Verwurzelt auf dem Chrischona Berg
At the beginning of November 2022, the St. Chrischona Theological Seminary (tsc) and three close partners planted linden trees near the Chrischona Church. The trees are dedicated to the Chrischona Community Work Germany (CGW), the mission organizations OMF Switzerland and Germany, and amzi (Working Group for Messianic Witness to Israel). The three partners are closely connected to the tsc and have their roots on the Chrischona Hill. The new linden trees stand next to the tree dedicated to Viva Church Switzerland in June.
«With the trees, we want to express our togetherness as a sign that our spiritual nourishment originates here,» says Dr. Benedict Walker, Rector of the tsc. «And I am convinced that when congregational associations, educational institutions, and missionary organizations join hands, we can learn a lot from each other—and change the world.»
The representatives of CGW (right of the tree) and tsc (left of the tree) are pleased about the planting of the CGW linden tree.
"The new linden trees near the church represent our remaining rooted in the gospel—and bearing fruit from it. We are rooted in this place in the Word of God, in prayer, and in evangelism. This is the shared lifestream of God that nourishes and connects us as partners in the tsc network." Wieland Müller, Chairman of the Chrischona Community Work Germany (in the photo far right)
In summer 2022, tsc and Viva Church Switzerland planted the first linden tree in front of St. Chrischona Church
In May 2022, Chrischona Switzerland renamed itself Viva Church Switzerland. The church association, with its more than 90 congregations, has its roots in St. Chrischona. The "Viva Linden" tree next to the church is intended to reinforce this rootedness and connection. Viva Church Switzerland is an important partner of the tsc. At the delegates' meeting in May, Rector Dr. Benedikt Walker also donated linden tree seeds to each church so that they, too, could plant a linden tree in their own home as a reminder of the place where their shared history began.
The representatives of OMF (right of the tree) and tsc (left of the tree) are happy about the planting of the OMF linden tree.
"Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission (now OMF), had a good relationship with Chrischona. Among other things, he initiated the Women's Bible School at Chrischona because he believed women should also serve fully in the missions. The development of the TSC is strongly influenced by and with the missions. We want to maintain this collaboration and synergies." Markus Dubach, Head of OMF Switzerland (in the photo 1. right of the tree)
"It's wonderful to be connected to the TSC as a network partner. Many of our missionaries in East Asia received their training here. The TSC offers a solid education, and we hope it will continue that way in the future." Joachim König, Press Officer OMF Germany (in the photo far right) Markus Dubach, Head of OMF Switzerland (in the photo 1. right of the tree)
"In 2002, at a conference at St. Chrischona, I read a book by Helmuth Egelkraut about mission under one of the old chestnut trees. This confirmed my decision to go to Japan as a missionary with OMF. Now, after twenty years as a lecturer, I'm back in the place where I received my call to mission." Dr. Michael Widmer, TSC lecturer for Old Testament (far left in the photo)
The representatives of amzi (left of the tree) and tsc (right of the tree) are happy about the planting of the amzi linden tree.
"For us, as a true daughter of the Chrischona movement from the very beginning, it is an important symbol to remain rooted with this tree on the Chrischona Mountain and connected to the theological education there." Bernhard Heyl, head of amzi (in the photo 1. left of the tree)
"As amzi, we are closely connected to the tsc. We deliberately moved our offices to Chrischona Mountain a few years ago. The new trees represent a solid, long-term collaboration." Hans Jörg Hauser, President of amzi (in the photo on the far left) Bernhard Heyl, head of amzi (in the photo 1. left of the tree)