On August 21, 1732, the first two missionaries, Leonhard Dober and David Nitschmann, were sent out from Herrnhut to bring the Gospel to the enslaved plantation workers on the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. This marked the beginning of the Moravian Church’s mission. This day is commemorated in many provinces. It is a day of often grateful remembrance of what came with the missionaries: schools, healthcare, kindergartens, women’s groups, and much more. It was only through these people and this movement that the worldwide Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) grew from its humble beginnings. So, is it a day of great joy for everyone?
Alongside the positive aspects of the mission, it also becomes clear that European culture and ethics were introduced to foreign peoples alongside the Christian mission. These often marginalized or destroyed indigenous cultural forms or ethical systems. Furthermore, many missionaries did not question the system of slavery until very late, and thus failed to fully recognize the suffering of enslaved people. 
Thus, August 21 is certainly a day of shared joy, but it also presents the task of critically examining the shared history between Europeans and Indigenous peoples and acknowledging the suffering that resulted.

Innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship were the main themes of a one-day seminar held on July 13, 2026, at the historic Moravian Institute in Rajpur near Dehradun, northern India. The event was conceived as a School of Entrepreneurship, as most of the students in attendance are pursuing careers in entrepreneurship. The event was organized by Udhyam, the Hindi word for effort or hard work. Participants included young people from the “PYDS” (Purkal Youth Development Society) and from the all-girls Him Jyoti School in Dehradun. Each school was represented by several teams that competed against one another in various contests. Among the teams from Rajpur, GLAM—an innovative business idea to promote traditional cuisine in Garhwal, Ladakh, Assam, and Manipur—took first place. Sole Spring, the business idea for a platform to support older adults, won second prize. The event was a wonderful celebration of collaboration. Each presentation demonstrated thoughtful planning, creativity, and a passion for innovation. 21 photos here.

In early September 2026, the traditional trilingual calendar produced by the various mission organizations affiliated with the Evangelical Mission Worldwide (EMW), headquartered in Hamburg, will be available at many locations and from the publisher—the Deutsche Evangelische Missionshilfe. The 13 images for 2027 are titled The Power of the Elements. Take a look at four selected images here. The images in this calendar show how people around the world live and work with the elements. Whether cooking, farming, playing, or going about their daily lives—everywhere, people make use of nature’s gifts and, at the same time, depend on them. But the images also speak to the impressive beauty and strength of creation: from thundering waterfalls, arid deserts, dormant volcanoes, and the eternal ice. They serve as a reminder that a good life is only possible in harmony with the forces of nature. The elements are both a gift and a responsibility.

In its short 2026 summer series, the Brødremenighedens Danske Mission (BDM)—the Danish sister organization of Herrnhuter Missionshilfe—introduces Jacques Bya’unda, chairman of the Moravian Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He shares that, in the midst of a country marked by unrest and conflict, he finds his strength in prayer. Prayer, he says, cools his heated mind, so to speak. Prayer frees him from worries. Without spiritual dialogue with God, he says, he could do nothing—neither in his personal life nor in his leadership responsibilities. Amid the recurring chaos between the government army and rebel groups, he must offer comfort and leadership every day. That is why he says: “Before work begins, I ask God for wisdom, energy, and protection. When challenges threaten to overwhelm me, prayer helps me to remain patient and to act wisely and attentively, taking all circumstances into account.” Read the full blog post here.

The Moravian Church’s Mission Museum in Genadendal now has a new centerpiece, according to a Facebook post. It is one of the most photographed items in the museum: a 100-year-old, masterfully crafted Art Deco-style seating set. These pieces of furniture, with their curved wooden armrests and timeless design, once belonged to Christopherus and Hendriette Wyngaard, a couple of watchmakers who lived in Genadendal and were highly regarded throughout the wider area surrounding the mission settlement. Their descendants donated this furniture to the museum—along with many historical musical instruments, as the pieces now on display once stood in the Wyngaards’ music room. The museum is delighted not only to be able to showcase this extraordinary South African craftsmanship but also to honor the memory of a family whose history is part of Genadendal’s heritage. More here.

At the Moravian Church in Gitobe, Burundi, Pastor Joel Nyabenda and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. The couple had decided to combine the celebration with a public worship service in the town square, which provided a magnificent setting for the festivities. The couple was given a joyful send-off as they made their way from their home to the town square. Also present were the bishop of the Moravian Church in Burundi, Pascal Benimana, as well as the chair of the Provincial Board (PB), Pastor Edward Augusto Nsengiyumva, and the church’s general secretary, Pastor Manassé Irutingabo. In heartfelt remarks, Bishop Pascal Benimana encouraged the couple to remain faithful to one another and to set a good example for others. May God have been gracious to them throughout their 25-year marriage. Family members shared testimonies about milestones in the couple’s life. The couple presented gifts to those who had been close to them over the past 25 years. Photos here.