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

December 2023 CLC World Missions Prayer List

India (Southeast Asia) – Cyclone Michaung recently hit South India, bringing with it severe flooding that has caused extensive damage to several BELC church buildings, member houses, and the homes of our BELC leaders. The BELC headquarters and Bible School buildings are being used for temporary shelter for a pastor/district leader forced to evacuate their homes. Thankfully, there have been no injuries reported to BELC members. Thank the Lord for his protection of His children. Pray for the Lord's ongoing 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 love and plans as they struggle during these trying times.  

India (Southeast Asia) – The CLC-India has conducted Christmas outreach programs annually for several years. Due to increased persecution and violence by supporters of the majority Hindu nationalist political party (BJP), Pastor Jyothi is disappointed that the CLCI won't be doing as much outreach this year. Pray that the Good News of our Savior will continue to spread, even amid such persecution. Ask the Lord to thwart the plans of evil forces that seek to prevent the spread of the Gospel in India and worldwide. Ask our Savior to grant boldness and courage in such difficult circumstances.

Tanzania (East Africa) - Severe flooding has hit the northern part of Tanzania, affecting the TZ-CLC congregation in Mbulu. Although no deaths have been reported, Pastor Jeremia reports that twenty members are in need of food, blankets, and tents for temporary shelter. Pastor Jeremia has visited the area to evaluate the needs and provide emergency supplies. Thank the Lord for keeping Pastor Solomon, his family, and the Mbulu congregation safe from death and serious injury. Pray for the Lord's blessings on the recovery efforts and that He will continue to provide for and protect the sheep of His Mbulu flock.

Pakistan (South Asia) - Pastor Tim Daub recently reported that ten individuals who have completed two years of online theological training and a thorough study of Luther's Small Catechism have recently begun weekly worship services. They are calling themselves the Church of the Lutheran Confession of Pakistan. The Board of Mission has authorized Missionary Ohlmann to accompany Pastor Daub on a visit to Pakistan in 2024. With the upcoming elections in Pakistan and due to safety concerns surrounding it, there is some uncertainty about when this trip will occur. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless the teaching and the learning of His Word. Thank our Savior for this opportunity and the technology to proclaim the truth of His Word in such a way.

Nepal (South Asia) – On December 6th, a graduation ceremony was held for the third class of Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI) students who have completed the two-year course of instruction. Before graduation, Missionary Ohlmann had the opportunity to teach classes at HBI for three days. He reviewed the basic teachings of the Christian faith using the Apostle's Creed as an outline. Pastor Raju has been suffering from partial voice loss for the past few months. Doctors found lesions or nodes on his vocal cords. This prevented him from translating while Missionary Ohlmann was in Nepal. Thankfully, Raju's brother, his father, and an HCLCN pastor were available to translate. Raju's doctor has advised him to rest his voice for at least two months and begin voice therapy to heal and strengthen his vocal cords. Due to this, the beginning of HBI classes is delayed until March or April. Applications for the next session of HBI are being received and reviewed. Give thanks to the Lord for the recent graduates of HBI and ask for His blessings on their service to Him. Pray for the Lord's healing of Raju's vocal cords so that he may continue the important work of proclaiming God's word and training more faithful workers for God's kingdom work in Nepal.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Andrew Schaller (CLC Bd of Doctrine Secretary) continues the colloquy with Pastor Jordan Palangyos and the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP) via email correspondence. An early February visit to conduct the face-to-face colloquy is in the works. Pray that the Lord will bless the colloquy and that this will lead to a God-pleasing unity of faith and teaching. Ask the Lord to provide opportunities and all that is necessary for Pastor Jordan to continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ!

DR Congo (Central Africa) – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced several delays in planning for the presidential election scheduled for December 20th. The previous election in 2018 was controversial and has caused unrest and violence in the country. Recently, a high-ranking official of the opposition party was murdered, and violence and deaths are reported daily as a result of the upcoming election. Pastor Yumba has advised that plans for Missionary Ohlmann's visit to the DRC in early 2024 should be on hold. Pray for peace and civility as the people of the DRC approach their presidential election. Pray for the Lord's will to be done in this election and for the protection, hope, and courage of our brothers and sisters of the CCLC.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Missionary Ohlmann recently spent three weeks working with Pastor Monotosh and the Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM). Together, they conducted two-day Bible training seminars for hundreds of believers in several BLCM congregations and preaching stations. They also conducted a five-day Church Leader Training seminar that was attended by sixteen men. Pastor Monotosh is asking for the Lord's blessings in providing building funds for a BLCM headquarters, Bible Institute, dormitory, and worship facility on land purchased last year. Praise and thank the Lord for the many opportunities He has given the BLCM to proclaim the Gospel in this predominantly Muslim nation. Ask the Lord to provide for the much-needed building project of the BLCM and pray for His continued blessings on the preaching and teaching His word.

Myanmar (South Asia) – After being under military junta control for almost three years, the civil war in Myanmar is still ongoing. According to Pastor Kham and news reports, the resistance is becoming more organized as local and regional militias join forces with the People's Defense Force (PDF) and prepare for a Spring Revolution Offensive. As the Military Junta has suffered several defeats in recent months, the resistance hopes to overthrow the military rule and reinstate the democratically elected government that was removed by force in February 2021. 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.

Liberia (West Africa) – Pastor Joseph requests prayers for the Gospel outreach in Liberia, and especially in Guinea. Pastor John Hein continues treatments for thymic cancer. He has been hoping to visit Liberia in January. Pray for the Lord's continued blessings and faithfulness on the preaching and teaching of His saving word in Liberia and Guinea. Pray for the Lord's hand of healing upon Pastor Hein so that the treatments he is receiving will rid his body of cancer and it will be possible for him to visit Liberia again.

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 recently had a kidney stone block his only kidney. He has passed the stones and has recovered well. Thank the Lord for delivering him through this painful health incident, and Ask the Lord to prevent any further complications.

Kate Sauers (USA) – Kate has responded remarkably well to chemotherapy. Recent visits indicate that her tumors have shrunk. Give thanks to the Lord for blessing the treatments so far. Ask for His continued blessings on the remainder of the treatments she is scheduled to receive.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Bruce and Paula Naumann are in the U.S., while the TZ-CLC seminary in Arusha is on break. Pray for the Lord to move the hearts of the men in our fellowship in Tanzania to enroll in the seminary for the upcoming school year, which begins on January 15th, 2024. Pray for safe travel for both our returning students and our missionary. Ask for our Savior's blessing on the pastors and people of the TZ-CLC in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ crucified. Follow their blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Missionary Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann is scheduled to return to the United States on December 12th after traveling and working in Asia for several weeks. During his stay in Asia, he visited a congregation in Tokyo, Japan, once in fellowship with the CLC. He also spent about six weeks in Bangladesh and Nepal. In early 2024, he plans to visit and work with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Africa. A visit to the Philippines is also being planned. Thank the Lord for safe travels and His faithfulness in blessing the spread of His saving Word. You can read reports and see pictures here missionaryohlmann.blogspot.com

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

Sent to the Nepal Earthquake Zone - November 2023

I spent my first four days in Nepal on a path that you only find once you take a turn off the path that is already referred to as "off the beaten path". I don't know what it's called, but I was on it. I was on a regional airline, Tuk-tuks, buses, scooters, and a rented off-road vehicle for roughly 35 hours in my first four days in country. On November 3rd, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Jarjarkot district of Nepal, affecting over 150,000 people. Three days later, the same region experienced a 5.6 magnitude aftershock. What I witnessed during my two days in Jarjarkot was both heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. Heartbreaking...to see such devastation and realize that I was walking through villages where 157 people lost their lives. And yet, inspiring...to see no one just sitting around, but everywhere we went, we saw people hard at work rebuilding homes and businesses and lives. The people of Nepal are some of the most resilient folks on the earth.

Shortly after the earthquake hit, Raju and I began texting about the possibility of visiting the affected area while I was in Nepal. There's a congregation of the HCLCN located on the edge of the affected area that Raju was eager to visit. Additionally, there are a few independent pastors in the region who have expressed interest in the HCLCN, but Raju hasn't been able to visit them due to a lack of time and resources. He thought it would be a great opportunity for us to visit them, bring them with some Scriptural encouragement, and show love and support as they deal with the aftermath of this natural disaster.

So, after a night of rest in Kathmandu, Raju and I took a short 55-minute flight to Nepalganj. This trip would have taken at least two full days by bus and public transportation. From there, we hired a car and driver to take us (about three hours) to Tulsipur, where we would meet the HCLCN pastor who lives and works in the area. He is also familiar with the Jarjarkot district and the independent pastors who are interested in learning more about the HCLCN. The next day, we left bright and early at 5:00 am to give us enough time to navigate the already rough roads made even rougher by earthquake damage and hasty repairs. It was a long and grueling day that my back-side is still complaining about :) We spent an hour or so in two different locations near the epicenter of the quake, where two different groups of pastors gathered to meet us. I greeted them with a few brief words of encouragement from Psalm 46. Raju visited with them about the Pastoral Training efforts of the HCLCN. After more than fifteen hours of travel over rough and bumpy roads and paths, we checked into a hotel outside the earthquake zone around 9:30 pm after a very long but important day. It was a privilege to be along for this visit. 

The devastation breaks your heart, especially when you think of the 150,000 people who were affected by this natural disaster. Many are without a home with the coldest months of the year approaching. One of the pastors we met with is the chairman of an NGO (non-government organization) that advocates for minority groups (Christians) in Nepal. He told me that of the nearly 200,000 residents of the Jarjarkot District, there were only 5,600 Christians. Unfortunately, the government in this area is pro-Hindu nationalist, and so government aid is not distributed equally or fairly. He says there is really nothing that can be done about it either. 

Earthquake Damage in Jarjarkot

Small Refugee Camp in Jarjarkot

Pastors and Civic Leaders in Jarjarkot

We woke up early the next morning to a local HCLCN congregation, and then we traveled back into the hills along some of the roughest roads I have ever traveled. We drove for about three hours until we reached the Salyan HCLCN congregation that had suffered minor damage from the earthquake and aftershocks. We parked our vehicle at the bottom of the hill and walked up to the church building, where the people were eagerly waiting for us. I had the privilege of preaching for the service. This congregation and the village are located on the side of a hill that overlooks a valley, which has been terraced for farming. The current crop that is in full yellow bloom this time of year is mustard. The view was breathtaking and looked like something out of a fairytale book. Maybe it was just the contrast from the destruction and devastation that I had witnessed the day before, but I was overwhelmed with the beauty, and I was almost convinced that this was the most beautiful place I had ever visited.

We made our way back down the very rough and hilly roads and got to town around 5:00 pm. Originally, we had planned to spend the night in a hotel and catch an early morning bus, but instead, we quickly headed to the bus stand. Fortunately, we managed to grab the last two seats on an overnight bus to a city that was about an hour away from the HCLCN headquarters and Himalayan Bible Institute. After a long and sleepless night on the bus, we reached the hotel at 4:30 am. Raju had informed them of our change in plans and early morning arrival. It took a bit of knocking, but the night watchman was kind enough to let me into the lobby and then locked the door behind him. I was able to get about an hour of sleep on a comfy couch until the hotel receptionist arrived at 6:00 am. It took them a bit of time to clean up a room for me, but by 10:00 am, I was finally able to take a much-needed nap.

Enjoy the pictures and videos...

Some of the Beautiful Children of the Salyan HCLCN Congregation

Pastor's wife cooking our lunch

Posing in front of the pastor's house...with our backs to the beautiful valley

My view of the congregation during worship service

Raju's Picture of Me Preaching

Pastor and His Wife

Pastor and His Wife

Salyan Valley from the Pastor's House

Salyan Valley...about half-way up the hill

I'll post more about the past several days of teaching at the Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI), a Pastor Training Seminar, and the HBI graduation soon.

Bangladesh - November 2023

I always ask the Lord and request prayers for safe and "uneventful" travels. You see, I've had my fair share of "eventful" journeys that have caused some disruption and frustration over the years. Imagine a bus breaking down on the side of the road for several hours, resulting in a late arrival, throwing off the whole schedule, and not having the time to teach all the lessons I had prepared! It's kind of a domino effect of disruptions that can drive a guy crazy. I consider myself to be someone who usually takes things in stride, but I prefer to stay in control of the situation whenever possible. Thus, the reason for my prayer for "uneventful" travels.

On the other hand, there is also a desire to have a rather "eventful" trip when it comes to work that the Lord has given me to do. In fact, I feel some pressure sometimes to produce some amazing events to share with the folks back home. There have been times when I have returned from a trip to some seemingly exotic place on the other side of the world, and people seem disappointed if I don't have some amazing stories to tell. But oftentimes, that's the way it goes. I come, I teach, I preach, I visit, and I go home. Sounds rather uneventful and uninspiring, doesn't it? 

I was giving this some thought as I was wrapping up my time here in Bangladesh and preparing to write this blog post. I arrived here about two weeks ago to the news that the opposition political party in the north of the country was closing down roads, and all transportation in and out of the region had been shut down. My flight from Dhaka to Saidpur was canceled, and so were our plans to visit BLCM congregations and preaching stations in that area. That meant an unexpected overnight in Dhaka and a different flight to Jessore the next day. No big deal, we were able to schedule a couple outreach seminars in the Jessore district instead. The rest of the trip and schedule were rather uneventful and have gone off without a hitch. We have been blessed with the opportunity to conduct uneventful two-day outreach and Lutheran Theology seminars in three separate locations, and we just concluded an uneventful five-day pastor and church worker training seminar yesterday. Today (Saturday, Nov. 18), we enjoyed an uneventful "church worker excursion" to the Sundarban Mangrove Forests and Tiger Reserve in southwest Bangladesh in the Ganges River Delta on Bay of Bengal. I'll preach for worship services tomorrow. We'll visit a couple preaching stations on Monday. And Tuesday, we'll visit one more preaching station on my way back to Dhaka to catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu, Nepal, on Wednesday morning. From a practical, earthly standpoint, it was an uneventful visit to Bangladesh. Prayers answered!

All of this got me thinking about that word - "uneventful." When you think about what God has accomplished through the "foolishness" preached and taught through His saving Word in my own sinful heart and the sinful hearts of men, women, children, and even infants throughout the world and throughout the years since the fall into sin, "uneventful" would have to be one of the last words you would use to describe it. Just think, our Savior, because of nothing other than His undeserved love and mercy, gave forgiveness, salvation, life, and an eternal home in Heaven to this cold, dead, sinful, wretched heart. He accomplished this through nothing more and nothing less than the Gospel in His Word and Baptism. And what gives this word and sacrament its power is the greatest event that ever took place...namely, the sacrificial suffering and death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ! Sometimes, in my quiet moments, I am just overwhelmed with awe and joy by the "events" that have taken place in history and in my own life, which have called me out of the darkness of unbelief and death and into the marvelous light of my Savior. The idea that I should called a child of God and have the privilege of preaching, teaching, and sharing the foolishness of the cross, which is the power of God for salvation with so many people around the world, is amazing, to say the least. It is truly humbling to realize that our Savior can use a bumbling, low IQ, sinful, wretched fool like me to bring Jesus (the Way, the Truth, and the Life) to others! What a privilege to serve Him!

I have decided to modify my prayers a bit. Going forward, I will still pray for "uneventful" travels, but I also intend to thank the Lord for all the eventful outcomes of His love and mercy in my life and the lives of so many around the world!!

If all goes as planned, I will fly to Nepal on Wednesday, where I will meet Raju, and the two of us will travel to a district in the west to visit an HCLCN congregation that was affected by the recent earthquake. 

Please pray for uneventful travels and an eventful visit to Nepal over the next few weeks. 

And please keep Beth, her dad (who went on hospice care last week), and all our family in your prayers. Thank you!

Here are a few pictures and a couple of videos of some of the "events" that have taken place over the past couple of weeks here in Bangladesh...

BLCM Preaching Station in the Jessore District - Outreach Seminar with New Christians

Apostle's Creed Seminar at St. Thomas Lutheran Church

St. Thomas Lutheran Church

St. Thomas Lutheran Church

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gopalganj

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Pastor Monotosh and the BLCM Pastor and Church Worker Training Seminar

Student Books

BLCM Pastor and Church Leader Training Seminar 

My daily commute to and from the BLCM Church Worker Training Seminar in Gopalganj

BLCM Training Seminar

Pastor Monotosh Addressing the Seminar Participants

Pastor Monotosh, His Wife Elizabeth, and the Seminar Attendees

Rather loud and "eventful" Diwali celebration that lasted until 2 or 3:00 am and began again at 5:00 am the first five nights I was in Gopalganj

Hindu Temple across the street from my hotel

Hindu Idol in the temple across from my hotel in Gopalganj

Boarding the boat that took us to the Sundarban Mangrove Forests

Entrance to the Sundarban Mangrove Forest Preserve

Armed ranger to protect us from Tigers...we saw paw prints but no tigers :(

Trekking through the World's Largest Mangrove Forest

November 2023 - CLC Missions Prayer List

 

…pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified... 2 Thessalonians 3:1

India (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Prem Kumar, a long-time pastor and leader of the CLC-India, lost his battle with kidney disease and was taken to be the Lord. He leaves behind a wife, two young children, and a large congregation of believers he has faithfully served for many years. Thank the Lord for providing this faithful servant for the work of His Kingdom and the harvest of souls in India. Pray for the Lord's comfort and assurance for his wife, children, family, congregation, and all those in the CLCI who mourn his passing and rejoice in his victory over the grave through faith in Jesus Christ.

Kate Sauers (USA) – Kate is the wife of Board of Missions member Pastor Rob Sauers. She was diagnosed with ALK-positive large-cell lymphoma cancer in late September. She has received two rounds of chemotherapy so far, and doctors report that she has responded well. Thank the Lord for blessing the treatments thus far and ask for His continued blessings on the remainder of the treatments she is scheduled to receive. Continue to Pray for courage, comfort, hope, strength, and trust in our Savior's love and plans for their family.

Liberia (West Africa) – Pastor Joseph's sister recently went to be with the Lord following a battle with liver cancer. With a presidential runoff taking place on November 14th, there is a lot of uncertainty and instability in Liberia right now. Pastor John Hein continues treatments for a rare and very aggressive form of thymic cancer. He will have more scans scheduled for November. Pray for the Lord's comfort as Pastor Joseph and his family mourn the loss of his sister and rejoice in victory over the grave through faith in Jesus. Ask the Lord to direct the affairs of the Liberian elections this month so that peace may prevail and good government may serve His purpose. Pray for the Lord's hand of healing upon our brother, Pastor John Hein, so that the treatments he is receiving will rid his body of cancer. Pray for good results from the scans so Pastor Hein can begin planning for a visit to Liberia in January.

Missionary Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen recently had a kidney stone block his only kidney. Pray that he will have no further complications, as necessary surgical treatments may not be readily available. Ask the Lord to provide a quick and complete recovery so he can return to the work he has been called to.

Mexico – Bd of Missions member Jeff Radichel and Missionary Ohlmann recently visited Pastor Olvera, his family, and our brothers and sisters in Christ of the Iglesia Luterana Confessional Mexico. They discussed future plans for Gospel outreach and leadership training for lay leaders in one congregation and three preaching stations in Mexico. Thank the Lord for this opportunity to fellowship together around His Word. Pray for the Lord's blessings and provision as these new plans develop so that many more may be reached with God's saving word.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Naumann, along with his wife Paula, are getting more accustomed to their new home in Tanzania. In addition to his teaching responsibilities at the seminary, he has also begun taking a more active role in correspondence and training pastors in Kenya and Uganda. They will be returning to the States for a one-month furlough in December. You can keep updated on things happening in Tanzania at clc-tz.blogspot.com. Ask for the Lord's blessings as Missionary Naumann and Paula continue to adjust to life in Africa. Pray for our Savior's abundant blessings on the work of training pastors, teachers, and leaders in Tanzania.

Missionary Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann is currently traveling and working in Asia until the middle of December. He will spend a few days in Tokyo, visiting a congregation once in fellowship with the CLC. From there, he will spend approx. six weeks working with the pastors and leaders of the Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM) and the Himalayan Church of the Lutheran Confession of Nepal (HCLCN). While in Bangladesh and Nepal, he will visit several congregations and preaching stations, conduct Pastoral Training Seminars, and be privileged to attend the Himalayan Bible Institute graduation. Pray for all that is necessary for these trips to be planned and take place. Ask the Lord to be with and bless his wife, Beth, her father, and their family while he is away. Pray for the Lord's love, wisdom, patience, and zeal during these visits that His name be glorified as the truth of His saving word is proclaimed and pastors are trained. You can read reports and see pictures from his travels at missionaryohlmann.blogspot.com

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."

Tanzania (East Africa) – Pastor Paulo Kiara, who serves in the Tanga district of the Tanzania-CLC, is recovering from abdominal surgery. A Kinship grant was provided to assist with the cost of the life-saving surgery. Pray for a speedy and complete recovery. On November 19^th, three evangelism students will graduate from the one-year program at the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary. Two of these students will continue their training in the three-year seminary program. Missionary Naumann and the seminary faculty have several prospects for new enrollments in the next academic year, which begins in January. Praise and thank the Lord for these students and their dedication to preparing for the public ministry. Pray for the students, their families, and the teaching staff at the seminary, asking the Lord to continue to provide all that is necessary for this work to continue.

Myanmar (Southeast Asia) – Our brothers and sisters in Christ of the CLC-Myanmar continue to struggle under the oppressive rule of the military junta. Pastor Kham continues to heal from the injuries he received. His wife, Haui, has been released from jail, and their debt has been paid through the compassionate offerings of God's children. Continue to pray for strength and courage for Haui as she deals with the emotional and physical trauma of her arrest. Pray for the children Pastor Kham and Haui care for as they live in constant fear of military attack and now also the fear of losing those who love and care for them. Continue to Pray for justice and peace for all the people of Myanmar. Pray especially for our brothers and sisters in Christ that our Savior will give them strength, comfort, courage, and boldness during these difficult times and that He will provide for all their needs. Thank the Lord for moving the hearts of His children to give generously to the needs of others through their offerings and prayers.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Andrew Schaller (CLC Bd of Doctrine Secretary) continues the colloquy with Pastor Jordan Palangyos and the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP) via email correspondence. Pray that the Lord will bless the colloquy and that this will lead to a God-pleasing unity of faith and teaching. Ask the Lord to provide opportunities and all that is necessary for Pastor Jordan to continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Pakistan – Pastor Tim Daub continues to teach online video Bible lessons to two groups 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 in 2024. With the upcoming elections in Pakistan and due to safety concerns surrounding it, there is some uncertainty about when this trip will occur. 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.

Bangladesh (Southeast Asia) – Missionary Ohlmann will be in Bangladesh for the first three weeks of November. He will work with Pastor Monotosh to visit several congregations and preaching stations, and they will conduct a five-day pastoral training seminar. Ask our Savior to continue to bless both the preaching and learning of God's word in Bangladesh and to provide all that is necessary for the ministry of the BLCM.

Nepal (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Raju continues to train men to be faithful preachers of God's saving word. The students recently braved flooded rivers and landslides to attend a one-week training seminar at the HCLC-Nepa headquarters. They are preparing for Missionary Ohlmann's visit in late November and for the graduation of several Himalayan Lutheran Bible Institute students. Thank the Lord for keeping all the students safe in their treacherous travels and blessing their lessons in His Word. Pray for the Lord's blessings on the work and preparation for the upcoming missionary visit. Ask the Lord to provide all that is necessary so that His word will be spread among the many idol worshippers of Nepal and that many will be led by the Spirit to repent and trust in their Savior Jesus.

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

California, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Nebraska, Arizona, Mexico, Japan, Bangladesh, & Nepal...Aug-Dec - 2023

Since returning from the Mission Helper Trip to Nepal, it seems like I have been all over the US. It's been a wild couple of months...as I have guest-preached and given mission presentations in seven different places, from California to Wisconsin to South Carolina to Nebraska to Arizona to Missouri to Mexico. 

Next stop, Tokyo...then on to Bangladesh, followed by Nepal, and then home to celebrate our Savior's birth with my family!

I fly out this Thursday and will spend next weekend (Nov. 3-6) visiting a congregation once in fellowship with the CLC.  This congregation was started in the 1950s and was served by Missionary Fred Tiefel for many years. The pastor he trained to take his place retired in 2005, and they have been served by a pastor with little knowledge of Lutheran Theology since. A few years ago, he contacted the CLC to learn more about the history and doctrine of the CLC after he began to research the history of the congregation he was serving. Correspondence has been limited due to the language barrier. A few visits have been tentatively planned over the past few years but were postponed due to Covid and other scheduling conflicts. We pray for a fruitful visit grounded and rooted in the truths of God's saving word.  

From Tokyo, I will fly directly to Dhaka, Bangladesh, on a regional airline. It's only a seven-hour flight! Then, I will board a local Bangladeshi airline to take me from the capital city of Dhaka to a smaller town in the north called Saidpur. The next few weeks will involve a busy schedule of congregational visits for in-depth studies of the Apostle's Creed, Outreach Seminars, preaching station visits, and a five-day Pastoral Training seminar. Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim nation with a small percentage of Hindus and an even smaller population of Christians. There is much work to be done there, and it is a privilege to be a part of our Savior's harvest crew!

From Bangladesh, I will take another regional airline for an hour-and-a-half flight from Dhaka to Kathmandu, Nepal. I will have much the same schedule for the three weeks I will be in Nepal. I will also be privileged to attend the graduation service for the men who have been studying with Pastor Raju at the Himalayan Bible Institute for the past few years. 

Please ask the Lord to provide safe, uneventful, and on-time flights over the next seven weeks. Pray for my wife Beth, her father, and all my family while I am gone. And ask for the Lord's blessings of wisdom, patience, love, confidence, and strength in Him and His word, and everything else needed to serve Him and His Kingdom faithfully and effectively.