It is not our work

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Missions Conference of CDH-Stephanus

This year's CDH-Stephanus mission conference took place in the Molbergen congregation. Members from Moldova, Canada, Israel, and Ukraine traveled to the conference to share their gratitude for the mission's work in their countries. Encouraging and uplifting sermons reminded everyone of the importance of helping others.

The mission conference took place from June 16th to 18th, 2023. Its guiding verse was: “But you, Lord, will grant us peace; for you have given us all that we can do” (Isaiah 26:12). Many brothers referred to this verse in their sermons and reports. It was repeatedly emphasized that the entire mission work is not our achievement; God alone deserves the glory.

The audience was repeatedly encouraged to integrate mission into their daily lives. "Mission" means "assignment." "Mission" means "to give." Brother Ernst Fischer emphasized that Christians today often prefer to be tourists in their own country rather than workers for the Lord. All the talks made it clear that one must be willing to pay a price to serve Jesus.

In his sermon, Walter Gesswein pointed out that giving is more blessed than receiving. Christians filled with the Holy Spirit never remain idle. We perform these works because we have been saved by God, not so that we may be saved through the works themselves. First and foremost, we benefit from good works, then those in need. Giving primarily transforms our own hearts, Brother Walter emphasized. Without Jesus, we can do nothing. Everything we have done so far, we have accomplished only with Him. Everyone is called to do what they can, with what they have, and wherever they happen to be. Everyone should be a worker in Jesus' harvest field. Brother Waldemar Maier also underscored this in his sermon: "Without God, we are nothing, and with Him, we are everything."

In addition to all the thematic sermons, there were several presentations on the various projects. Exhibitions in the parking lot invited visitors to learn more about the projects, obtain further information, and exchange ideas with the project leaders.

 

Report by CDH-Stephanus

Nikolaus Wall, chairman of the Christian diaconal aid organization Stephanus, gave a review of the aid provided in the past year on Friday. He highlighted the projects that received particular attention.

Last year was particularly difficult for Ukraine. Therefore, Ukraine received the majority of the aid. People from Moldova and Belarus were also supported. This year, God also opened ways to send aid to Turkey. Initially, there was no church or contacts there. But God provided the opportunity to help there as well.

Venne District Association

The Venne district association also presented itself at this year's mission conference. The district association's support is divided into three areas. One important area is humanitarian aid. This includes distributing food parcels, transporting aid by truck, sending Christmas packages, and providing assistance to refugees both within and outside the country. The second area encompasses child work. This involves child sponsorships and supporting orphanages and families in need. The third area is evangelism. This includes direct outreach, financial resources, and also providing assistance to vulnerable individuals and homes for the disabled.

The talk ended with the following question to the audience: "Have I done everything God has called me to do?"

Earthquake in Syria & Türkiye

Following the report from the Venne district association, a report was given on earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria. At the beginning of the year, Turkey and Syria experienced one of the strongest earthquakes in recent memory. The quake had a magnitude of 7.8, with an aftershock of 7.5. It trembled every four minutes for 11 days. The resulting loss of life was unimaginable. CDH Stephanus wanted to help these people in their difficult situation. Since there had previously been no access to these countries, various avenues and possibilities for providing assistance were explored and tested.

In Syria, no way could be found. In Turkey, however, an opportunity arose, and so two brothers flew there to help the people. Initially, the aid involved distributing water, food, and sleeping bags. Shortly afterward, a larger group flew to Turkey. They encountered great chaos. They set up tents and told the people about Jesus. There, the brothers from Germany met evangelists from Kyrgyzstan who were already winning souls for God.

Impact Report Israel

Eduard Betiev presented the "Zachar Ilahim" mission from Israel, which translates as "Back to Life." Many brothers from Germany have already visited the mission. These brothers and their families are often role models for the rehabilitation patients in Israel. The brothers live alongside the patients, and this is a wonderful example of Christian life, an example that the local people witness. Such moments are invaluable for the patients when brothers from abroad take time for them and share fellowship with them. Many difficulties are encountered in a rehabilitation center. People have suicidal thoughts or illnesses. Former prisoners also frequently live in the facility. There is a clear need for more such centers.

Each of us can contribute to helping more people. Often we think we are just a drop in the ocean. Eduard Betiev emphasized that in Christ we are called to good works and nothing is too small or insignificant.

Impact Report Ukraine

Vadim Odarchuk from Ukraine reported on the "Hope Giver" mission there. Ukraine is at war, and the people there still feel the effects. Life is especially difficult right on the front lines. Three times a day, the alarm sounds, signaling everyone to seek shelter in the bomb shelters. The children at school then go down to the basement together and wait there until they are allowed to leave. There is no electricity, no light, no food, and no water. Vadim Odarchuk recounted a case where ten people had to survive for days with only a single bottle of water. Each person was allowed only one sip a day. The "Hope Giver" mission aims to reach these places in particular, sharing the message of Jesus and bringing food, water, and clothing.

In Ukraine, just 10 euros is currently enough to sustain an entire family of three to four people. The mission prepares food packages that can feed a family for a month. Thanks to the help of Christians from Germany, Romania, and America, the mission in Ukraine is able to operate more efficiently. No contribution from us is too small for people living in such war zones. In closing, Vadim Odarchuk emphasized that despite all the difficulties, the Christians in Ukraine see themselves as fortunate. They know Christ, and His blood makes them brothers and sisters. The Ukrainian guests repeatedly emphasized how grateful they are to all the donors.

Impact report Belarus

Igor Asanov began his report on Belarus with deep gratitude in his heart. He was grateful for their shared discipleship of Jesus and their joint service in spreading the Gospel throughout the world.

In the city where he works, a great deal has been accomplished in recent years. Now, there isn't a single disabled person in the city who hasn't received help. Everyone is assisted, for example, with a wheelchair or a caregiver. The mayor's representative and the representative of the Minister for Humanitarian Aid are also very grateful to those who help. It's not only important to help those in need, but also to spread the Gospel.

Furthermore, social services are being held in Belarus. Sometimes 200, sometimes 3,000 people come to hear the Gospel. The mission also organized a meeting with a local school. Young people from Germany shared the Gospel with 140 people through a Christmas message. "Together we can achieve a great deal and serve the glory of Jesus," Igor Asanov emphasized at the end of his report. "Just as Jesus sought to alleviate the suffering of others, our lives should also be oriented toward helping others."

Christmas campaign Asia

Waldemar Matweev reported that in December 2022, food parcels were packed for Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan and subsequently distributed to families in the communities. Many locals in these countries don't understand why the Germans are helping on the ground. However, we know why we do this. Waldemar Matweev explained that our names are not listed in any newspaper or journal. However, Jesus will most certainly write them in His Book of Remembrance. He also cited the example of Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross and thus performed a service for our Lord. He concluded with the wish that the Lord would help us to be in the right place at the right time, like Simon.

Be active in the mission

Matthias Krüger presented a topic he called "Being Active in Mission." His talk was aimed at everyone, but especially at the younger generation, who often shy away from mission work, thinking it was only for our ancestors. Missionary service must not remain something known only to our forefathers. We must participate. We must be active in mission work. Mission is a matter of the heart, Matthias said. It's not a 9-to-5 job. Missionary work never ends.

He further explained that missionary work is not about making a name for oneself, but about serving the Lord. Consequently, everyone must ask themselves how they can help. Most importantly, one must have the right attitude toward those in need if one wants to serve the Lord in missionary work. Before deciding on missionary service, one must be aware of two things, according to Matthias Krüger: "Be prepared to serve—even without status updates." In today's society, many people want to show where they are and what they are doing. In missionary work, one must be willing to serve not only when it can be posted in a status update or on social media.

Then Matthias Krüger touched on another aspect. "Mission is not about recycling leftovers," he said. Those who donate should consider what they are giving or doing. Missions don't need leftovers. A life dedicated to missions is one of sacrifice. Missions thrive on the willingness to go beyond one's limits, and love for Christ compels us to serve our neighbors. He then presented the book "Love Compels Us." It is a book published by the Stephanus Mission Society and contains various missionary accounts from the very beginning of missions.

Several congregations provided musical accompaniment for the conference services. Choirs from Lappenstuhl, Bremerhaven, and Cloppenburg sang. The Cloppenburg youth choir performed in an evangelistic service especially geared toward young people. Many other people also contributed to the mission conference: Special thanks go to the cooks, ushers, and organizers.

Overall, the conference aimed to awaken and strengthen interest in the mission. May God bless us all and always remind us that nothing is our own doing, but is possible solely through God's great grace.

Diana Siemens

Municipality of Cloppenburg

More pictures and audio recordings:

https://cdh-stephanus.org/missionskonferenz-2023