Nearly 1,000 individuals from around the world gathered August 2 and 3 in Schwarzenau, Germany to participate in the 2008 Brethren World Assembly. The historic event commemorated the founding of the Brethren movement with the Alexander Mack baptisms in the Eder River at Schwarzenau in 1708.
Among the Grace Brethren who participated on the program were Dr. Francois Ngoumape, Central African Republic; Florent Varak, France; and David Guiles, executive director of Grace Brethren International Missions. The Assembly ended Sunday evening with a gathering by the Eder River in Schwarzenau. Hundreds of Brethren from all six groups gathered to hear hymns sung by the Old Order German Baptist Brethren, and to close with the singing of the Doxology, recitation of the Lord’s prayer, and a scriptural benediction.