Mission work, whether locally or in another country, is nothing more or less than our work as Stewards: simply sharing the wonderful gifts and talents with the world - in a place - in a heart - that is lacking in the gifts we have to share. What joy we have experienced in every case, in every situation, where God has called us to share our gifts and talents at home and abroad as we witness to God's love, care and providence.

The seed was planted many years ago in this congregation by those saints who "had a heart" for the work of missions; who understood how witnessing with our hands and hearts can change lives, villages, even entire communities. These folks incorporated Stewardship and Mission lessons throughout our children's Sunday school department on a regular basis, which continues today. A standing invitation to the Mission Society and Board of World Mission to "send us a missionary to share their work with us," has brought many of our missionaries to worship and fellowship opportunities with us over the years. We learned them by name and recognized each one as we saw them, saw their pictures or read about them in various publications. Truly we were 'One in the Spirit" - we were "One in the Lord," which continues to be so today.

Our emphasis toward missions and understanding the work of missions as stewardship did not happen over night. God helped us "grow" in understanding and, very gently, began showing us how to respond. We listened. We heard God speaking: calling. We responded. I assure you, the blessings have been so numerous and the opportunities so varied that there has been a form of mission stewardship for every one who felt led by God for such an endeavor.

Our mission stewardship has literally touched the world. Our pastor has led three work crews to Alaska: the Children's Home and Bethel; one work crew to Makkovik, Labrador; and conducted services of spiritual renewal in five communities in Labrador. We have sent longer-term missionaries to China, Honduras and Russia and short-term missionaries to Kenya, Mexico, Antigua, and Alaska with one person traveling to Bolivia during the summer of 2008, each of these experiences lasting from one week to one month. Locally our shorter-term missionary work experiences have included Tennessee; Laurel Ridge Mission Camps with 22 participants in 2007 and as many as 26 participants possible in 2008; three work crews to the Mississippi area; and as many as 30 participants to the Crow Nation Indian Reservation in Montana during the summer of 2008. The Crow Nation mission trip this summer is an intergenerational mission experience where we particularly encourage our families with children to consider participating in this 10-day experience.

I must also include that our congregation, through our Missions Committee, has a monthly "Missions Focus," wherein we receive financial contributions for a 'named' missionary we assist and help support in that particular mission ministry. Currently we have at least 10 individual missionaries we support in our monthly 'focus' program.

The wonderful thing about the mission program in this congregation is that it is totally owned by the entire congregation. There is no such thing as a little group of folks who are interested in missions. And, as you can well imagine, considering our past and looking to the future, major financial assets are necessary for these ministries to happen and it requires the whole congregation to be a part.

Fundraising is an ongoing and diverse effort. Again, we totally realize that our mission program is a very important part of our total stewardship. The beauty of our fundraising efforts lie in the fact that each church group, using their own gifts and talents, contribute to make all this possible. One group of our youth sells pocket and wall calendars and greetings cards annually. Another youth group sells 'mega' muffins all warmed and ready to eat early on Sunday morning. Another group makes and sells fresh hoagies. The Men's Bible Class sponsors a huge yard sale annually. The Women's Fellowship makes and sells chicken pies. The missionary participants and many throughout the congregation sponsor "An Evening of Elegance" gourmet dinner. This year we will sell sunglasses at our church's outreach booth at our community's Spring Folly and Honeybee Festivals and the youth missionaries and their parents will sponsor a community-wide barbecue. We also work with local retailers with their "charity" programs where additional funds are raised in various restaurants and the local malls. Yes - it does take an entire congregation to make to mission ministry happen.

Our congregation's Mission Ministry is administered by a dedicated and committed Missions Committee. Attendance at meetings is open to any interested member of our congregation. We elected our officers annually. It is not unusual to have at least 15 folks at our monthly missions meeting. Everyone is invited to 'come be a part.' This committee managed over $49,000 in financial contributions during calendar year 2007. God is doing and continues to do wonderful things in the Mission Ministry of Kernersville Moravian Church. Each day brings new excitement and opportunities. Each day we all are amazed at what God can do in our world when we give him an open heart and a willing spirit.

Yes, God has called us and we are responding stewards for "We are a Church united for this purpose," all the while giving God glory, honor and praise and sharing the love of Jesus Christ!

What it means to be a Moravian Young Adult
by Hannah Spring, KMC Congregation Member

2006 Biloxi Mission trip pictues