Sunday, March 10, 2024

Nigeria Visit - MAR 2024


NCLC Pastors, One Wife, and Seminary Students at the 2024 Pastor Conference in Efa Anyam, Nigeria

It's Sunday afternoon here in Lagos, Nigeria. I'm wrapping up my visit to the Nigeria-CLC. My flight home leaves at midnight. I'll fly from Lagos to Frankfurt to Chicago to St. Louis. If all goes according to schedule, I'll be home Monday night. Please pray for safe and uneventful travels.

It's been a busy eleven days with lots of in-country travel, worship, meetings, a pastor conference, and congregation visits. 

Let me just give a few highlights from the visit and a few pictures along the way...

I spent my first weekend in Apa and Badagry. These villages are located to the west of Lagos near the ocean and the Benin border. The Nigeria-CLC (NCLC) has two congregations in this area. One in Apa and a newly opened congregation in Badagry. I had the privilege of preaching at the new congregation in Badagry on Sunday morning. I was also privileged to meet an elderly retired pastor, a seminary student of Missionary Norbert Reim, in the 1950s. This man recently resigned from the Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN) and joined the NCLC congregation in Badagry. He also has family that lives in Akwa Ibom state, where the majority of NCLC congregations are located. He is hopeful that they, too, will be joining NCLC congregations. He was very happy to meet someone who knew Pastor Reim as he shared fond memories and appreciation of his time in the seminary learning from him. I told him that my grandfather and father were close friends with Pastor Reim and that I knew his children well and was acquainted with his grandchildren. He told me that Missionary Reim was a father to him in the faith, as the Apostle Paul was a father to Timothy. It was a genuine privilege to meet this man and a good reminder that, as the Scriptures encourage us, our labor in the Lord is never in vain!

Pastor Emeritus Idiobong at the NCLC Congregation in Badagry

On Monday, Martin Essien and I traveled from Lagos to Uyo (capital city of Akwa Ibom State) where I would spend the next four days attending, presenting, teaching, and preaching at the semi-annual NCLC General Pastor Conference. The conference began each morning at 7:00 am for morning prayers before breakfast. The conference then reconvened at 9:00 am. During each day we heard and discussed twelve essays written by several pastors and me. We also took time to meet individually with each group of pastors from different areas of the country. The theme for the conference was "Here I Stand...The Scriptures Can Not Be Broken." The conference came to an end on Friday afternoon with a communion and worship service. I had the privilege of preaching for the worship service. I preached on Galatians 3:15-29 with the theme "We are Heirs of God According to His Promise and Faithfulness." There were 42 men in attendance and one pastor's wife. Nine of those in attendance were NCLC seminary students, and 8 were independent pastors from Bayelsa State who are currently going through the colloquy process. 


Independent Pastors from Bayelsa State

Pastor Conference Lunch Break

NCLC Pastor Conference Closing Hymn

While the schedule was pretty tight while I was here, I was able to slip away during a break to take a quick video of the Immanuel Lutheran Seminary of the NCLC. Because the teachers and students were all attending the conference, the classrooms were all locked. Here's a brief walk-through the seminary campus...


Eight of the Nine Seminary Students and Two of the Three Teachers

A major project the NCLC has been working on for the past few years is to enlarge and improve the main church building and headquarters in Efa. This is the original congregation that was started by Pastor E.E. Essien when he withdrew from the LCN that was affiliated with The Synodical Conference back in the late 1950s. Our CLC missionaries (Dave Koenig, Paul Gurgel, and Matt Gurath) and their families lived across the street and attended worship in the original building that is being replaced. The NCLC is funding this project with no assistance from the CLC.

Again, as He always does, the Lord blessed this visit, and I come away from Nigeria thankful for the opportunity to work alongside faithful men and women to share the truths of God's saving word for the salvation of souls. 

Please keep your Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers as they face many challenges in their work. Satan is always actively prowling in his attempts to tempt God's children away from their Savior through false teachers and the allurements of the false and dangerous prosperity gospel that is so prevalent throughout Africa and the world. There are also financial challenges that bring struggles to so many throughout Nigeria. Over the past couple of years, the inflation rate in Nigeria has been around 25%-30%. The Nigerian currency, the Naira, has dropped to approx. 1500 to $1 USD, reflecting a 230% loss in value over the past twelve months. And yet, in the midst of all these struggles, our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to make the spread of the Gospel their main priority! Praise the Lord for the strength and commitment to press on as they trust in our Savior's love and plans for them, their families, and the Gospel outreach of the NCLC.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Sent to Nigeria - March 2024

Later today (2/27) I will set off for Nigeria. I will fly out of St. Louis and make stops in Chicago, Brussels, Accra, and Lome before arriving in Lagos on Friday evening. I scheduled a long layover in Lome so I could spend a couple of days visiting Missionary Evensen and Pastor Blewu. While there, I am hoping to spend some time with the children who receive support from CLC Kinship. On Friday afternoon, I will take a direct flight to Lagos, where I will spend the weekend with Pastor Mike Essien, Martin and Tina Essien, and the newly established Nigeria-CLC congregation in Badagry. On Monday afternoon Martin and I will make our way back to Lagos for an evening flight from Lagos to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This is where the Nigeria-CLC headquarters and seminary are located and where I will spend the rest of my time before returning to Lagos for my flight back home.

While in Nigeria, I will be privileged to attend, teach, and preach at the NCLC pastoral conference. The theme for the conference is "Here I Stand, The Scriptures Cannot Be Broken." They are expecting thirty-three pastors and nine seminary students to attend. Several of the pastors will be from the new district in Bayelsa State that has been taking shape over the past few years. The NCLC commissioned an NCLC pastor to live in the area a few years ago to instruct the independent pastors and congregations who were interested in joining the NCLC. I've met representatives from this group in the past, but it will be great to finally get to know them face-to-face as we gather around God's saving Word! I am also looking forward to spending some time getting to know and encouraging the NCLC Immanuel Lutheran Seminary students. There are currently nine students enrolled. This is the most they have had in many years. Just a few years ago, they were down to just one student. Praise the Lord for answered prayers!

Your prayers for safe and uneventful travels are requested and much appreciated. Pray also our Savior would grant an abundance of the Spirit's wisdom, guidance, love, humility, and compassion that all may be done according to His will and for His kingdom!

Monday, February 26, 2024

February/March 2024 - CLC Missions Prayer List

Mexico – Pastor Olvera and his family have been plagued by covid and other various illnesses for the past couple of months. They are recovering and slowly getting back to regular work and ministry activities. Thank the Lord for healing and ask for continued strength and recovery for this family. Pray also that the Lord would open doors of opportunity for their planned outreach efforts.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Andrew Schaller, the Board of Doctrine Secretary for the CLC, and Missionary Ohlmann have recently returned from a visit to the Philippines to conduct the face-to-face portion of the doctrinal colloquy. This meeting is the result of more than three years of correspondence, one initial visit in early 2023, and a written doctrinal colloquy via email. Pastor Jordan Palangyos, representing the Lutheran Autonomous Mission of the Philippines (LAMP), sat with Pastor Schaller and Missionary Ohlmann for two full days to review the colloquy questions in depth. This process revealed that there is unity of doctrine between the CLC and LAMP. President Mike Wilke declared fellowship with Pastor Palangyos and the LAMP on February 23rd. Praise the Lord for these great blessings of unity of faith and teaching and the opportunity to work together in a God-pleasing way to help spread the Good News of Jesus in the Philippines! Pray that the Lord will provide Pastor Jordan with opportunities and everything he needs to continue proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Myanmar (South Asia) – Pastor Kham recently reported that the Myanmar military has continued to indiscriminately bomb portions of the city of Kalaymyo, where the CLC-Myanmar headquarters and orphanage are located. Bombs have destroyed much of the main street that goes through town, less than a kilometer from the CLC-Myanmar (CLCM) church or orphanage. Kham reports that the military is constantly patrolling with machine guns and regularly fires on any gathering of civilians. While we are thankful that there were no injuries to CLCM, three more people were recently killed near the church, and many others have been seriously injured. February 1st marked the third anniversary of the military takeover and, thus, three years of civil war. The people of Myanmar and our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to suffer. Please pray for the innocent bystanders caught in this conflict, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ of the CLC-Myanmar. Ask that God's will be done as this conflict continues and that peace may prevail.

Kenya and Uganda (East Africa) – Missionary Bruce Naumann and CLC Bd of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft recently visited our brothers and sisters in Kenya and Uganda. Unfortunately, Kinship Committee chairman Ted Quade was not able to make the trip due to health issues. While in Kenya they visited and discussed the needs of the two elementary schools that are partially supported by Kinship donations. They also met with the leaders of the Kenya-CLC to discuss the necessary steps for more consistent Bible instruction in the schools. While in Uganda they visited the orphanage that receives support from Kinship to discuss their ongoing needs. Thank the Lord of their safe travels and productive time among our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Tanzania (East Africa) – Missionary Naumann reports that all students are now present for the new semester of classes at the seminary. Pastor Nolting spent a couple of weeks in mid-January serving as a guest/substitute instructor at the seminary while Missionary Naumann was visiting Kenya and Uganda. Pray for God’s continued blessings on these efforts to train and send out faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word in East Africa. You can follow Missionary Naumann’s blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Pakistan  - Pastor Tim Daub continues correspondence and instruction classes with the recently established Lutheran congregation members in Faisalabad. The Board of Missions has authorized Missionary Ohlmann to join Pastor Daub on a visit to further encourage and instruct this congregation. They are tentatively planning a visit for mid-to-late April. With the recent elections in Pakistan, they are waiting for the newly elected leadership to be in place before they make final arrangements. Pray for the Lord's guidance and wisdom as plans take shape. Ask the Lord to continue to bless the preaching and teaching of His saving word among this new congregation of believers.

Nepal (South Asia) – Pastor Raju is undergoing voice therapy to treat lesions or nodes on his vocal cords. He recently reported that his doctor is pleased with the progress, and he has started public speaking again. The start of the Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI) classes was postponed until he was able to regain his voice. Currently, they are reviewing applications for a new cohort of HBI students, which is scheduled to begin in April. Give thanks to the Lord for the healing of Raju's vocal cords, which has allowed him to continue spreading God's word and training faithful workers for His kingdom in Nepal.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Pastor Monotosh continues to seek the Lord's blessings in raising funds for constructing a BLCM headquarters, Bible Institute, dormitory, and worship facility on land purchased last year. Pray for the Lord’s provision of resources needed for this important building project. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on the preaching and teaching of His word.

Liberia (West Africa) – While Pastor Kwiwalazu was disappointed that Missionary Ohlmann and Bd of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft were unable to visit in January as planned due to issues with obtaining the necessary visas, he reports that meetings with a group of independent pastors who have separated from the Methodist church of Liberia went well. He is eager for the visit to be rescheduled and is hopeful that Pastor John Hein’s health improves so that he, too, will be able to visit. Pray for the blessings and provision for the work of spreading the Gospel in Liberia and also for the developing opportunities in Guinea. Ask the Lord to bless the cancer treatments that John Hein is receiving so that he may resume his work in Liberia.

India (South Asia) – The BELC continues to grow with more than 750 pastors serving congregations, teaching on-going monthly pastoral training seminars in twenty-seven districts, and training 25 men at the Martin Luther Bible School. The CLCI is still active in outreach despite the real and constant threat of persecution. The CLCI also continues its work with the orphanage and the seminary, with seventeen men graduating and being ordained as pastors each year. It has been a few years since the CLC has been to visit our brothers and sisters in India. With Missionaries Evensen and Ohlmann no longer able to enter India because their visas were revoked, the Bd of Missions is looking at different options for future CLC visitations. Pray that the Lord continues to bless the efforts of the BELC and CLCI as they boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus. Ask for our Savior’s guidance as the Bd of Missions looks for ways to visit India again.

Missionary Peter Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen continues the work of translating Online Theological Studies courses into French for use in training pastors and church leaders in Togo and other French-speaking African countries. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on this work and pray that the Lord will continue to provide good health and all that is necessary for the spread of the Gospel in Togo.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Bruce Naumann returned to Tanzania in early January for the start of the new semester at Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary. His wife Paula returned to Tanzania in early February. Thank the Lord for providing safe travel for Bruce and Paula. Ask for our Savior’s blessings for these two faithful servants of our Lord. Pray they will be kept safe and healthy as they serve in our Savior’s East Africa harvest fields. Follow their blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Missionary Todd Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann departed for a short visit to Nigeria on February 27th. He will make a short stop-over in Togo to visit Missionary Evensen and Pastor Blewu. While in Nigeria, he will attend, preach, and present at the Nigeria-CLC pastoral conference in Efa. He will also visit and preach at a newly established NCLC congregation in Badagry. He is tentatively scheduled to visit Pakistan and Zambia in April and May. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and blessings on his travel plans and for wisdom, humility, patience, and boldness as he proclaims God’s word. Continue to pray for his wife Beth as she cares for her elderly father as he longs for his heavenly home. You can read reports and see pictures here: missionaryohlmann.blogspot.com

Ongoing Opportunitiesplease continue to pray for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, who, by God's grace, are dedicated to proclaiming the truths of God's saving word for the salvation of souls as they trust the promise of our Savior that His Word will not return to Him void but will accomplish that for which He sent it.

Monday, January 29, 2024

Sent to The Philippines...February 2024

This will be the second visit to the Philippines to meet with Pastor Jordan Palangyos and the Lutheran Autonomous Mission of the Philippines (L.A.MP.) After extensive correspondence that was first initiated by Pastor Palangyos after he had found the Facebook page of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (CLC), Pastor Rob Sauers (representing the CLC Board of Missions) and I made an initial visit in April. The first two years of correspondence were focused on reviewing and explaining the doctrinal positions of the CLC using select Online Theological Studies courses via email.

As reported in a Lutheran Spokesman article by Pastor Sauers, a recommendation to begin the official colloquy process was approved by the CLC President. Pastor Andrew Schaller (CLC Bd of Doctrine) was appointed to conduct the colloquy via email correspondence. That process has now been completed. Pastor Schaller and I are now traveling to the Philippines to conduct the in-person review of the colloquy materials that Pastor Palangyos and Pastor Schaller have completed. If all goes well, and as a result, we find ourselves in doctrinal agreement with the L.A.M.P., a recommendation for fellowship will be made to President Wilke upon our return. 

We fly out later today (1/29). Our itinerary takes us from St. Louis to Los Angeles to Hong Kong to Manila. We will arrive in Manila mid-morning on Wednesday after nearly 28 hours of travel. From there, we will board a bus in Manila and travel about six hours to the north, where we will meet Pastor Palangyos in Baguio City on Wednesday evening. Thursday and Friday will be spent in doctrinal discussions. Saturday and Sunday will take us into the mountainous Cordillera District to visit the two L.A.M.P. congregations and preaching stations. 

Your prayers for safe and uneventful travels, productive and God-pleasing doctrinal discussions, the Lord's blessings on the preaching and teaching of His saving Word, and His love and protection for our families are requested and much appreciated...confident that the God of our Salvation will hear and answer our prayers!


Wednesday, January 10, 2024

January 2024 - CLC World Missions Prayer List

Missionary Travels - Our missionaries are traveling to several different countries during January and February to visit our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. On January 7th, Missionary Naumann returned to Tanzania. On January 12th, Missionary Ohlmann and Board of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft are scheduled to depart for a visit to Togo and Liberia. Part-Time Missionary Pastor Paul Nolting will be heading to Tanzania later in January to teach at the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary while Missionary Naumann visits Kenya and Uganda. Joel Kraftt will travel from Liberia to Kenya to Join Missionary Naumann, Pastor Jeremia Issangya, and Kinship Chairman and Christian School Instructor Supervisor Ted Quade in Nairobi on Friday, January 26th. These men will be visiting Moi's Bridge, Kenya; Iganga, Uganda; and Etago, Kenya during a 10-day trip. At the end of January, Missionary Ohlmann and CLC Board of Doctrine member Pastor Andrew Schaller will travel to the Philippines to conduct an in-person colloquy with Pastor Jordan Palangyos of the Lutheran Autonomous Mission of the Philippines. Please pray for safe and uneventful travels for our missionaries and that the Lord will bless their preaching and teaching of His Word to accomplish His will.

India (Southeast Asia) – In early December, Cyclone Michaung hit the eastern coast of India, causing damage and flooding to the churches of the BELC as well as the Martin Luther Bible School (MLBS) pastor training center. The storm affected eleven out of the fourteen districts of the BELC, resulting in 55 churches and the MLBS being damaged and in need of repair. The Board of Missions has approved a Kinship disaster relief grant to assist with building repairs and reconstruction. Pray for the Lord's continued protection and provision as our brothers and sisters in Christ begin the clean-up and recovery from this disaster. Ask our Heavenly Father to send His Holy Spirit to give comfort, courage, strength, and hope in His perfect love and plans as they struggle during these trying times. And thank the Lord for the compassionate and generous hearts that provide support through offerings to Kinship.

Myanmar (South Asia) – Pastor Kham recently reported that the Myanmar military had dropped bombs on portions of the city of Kalaymyo. Fortunately, the bombing did not affect the CLC-Myanmar (CLCM) church or orphanage, and there were no injuries to CLCM. However, several private homes, businesses, and church buildings were destroyed or damaged. There were more than twenty people killed and many more injured. February 1 will mark the third anniversary of the military takeover and, thus, three years of civil war.  The people of Myanmar and our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to suffer. Please pray for the innocent bystanders caught in this conflict, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ of the CLC-Myanmar. Ask that God's will be done as this conflict continues and that peace may prevail.

Tanzania (East Africa) – Missionary Naumann has returned to Tanzania for the beginning of the new semester of classes at the seminary. Pastor Nolting will be arriving in mid-January to serve as a guest/substitute instructor a the seminary. Pray for God’s continued blessings on these efforts to train and send out faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word in East Africa.

Pakistan (South Asia) – Pastor Tim Daub continues electronic correspondence and instruction to the members of the recently established Lutheran congregation in Pakistan. The Board of Missions has authorized Missionary Ohlmann to join Pastor Daub on a visit to Pakistan. They are tentatively planning a visit for mid-to-late April. Pray for the Lord's continued blessings on the teaching and learning of His word. Give thanks to our Savior for granting us this opportunity and the technology to spread the truth of His word in such a manner.

Nepal (South Asia) – Pastor Raju has experienced partial voice loss for the past few months due to the presence of lesions or nodes on his vocal cords. He has been resting his voice for the past several weeks. A recent examination shows signs of healing. In the upcoming weeks, he will begin voice therapy to aid the recovery and strengthening of his vocal cords. Consequently, the start of Himalayan Bible Institute classes will be postponed until March or April. Applications for the next HBI session are currently being received and reviewed. Please pray for the Lord's healing of Raju's vocal cords, enabling him to continue the work of proclaiming God's word and training faithful workers for His kingdom in Nepal.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Andrew Schaller, the Board of Doctrine Secretary for the CLC, has finished the correspondence part of the doctrinal colloquy with Pastor Jordan Palangyos and the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP). In early February, Pastor Schaller, accompanied by Missionary Ohlmann, is scheduled to be in the Philippines to conduct the in-person portion of the colloquy. Please ask for the Lord's blessings on the colloquy, that it may result in and reveal a unity of faith and teaching that pleases God. Pray that the Lord will provide Pastor Jordan with opportunities and everything he needs to continue proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

DR Congo (Central Africa) – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains in a state of unrest and violence after the recent presidential election on December 20th. Pastor Yumba has suggested that the plans for Missionary Ohlmann's visit to the DRC in 2024 should be delayed until security has been restored. Pray for peace and harmony among the people of the DRC as they struggle through these issues. Ask that the Lord's will be fulfilled in this election, and pray for the safety, hope, and courage for our fellow brothers and sisters in the CCLC.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Pastor Monotosh continues to seek the Lord's blessings in raising funds for constructing a BLCM headquarters, Bible Institute, dormitory, and worship facility on land purchased last year. Pray for the Lord’s provision of resources needed for this important building project. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on the preaching and teaching of His word.

Mission Development Fund – CLC President Mike Wilke writes: "When the convention approved the calling of our third foreign missionary, it determined that the funding of that missionary would come fully from the MDF for the first year. The cost of funding that missionary is about $80,000 and has impacted other planned MDF projects. Currently, the balance of the MDF is enough to cover the cost of our third foreign missionary for the rest of this fiscal year and a few other essential projects, but without additional funds, we will not be able to fund other planned projects. We have already put a hold on all other projects, including funding Bibles and other Christian literature, church-building assistance, and many planned outreach projects. Pray that the members of the CLC will remember this work in their prayers and their offerings so that we might continue to carry out the work the LORD has set before us and which we have decided to do as a church body."

Missionary Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen continues the work of translating Online Theological Studies courses into French for use in training pastors and church leaders in Togo and other French-speaking African countries. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on this work and pray that the Lord will continue to provide good health and all that is necessary for the spread of the Gospel in Togo.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Bruce Naumann has arrived in Tanzania to begin the new semester at Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary. He is set to participate in the CLC visitation team's trip to Kenya and Uganda in late January. His wife Paula will join him in Tanzania in early February. Pray for their safe travels, as well as for the returning students. Ask for our Savior’s blessings on the pastors and people of the TZ-CLC as they spread the Gospel of Christ crucified. Follow their blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Missionary Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann has upcoming travel plans to Togo, Liberia, The Philippines, Nigeria, Zambia, and Pakistan in the following months. He is also scheduled to serve as the Pastor for the Southeastern CLC Women's Retreat in Charlotte, NC, in mid-February. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and blessings on his travel plans and for wisdom, humility, patience, and boldness as he proclaims God’s word. Continue to pray for his wife Beth as she cares for her elderly father as he longs for his heavenly home. You can read reports and see pictures here: missionaryohlmann.blogspot.com

Ongoing Opportunitiesplease continue to pray for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world, who, by God's grace, are dedicated to proclaiming the truths of God's saving word for the salvation of souls as they trust the promise of our Savior that His Word will not return to Him void but will accomplish that for which He sent it.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Sent to Nepal - Nov/Dec 2023

 My time in Nepal always goes too quickly. Raju, Rajan, and I packed a lot into the last three weeks. The first week was just a whirlwind of travel and visits as Raju and I made our way from Kathmandu to the Jarjarkot district and the epicenter of the Nov. 3rd earthquake the morning after I arrived. The next few days were spent traveling deep into the Himalayan foothills. You can read about HERE

After a couple of long and bumpy bus and tuk-tuk rides, we arrived in the Chitwan District where Raju lives and also where the Himalayan Bible Institute is located. We decided to take a night bus so we would have a day to recoup and get ready for three days of HBI classes, a one-day Pastoral Training Seminar, and the HBI graduation that was scheduled for the week ahead. 

During the remainder of my time in Nepal, we traveled to HCLC-Nepal congregations located in the foothills of the Himalaya to conduct one-day outreach seminars on the topic of baptism. Raju has been dealing with some serious throat and voice issues, so his brother Rajan accompanied us to translate for me. It was great to have him along as he was also eager to visit the villages. For over 10 years, he has been running a non-profit foundation dedicated to developing schools and tribal communities in those areas. 

Raju and I took a long and bumpy bus to Pokhara, where we spent a day resting and enjoying the scenic views of the Himalayas. (This is the best time of the year to witness the mountains as the cool temperatures bring clear skies.) The next day, I took a 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu rather than endure another 8+ hour bus ride. Raju, flew back to his home to spend some well-deserved time with his family and rest. While in Kathmandu I had the privilege of preaching at the main HCLCN congregation and met with many of my dear brothers and sisters in Christ that I have known for over fifteen years now. I also spent some time with Rajan to discuss his non-profit humanitarian work among the marginalized tribes of Nepal. 

It's Sunday afternoon here as I write. I have several hours before I head to the airport later tonight for my 2:15 am flight from Kathmandu to Doha to Philadelphia to HOME! I've got 30+ hours of travel before I get home, but with the change in time zones, I'll be home just 18 hours after I leave KTM. I'm going to do a little gift shopping, take a nap, and look forward to seeing my family again very soon.

Here are a few pictures from the past couple of weeks...

Pastor Raju and four of the 2023 Himalayan Bible Institute Graduates

Pastors Raju and JB, their wives Rama and Sanju and the HBI graduates

HCLC-Nepal Pastoral Conference/Training Seminar

Raju and Me with the Banner for the Graduation and Conference

Pastor JB, Me, and Pastor Raju

HCLC-Nepal Church Building at Hattibang


Outreach Seminar on Baptism at Hattibang

Outreach Baptism Seminar at Hattibang

The View from the Roof of the Himalayan Bible Institute

Machapuchre/Fish Tail Mountain

A typical scene not far from the HBI

Early Morning Sunrise on My Way to the HBI to Teach Classes