Sent to Zambia - May 2026

First Official Zambia-CLC Pastor Conference

It's Friday, May 22nd as I sit here in the Lusaka, Zambia airport waiting the first of several flights that will take me home after being away for six weeks that included visits to Nigeria and the DR Congo (DRC). If you haven't heard, the visit to the DRC is going to cause a little havoc in my return trip. Just yesterday, the U.S. Department sent the following notice:

 Event: As of May 21, 2026, all U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for enhanced screening. 

Since my departure from the DRC was just 10 days ago, I fall into the category of traveler who "must only enter through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for enhanced screening." Lucky me! I was scheduled to fly from Lusaka to Johannesburg, South Africa to Atlanta to home...arriving Saturday afternoon. I'm guessing I might arrive a little later, like a couple of days later. When I checked in for my flight here in Lusaka, I was told that my booking to Atlanta has been suspended and they are only responsible for my flight from Lusaka to Johannesburg and I would need to contact the Delta help desk upon arrival. Delta now has me listed (but not confirmed or ticketed) on flights through Nairobi and Amsterdam arriving at Washington, Dulles on Sunday morning. I won't know my actual flight schedule until they get something worked out in Johannesburg. All I know for sure is that I will be routing through Washington, Dulles airport instead of Atlanta. It's kinda funny, I don't really get too worried or nervous about these kinds of things anymore. I've witnessed Our Savior take care of much bigger issues than this, like my sin on the cross!! I trust He will just work all of this out according to His good and gracious plans! Romans 8:28, 31-32

Anyway, on to the topic at hand, my recent visit to Zambia...

I arrived in Zambia on May 11th after spending two weeks in the DRC with Missionary Evensen. This was an important visit as the Zambia-CLC (ZCLC) planned to take the next step in the organizational process and in a long partnership with the CLC that began nearly 16 years ago. It was a joyful and encouraging time filled with progress, fellowship, and clear evidence of God’s blessing on the work.

Upon arrival in Lusaka, I was immediately informed that plans had changed. Instead of hopping on a bus the next day to spend a couple of days visiting preaching stations with Pastor Ibrahim, I was informed that Pastors Mwansa and Mutale, along with Evangelist Reagan were in Lusaka to make the final push to secure official church registration for the Zambia-CLC. They, and Missionary Ibrahim had arrived earlier in the days and were planning to visit the office of the Zambia Registrar of Societies and not leave until they had the registration certificate in hand. They didn't want me to go with them to avoid any thoughts of asking for additional fees if the clerk or registrar got the idea that there was an American organization with deep pockets available. But they did want me to stay in Lusaka in case the registrar needed me to verify the letter of partnership that the CLC had provided a few years ago in the process. So, for the next few days, these men dutifully went to the office at 9:00 and waited, and filled out more paperwork, and testified in court that their affidavit stating their leadership of the ZCLC was true and accurate, and stayed until the close of business. By Thursday afternoon, they were told that everything was complete and approved and they could pick up the official certificate on Monday. That little piece of news was great to hear, not only because it seemed that all their work and frustration was finally going to pay off, but also because it freed them up to attend the ZCLC pastor conference and Bible training! 

On Monday, May 18, their persistence paid off—the registration certificate was finally issued and signed! The excitement among the men was obvious. I was told that there were prayers of thanksgiving said right in the registrar's office along with a few tears of joy! After years of delays, immigration challenges, lost paperwork, and many setbacks (including Covid), the church body now has legal recognition. This will now allow the congregations to purchase property, conduct marriages, funerals, and baptisms. This will also provide the necessary legal status for Missionary Ibrahim (who is from Tanzania and was trained in a CLC affiliated seminary) to work unhindered and unharrased under the banner of a registered church. This may not seem like much to many in the world, but to the pastors and leaders and congregations of the ZCLC...this is a BIG DEAL! Everyone involved was overjoyed and gave thanks to God.

That same week we held a three-day (Friday-Sunday) conference, Bible training seminary, and organizational meeting in Lusaka with twelve men from several areas across the country. It was the first time many of them had gathered together in one place. I have met and taught all of them on different visits over the past fourteen years, and they have all studied under Missionary Ibrahim for many years. We studied doctrine, discussed Lutheran worship practices, and shared reports on outreach efforts in their various districts. The men participated with deep humility and respect for the Word of God, zeal, and a deep commitment to the truth of Scripture. Watching them meet, exchange ideas, and strengthen their unity was a joy and a privilege to witness, not a memory I will soon forget! Thank you Lord!

From Lusaka, I traveled by bus to Livingstone for a Bible seminar. Missionary Ibrahim stayed behind to collect the registration certificate and joined me in Livingstone on Tuesday evening. We spent Wednesday studying key teachings of the Lutheran Reformation with a group of fifteen people, including six local pastors and leaders interested in sound doctrine. The discussions were lively and encouraging.

This visit marked a significant milestone. After years of patient work, the ZCLC has taken important steps toward greater organization and unity. The pastors and evangelists expressed genuine excitement about moving forward together, growing in their understanding of God’s Word, and reaching out with the Gospel. They have lots of plans for strengthening the congregations and preaching stations they are called to serve. They asked if I could make plans to come more than once a year and conduct longer, deeper studies of God's word. I told them I was not opposed, but we would need to see how the Lord leads.

I left Zambia encouraged and eager to return soon for continued training and support. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Missionary Ibrahim Welcoming the Pastors, Leaders, and Evangelists to the ZCLC Confernece/Seminar

Pastors, Leaders, and Evangelists who attended the ZCLC Confernece/Bible Training Seminar

Lunch Time

My view of the ZCLC Confernece/Bible Training Seminar

Youth Choir from the ZCLC Shimabala Congregation on the Outskirts of Lusaka joined us for Sunday Morning Worship

Attendees at the Bible Seminar in Livingstone

Black Board in Livingstone--Missionary Ibrahim explaining the CLC

Waiting for Everyone to Arrive for the Bible Seminar in Livingstone

Missionary Ibrahim Welcoming Everyone to the Bible Seminar in Livingstone

See more pictures HERE

May 2026 - CLC World Missions Prayer List

Myanmar (South Asia) – Pastor Kham is asking for urgent prayers for one of the orphan girls he and his wife care for with the help of Kinship sponsors. Last week she was taken to the hospital for severe abdominal pain. Emergency surgery in Kalaymyo was performed to remove a large ovaria cyst. A week later pathology reports found advanced cancer. Because of the on-going civil war, all advanced hospitals in the rural areas of Myanmar are either non-functioning or not accepting patients. The only place for treatment is in Yangon on the other side of the country. Again, because of the war, cross-country travel by bus is impossible. Fortunately, the medical team in Kalay was able to help them secure an emergency flight on May 23. <> Please pray for Khawlvung and for those who are and will be caring for her. <> Pray that the Lord will bless the treatments she receives and rid her body of the cancer that infects her so that she may live many more years in His grace and mercy serving Him and others! <> There is also some good news to report from our brothers and sisters of the CLC-Myanmar (CLCM). Pastor Kham decided to make an emergency visit to Chin State to testify on behalf of a CLCM evangelist who was arrested and falsely accused of spying for a rebel militia when in fact he was simply visiting members in area villages to bring them God’s word. Praise and thank the Lord that Pastor Kham’s testimony was heard and the evangelist was released! Pastor Kham decided to spend a couple of weeks in this dangerous war zone visiting several CLCM village congregations. During the visit he conducted several baptisms and held worship services. Pictures HERE. <> Thank the Lord for His blessings and protection for Pastor Kham and his team as they traveled through some of the worst war-torn areas of Myanmar to bring the Good News of Jesus to those who are suffering, and for the gift of Baptism through which many received the “washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit.” <> And ask our Savior to give comfort, strength, courage, hope and fervent faith during the difficult and desperate times they are facing.

India (South Asia) – Both the CLCI and the BELC have recently conducted VBS. Thousands of children heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ through these events that are supported by the MDF offerings of God’s people. The CLCI seminary graduation is scheduled for June 15th. Seventeen men will graduate from the program and be ordained as CLCI pastors. Some will continue to serve their current congregations; others will be assigned to new congregations that have been started through their evangelism efforts while studying in the seminary. <> Ask the Lord for His continued blessings on the graduates and those they are called to serve and to provide all that is necessary for them to carry out the work He has called them to.

Nigeria (West Africa) – President Wilke, his wife Gloria, CLC Board of Missions Chairman, Mr. Joel Krafft, joined Missionary Ohlmann on a visit to Nigeria at the end of April to help the NCLC celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Their visit was blessed by the Lord in many ways and appreciated by our brothers and sisters in Christ in Nigeria. <>  Thank the Lord for safe travels and for the privilege of being a part of celebrating His grace, mercy, blessings, and love bestowed upon the NCLC for the past 50 years!

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Central Africa) – Missionaries Peter Evensen and Todd Ohlmann recently concluded a visit to our brothers and sisters in Christ in Kinshasa and the Lubumbashi area of the DRC. They had the privilege of conducting Bible Training Seminars in both locations. They were also on hand for the graduation and the ordination of three seminary graduates of the CCL-Congo (CCLC) Holy Trinity Seminary. Two of these gradiuates will serve a newly established and growing congregation on the outskirts of Lubumbashi. The congregation in Kinshasa has had to move locations a few times over the past few years since losing their worship facility. The seminary of the CCLC has been meeting in a temporary location for months due to security concerns due to militia and DRC military clashes in the area.  <> Pray that the Lord will provide the resources to purchase land and build a permanent church.  <> Pray for peace and stability so that the training of men for the ministry may resume at the seminary. <>  Thank the Lord for providing three new faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word for the CCLC and ask Him to bless them and those they are called to serve.

Zambia (Central Africa) – Missionary Ohlmann is currently in Zambia for about two weeks. He will visit a few congregations and preaching stations to assist with evangelism efforts and will be conducting a Bible Training seminar with twelve pastors, church leaders, evangelists, and interested individuals. He is also working with the three leaders of the Zambia-CLC to complete the much needed and difficult to acquire church registration. <> Thank the Lord for these opportunities to spread the Gospel and to assist our brothers and sisters in Christ in their ministries and to bless the Gospel message they preach. <> Pray for safe and uneventful travels.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Pastor Monotosh has asked for prayers for a family that was recently brought to faith as baptized believers who are facing severe persecution from the people in their village. They have suffered physical beatings and damage to their home. <> Ask the Lord to give strength and patience to this family so that the joy of salvation may outweigh the earthly suffering they are enduring.

Pakistan (Asia) – Following 4 years of online instruction and the in-person CLC visit in early 2026 a recommendation was made to President Wilke to begin the formal colloquy process with Pastor Gill. Board of Doctrine member David Reim has been appointed to lead the online colloquy and follow-up visit in early 2027. New members have been added to the congregation and online theological classes continue with two young men. <> Pray for the Lord’s continued blessings on the preaching and teaching of His saving Word in this predominantly Muslim nation and for the success of the colloquy.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – The Lutheran Autonomous Missions of the Philippines (LAMP) continues efforts to complete a church building and start a congregation in Baguio City along with ongoing ministry and evangelism at two congregations in the Cordillera Mountains in the north-central region of Luzon Island where Pastor Palangyos was raised. <> Pray that the Lord blesses LAMP outreach efforts and provides the necessary resources so that more people may join us in repenting of our sins and rejoicing in the forgiveness we have through faith in Jesus Christ. <> Thank the Lord for recent growth and ask for His blessings on the new members. Pray also that the Lord provides everything necessary to complete the new worship and training facility.

Nepal (South Asia) – Due to security concerns leading up to and following recent elections, the Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI) delayed the start of classes until the end of March. A new cohort of fifteen students is planned. The main church in Kathmandu is being forced to relocate. They have just five months to find a new location. Plans are underway for a new mission in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. <> Ask the Lord to bless the new HBI students and teachers and pray that He provides a stable and good government that will be a blessing to the citizens of Nepal and to the Gospel ministry of the HCLCN. <> Pray for the Lord’s wisdom, guidance, and provision as they seek a new place to worship. <> Ask the Lord to bless the outreach efforts to bring the Gospel to unreached areas of Nepal.

Liberia (West Africa) – A regular schedule of Bible training seminars continues for pastors and church leaders across several regions of Liberia. <> Thank the Lord for the ongoing Biblical training and outreach and ask for His continued blessings on the work in Liberia.

Togo (West Africa) – Pastor Blewu continues to conduct a weekly Gospel outreach radio program in Assahoun, a town about 30 minutes from the seminary. Pastor Kossi reports that there have been several contacts made through the radio program and two men have expressed interest in enrolling in the Bible Institute when classes resume. <> Pray for the Lord’s blessings over the next few months of evangelism and outreach before classes begin again at the Bible institute.

Kenya and Uganda (East Africa) – Like many ministries in developing nations, the congregations of these small church bodies often struggle to financially support their pastors. <> Please pray that our Lord will open doors to provide them with daily bread, and that their efforts at outreach will bear fruit.

Tanzania (East Africa) — Missionary Naumann and Twelve seminary students will soon complete the semester before the June break when they return home. Two of the students have wives and families and the others come from poor and struggling families. During the break the students will be working to earn support for their families so they can return to classes. <> Ask the Lord to bless the students and their families during these years of sacrifice as they prepare to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word. <> Pray that our gracious Lord will provide all that is necessary for body and spirit so they can continue their studies.

2026 CLC Mission Helper Trip – Nine volunteers and three team leaders will travel to Kenya/Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia in July. They will divide into three teams and conduct child-evangelism and outreach seminars. They are anticipating the opportunity to teach upwards of 6,000 children. <> Pray that all goes smoothly as travel plans, lessons, and in-country preparations take place. <> Thank the Lord for this opportunity and for those who volunteer their time and resources for this important work!

Please 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 sends it .

Missionary Peter Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen recently returned to Lomé, Togo following a two-week visit to our sister ministries in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, DRC. He will return to the U.S. in June for furlough and vacation and to attend the CLC convention. <> Thank the Lord for providing this faithful missionary and for the language skills he has been given to help prepare faithful preachers for service in Togo. You can see his online pictures https://bit.ly/petertogo.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda-East Africa) – Paula has returned ot the U.S. for furlough and vacation. Missionary Naumann will return in early June to attend the CLC convention. They will also be traveling for some vacation time and to present a series of Mission Festivals and presentation in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota. <> Thank the Lord for this faithful couple and the important work they are doing in Tanzania to prepare pastors and evangelists for the Gospel ministry. <> You can see the latest news and photos of the work and theid daily lives at: clc-tz.blogspot.com

Missionary Todd Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann recently completed visits to Nigeria and Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is currently working in Zambia. He will return home on May 24th. He continues to instruct individuals through Online Theological Studies correspondence courses with men in Papua New Guinea, Namibia, Indonesia, Zambia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh. <> Pray for his safe and uneventful travel back to the U.S., and for his wife, Beth, as she continues to care for her elderly father, who is on hospice care and is longing for his heavenly home. <> You can read reports and see pictures here: missionaryohlmann.blogspot.com.