COMPACT LIEBENZELL MISSION VALUES. FOCUS AREAS. STORY.
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
Partnership and sustainable DEVELOPMENT are important to us: We work with over 75 partners worldwide and stay even when many organizations are already leaving the countries. Every year around come to our festivals, congresses and church services on the “Mission Mountain” in Bad Liebenzell. Our organization includes the CHRISTIAN GUEST HOUSES MONBACHTAL and the RETREAT & TRAVEL CO., the largest provider of Christian group tours in German-speaking countries. As a non-profit organization, we finance ourselves primarily through donations. Every year we need around 16,000,000 euros in donations. We are supported by many local churches, deno- minations and mission friends. We plant churches, train people, work in community development projects and help in acute emergencies. Our motto: “WITH GOD FROM PERSON TO PERSON“. With 250 MISSIONARIES in 26 COUNTRIES we are one of the largest Protestant missions in the German- speaking countries. We were founded in Hamburg in as the German branch of “China In- land Mission”. Since 1902 we have been based in Bad Liebenzell in the northern Black Forest. * Average reading time of this page 1899 40,000 VISITORS Currently, more than 330 PEOPLE are STUDYING at the International University of Liebenzell and the Intercultural Theological Academy. Another part of us is the Liebenzell SISTERHOOD. Most of our SISTERS are now retired – but they are still wholeheartedly committed to their mission. 9 99BASICS IN SECONDS FACT SHEET * www.liebenzell.org
1975: Start in Monbachtal Liebenzell Mission takes over the Monbachtal from the “Christian Association for Youth Welfare” with the new name “Monbachtal Retreat and Bible Center”. 2017: Top Innovator Liebenzell Mission receives the seal as an award for its innovative work. 1902: Eleven Years of Prayer Moving from Hamburg to Bad Liebenzell. This was preceded by eleven years of prayer by Sister Lina Stahl and many conversations with founder Pastor Heinrich Coerper. 1985: Start in Zambia Mission work begins in Zambia. In the 1980s, the number of mission countries grows significantly, especially in Africa. 2021: Livestream Starts Liebenzell Mission’s services can be followed regularly and worldwide via live stream from the mission and training center. 1906: New Name The German branch of the China Inland Mission becomes Liebenzell Mission. 1995: Multifunctional Building With the “Mission and Training Center,” Mission Mountain is getting a multifunctional building. 2021: 50 years of Liebenzell Retreat & Travel Co. With around 230 trips in 40 countries every year, the company is considered the largest provider of Christian group trips in German-speaking countries. OUR HISTORY 1899: Founded in Hamburg On November 13, the German branch of the China Inland Mission is founded in Hamburg. A few weeks later, the first missionary is sent to China.
2000: Medal of Merit for the Sisters On behalf of the entire sisterhood, Sister Erna Weimar is awarded the Medal of Merit of the State of Baden-Württemberg. 2022: Mission Festival in the New Tent After a break of almost three years due to Corona, mission festivals could finally be celebrated in the tent again. This time in a completely new tent, as the old one could no longer be repaired after 60 years of use. 2024: 25 years Liebenzell Mission God has created much from the prayer of a deaconess. Many years ago, Sister Lina Stahl prayed for a fire-breathing mountain from which the Gospel would spread throughout the world: the Mission Mountain in Bad Liebenzell. Space for Your Story And what have you experienced in the last few years? 1933: Premiere ”KiMiFe“ The first Children’s Mission Festival (KiMiFe) in Bad Liebenzell takes place in May. 2011: Crisis in Japan After the catastrophe in Japan with a tsunami, earthquake and accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, Liebenzell Mission launched one of the largest relief operations in its history: several relief teams collaborated in the tsunami area, and refugees from Fukushima were taken in at the Liebenzell Mission retreat center. 1952: Red Map spreads in China With the communists taking power, missionary work in China is no longer possible. However, Liebenzell Mission is now active in other countries as well. 2011: Start of the University The ”International University of Applied Sciences Liebenzell“ (IHL) is founded and receives state accreditation. Together with the ”Intercultural Theological Academy“ (ITA), it replaces the “Theological Seminary” of Liebenzell Mission. Theological education and world mission have been inseparably linked since the founding of Liebenzell Mission. 1922: With Traditional uniform and Bonnet For the first time, the Liebenzell sisters working in Germany will be dressed in traditional uniform. IN SEVENTEEN HIGHLIGHTS
The work of Liebenzell Mission is based on these values: // Trust in God // Faithfulness to God‘s Word // Servant Attitude // Appreciation // Quality // Empowerment // Future Orientation In all our plans and actions, we are aware that everything depends on God‘s blessing. We live in trust in God. From Him we receive the reason and gifts for our mission. In every- thing we do, we ask for his guidance and provision and count on his intervention and the work of his Spirit. We trust the Bible as God‘s true, inspired, reliable and trustworthy Word. The Holy Scripture is the sole standard for faith, life and action. We work as followers of Jesus Christ in a servant attitude towards God and our neighbour. We are not afraid to make sacrifices. We want to value others more than ourselves and do our service with and for one another. We want to think and speak well of each other and to recognize and value our differences. At the same time, we help each other with open, honest and constructive criticism. We want to do our work well. We do this systematically and consistently. We continually review and improve our actions. We want to recruit competent staff, employ them according to their abilities and develop them further. We want to empower people and communities to serve and promote the growth of spiritual personalities so that they take on responsibility and provide guidance. We ask ourselves about the relevance of our work for the future of the church and this world and courageously take the necessary steps in faith. We do this in the hope of God‘s coming kingdom. Our values
We have a lot to thank these two women for! Without these two women, Liebenzell Mission would not be what it is today: Sister Lina Stahl and Hilda von Diest. Lina Stahl prayed for eleven years for a “fire-breathing mountain“ in Bad Liebenzell from which the gospel would be spread throughout the world. She in- vited Pastor Heinrich Coerper to come from Hamburg to the Black Forest with the German branch of the China Inland Mission. Hilda von Diest was a wealthy and very generous woman. At the beginning, she paid a large part of the rent for the main building and later bought the large property with several buildings and donated it to Liebenzell Mission. Thus, the German branch of the China Inland Mission be- came the Liebenzell Mission and the so-called “Nun’s Hump” the “Mission Mountain.” Mission Mountain BAD LIEBENZELL
Ecuador Continent: South America Number of missionaries: 16 Start of ministry in the country: 1989 Focus of work: church planting, evangelism, theological education, ministry training, discipleship, Christian community development among children and women United States Continent: North America Number of missionaries: 15 Start of ministry in the country: 1941 Focus of work: mission mobili- zation, ministry training, evangelism among immigrants Chile Continent: South America Number of missionaries: 2 Start of ministry in the country: 2017 Focus of work: mission mobili- zation among South Americans Spain Uganda Continent: Africa Number of missionaries: 2 Start of ministry in the country: 2022 Focus of work: discipleship, mission mobilization, building and supporting local networks Niger Continent: Africa Number of missionaries: 1 Start of ministry in the country: 2005 Main focus of work: medical work, training of specialists, evangelism Further information about our projects can be found at www.liebenzell.org/weltweit Liebenzell Mission works in other countries that cannot be named for security reasons. OUR COUNTRIES OF OPERATION WORLDWIDE as of 10/2024 Canada Continent: North America Number of missionaries: 11 Start of ministry in the country: 1966 Focus of work: church development, evangelism among immigrants, preparation of missionaries, discipleship Continent: Europe Number of missionaries: 13 Start of ministry in the country: 1996 Focus of work: church planting and development, staff training, discipleship
France Germany Austria Continent: Europe Number of missionaries: 2 Start of ministry in the country: 1984 Focus of work: discipleship, work with children and young people, sports ministry Russia Continent: Asia Number of missionaries: 3 Start of ministry in the country: 2001 Main focus of work: community development, extracurricular theological education (TEE) Japan Continent: Asia Number of missionaries: 13 Start of ministry in the country: 1927 Focus of work: church planting, church development, discipleship Micronesia Continent: Oceania Number of missionaries: 6 Start of ministry in the country: 1929 Focus of work: theological education, mission mobilization Kyrgyzstan Continent: Asia Number of missionaries: 1 Start of ministry in the country: 2005 Focus of work: community and youth work, extracurricular theological training (TEE) Bangladesh Continent: Asia Number of missionaries: 5 Start of ministry in the country: 1974 Focus of work: children’s villages and Christian schools, extracurricular theological training (TEE) Zambia Continent: Africa Number of missionaries: 23 Start of ministry in the country: 1985 Focus of work: church planting, church development, discipleship, Christian community development among children and young people with school, theological and agricultural training Burundi Continent: Africa Number of missionaries: 6 Start of ministry in the country: 1992 Focus of work: church planting, church development, ministry training and theological education Malawi Continent: Africa Number of missionaries: 14 Start of ministry in the country: 1992 Focus of work: Christian community development, village development with kindergarten and school, support for theological and vocational training, youth work, ministry training, radio ministry Continent: Europe Number of missionaries: 78 Start of ministry in the country: 1913 Focus of work: church planting, Christian community development among children and youth, intercultural work, evangelism, discipleship, mission mobilization Continent: Europe Number of missionaries: 11 Start of ministry in the country: 1987 Focus of work: church planting and development, staff training Papua New Guinea Continent: Oceania Number of missionaries: 12 Start of ministry in the country: 1914 Focus of work: Christian community development among children and young people in socially dis- advantaged areas, theological education and training, missionary work in the bush
THE LITTLE GLOSSARY OF LIEBEN- ZELLJobs An overview of our open positions in Germany and worldwide can be found at www.liebenzell.org/team Encounter We look forward to welcoming guests to “Mission Mountain” and offer a “look behind the scenes”. Please send inquiries by email to gaeste@liebenzell.org Prayer House Prayer has always been a crucial part of Liebenzell Mission, and since 2019 it has also been held in its own “prayer house”. The room in the mission house on the first floor is open during the day and invites people to pray and be silent. Short-term Missions “impact” – that is the name of our program for worldwide short-term mission trips, voluntary services (FSJ and BFD) and discipleship programs. Information at www.impact-einsatz.de Exit Game You can discover the history of Liebenzell Mission in a fun, exciting and innovative way with an exit game on the Mission Mountain. Women “Grow together” is a project that brings women together to encourage each other to grow spiritually and personally and to walktogether. Church Services We invite you to our services, every Sunday on the Mission Mountain at Bad Liebenzell and often also via live stream. www.liebenzell.org/gottesdienste International Branches Liebenzell Mission International has independent branches in Germany, the USA, Canada, Switzerland + Liechtenstein, Austria, Hungary and Japan. Kid‘s Center To inspire children for Jesus. That is the wish of our employees at the kid’s center “Kidz“. They travel to lead children‘s weeks and staff weeks and organize the Kid‘s Mission Festival (KiMiFe), Europe‘s largest mission festival for children. Leadership Liebenzell Mission is led by Dave Jarsetz (Missions Director), Prof. Dr. Volker Gäckle (Rector of the International University Liebenzell) and Thomas Haid (Commercial Director). Livestream We offer most services as a live stream – available directly on YouTube or on our homepage. www.liebenzell.org/gottesdienste
Men “Stronger” is the men’s work of Liebenzell Mission. Men experience God anew, become passionate followers and experience the power of a unique men’s community. www.liebenzell.org/stronger Mission Mountain The 25 acre site with the headquarters of Liebenzell Mission is called “Missionsberg” (translated to Mission Mountain). Church services and major events take place here. In addition to office buildings and workshops, the “International University of Applied Sciences“, the “Intercultural Theological Academy“, the Sisterhood and the impact program are also based here. Partner We work with more than 80 partner organizations and churches worldwide. Sisterhood Our sisterhood includes around 90 sisters, most of whom have been with us for many decades. Many spend their retirement on Mission Mountain. Through their missional lifestyle, they invite people to a life with Jesus Christ. Donations Liebenzell Mission is financed almost exclusively through donations. In 2022, Liebenzell Mission had more than 16,000 donors. Almost 15 million euros in donations and legacies were collected. TV “Worldwide – Touching Life” is the television magazine of Liebenzell Mission and is regularly broadcast on Bibel TV. All episodes are also available in our media library at www.liebenzell.tv Events Tens of thousands of visitors come to our mission festivals, children‘s days or church services every year. An overview of our events can be found at www.liebenzell.org/kalender Associations Liebenzeller Mission is closely linked to the Liebenzeller Gemeinschaftsverband (Liebenzell Church Association), the Süddeutscher Gemeinschaftsverband (South German Church Association), the Evangelischer Gemeinschaftsverband Rhein-Main (Evangelical Church Association Rhine-Main) as well as the Süddeutscher and Südwestdeutscher EC-Verband (South German and Southwest German EC-Association). Together Mission can only be achieved together. That is why we are grateful for all our supporters who help us on a voluntary basis or who pray and donate for our missions work.
Theological education and world missions have always been closely linked in Bad Liebenzell. 100 years ago, Hilda von Diest donated a large area to Liebenzell Mission on the condition that “missionary trainees“ would be equipped as long as the mission existed. This meant theology students who, after their training, would be sent as missionaries all over the world. This principle still applies today. In recent years, the number of our students has risen rapidly. Young people are the decision makers of tomorrow. That is why we rely on them. The International University of Applied Sciences Liebenzell and the Intercultural Theological Academy train young adults – for mission, community and social services all over the world. International University of Applied Sciences Liebenzell (IHL) Studying with a global horizon Studying at IHL can be one of the most exciting, intensive and formative periods of young people‘s lives! Our innovative and interculturally oriented study program is designed to enable people to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in the different contexts and cultures of the world. That is why IHL offers six practical and relevant study programs: // B.A. Protestant Theology // B.A. Theology / Social Work in an Intercultural Context // B.A. Theology / Education in an Intercultural Context // B.A. Theology / Development Studies (english speaking) // M.A. Protestant Theology // M.A. Theology – Church – World Christianity In 2011, the International University Liebenzell was accredited by the Science Council of the Federal Republic of Germany and officially recognized by the state of Baden-Württemberg. www.ihl.eu EDUCATIONAL OFFERS Study and live with a global horizon OUR
Study and Life Community (SLG) The PLUS for your studies The study and life community is the special PLUS offered to all students of the IHL and ITA. The focus of the SLG is on “inner growth“ and the promotion of students in faith, personality, practice and community. The SLG stands for qualified support from a broad team of full-time and volunteer staff for the entire length of one’s study. The diverse events as well as the residential and campus community enable students to have deep and strengthening encounters. The SLG runs more than 20 different activities and programs – e.g. weekly events, meeting weekends, mentoring, practical coaching, couples counseling, pastoral care, quiet days, workshops on relationship and faith topics, prayer meetings and sports tournaments – e.g. weekly student events, prayer meetings, weekend and quiet retreats, mentoring, practical coaching, couples counseling, pastoral care, workshops on relationship and faith topics, and sports tournaments. www.liebenzell.org/slg Intercultural Theological Academy (ITA) Learn – Live – Spread the word That is the heartbeat of the ITA. Here we support people whose passion is God‘s mission and His church. At ITA, through training as a church helper/assistant with an additional recognized bachelor‘s degree, they gain excellent skills and tools for full-time ministry in the kingdom of God. With great enthusiasm for Jesus, we accompany future full-time ministers into their calling in two formats: In the campus-based format, the focus is and remains on the class community and on the campus in Liebenzell. In the church-based format, the focus changes after the first year to a permanent church placement where you are employed as a trainee. Typical ITA: // Practical study, small classes, fostering spiritual growth // Including six months in the most multicultural city in the world: Toronto, Canada // Fast entry into ministry in Germany and worldwide Entry requirements are a high school diploma, a technical college diploma, or a secondary school diploma with completed vocational training. The ITA is eligible for student BAföG. Because God still loves the world, we train people for global missions! www.ita-info.de
Christian Guest Houses Monbachtal Arrive, breathe a sigh of relief, enjoy nature, celebrate community, encounter life – this is what the Liebenzell Mission guest houses invite you to do. Numerous events and seminars offer encouraging and faithstrengthening content for different phases of life and topics. Hospitality and relaxation have been available in Monbachtal since 1919 – since 1975 under the umbrella of Liebenzell Mission. The valley with its various houses offers space for community, conference and leisure groups. Eleven holiday homes are particularly suitable for family holidays and a modern, well-equipped youth guest house offers the ideal setting for school classes, confirmation groups, apprenticeship courses, etc. On the extensive grounds there are sports and play opportunities, a petting zoo, barbecue areas and plenty of space for exercise and creativity. For day visitors, the Café Monbachtal at the valley entrance is the ideal place to go. Delicious cakes, homemade tarts, ice cream sundaes and hearty snacks are offered here. The café beach invites children to play and adults to relax, as does the spacious terrace. In Germany‘s first café chapel next to the café, personal contemplation and prayer are possible. www.monbachtal.de Traveling together – discovering worlds The beginnings of Liebenzell Mission‘s retreat activities go back to 1953, when “singing camps“ and soon after recreation camps were offered. Every year more young people wanted to take part. By booking together with bus companies and hotels or hostels, cheaper prices are achieved. In 1971 the first small retreat brochure was published, and in 1996 a GmbH (Co.) was founded. Today, the “Liebenzeller Mission Freizeiten & Reisen GmbH“ (Liebenzell Mission Retreat & Travel Co.) is the largest provider of Christian group tours in German-speaking countries, with around 230 trips to 40 countries every year. Most trips are offered in other European countries and in Israel, but the spectrum ranges from the German Alps to New Zealand. The program includes hiking trips, tours, and beach trips with excursions, city trips, cycling trips, cruises, ski trips and adventure tours, “young adult“ trips and trips for the “best agers“. Families appreciate the ageappropriate kids/teens program of the family vacations. In addition to trips for specific age groups, there are many vacations where different generations meet. All trips have a spiritual offer in common: Bible meetings or holiday church services - on the trips you can experience and meet God in a different way. For many people, the added value of a group trip is much higher than the possible advantages of an individual trip. www.freizeiten-reisen.de
Mission via media and digitally When our first missionaries traveled abroad, it took many months before their loved ones at home received a message from them. The letter survived, but since then thousands of new and faster media have been added. We offer all of our digital media free of charge. Because we want many people to gain inspiration for their lives and to learn about the great things God is doing all over the world. Live Streams We offer most of our services as a live stream directly on YouTube. www.liebenzell.org/gottesdienste App “My Mission” The daily mottos, prayer requests from the missionaries, current sermons and lectures to listen to, and videos. www.liebenzell.org/app Sermons and Lectures for on the Go Profound sermons and challenging lectures – for example by Mihamm Kim-Rauchholz, Volker Gäckle, Ulrich Giesekus and many more. www.liebenzell.org/audio Media Portal We make valuable television with current topics from all over the world. The TV show “worldwide – touching life” is broadcast regularly on Bibel TV. www.liebenzell.tv Kurzclips (Shortclips) Videos about missionaries or projects are available at www.liebenzell.org/kurzclips Mission magazines as e-paper or printed The missions magazine “Mission Worldwide” with practical, gripping and personal reports: www.liebenzell.org/mw-online Children‘s magazine “GO!“ with exciting stories from the Bible, childfriendly mission reports from all over the world, puzzles and games: www.liebenzell.org/go-online Information magazine “My Mission” with current project information compactly on four pages: www.liebenzell.org/mm-online OUR MEDIA www.facebook.com/liebenzellermission www.instagram.com/liebenzeller.mission www.youtube.com/liebenzellermission
Every euro/dollar helps! Our missionaries travel to people in more than 20 countries around the world and pass on God‘s love in word and deed. Every euro/dollar helps to give new hope to many people around the world. Thank you very much for all your help! Donation account Liebenzeller Mission Sparkasse Pforzheim Calw IBAN: DE27 6665 0085 0003 3002 34 BIC: PZHSDE66XXX Donating online www.liebenzell.org/english Donations via Paypal www.liebenzell.org/paypal Liebenzeller Mission Liobastr. 17 D-75378 Bad Liebenzell GERMANY Phone: +49 (0)7052 17-0 Email: info@liebenzell.org www.liebenzell.org/english Editors: Maike Dispensieri, Christoph Kiess, Claudius Schillinger Translation: Ben Schöniger, Julia Baker Design: Martin Haug | Photo credits: Mission Archive | 7710-24
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