The Moravians The story of the Moravians is one of faith, exile, and global influence. Their journey began in the 15th century in the regions of Bohemia and Moravia (modern-day Czech Republic), where followers of the reformer Jan Hus formed the *Unity of the Brethren(Unitas Fratrum). They emphasized Scripture, simple worship, and community life, but centuries of persecution under the Catholic Habsburgs forced many into hiding or exile. In 1722, a group of these refugees found asylum in Saxony, Germany, under the protection of Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. They established a settlement called Herrnhut (“the Lord’s Watch”) on his estate. At first, the community was fractured by disputes, but Zinzendorf guided them toward reconciliation and unity in Christ. On August 13, 1727, during a communion service at the nearby Berthelsdorf church, the community experienced what they described as a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a renewal of love and unity that became known as their “Pentecost.” Soon after, they began the Hourly Intercession, a continuous prayer watch where members prayed in shifts around the clock. This remarkable chain of prayer continued for more than 100 years and fueled a missionary passion that was far ahead of its time. By the 1730s, the Moravians turned outward, sending missionaries across the globe. In 1735, they arrived in the American colony of Georgia with General James Oglethorpe, seeking to share the Gospel with Native Americans and enslaved Africans. The mission in Georgia was short-lived, but something far more significant happened on the voyage. On board the ship was a young Anglican minister named John Wesley. During a violent storm at sea, Wesley panicked, fearing death. The Moravians, however, sang hymns calmly and prayed with remarkable peace. Wesley was stunned by their unshakable faith. Later in Georgia, he attended Moravian meetings and witnessed their deep spirituality. Though his mission there ended in failure, the Moravian example haunted him. Two years later, back in London, Wesley attended a Moravian-led gathering on Aldersgate Street. There he experienced his famous heart “strangely warmed,” a turning point that gave rise to the Methodist movement. While Wesley went on to shape Methodism and the Great Awakening, he never forgot the Moravians’ quiet strength. Their influence reached far beyond their small numbers, seeding spiritual renewal in both Europe and America. From their beginnings in Czech lands, through renewal in Saxony, to missions in the Americas, the Moravians carried a legacy of prayer, unity, and courage. They helped spark some of the greatest revivals in history, not by force or numbers, but by living proof of a faith that could endure storms, persecution, and distance with the same quiet, steady flame.