Former Co-workers look to the future of the UEM together

From July 10 to 12, 2026, approximately 25 former staff members and current volunteers of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) gathered for the alumni conference in Wuppertal. Under the theme “From 1996 to Today—Encounters in Transition,” the event focused on reminiscing, sharing experiences, and looking toward the future of the international community.

A Look Back at 30 Years of International VEM

The event began with a visit to the special exhibition “30 Years of International UEM” at the Museum auf der Hardt. Historical exhibits, letters from staff members, magazines, and documents from various decades provided numerous points of reference for personal memories and discussions about the transformation of UEM from a German mission society into an international communion of churches.

On Saturday, Kristensia Notanubun, a UEM scholarship recipient from West Papua, opened the substantive portion of the program with a Bible study on land, justice, and hope. Following this, the traditional reports from the regions were presented for the first time in information and discussion groups focused on Africa, Asia, and Germany. The new format allowed for more exchange, questions, and personal encounters.

Looking Ahead: The UEM in 2056

A special focus was the future workshop “Generations Council 2056 – The UEM of the Future.” Working in small groups, participants explored the themes of partnership, mission, advocacy, interculturality, and spirituality and faith. The focus was on the question of what the UEM should look like when it celebrates its 60th anniversary as an international communion in 2056.

The collected visions for the future made it clear what many associate with the UEM: community, partnership on equal footing, lived faith, hope, and peace. Wishes such as “Together into the Future,” “Sharing Life and Faith,” or “Never Stop Beginning” summed up the participants’ sense of connection to the international communion.

Eyewitnesses Recall Their Experiences

Looking back also played an important role: On Saturday evening, the film „Teilen und Vertrauen – Vom deutschen Missionswerk zur internationalen Missionsgemeinschaft“ (“Sharing and Trust—From the German Mission Society to the International Mission Communion”) was shown. It was particularly impressive that several eyewitnesses were present who had themselves participated in the 1993 General Assembly in Ramatea, Botswana, and shared their memories with the group.

On Sunday, UEM General Secretary Dr. Andar Parlindungan reported on current developments, challenges, and prospects for the communion. The conference concluded with a worship service featuring Holy Communion. In his sermon titled “The Mission Continues,” Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Muhozi, Executive Secretary Africa at UEM, emphasized the enduring significance of the global church’s shared missionary mandate.

Moving Forward Together

The 2026 alumni conference highlighted just how much the history of the UEM is shaped by encounters. At the same time, it became clear that issues of partnership, justice, faith, and shared responsibility will remain central to the future of the international communion.