Liberia Visit - November 2024

CLC Board of Missions chairman Joel Krafft and I were supposed to be in Liberia for about ten days. It didn't quite work out that way. Joel departed from Denver, and I from St. Louis. We met in Chicago with just enough time to get on the flight to Brussels. The itinerary had us routing through Brussels with a three-hour layover...plenty of time to get from our arrival gate to the departure gate with time to spare. Unfortunately, as we were taxied out to the runway for take-off in Chicago, the pilot announced that there was a medical emergency on the flight. After sitting on the tarmac for some time, the pilot announced that we would need to return to the terminal for paramedics to assist with the situation. By the time we finally departed, it was evident that we would arrive too late to make our connecting flight from Brussels to Monrovia. Brussels airline rebooked us on the quickest route to Monrovia, which entailed almost 36 hours in Brussels. We were given hotel and meal vouchers and told to return to the airport early enough the next day to retrieve our luggage to be rechecked for our new flights. We were booked on Ethiopian and Asky Airlines with a new route that would take us from Brussels to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Accra, Ghana, to Monrovia, Liberia. More than 30 hours of travel instead of a 7-hour direct flight from Brussels to Monrovia. We made the most of it by having a couple good meals, a good night of sleep, a couple of Uber rides, and a few hours of sightseeing in downtown Brussels. When we arrived early at the airport the next day, Joel reclaimed his suitcase and checked it for our final destination. My suitcase was nowhere to be found. They couldn't tell me if it was still in Chicago, somewhere at the Brussels airport, or on its way to Monrovia. There was no computer trace of my luggage. I was told to look for it upon arrival in Monrovia and file a missing luggage report if it was not there. Well, it wasn't there when we arrived. A report was filed, and I was allowed to look through the luggage storage room to see if I could find it, but it wasn't there. 

Once we finished with all the futile searching, we frustratedly exited the airport to find Pastor Joseph Kwiwalazu patiently waiting for us. Because we were a few days behind on the proposed schedule, Joseph had thought we would be able to make the 3.5-hour drive to Gbarnga that night, but by the time we got through immigration and customs and fiddled around trying to find my luggage, it was too late. And Joel and I were exhausted. We checked into a hotel for a short night of sleep. Upon the advice of airport staff, we made a trip to the Brussels Airlines office to file another report on my missing luggage. By 1:00 pm, we were finally ready to head to Gbarnga. 

The next week was a flurry of activity. It was great to finally see the places, meet the people, and get to know the many pastors and church leaders we've read so much about from Pastor Hein's reports to the Board of Missions over the past few years. 

Our first stop was a visit to Global Village and the leaders of the Lutheran Mission in Liberia (LML), who have been studying with Pastor Hein and Kwiwalazu for the past few years. The story of how the Liberia-CLC came to know of this group is an interesting one that involves war refugees that returned to Liberia after several years living in camps in Guinea, a broken down vehicle on a trip back to Monrovia to catch an evening flight, a Lutheran Missionary from Australia, and an LML pastor in training. If you want to know all the details, ask Pastor Hein to retell the story. In short, the LML is an independent group of Lutheran pastors, congregations, and the Immanuel Lutheran elementary school that have sprung out of an effort to resettle war refugees who escaped to neighboring Guinea during the first and second Liberian civil wars that ravaged the country for nearly fifteen years from 1989-1997 and 1999-2004. Most of the individuals we talked to fled from Liberia with their families when they were children and were raised in refugee camps. In 2010, a group of young refugees decided to return home. With the assistance of several non-profit humanitarian organizations, they purchased land to build a village and begin farming. The village's name is Global Village, and for the past fourteen years, it has grown into a home for approx. 600 residents. 

After our visit to Global Village, we took a brief trip north to Lofa State, which borders Guinea. This is also the state where Pastor Joseph grew up. Since we were short on time, we only took a few pictures at the border before heading back to Gbarnga to prepare for the first Liberia-CLC (LCLC) pastoral conference and to greet the arriving pastors.

The LCLC conference began each day at 8:00 AM with an opening devotion led by one of the three LCLC pastors. We tried to wrap things up by 5:00 PM but had to go late on the last two days to get everything finished. I had the privilege of presenting an overview of the CLC's mission program. I also led studies on "How Confessional Lutheran and Methodist Doctrine Differs" and "The Doctrine of Election by Grace." Board of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft also delivered an excellent essay titled "Close Communion: Who We Commune, Who We Don't, and Why."

We heard various essays covering topics such as "The Unit Concept of Fellowship," "A Brief Overview of Lutheran History in Liberia," "The Divine Authority of Scripture," "Biblical Marriage," and "The Blessings of the Lutheran Catechism." A substantial amount of time was devoted to reviewing and discussing the proposed LCLC constitution. Overall, it was a fantastic three days filled with studying and discussing God's Word. We supported one another in ministry and deepened our understanding of the truths revealed to us in the Scriptures. And we received a chicken as a thank-you for attending and representing the CLC at the conference.

One of the highlights of the conference was having Pastor John Hein join us via an online video chat. I used a small, portable, battery-operated projector, along with a local SIM card for my phone and an internet hotspot, which allowed Pastor Hein to address the conference and exchange greetings with most of the attendees. It was truly a joy and a blessing for everyone!

On Saturday, we returned to Monrovia after a brief visit to Kpatawee Falls, where we took some time to relax and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. It was a refreshing break that allowed us to reflect on the events of the past few days and discuss the future plans of the LCLC.

On Sunday, we attended Bible study and worship service at Grace Evangelistic Lutheran Church in Monrovia, where Pastor Joseph serves. I had the opportunity to preach the sermon. At the end of the service, Joel and I each received a hand-sewn traditional Liberian shirt. After the service, we spent some time visiting with several members of the congregation before heading back to our hotel for an afternoon of rest.

On Monday, we spent the morning retrieving my long-lost luggage from the Brussels Airlines office in downtown Monrovia. After wearing the same pair of pants and alternating between two shirts for the past ten days, it felt great to finally have some clean clothes to wear, even if it was only for my last day in Liberia. After picking up my luggage, Joseph gave us a tour of Monrovia that concluded at the beach, where we enjoyed beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean along with some great conversation.

On Tuesday, we began our long journey home. Joel and I flew together from Monrovia to Brussels, where we took separate flights back to our respective homes. Joel routed through London to get to Denver, while I went through Chicago. Fortunately, we both arrived back home just a few minutes apart, and our trip home was uneventful.

All in all, the trip was blessed in many ways. Both Joel and I came away from our visit to Liberia with a better understanding of the work being done by our brothers and sisters in Christ of the LCLC and an appreciation for their love of Christ and dedication to spreading the truth of His saving word!  

Our Lodging at Gbarnga

Meeting with the Pastors and Leaders at Global Village

Going to see Immanuel Lutheran School at Global Village

Immanuel Lutheran School at Global Village

Students at Immanuel Lutheran School at Global Village

The Border Between Bong and Lofa Counties

Welcome to Lofa County...home of Pastor Kwiwalazu

Liberia-CLC Pastoral Conference

Pastor Samuel Cheneken Delivering the Opening Devotion

We moved the conference outside in the afternoons to escape the heat

Pastor Wilson Vai Presents and Overview of Lutheranism in Liberia

Pastor John Hein Addresses the Conference via Online Video Chat

Liberia-CLC Pastoral Conference Presents a Gift to Joel and Me. The Chicken was given to me and then to Pastor Joseph and then to Joel

The Gift!

Attendees at Liberia-CLC Pastoral Conference

Huge Tree at Kpatawee Falls

Beautiful Flower at the Falls

Selfie at Kpatawee Falls

Grace Evangelistic Lutheran Church (LCLC) in Monrovia

Worship at Grace Evangelistic Lutheran Church (LCLC) in Monrovia

Worship Attendees at Grace Evangelistic Lutheran Church (LCLC) in Monrovia

Joel receives a handmade Liberian Shirt from Grace Evangelistic Lutheran Church (LCLC) in Monrovia

 

Sent to Liberia - November 2024

Board of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft and I will meet in Chicago later today (November 14) to catch an evening flight to Brussels. From there, we will travel to Monrovia, Liberia, for a short visit with Pastor Joseph Kwiwalazu and our brothers and sisters in Christ from the Liberia Church of the Lutheran Confession (LCLC). 

Originally, we had planned to make this visit in January, but our visas were not issued in time due to unknown problems at the Liberian Embassy in Washington, DC that had something to do with the transition to the newly elected Liberian president and staffing at the embassy. Our visas were eventually issued but they expire in early 2025, so we decided to squeeze in a visit before the end of the year. 

We had all hoped and prayed that Pastor John Hein would be able to join us on this trip, but his cancer treatments and current health situation are preventing him from traveling internationally. We continue to pray for the Lord's healing so that he can return to his close friends and assist in spreading the Gospel in Liberia!

This will be Joel and my first visit to Liberia. After hearing about the opportunities and the wonderful people at the LCLC, we are very much looking forward to getting to know the many pastors and church workers we have only read about in reports. I had the privilege of meeting Pastors Joseph and Samuel at the West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference in Lomé, Togo a couple of years ago. I look forward to seeing them again and working with them among the sheep of our Savior's LCLC flock.

Pastor Joseph has a busy schedule planned for our brief ten-day visit. We will spend much of our time traveling between locations to attend a four-day pastoral conference and to meet with the leaders of a group of independent pastors who have recently withdrawn from the United Methodist Church of Liberia. They have formed an independent church body and have met with Pastor Hein and Pastor Kwiwalazu several times.

Your prayers for safe and uneventful travels are requested and much appreciated.  

November 2024 CLC Missions Prayer List

Pakistan (South Asia) – Pastor Tim Daub and Missionary Ohlmann were unable to visit Pakistan due to a medical emergency that occurred during their flight from the U.S. Their visit will be rescheduled according to God's will. In the meantime, Pastor G. and the believers in Faisalabad continue to participate in weekly online video classes with Pastor Daub. Praise and thank the Lord for His protection and healing for Pastor Daub and the excellent care he received at the hospital in Dubai. Ask the Lord to continue to bless the believers in Faisalabad as the grow in their faith and understanding of God’s saving word.

Liberia (West Africa) – CLC Board of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft and Missionary Ohlmann are set to visit Liberia in mid-November. They will depart on November 14th and attend a four-day pastoral conference during their trip. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to meet with several independent pastors who have been working with Pastor Joseph Kwiwalazu and Pastor John Hein over the past couple of years. Pray for God's blessings and provision for the work of spreading the Gospel in Liberia and for the developing opportunities among the independent pastors and in Guinea. Pray for the Lord's blessings on visitation preparations. Ask the Lord to bless the cancer treatments that John Hein is receiving so he can resume his work in Liberia.

Tanzania (East Africa) –  Four students—Elinaja, Jasper, Raphael, and Marko—are set to graduate at the end of November. Additionally, four students will return to the seminary in January to continue their studies. Missionary Naumann reports that the seminary is expecting 5 to 7 new students in January. Thank the Lord for safe travels and productive visits. Praise God 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. 

Nepal (South Asia) – Missionary Ohlmann is set to visit Nepal in December. During his time there, he will teach fifteen students at the Himalayan Lutheran Bible Institute (HLBI). Following the week of classes at the HLBI, he will also attend and teach at a regional pastoral conference organized by the HCLCN. Ask our Savior to grant safe travels for the pastors and leaders who will attend classes and the pastoral conference. Praise the Lord for the fifteen men who have dedicated their time and lives to training for the Gospel ministry. Ask for the Lord's blessings on the upcoming visit and for all the preparations that need to take place.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – Pastor Monotosh reports that the new interim government is making positive progress, and citizens are feeling hopeful about the future as peace continues to be maintained. The plans for the BLCM building project have received government approval, and the necessary permits are ready to be issued. The contractor is prepared to begin construction as early as January or as soon as funding becomes available. The Board of Missions has approved an MDF grant to support the construction of this multipurpose building, which will serve the Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM). This facility will function as a Bible Institute for training faithful church workers, a place for worship, and housing for teachers and students. Thank the Lord for His protection of His children during the recent violence and change in government. Ask the Lord to bless this nation with good government so they can live in peace and continue to spread the Good News of Jesus. Pray also for the building project and that the Lord would move the hearts of His people to give generously for this important work.

Nigeria (West Africa) – The NCLC has been planning the construction of a multipurpose building for the seminary for over twenty-five years. They have recently met their fundraising goal for the project and received approval for the building plans from the local government. Brick making and foundation work began in late-October, with hopes of completing the project by March. The CLC Board of Missions has approved an MDF grant to help with construction costs. The building will include two large classrooms, a library/computer room, and an office for faculty. For the past several years, they have been using two small dormitory rooms as classrooms. With an increase in enrollment and expectations for even larger enrollment next year, this new building is essential.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!

Myanmar (South Asia) – It has been nearly four years since the military overthrew Myanmar's democratically elected government, plunging the nation into a devastating civil war. Countless individuals continue to suffer, including farmers who are unable to grow crops, resulting in food shortages and high prices for basic necessities. Many members of the CLCM (Christian Laymen's Church of Myanmar) have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety for their families. With love and concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ, the CLC Board of Missions approved Kinship funding for one year. This funding provides essential humanitarian aid, ensuring access to necessities 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.

Togo (West Africa) – Due to Missionary Evensen's absence for knee surgery and rehab in the U.S., classes at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Seminary have continued using the curriculum by Prof. David Lau and translated by Missionary Evensen. Three students are set to graduate in March and will work to establish preaching stations and congregations before completing their training.  Pray that our Savior will continue to bless the students as they finish their studies over the next several months. Ask the Lord to guide them as they work to establish new preaching stations where they will proclaim the Good News of sins forgiven in Jesus' saving name! Thank the Lord for allowing Missionary Evensen’s health to improve so he was able to return to Togo.

Kenya (East Africa) – After Missionary Naumann’s visit in October, the Kenya-CLC is making progress in organizing itself to better serve the congregations and share the Good News of Jesus with others. Pray for the pastors and leaders of the KCLC as they work on church registration issues and continue to serve the Lord.

Uganda (East Africa) – There is a dispute regarding the ownership of the land on which the orphanage is situated. Pastor Daniel Mugeni is hopeful that the matter will be resolved in a God-pleasing way, allowing them to remain on the property. Missionary Naumann, along with Pastor Andrew Schaller of the CLC Board of Doctrine, continue toconduct a doctrinal colloquy via correspondence with the leaders of the Confessional Lutheran Synod in Uganda (CLSU). Ask the Lord to bless the legal proceedings to protect the ownership of the orphanage. Thank the Lord for opportunity to review the precious truths of His word with the CLSU and to bless this effort to declare fellowship and work together to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Palangyos continues outreach efforts targeting the large youth population in Baguio City, where he and his family reside. Outreach activities also continue in the two rural congregations that he serves in the mountains surrounding the city. Recently, Jehovah's Witness missionaries have been trying to persuade some members to abandon the truths of God’s saving word. 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. Ask the Lord to strengthen the faith of His children of the LAMP to resist the temptations of devil.

India (South Asia) – The CLCI and BELC continue to spread the Gospel and train dedicated preachers and teachers of God’s saving Word. Currently, the CLCI has fifty-one students enrolled in its seminary, while the BELC has twenty-five students enrolled in its Bible Institute. Additionally, there are monthly pastoral training seminars held in twenty-seven districts of the BELC, benefiting over 800 pastors. Thank the Lord for the privilege of assisting the work of spreading the Good News of Jesus in this predominantly Hindu nation. As our Savior to provide all that is necessary to continue this important work.

Missionary Peter Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen returned to Togo on Tuesday, November 12. He will continue rehabilitation from knee surgery in Togo while resuming his missionary duties at the seminary and in the local congregation in Lomé. Thank the Lord for His protection and healing during Missionary Evensen’s health issues and pray for continued health and recovery as he returns to his work in Togo.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Naumann and Paula will spend a few weeks in December in the U.S. to visit family. They plan to return to Tanzania in time for the beginning of the new semester at the seminary in early January. You can follow Missionary Naumann’s blog at: https://clc-tz.blogspot.com/ Praise the Lord for all that is being accomplished by Missionary Naumann, and ask our Savior to grant safe and uneventful travels for both Bruce and Paula.

Missionary Todd Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann and Board of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft left for a two-week visit to Liberia on November 14th. Afterward, Ohlmann will spend three weeks in Nepal, teaching at the Himalayan Bible Institute, attending a pastoral conference, and visiting HCLCN congregations. He is also assisting with the pastoral vacancy at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Louis. Ask the Lord to bless and provide for all the necessary preparations 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. 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