The Star Mountain Rehabilitation Center (SMRC) is located on the road between Ramallah and Birzeit in the West Bank. The entire West Bank is marked by increasing settler violence, which has now also affected the SMRC grounds. In the early morning hours of Friday, October 9, 2026, a large group of Jewish settlers gained access to the rear of the facility’s grounds and marched across the grounds toward the entrance gate, through which they subsequently left the facility. A greenhouse was damaged during their passage. Fortunately, there are no children or staff at the SMRC on Fridays. This violent intrusion constitutes a clear breach of the law and is causing great fear among the children and staff. The SMRC apparently is no longer as safe as it once was. The management team of SMRC, and Herrnhuter Missionshilfe have taken a series of measures to increase security at the SMRC and to report on the incident. As an immediate measure, it was decided to reinforce the wall and fence at the rear of the grounds and to improve video surveillance. Anyone who would like to support these measures can donate to help ensure the security of the SMRC: Herrnhuter Missionshilfe, DE25 5206 0410 0000 4151 03, "Sicherheit Sternberg" or online-Spende or PayPal.

On October 6, 2026, the new SOLIZA project was launched in Zanzibar. Over the next two years, the project aims to support farming groups—especially those with many women—in growing and marketing their products. A key component of the project is solar-powered irrigation systems, which ensure that fields can be watered even during periods of low rainfall. The project also includes hands-on training on sustainable agriculture, farming methods, and marketing. The goal is to improve harvests, increase family incomes, and open up new opportunities, particularly for women. The project is being implemented jointly by the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA), Tanzania Mwangaza (TAM), and ZAREDO. It is financially supported by the Urbis Foundation, Engagement Global, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

At Atsikana Walani Technical College (AWTC) in Malawi, there are now fresh tomatoes from the school’s own garden. The harvest goes straight to the kitchen and enriches the students’ meals. At the same time, growing their own food helps reduce food expenses—an important contribution given the sharp rise in prices in Malawi. The students regularly tend to the garden beds, care for the plants, and also look after the college’s chickens and rabbits. The gardening project is supported by a greenhouse that was built with the help of the Zeister Zendingsgenootschap (ZZg) from the Netherlands. It improves growing conditions and enables more reliable vegetable production. In this way, the AWTC combines hands-on learning with sustainable agriculture and is making steady progress toward greater self-sufficiency.

In the summer of 2026, months of preparation culminated in a real-life encounter: students and teachers from Mbozi High School in Tanzania and the Georg-August-Zinn School in Reichelsheim visited each other for the first time. In August, a group from Reichelsheim traveled to Mbozi, where they got to know daily school life, the country, and its people. This was followed in September by a return visit from four teachers and two students from Tanzania. In addition to shared activities and many personal encounters, one special moment took center stage: the school partnership agreement was officially signed at Reichelsheim City Hall. The next visits are already planned: the group will travel to Mbozi in 2027, and the next visit to Germany is scheduled for 2028.

On October 6, 2026, the Zeister Zendingsgenootschap (ZZg) reported: “The Moravian Church in Tanzania is growing. This also increases the need for well-trained pastors. The ZZg will therefore, in cooperation with the Swiss organization Mission 21, contribute 21,500 euros to the theological program at Teofilo Kisanji University of the Moravian Church in the city of Mbeya (Tanzania, South West Province) over the coming academic years. Students such as Lena Philipo Seme (Bachelor of Divinity), Atuganile Andolile Damson (Bachelor of Divinity), and Hanna Katamba (Master of Divinity)—see the photo here—now have the opportunity to prepare themselves optimally for their future work in the church and society. The latter was already active as a pastor. The university also offers certificate and PhD programs. The ZZg’s financial contribution is being used for scholarships and to improve educational opportunities at the university. Investments are also being made in digital infrastructure (purchase of a generator and a server, improved internet connection). In addition, a digital classroom and a digital studio are being set up."

The following text recently appeared in bold, colorful letters on the homepage of the newly redesigned website of Teofilo Kisanji University (TEKU) of the Moravian Church in Mbeya, Tanzania’s South West Province: “September 29, 2026, marks a significant milestone for TEKU in its still-young academic history, as the university hosted its very first doctoral dissertation defense for Rev. Agnes Nyondo.” See here. TEKU also welcomed the final resolution of a 13-year-long legal dispute. The lawsuit filed by eight employees (tutors and lecturers) challenging their termination on September 6, 2013, following serious misconduct was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal of Tanzania after several lower-court proceedings. A defeat in this case would have resulted in significant financial losses for TEKU. Click here for the court coverage in The Citizen newspaper.

Secretary General Arngeir Langås and journalist Svend Løbner from the Brødremenighedens Danske Mission (BDM) visited the Moravian Church in Mwanza, Tanzania, and found a vibrant congregation led by the dynamic President Elias Mlewa. With a population of 1.3 million, Mwanza is Tanzania’s second-largest city. It is situated in a picturesque location on the shores of Lake Victoria. There are eight congregations in the bustling metropolis, with another 28 smaller and larger congregations in the surrounding area. “Our top priority is to impart theological knowledge,” says Elias Mlewa. “Good teaching is the only thing that can ensure that our churches grow and have a lasting impact.” The president speaks about the strong collaboration with local communities to help the most disadvantaged families. The church also operates a corn mill, the profits from which go toward supporting the congregation’s work. Read more in Danish here.

The Clinica Evangelica Morava in Ahuas, located on Honduras’s underdeveloped Mosquito Coast, recalls the beginnings of its infant nutrition program as follows: “In February 2016, a woman named Melva gave birth to healthy twin boys at our clinic: Adicson and Aricson. Melva now had 14 children to care for, but had only very limited resources at home. By giving the twins the water used to cook rice to drink, she was able to fill their stomachs, but it lacked the nutrients their little bodies desperately needed. Soon, Melva returned to the clinic. The twins were diagnosed with severe malnutrition. They were admitted to the hospital and given infant formula. Once the immediate danger had passed, Melva took the children home again. But without a change in their living conditions, the babies were at risk of malnutrition once more without infant formula. Against this backdrop, we launched our child nutrition program in three locations, which currently provides care for more than 100 children."

On September 13, 2026, 21 cyclists and an 11-member support team—all active members of the Board of World Mission (BWM) of the Moravian Church America North—participated in the 2026 Door County Century Ride, a renowned charity bike ride now in its 47th year. The BWM cyclists covered a total distance of 1,480 miles (approx. 2,380 kilometers)! In doing so, they raised $15,260, far exceeding their goal of $10,000. The money raised will go to the BWM’s “Until He Comes Fund,” a fund with a planned total of $100,000 intended to secure the mission work of the Moravian Church America North for future generations. This bold investment reflects a deep conviction that Christ-centered mission work will endure and grow in the future. It also honors the faithful contributions of longtime supporters.

The Board of World Mission, the Moravian Ministries Foundation in America, and the Commission on Congregational Development of the Moravian Church America North have joined forces to launch a new microgrant program for congregations. Starting January 1, 2027, they will offer “Better World Micro-Grants.” Priority in awarding funds will be given to projects planned and led by young people. Projects should focus on the areas of caring for creation, caring for one another, and fostering good relationships. Congregations are encouraged to bring together youth, young adults, church leaders, members, and community partners; to listen to them; to dream with them; and to envision what God is calling them to do together. Initially, up to ten grants of $1,000 each will be awarded. Learn more about the program here.

In the summer of 2026, 26 young people from the Moravian Church America North participated in international youth camps. On September 29, 2026, the Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church America North reported on the six young people who traveled to Europe: “They traveled with two accompanying persons to the international youth camp in Herrnhaag, Germany. There, they spent a week filled with fellowship, faith, and fun together with members of the Moravian Church from around the world.” Clara Pratt from the Christ Moravian Church in Calgary described the experience as incredibly wonderful. She returned home not only with new friendships but also with ideas she hopes to incorporate into the youth ministry of her home congregation. Immediately after the youth gathering ended, she was already looking forward to returning to Germany and seeing her new friends again.”

• A recent promotional post from the Moravian Church in Suriname: “Are you coming to Paramaribo but can’t find an affordable place to stay? Then you’ve surely overlooked the Moravian Church City Mission’s building complex. The complex houses more than just a store and an information booth. Check out the video.” See here.
• On October 1, 2026, Sergio Lagadeau assumed his position as the new director of Medische Zending – Primary Health Care in Suriname. In this role, he will work closely with the staff to further develop the organization and provide high-quality, accessible, and efficient primary health care. See here.
• On October 1 and 2, 2026, two more teacher training days were held by Stichting Onderwise (the school foundation of the Moravian Church in Suriname). This time, teachers in Paramaribo were offered personalized coaching. Ten photos from the group sessions can be found here.

The former infirmary for men at Huize Albertine, a retirement home run by the Moravian Church in Paramaribo, Suriname, has been vacant for some time. And the need for beds for bedridden and care-dependent elderly people is growing. A home care service that has already rented part of Huize Albertine now wishes to use these additional spaces as well, since all of its current rooms are occupied and new requests for space are constantly coming in. Before the home care service can move into the vacant rooms, the former infirmary must be renovated! The Moravian Church in Suriname is covering a large portion of the resulting costs itself. The remaining costs, totaling 6,284 euros, are being covered by the Zeister Zendingsgenootschap (ZZg) in the Netherlands. As a result, the rooms leased to the care service will soon generate additional rental income for Huize Albertine. This, in turn, contributes to the facility’s financial stability—a win-win-win situation. See some photos here.

The Minipur conflict, an ethnic-religious conflict that broke out on May 3, 2023, in the far northeast of India, has received little attention in the Western world. So far, it has claimed the lives of 260 people and forced 60,000 to flee. Now, the worldwide Moravian Church has received a call for help from the Moravian congregation in Lattingkhal, located in that region, relayed by the Provincial Board of the South Asia Mission Province on September 29, 2026. See here. Prayers and material aid are requested. A letter states: “Lattingkhal is a Rongmei village in an area affected by ongoing conflicts between Naga and Kuki militias. Regular Assam troops, the Central Reserve Police Force, and other forces are currently protecting our congregation, and we thank God for their presence. We fear for our work and our fields. We ask for provisions for our families, whose livelihoods have been destroyed.”

The Moravian Brass Band Union of South Africa, founded in 1951, whose member congregations have given concerts in Germany two dozen times, recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. The desire expressed at the time by the leadership of the Moravian Church of South Africa (MCSA)—that brass music be promoted in the congregations and that the biblical mandate in Psalm 150 (“Praise God with the sound of trumpets”) be fulfilled—has come to fruition. The highlight of the celebrations was a concert featuring some 300 brass players at the massive Feather Market Hall in Gqebera, Port Elizabeth, on September 26, 2026. A few sounds here. A photo here. A post on Facebook following the event reads: “What a wonderful weekend full of music, fellowship, laughter, friendship, and memories that will remain in our hearts for years to come. To every brass ensemble, every musician, every choir director, every organizer: Thank you!”

The Moravian Church of Labrador is informing its parish workers about a seminar on dealing with trauma to be held on October 23, 2026. The seminar will take place at Queen’s College, a theological college primarily serving Newfoundland and Labrador, located in St. John’s, Canada. It will be led by Father Gerald Westcott. The seminar announcement states: “Parish ministry presents many challenges that can lead to trauma. These traumas often remain hidden. As a result, they are not properly addressed, and healing is unlikely. The seminar aims to help participants recognize trauma and identify paths to healing. The following topics will be covered: Trauma and the nervous system, general trauma, pastoral trauma, self-care, and the path to healing.” Gerald Westcott served, among other roles, as a chaplain in the Canadian military for 20 years; he is now the diocesan dean for spiritual direction and faith development in the Diocese of Newfoundland and the director of pastoral studies at Queen’s College. See here.

Robben Island, the remote island in the Atlantic Ocean 13 kilometers off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, is known to most people solely as a prison island. Among others, the famous anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here for 18 years. The island was also used to isolate people with mental illnesses and those suffering from leprosy. In 1818, the Moravians began working on the South African mainland with approximately 100 people suffering from leprosy. The colonial government entrusted them with providing pastoral care to leprosy patients at the “Heaven and Earth” farm. In 1844–45, this progressive leprosy village was closed. The patients were then sent to Robben Island. In a petition, they asked the government to allow the Moravian missionaries to come with them to the island. Their request was granted. In the decades that followed, members of the Moravian Church, led by Joseph and Friederike Lehmann, cared for the leprosy patients on Robben Island as doctors, nurses, pastors, and teachers. See here.

Anyone wishing to examine long-term developments in the Moravian Church and in Moravian missions must first familiarize themselves with the resolutions and declarations of the major synods. These are known in German as “Synodalverlasse” and in English, for the most part, as “Results.” Credit is due to the Unity Archive in Herrnhut for having recently digitized a considerable portion of these synod records and thus made them accessible worldwide. The records of the eight synods held between 1764 and 1825 are still awaiting digitization. The records of the eleven synods held between 1836 and 1967 can already be studied online. See here. We will have to wait a little longer for the publication of the resolutions and declarations of the eight synods from more recent times (1974–2023). Recently, the Unity Synods—attended by representatives from around the world (formerly known as General Synods)—have been held every seven years.

In the run-up to the 300th anniversary of August 13, 1727 (the celebration of a reconciling Lord’s Supper as the unofficial “founding day” of the church), a team of theologians from the worldwide Moravian Church, led by Livingstone Thompsen and Peter Gubi, is working on a book titled "Current Trends in Moravian Theology and Mission". To design an effective cover for this book, a global competition was launched among illustrators, painters, and graphic artists, in which twelve artists participated. A jury awarded first place—with a prize of 500 British pounds—to the design by Anita Purnell. Three additional entries by Patsy Holdsworth, Eva Tvrdková, and Jiří Kucera—which will also be featured in the book—were awarded 100 British pounds each. About the winning design: It depicts a circle of men and women with their arms linked to illustrate unity and fellowship among brothers and sisters. The simplified clothing represents the traditional Moravian folk costume of that era. The dove in the center symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The monochromatic design reflects the simplicity of the Herrnhut ethos.
https://moravian.org.uk/images/assets/messenger/pdf/messenger-26-10.pdf