CLC Mission Opportunities Prayer List - 09 DEC 2018

1.     Uganda – Pastor Daniel Mugeni of Iganga, Uganda is recovering from a serious hernia operation.  He is out of the hospital and recovering at home.

2.     Nepal – It was recently reported by our brother in Kathmandu that more than one hundred non-Nepalese individuals were accused of violating the newly enacted anti-conversion laws. These individuals had their visas revoked and were deported for participating in religious activities and evangelism. Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Nepal have not yet had any trouble but they are being very careful with their outreach efforts. The first deportations were reported in a local Nepali newspaper back in July. Pray that the Lord will protect our brothers and sisters in Christ in Nepal as they continue to proclaim God’s saving word with boldness and confidence.

3.     Myanmar – Pastor Charles in Yangon reports that the ongoing The Rohingya Crisis has brought a lot of international political pressure causing a rather un-settled political climate in Myanmar. These struggles have caused much hardship for many of God’s children that he serves. Pray that the Lord will provide for all the needs of His people and give them the strength to persevere as they continue to serve the Lord in the midst of these trials.

4.     Nigeria – Islamic extremists, who until recently have been concentrated in the north of Nigeria, have been moving into and causing problems in the areas where the NCLC are located. Just recently four Catholic priests in the area were kidnapped and held for ransom. Also, violent Islamic protests in the capital city of Abuja resulted in the Nigerian Army opening fire on the protestors and killing several. In addition to all of this, local and national elections are scheduled for early 2019 with several Muslim candidates running for offices. Many fear violence if these Muslim candidates are not elected. Pray!

5.     Nigeria – Rejoice in the Lord’s provision as two men who have successfully completed the five-year seminary course of the NCLC Luther Bible Institute will graduate, be ordained, and assigned to a congregation on December 15^th! Pray that the Lord will bless their ministry!

6.     Nigeria – There are six men who have applied to enter the seminary beginning in January. Their applications are being reviewed by the faculty. If all of the men are approved for enrollment, this will be one of the largest classes to begin the five-year seminary course. Pray that the Lord will bless the students and faculty in their work and that He will provide them all that is necessary to prepare themselves for the public ministry.

7.     Nigeria – Our brothers and sisters in Christ of the Nigeria-CLC are facing a variety of challenges as they work together to provide both spiritual and bodily care for orphaned children. Please pray that the Lord will provide them the wisdom, compassion, and all that is needed to carry out this important work.

8.     India – It was recently reported by our brothers of the CLCI that they are facing increased persecution by Hindu extremists. Just a few weeks ago the CLCI was conducting outreach evangelism in a village. During the evangelism effort several Hindu extremists began shouting and disrupting the event. A few individuals began to record their actions on their cell phones as evidence. The Hindu extremists then turned physically violent and began to beat those in attendance and to destroy the tent and equipment. When all was said and done several individuals were injured and cell phones, a laptop, a projector, and sound equipment was either destroyed or stolen. All of this was reported to the local police but there no one expects anything to come of it. Please pray that the Lord would replace any discouragement and doubt that this may have caused among His children with the Joy of salvation and a firm committed to be faithful to the Lord even unto death.

9.     Tanzania – The leaders of the CLC-Tanzania continue to make preparations for classes to begin in February at the newly established Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in Arusha, Tanzania. There are currently twelve men from four districts who are planning to study God’s word as they prepare for the ministry. Pray for both students and teachers that the Lord will bless this effort and that He will provide all that is necessary for this important work to go forward.

10.  Missionary to India – Plans are for our missionary to return to India in January. Pray that the Lord will bless his return to India to continue the work of training and encouraging men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word.

11.   Visiting Missionary – Missionary Ohlmann recently returned home from Nigeria a few days before Thanksgiving. He is thankful for the opportunity to be home with his family through the Christmas season. He is scheduled to leave on January 9^th for a nine-week visitation trip that will take him to Tanzania, Zambia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Pray for safe and uneventful travel and God’s blessings on the opportunities to train and encourage men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s word. Pray also for his wife and family while he is away.

12.  CLC Online Theological Studies – continue to pray for individuals in the following countries around the world who are studying God’s word through email correspondence courses as they continue to train to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word:

1.     Senegal, West Africa

2.     Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa

3.     Togo, West Africa

4.     Liberia, West Africa

5.     Bangladesh, South East Asia

6.     Zimbabwe, Africa

7.     Myanmar, South East Asia

8.     Tanzania, East Africa

9.     Kenya, East Africa

10.   Uganda, East Africa

CLC Mission Opportunity Prayer List - 16 NOV 2018

1.    Nigeria – Islamic extremists, who until recently have been concentrated in the northern parts of Nigeria, have been moving into and causing problems in the areas where the NCLC are located. Just recently four Catholic priests in the area were kidnapped and held for ransom. Three weeks ago Shia Islamic protests turned violent in the capital city of Abuja and resulted in the Nigerian Army opening fire on the protesters, killing several and wounding many others. Some have speculated that Boko Haram was also involved in these protests. In addition to all of this, local and national elections are scheduled for early 2019 with several Muslim candidates running for offices. Many fear that there will be an increase in violence if these Muslim candidates are not elected. Pray!

2.    Nigeria – Rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness in providing two men for the Gospel ministry of the NCLC. These men have successfully completed the five-year seminary course of the NCLC Luther Bible Institute and are scheduled to graduate and be ordained on December 15^th! Pray that the Lord will bless their ministry!

3.    Nigeria – There are six men who have applied to enter the NCLC Luther Bible Institute/Seminary in January. Their applications are being reviewed by the faculty. If all six of them are approved for enrollment, this will be one of the largest classes to begin the five-year seminary course. Pray that the Lord will bless the students and faculty in their work and that He will provide them all that is necessary to prepare themselves for the public ministry.

4.    Nigeria – Our brothers and sisters in Christ of the Nigeria-CLC are facing a variety of challenges as they work together to provide both spiritual and bodily care for orphaned children. The newly appointed NCLC Children’s Home Committee is working to develop a set of guidelines and policies that will serve to provide much needed direction going forward. They will also be meeting with the Nigerian Ministry of Women and Children’s Welfare to make sure the home meets government requirements. Please pray that the Lord will provide them the wisdom, compassion, and all that is needed to carry out this important work.

5.    Togo – Six men continue to attend the Mt. Horeb Lutheran Bible Institute as they also work full-time jobs. They attend classes two days each week and do evangelism work on Sundays. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless their studies as they prepare to serve the Lord as faithful preachers and teachers of His saving word.

6.    Togo – Pray for the seven orphans that are being cared for by the pastors of the MELC in Togo and for the 40+ impoverished children who receive both spiritual and bodily nutrition one afternoon each week through support from the CLC Project Kinship.

7.    Nepal – Pastor Raju recently returned from a trip to the Shaktikor and Chitwan districts where the HCLCN has two congregations and a few preaching stations located high up in the Himalaya foothills. While they were there they held Bible seminars and gave the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit through the water and the word of Baptism to thirty-five men, women, and children. Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy bestowed upon these sheep of His Himalayan flock.

8.    India – It was recently reported by our brothers of the CLCI that they are facing increased persecution by Hindu extremists. Just a few weeks ago the CLCI was conducting outreach evangelism in a village. During the evangelism effort several Hindu extremists began shouting and disrupting the event. A few individuals began to record their actions on their cell phones as evidence. The Hindu extremists then turned physically violent and began to beat those in attendance and to destroy the tent and equipment. When all was said and done several individuals were injured and cell phones, a laptop, a projector, and sound equipment was either destroyed or stolen. All of this was reported to the local police but there no one expects anything to come of it. Please pray that the Lord would replace any discouragement and doubt that this may have caused among His children with the Joy of salvation and a firm committed to be faithful to the Lord even unto death.

9.    Tanzania – The CLC Board of Missions recently approved MDF grants for books and dormitory construction and repairs along with funding for transportation to allow the CLC-Tanzania to continue to make preparations for classes to begin in January at the newly established Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in Arusha, Tanzania. There are currently twelve men from four districts who are planning to study God’s word as they prepare for the ministry. Pray for both students and teachers that the Lord will bless this effort and that He will provide all that is necessary for this important work to go forward.

10.  Myanmar – Due to the late and unusually heavy rains in the western parts of Myanmar, only about 20% of the farm crops were able to be harvested. This has led to much hardship for many families of the CLC-Myanmar.

11.  Missionary to India – Progress continues toward a new visa for our missionary to return to India. Pray that the Lord will bless this process so that he can return to India as soon as possible to continue to the work of training and encouraging the men who are working as and training to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word.

12.  Joint Asia CLC Pastoral Conference – Pray for God’s blessings as preparation begins for the JAPC to be held in India in early 2019.

13.  CLC Online Theological Studies – continue to pray for individuals in the following countries around the world who are studying God’s word through email correspondence courses as they continue to train to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word:

·         Senegal, West Africa

·         Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa

·         Togo, West Africa

·         Liberia, West Africa

·         Bangladesh, South East Asia

·         Zimbabwe, Africa

·         Myanmar, South East Asia

·         Tanzania, East Africa

Sent to Nigeria...Nov. 2018

I have been in Nigeria since leaving Togo a couple of weeks ago. Togo and Nigeria do not share a border, but almost. The country of Benin stands between them. Benin is only 75 miles wide at the coastline but in some areas it's around 200 miles wide. 

I traveled to Nigeria to host and attend the 2018 West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference to be held in Apa, Nigeria where Grace Lutheran Church of the NCLC is located. This town is located very near the Nigeria/Benin border in the extreme south-west corner of Nigeria.

Pastors in attendance at the West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference

The conference had pastors, evangelists, and visitors from Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and the U.S. in attendance. Our theme for the Conference was "The One Thing Needed" in reference to Jesus and His word taken from Luke 10:42.

Pastor Joseph Kwiwalazu from Liberia delivering an essay titled: God's Word is Sufficient for Evangelism

Following the pastoral conference I traveled to Akwa Ibom State which is located in the Niger Delta area in the South-Central part of Nigeria. Efa is a village in Akwa Ibom where the Nigeria-CLC is headquartered and where the NCLC Luther Bible Institute is located. While in Efa I had meetings with several NCLC Boards and Committees to discuss their work, challenges, and future plans.

NCLC Luther Bible Institute Classroom, Library, and Study Hall Building near Efa, Nigeria

NCLC Luther Bible Institute Classroom

There are two individuals who are scheduled to graduate from the five year seminary course of the Bible Institute. On December 15th they will receive their diplomas, be ordained, and will be assigned to the congregation they will serve. God willing, there will be six new students enrolled and beginning the five year course in January.

I will be heading home soon just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family!

Teaching, La Grace Foundation, Land, Worship, and Goodbye Togo...

It's Sunday evening here in Lome, Togo and the wifi seems to be fairly strong and reliable so I will try to get in one last blog post before I head to Nigeria tomorrow for a couple of weeks. 

The last few days have been a flurry of activity. On Thursday and Friday I had on-going Bible training classes with Pastor Kossi along with three of the the four pastors who graduated from the Mt. Horeb Lutheran Bible Institute of the MELC and were ordained back in March of 2016, and Deborah, the woman who teaches the children and trains Sunday School teachers in the MELC congregations. We reviewed the proper method of Bible interpretation and then applied those tools specifically to the study, explanation, and teaching of the parables from the earthly ministry of Jesus. It was a good couple of days.

My view from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm while teaching at the Mt. Horeb Lutheran Bible Institute in Lone, Togo

On Saturday we got up early to drive a couple of hours north of Lome, past the area where Pastor Kossi grew up, to see the six hectares of land (a little less than fifteen acres) that was recently purchased with a MDF (Mission Development Fund) grant that was approved by the CLC Board of Missions. 

This land is part of not-for-profit humanitarian foundation that Pastor Kossi and the MELC filed with the Togo government a few years ago. It has been approved by the Togo government and is called the La Grace Foundation of the MELC. Now that they have land they are also eligible to apply for development grants from the Togo government. The initial plan is to use this land to grow cash crops and to provide food to help support the Bible Institute students and MELC Orphans and Children In Need. The Chief of the near by village has given his necessary approval and is excited for this project as it will also provide jobs for area workers. The long range plan includes an elementary school. The initial plan and first priority is to build a chapel and begin evangelism in the area. There is only one other church (pentecostal) in area and it is currently not be served with any kind of regularity. Pray that the Lord will bless their every effort to proclaim the Good News of His saving Word to this area of the Togo and that He would bless their efforts to support the work that He has given them to do!

Agbadgi,Togo...the village near the MELC La Grace Foundation Land Project

Through the Togolese bush to see the land that the Lord has provided

Here and the pictures below show the plot markers on the three of the four corners of the six hectare plot of land. The fourth plot marker was visible from a distance but it was deep in the bush and on the other side of the marshy area near the stream where they plan to develop rice paddy land.

This morning we traveled to an area on the outskirts of Lome where door to door evangelism over the past several years has led to the beginnings of a new MELC congregation. Pastor John, one of the men who graduated and was ordained about 18 months ago, has a brother who lives in this area of Lome. He invited his John and Pastor Kossi to do evangelism work near his home. Today members from three MELC congregations, including Pastor Moses and a car load of members all the way from Ghana, attended the combined service in their newly dedicated chapel. I was given the privilege of preaching the sermon. I preached on John 14...Let not your heart be troubled...Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! There was much singing and dancing on this joy-filled day of worship.

I wanted to upload some of the singing and dancing but I just don't have the internet bandwidth to get it done. Here's a few pictures of everyone getting ready to head home after the three hour worship service...

MELC members from Ghana begin the long ride home

Benches, chairs, lectern, and drums were brought from the main MELC church

Newly constructed MELC chapel building on the outskirts of Lome, Togo

MELC Grace Chapel sign hangs above the door

Tomorrow I head to the airport for a quick one hour flight from Lome, Togo to Lagos, Nigeria. Depending on how long it takes to get through immigration and customs, I will either spend the night in Lagos and then head out early Tuesday morning by car with Pastor Mike Essien with the hopes of arriving at Badagry, Nigeria by 10:00 am for the start of the 2018 West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference. Or, we will go directly from the airport tomorrow evening and arrive in Badagry late in the evening. 

We are expecting nearly forty pastors, students, and evangelists in attendance from Ghana, Liberia, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and me from the U.S.A. Your prayers for safe travels for all of these men and for the conference itself are requested and much appreciated. 

Please forgive any typos you find...the wifi was not as strong and reliable as I had first thought so I'm not going to go through the frustration of an edit.

Children of Togo...

When visiting our sister church bodies around the world I have the privilege of getting to know some of the children that receive support through the CLC Project Kinship. I can't share personal information about the children but I can share a few pictures and stories to give you a better idea of the challenges they face and how we are given the privilege and opportunity to help. 

Deborah singing with the children while waiting for more to arrive

The MELC has been assisting the children in the area of Lome where the church is located since it first began. Through the families they have met through door-to-door evangelism efforts they became aware of several children in this impoverished part of the city who didn't know about their Savior, were not attending school, and were not receiving proper nutrition. So a woman in the congregation began inviting them to church one afternoon each week for a Bible lesson. When the CLC Board of Missions and Project Kinship became aware of this opportunity in March of 2016, annual funding was soon approved to begin assisting these "Children In Need" with school fees, note books, Bible Lessons, and weekly nutrition. Between 35-40 children come to the church on Sunday mornings for Sunday School and Worship and again one day during the week for a Bible lesson and nutrition. This effort is supported through general offerings to Project Kinship.

Deborah and some of the children at the MELC in Lome, Togo

Project Kinship has also found monthly sponsors for seven children who have lost one or both of their parents. These children live with the families of the MELC pastors. One of the young boys I met was abandoned by his parents and was discovered when they were doing door-to-door evangelism. With all of the sin in this world, it's hard to think about about what might have become of him if he had not been taken in by Pastor Kossi and his family. A little girl who doesn't know her father and and her mother is too sick with aids to work or take care of her is also living with Pastor Kossi's family. Please pray for these children and for Pastor Kossi's wife who has chosen to love and care for these children in addition to the seven children they have on their own.

Mission Evangelique Lutherienne de Confession du Togo where the children meet each week forSunday School, Bible Lessons, and weekly nutrition

The woman you see in the pictures has been a member of the MELC congregation since the beginning. She is the one who took it upon herself to begin loving and caring for these children in the areas around the church. She has a family of four children of her own and she runs a small business where she buys and sells items for the home. She doesn't receive any pay and many weeks she is on her own to serve and teach the 35-40 children who show up for the Bible lesson and nutrition. She also took it upon herself to attend classes for several years with Pastor Kossi and the Bible Institute students who were preparing to be ordained as pastors so she would be better equipped to teach these children the truths of God's saving word. Her name is Deborah...keep her and the children she cares so much about in your prayers!

Seven Days with Six Students in Togo

Today (31 OCT 2018) I finished up classes with the six students of the Mt. Horeb Lutheran Bible Institute here in Lome, Togo. These men took more than a week off from their secular jobs to attend classes while I was here. We've met for four hours of classes each day for seven days over the last week and a half. These men have been studying with Pastor Kossi since April of 2017. They are scheduled to complete their formal classroom instruction in October of 2020 when they will graduate, be ordained, and be formally assigned to a congregation or preaching station that they have been working with. They will continue to meet monthly for on-going training for years to come. Since each of these men work full-time to support their families they are not able to attend classes five days a week, so they meet for two days a week for classes and they preach and teach at a preaching station on Sunday mornings and do evangelism work on Sunday afternoons.

Mt. Horeb Bible Institute Students in Class (Oct. 2018)

Classes meet at the church building of the CLC affiliated Mission Evangelique Lutherienne Confession du Togo (MELC). This building serves as the worship sanctuary, Bible institute classroom, and weekly meeting room for the 30+ children in need from the surrounding community who come twice a week for Bible Study, Sunday School/Worship, Academic Study Hall, and to receive much needed nutrition. 

Mission Evangelique Luthereinne Confession du Togo (MELC) Church Building in Lome, Togo

We covered several topics that relate directly to serving in the Gospel ministry as we turned to God's word for direction and encouragement. We read, considered, and discussed what God's word reveals to us concerning the truth of the following topics: Preach the Word, Administer the Sacraments (Baptism and Lord's Supper), The Ministry of the Keys and Confession, Pray for God's People, Visit the Sick, Comfort those Who are Grieving the Loss of a Loved One, Call Sinners to Repentance (Church Discipline), Encourage Those Who are Weak in Faith, Guard and Cherish the Truth (Church Fellowship), Set an Example, and Evangelism. Our final day (October 31) of classes we had a review of Lutheran Reformation History with a focus on the importance of God's Grace in our lives and the lives of all sinners.

At the end of our studies each student was given the opportunity to give an oral summary presentation of one topic we discussed. Pastor Kossi translated from Ewe and French so that I was able to benefit as well. It was encouraging to hear these men give their presentations. They all demonstrated a good understanding of what we studied and a sincere desire to serve the Lord. It is clear that these men are "in it" for the all the right reasons. 

Mt. Horeb Bible Institute student giving oral presentation

Mt. Horeb Bible Institute student giving oral presentation

Mt. Horeb Bible Institute student giving oral presentation

Mt. Horeb Bible Institute student giving oral presentation

Students and teacher of the Mt. Horeb Bible Institute of the MELC in Lome, Togo

Pastor Kossi

They convinced me to do a selfie

These men range in age from 38 to 57 and they have been learning from Pastor Kossi from 4 to 10 years. They work as carpenters, ship port workers, electricians, handy men, well diggers, masons, and teachers. Some of them have been brought up as Christians while others were converted as adults. Each one has a unique story as to how the Lord brought them into contact with Pastor Kossi and why they are now eager to serve the Lord in the Gospel ministry. Please pray for these men, their families, their training, and the Good News they proclaim!

Sent...to West Africa

It's time to hit the road again. I woke early this morning with plenty on my mind even though my flight to Lome, Togo doesn't leave until 7:15 this evening. The flight will take me from St. Louis to Atlanta to Paris to Togo. I'm a bit worried this morning that these trips are becoming so routine that I'm going to forget something. I used to make list after list of things to get ready and things to do before I was ready to leave. This trip feels different for some reason. I am packed and ready and to go but it doesn't really seem like I put in the usual effort to get to this point. Thankfully the Lord's faithfulness in all things will provide all the calm and confidence needed to board the plane this evening.

It seems like it's been awhile since I've made a trip. The last overseas trip was in July with the Mission Helper Trip to Tanzania. So I have been in the U.S. for almost three months. But those three months have been spent traveling and preaching and giving mission presentations and attending meetings and pastoral conference. I have had the privilege of preaching at and meeting with eight different CLC congregations. All in all I traveled over 5,600 miles here in the States.

While in West Africa I will be visiting Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria over the next five weeks. If you want a quick summary of my agenda you can read the first few paragraphs of my last blog post. I always look forward to being with my brothers and sisters in Christ in other parts of the world. It is such encouragement to see the Lord at work in the hearts of so many as they serve Him with such selfless dedication and zeal.

Please keep Beth and my family in your prayers while I'm away. I am so thankful to the Lord for the love and support Beth has for me and this important work that the Lord has given us the privilege of being a part of.

CLC Mission Opportunities Prayer List - 18 OCT 2018

1.    West Africa Visitation – I will be leaving for West Africa on Monday, October 22^nd. Please pray for safe and uneventful travels. Your prayers are also requested for Beth and my family while I'm away for the next several weeks.

2.    Togo, West Africa – While in Togo, I will be working with Pastor Kossi Blewu and the other pastors and students of the Mission Evangelique de Confession du Togo (MELC). I am scheduled to spend fourteen days teaching pastoral training seminars and visiting congregations. I will also compile reports for the Kinship committee concerning the orphans, Bible students, and the Children In Need projects.

3.    Nigeria, West Africa – Following the visit to Togo, I will travel to Nigeria to host the West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference in Badagry, Nigeria. Following the conference, I'll travel with Martin Essien and the pastors of the NCLC to the Efa area in Akwa Ibom State where the NCLC Bible Institute, Children’s Home, Headquarters, and most of the congregations are located. While in the Efa area I will conduct meetings with the various boards of the NCLC, visit congregations and pastors, and compile reports for the Kinship committee concerning the orphans and seminary students being sponsored. I am also scheduled to meet with the newly formed NCLC Children’s Home Board to consider future needs for the home and the children they care for.

4.    West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference – It has been several years since the CLC affiliated church bodies of West Africa have been able to gather for a conference. Through offerings to the CLC-Mission Development Fund (MDF) a conference is being funded for November 5-9 at Badagry, Nigeria. Forty pastors, students, and evangelists from Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ghana, and Liberia will encourage each other in the Word and the Gospel ministry under the theme: “The One Thing Needed.” They will consider essays and encouragement on the inerrancy of Scripture and the sufficiency of God’s word in preaching, counseling, evangelism, and church order. Essays will be delivered by Pastors Kossi Blewu (Togo), Joseph Kiwalazu (Liberia), Bassey Udofa (Nigeria), Edwin Ukoh (Nigeria), Essien Michael (Nigeria), and me (USA). Please pray for the Lord’s blessings on this conference that all of these men will grow in their understanding of God’s saving word and that they will be encouraged in the blessed privilege of proclaiming the truths of God’s saving word! Pray also for safe travels as many of these men will be traveling from far distances in less than desirable conditions.

5.    Tanzania – the CLC Board of Missions recently approved MDF grants for books and dormitory construction and repairs along with funding for transportation to allow the CLC-Tanzania to continue to make preparations for classes to begin in January at the newly established Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in Arusha, Tanzania. There are currently twelve men from four districts who are planning to study God’s word as they prepare for the ministry. I plan to visit Tanzania in January. Pray for both students and teachers that the Lord will bless this effort and that He will provide all that is necessary for this important work to go forward. 

6.    Myanmar – Pastor Kham continues to suffer from an unknown illness that is causing clumps of hair to fall out. Pray that the doctors will find a cause and a cure and that this is not a symptom of a much more serious health problem.

7.    Nepal – Pastoral training classes have recently begun with ten men in the Dang district. This district is located in a rather dangerous area west of Kathmandu. The dangers involve travel on roads that are very susceptible to landslides. Many individuals have been killed on these roads in the past few years since the earthquake. Pastor Raju and his father plan to make the 30+ hour bus ride to Dang for one week of training each month. Pray for safe travels and for the Lord’s blessings on the classes so that these men will become faithful preachers and teachers of the truths of God’s saving word.

8.    Mexico – Two men who were studying for the ministry recently died rather unexpectedly. One suffered a massive heart-attack at the age of thirty-nine. The other student was mistakenly killed by the drug cartel. The CLC Board of Missions and others in the CLC have sent monetary help for funeral costs and to assist the widow and children of one of the men. The other man was not married. Pray for their families and for those they were serving with the Gospel. Pray also for Pastor Olvera that he will not be discouraged in his work of proclaiming the Gospel and training men for the ministry.

9.    Zambia – Pastor Ibrahim has recently moved from Lusaka to Livingstone. The main pastor in the Livingstone area died rather suddenly over a year ago and the congregation is in need of more training and pastoral care. He will also be able to spend more time working to prepare men in the area to serve as faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving Word in area preaching stations. The congregations in the Livingstone area are working together to purchase land and to build and structure that could be used for a church, Bible Institute, and apartment for Pastor Ibrahim.

10.  Missionary to India – Progress is being made on applying for a new visa for our missionary to return to India. Pray that the Lord will bless this process so that he can return to India as soon as possible to continue to the work of training and encouraging the men who are working as and training to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word.

11.  D.R. Congo – It has been more than a few years since our missionaries have been able to visit D.R. Congo. Recently, my visa application was denied. With an MDF Bible Institute building project underway and two new contacts it is important that a visit take place soon. Pray that the Lord will clear whatever obstacles are currently preventing a visit.

12.  CLC Online Theological Studies – continue to pray for the following individuals who are studying God’s word through email correspondence courses as they train to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word:

1.    Pastor Idahosa Eghosa (Senegal, Africa)

2.    Pastor Jacques Pondi Lumiangu (D.R. Congo, Africa)

3.    Pastor Evariste Kendi Ilunga (D.R. Congo, Africa)

4.    Pastor Monotosh Banjaree (Bangladesh, SE Asia)

5.    Pastor Liberty Atawa (Zimbabwe, Africa)

6.    Samuel Benson Edwards (Myanmar, Asia)

7.    Ivan Edwards (Myanmar, Asia)

8.    Evangelist Eliewaha Mshana (Tanzania, Africa)