(15/06/08) The 4th General Assembly of the United Evangelical Mission has taken up its work. The 140 delegates, stewards, interpreters and staff from Africa, Asia and Germany have eight days of tight schedule ahead. The delegates will deal with proposals as to the future structure of the UEM and decide on future working priorities.

"We have to learn anew the language of faith", Reformed Church President Jann Schmidt said in his sermon in the opening service Saturday morning. The Evangelical reformed Church is the host of the General Assembly. "We need clarity, to witness his gospel, to be ambassadors for Christ. Orientation can only come from those who are oriented. That also applies to our mission", Schmidt said.

"Nowadays, religious and worldly organisations can only survive, if they are able to move with the times and if they are prepared to be consistent, flexible and transparent to everyone", the Mayor of Borkum, Kristin Mahlitz said on the reception of the Reformed Church on Friday evening. To engage in the changes the UEM is facing today required "farsightedness and also a good deal of courage on the part of the decision makers", Mahlitz pointed out.

UEM General Secretary Fidon Mwombeki thanked the Reformed Church for their exceptional hospitality delegates and employees experienced from the very beginning. "We are delighted to see that we were welcomed with both hands."

Rev. Margrit Tuente of the local congregation passed words of greetings from the reformed as well from the Lutheran and the Roman Catholic congregations on Borkum which cooperate closely.