Promises Kept in Bangladesh - JAN 2025

For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10–11 NKJV

God promises that His Word will not return to Him without accomplishing that for which He sent it. About twenty-six years ago, God kept that promise as He sent His Word to northern Bangladesh through an evangelist from Dhaka. One man* and his wife heard the Gospel and were led by the Holy Spirit to repent of their sins and to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! He kept His promise!

Besides their two daughters, who were raised in the Christian faith, this man and his wife knew of no other Christians in their village or the surrounding village until about nine years ago when they met Pastor M., of the Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM) who lives about 350 miles south. Pastor M. was doing evangelism work in this area at the recommendation of a friend. The Lord brought Pastor M. and this family together. The man and his wife were thrilled to be found by another Christian. Pastor M. began to make regular visits to the area to study the word of God with the family. This strengthened, fed, and emboldened their faith and led them to spearhead BLCM evangelism efforts in the area.

Over the next few years, most in the area rejected God's word and His offer of salvation. But the promise of our Savior to bless the preaching and teaching of the Gospel kept Pastor M. and the farmer-turned-evangelist persistent in their efforts to carry out our Savior's great commission. As Pastor M. was evangelizing area villages, he came across another family about three miles away. The other family had heard and believed the Gospel from the same unknown evangelist from Dhaka many years ago. These two families live among roughly 17,000 people in the area but did not know about each other until they were introduced by Pastor M. about seven years ago. These two families are now very close, and the BLCM evangelist's oldest daughter has married the son of the other Christian family, and God has blessed them with a child. Blessings upon blessings!

The man, now a church deacon, is a farmer and businessman and oversees the one BLCM congregation and three preaching stations in northern Bangladesh. He is also one of the six men training with Pastor M. to become ordained pastors. With Pastor M. making three or four visits annually, the BLCM currently serves about forty people in nine families and is reaching out to several Hindu and Muslim families interested in learning more about Jesus. But praise the Lord that this number recently increased rather dramatically, at least by our standards, as God continues to keep His promises!

Pastor M. and I visited this area for a few days in January 2025. We visited the BLCM congregation, the preaching station at the second family's home, a second preaching station, along with the homes of three Hindu families and one Muslim family who have been receptive to hearing and learning the truths of God's saving word for the past few months. During the three-day visit to this northern BLCM district, the Lord made His faithfulness quite evident as nineteen adults, youth, children, and infants were baptized into Christ. We also had the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to nearly two hundred and fifty individuals, most of whom are practicing Hindus and Muslims but continue to eagerly hear and learn about their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Witnessing the Spirit at work in the hearts and lives of so many in such a dramatic way is humbling, knowing that I am unworthy of such a privilege. But I am also thankful to the Lord, standing in awe of God's love and faithfulness as I am reminded that I shouldn't be surprised to witness the Lord at work in the hearts and lives of His Children. Our loving God has told us of His loving desire for all to be saved and to come to know the truth. And He has revealed that the Gospel, of which we are not ashamed, is His power for salvation. With these truths, along with His promise that His word will accomplish His purpose, we are left only to praise that thank His holy name! God is faithful; He keeps His promises!

*Due to the increasing potential for persecution against Christians in Bangladesh, names of individuals and specific locations have been withheld. Since the student protests and riots in the fall of 2024 and the subsequent overthrow of the government, Islamic fundamentalists have taken advantage of the leadership void, leading to heightened persecution of minority Hindus and Christians. Many people had hoped that the interim government would implement reforms and protections for marginalized minority groups in a nation that is 95% Muslim. However, many Christians are concerned that the opposite is occurring, as news of the Taliban influencing the formation of a new government. Elections have been delayed and postponed as the interim government attempts to implement reforms.

BLCM Congregation in Northern Bangladesh

BLCM Preaching Station in Northern Bangladesh

Sharing the Gospel at a BLCM Preaching Station in Northern Bangladesh

Sharing the Gospel at a BLCM Preaching Station in Northern Bangladesh

Baptizing at a BLCM Congregation in Northern Bangladesh

Sharing the Gospel at a BLCM Preaching Station in Northern Bangladesh

Sent to Bangladesh and The Philippines - Jan/Feb 2025

Tomorrow afternoon, I will leave on a literal "round-the-world" trip. I will start by flying east from St. Louis to Chicago, then continue on to Istanbul for an 11hr layover, before arriving at my first destination in Dhaka, Bangladesh. From Dhaka, I will take a one-hour flight on a local airline to Saidpur, where I will be met by Pastor Monotosh and the church leaders of the Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM). 

During the two weeks I will spend in Bangladesh, I will visit several congregations and preaching stations. I will also have the privilege of teaching on the Doctrine of Election and the Grace of God at a four-day pastoral training seminar in Gopalganj. Following the pastoral conference, I will return to Dhaka. The next day I will fly to Manila in the Philippines, with a layover in Bangkok, Thailand. 

While in the Philippines, I will spend about ten days working with Pastor Palangyos and members of the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP)visiting and reaching out to abandoned Lutheran congregations in mountain villages north of Manila and a few hours north of Baguio City, where Pastor Palangyos and his family live.

Once my time in the Philippines comes to an end, I will fly from Manila to San Francisco and then return from the West to my home in the St. Louis area, completing a trip around the world. In all my travels over the past 25+ years, this trip will mark my first time circumnavigating the globe.

Your prayers for safe and uneventful travels are requested and much appreciated. Please pray for the work of the BLCM and the LAMP and all the plans they have made to preach and teach the truths of God's saving word while I have the privilege of helping. 

Rather than rewrite what I just shared a few days ago, here's a couple of paragraphs from the January 2025 CLC World Missions Prayer List...

Bangladesh (South Asia) – The CLC will sponsor a four-day pastoral training seminar in Gopalganj for the pastors and leaders of the  Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM) in mid-January. Missionary Ohlmann and Pastor Monotosh will lead the studies. More than fifty pastors and church leaders are expected to attend. 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 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 BLCM as a Bible Institute for training faithful church workers, a place for worship, and housing for teachers and students. In mid-January, Missionary Ohlmann will spend two weeks in Bangladesh teaching at the seminar and visiting several congregations and preaching stations of the BLCM for outreach. Ask the Lord to bless the pastoral training seminar and Gospel outreach.  Continue to pray for the building project and that the Lord would move the hearts of His people to give generously for this important work.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Palangyos had several new opportunities to preach the Good News as part of the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP) December outreach program. The Christmas outreach was conducted both in rural and urban areas. Missionary Ohlmann will spend ten days in the Philippines working with Pastor Palangyos and the LAMP in late January and early February. Plans include visiting an independent Lutheran congregation with no pastor in a mountain village. Ask the Lord to strengthen the faith of His children of the LAMP and to fill them with zeal to spread the Gospel. And ask for our Savior to bless the outreach efforts of the LAMP so that many more may join us in repenting of our sins and rejoicing in our forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

January 2025 - CLC World Missions Prayer List

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

Myanmar (South Asia) – On December 28th, the military forcibly entered the CLC-Myanmar orphanage home, where the Kinship orphans live with Pastor Kham and his wife. They took one of the orphans, a fifteen-year-old boy, to be conscripted into the army. That day, more than 100 young boys were taken from the region. The military agreed to release any boy whose family could pay a hefty bribe. Money was quickly borrowed to pay the bribe, and the orphan was released before he could be sent away to an unknown location, potentially never to be seen again. The CLC Board of Missions has approved a grant from Kinship to repay the loan, helping to alleviate further hardships for Pastor Kham and his family. The harsh military rule and civil war have been ongoing for nearly four years since the military coup in February 2021. Our brothers and sisters of the CLC-M have suffered greatly and live in constant fear as much of the fiercest war has been fought in the region where they are located. Thank the Lord for the safe return of the boy and for providing the resources to assist our brothers and sisters during these difficult times. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers, asking for peace, justice, good government, and relief for all who are affected by this conflict.

Bangladesh (South Asia) – The CLC will sponsor a four-day pastoral training seminar in Gopalganj for the pastors and leaders of the  Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission (BLCM) in mid-January. Missionary Ohlmann and Pastor Monotosh will lead the studies. More than fifty pastors and church leaders are expected to attend. 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 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 BLCM as a Bible Institute for training faithful church workers, a place for worship, and housing for teachers and students. In mid-January, Missionary Ohlmann will spend two weeks in Bangladesh teaching at the seminar and visiting several congregations and preaching stations of the BLCM for outreach. Ask the Lord to bless the pastoral training seminar and Gospel outreach.  Continue to pray for the building project and that the Lord would move the hearts of His people to give generously for this important work.

The Philippines (Southeast Asia) – Pastor Palangyos had several new opportunities to preach the Good News as part of the Lutheran Autonomous Mission in the Philippines (LAMP) December outreach program. The Christmas outreach was conducted both in rural and urban areas. Missionary Ohlmann will spend ten days in the Philippines working with Pastor Palangyos and the LAMP in late January and early February. Plans include visiting an independent Lutheran congregation with no pastor in a mountain village. Ask the Lord to strengthen the faith of His children of the LAMP and to fill them with zeal to spread the Gospel. And ask for our Savior to bless the outreach efforts of the LAMP so that many more may join us in repenting of our sins and rejoicing in our forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

India (South Asia) – Southern India, where the CLCI and BELC are located, has recently experienced historically heavy rainfall in late December, leading to significant flooding and damage to church buildings and homes of many members. The CLC has faced difficulties in sending funds to India due to restrictions imposed by the pro-Hindu/anti-Christian government on charitable contributions from abroad. No funds can be sent until a solution is found. Pray that the Lord will protect, support, and strengthen the faith of His children in India during the challenges brought about by the recent floods, and ask Him to provide a way for the CLC to continue supporting the ongoing training of faithful pastors and church leaders.

Tanzania (East Africa) –  Four students, Elinaja, Jasper, Raphael, and Marko, graduated from the seminary at the end of November. Four students will return to the seminary when the new school year begins on January 20th. The seminary also expects an additional 3 or 4 new students. A pastoral conference is scheduled for Jan. 13-15 in Arusha. Missionary Naumann and Paula are scheduled to return to Tanzania on January 9^th. 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. And ask the Lord to bless the upcoming pastoral conference.  

Nepal (South Asia) – Missionary Ohlmann visited Nepal in December. While in Nepal, he taught the fifteen Kinship supported students enrolled in the Himalayan Lutheran Bible Institute (HLBI). He and Raju also led studies at a regional pastoral conference organized by the HCLCN, with more than fifty pastors, students, and church leaders in attendance. Thank the Lord for blessing the visit and granting safe travels for Missionary Ohlmann to and from the mission field and for those who traveled many kilometers to attend the pastoral training. Thank the Lord for the fifteen men who have dedicated their time and lives to training for the Gospel ministry. Ask for the Lord's continued blessings of the Gospel outreach and ongoing ministry of the HCLC in Nepal.

Pakistan (South Asia) – Pastor G. and the believers in Faisalabad continue to participate in weekly online video classes with Pastor Daub and conduct weekly worship services on the roof of Pastor G’s home. The congregation has grown and they need a larger space to meet. Praise and thank the Lord for the growth of this faithful and confessional Lutheran congregation. Ask the Lord to continue to bless these believers in Faisalabad as they grow in their faith and understanding of God’s saving word.

Liberia (West Africa) – CLC Board of Missions Chairman Joel Krafft and Missionary Ohlmann had the privilege of visiting Liberia in mid-November. While their travels were delayed due to airline issues, delays, and missed connections, and they arrived a few days late, they were able to accomplish most of the goals for their visit. They attended and presented God’s word at a four-day pastoral conference and had 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. Thank the Lord for safe travels and a productive visit to Liberia. Pray for God's blessings and provision for spreading the Gospel in Liberia and the developing opportunities among the independent pastors in Liberia and neighboring 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.

Nigeria (West Africa) – The NCLC has recently met its fundraising goal for a building project they have been planning for more than twenty-five years. Their plans have received approval from the local government, and they began brick-making and foundation work in late October. They hope to complete 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 study room, a library/computer room, and an office for faculty. 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!

Kenya (East Africa) – The CLC Kinship-supported schools will soon begin a new school year. Pastor Jasper, who recently graduated from Wittenberg Seminary in Tanzania, will begin daily devotions, Bible study, and Catechism instruction with the students at the school in Moi’s Bridge. The Kenya-CLC is currently facing leadership and organizational challenges at St. David’s Kinship School in Etago. Please pray that the Lord grants the necessary wisdom, love, patience, diligence, and clear direction as we seek His blessings for the upcoming meetings, correspondence, and crucial decisions that the leaders of the KCLC, CLC Kinship Committee, and CLC Board of Missions need to make.

Uganda (East Africa) – Missionary Naumann and Pastor Andrew Schaller (representing the CLC Board of Doctrine), will visit Uganda in mid-February to conduct the face-to-face colloquy with the leaders of the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU). During their time in Uganda, they will also provide pastoral training at a conference held by the Confessional Church of the Reformation in Uganda (CCRU), with which the CLC is already in fellowship. Please pray for safe and smooth travels for Pastor Schaller and Missionary Naumann. Ask the Lord to bless the colloquy that it will reveal a unity of faith and teaching so that we may work together in a God-pleasing way. Pray also for God’s blessings on the CCRU conference.

Missionary Peter Evensen (Togo, West Africa) – Missionary Evensen returned to Togo after several months in the U.S. following necessary knee surgery and other medical problems. He has resumed his missionary duties at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Seminary and in the local congregation in Lomé. Thank the Lord for His protection and healing during Missionary Evensen’s health issues, and pray that the Lord will bless the doctors and the care he is currently receiving for inflammation in his left eye. Pray also for the evangelism work that the three students are doing as they finish their final months of study so that they may be able to establish congregations and preaching stations to serve.

Missionary Bruce Naumann (Tanzania-East Africa) – Missionary Naumann and Paula were blessed and thankful to spend a few weeks in December and early January visiting family on furlough in the U.S. They returned to Tanzania on January 9^th. Following a TZCLC Pastoral Conference, classes at the seminary will begin on January 20^th. In mid-February, Missionary Naumann and Paula will travel to Uganda. Pastor Andrew Schaller will meet them there to conduct a colloquy with the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda. You can follow Missionary Naumann’s blog at https://clc-tz.blogspot.com/. Praise the Lord for all that Missionary Naumann is accomplishing, thank the Lord for the faithful support of His servant Paula, and ask our Savior to grant wisdom, patience, love, and all that is necessary to continue our Savior’s work in East Africa.

Missionary Todd Ohlmann – Missionary Ohlmann will depart on January 14th for a one-month visit with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Bangladesh and the Philippines. He also plans visits to Nigeria, DR Congo, and Zambia in the coming months. 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 sends it.