Afghanistan – While the CLC is not currently working in Afghanistan,
there are many Christians there who are living in fear as they face the threat
of physical persecution and the possibility of death under Taliban rule. Christians
know that in the eyes of the Taliban they are
infidels who deserve death. Pray for their protection and for strength
to remain bold and courageous in Christ’s love and promises in the face of
persecution. Ask the Lord to grant them an extra measure of wisdom and
discernment as they make decisions for themselves, their families, and their
fellow Christians.
Nigeria – Mark Bohde and Missionary Ohlmann will be traveling
to Nigeria on September 2nd to conduct a pastoral training seminar.
While in Nigeria, Missionary Ohlmann will also have the opportunity to meet
with the various Nigeria-CLC boards and committees. Ask the Lord to
bless the travels of all those who will attend this seminar and to bless the teaching
and the hearing of His saving word.
Myanmar
– The situation in Myanmar has not
improved and in many ways has gotten worse with a third wave of Covid now
taking place. Many in this country continue to struggle through the uncertainty
and despair of the February military coup. Many are living in fear of daily
conflicts and violence. Daily food and necessities are scarce and banks and
most businesses are only open temporarily on a seemingly random schedule. The
pandemic has hit Myanmar very hard and reports indicate that the military Junta
is withholding Covid vaccines, treatments, and even oxygen supplies as a way to
control the people. Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Myanmar are
suffering. The CLC Board of Missions has been trying to find a way to send
financial resources, Kinship sponsorships for the children, and Covid relief
aid to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering. Pray that
the Lord will keep, protect, and provide for the sheep of His Myanmar flock,
especially our brothers and sisters in Yangon, Kalaymyo, and Chin State. Pray
that the truth of God’s word will have free course to strengthen and encourage
the faith of His children and that many more will be brought to faith and find
hope in Jesus during these uncertain times and always.
India
– Pastor T. Sampath, who has served
faithfully as a district chairman in the BELC for many years, recently
underwent heart surgery. The surgery was a success. By God’s grace, he is
getting stronger every day and is expected to return to his work soon. Pray
that the Lord would continue to bless his recovery and to provide strength and
comfort for Pastor T. Sampath, his family, and the many souls that he serves
with the Gospel.
2022
Mission Helper Trip – The CLC Mission
Helper Trip that was canceled in 2021 is tentatively scheduled for Nepal in
July of 2022. International travel to Nepal
is currently not permitted with no indication of when it may open up again. Our
brothers and sisters in Christ in Nepal are eager for the Mission Helper Teams
to come again to assist them in the work of proclaiming God’s saving word and
have asked that we make every effort to come if possible. Pray that our
Savior will clear any obstacles that may stand in the way of this trip
according to His will.
Tanzania
– The Wartburg Lutheran Seminar in
Arusha has continued, mostly uninterrupted, in their class schedule through the
pandemic. Students are preparing for their final exams and are scheduled to graduate
and be ordained as Tanzania-CLC pastors in November. Thank the Lord for
His protection of these students, teachers, and staff through the challenges of
the past year, and ask for the Lord’s continued blessings as they finish their
formal studies for the Gospel ministry.
Uganda – Pastor Daniel Mugeni has been studying with CLC
missionaries and attending pastoral conferences in Kenya for many years.
Missionary Mike Gurath, along with a representative of the CLC appointed by
President Eichstadt, will begin the formal process of reviewing Pastor Mugeni’s
doctrinal positions for a possible recommendation for a declaration of
fellowship. Pastor Mugeni serves a congregation in Uganda and also cares for
several orphan children. Pray that the Lord would bless this process of
establishing God-pleasing fellowship. Pray for the children that Pastor
Mugeni cares for and that He would continue to provide for all their needs. Ask
the Lord to continue to bless the preaching and teaching of His saving Word in
Uganda that many more will be led to repent and believe in Jesus Christ for
salvation.
Nepal
– Progress on the building project
has been delayed again due to new Covid restrictions. Thank the Lord for
His continued blessings on this project and ask Him to grant patience to Raju
and his family and the students as they wait for completion. Ask the Lord
to bless the teaching of His Word in this building that many more faithful
preachers and teachers will be trained to proclaim the saving truths of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bangladesh
–Pastor Monotosh asks that we
continue to pray for a man who was recently converted to Christianity from
Hinduism. This man has been assaulted, persecuted, and falsely accused of
crimes by his family, and was arrested in an effort to force him to return to
Hinduism. Ask the Lord to protect and defend His new disciple and to
give him the necessary strength and courage to persevere under persecution.
Togo,
Liberia, Kenya, Zambia, D.R. Congo, and Mexico – please continue to pray for all of our brothers and
sisters in Christ around the world who are struggling to stay healthy, provide
for their families and the ministry as they proclaim the Gospel…trusting the
promise of our Savior that His Word will not return to Him void but will
accomplish that for which He sent it.
Missionary
Evensen – has returned safely to his
home and work in Togo where he is busy assisting Pastor Kossi in the training
of pastors at the Mt. Horeb Lutheran Bible Institute. Thank the Lord for
his safe travel back to Togo and Pray for the Lord’s continued blessings
on His service to the Lord and His kingdom work in Togo.
Missionary
Ohlmann – will be in Nigeria in early
September and is making plans to visit Tanzania and Zambia in October and November.
The pandemic continues to make planning a challenge. Ask the Lord to
bless the trip preparations and to clear any obstacles that may stand in the
way of this work.
New and Ongoing Opportunities – The Lord continues to
provide opportunities to proclaim the truths of His saving Word in a variety of
ways in different areas of the world in places such as South Sudan, Puerto
Rico, the Philippines, Russia, and Southeast Asia. Thank the Lord for
the privilege of teaching His Word to others! Pray for these individuals as they seek
to grow in their understanding of God’s Word to be better equipped to spread
the Gospel.
God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us, That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. Psalm 67:1–2
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