QUESTIONS FOR DAVE JARSETZ Dave Jarsetz has been the missions director of Liebenzell Mission since 2023. He is married to Anette and they have a son. As a missionary of Liebenzell Mission, he started the short-term missions program “impact” and the Christian community development project “Shape Life” in Papua New Guinea. He led the spiritual life team at Liebenzell Mission’s University of Applied Sciences from 2016 to 2019 and has been responsible for all of Liebenzell Mission‘s operational work worldwide since September 2020. We asked him a few questions. If you had to describe Liebenzell Mission with three adjectives – what would they be? Reliable, confident, and centered on Jesus. Liebenzell Mission sends missionaries to every continent in the world. Isn‘t there enough to do in Germany? Without a doubt! That is why we have visibly increased our engagement here in recent years. Germany is facing major changes and challenges. God no longer plays a role for most people in their lives. The major churches are losing members. We live in an increasingly diverse society and the world has literally developed into a global village. In the face of all the changes, our motto is still: “Everyone. Every- where: God‘s love is for everyone. Everywhere!“ It drives us. To those near and far. As Liebenzell Mission, we have the whole world in our sight. That is why we walk “with God from person to person“ not only in Germany, but worldwide. Please complete the sentence: “Good missionaries …” ... give everything to spread God‘s good news. They are able to communicate the gospel with or without words in the respective context. In doing so, they serve people and rely on local cooperation. They know their strengths and limita- tions. They do not shy away from difficult situations. Flexibility and a willingness to learn are part of their basic attitude. Good missionaries do not take them- selves too seriously and know that ultimately they are just workers in God‘s global rescue operation. Liebenzell Mission has been around for around 125 years. What surprises you most about it? For eleven years, the deaconess Lina Stahl asked God to turn the sprawling hill in front of her window in Bad Liebenzell into a “fire-breathing mountain“ – a place where and from which He acts. When I think about the fact that “spiritual fire“ continues to emanate from this mountain to this day, I am amazed. I wish that the “spiritual fireworks“ would become even more intense. What is your wish for the mission? I have put the following saying on my office wall: “Your presence makes the difference.“ It sums up what I wish for Liebenzell Mission in two ways. Firstly, God‘s presence makes a world of difference. Everything depends on it. If God is no longer visible and tangible with us, the whole thing is worthless. Secondly, the saying underlines the wish that your presence and my presence make the difference. On site. With the people. With their questions, worries and needs. As bearers and givers of hope. On behalf of the one who has promised to be with us every day. 5 EDI TORIAL
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