PARAMARIBO – The Moravian Church Foundation (MCF) is proud to announce that on July 5, 2024, its business arm, MCF Business Enterprises B.V. (MCFBE) transferred 24% of the shares in C. Kersten en Co. N.V. (Kersten) to the Foundation for Asset Management Moravian Church Suriname (FAMM), the business arm of the Moravian Church in Suriname.

MCFBE was established in 2004 and received all shares in Kersten at that time. In 1981 and later in 2016, the highest governing body of the Moravian Church, the Unity Synod, passed a resolution for the transfer of 24% of Kersten shares to the Moravian Church in Suriname. On November 9, 2022, FAMM was established to hold the shares on behalf of the Moravian Church in Suriname.

In welcoming FAMM, Nonhlanhla Nkosi, President of MCF said, “On behalf of the MCF, I am really pleased to welcome the Moravian Church in Suriname as a co-shareholder of Kersten through its foundation, FAMM. I am proud and grateful that we were able to deliver this historic moment that will no doubt cement and strengthen our relationship going forward, given our common Moravian beliefs and values. This is a special and joyous milestone for the Moravian Church Suriname (EBGS). It has been long awaited by the province of Suriname. Praise, honor and thanks are due to the Lord.”

The collaboration with Kersten dates to June 29, 1768. The name Kersten is derived from one of the missionaries who came to Suriname from Herrnhut, Germany, namely Christoph Kersten. So it’s a historic collaboration that we want to continue. With the share transfer, we are beginning a new chapter together. The most important mission for the EBGS is the proclamation of Jesus Christ, so that His light is spread. Because of this mission, we have now a structure of proclamation of His Word, Education, Reception and Care. The transfer will give us now more opportunities to continue and expand this structure for our country and especially for our church.

Our sincere thanks go to the total Unitas Fratrum, especially the Unity Board, MCF, Kersten and all who contributed to the share transfer. We pray the MCF, Kersten and FAMM God’s assistance and prosperity for the building up of His Church in Suriname and the entire Unitas Fratrum”. Vishal Jadnanansing, CEO of Kersten, said the following in welcoming the new shareholder, “Kersten warmly welcomes FAMM as a new shareholder, and looks forward to a good cooperation and contribution towards growing our company. From a business and operations perspective, everything remains the same within Kersten including our commitment and dedication to providing high-quality services to our customers”.