Greeting from Bishop Theodor Jäckel (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
dear faithful companions in the mission of our Lord, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is with heartfelt gratitude and deep joy that I send you greetings on the occasion of the induction of Holger Siebert as Director. Although I am unfortunately not able to be present with you in person, I am united with you in prayer and in the fellowship of Christ's Church across all distances.

On this Pentecost celebration, we are reminded of the promise of our Lord in Acts of the Apostles
1:8: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my
witnesses... to the ends of the earth." This promise continues to guide and sustain the Church in
every time and place-and it is a promise that finds visible expression in the life and work of your
mission.

We give thanks for the faithful service and witness of the Evangelisch-Lutherisches Missionswerk
in Niedersachsen over many years. Your commitment to fostering a global, learning community of
believers, and to promoting life in its fullness, peace, justice, and the care of creation, is of great
significance not only for your local context, but for the whole communion of Lutheran churches
worldwide. In a divided and wounded world, such a ministry of reconciliation and shared witness is
both urgently needed and deeply appreciated.

As NELCSA, we look back with sincere gratitude on the many years of good cooperation and
partnership we have shared with you. This relationship has enriched our churches, strengthened
our witness, and deepened our understanding of what it means to be one body in Christ across
cultures and continents. It is my prayer and hope that this partnership will continue to grow from
strength to strength in the years ahead.

To you, dear Holger Siebert, I extend my warmest congratulations on your induction into this
important office. May God grant you wisdom, humility, and courage as you take up this
responsibility. May the Holy Spirit guide your decisions, strengthen your faith, and lead you in
faithful service to Christ's mission.

Be assured of our prayers as you celebrate this joyful occasion.

Yours in Christ,
Theodor Jäckel (Bishop)
Northeastern Evangelical Lutheran Church in South Africa (NELCSA)