Sent to Nepal and India...

It's been a whirlwind of activity since returning home from Zambia a few weeks ago. I was privileged to host and "chauffeur" Pastor Raju, from the Himalayan Church of the Lutheran Confessions (HCLCN), during his self-funded visit to the U.S. We logged nearly 4,000 miles, drove through twelve states, and visited several CLC congregations, schools, and our ILC high school, college, and seminary, where he preached and gave presentations about Nepal and the Gospel ministry of the HCLCN. Thank you, Lord, for safe travels and abundant blessings on the visit. 

Tomorrow (9/30), Pastor Raju and I will fly out from St. Louis on our way to Kathmandu with an extended layover in Istanbul. Pastor Raju is eager to return home to his family and the ministry. 

While in Nepal, I will be blessed to attend the graduation service for the fourteen students of the Himalayan Bible Institute (HBI) who have successfully completed their course of study.  Some will return to the congregations they serve as pastor, and others will return as well-trained church leaders, evangelists, and elders. I will also have the privilege and opportunity to conduct a training seminar for pastors and several leaders of the HCLCN. I am also looking forward to visiting some new areas of Nepal during this visit.

Following the visit to Nepal, Lord willing, I will fly to Chennai, India. If all goes according to plan, I will meet up with CLC Board of Missions chairman, Joel Krafft, at the airport in Chennai on October 20th. We will attend the BELC-CLCI joint pastoral conference and spend a few days visiting the BELC Bible Institute and congregations in the area. Since my Indian visa was revoked five years ago, I have not been able to visit my brothers and sisters in Christ in the CLCI and BELC. I am very excited to see many of them again and to work together in the fields so ripe for harvest. 

Pray for the Lord's blessings on all our travels and the immigration process, especially in India. Ask the Lord to bless the preaching, teaching, and learning of the truths of His powerful and saving word.