Teen Challenge - Anna Nitschmann

1715–60

The religious community of Moravians needed to select a “chief eldress,” someone to provide spiritual guidance for the women and girls. As was the custom, four finalists cast lots to determine God’s choice. It was Anna Nitschmann . . . only fourteen years old. The Moravians’ leader, Count Zinzendorf, suggested that Anna refuse the position, since she was so young. She reminded him that it was the Lord who had selected her.

Anna had, in fact, shown amazing maturity in the preceding years. When her family had come to this community two years earlier, Anna was somewhat rebellious. Then, in a community-wide revival, Anna committed herself fully to Christ. She grew rapidly in her own faith and also organized the other girls to do acts of service and worship. The grown-ups took notice and put her on the short list for the eldress position. In that role, she continued to lead and organize the Moravian women for several decades, even creating a “single sisters” group that put Christian service ahead of marriage and, in fact, led to the sending of numerous female missionaries.

It’s hard to say enough about the impact of the Moravians in Christian history. This little band, often squeezed by the major powers of European politics, committed itself to disciple making and had a huge missional impact, especially in the Americas. And among the core leaders of this world-winning group was Anna Nitschmann.

Anna also wrote a number of hymns that were sung by Moravian congregations for centuries. In one, cowritten with the son of Count Zinzendorf, she prayed,

I am needy, yet forgiven;

With Thy blood my heart enliven:

Give me, Jesus, of Thy passion

An abiding, deep impression.

As a teenager and as a mature leader, Anna Nitschmann made an impression, but it was never about her own reputation—it was a passion for Jesus.

What challenges has the Lord set before you? Stop making excuses—that you’re too young (or old); that you don’t know enough; that you lack the resources. God knows exactly how needy you are. Just let him enliven your heart with his blood, his passion.

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

1 Timothy 4:12