The Refugees Who Became a Fire

In 1722, a ragged band of Protestant refugees stumbled onto the estate of Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf in Saxony, Germany. They were Moravians, Lutherans, Calvinists, Schwenkfelders — believers fractured by theology and scarred by persecution. They settled a plot of land called Herrnhut, meaning "the Lord's watch," and promptly began arguing with one another.

For five years, the community splintered over doctrine and practice. Then on August 13, 1727, during a communion service at Berthelsdorf Church, the Holy Spirit fell upon them with such force that witnesses compared it to Pentecost. Former rivals wept and embraced. That single day ignited a prayer vigil that continued unbroken — twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week — for over one hundred years.

What emerged was not uniformity but holy coordination. Anna Nitschmann organized the women's ministry. David Nitschmann led missionary expeditions to the Caribbean. Christian David, the carpenter who had first guided refugees to Herrnhut, kept building shelters for newcomers. Zinzendorf himself wrote hymns and navigated the politics of European courts. Each gift was distinct. Each was indispensable.

Paul told the Corinthians that there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them all. Herrnhut proved it. The Spirit did not erase their differences — He set them ablaze within a single flame, so that one fractured community could carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.