Generosity often begins with an invitation, a moment of connection, or a story that moves our hearts. When we asked, “Who inspires you to give?”, Justin, Amy, and Lisa—each involved with the Board of World Mission—shared how the people and experiences in their lives have shaped their giving. Their stories remind us that generosity isn’t just about what we give, but why we give.
Justin Rabbach: The Power of an Invitation
“I’m inspired to give by the people who directly invited me and encouraged me to take part in Moravian Summer Camps, Convos, and Mission trips!” Justin shares. “Until I was directly invited by camp counselors, former district and provincial leaders, and former Board of World Mission staff, I never would have thought I would be able to join the local and global communities I have now grown to love as a part of the Moravian Church.”
Those invitations weren’t just about attending—they were about participating. “Being trusted as a camp counselor and being asked to lead a prayer at a young adult Convo in 2007 while in Herrnhut, Germany inspired me to claim the ways I could lead others and live my faith.”
Now, in his daily work with the Board of World Mission, Justin hopes to continue that tradition. “I give to make sure the opportunities I had to discern my place in the Moravian Church, and world, are made widely available to all.”
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Amy Gohdes-Luhman: Planting Seeds of Education
“Bishop Jan Amos Comenius inspires me to give,” Amy says. “When I was studying to be a high school English teacher at UW-Madison, we were introduced to Comenius as the Father of Modern Education. I nearly fell out of my chair! I wanted to tell everyone: He is a Moravian Bishop!”
Though she never pursued teaching high school English, Amy’s journey led her through 28 years in parish ministry and now to the Board of World Mission. “As I present about the work of BWM and our global partners, I am struck by our steadfast commitment to education all over the globe—especially education for girls and women.”
She reflects on how that legacy is alive today: “I have learned that BWM has issued two mission grants to the Comenius Polytechnic Institute in Tabor, Tanzania, which is committed to educating and empowering women. I have learned about Rev. Dena Grillo Fortuzi, who is leading a ministry focused on educating women in Albania. I have learned about schools in Sierra Leone, Zambia, Kenya, Nepal, and Ukraine—all Moravian, all global partners, following in the footsteps of our dear Bishop Comenius.”
For Amy, giving is about continuing this mission. “This is why I give. The seed that Comenius planted is blossoming all over the world. I can get behind watering this garden! Thanks be to God!”
Lisa Pampe: A Picture of Compassion
“They say a photo is worth a thousand words, so I’ll let the photos speak to your heart,” Lisa shares. “God truly has used my love of photography to share the stories and faces of Ahuas and why there is such a great need for our financial support. The photos and their stories touch my heart as much as those I share them with.”
For Lisa, the words of Matthew 25:35-36,40 come alive when she sees the faces of the children and those suffering from illnesses and injuries:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
She has witnessed firsthand how the Infant Feeding Program and the Ahuas Clinic truly save lives on a daily basis. “They also share Christ’s love, grace, and forgiveness through these ministries,” she says. “Every dollar matters, so please donate as you are able.”
Carrying the Mission Forward
For Justin, Amy, and Lisa, generosity isn’t just about financial gifts—it’s about the power of an invitation, the impact of education, and the stories that move us to act. Their stories challenge us to ask: Who invited you? Who might you invite?
As we look ahead to Moravian Day of Giving 2025, we invite you to honor those who have inspired you by making a gift that helps continue their legacy of generosity. Your support makes a difference in the lives of others through ministries like the Board of World Mission.
We’d also love to hear your story! Who inspires you to give? Share your story with us and be part of the conversation about generosity in action.
