"…pray for us, that the word of the Lord may
run swiftly and be glorified..." 2
Thessalonians 3:1
Liberia/Pastor John Hein - our part-time visiting missionary to
Liberia, has been diagnosed with some very serious health issues. Pray that the Lord will provide complete healing
through the medical treatments that he will undergo. Thank our Savior for His perfect love and the power of His
Holy Word to strengthen, encourage, and comfort Pastor Hein, his wife Janelle,
his children and friends, and all those he has been called to serve in the U.S.
and Liberia. Ask the Lord, that during these uncertain times, He would send
an extra measure of His Holy Spirit to encourage and comfort with the Good
News of our Savior's cross and the empty tomb where He demonstrated His sure
and certain love and plans for His children.
Kenya
– The Kinship supported school in
Etago recently lost a few teachers and their school headmaster, who had been
serving in that capacity for twelve years. Ask the Lord to provide new
and faithful teachers and leaders for the school and to grant wisdom and
faithfulness to the leaders of the Kenya-CLC during these challenging times.
The CLC Bd of Missions (BoM) recently approved MDF grants to do some
much-needed classroom repairs and construction at both schools. Give thanks
to the Lord for the privilege of assisting our brothers and sisters in
Christ in training so many young souls through the two schools supported
through Kinship. Pray for the Lord’s continued blessings upon the
teachers, students, and staffs of St. David’s Kinship School and Emmaus
Millimani School as they grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Zambia – The Zambia-CLC has recently faced some troubles with
other ministries in the Livingstone area who are jealous of the ZCLC outreach
efforts with the Mission Helpers this past July. False reports were filed with
the government about the registration of the Z-CLC and Pastor Ibrahim’s
immigration status. These issues are being worked through by Pastor Ibrahim and
the leaders of the ZCLC. Pastor Ibrahim reports several new contacts and a few
prospective students for the Martin Luther Bible School. Pray that the Lord
would grant Pastor Ibrahim an extra measure of patience and wisdom as he
continues to confront those who wish him and the ministry harm. Thank the
Lord for the opportunity to be a part of these efforts to faithfully
proclaim the Good News of Jesus in Zambia.
Nepal
– The heavy rains have again caused
damage to parts of Nepal where the Himalayan Church of the Lutheran Confession
is at work spreading the Gospel. No church buildings were destroyed, but road
damage and infrastructure have made travel and outreach efforts difficult in
recent weeks. Pastor Raju reports that things are being cleaned up and repaired
and expects things to be back to normal soon. Thank the Lord for His many
and continued blessings on the evangelism efforts of the HCLC-Nepal and the
work of training more faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word to
take the Gospel to the unreached areas of this predominantly Hindu/Buddhist
nation.
Togo/Missionary
Evensen – Missionary Evensen returned
to Togo in late August. He continues teaching pastoral training classes at the
Bible School along with translation (French) and editing courses and lessons
for the Online Theological Studies website. He recently finished the colloquy
correspondence with Pastor Jacques Pondi Lumiangu in Kinshasa, DR Congo. He
will meet Missionary Ohlmann in Kinshasa on November 1st to finish
this long-awaited colloquy. The main congregation in Lomé is facing some
challenges with their land and church building and is being forced to relocate.
The CLC BoM recently approved an MDF grant to purchase a small piece of land so
they can build a church. This will allow the congregation and Bible School to
have a permanent location rather than face the uncertainty of leasing land. Pray
for the Lord’s continued blessings on Evensen’s labors to teach God’s word as
he trains more faithful preachers, teachers, and church leaders in Togo and
other French-speaking countries. Thank the Lord for His provision of
suitable land to build and church and Bible School to teach and preach God’s
saving word!
India – Leaders of the BELC and CLCI both continue to report
many opportunities to proclaim the Gospel, even amid the ongoing threats and
dangers of persecution in this Hindu-dominated nation. The Board of Missions
continues to consider ways to schedule a visit. Pray that the Lord will
continue to grant boldness, confidence, love, and wisdom to His faithful
servants as they unashamedly preach Christ crucified in this predominantly
Hindu nation. Pray also for the teachers and students of CLCI seminary
and the BELC Bible Institute that many more men will be equipped to preach and
teach God’s saving word.
Tanzania
– The Wittenberg Lutheran Theological
Seminary students in Arusha are scheduled to complete their first-year
pre-seminary course at the end of November. During this pre-seminary year of
instruction, they have studied basic theology, Bible History, and English. The
faculty will evaluate each student at the conclusion of this pre-seminary year
of classes. Some students will receive an Evangelist certificate and be
assigned to a congregation. Students who demonstrate the necessary gifts and
commitment will move on to the three-year seminary program to prepare for
ordination and a call into the pastoral ministry. In November, Pastor Paul
Nolting is scheduled to spend a couple of weeks in Tanzania teaching in the
seminary. Missionary Ohlmann will be spending three weeks in Tanzania in
November. Ask for the Lord’s blessings on these students and those
called to teach and train them. Pray that the Lord would grant safe and
uneventful travel for Pastor Nolting and His blessings on the lessons he will
teach.
Pakistan – Pastor Tim Daub continues
to teach online video Bible lessons to a group of Christians who are eager to
start a Lutheran church in Pakistan. The Board of Missions has authorized
Missionary Ohlmann to accompany Pastor Daub on a visit to Pakistan when the
time comes. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless the teaching and
learning of His word. Thank our Savior for this opportunity and the
technology to proclaim the truth of His word in such a way.
Nigeria
– Classes continue with six students
at Immanuel Lutheran Seminary in Efa, Nigeria. The CLC Board of Missions has
recently approved and sent an MDF grant for repairs and improvements to the
seminary classrooms, library, office, and dormitories. Missionary Ohlmann will
be visiting Nigeria in October and bringing nearly fifty books for the seminary
library to replace those damaged and destroyed by water damage due to roof
damage. Ask the Lord to provide the necessary wisdom and resources for
the proposed projects. Pray also for the Lord’s continued blessings on
training pastors and preaching the Gospel in Nigeria.
Bangladesh
–Pastor Monotosh continues to spread
the Gospel in new areas of Bangladesh. He recently reported that several
adults, children, and infants were baptized and received into membership of the
Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM). The Board of Missions recently
approved a grant from the Mission Development Fund to assist the BLCM in
purchasing a piece of land where they would eventually construct a building
that would be used for a church headquarters, worship facility, and Bible
School for training pastors and church leaders. Over the past few years, they
have had to move several times because of persecution. Ask the Lord to
continue to bless both the preaching and hearing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
by the BLCM. Pray for the Lord’s wisdom and provision in their search
and plans for a permanent building to conduct the work He has given to the
BLCM.
Myanmar
– Our brothers and sisters in Christ
in Myanmar, especially in Chin State, continue to struggle under the harsh rule
of the military Junta, which has brought much pain, suffering, economic
hardship, and uncertainty. Recent reports indicate that more than two million
people have been displaced since the military coup in February of 2021. Pray
for justice and peace for all the people of Myanmar. Pray especially for
our brothers and sisters in Christ that the Lord will grant them strength,
courage, and boldness during these difficult times and that He will provide for
their needs.
D.R.
Congo – Due to the pandemic, it has
been a couple of years since the pastors and leaders of the CCLC have gathered
for their annual conference. They are planning a conference and pastoral
training seminar during the three weeks when Missionary Ohlmann will visit in
early December. The conference will be held at the recently built CCLC
headquarters and seminary building in the southern part of the DRC. Forty
pastors, evangelists, and leaders will attend this four-day conference. An MDF
grant provides the finances for travel and meals for the conference. Ask for
the Lord’s blessings on this conference and safe travels for all those who
will travel long and difficult roads to attend.
The
Philippines – Correspondence continues
with an independent Lutheran pastor in the Philippines. This Pastor recently
completed the first introductory Online Theological Study based on the CLC
Statement of Faith and Purpose. Missionary Ohlmann and a Board of Missions
member are planning an initial face-to-face visit. Pray that the Lord
would continue to bless this correspondence and that it will lead to a
God-pleasing unity of faith and teaching. Ask the Lord to provide all
that is necessary for Pastor Jordan to continue proclaiming the Good News of
Jesus Christ!
Upcoming Missionary Visits – On
Monday, October 24th, Missionary Ohlmann will leave for
an eight-week visitation trip to Africa. He will spend time in Nigeria, the
Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. He will return a few days
before Christmas. In early 2023 he is tentatively planning visits to Kenya,
Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and possibly Myanmar. Pray for the Lord’s blessings this last
week of preparation and that the Lord will provide safe and uneventful travel.
Ask for the Lord to be with, protect, and provide for Missionary Ohlmann’s
family while he is away. Thank
the Lord
for His faithfulness in blessing the truths of His saving Word taught
throughout the world!
Mexico – It has been a few years since a visit was made to
our brothers and sisters in Mexico. Missionary Ohlmann is hoping to find a
Spanish speaker to accompany him on a visit sometime in 2023. Ask the Lord
to continue to bless Pastor Olvera’s efforts to proclaim the Gospel in Mexico
and to train others to join him in this work.
Ongoing
Opportunities – 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 sent it.
That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation
among all nations. Psalm 67:2
