CLC World Missions Prayer List – August 2024

…pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified...

 2 Thessalonians 3:1

India (South Asia) – A joint India Pastoral Conference is scheduled for August 20-22 in Chennai, India. Pastors, leaders, and delegates from the CLC-India and the BELC will be in attendance. The CLC will also have one Pastor in attendance to represent the CLC. Thank the Lord for this opportunity for Christian fellowship and study of His saving Word. Pray that the Lord would bless all the travel and protect everyone in attendance. Pray especially for the CLC representative that he will have no trouble entering India.

Mexico – Board of Missions member Jeff Radichel and Missionary Ohlmann will visit Juarez August 23 to 26 to meet with Pastor Olvera to discuss Gospel outreach efforts in Mexico. They will also meet with three independent pastors who are interested in joining the CLC-affiliated church body in Mexico. These men have been studying Lutheran doctrine with Pastor Olvera for the past few months. Pray for safe travels and a productive, God-pleasing visit.

Pakistan – Pastor Tim Daub and Missionary Ohlmann will be traveling to Faisalabad, Pakistan in October. This will be their first face-to-face meeting with the group of believers that Pastor Daub has been instructing through online classes for the past few years. Please pray for the Lord's continued blessings on all the preparations that need to take place over the next couple of months to make this visit possible. Also, ask the Lord to continue to bless the teaching and learning of His word and give thanks to our Savior for granting us this opportunity and the technology to spread the truth of His word in such a manner.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Pastor Monotosh, his family, and our brothers and sisters in Christ have been sheltering in their homes as Bangladesh has been embroiled in violent protests over economic policies and other issues. Nearly 100 people have been killed. The prime minister recently resigned and left the country. Pastor Monotosh reports that Muslim jihadists have taken advantage of the unrest to persecute minority Christians and Hindus through beatings and destruction of church buildings and temples. The government has shut down internet access to disrupt communication among the protestors. Pastor Monotosh has found a way for limited email access through a VPN. Missionary Ohlmann will continue to correspond with Pastor Monotosh for online theological classes and to discuss and assess the situation to make plans for a visit when advisable. Ask for the Lord’s protection of His children and give them confidence and boldness in the love of our Savior. Pray that our Savior will bring peace and justice to Bangladesh.

Myanmar (South Asia) – It's been over three years since the military overthrew Myanmar's democratically elected government, plunging the nation into a devastating civil war. Countless innocent people are suffering, including farmers who can't grow crops, leading to food shortages and soaring prices. Many members of the CLCM have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety for their families. To help our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, the CLC Board of Missions has approved Kinship funding for one year. This funding will provide vital humanitarian aid, ensuring access to essentials like food, shelter, and medical care for displaced CLCM members. Please continue to keep our brothers and sisters in Christ in your thoughts and prayers, asking for peace, justice, and relief for all affected by this conflict.

Liberia (West Africa) – Pastor Kwiwalazu is still engaged in doctrinal discussions with a group of independent pastors who have separated from the Methodist Church of Liberia. Pastor Joseph is making plans for a proposed CLC Board of Missions visit in November. Pray for God’s blessings and provision for the work of spreading the Gospel in Liberia and for the developing opportunities in Guinea. Ask the Lord to bless the cancer treatments that John Hein is receiving so he can resume his work in Liberia.

Tanzania (East Africa) – Classes have resumed at the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary, with eight students enrolled. Missionary Naumann reports that the main focus of these next few months will be on the four students who are scheduled to graduate at the end of November. Thank the Lord for the privilege of partnering with the TZCLC in training men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word. Ask for God’s continued blessing, guidance, and provision for Wittenberg Seminary and the work of the TZCLC. 

Kenya/Uganda (East Africa) – Six CLC Mission Helpers spent two-and-half weeks spreading the Gospel among the two Kinship supports Kenyan schools, along with congregations and an orphanage in Uganda. The team was privileged with the opportunity to teach nearly 1300 children at twelve different schools, churches, and orphanages. Thank the Lord for this opportunity and pray that our Savior will bless all those children who heard the Good News with repentant and believing hearts.

Zambia (Central Africa) – After the visit by the CLC Mission Helpers in July, Pastor Ibrahim in Livingstone and Pastor Mwanza in Kitwe have been busy following up with several independent schools and preschools where nearly 1,800 children were taught the Good News of Jesus. They plan to offer teacher Bible training and provide weekly Bible studies for the children. They are excited about these new opportunities. Much progress has been made on the church registration process and is nearing completion. This is important for the work of the church and for Pastor Ibrahim’s immigration status. Pray for our Savior’s blessings on the new opportunities to reach out with the Gospel and the ongoing efforts to register the Zambia-CLC.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Palangyos has started outreach efforts among the large youth population in Baguio City where he and his family live. There are several colleges and a university in Baguio with Filipino youth coming from several different rural areas to study. His wife Amabel holds a PhD in language and is a professor at the university, which provides an “in” to this Filipino demographic. Outreach also continues in the two rural congregations that Pastor Palangyos serves in the mountains that surround the city. Pray for our Savior’s blessings on the outreach efforts of the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP), both in rural and urban areas.

Nepal (South Asia) – Thirteen students continue to attend theology classes for one week each month at the Himalayan Lutheran Bible Institute in the Chitwan district. The new Kinship-supported Cheli project has started efforts to assist at-risk girls in rural communities, helping them to receive education and life skills along with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Missionary Ohlmann is planning a visit to Nepal in December. Praise the Lord for the thirteen men who have dedicated their time and lives to training for the Gospel ministry. Thank the Lord and ask His blessings on the efforts to assist at-risk girls through the Cheli project.

Nigeria (West Africa) – The NCLC has been hoping and planning for the construction of a multipurpose building for the seminary for more than twenty-five years. The proposed building will have two large classrooms, a library/computer room, and an office for the faculty. For the past several years, they have been using two small dormitory rooms as classrooms. With an increase in enrollment and in anticipation of an even larger enrolment next year, this building is much needed. They are currently raising the necessary funds to begin construction in September so that the facility can be ready for use by the start of the new school year in January 2025. The CLC Board of Missions has approved an MDF grant to assist with construction costs. Ask the Lord to bless this project and to provide necessary funding through the offerings of NCLC members and MDF offerings of CLC members. Thank the Lord for the privilege of working together in this effort to train faithful workers in His Nigerian harvest of souls!

Missionary Peter Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen is currently undergoing rehabilitation and recovery in Spokane, WA, after undergoing knee surgery in late June. Additionally, he experienced some heart irregularities during his hospital stay. His return to Togo is postponed until he regains his health and is fit for travel. Pray for a swift and full recovery for his knee, and for his medical team to have wisdom as they assess and determine the best course of treatment for his heart issues.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – After a short furlough in the U.S., Missionary Bruce and Paula Naumann returned to Tanzania in early July. They had the privilege and joy of hosting the CLC Mission Helper Team shortly after their return. They are now back to their normal routine at the seminary, outreach visits, and weekly Sunday School. Thank the Lord for their safe and uneventful travels back to Tanzania, and ask for the Lord's continued blessing on their work among our brothers and sisters in Christ of the TCLC. You can follow Missionary Naumann’s blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Missionary Todd Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann recently returned home from leading the CLC Missions Helper Team to Zambia. Thank the Lord for safe travels and a productive trip. His upcoming schedule includes visits to Mexico, Pakistan, Liberia, and Nepal, as well as a few guest preaching opportunities in CLC congregations. Ask the Lord to bless and provide for all the preparations that need to take place for these trips to take place. Please continue to pray for his wife Beth as she cares for her elderly father, who longs for his heavenly home, and for her mother, who was recently diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of blood cancer. 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.

Himalayan Bible Institute Pastor Training - JUN 2024

The Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI) conducted classes for fifteen pastors, pastors-in-training, and church leaders during the third week of June. All the students are from congregations and preaching stations affiliated with the Himalayan Church of the Lutheran Confession of Nepal (HCLCN). This new cohort of students began their training program in May and will continue to meet for one week each month until they have completed all their coursework.

Please keep Pastor Raju, his father Pastor JB, the HCLCN, the students, and all those they serve in your prayers as they spend this very important and essential time preparing to be faithful preachers and teachers of God's saving word!

Students on lunch break

HBI Classroom

HBI student presentation

Pastor JB leading the students in prayer

HBI students and teachers

News from Bangladesh...June 2024

The following report and pictures were recently received from the Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission...

.... I am very happy to report to you about the Lord's Ministry of BLCM of Bangladesh. Again I have baptized nine (9 no.) dear brothers and sisters on June 4, 2024...Hallelujah Praise be to the Lord God Jesus Christ!!!

We have our eyes focused on the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we are proclaiming the Gospel. Bangladesh Lutheran church Mission-BLCM is continuing to proclaim the true gospel in Bangladesh. I would request you to pray for newborn Christian brothers and sisters, so that they might be matured day by day spiritually through the word of God. Our Lord God Jesus says us:-

“Therefore go and make disciples all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Praise and thank our Almighty Lord Jesus Christ that He has been using the BLCM for His glorifying and extending His Kingdom in Bangladesh. BLCM's goal is to save the souls to receive salvation through Jesus by faith as God's gift. For this reason this is the most important to collect the harvest in the God’s Kingdom.  I am very proud in the Lord that the Holy Spirit has changed some people into Christ for their new life/newborn. Praise to the Lord that these souls were saved by the baptism they had received to Jesus Christ as their Lord and God. The nine brothers and sisters have been baptized and converted into Christianity from Hinduism religion and one family has come from Muslim religion. They received the gift of salvation that comes only by water and the Word of God through Holy Baptism. I was conducted the Baptism program on June 4, 2024 at Livingstone Lutheran church (BLCM) in the Bagerhat district. And we are preparing more people for Baptism there. 

Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission-BLCM

Gopalgonj, Bangladesh

(shared with permission and edited for clarity and to remove personal names for security reasons) 

 

Pray for the People of Myanmar and the Sheep of our Savior's CLC-Myanmar Flock...

From Pastor Kham...

Thank you for your prayers.... We are blessed and thankful for your helping hand. Please continue to pray for us. We need peace, justice, and survival. 

There was a big battle of civil war in Chin State on 12-19 May 2024. Cikha Town, Tonzang township and several villages and also on 20-30 May 2024 till today the civil war continues in Tedim City and burned 38 houses. The civilians innocent people are leave and lost the house, just flee from the house nothing to carrying while the gunfire began and they could not look back at their property. Those who are affected victims of our CLCM membership we collected the names and investigate the situation how we can help better as much as we can. It is our hardest time to survive human life and sometimes there is no telephone communication and internet connection available at all. The military junta has control of all such conditions. Praise the Lord! I could write and respond to your email within strict conditions.

Please continue to pray for the people of Myanmar and especially the sheep of our Savior's CLCM flock!

News Articles:

• https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/fighting-grips-chin-state-town-amid-myanmar-junta-airstrikes.html

• https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2024/january/myanmar-church-destroyed-chin-state-war.html

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar_civil_war_(2021%E2%80%93present)

Before and after pictures of war torn Tedim city in Chin State where many CLCM congregations are located.

May 2024 - CLC Missions Prayer List

India BELC (South Asia) – The BELC has been actively spreading the Gospel through a video ministry that takes the Jesus Film to predominantly Hindu villages. This program has helped them reach out to thousands of people who worship idols and share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ. The BELC plans to expand this program in the coming months. They are also preparing for their annual VBS program, which aims to bring the Gospel to thousands of children in several BELC congregations and preaching stations. Thank the Lord for the opportunity to proclaim God's saving word in an area of the world that is increasingly hostile towards Christianity. Praise the Lord for the BELC's zeal and courage to reach out to people and share the truths of Christianity.

India CLCI (South Asia) – Each year, the CLC-India seminary graduates seventeen men from its five-year program. Graduation will be held in June, and these newly ordained pastors will be sent out to start or serve new congregations. Most of these congregations are found in villages where there is no other Christian witness. Thank the Lord for providing these new pastors and their families. Pray for their safety and for the Lord's blessings to provide for everything that is necessary to carry out this all-important work for the salvation of souls.

Kenya (East Africa) – Kenya has recently experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in severe flooding. Numerous residents were forced to leave their homes, and tragically, individuals lost their lives. After several weeks of rain, schools are set to reopen for the upcoming term on May 13. As many navigate this difficult period, pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ and thank the Lord for the safety of the two schools supported by CLC Kinship.

Uganda (East Africa) – Missionary Bruce Naumann will be visiting Uganda in May before his return to the U.S. for furlough. While in Uganda, he will be meeting with representatives of a newly formed church body called the Confessional Lutheran Church Uganda Synod. The church body is made up of eight ordained pastors, two vicars, and nine seminary students. They withdrew from the Lutheran Church of Uganda for doctrinal reasons. This will be the first face-to-face visit with these men. Thank the Lord for this opportunity and ask for His blessings on these meetings as they gather to discuss God’s word in search of doctrinal unity.

Zambia (Central Africa) – Missionary Ohlmann recently returned from a visit to Zambia, which was long overdue. He was glad to find Pastor Ibrahim had been restored to good health following a scorpion bite that nearly took his life. While in Zambia, Missionary Ohlmann and Pastor Ibrahim conducted training seminars for the pastors and leaders of the Zambia-CLC, with many others in attendance. They also spent time in the capital city of Zambia working on church registration issues. A team of CLC Mission Helpers will visit Zambia in July to assist with child evangelism efforts. Thank the Lord for preserving Pastor Ibrahim’s life and restoring him to good health. Pray for our Savior’s blessings on the ongoing efforts to register the ZCLC.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Palangyos has started outreach efforts among the large youth population in Baguio City where he and his family live. There are several colleges and a university in Baguio with Filipino youth coming from several different areas to study. His wife Amabel holds a PhD in language and is a professor at the university, which provides an “in” to this Filipino demographic. Outreach also continues in the two rural congregations that Pastor Palangyos serves in the mountains that surround the city. Pray for our Savior’s blessings on the outreach efforts of the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP), both in rural and urban areas.

Myanmar (South Asia) – It has been more than three years since the military overthrew the democratically elected government of Myanmar, resulting in a brutal civil war that has caused immense suffering across the nation. As a result of the conflict, many farmers have been unable to cultivate and harvest crops, leading to a scarcity of food and driving up the prices of basic necessities. Additionally, many members of the CLCM have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety and shelter for themselves and their families. To assist our brothers and sisters in Christ, the CLC Board of Missions has approved Kinship funding for one year. This funding will be used to provide humanitarian aid to members of the CLCM who have been displaced and are suffering, to ensure they have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. Please continue to pray for the innocent bystanders caught in this conflict, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ of the CLCM. Ask that God's will be done as this conflict continues and that peace and justice may prevail.

Pakistan – Pastor Tim Daub continues electronic correspondence and instruction to the members of the recently established Lutheran congregation in Pakistan. The Board of Missions has authorized Missionary Ohlmann to join Pastor Daub on a visit to Pakistan. The trip they had planned for this spring has been postponed due to uncertainties within Pakistan following recent elections. They hope a visit later this year will be possible. Pray for the Lord's continued blessings on the teaching and learning of His word. Give thanks to our Savior for granting us this opportunity and the technology to spread the truth of His word in such a manner.

Nepal (South Asia) – Pastor Raju has recovered from the throat and voice issues he was experiencing. A cohort of fifteen new students has been accepted for study at the Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI). Classes began on May 10th. Pastor Raju also reports that recently, following the celebration of Easter in one of the villages where the Himalayan CLC of Nepal (HCLCN) has been working for several years, nearly fifty adults, youth, children, and infants were baptized. Give thanks to the Lord for the healing of Raju's vocal cords. Ask for the Lord’s blessings on the new HBI students and their families as they prepare to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s Word. And praise the Lord for the work of His Holy Spirit in the individuals who had their sins washed away through the water and Word of Holy Baptism. Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done a marvelous thing!

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Pastor Monotosh continues to seek the Lord's blessings in raising funds for constructing a BLCM headquarters, Bible Institute, dormitory, and worship facility on land purchased last year. With a grant from the MDF, they have hired an architect to begin developing plans for construction. Pray for the Lord’s provision of resources needed for this important building project. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on the preaching and teaching of His word.

Nigeria (West Africa) – The NCLC has been hoping and planning for the construction of a multipurpose building for the seminary for more than twenty-five years. The proposed building will have two large classrooms, a library/computer room, and an office for the faculty. For the past several years, they have been using two small dormitory rooms as classrooms. With an increase in enrollment and in anticipation of an even larger enrolment next year, this building is much needed. They hope to have the necessary funds raised to begin construction in the fall so that the facility can be ready for use by the start of the new school year in January 2025. The CLC Board of Missions has approved an MDF grant to assist with construction costs. Ask the Lord to bless this project and to provide necessary funding through the offerings of NCLC members and MDF offerings of CLC members. Thank the Lord for the privilege of working together in this effort to train faithful workers in His Nigerian harvest of souls!

Liberia (West Africa) – Pastor Kwiwalazu continues in doctrinal discussion with a group of independent pastors who have separated from the Methodist church of Liberia. He also recently returned from a visit to Guinea, where he is reaching out with the truth of God’s Word. Pray for God’s blessings and provision for the work of spreading the Gospel in Liberia and also for the developing opportunities in Guinea. Ask the Lord to bless the cancer research trial treatments that John Hein is receiving so that he may resume his work in Liberia.

Mexico – Pastor Olvera and his family continue to recover from several health issues and are slowly getting back to regular work and ministry activities. Thank the Lord for healing, and ask for continued strength and recovery for this family. Pray also that the Lord would open doors of opportunity for their planned outreach efforts.

Missionary Peter Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen continues the work of translating Online Theological Studies courses into French for use in training pastors and church leaders in Togo and other French-speaking African countries. He is scheduled to return to the U.S. in June for furlough, vacation, and to attend the CLC convention. Ask for the Lord’s blessings on his travels and continued blessings on the work and pray that the Lord will continue to provide good health and all that is necessary for the spread of the Gospel in Togo.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Naumann will be returning to the U.S. in June for furlough and to attend the CLC Convention. Before he leaves Africa, he will visit Uganda. Paula returned to the U.S. in May. Pray for safe and uneventful travels to and from the U.S. and for good times spent visiting family, friends, and coworkers. You can follow Missionary Naumann’s blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Missionary Todd Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann recently returned from a visit to Zambia. He will accompany the Mission Helpers to East Africa in July. Thank the Lord for safe travels and a productive trip to Zambia.  Continue to pray for his wife Beth as she cares for her elderly father as he longs for his heavenly home and for her mother, who was recently diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of blood cancer. 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 Zambia - APR 2024

Later today (Tuesday, Apr. 16, 2024), I'll be heading to Zambia for a two-week visit. I'll fly from St. Louis to Chicago to Istanbul to Lusaka, Zambia. From there, I will take a nine-hour bus ride to Kitwe in the north. Then, a bus back to Lusaka, where I'll stay overnight before another long bus ride to Livingston in the south. Then back to Lusaka before I fly home on April 3oth. 

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, it's been a couple of years since my last visit, so I am excited and eager to get back to Zambia!

We live in a sinful world where, even among Christians, jealousy and contempt can find a foothold. Unfortunately, this has caused a delay in my visit. The story of this jealousy and its consequences began back in 2022, a short time after the CLC Mission Helpers spent a few weeks in Zambia, proclaiming the Gospel to more than a thousand children. After the Mission Helpers went back to the U.S., a few pastors in the Livingston, Zambia area were jealous of their child evangelism efforts among the Zambia-CLC (ZCLC) congregations and preaching stations in and around Livingston. They began to cause trouble for Pastor Ibrahim and the ZCLC by challenging his immigration status and spreading lies about him. 

Pastor Ibrahim is originally from Tanzania and was trained at the, then CLC-affiliated seminary, in Himo, TZ, more than ten years ago. He relocated to Zambia in 2011 and has been spreading the truths of God's saving word and training church leaders and evangelists since. 

Shortly after the trouble began in Livingston, Pastor Ibrahim decided it would be best to temporarily relocate to Lusaka with the hope and prayer that with some distance and time, the trouble would subside. Unfortunately, Satan continued his attacks against Pastor Ibrahim and the truth of God's word he was teaching. After a few months, he returned to Livingston only to find that much of the ZCLC ministry and Gospel outreach had been abandoned, and false and slanderous rumors about him had been circulating. 

Pastor Ibrahim then went back to Lusaka to work on proper immigration documentation and found that it would be necessary to return to Tanzania to get paperwork from his home country. While traveling to Tanzania, he was bitten by a scorpion and spent several weeks in the hospital. For much of that time, he was near death and remembers very little from his time there. After his discharge from the hospital, he traveled to his brother's home in Tanzania for a couple months of rest and recuperation. A few months ago, he traveled to Dar es Salaam and Dodoma in Tanzania to collect the necessary paperwork to apply for the required immigration documentation to continue the ministry in Zambia. He has now returned to Zambia and is looking forward to restarting the Gospel ministry in Zambia.

Thank the Lord for preserving Ibrahim through all of these struggles and the attacks of Satan and his proxies. And pray that the Lord will bless his efforts and provide all that is necessary to restart and reorganize the work of the ZCLC!

Ibrahim and I will have a busy couple of weeks. Our work will begin  day after my arrival when we travel by bus to the Copperbelt Province near the D.R. Congo (DRC) border to the north. We will meet up with Pastor Yumba from the DRC, where we will conduct a pastoral training seminar and an outreach seminar and have organizational meetings with the pastors and church leaders in this area. We will then take a bus back to Lusaka, where we will spend one night before taking another bus to Livingston near the Zimbabwe border to the south. While in Livingston, we will conduct training and outreach seminars and have some important meetings with the ZCLC church leaders in the area as they begin to reorganize the work of training pastors and church leaders. When our work in Livingston is finished, we will travel back to Lusaka for a weekend of worship and outreach seminars before my flight back home.

What a privilege to be able to be a part of this important work of spreading the truths of God's saving word!!

Thank the Lord for restoring Pastor Ibrahim back to good health and for giving him the zeal and commitment to return to Zambia and get back to the Gospel ministry there. 

Ask the Lord to provide abundant love, wisdom, patience, provision, protection, and blessings on all that is necessary during this visit so that His will be done and the work of spreading the Gospel in Zambia may continue in a way that is pleasing to Him and brings honor and glory to His name!

Please also pray for my wife Beth as she takes care of her parents, who are both dealing with serious health issues and are in need of lots of care and prayers. 

Nigeria Visit - MAR 2024

NCLC Pastors, One Wife, and Seminary Students at the 2024 Pastor Conference in Efa Anyam, Nigeria

It's Sunday afternoon here in Lagos, Nigeria. I'm wrapping up my visit to the Nigeria-CLC. My flight home leaves at midnight. I'll fly from Lagos to Frankfurt to Chicago to St. Louis. If all goes according to schedule, I'll be home Monday night. Please pray for safe and uneventful travels.

It's been a busy eleven days with lots of in-country travel, worship, meetings, a pastor conference, and congregation visits. 

Let me just give a few highlights from the visit and a few pictures along the way...

I spent my first weekend in Apa and Badagry. These villages are located to the west of Lagos near the ocean and the Benin border. The Nigeria-CLC (NCLC) has two congregations in this area. One in Apa and a newly opened congregation in Badagry. I had the privilege of preaching at the new congregation in Badagry on Sunday morning. I was also privileged to meet an elderly retired pastor, a seminary student of Missionary Norbert Reim, in the 1950s. This man recently resigned from the Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN) and joined the NCLC congregation in Badagry. He also has family that lives in Akwa Ibom state, where the majority of NCLC congregations are located. He is hopeful that they, too, will be joining NCLC congregations. He was very happy to meet someone who knew Pastor Reim as he shared fond memories and appreciation of his time in the seminary learning from him. I told him that my grandfather and father were close friends with Pastor Reim and that I knew his children well and was acquainted with his grandchildren. He told me that Missionary Reim was a father to him in the faith, as the Apostle Paul was a father to Timothy. It was a genuine privilege to meet this man and a good reminder that, as the Scriptures encourage us, our labor in the Lord is never in vain!

Pastor Emeritus Idiobong at the NCLC Congregation in Badagry

On Monday, Martin Essien and I traveled from Lagos to Uyo (capital city of Akwa Ibom State) where I would spend the next four days attending, presenting, teaching, and preaching at the semi-annual NCLC General Pastor Conference. The conference began each morning at 7:00 am for morning prayers before breakfast. The conference then reconvened at 9:00 am. During each day we heard and discussed twelve essays written by several pastors and me. We also took time to meet individually with each group of pastors from different areas of the country. The theme for the conference was "Here I Stand...The Scriptures Can Not Be Broken." The conference came to an end on Friday afternoon with a communion and worship service. I had the privilege of preaching for the worship service. I preached on Galatians 3:15-29 with the theme "We are Heirs of God According to His Promise and Faithfulness." There were 42 men in attendance and one pastor's wife. Nine of those in attendance were NCLC seminary students, and 8 were independent pastors from Bayelsa State who are currently going through the colloquy process. 

Independent Pastors from Bayelsa State

Pastor Conference Lunch Break

NCLC Pastor Conference Closing Hymn

While the schedule was pretty tight while I was here, I was able to slip away during a break to take a quick video of the Immanuel Lutheran Seminary of the NCLC. Because the teachers and students were all attending the conference, the classrooms were all locked. Here's a brief walk-through the seminary campus...

Eight of the Nine Seminary Students and Two of the Three Teachers

A major project the NCLC has been working on for the past few years is to enlarge and improve the main church building and headquarters in Efa. This is the original congregation that was started by Pastor E.E. Essien when he withdrew from the LCN that was affiliated with The Synodical Conference back in the late 1950s. Our CLC missionaries (Dave Koenig, Paul Gurgel, and Matt Gurath) and their families lived across the street and attended worship in the original building that is being replaced. The NCLC is funding this project with no assistance from the CLC.

Again, as He always does, the Lord blessed this visit, and I come away from Nigeria thankful for the opportunity to work alongside faithful men and women to share the truths of God's saving word for the salvation of souls. 

Please keep your Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers as they face many challenges in their work. Satan is always actively prowling in his attempts to tempt God's children away from their Savior through false teachers and the allurements of the false and dangerous prosperity gospel that is so prevalent throughout Africa and the world. There are also financial challenges that bring struggles to so many throughout Nigeria. Over the past couple of years, the inflation rate in Nigeria has been around 25%-30%. The Nigerian currency, the Naira, has dropped to approx. 1500 to $1 USD, reflecting a 230% loss in value over the past twelve months. And yet, in the midst of all these struggles, our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to make the spread of the Gospel their main priority! Praise the Lord for the strength and commitment to press on as they trust in our Savior's love and plans for them, their families, and the Gospel outreach of the NCLC.

Sent to Nigeria - March 2024

Later today (2/27) I will set off for Nigeria. I will fly out of St. Louis and make stops in Chicago, Brussels, Accra, and Lome before arriving in Lagos on Friday evening. I scheduled a long layover in Lome so I could spend a couple of days visiting Missionary Evensen and Pastor Blewu. While there, I am hoping to spend some time with the children who receive support from CLC Kinship. On Friday afternoon, I will take a direct flight to Lagos, where I will spend the weekend with Pastor Mike Essien, Martin and Tina Essien, and the newly established Nigeria-CLC congregation in Badagry. On Monday afternoon Martin and I will make our way back to Lagos for an evening flight from Lagos to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This is where the Nigeria-CLC headquarters and seminary are located and where I will spend the rest of my time before returning to Lagos for my flight back home.

While in Nigeria, I will be privileged to attend, teach, and preach at the NCLC pastoral conference. The theme for the conference is "Here I Stand, The Scriptures Cannot Be Broken." They are expecting thirty-three pastors and nine seminary students to attend. Several of the pastors will be from the new district in Bayelsa State that has been taking shape over the past few years. The NCLC commissioned an NCLC pastor to live in the area a few years ago to instruct the independent pastors and congregations who were interested in joining the NCLC. I've met representatives from this group in the past, but it will be great to finally get to know them face-to-face as we gather around God's saving Word! I am also looking forward to spending some time getting to know and encouraging the NCLC Immanuel Lutheran Seminary students. There are currently nine students enrolled. This is the most they have had in many years. Just a few years ago, they were down to just one student. Praise the Lord for answered prayers!

Your prayers for safe and uneventful travels are requested and much appreciated. Pray also our Savior would grant an abundance of the Spirit's wisdom, guidance, love, humility, and compassion that all may be done according to His will and for His kingdom!

February/March 2024 - CLC Missions Prayer List

Mexico – Pastor Olvera and his family have been plagued by covid and other various illnesses for the past couple of months. They are recovering and slowly getting back to regular work and ministry activities. Thank the Lord for healing and ask for continued strength and recovery for this family. Pray also that the Lord would open doors of opportunity for their planned outreach efforts.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Andrew Schaller, the Board of Doctrine Secretary for the CLC, and Missionary Ohlmann have recently returned from a visit to the Philippines to conduct the face-to-face portion of the doctrinal colloquy. This meeting is the result of more than three years of correspondence, one initial visit in early 2023, and a written doctrinal colloquy via email. Pastor Jordan Palangyos, representing the Lutheran Autonomous Mission of the Philippines (LAMP), sat with Pastor Schaller and Missionary Ohlmann for two full days to review the colloquy questions in depth. This process revealed that there is unity of doctrine between the CLC and LAMP. President Mike Wilke declared fellowship with Pastor Palangyos and the LAMP on February 23^rd. Praise the Lord for these great blessings of unity of faith and teaching and the opportunity to work together in a God-pleasing way to help spread the Good News of Jesus in the Philippines! Pray that the Lord will provide Pastor Jordan with opportunities and everything he needs to continue proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Myanmar (South Asia) – Pastor Kham recently reported that the Myanmar military has continued to indiscriminately bomb portions of the city of Kalaymyo, where the CLC-Myanmar headquarters and orphanage are located. Bombs have destroyed much of the main street that goes through town, less than a kilometer from the CLC-Myanmar (CLCM) church or orphanage. Kham reports that the military is constantly patrolling with machine guns and regularly fires on any gathering of civilians. While we are thankful that there were no injuries to CLCM, three more people were recently killed near the church, and many others have been seriously injured. February 1st marked the third anniversary of the military takeover and, thus, three years of civil war. The people of Myanmar and our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to suffer. 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.

Kenya and Uganda (East Africa) – Missionary Bruce Naumann and CLC Bd of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft recently visited our brothers and sisters in Kenya and Uganda. Unfortunately, Kinship Committee chairman Ted Quade was not able to make the trip due to health issues. While in Kenya they visited and discussed the needs of the two elementary schools that are partially supported by Kinship donations. They also met with the leaders of the Kenya-CLC to discuss the necessary steps for more consistent Bible instruction in the schools. While in Uganda they visited the orphanage that receives support from Kinship to discuss their ongoing needs. Thank the Lord of their safe travels and productive time among our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Tanzania (East Africa) – Missionary Naumann reports that all students are now present for the new semester of classes at the seminary. Pastor Nolting spent a couple of weeks in mid-January serving as a guest/substitute instructor at the seminary while Missionary Naumann was visiting Kenya and Uganda. Pray for God’s continued blessings on these efforts to train and send out faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word in East Africa. You can follow Missionary Naumann’s blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Pakistan  - Pastor Tim Daub continues correspondence and instruction classes with the recently established Lutheran congregation members in Faisalabad. The Board of Missions has authorized Missionary Ohlmann to join Pastor Daub on a visit to further encourage and instruct this congregation. They are tentatively planning a visit for mid-to-late April. With the recent elections in Pakistan, they are waiting for the newly elected leadership to be in place before they make final arrangements. Pray for the Lord's guidance and wisdom as plans take shape. Ask the Lord to continue to bless the preaching and teaching of His saving word among this new congregation of believers.

Nepal (South Asia) – Pastor Raju is undergoing voice therapy to treat lesions or nodes on his vocal cords. He recently reported that his doctor is pleased with the progress, and he has started public speaking again. The start of the Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI) classes was postponed until he was able to regain his voice. Currently, they are reviewing applications for a new cohort of HBI students, which is scheduled to begin in April. Give thanks to the Lord for the healing of Raju's vocal cords, which has allowed him to continue spreading God's word and training faithful workers for His kingdom in Nepal.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Pastor Monotosh continues to seek the Lord's blessings in raising funds for constructing a BLCM headquarters, Bible Institute, dormitory, and worship facility on land purchased last year. Pray for the Lord’s provision of resources needed for this important building project. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on the preaching and teaching of His word.

Liberia (West Africa) – While Pastor Kwiwalazu was disappointed that Missionary Ohlmann and Bd of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft were unable to visit in January as planned due to issues with obtaining the necessary visas, he reports that meetings with a group of independent pastors who have separated from the Methodist church of Liberia went well. He is eager for the visit to be rescheduled and is hopeful that Pastor John Hein’s health improves so that he, too, will be able to visit. Pray for the blessings and provision for the work of spreading the Gospel in Liberia and also for the developing opportunities in Guinea. Ask the Lord to bless the cancer treatments that John Hein is receiving so that he may resume his work in Liberia.

India (South Asia) – The BELC continues to grow with more than 750 pastors serving congregations, teaching on-going monthly pastoral training seminars in twenty-seven districts, and training 25 men at the Martin Luther Bible School. The CLCI is still active in outreach despite the real and constant threat of persecution. The CLCI also continues its work with the orphanage and the seminary, with seventeen men graduating and being ordained as pastors each year. It has been a few years since the CLC has been to visit our brothers and sisters in India. With Missionaries Evensen and Ohlmann no longer able to enter India because their visas were revoked, the Bd of Missions is looking at different options for future CLC visitations. Pray that the Lord continues to bless the efforts of the BELC and CLCI as they boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus. Ask for our Savior’s guidance as the Bd of Missions looks for ways to visit India again.

Missionary Peter Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen continues the work of translating Online Theological Studies courses into French for use in training pastors and church leaders in Togo and other French-speaking African countries. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on this work and pray that the Lord will continue to provide good health and all that is necessary for the spread of the Gospel in Togo.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Bruce Naumann returned to Tanzania in early January for the start of the new semester at Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary. His wife Paula returned to Tanzania in early February. Thank the Lord for providing safe travel for Bruce and Paula. Ask for our Savior’s blessings for these two faithful servants of our Lord. Pray they will be kept safe and healthy as they serve in our Savior’s East Africa harvest fields. Follow their blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Missionary Todd Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann departed for a short visit to Nigeria on February 27^th. He will make a short stop-over in Togo to visit Missionary Evensen and Pastor Blewu. While in Nigeria, he will attend, preach, and present at the Nigeria-CLC pastoral conference in Efa. He will also visit and preach at a newly established NCLC congregation in Badagry. He is tentatively scheduled to visit Pakistan and Zambia in April and May. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and blessings on his travel plans and for wisdom, humility, patience, and boldness as he proclaims God’s word. Continue to pray for his wife Beth as she cares for her elderly father as he longs for his heavenly home. 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.

Sent to The Philippines...February 2024

This will be the second visit to the Philippines to meet with Pastor Jordan Palangyos and the Lutheran Autonomous Mission of the Philippines (L.A.MP.) After extensive correspondence that was first initiated by Pastor Palangyos after he had found the Facebook page of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (CLC), Pastor Rob Sauers (representing the CLC Board of Missions) and I made an initial visit in April. The first two years of correspondence were focused on reviewing and explaining the doctrinal positions of the CLC using select Online Theological Studies courses via email.

As reported in a Lutheran Spokesman article by Pastor Sauers, a recommendation to begin the official colloquy process was approved by the CLC President. Pastor Andrew Schaller (CLC Bd of Doctrine) was appointed to conduct the colloquy via email correspondence. That process has now been completed. Pastor Schaller and I are now traveling to the Philippines to conduct the in-person review of the colloquy materials that Pastor Palangyos and Pastor Schaller have completed. If all goes well, and as a result, we find ourselves in doctrinal agreement with the L.A.M.P., a recommendation for fellowship will be made to President Wilke upon our return. 

We fly out later today (1/29). Our itinerary takes us from St. Louis to Los Angeles to Hong Kong to Manila. We will arrive in Manila mid-morning on Wednesday after nearly 28 hours of travel. From there, we will board a bus in Manila and travel about six hours to the north, where we will meet Pastor Palangyos in Baguio City on Wednesday evening. Thursday and Friday will be spent in doctrinal discussions. Saturday and Sunday will take us into the mountainous Cordillera District to visit the two L.A.M.P. congregations and preaching stations. 

Your prayers for safe and uneventful travels, productive and God-pleasing doctrinal discussions, the Lord's blessings on the preaching and teaching of His saving Word, and His love and protection for our families are requested and much appreciated...confident that the God of our Salvation will hear and answer our prayers!

January 2024 - CLC World Missions Prayer List

Missionary Travels - Our missionaries are traveling to several different countries during January and February to visit our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. On January 7th, Missionary Naumann returned to Tanzania. On January 12th, Missionary Ohlmann and Board of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft are scheduled to depart for a visit to Togo and Liberia. Part-Time Missionary Pastor Paul Nolting will be heading to Tanzania later in January to teach at the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary while Missionary Naumann visits Kenya and Uganda. Joel Kraftt will travel from Liberia to Kenya to Join Missionary Naumann, Pastor Jeremia Issangya, and Kinship Chairman and Christian School Instructor Supervisor Ted Quade in Nairobi on Friday, January 26th. These men will be visiting Moi's Bridge, Kenya; Iganga, Uganda; and Etago, Kenya during a 10-day trip. At the end of January, Missionary Ohlmann and CLC Board of Doctrine member Pastor Andrew Schaller will travel to the Philippines to conduct an in-person colloquy with Pastor Jordan Palangyos of the Lutheran Autonomous Mission of the Philippines. Please pray for safe and uneventful travels for our missionaries and that the Lord will bless their preaching and teaching of His Word to accomplish His will.

India (Southeast Asia) – In early December, Cyclone Michaung hit the eastern coast of India, causing damage and flooding to the churches of the BELC as well as the Martin Luther Bible School (MLBS) pastor training center. The storm affected eleven out of the fourteen districts of the BELC, resulting in 55 churches and the MLBS being damaged and in need of repair. The Board of Missions has approved a Kinship disaster relief grant to assist with building repairs and reconstruction. Pray for the Lord's continued 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 perfect love and plans as they struggle during these trying times. And thank the Lord for the compassionate and generous hearts that provide support through offerings to Kinship.

Myanmar (South Asia) – Pastor Kham recently reported that the Myanmar military had dropped bombs on portions of the city of Kalaymyo. Fortunately, the bombing did not affect the CLC-Myanmar (CLCM) church or orphanage, and there were no injuries to CLCM. However, several private homes, businesses, and church buildings were destroyed or damaged. There were more than twenty people killed and many more injured. February 1 will mark the third anniversary of the military takeover and, thus, three years of civil war.  The people of Myanmar and our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to suffer. 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.

Tanzania (East Africa) – Missionary Naumann has returned to Tanzania for the beginning of the new semester of classes at the seminary. Pastor Nolting will be arriving in mid-January to serve as a guest/substitute instructor a the seminary. Pray for God’s continued blessings on these efforts to train and send out faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word in East Africa.

Pakistan (South Asia) – Pastor Tim Daub continues electronic correspondence and instruction to the members of the recently established Lutheran congregation in Pakistan. The Board of Missions has authorized Missionary Ohlmann to join Pastor Daub on a visit to Pakistan. They are tentatively planning a visit for mid-to-late April. Pray for the Lord's continued blessings on the teaching and learning of His word. Give thanks to our Savior for granting us this opportunity and the technology to spread the truth of His word in such a manner.

Nepal (South Asia) – Pastor Raju has experienced partial voice loss for the past few months due to the presence of lesions or nodes on his vocal cords. He has been resting his voice for the past several weeks. A recent examination shows signs of healing. In the upcoming weeks, he will begin voice therapy to aid the recovery and strengthening of his vocal cords. Consequently, the start of Himalayan Bible Institute classes will be postponed until March or April. Applications for the next HBI session are currently being received and reviewed. Please pray for the Lord's healing of Raju's vocal cords, enabling him to continue the work of proclaiming God's word and training faithful workers for His kingdom in Nepal.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Andrew Schaller, the Board of Doctrine Secretary for the CLC, has finished the correspondence part of the doctrinal colloquy with Pastor Jordan Palangyos and the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP). In early February, Pastor Schaller, accompanied by Missionary Ohlmann, is scheduled to be in the Philippines to conduct the in-person portion of the colloquy. Please ask for the Lord's blessings on the colloquy, that it may result in and reveal a unity of faith and teaching that pleases God. Pray that the Lord will provide Pastor Jordan with opportunities and everything he needs to continue proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

DR Congo (Central Africa) – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains in a state of unrest and violence after the recent presidential election on December 20th. Pastor Yumba has suggested that the plans for Missionary Ohlmann's visit to the DRC in 2024 should be delayed until security has been restored. Pray for peace and harmony among the people of the DRC as they struggle through these issues. Ask that the Lord's will be fulfilled in this election, and pray for the safety, hope, and courage for our fellow brothers and sisters in the CCLC.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Pastor Monotosh continues to seek the Lord's blessings in raising funds for constructing a BLCM headquarters, Bible Institute, dormitory, and worship facility on land purchased last year. Pray for the Lord’s provision of resources needed for this important building project. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on the preaching and teaching of His word.

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 continues the work of translating Online Theological Studies courses into French for use in training pastors and church leaders in Togo and other French-speaking African countries. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on this work and pray that the Lord will continue to provide good health and all that is necessary for the spread of the Gospel in Togo.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Bruce Naumann has arrived in Tanzania to begin the new semester at Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary. He is set to participate in the CLC visitation team's trip to Kenya and Uganda in late January. His wife Paula will join him in Tanzania in early February. Pray for their safe travels, as well as for the returning students. Ask for our Savior’s blessings on the pastors and people of the TZ-CLC as they spread the Gospel of Christ crucified. Follow their blog at clc-tz.blogspot.com.

Missionary Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann has upcoming travel plans to Togo, Liberia, The Philippines, Nigeria, Zambia, and Pakistan in the following months. He is also scheduled to serve as the Pastor for the Southeastern CLC Women's Retreat in Charlotte, NC, in mid-February. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and blessings on his travel plans and for wisdom, humility, patience, and boldness as he proclaims God’s word. Continue to pray for his wife Beth as she cares for her elderly father as he longs for his heavenly home. 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.