Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf

Pioneer in Worldwide Missions

Miller in his Church History describes the Moravians as a missionary church par excellence. The first mission to St. Thomas in the West Indies was in 1732, almost 60 years before the Baptists went out directed by William Carey, who is called the “father of modern missions.” Perhaps Zinzendorf rightfully deserves this title. In rapid succession other missions were dispatched to Greenland (Eskimos), Surinam, South Africa (Hottentots), Georgia, Pennsylvania (Indians), and North Carolina. Here in Niesky, a training school was established. The sign over the door reads, “Go into all the world” on the left side, “and preach the gospel” on the right side. The Nazis covered these with two boards. Later, the occupying Russians kept the signs covered over. When the Russians left, the signs were uncovered.

This world map (in German) shows the extent and year of beginning of the mission work and attempts at mission work made by the Moravians.

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