Whether a mission reaches its goal and people hear and understand the gospel also depends on the abilities of the people who bear witness to this gospel. That is why Christian faith cannot be separated from Christian education. From the Christ songs of early Christianity to the letters of the Apostle Paul, the confessions of the early church and the catechisms of the Reformation period, education runs like a red thread through the history of the church and mission. The Christian faith does not only live from knowledge, but also very much depends on it! Christians must know the scriptures in which God has revealed himself. They must know the book that is the basis for faith and action. They need to understand the path that God has travelled and still wants to travel with his people and his church. They must understand the beginning and destination of this story - and above all its centre: Jesus Christ. Accordingly, 125 years of Liebenzell Mission also means 125 years of education on the Mission Mountain and education that has emanated from the Mission Mountain. Literally thousands of people have been trained here over the past 125 years: initially “mission pupils” for service in China, then sisters and brothers for service as preachers, evangelists, youth counsellors and nurses. Training was soon no longer only for the mission, but also for fellowship and youth organisations. Over the years, trainees in housekeeping, administration and trades were added. Today, you can attend a discipleship school (impact-move), technical college (Intercultural Theological Academy – ITA) or univer- sity (Liebenzell International University of Applied Sciences) on the mountain. Here, young people can study theology, education, social work or development cooperation and obtain a state-accredited Bachelor’s or even Master’s degree. For 124 years, the language of education was German and so were the mission pupils, seminary and bible school students and students. Last year, the IHL began the first English-language education programme in the history of the Liebenzell Mission. In the 21st century, mission is no longer just a path that leads “from the West to the Rest”, but an international and intercultural movement from everywhere to everywhere. In the coming decades, students from a wide variety of countries, cultures and peoples will be able to take part in the missionary education programme on the Mission Mountain. For 125 years, the mission has reached the remotest corners of the earth from Bad Liebenzell: the inland of China, the smallest South Sea islands and the heart of Africa. The Liebenzell Mission has also repeatedly set out for new shores through education. It has recognised spiritual and physical needs and necessities and then found ways and means to educate young people in order to meet these needs. We will continue to pursue this mission in the future. Mission is changing, so is education. Standards are rising, methods are changing. Many things will become more digital, more international and more intercultural. But one thing will not change: Liebenzell Mission education, like mission, remains a journey with God from one person to another. Volker Gäckle WE DO EDUCATION – AND YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE 11 Pastor Heinrich Coerper dies O The founder of the Liebenzell Mission dies on 8 July in Lahr and is buried a few days later in Bad Liebenzell. Confiscations during the war O The “Pilgerruhe” building and large parts of the Mission House are confiscated and used to house refugees throughout the war. Foundation of the US branch O The American branch of the Liebenzell Mission is founded in Schooley‘s Mountain. 1936 1939 1941
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