DEAR READERS In 1964, Kurt Koch wrote about the mission in his biography of Heinrich Coerper: “I think with concern and fear of the time when Liebenzell will celebrate its 120th Jubilee. Until now, no kingdom of God organisation has ever reached such a Jubilee spiritually alive.” More than 60 years have now passed and we are celebrating our 125th Jubilee. I find it generally difficult to make a final judgement on our spiritual vitality. Self-glorification, self-promotion and pats on the back are also not appropriate at this point. However, I don‘t think that Kurt Koch‘s worries and fears at the time have come true. On the contrary: I look back happily, enthusiastically and gratefully on the history of our mission; on many things that have moved, grown and changed. Not everything went smoothly. We did not do justice to everyone. There has been pain, loss and disappointment. We did not do everything right. There is no question about that. But we have experienced to this day that the Lord of the mission is also the Lord of our mission, that He stands by us and keeps us on track. He revitalises, moves and empowers us. But He also gives and provides for us in many different and miraculous ways. For me, this is a true God mystery. The Liebenzell mountain has been “breathing spiritual fire” for 125 years. The persistent prayer of Sister Lina Stahl (1842-1924) for a “fire-breathing mountain” has been more than fulfilled: Thousands were trained in Bad Liebenzell. Thousands have been sent to the people in the name of Jesus. Today, thousands support our mission work with their gifts and prayers. Countless biographies have been rewritten because they have come to know Jesus as Lord, Saviour and Friend. Countless churches and projects have been founded. Many people have been invested in and helped. And all because Jesus came to light a fire! Because he goes like a torch from heart to heart, warming the cold, thawing the frozen and kindling the embers beneath the ashes. His love is for everyone. He wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). God‘s mission continues because His heart is unchanged, the mission is clear, the calling is clear, the gospel is good, the need is great and He is worthy. There are 10,000 reasons to rejoice about what God has done in our history. The word jubilee comes from the Latin “jubilare” and means “to shout aloud for joy.” Rejoicing is an expression of joy - and we do this wholeheartedly on the occasion of the jubilee. We look backwards with gratitude, upwards with faith and forwards with courage. That is why I look forward with confidence and hope to the time when Liebenzell will celebrate its 175th Jubilee. Spiritual vitality is not a sure-fire success. However, if we stay with Jesus, we will remain on fire. If we continue to pass on the fire of his love in word and deed, we will remain alive as his ministry. God help us to do this! With heartfelt Jubilee greetings Dave Jarsetz CEO 3 Visit from Hudson Taylor (1832–1905) O The English missionary pioneer Hudson Taylor comes to Hamburg for a short visit. After eleven years of prayer 5 April O Move to Bad Liebenzell. This was preceded by eleven years of prayer by Sister Lina Stahl and many conversations with Rev. Heinrich Coerper. The king comes O King Wilhelm II of Württemberg visits Liebenzell. His royal decree: “One should stop plaguing the mission.” 1901 1902 1904
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