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11CALENDAR OF INTERCESSIONARYPRAYERS 2011THE CONCERNS OF THE CHURCHES AND MISSION SOCIETIES IN THE EMS FELLOWSHIP FOR EACH DAY

IMPRINT | ASSOCIATION OF CHURCHES AND MISSIONS IN SOUTH WESTERN GERMANYEDITORS: JULIA THEILMANN | PRINTING: J.F. STEINKOPF DRUCK GMBH, STUTTGART OCTOBER 2010 | COVER PICTURE | PARTICIPANTS IN THE EMS PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2011, INDONESIA | PHOTO: REINHARD MARSCHA

EMS PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2011

“START INTO A LIFE IN FULLNESS – BUILDING UP COMMUNITIES AND DEVELOPING VILLAGES IN INDONESIA“

Contact: Annette StahlTel.: +49 711 636 78 -24Email: [email protected]

“We notice that conflicts in the regionhamper or even totally destroy measu-res for economic development, impro-vement in agricultural methods andincoming-generating measures such assilk weaving“, says Ruth Beslar, head ofthe programme. “Therefore, the localsocial groups and members of thevarious religions are involved from thestart of a new project stage and solu-tions are worked out together for con-flict situations.“

Men and women work together. Theypay attention during their work to care-ful handling with the creation. The pro-ject is therefore in accord with the aimsof the world-wide ecumenical move-ment: justice, peace and the integrity ofcreation.

The fact that churches co-operate inthis to find new answers to the challen-ges they are equally faced with is a ho-peful sign for all churches in the EMSFellowship. The project also becomes in-tegrated in the EMS Focus 2009–2010

The EMS Project of the Year 2011 is based on many years of experience that theToraja Church has had in promoting rural development. It is working for a bettereconomic future for people and for peaceful coexistence between Christians andMuslims. For this reason, project activities take place in regions where differentethnic and religious groups have come into violent conflict.

as such a sign: “Giving account of ourhope – Christian witness in a pluralisticworld“.

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CALENDAR OF INTERCESSIONARY PRAYERS 2011 WWW.EMS-ONLINE.ORG

EMS FOCUS 2009–2012

Contact: Ulrike Schmidt-Hesse Tel.: +49 711 636 78 -33

[email protected] can order material on the EMS Focus from:EMS, Vogelsangstr. 62, 70197 Stuttgart, Tel.: +49 711 636 78 -71/72 or go to www.ems-online.org/focus.html

“GIVING ACCOUNT OF OUR HOPE CHRISTIAN WITNESS IN A PLURALISTIC WORLD“

The world is moving together : People who differ in faith, ideo-logy, culture, social and economic backgrounds are trying tofind ways to come to terms with these differences. How canChristian women and men bear witness to the good news of lifein fullness for all people in view of these pluralistic contexts?The EMS Focus invites churches and groups within the interna-tional EMS fellowship to find an answer tothis question.

Reading the Bible through the Eyes of Another In intercultural exchange with their part-ners, groups discover the Bible with diffe-rent eyes. This is based on biblical textswhich speak about the witness of hope,about paths beyond cultural and religiousboundaries and about respect for others.

Theological Training in the Presence of OthersMembers of theological institutions in dif-ferent countries of the EMS Fellowshipexchange views on how their relationshipto other religions is expressed in the con-tents and teaching methods of theologi-cal training.

The EMS Focus 2009–2012 includes fourinternational activities and the associated projects of the year:

Acknowledge Diversity – Live Solidarity. Church and MigrationThrough training courses in internatio-nal groups, parishes and institutions aresupported to open up to migrantwomen and men living among them, tostrengthen their rights to be part of thesame church and to contribute towardsfighting the factors that make migrationnecessary, such as poverty.

Overcoming Boundaries: a PilgrimageA group of participants from the inter-national EMS Fellowship went on a faithjourney through four countries of theMiddle East. They met people of diffe-rent faiths who were committed topeace and justice. Reports and a filminvite everyone to share the experiencesor go for themselves on a pilgrimage onthe focus topic.

www.ems-online.org

EMS FOCUS 2009–2012

GIVING ACCOUNTOF OUR HOPE

JOURNEYING TOWARDS JUSTICE – SHARING FAITHENCOUNTERING THE OTHER – CELEBRATING THE FULLNESS OF LIFE

CHRISTIAN WITNESSIN A PLURALISTIC WORLD

CONTENTS

1 EMS Secretariat, EMS Mission Council and EMS Synod2 Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC)3 Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKHN)4 Protestant Church in Baden5 Christian Protestant Church in Bali (GKPB)6 Protestant Church in South-East Sulawesi (GEPSULTRA)7 Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg8 Church of South India (CSI)9 Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (EKKW)

10 Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM) and Protestant Church in Sabah, Malaysia (PCS)

11 Moravian Church and Mission Association of the Moravian Church in Germany (HMH)

12 Moravian Church in South Africa (MCSA)13 Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG)14 Protestant Church of the Palatinate15 Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK)16 German East Asia Mission (DOAM)

17 Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK)18 United Church of Christ in Japan (KYODAN)19 mission 21 and Basel Mission German Branch (BMDZ)20 Presbyterian Church of the Sudan (PCOS)21 Protestant Indonesian Church in Donggala (GPID)22 Protestant Indonesian Church in Luwu (GPIL) and

Christian Church in South Sulawesi (GKSS)23 Chinese Christians24 Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East25 Evangelical Association for the Schneller Schools (EVS)26 National Evangelical Church of Beirut (NECB)27 Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera (GMIH)28 Evangelical Christian Church in Minahasa (GMIM)29 Toraja Church (GT)30 Toraja Mamasa Church (GTM)31 Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN)

In the booklet centre: EMS contacts, EMS world map and Mission Statement


EDITORIAL

DEAR FRIENS OF THE EMS,

“Prayer is a conversation between the heart and God inappeal and intercession, thanks and praise.” This is howMartin Luther put it in his Small Catechism. Prayer is adialogue with God but so much more: an approach andan attitude to life that knows that we live from receivingand marvelling, but also from complaining and feelingpain which we put into words, and above all from trus-ting. Prayer means entering into a relationship, into avery personal relationship between a human being andGod but which may not be understood as individual. Theprayer per se, the “Lord’s Prayer“, takes us into a fellow-ship that transcends every boundary of language, cultureand social status. Therefore, prayer and thanks may notbe understood as egoistic. Worship opens us up to therealisation that God is greater than our heart. The stron-gest link in a fellowship is the intercession: it presumesan interest in each other, empathy and compassion.

The informed intercession belongs to the most intensive signs of solidarity. It places fulltrust in God and puts us into motion, exactly when we come with empty hands to God. Thosewho accompany other people in an intercession do not close or seal themselves off, do notwant to be left in peace, do not allow themselves to be put off, but they are open for a healthyrestlessness, become attentive and sensitive. “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if onemember is honoured, all rejoice together.“ This is what Paul writes to the Corinthians (1 Cor.12:26). Whoever suffers with another and is joyful with others, is also prepared to take creativesteps, is open to be surprised by the paths, doors and windows that God’s spirit can open.

The EMS Fellowship is such a network of solidarity bound to each other in thanks, incomplaint, in praise and in regular intercession. This intercession corresponds to practicalaction, common witness for the liberating, releasing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ,a joint commitment to justice and human rights, peace, reconciliation, salvation and pre-servation of the creation. We would like to invite you in the Intercession Calendar to takepart in this world-wide fellowship on every day of the month. The calendar is also availa-ble in the English and Indonesian languages.

I send you greetings in the solidarity of the EMS Fellowship.Sincerely yours,

Reverend Bernhard Dinkelaker,General Secretary of theAssociation of Churches andMissions in South WesternGermany (EMS).

DAY 1EMS SECRETARIAT, EMS MISSION COUNCIL AND EMS SYNOD 1


PORTRAIT“Giving account of our hope – Christian witness in a pluralistic world“ is the topic of the“EMS Focus 2009–2012”. Joint activities in the year 2011 include the project “Readingthe Bible through the eyes of another” with over 90 groups in 10 different countries andexchange among theological training centres. The chosen Project of the Year 2011 is“Start into a life of fullness – building up communities and developing villages inIndonesia”.

A constitution committee set up by the EMS Synod has devised a draft constitutionthat provides for the full membership of all 28 churches and mission societies in Europe,Africa and Asia. The committee will submit the constitution for adoption.

The dwindling financial resources of the German member churches make it necessaryto take drastic austerity measures and reduce the Secretariat staff significantly.

The EMS Secretariat in Stuttgart acts as an instrument of the fellowship of all 28 chur-ches and mission societies in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 With the EMS Focus it becomes obvious that we are a world-wide mission society. Wecan learn a lot from each other through witness to the gospel and by respectful encoun-ters beyond religious and cultural differences.

In view of the drastic austerity measures, the co-workers in the Secretariat must relyon close co-operation with full-time and honorary employees in the churches and be-friended mission societies.

PRAYERMerciful God, thank you for the trust that has grown in the world-wide EMS Fellowship,for all the steps that make it obvious that we undertake sisterly and brotherly activitieswithin the EMS focus based on a common witness, and this helps us to learn from eachother and strengthen each other in daily witness.

We ask you for your blessing for all the co-workers at the Secretariat who are facingup to the challenges of the necessary austerity measures, for all the full-time and hono-rary co-workers in the field of Mission, the Ecumenical Movement and partnerships wit-hin the churches and mission societies of the EMS Fellowship, for the ecumenical co-wor-kers, the volunteers and students in the study programmes, for the delegates in the EMSMission Council and the EMS Synod. Let their work become a blessing for the world.Amen.

DAY 2PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN CAMEROON (PCC) 2

PORTRAITThe Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) is an independent church that originatedfrom the work of the Basel Mission. It has its own witness profile and a steadily growingmembership. Organised in 25 parishes with 422,000 registered members (estimatesreckon with double this number), it sets itself consciously important tasks in pastoralcare and social work. It supports health care centres, education and vocational institu-tions and promotes local handicrafts. Female and male advisers from Europe work inseveral areas of activity through mission 21/Basel Mission. There are lively contactsthrough direct partnerships maintained between German parishes and districts of thePresbyterian Church in Cameroon.

Cameroon is mainly agricultural. Although it is able to provide the basic necessities forthe 18.6 million inhabitants, tension is growing between rich and poor. A one-sided in-frastructure policy, high government debts, corruption and selfish political decisions bythe leadership elite are leading to ever more internal political unrest. Growing unemploy-ment, in particular among young people, weak points in rural health care delivery andaccess to the education system are the challenges that face the church, quite beside theproblems caused by HIV and AIDS.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The church leadership that has been in office since November 2009 needs our interces-sion. They are faced with the task of having to cater as a church for different socialgroups and social upheavals. The economic situation for large parts of the populationremains tense. The PCC therefore stands before the particular challenge of reaching allpopulation groups with the benefits of its activities. Many members also wish the PCC totake a social stance and support discriminated people, such as widows or people suffe-ring from HIV and AIDS. We also pray for your intercession on behalf of Rev JeanneMbah who is working with us as ecumenical co-worker.

PRAYERMerciful God, we thank you for the living network of relationships that links the peopleof the PCC to us here. The enriching exchange during partner visits and guests fromCameroon opens up the prospect of a world-wide fellowship for both sides, linked tofaith in Jesus Christ. We think about the people in Cameroon in their daily struggle toobtain the bare necessities, who seek concrete support and backing for their everydaylife in their church. Give the PCC a charisma that radiates encouragement and strength.Inspire and empower the persons responsible to make decisions that serve the peopleand that give credible witnesses for a life with you.

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DAY 3PROTESTANT CHURCH IN HESSE AND NASSAU (EKHN)

PORTRAITThe Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKHN) is a Uniated Church of the Protestantchurch in Germany with 1.75 million members in 1,174 congregations that have partlyLutheran, Reformed or Uniated confessions and traditions. Work at regional level takesplace in 47 superintendant’s districts that together form six provost’s parishes. TheChurch Synod, church leadership and the church leader together lead the church. Theyare supported by female and male provosts.

Over 64,000 volunteers work in the EKHN as well as about 1,700 female and male pas-tors. In the EKHN there are five main fields of activity besides work in the church congre-gations: proclamation, education, pastoral care, social responsibility and the ecumenicalmovement. Through their ecumenical commitment and partnerships with churches inAfrica, Asia, Europe and the USA, the EKHN strengthens the fellowship of Christianity andsets a living example for displaying solidarity in the sharing of resources.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 People who live in the region covered by our church have totally different cultural, reli-gious and social backgrounds. It is not always free from conflict or tensions. Over thepast ten years, parishes, initiatives and peace groups within the EKHN have committedthemselves together with ecumenical partners to work for the aims of the World Councilof Churches during the decade to overcome violence. We look with special attention atthe International Ecumenical Peace Convention in Kingston, Jamaica this year and at the“Harvest Festival” at the end of the decade.

PRAYERGod, many are working with us for peace, justice and to overcome violence. People whoare committed as honorary workers in our parishes, in initiatives and peace groups; peo-ple who work in the church leadership; people who belong to no church at all but whoare just working with us towards these goals. We ask you that everyone can live in a spi-rit of co-operation that is marked by mutual appreciation. Let us learn to supplementeach other, help us to give each other strength so that we can advocate peace, justiceand overcome violence in our everyday lives. Amen.

DAY 4PROTESTANT CHURCH IN BADEN 4

PORTRAITThe Protestant Church in Baden stretches south of the River Main and east of the RiverRhine in Southwest Germany and has about 1.3 million members in 25 parishes. It hasbeen uniated since 1821 and is committed to local and world-wide unity under thechurches. From 2009 to 2017, the Protestant churches in Germany are celebrating theLuther decade, the reformation decade.

In the year 2011, the focus is on baptism. The “Baptism Year” will be celebrated in theProtestant Church in Baden. A baptism festival and a baptism remembrance festival willbe organised in each parish. At the same time, the focus will be on the ecumenical mea-ning of baptism – both locally and world-wide.

Eleven churches of various denominations in Germany will take it in turn to acknow-ledge the baptism. This includes all the German churches that are members of the EMSas well as the Anglican Church in Germany, the Roman-Catholic Church and others. Inthe declaration, it states: “Jesus Christ is our salvation. For if, when we were God’s ene-mies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son” (Romans 5:10), “to makeus into the sons and daughters of God … Whoever receives this sacrament and acceptslove through faith in God, will be united with Christ and at the same time with his peo-ple for all time and in all places. Baptism is a sign of unity among all Christians linking usto Jesus Christ, the foundation of this unity.”

The guiding principles for the Protestant Church in Baden contains the following for-mulation, among others: “As baptised persons, we belong to the world-wide body ofChrist.” The affinity and binding relationship with sisters and brothers in Asia and Africawill be made evident in the “Year of Baptism”.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 To remind us of our Christian baptism, to promote it, to experience ecumenical affinityas baptised persons and to contemplate the relationship between baptism and a way oflife in the One World, together and for each other.

PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, as a parish we are dependent on your help, not only for each andevery one of us to remember their baptism, but for us as a parish to continue to live theexample you gave us; let us become witnesses of your love, care and justice to otherpeople. You promised us to be with us every day; in this we trust.

DAY 5CHRISTIAN PROTESTANT CHURCH IN BALI (GKPB) 5


PORTRAITChristians are a tiny minority on the Indonesian island of Bali. Of a total of 3.9 millioninhabitants, only 35,000 people in Bali are Christians. The Christian Protestant Church inBali (GKPB) has about 12,000 members. This little church in the EMS Fellowship hasweathered many storms. The Dutch colonial government imposed a missionary ban inorder to keep the Hindu-Balinese culture “pure”. In 1931, the first eleven Balinese whohad married into Christian Chinese guest worker families were baptised.

From then on, there was nothing to stop congregations from starting up. The Hindusresponded with fear and repulsion against the foreign “Western” religion. In the mean-time, the church of Bali has learnt to express its faith in its own cultural forms, throughdance and music, in architecture and the arts. It is no longer regarded as foreign and caneven mediate between tourist influences from all over the world and the Balinese world.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 In the past few years, there has been growing tension between Hindus and other reli-gious communities on Bali. The new regional autonomy law that has applied to thewhole of Indonesia since 2001 is used by many Hindu groups to strengthen their posi-tion of power in the society. The Church of Bali regards this development with concernand sees it as a danger to peaceful coexistence between members of different religionson the island. Interreligious programmes, regular talks between religious leaders andreconciliation work are the main concerns of the church in 2011 too. In their diversifiedsocial welfare activities, the church is active beyond its own members, showing the loveof God in this way and talking about it.

PRAYERMerciful and true God, thank you for sending us your son, Jesus Christ, our brother. Theworld needs the spirit of his spirit in order to live reconciled and free from the fear ofother forces.

Merciful and true God, help the Christian women and men on Bali to bear witness ofyour good spirit. The world needs your love to become healed. We ask you for wisdom,patience and strength in encounters with other religions and in social welfare work.

Merciful God, we ask for your blessing in particular for the our country of Indonesiaand its many peoples. Help us to find ways to reconcile strife and violence and to livewith each other in peace. Amen.

DAY 6PROTESTANT CHURCH IN SOUTH-EAST SULAWESI (GEPSULTRA) 6

PORTRAITThe Protestant Church in South-East Sulawesi (GEPSULTRA) goes back to the work ofDutch missionaries who have been active in this part of Indonesia since 1915. In 1942,they had to leave Indonesia on the orders of the Japanese occupation forces. In 1946,they returned. After a transitionary phase of several years, GEPSULTRA was founded in1957 and had to face considerable hardships in the first ten years of its existence. Thiswas because there was a militant Muslim movement in Southeast Sulawesi, as well as inSouth Sulawesi, which wanted to set up an Islamic state in Indonesia. From 1967 to1977, GEPSULTRA concentrated on regrouping the widespread congregations. Theyreceived additional members in the form of resettlers from all over Indonesia. Now themembers of 14 different tribes live together. Today, the ecumenically active church hasabout 25,000 members in 100 parishes.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 Combating poverty is a central concern in the GEPSULTRA understanding of mission. Formany years, the church has been offering programmes such as a goat rearing projectthat creates additional income for the parishes. More than 20 congregations are partici-pating in this project. Many others are waiting for their opportunity to take part in acattle project. The two projects also have the interreligious aim of inviting Muslimneighbours to join in. It is the church’s concern to focus on this activity fully in 2011.

PRAYERGod, source of all blessing, we bring our projects before you and ask you for your sup-port in our efforts to combat poverty. We thank you for the diversity of charismas in ourchurch. Give us the strength to employ this charisma to further peace and justice insociety. Make your church into a witness of your love, wherever it is may be. Amen.

DAY 7EVANGELICAL-LUTHERAN CHURCH IN WUERTTEMBERG 7


PORTRAITWuerttemberg came into contact with the Reformation very early on. Under the leadershipof Johannes Brenz many Christians took up the thoughts of Martin Luther, first in the townof Schwäbisch Hall, soon to be followed by the region as a whole. The influences of theSwiss reformers Zwingli and Calvin also made themselves noticed. Duke Ulrich grantedthem both freedom to thrive when the Reformation was introduced in 1534. The Evange-lical-Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg has been able to develop its own character in thisway. Its confession is Lutheran but it follows many reformed traditions in liturgy and piety.It currently has 2.3 million members in 1,425 congregations.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the renewal movement of Pietism took over large partsof Wuerttemberg. The invitation to a living, committed faith started to become an issue forother church circles. The foundation of the Basel Mission was initiated and shared with sup-port from Wuerttemberg. Wuerttemberg missionaries brought the Gospel to many coun-tries in Africa and Asia and thus laid the cornerstone for setting up indigenous churches.Today, the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg maintains diverse relations withthese churches at all levels. The mission has become ecumenical and is organised in sharedpartnership and intercultural efforts.

At present, two ecumenical co-workers from the churches of the EMS Fellowship are workingin the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg: Leslie Nathaniel from India and JeanneMbah from Cameroon. Two more persons come from churches with which the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg works in partnership: Dr Silfredo Dalferth from Brazil.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 Many Christians from other countries and cultures – also former “missionary regions” –live in Wuerttemberg today. Very few of them feel themselves really at home here, noteven in the congregations of our regional church. Most of them have therefore foundedtheir own congregations to preserve their own traditions, their own ways of communica-tion and living and above all their own Christian identity. As the daughters and sons of theone God and citizens of a country, we want to work to create a blessed and fruitful life ofcoexistence instead of coexisting in a field of tension and indifference.

PRAYERGod, our Father, as you gave life to all people, please grant it to us too. You call us to yourcongregation so that we can be one body in Jesus Christ with our wide diversity of gifts andexperiences, our different origins and our different languages, traditions and cultures. There-fore we ask you: help us be what you called us to be. Renew our understanding and lovingcoexistence in us and let us discover our differences as one of the riches you granted us.Move us in your spirit towards a new living unity in mutual respect and solidarity. Amen.

DAY 8CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA (CSI) 8

PORTRAITThe Church of South India (CSI), that stretches over 22 dioceses in the four southernIndian federal states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, has overthree million active members and 3,500 female and male pastors and is therefore one ofthe largest churches in Asia. It is a uniated church that includes Reformed, Lutheran,Methodist and Anglican traditions. The parishes too that arose from the work of theBasle Mission that has been active in India since 1834 have gradually become affiliatedto the CSI.

Within the region of the CSI, there is an ecumenical Theological College in each of thefour federal states where lectures are given in the national language of the state. Classesat the United Theological College in Bangalore are conducted in English. These collegestrain female and male pastors for the demanding service in the parishes.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 400 children and young people – the majority of them girls – from difficult backgroundsfind shelter in six homes and two training centres in the former region of the BaselMission. In India girls still have fewer “life opportunities” than boys. They are dependenton support in a special way. The education and training of girls is particularly sustainablebecause they are the ones who will later have to bring up their children.

PRAYER

God, we thank you for the Church of South India, for the parishes there and for all the femaleand male pastors who do your service. Strengthen them, support them and let them become ablessing for their parishes and above all for the countless people who live in poverty. Bless, pro-tect and support the many children and young people who live in homes and training centres.And especially to them you can also say: “You shall be a blessing!”

DAY 9EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF KURHESSEN-WALDECK (EKKW) 9


PORTRAITSince the reunification of Germany, it lies in the geographic centre of Germany: theEvangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck. North and East Hesse are regarded as the “ori-ginal homeland” of the Kurhessen-Waldeck Church. Also part of the homeland are theThuringian Schmalkalden and the Kinzigtal that stretches from Schlüchtern to Hanau. Itreaches to just before the gates of Frankfurt in the Rhone-Main region. Just under onemillion Evangelical Christian women and men live in the 947 parishes of the regionalchurch, most of them in rural areas. There they have maintained a stable popular churchorganisation, this is to say, the Evangelical church simply belongs to people’s lives. TheNorth Hessian metropolis of Kassel and the strong industrial south stand out considerab-ly from the other parts of the state.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 We are striving towards closer co-operation with our southerly sister church, theProtestant Church in Hesse and Nassau, in four fields of church activity. This includes thefield of action of Ecumenism with all its world-wide ramifications. The partnerships withthe churches of the south and Europe have become very dear to use. One of the tasks ofthe new concept will be to continue to maintain these partnerships in the right way, togrow in responsibility for each other, jointly and together with the activities.

PRAYERLord, we trust in justice that reigns before you and that makes us just before you.

But let us also be aware of the justice with which you give support to the poor, withwhich you protect the underprivileged and the oppressed.

Make us hunger for the justice that helps other people and make us strong to sharewhat we have so that all can become full.

You have called on us to bring about peace and make your church into a tool ofpeace.

Give us all, in the East, West, South and North, the imagination to discover the pathsof peace, the courage to tread that path, and the strength to convince others to join us.Amen.

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10DAY 10BASEL CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF MALAYSIA (BCCM) AND PROTESTANT CHURCH IN SABAH, MALAYSIA (PCS)

PORTRAITThe Basel Mission/mission 21 has relations to two churches in Sabah:

First some information about the Basel Church of Malaysia (BCCM), which has 18,000members. It was founded in the 1880s by Chinese immigrants who had becomeChristians through the Basel Mission. The BCCM is well known for its excellent schoolsand for the only Protestant theological training centre in Sabah, the Sabah TheologicalSeminary (STS). In the first quarter of 2010, the major extension building to the STS wasinaugurated after many years of construction. This means that, in future, many more fe-male and male students can be trained.

Since there are now more Malay-speaking than Chinese-speaking members, the BCCMconducts services in Malay in many congregations. Due to its independent foundation,the church sees its mission in supporting Christians in China by training female and malepastors and in helping to set up new congregations.

The second church with which the BMDZ has relations is the Protestant Church inSabah (PCS). It has 40,000 members in over 250 congregations and was set up throughthe work of the Basel Mission in the north in 1952. In 1966, over 70 new congregationswere grouped officially into one church. From 1969 to 1974, the government expelled allEuropean workers from the country. Since there are no academically trained female andmale pastors at present, the PCS has developed an “honorary team pastor’s office”:women and men are trained in their spare time in church service that they perform in theevenings and on Sundays.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The opening of the STS extension building has specially intensified the training of localfemale and male pastors. We pray that many young committed people who are readymay enter this service.

PRAYERLord our God, we thank you for our lively, growing partner churches in Sabah. Thankyou for allowing them to relate their active Christianity to living in good neighbourlinessand in dialogue with people of other religions. Thank you for making possible the exten-sion to the Theological Seminary to train more urgently needed female and male pas-tors. Bless the young people who are answering your call to this service. We ask you tosupport the PCS bible school that is currently in a crisis. Give the persons responsiblenew ideas and strength for the future.

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PORTRAITThe Moravian Church (Herrnhut Tradition) is one of the 26 church provinces of theMoravian Church. World-wide the Moravian Church has about 830,000 members; inGermany it has about 5,900 members. It is a church with a synodal constitution thatalso issues “solutions”. Its historical roots lie both in the Hussite Reformation of the 15thcentury and in German Pietism of the 18th century. Under the decisive collaboration ofCount Zinzendorf, the village of Herrnhut was founded in Saxony in 1722 from whereextensive missionary work started in 1732. The Mission Association of the MoravianChurch in Germany is the mission society of the church in Germany. It maintains rela-tions to partner churches in Tanzania, South Africa, Northern India and Nicaragua. InPalestine it operates the “Sternberg” rehabilitation centre. In Europe it works in Albaniaand Latvia among others. In Germany the “Haltestelle” mission centre is in Cottbus.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The Mission Association of the Moravian Church in Germany supports Moravian congre-gations in Tanzania. A new project began in 2010: the setting up of personal sponsor-ships between people in Germany and female and male pupils in Sumbawanga. In thistown of 100,000 inhabitants, there is a secondary school that is still under constructionfor the Moravian Church in Tanzania. At present, the school is attended by about 200boys and girls from a large catchment area. Many of them are unable to find the moneyfor their education and are dependent on support from the church. The new buildingand the equipment of a classroom costs about 7,000 euros. A donation of 27 euros amonth covers the personal needs of a schoolchild.

PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, you showed your love for children and presented them to adults as amodel with their expectations. In our society children often belong to those who arespecially needy. They are regarded as annoying and as a poverty risk. We thank you forthe many children who are born in Asia and the countries in the South and who are socheerful despite their poverty. Strengthen all those who work to still the basic needs ofthe children. Defend the children from hunger and exploitation. Let them take part ineducation and receive health care. Give them loving parents. Bless the activities of mis-sion and development organisations that look after the welfare and well-being of chil-dren. Amen.

DAY 11MORAVIAN CHURCH AND MISSION ASSOCIATION OF THE MORAVIAN CHURCH IN GERMANY (HMH)

DAY 12MORAVIAN CHURCH IN SOUTH AFRICA (MCSA) 12

PORTRAITThe Moravian Church in South Africa recently celebrated the 300th anniversary of thebirth of their founder, Moravian missionary Georg Schmidt (1709–1785). His work wasrichly blessed by God. Today, the Moravian Church in South Africa has 50,000 membersin 90 congregations and represents one of the largest provinces in the world-wideMoravian Church. They struggled valiantly at ecumenical level against the long-termconsequences of apartheid. They faced up to the social challenges with much commit-ment. Since most of their members are poor, it is difficult to perform church work on asound financial basis. Church property is supposed to help generate its own revenue.International contacts through the Association of Churches and Missions in SouthWestern Germany help the church to give new impulses. Young people from Germanywho complete a tour of voluntary duty in the Moravian Church of South Africa and itssocial institutions bridge the gap between North and South.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The Moravian Church of South Africa is a traditional church. In many places they havesucceeded in transforming their historical experience and making it useful for the pre-sent. However, in some places they are losing members who are seeking to join charis-matic congregations. The efforts of the church leadership are therefore directed towardsa renewal of youth work. The numerous active brass brands make an enormous contribu-tion here. A number of initiatives are helping to take children and young people who arenot members of the church off the street and integrate them in the congregations.

PRAYERLord Jesus Christ, we thank you that South Africa has survived apartheid and for thebuild-up of a democratic state that serves other African countries as a model. We ask youfor the Moravian Church to find and maintain its place in South African society. Bless thework in the congregations, schools, social institutions and business ventures. Ensurereconciliation, compensation and stability in the country. Enrich the people in Germanyand South Africa through exchanges between young and adult co-workers and throughvisits by groups and choirs. Amen.

DAY 13PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA (PCG) 13


PORTRAITThe Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), founded in 1828, gained its independence in1926. In the meantime, the church has 450,000 members, The centrepoint of church lifeis the Sunday service. Here, an excellent role is played by associations for children,young people, men and women as well as various music and choir groups. In addition,the PCG is very active in pastoral care in rural development and health care work.

At present, Norina Mutzek, Pastor of the Regional Evangelical Churches in Hesse andNassau, is working as ecumenical co-worker at the PCG through the EMS.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The health care services of the PCG are represented in eight of the ten regions of Ghanawith health care centres, basic health care services, clinics and four district hospitals. Theprogrammes for HIV&AIDS prevention are important; this is because the number of peo-ple infected with HIV&AIDS is also growing in Ghana. The PCG is dedicated to thisimportant activity with a large number of programmes for HIV&AIDS prevention and forthe treatment and care of patients.

Village health care helpers both male and female play a key role in general health caredelivery. They are trained in courses lasting several weeks. They are then capable of trea-ting simple illnesses. They transfer more difficult cases to hospitals and teach the villagepopulation about hygiene and nutrition.

PRAYERWe pray in the words of Christian women and men from Ghana:

Almighty God, we give thanks to you, we praise you, we revere your name for whatyou are. We ask you for peace, love and wisdom. We hope for good health and good rela-tions between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, parents and children. Pleasebless those who long for their wombs to be fruitful or who are seeking for ways andmeans to maintain their family life. Above all, we ask that your spirit reign in all areas ofour lives. Amen.

DAY 14PROTESTANT CHURCH OF THE PALATINATE 14

PORTRAITThe Protestant Church of the Palatinate is one of the smaller regional churches of theEvangelical Church in Germany. It has about 620,000 members in 430 congregations.The large majority of congregations is located in rural districts. The Regional Church ofthe Palatinate is a united church. Lutherans and Reformed members decided on theunion in 1818. The Palatinate Union features theological expanse and restraint againstformulated confessions. The only basis of faith and the guiding principle of life is theBible.

The Protestant Church of the Palatinate is a founder member in the EMS and maintainsclose ties to the Basel Mission and mission 21 (Protestant Basel Mission). Relations topartner churches overseas play a special role. Partnership relations with the PresbyterianChurch of Ghana, the Presbyterian Church of Korea, the Protestant Church in Papua andthe Evangelic-Lutheran Church in Bolivia have been in existence for many years.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The year 2009 was a year of changes. After the election of a new regional church leaderand the Presbyteries in 2008, there were also new elections for the regional synod. It isour hope that the world-wide ecumenical movement and partnership work will continueto receive due attention in these newly elected bodies.

PRAYEROur God, you have brought together people from the whole world to your church. Weare dependent on each other, and we thank you for this.

We thank you for the people who are committed to doing partnership work with us.Give them strength so that they do not lose courage in view of the challenges facing ourown congregations. Let us not forget that everything we have comes from you. Give usstrength to give and take, and to share material and spiritual gifts.

Let us feel your love and help us to pass it on to others. This we ask of you throughJesus Christ, our brother and Lord.

We place our trust in you, God, on the joint path to your kingdom. Amen.

DAY 15PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF KOREA (PCK) 15


PORTRAITThe percentage of Protestants in the populations of Asian countries is nowhere as highas in South Korea. In total, 30 percent of the population belongs to a Christian churchand over 20 percent to a Protestant church. The Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) isregarded as one of the largest churches in Korea, with its 2.2 million members in 6,300congregations and 8,600 female and male pastors.

It unites in itself a large number of concerns. The topics of evangelisation and worldmission take a major place. At the same time, emphasis is laid on world responsibility. Forexample, this becomes evident in the work of the female and male migrant centres wherepastoral care and counselling go hand in hand with spiritual life and socio-political com-mitment.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 In the two coming years, South Korea will prepare to host the General Assembly of theWorld Council of Churches which will take place in the South Korean city of Busan in2013. This could be a good opportunity for the churches that are members of theNational Council of Churches to come closer together. Since the ecumenical movementhas played an important role in Korea’s democratisation, important impulses may comefrom the Korean churches.

PRAYERGracious God, we recognise with gratitude how much Korea has changed over the pastdecades and we are pleased that the churches were able to play an important role in theprocess of democratisation.

God bless the churches of Korea and in particular the PCK in its preparations for theGeneral Assembly of the World Council of Churches. Allow the churches to come closerand let the relationships between North and South Korea develop in the right direction.Strengthen all those who are working towards a renewal of the church and for further re-forms in society.

DAY 16GERMAN EAST ASIA MISSION (DOAM) 16

PORTRAITThe German East Asia Mission (DOAM) is an unusual mission society since its roots goback to the liberal theology of the 19th century. Founded in Weimar in 1884 fromSwitzerland and Germany, the study of religions and dialogue with people of other faithshas always played an important role. The East Asia Mission was mainly active in Chinaand Japan. The fruit of work carried out by the DOAM in Japan gave birth to theTomisaka Christian Center in Tokyo in the 1970s. Since that time, the centre has beenworking on social and ethical issues.

The DOAM itself was integrated in two mission societies when they were founded: theAssociation of Churches and Missions in South Western Germany and the Berlin MissionSociety. Some tasks still remain with the DOAM: the support of friend circles, especially inEastern Germany; conducting a year-long study conference on the subject of East Asia; is-suing an East Asia newsletter and updating a website with current information on rela-tionships with the churches there (www.doam.org). As a result, DOAM supports the mis-sion societies and participates in the theological dialogue with an in East Asia. From theconviction that Christian men and women have a lot to learn from East Asia when itcomes to this issue, DOAM is actively participating in the EMS Focus 2009–2012 “Givingaccount of our hope – Christian witness in a pluralistic world”.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 In the past few years, a large number of young people have taken part in the EcumenicalVolunteer Programme of in the Interreligious Study Programme in Kyoto and gathered alot of valuable experience in East Asia. One of the concerns for the coming years is tobring these young people not only into the East Asia network but also to give them co-responsibility for the updating and layout of this network.

PRAYERGod, we thank you that we can learn so much from Christian women and men and peo-ple of other faiths in East Asia. We thank you for the young people who have gatheredexperience during a stay in Japan or Korea. This is not only significant for their professio-nal life but also for their personal life. Help us to be open for them and ready to learnfrom them. Help us to open up vistas for them to develop so that in future our deep affi-nity can grow to people and institutions in East Asia.

CONTACTS AT THE EMS SECRETARIAT

REVEREND DIETER BULLARD-WERNERExecutive Secretary, BMDZ [email protected]+40 711 636 78 -62

BRUNHILDE CLAUSSCo-ordinator Ecumenical Learning andPartnership [email protected] 0711 636 78 -42

REVEREND BERNHARD DINKELAKERGeneral Secretary, [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -21

LUTZ DRESCHERLiaison Secretary, East Asia and India Executive Secretary, [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -30

REVEREND RILEY EDWARDS-RAUDONAT Liaison Secretary, Africa [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -14

MANFRED GIECHE EMS Managing Director [email protected] 0711 636 78 -15

CHRISTINE GRÖTZINGERCoordinator Programmes and Projects [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -34

WALTER HEBISCHSales [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -73

HANS HEINRICH Liaison Secretary, [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -36

MONIKA LUDELeader Ecumenical Learning and Youth [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -27

REVEREND ANDREAS MAURERLiaison Secretary, Middle East Executive Secretary, [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -37

GABRIELE MAYER, PH.D.Women and Gender Desk [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -38

BÄRBEL NICKEL Ecumenical Youth Volunteer [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -22

BIRTE PETERSENEditor in charge, “darum”[email protected] 0711 636 78 -6

GERD SANDERHead of [email protected] 0711 636 78 -85

REVEREND ULRIKE SCHMIDT-HESSEMission and Partnership [email protected] 0711 636 78 -33

ANNETTE [email protected] +49 711 636 78 -24

GHANA

BOLIVIA

NIG

SURINAME

Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG)

Moravian Church(European Continental Province)

Protestant Church in Baden

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg

Protestant Church of the Palatinate

Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (EKKW)

Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKHN)

Moravian Church in Suriname

Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN)

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia (IELB)

CHURCHES AND MISSION SOCIETIES IN THE EMS FELLOWSHIP

Association of Churches and Missionsin South Western Germany (EMS)

Basel Mission German Branch (BMDZ)

Mission Association of the MoravianChurch in Germany (HMH)

AFRICAMoravian Church in South Africa (MCSA) Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG)

ASIAEpiscopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle EastNational Evangelical Church of Beirut, Lebanon (NECB)Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera, Indonesia (GMIH)Evangelical Christian Church in Minahasa, Indonesia (GMIM)Christian Protestant Church in Bali, Indonesia (GKPB)Christian Church in South Sulawesi, Indonesia (GKSS)Protestant Indonesian Church in Donggala, Indonesia (GPID)Protestant Indonesian Church in Luwu, Indonesia (GPIL),Protestant Church in South-East Sulawesi, Indonesia (GEPSULTRA)Toraja Church, Indonesia (GT)Toraja Mamasa Church, Indonesia (GTM)Church of South India (CSI) Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK)United Church of Christ in Japan (KYODAN)

EUROPEBasel Mission, Switzerland (BM)Basel Mission German Branch (BMDZ)German East Asia Mission (DOAM) Protestant Church in Baden Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg Protestant Church of the PalatinateProtestant Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKHN) Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (EKKW)Moravian Church (European Continental Province)Evangelical Association for the Schneller Schools (EVS)Mission Association of the Moravian Church in Germany (HMH)

In addition, the EMS maintains relations based on mutual trust and co-operation with the following churches and institutions:China Christian Council, China (CCC)Amity Foundation, China

Through its partnership with the Basel Mission German Branch in co-operation with mission 21 the EMS is linked with the:Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC)Protestant Church in Sabah, Malaysia (PCS)Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM)Presbyterian Church of the Sudan (PCOS)Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN)Tsung Tsin Mission Hong Kong (TTM)Evangelical Christian Church in West Papua (GKI)Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bolivia (IELB)

Through its partnership with the Mission Association of the Moravian Church in Germany, it is linked with:Moravian Church in Tanzania (in the South, Southwest and Rukwa Provinces)Moravian Church in SurinameStar Mountain Rehabilitation Centre in Ramallah, West Bank

The Association of Churches and Missionsin South Western Germany (EMS) is a network of 23 churches and five missionsocieties located in ten countries in Asia,Africa, the Middle East and Europe work-ing towards worldwide mission and inter-church cooperation.

GERMANY

SWITZERLAND

I N D O N E S I A

MALAYSIA

INDIA

TANZANIA

SUDAN

CAMEROON

ERIA

SOUTH AFRICA

West Papua

CHINA

Halmahera

Sulawesi

JAPAN

SOUTH-KOREA

Moravian Church in South Africa (MCSA)

Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East

National Evangelical Church of Beirut, Lebanon (NECB)

Church of South India (CSI)

United Church of Christ in Japan (KYODAN)

Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) Presbyterian Church

in the Republic of Korea (PROK)

China Christian Council,China (CCC)

Amity Foundation, China

German East Asia Mission (DOAM)

Evangelical Association for the Schneller Schools (EVS)

Basel Mission, Switzerland (BM)

Basel Mission German Branch (BMDZ)

Mission Association of the Moravian Church in Germany (HMH)

GMIMEvangelical Christian Church in Minahasa, Indonesia (GMIM)

GPIDProtestant Indonesian Church in Donggala, Indonesia (GPID)

GTMToraja Mamasa Church, Indonesia (GTM)

GKSS

Christian Church in South Sulawesi, Indonesia (GKSS)

GTToraja Church, Indonesia (GT)

Christian Protestant Church in Bali, Indonesia (GKPB)

GMIH

Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera, Indonesia (GMIH)

GPIL Protestant Indonesian Church in Luwu, Indonesia (GPIL)

GEPSULTRA

Protestant Church in South-East Sulawesi, Indonesia (GEPSULTRA)

Moravian Church in Tanzania(in the South, Southwest and Rukwa Provinces)

Star Mountain Rehabilitation Centre in Ramallah, West Bank

Protestant Church in Sabah, Malaysia (PCS)

Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC)

Presbyterian Church of the Sudan (PCOS)

Tsung Tsin Mission Hong Kong (TTM)

Evangelical Christian Church in West Papua (GKI)

Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM)

THEOLOGICAL ORIENTATION OF THE EMS FELLOWSHIP

We are on a journey together towards an international ecumenical fellowshipof churches and mission society sharing ourhope in the Kingdom of God.

Mission in the first instance is God'seconomy (oikonomia) for the world, in theact of creation, in the history with humanmankind, in Jesus Christ and in the power ofthe Spirit. Our witness means our responseand our participation in God's compassion-ate and transforming love.

The centrality of our faith is the GoodNews of salvation, of the fullness of life, andthe overcoming of death in Jesus Christ. The name of Jesus Christ means redemption,liberation, healing, reconciliation, justice,peace and hope.

The gospel concerns all dimensions oflife. Therefore our witness is holistic. Procla-mation of the Gospel, worship, prayer life,pastoral care, Christian education, diaconalservice and the commitment to justice,peace, and the integrity of creation cannotbe separated from each other.

Our witness is based on faithfulness tothe Gospel and on compassion for God'screation, particularly for all vulnerable andendangered creatures.

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We witness to the gospel of Jesus Christat all our respective places in an inviting and faithful way. The experience of beingstrangers to each other in encounters and in exchange across borders helps us to rediscover the Gospel in new ways.

We belong together in our partnershipon mission. The polyphony and diversityof our witness in different contexts is some-thing precious and at the same time a con-tinuing mutual challenge.

Our witness finds expression in signs ofliving solidarity. As reconciling and healingcommunities we share life, also suffering. We strive for human rights. We also strive fora just community of women and men and in all generations.

In our witness, we meet people of otherfaiths and ideologies with esteem, respect,empathy, the willingness to listen, and tolive together as good neighbours in bold humility.

As a forum for ecumenical living in ourcommon witness across borders our fellow-ship enables us to learn from each other, toencourage each other, and to challenge eachother.

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DAY 17PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (PROK)

PORTRAITAbout 30 percent of Korean people belong to one of the Christian churches. ThePresbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea (PROK) has 340,000 members gathered inabout 1,450 congregations and is one of the smaller churches in the country. 1,900female and male pastors and over 2,800 elders perform service in the congregations.During the long years of changing military dictatorships, the PROK was involved inhuman rights, democratisation, social justice, peace and reunification on the KoreanPeninsula. It was supported by companions and partners from other churches. The EMShas always played an important role here.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The PROK has always tried to work together with partners world-wide on important lifeissues. As before, the questions of reconciliation, peace and reunification remain unans-wered on the Korean peninsula. Work has already started at the PROK Peace Centre totear down the “Wall in the Heads” that divides the two parts of the country. In addition,questions of ecology and sustained development are gaining in importance and finallythere are training programmes that make young people familiar with the main concernsof a world-wide Ecumenism.

PRAYERO God of Peace, we bring before you the pain of the Korean peoples who are still sepa-rated. We pray for the people in North Korea who suffer hardships and for the smallChristian church there. We ask in the name of all people who are committed to reconci-liation, rapprochement and for sustained development on the Korean peninsula. In parti-cular, we pray for young people in both parts of the country. Open up a future for them.We pray in the name of Jesus for whom there is no boundary that is insurmountable.

DAY 18UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN JAPAN (KYODAN) 18

PORTRAITOnly about one percent of the Japanese population belongs to one of the Christian chur-ches. The United Church of Christ in Japan (KYODAN) has about 200,000 members thatare grouped in around 1,700 congregations. Although Christian men and women inJapan are a minority, their personal charisma is immense in various areas of JapaneseSociety. For instance Christians exert an influence on social issues, resist attempts to res-tore Japan to a military power, are engaged in promoting peaceful coexistence withneighbours in East Asia and with minorities within their own country and open theirhearts to migrant women who seek a new home in Japan.

There are work areas in Japan to which there are specially intensive ties: the TomisakaChristian Center (TCC) in Tokyo where social and ethical positions are worked out on ur-gent social issues. The “Center for the Study of Japanese Religions” at the NationalChristian Council in Kyoto offers students from Germany the possibility of acquiring skillsin dialogue with people of other faiths. The centre for Japanese-Filipino families encou-rage children to develop awareness for their bicultural background. An expression of soli-darity of the KYODAN with neighbouring and discriminated minorities (the Buraku) is theBuraku Liberation Center in Kyoto which also maintains close ties to the “Sinti, Roma andchurches” working group belonging to the EMS.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 One of KYODAN’s very important questions about the future revolves around a reasona-ble Christian witness in a pluralistic society. Through participation in the internationalactivity of the EMS Focus 2009–2012 “Reading the Bible through the eyes of another”,members of KYODAN gender work are hoping to find new impulses to put into practice.

PRAYERMerciful God, we thank you for the various ties and co-operation with Christian womenand men in Japan. We thank you for your commitment to peaceful coexistence withminorities and migrant women in the country, with those belonging to other religionsand with neighbours in East Asia.

We pray on behalf of the KYODAN, with whom we are also tied, in the search for ans-wers to urgent questions, such as what a reasonable and inviting Christian witness maylook like today.

DAY 19MISSION 21 AND BASEL MISSION GERMAN BRANCH (BMDZ) 19


PORTRAITThe spirit of God links people – even beyond the boundaries of nations, confessions andcultures. This experience has shaped the Basel Mission for almost 200 years: What doesmission mean for us today? The Mission Statement of the BMDZ says: “Mission is beinga Christian in public. It is the statement of being and living the world-wide church. It isfaith in lived terms, love in existence, hope in action. It makes itself strong for others.For this, we want to be a living witness through our work.”

For the Basel Mission German Branch (BMDZ), this includes the counselling and sup-port of direct partnerships between Christian men and women from the churches of theworld-wide EMS Fellowship and from Germany in the same way as the promotion of aninterreligious peace programme of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria through mission21/Basel Mission. Fellow Christians in Africa, Asia and South America associate the nameof “Basel Mission” with a practical everyday witness and respect in mutual relations. Thisreputation remains an obligation for the BMDZ to this day.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The Basel Mission German Branch is committed to education work in ecumenical lear-ning that also works in partnership in parishes and partnership groups. It provides infor-mation about its partner churches with which it is tied through mission 21/BaselMission. Its men and women are committed to collection work in the tradition of theHalbbatzenkollekte (half batz collection) of the Basel Mission and supports mission21/Basel Mission projects with the proceeds of the collections.

PRAYERGod, we thank you for the many people who work in your mission as female and malecollectors, as donators and promoters, as donees here and there.

Thank you for the fact that we are not indifferent to each other. You want to use us sothat your gospel can be heard and your world can be organised based on social justice.

We thank you for the many partnership groups who seek exchange and encounter “asequals”, who take on suggestions from the ecumenical movement and who become enri-ched through them.

We ask you on behalf of the sisters and brothers who are linked to us through thechurches of the EMS Fellowship, especially on behalf of those who suffer in distress. Helpus to advocate religious freedom and just and sustainable business in the world in future.Amen.

DAY 20PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE SUDAN (PCOS) 20

PORTRAITThe Presbyterian Church of the Sudan (PCOS) started from in the missionary work of theUS Presbyterians. Today, it is the third largest church in the Sudan with its headquartersin Malakal, South Sudan. Since 1974, there have been partnership relations betweenmission 21/Basel Mission and the PCOS and at the start, the partnership was based ongender work. During the civil war, the problem centred around keeping and expandingthe ties. Since the restructurisation after the peace agreement, the great distances in theSudan and the ethnic differences of church members made it necessary for work to beanchored decentrally in nine presbyteries. Each presbytery has its own structure andadapts its work within certain framework conditions. The key tasks of the church includethe build-up of parish structures and the theological training of evangelists and pastorsin bible schools and theological training centres. What is elementary is peace and recon-ciliation work, the stabilisation of gender work and the support of youth work.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 More than ever, the peace agreement concluded in 2005 is under close scrutiny. In2011, there will be a referendum that will decide on the country’s future. It will showwhether South Sudan will be independent or not. So far, the introduction of structureshas been slow in South Sudan. There is a collision of various interests and groups withdifferent ideas. The oil deposits in the South play a key role. Reconciliation among theethnic groups of the South is a major challenge for the PCOS, in particular as returningand traumatised refugees need to be integrated. From 2010/11, there will be an increasein funding in the fields of education and rural development to ensure the production offood. The mission 21/Basel Mission will also be available in future to counsel PCOS co-workers. They too need our intercession.

PRAYERO God of Peace. We bring before you the uncertain plight of the people in Sudan. Thepeace in the South is such a small plant that is growing very timidly. Conflicts that flareup from time to time endanger a stable sustained peace and the reconstruction of thecountry. People are still marginalised, injured and even killed. Empower the persons res-ponsible in the church to lead by example the message of your love, hope and reconcili-ation in ways that are credible and encouraging. Open their eyes to recognise ethnicbarriers and summon the willingness to overcome them in your name. God, your promi-se of peace is for all people in Sudan. Help us to promote the spirit of peace and give usthe willingness to fight for justice and reconciliation in Sudan as far as our commitmentallows us.

DAY 21PROTESTANT INDONESIAN CHURCH IN DONGGALA (GPID) 21


PORTRAITThe Protestant Indonesian Church in Donggala (GPID) is a young church. Since the 19thcentury, female and male teachers and government officers emigrated from Minahasa tothe Donggala region. They were cared for by Minahasa pastors of the Protestant churchestablished there. In 1937, the region was totally transferred to the GMIM. Due to thegeographical distances, it appeared advisable over a period of time for the church not tobecome part of the GMIM. As a result, the congregations were combined into an inde-pendent church in 1965. The church became independent on 7 April 1965. The impacton the indigenous population in the region was more successful here than in the neigh-bouring regions. Among their church members are many Balinese Christian women andmen who originally came to the region as resettlers. The GPID runs a small number ofschools and an adult education centre. At present, it has about 25,000 members in 142congregations cared for by around 60 female and male pastors. The church leadershiphas its seat in the provincial capital of Palu.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 Many congregations of the Donggala church are situated in very remote areas in themountains of Central Sulawesi. Living conditions there are very simple and the regionalso suffers from frequent flooding and earthquakes. For years, the church has madeevery effort to help these congregations improve the quality of life there. The main pro-grammes include ensuring the water supply, the expansion of the health care system,agricultural development projects and equipping schools and other education centres.

PRAYERLord, our good shepherd, we ask you to lead and strengthen the Donggala Church inthe midst of their challenges and changes that the rural areas of Indonesia are experien-cing at present. Help the new church leaders and church councillors to work in yourhonour and your praise and to serve the welfare of the people.

Lord, our good shepherd, we pray for all people in our region who are affected byeconomic need, hunger, violence and natural disasters such as floods, landslides andearthquakes. Give them and us the courage and strength to provide help where it is nee-ded. Amen.

DAY 22PROTESTANT INDONESIAN CHURCH IN LUWU (GPIL)AND CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN SOUTH SULAWESI (GKSS)

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PORTRAITThe Luwu Church in Indonesia, with its roughly 10,000 members, has only ten activepastors in about 100 parishes. Many congregations can only be reached on foot. Theyexperienced difficult times in the 1950s and 1960s: they were spread over remote areasbecause an Islamic independence movement was operating in their homelands. How-ever, there too they found themselves caught up in the turmoil of political and religiousconflicts in the Indonesian archipelago.

The congregation members mainly comprise small farmers and daily wage earners. Forthis reason, the GPIL places great value on education programmes, Sunday schools andother community events. However, these vital services were only offered in secret duringthe difficult times. Participation in the EMS community is very important for the LuwuChurch. This is one of the few chances for them to expand their ecumenical horizonthrough practical co-operation with other churches.

About 6,000 congregation members belong to the Christian Church in South Sulawesi(GKSS). The church leadership has its seat in the provincial capital of Makassar. But most ofthe members are female and male farmers who live as a small community in the midst of alarge Muslim majority. The present GKSS started in the 19th century as part of the Dutchchurch for government officials and became independent in 1949. At the outbreak of WorldWar II, the GKSS had approximately 10,000 members. By 1952, membership had shrunk toa mere 600 members as a result of two waves of persecution. Although the increase backup to 6,000 members seems to be a small number, it required a lot of courage from theChristian men and women. Despite its small size, the GKSS is providing self-help and mis-sionary work to poor rural communities. Among other things, it finances a training centrefor development work in the villages. Some of its female and male theologians work as lec-turers at the theological university in the provincial capital of Makassar.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The growing radicalisation of Islam in South Sulawesi is spreading uncertainty and con-cern in the GPIL and the GKSS. The churches are now obliged more than ever to meetMuslim neighbours in dialogue programmes. They are also committed together withMuslim representatives in talks with official government agencies to ensure peaceful coe-xistence between religious communities in future.

PRAYERLord, our God, we confess that you are the creator and keeper of all human beings. We callupon you in this hour of need and pray for your help. As a small minority, let us not lose thecourage to live as your church. We thank you for looking after us in difficult times and praythat you may support our confidence in our efforts to look after the poorest of the poor. Amen.

DAY 23CHINESE CHRISTIANS 23


PORTRAIT“Pronounced dead but still very much alive” – the fact that there are between 30 and 70million Christians in China today – with a strong growth trend – is nothing less than awonder and a reason to be grateful to God. There is a diversity of Christian existence inChina. Many Protestant congregations belong to the China Christian Council (CCC) andare organised in the so-called Three-Self Patriotic Movement (self-government – self-sup-port – self-propagation). There are Christians who gather in independent house commu-nities and unregistered church congregations. There are increasingly more universitieswhich offer “Christian Studies” where young intellectuals can learn about the content ofthe Christian faith and quite a few ask to be baptised. In Germany there are about30,000 students from China and many of them belong to a rapidly growing number ofChinese congregations. Since the opening of China, the EMS has been an importantpartner to the CCC and supports its theological training.

Another partner of the EMS is Amity Foundation, a voluntary organisation founded byChristians. Its aims are to improve the living conditions of the people through a largenumber of projects in health care, rural development and education. The EMS supports aproject for counselling migrant women and men in their legal rights.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 In the past decades, Chinese society has experience very fast change. Much has changedfor the better but there are still many unsolved problems. Income has risen but at thesame time, major new social extremes have arisen. The freedom for religious live hasincreased but there is still a high degree of control. We pray that the development ofChinese society will continue in the right direction.

PRAYERGod, we thank you that more and more people in China are receiving solace, strengthand orientation from the gospel. We give thanks for their impressive witness and for theservice they have rendered within Chinese society.

God, we pray for the whole Chinese people and all the people who work to makechanges, who fight for human rights, religious freedom, democracy and justice. We prayin the name of Jesus who wants all people to live a life in fullness.

DAY 24EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN JERUSALEM AND THE MIDDLE EAST 24

PORTRAITThe Episcopal Church dioceses in Jerusalem and the Middle East include institutions andcongregations in Israel, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Thischurch is therefore particularly affected by the conflicts in the Middle East. It is preciselyhere that the church bears witness to love, non-violence and peace in many differentways. This was formulated in impressive words in the Kairos Palestine Document, whichthis church helped to draft jointly with many others. Here, we are also asked as Christiansisters and brothers how we can commit ourselves to peace in this region. And we areinvited to visit the Christian women and men in Palestine in order to see for ourselves.

The EMS is linked to the Episcopal Church by co-operation with the Theodor SchnellerSchool (TSS) in Amman. In addition, the EMS provides financial support to the Ahli ArabHospital in Gaza, the Arab Episcopal School, an integrated school for the blind in Irbidand a school for the deaf in Salt (both in Jordan) and also sends volunteers. Together, weare members of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel(EAPPI) of the World Council of Churches.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The end of the occupation, a just peace that opens up future prospects, and peacefulcoexistence between religions – those are the main concerns of Christian women andmen living in the Middle East.

PRAYERMerciful God, our Heavenly Father, Creator and Sustainer of all human life, we give youthanks and praise you for sending us your only Son, Jesus Christ – His birth inBethlehem, His ministry throughout the Holy Land, His death on the cross and HisResurrection and Ascension. He came to redeem this land and the world. He came as thePrince of Peace.

We give thanks to you for every church and parish around the world that is prayingwith us on this day for peace. Our Holy City and our land are much in need of peace.

In your immeasurable mystery and love of all, let the power of your Redemption andyour Peace transcend all barriers of cultures and religions and fill the hearts of all whoserve you here, of both peoples – Israeli and Palestinian – and of all religions. Amen.(Source: www.worldweekforpeace.org)

DAY 25EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE SCHNELLER SCHOOLS (EVS) 25


PORTRAITIn the year 1860, the Swabian Johann Ludwig Schneller founded the Syrian Orphanagein Jerusalem and started the work of the Schneller schools in Lebanon and Jordan thatcontinues to the present day. It is also supported by the EVS. Children from very needyand difficult families are enrolled and receive schooling and, if they want, also vocationaleducation. With innovative educational methods, the schools are committed to peacefulcoexistence beyond religious barriers and so give witness to Christian charity and thelove of one’s neighbour.

A special concern of the EVS is continued development at the schools in the areas ofeducational methods, vocational education and generating revenues. This takes place inclose co-operation in partnership with sponsoring churches in the Middle East.

A new pillar of support here is the SCHNELLER FOUNDATION – EDUCATION for PEACE.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 Peace for all people, in particular for all children in the Middle East!

Strength, love and patience for all female and male workers who look after the chil-dren at the Schneller Schools.

There are many people who report about the Schneller Schools in Germany and socontribute to the continuation of this important work.

PRAYERGood God, you came to us humans in love. Through Jesus, you showed us that your loveis especially for those who are marginalised, who are disregarded and ignored by others. Make us into your instrument, that we can feel the people and especially the children inour world today who have no hope in their lives: you want to be close to everyone.

Let hope grow in the children at the Schneller Schools to live a life in dignity, justiceand peace. Help all those who are helping to give the children what they need for theirpath through life.

As Christian women and men throughout the world, let us not forget our sisters andbrothers of the faith in the Middle East. Let us also advocate that they have a life inpeace, a life with a future. Amen.

DAY 26NATIONAL EVANGELICAL CHURCH OF BEIRUT (NECB) 26

PORTRAITThe National Evangelical Church of Beirut (NECB) is the oldest Arab-speaking Protestantchurch in the Middle East. It was founded in 1848 at the behest of indigenous Christiansby reformed missionaries from the USA. Despite the low number of members, it has con-siderable social influence through its educational work that is rich in tradition. As spon-soring church of the Johann Ludwig Schneller School (JLSS), the NECB works closely withthe EVS. Through the Philemon Project supported by the EMS, it not only offers peoplefrom many countries a church haven but also supports refugees and migrant women andmen from Africa and Asia. The NECB sponsors the Near East School of Theology whereGerman theology students and pastors of both genders can deepen their knowledge ofIslam and Christianity in the Middle East as part of the “Study in the Middle East”(SIMO).

Lebanon is only half the size of the German state of Hesse. But the over four millionpeople living there are divided into 17 different confessions. With such a diversity, coexis-tence is not always possible without tension flaring up.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 Peace and stability in Lebanon depend on many factors. The interaction between reli-gions is an existential issue for a small minority church such as the NECB. This year, thefirst Evangelical old people’s home will open. This is a major challenge for this church.

PRAYERAlmighty and Eternal God, help us in your name to be witnesses of peace and ambassa-dors of reconciliation.

Through our words and deeds, help us to open up life to people in Lebanon and inevery country, to give love and spread hope so that misunderstanding, hate and violencedo not gain the upper hand.

Empower the National Evangelical Church of Beirut, the parish members and thechurch co-workers to give witness to you by being there for others.

We ask for peace and stability in Lebanon – internally and with its neighbours. Amen.

DAY 27EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN HALMAHERA (GMIH) 27


PORTRAITThe Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera (GMIH) has its home on the Moluccanislands of Halmahera, Ternate and Tidore, which have a population of about 500,000inhabitants. The islands of Ternate and Tidore have been predominantly Muslim sultana-tes since the 14th century. Christianity first started in 1521 with the arrival ofPortuguese and Spanish traders and Catholic missionaries. At the start of the Protestantmission in 1866, however, there were no Catholic Christians any more.

A strong Christian movement started on the Moluccas from 1896 to 1915. During theJapanese occupation in World War II, missionaries were imprisoned, churches were closedand there was a ban on public gatherings for congregations. The indigenous Christianssucceeded in re-obtaining permission to allow church services to take place and laid thefoundation for a local church. After negotiations with missionaries who returned in 1948,the church became independent in 1949.

In the summer of 1999, the GMIH was faced with enormous difficulties through theoutbreak of ethnic and religious conflict on the Moluccas. There were major waves of re-fugees between 2000 and 2002. The infrastructure of the church was totally destroyed,especially in the rural districts. Many congregations simply disappeared. The church per-formed valuable services in the refugee camps and later during the reconstruction of theparishes.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The Evangelical Christian Church in Halmahera continues to see its most important taskin the spiritual and economic reconstruction of the parishes and in reconciliation workbetween Christians and Muslims on the Moluccas.

Moreover, a reconstruction within the church supported by the EMS has been under-way for the past two years. The aim is to improve communication and synergy betweenall the work levels of the church. This programme is gaining momentum and the churchis increasingly feeling the growing willingness of congregations to approve the church’stasks and to give support to their church.

PRAYERLord, our God, we bring our sorrow and lament before you and pray for help in healingthe wounds of conflict opened by the conflicts. We remember the good times of coexis-tence in our villages. Help us in the name of Jesus Christ to find these roots again. Wepray for the return of refugees who often lost everything when they left, and for allfemale and male co-workers who give their services to them. Give us the strength toovercome these religious conflicts with our neighbours. Amen.

DAY 28EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN MINAHASA (GMIM) 28

PORTRAITThe Evangelical Christian Church in Minahasa (GMIM) in the north of the island ofSulawesi is one of the few popular churches in Indonesia. About 70 percent of the popu-lation of Minahasa belongs to it. Another 20 percent are Christians of other denomina-tions and 10 percent are Muslim. The church with its seat in the town of Tomohon has asynodal constitution. It has pointed the way for the entire region by setting up aChristian university with a strong Theological Faculty, a central hospital, and a healthcare centre for the villages, schools and specialist schools.

In Minahasa the Catholic mission started with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16thcentury. Based on the motto of “cuius regio eius religio”, the Dutch East India Companyintroduced the region to Protestantism. The missionary work of the NetherlandsMissionary Society started at the beginning of the 19th century, supported by the sen-ding of two German missionaries, Riedel and Schwarz. The church already became inde-pendent in 1934. The 800,000 members in more than 800 congregations are looked afterby about 1,400 pastors, more than two thirds of whom are women. This ratio which isunusual for Indonesia is the result of the strong position of women in the traditional cul-ture of the Minahasa. The fact of gender equality is not only reflected among the pastorsbut also in all field of education.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 One difficulty facing the missionary services of the church lies in Christian upbringingand motivation work for the faith. Besides a theological faculty at the ChristianUniversity, it also runs a number of institutions for the education and training of full-time and mainly honorary workers. Partnership in mission for the GMIM means the com-mon search for ways towards justice and peace and towards healing, reconciliation workin the One World of today. As the majority church in the region, the GMIM sees its mis-sion in anchoring civic standards in the pluralistic Indonesian society to permit the pea-ceful coexistence of all ethnic groups and religious communities.

PRAYERIn the name of God and his son Jesus Christ, we pray for our country of Indonesia andthe region of Minahasa so that we can succeed in bringing about democratic stabilityand safeguarding religious peace.

O great God in Heaven, look upon us and give us the strength to follow in your steps.And let us, the sons and daughters of mankind, place our trust in Him. Amen.

DAY 29TORAJA CHURCH (GT) 29


PORTRAITThe Toraja Church is similar to a popular church on a small scale. About 75 percent ofthe 370,000 inhabitants living in the mountainous region of Toraja in the province ofSouth Sulawesi are Christians.

The origins of the church date back to an event in May 1913 when 20 Torajans werebaptised by a teacher of the Dutch colonial church for government officials. This was fol-lowed by fast growth in the number of congregations. Today, the church, which has apresbyterial and synodal constitution, has about 260,000 members in over 570 parishesand around 275 other places of worship with more than 150 female and male pastors.

The Toraja Church has parishes outside their core area in various regions and on va-rious islands. The current unrests and changes in Indonesian society are most clearly feltby the Toraja Church precisely in these communities. It concentrates its efforts within thecommunity of churches in Indonesia, the National Church Council, to maintain demo-cracy and religious freedom.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 On the one hand, the people in the villages of the Toraja region live with strong roots intheir rich and ancient culture; on the other hand, the wide world is encroaching on theirlives through tourism and the media. The scarcity of land, poverty and particularly youthunemployment are making their lives more and more difficult. In the past few years, thepercentage of Muslims in the Toraja regions has greatly increased. In 2011, the TorajaChurch will be the sponsor of the EMS Project of the Year. Together with the two neigh-bouring churches in Mamasa and Luwu, the church is committed to justice, peace andthe preservation of the creation in the region.

PRAYERDear God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the gospel in which weshare. You sent your son as a poor person to us poor people. You accompany us on ourway. We thank you for this.

Today, we pray in particular for our country of Indonesia. Bestow upon the politiciansand leaders of religious communities the insight to develop positive coexistence.

We also pray for all those among us whose everyday life is hard and for those who arestruggling to survive. Give us advice and wisdom for the programmes of the TorajaChurch to bear fruit, in particular for the EMS project of the year, so that they bringpeace and also help for the lives of all people living there. Amen.

DAY 30TORAJA MAMASA CHURCH (GTM) 30

PORTRAITThe region of the Indonesian Toraja Mamasa Church lies in the north of South Sulawesiin the remote high-lying valley of Mamasa. The beginnings of the church date back tothe work of the Reformed Church during the former colony of the Dutch East Indies,when their preachers worked there from 1913 to 1927. In 1928, the work there wastaken over by a small Christian Reformed Church from the Netherlands. The Mamasacongregations grouped together in 1948 to form an independent church with a synodalconstitution. Its approximately 100,000 members in 280 congregations can often onlybe reached on foot or on horseback. The GTM is the largest church in the valley ofMamasa where about 80 percent of the population are Christians, although the numberof Muslims is rising due to immigration.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The region of Mamasa became a separate district a few years ago. This is linked tonumerous challenges for the church there. Many parish members now work in adminis-tration and have the task as female and male civil servants to help run the affairs ofstate. The church sees part of its pastoral care mission to advocate its members the pathof justice, honesty and transparency and to make this visible as the basic attitude of aChristian life style. As the largest religious community in the region, it is aware of itssocial responsibility in a society which was roughly introduced to the modern worldalmost overnight. Youth work and adult education are areas which will require specialattention in the coming years. Dialogue with Muslims continues to be one of the majortasks to allow reconciliation, stability, security and prosperity in the region.

PRAYERMerciful God, look at the seeds of your gospel that have grown to become the church ofMamasa. Protect and support this church in its tumultuous environment at present.Preserve it from the temptations of politics and money and strengthen them in theirpastoral care work. Stand by this church in its work and its efforts to bear more socialresponsibility in the areas of education, health care delivery, youth work and adult edu-cation. Let your spirit of unity accompany this church in the fulfilment of its call forreconciliation, justice, peace and the integrity of your creation. Amen.

DAY 31CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN IN NIGERIA (EYN) 31


PORTRAITThe Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria – EYN) has its homein North East Nigeria. It is a young and fast growing church. Founded in 1923, it nowhas over 350,000 members who are divided into more than 500 congregations. Since1959, its work is supported by the Basel Mission (now mission 21) in the form of per-sonnel and financial aid. The liveliness during its church services has a strongly invitingcharacter. At the same time, the EYN performs pastoral care activities.

The focal points are rural development, basic health care delivery, HIV&AIDS work andliteracy work. Theological students are cared for at the Kulp Bible College in Kwarhi. In adistance learning course “TEE”, interested lay persons have the opportunity to receivetheological education and training.

OUR CONCERN FOR 2011 The EYN originates from the American Church of the Brethren, a traditional peacechurch. It wants to make this heritage fruitful for the present situation in Nigeria. Thecontinuously recurring violent clashes between the mainly Muslim Hausa and Fulani onthe one hand and the mainly Christian ethnic groups of the Berom, Anaguta and Afizereon the other clearly show how necessary this is. The EYN Peace Committee under theleadership of Dr Toma H. Ragnjiya holds peace consultations between Christians andMuslims. In co-operation with the Centre for Peace Promotion in Jos, it teaches peaceeducation in the secondary schools. This important work under difficult conditionsrequires our intercession.

PRAYERGood and gracious God, we ask for your presence. Comfort the crying who have lostrelatives and dependants during the various unrests in Nigeria. Bestow on them the giftof people who can accompany them in their mourning and help them to treat theirtraumas. Support the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria in its work for peace. Keep thehope of a peaceful future alive in the church and in us all. Amen.

Our magazine “darum” opens up the world-widehorizon of mission and ecumenism. “darum” con-

tains up-to-date reports about the world-wide com-mitment of Christian women and men who spread

the gospel, who work towards justice and peace andwho fight for peaceful coexistence between religions.

The EMS magazine is produced together with fiveother mission societies. You can subscribe to ”darum”by contacting the EMS Secretariat. We will be pleased

to send you a sample copy.

The “darum-journal” is the regional part of “darum”. Read about the latest news fromthe churches in the EMS Fellowship in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. “darum”

subscribers receive the “darum-journal” with every issue. You can also receive the“darum-journal” separately. We will be pleased to send you the magazine free of charge.

Contact: Birte Petersen, Editor, Tel.: +49 711 636 78 -67, E-mail: [email protected]

The “Schneller Magazine” is published four times a year and fea-tures news from the two Schneller Schools in Lebanon and inJordan. Features, reports, analyses and interviews follow up topicsof current interest from the Arab world and link them to the livesof the pupils at the schools. A special feature of the “SchnellerMagazine” is to describe the situation of Christians in theMiddle East. We will be pleased to send you the SchnellerMagazine free of charge.

Contact: Andreas Maurer, Middle East Liaison Secretary, Tel.: +49 711 636 78 -37, E-mail: [email protected]

The news magazine of the Basel Mission GermanBranch is published six times a year and features newsfrom the projects carried out by Basel Mission partner

churches as well as from the work of the BMDZ. Wereport regularly on missionary and social projects in

Africa, Asia and South America, cross-cultural encoun-ters and Church partnerships. We will be pleased to

send you the news magazine of the Basel MissionGerman Branch free of charge.

Contact: Dieter Bullard-Werner, BMDZ- managing director, Tel.: +49 711 636 78 -62, E-mail: [email protected]

NEWS FROM THE WORLD-WIDE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENTEMS PUBLICATIONS

The new edition of the annual publication of the EMS women’snetwork OUR VOICES appeared in May 2010 with the title“FrauenLeben & Bildung” (Women’s Lives and Education).Education covers our whole life: as human beings we are invi-ted never to stop learning. The topics may change but the joyand thrill of discovering new perspectives and the freedom ofraising our own voice for justice should and will never end.We surveyed many different women who are active in ecume-nical networks and received a plethora of different answersregarding what they found decisive for learning processes:they are astonished at the learning opportunities at the WorldDay of Prayer (p4). They are enthusiastic about new horizonsthat open up in learning theological wisdom in other coun-tries (p6). They let themselves become captivated by the possibili-ties of international and interreligious network work (p8). They are fully aware of the heritage of the past but they propose to drive forward post-colonial education opportunities (p20).The publication appears in the German, English and Indonesian languages.Download from www.ems-online.org.

Contact:Gabriele Mayer, Women and Gender Desk,

Tel.: +49 711 636 78 -38,Email: [email protected]

EVS Commemorative Booklet: “LEARNING TO LIVE PEACE”The Evangelical Association for the Schneller Schools (EVS) haspublished a commemorative booklet on the occasion of the150th anniversary of the Schneller schools. The booklet in DINA5 format is more than a commemorative publication and is aninviting read in an appealing way. Besides reports on the histo-ry of the Syrian Orphanage, present-day work by the SchnellerSchools is described in interviews and articles. The 80 pagesare interspersed with numerous historical and recent pictures.

Order No. 44111, 5 Euro plus shipping charges

All publications are available from: [email protected]

The EMS Materials Offer 2011“Give the gift of joy” is a good cause. The latest materials offer contains many new giftideas from various countries.

Order our new edition free of charge (Tel.: +49 711 636 78 -71/72) and let yourself be inspired.

Send urgent orders over the EMS Online Shop at www.ems-online.org/shop.html

FRIEDEN LEBEN LERNEN

EIN LESEBUCH ZUM 150-JÄHRIGEN JUBILÄUM

DER SCHNELLER-SCHULEN IN NAHOST

THE EMS SECRETARIAT

The EMS Secretariat in Stuttgartco-ordinates, initiates andaccompanies programmes andtasks of the EMS fellowship as acommon witness for the Gospelof Jesus Christ.

The focal points are:Co-ordination and implementation of joint programmes of the EMS fellowship in particular the activities of the EMS Focus 2009–2012

Co-ordination, support and counselling of direct partnerships.

Sending and supporting ecumenical co-workers in churches of the EMS Fellowship

Volunteer jobs by young adults within the Ecumenical Volunteer Programme (North-South, South-North and South-South programmes)

Financial support of projects and programmes in churches of the EMS Fellowship

Information and publications about churches in the EMS Fellowship and the affected countries and regions

Seminars and conferences on topics such as ecumenical missionary and intercultural learning and about churches and country contexts of the EMS Fellowship

Participation in actions and campaigns on issues of peace, justice and human rights

ems20Association of Churches and Missionsin South Western Germany (EMS)

Vogelsangstr. 62 | 70197 Stuttgart

Tel.: +49 711 636 78 -0

Fax: +49 711 636 78 -45

E-mail: [email protected]

www.ems-online.org

Donations Account Evang. Kreditgenossenschaft eG Bank sort code 520 604 10Account No. 124

IBAN: DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24

BIC: GENODEF1EK1

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