Board of World Mission (BWM) is grateful for the continued support provided for the mission work of the North American Moravian Church.The accompanying graphic outlines generally where the contributions for our efforts are gathered and then where this support is used to cultivate the missions.

Much of the support of the BWM comes from the Northern and Southern Provinces through congregational provincial giving.This, along with donations from the Alaska Province, collectively accounts for almost half of the income entrusted to us for 2015.The Society for Promoting the Gospel provides 18% of our support, followed by various general unrestricted gifts and contributions we receive which account for another 10 percent of our 2015 support.

Exchanges, or support for a specific outreach under the BWM such as Nepal and additional Ahuas donations, are excluded from the statement but represent another significant part of our mission work. Investment returns were negative this year due to the downturn in the economy.

Thanks to many past supporters we have established several restricted funds that were used to fund 18% of our ministry this year.

Seventy-one percent of our 2015 expenditures were applied directly to our ministry.This includes funds

• Resources for Investing

Support and Revenue

For the year ended December 31, 2015 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church

Northern, Southern, Alaskan Provinces Larger Life Foundation Society for Promoting the Gospel Mission Society, Southern Province Other Provincial Support General Unrestricted Contributions Investment Returns Other Utilization of Restricted Gifts Total Support and Revenue

$513,166 $24,213 $201,104 $25,000 $16,242 $109,825 ($14,793) $15,657 $204,357 $1,094,771

Expenditures

For the year ended December 31, 2015 Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church

Direct Program Costs Assistance Grants Ministry Administration/Management Supplies, Materials, Occupancy Travel, Meetings Publications, Communications General Administration Total Expenditures

providing assistance to many

of our brothers and sisters in

need as well as extensive on site ministry provided by our missionary staff or volunteer teams.The assistance takes many forms as described more fully throughout this report, often including medical management, technology assistance, orphan support, training and a host of other crucial activities, mostly in distant lands. Our accumulated continued support over the years enabled the BWM to

$851,972 $156,792 $28,196 $60,852 $15,094 $93,304 $1,206,210

outspend our revenue in 2015 but as we move forward a balanced approach is envisioned.

Additional details can be obtained once the annual audited financial statements for 2015 are complete. For more information or a copy of the audited financial statements, please contact Deb Swanson or myself at the Bethlehem office of the BWM.Thank you for your support of this important outreach.

Rex Knowlton, Treasurer

Journeying Together

The board and staff of the Board of World Mission thank the contributors who provided articles, Many thanks to the contributors provided and articles, and other material for this information,who photographs otherinformation, material forphotographs this year’s Annual Report. year’sOriginally Annual Report.

Originally published as a special section of The Moravian Magazine, this Re- in published as a special section of The Moravian Magazine, this Annual Report isAnnual also available port is also availabledigital in digital format from the Board of World Mission.

Design by Mike Riess, IBOC format from the Board of World Mission. Design by Mike Riess, IBOC 19 ©2015, Board of World©2016, Mission.Board Visit us at www.moravianmission.org. of World Mission. Visit us at www.moravianmission.org.

BOARD OF

WORLD MISSION of the Moravian Church • North America BWM staff and directors are eager to INVEST in our congregations on issues of mission discernment (local and/or global), equipping teams and individuals in mission and educating about principles of self-reliance and cross-cultural service.

Offices:

Staff:

Board of World Mission 1021 Center St. PO Box 1245 Bethlehem, PA 18016 610.868.1732

Sheila Beaman, Admin. Assistant,Winston-Salem sheila@moravianmission.org

Board of World Mission 500 South Church St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336.773.1732

Jill Kolodziej, Director of Antioch jill@moravianmission.org

Web:

Justin Rabbach, Director of Mission Engagement justin@moravianmission.org

www.moravianmission.org

Judy Ganz, Executive Director judy@moravianmission.org Sam Gray, Dir. of Intercultural Ministries & New Work sam@moravianmission.org

Deb Swanson, Admin. Assistant, Bethlehem deb@moravianmission.org

The Board of World Mission is grateful for the dedicated service of Kay Odegard, who left us in June after serving one year as our administrative assistant in the Bethlehem office.

Yes! I wish to make a financial contribution to the work of the Board of World Mission, Moravian Church in North America.

I would like to donate

to the Board of World Mission for the purposes of:

q Helping where it is needed; q Helping a specific program:

100% of your donation will go directly to mission programming.

Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ City/Town: __________________ State: _____ ZIP Code: _________

q I would like to be a Friend of BWM and receive your newsletter and periodic information about mission opportunities.

q The BWM may contact me by email. My email address: _____________________ 20

Please mail your tax-deductible donation to: The Board of World Mission, 1021 Center St., PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016 or visit us at www.moravianmission.org to donate online.