Sent...: Sent to Zambia

First Official Zambia-CLC Pastor Conference

It's Friday, May 22nd as I sit here in the Lusaka, Zambia airport waiting the first of several flights that will take me home after being away for six weeks that included visits to Nigeria and the DR Congo (DRC). If you haven't heard, the visit to the DRC is going to cause a little havoc in my return trip. Just yesterday, the U.S. Department sent the following notice:

Event: As of May 21, 2026, all U.S.-bound American citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for enhanced screening.

Since my departure from the DRC was just 10 days ago, I fall into the category of traveler who "must only enter through Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for enhanced screening." Lucky me! I was scheduled to fly from Lusaka to Johannesburg, South Africa to Atlanta to home...arriving Saturday afternoon. I'm guessing I might arrive a little later, like a couple of days later. When I checked in for my flight here in Lusaka, I was told that my booking to Atlanta has been suspended and they are only responsible for my flight from Lusaka to Johannesburg and I would need to contact the Delta help desk upon arrival. Delta now has me listed (but not confirmed or ticketed) on flights through Nairobi and Amsterdam arriving at Washington, Dulles on Sunday morning. I won't know my actual flight schedule until they get something worked out in Johannesburg. All I know for sure is that I will be routing through Washington, Dulles airport instead of Atlanta. It's kinda funny, I don't really get too worried or nervous about these kinds of things anymore. I've witnessed Our Savior take care of much bigger issues than this, like my sin on the cross!! I trust He will just work all of this out according to His good and gracious plans! Romans 8:28, 31-32

Anyway, on to the topic at hand, my recent visit to Zambia...

I arrived in Zambia on May 11th after spending two weeks in the DRC with Missionary Evensen. This was an important visit as the Zambia-CLC (ZCLC) planned to take the next step in the organizational process and in a long partnership with the CLC that began nearly 16 years ago. It was a joyful and encouraging time filled with progress, fellowship, and clear evidence of God’s blessing on the work.

Upon arrival in Lusaka, I was immediately informed that plans had changed. Instead of hopping on a bus the next day to spend a couple of days visiting preaching stations with Pastor Ibrahim, I was informed that Pastors Mwansa and Mutale, along with Evangelist Reagan were in Lusaka to make the final push to secure official church registration for the Zambia-CLC. They, and Missionary Ibrahim had arrived earlier in the days and were planning to visit the office of the Zambia Registrar of Societies and not leave until they had the registration certificate in hand. They didn't want me to go with them to avoid any thoughts of asking for additional fees if the clerk or registrar got the idea that there was an American organization with deep pockets available. But they did want me to stay in Lusaka in case the registrar needed me to verify the letter of partnership that the CLC had provided a few years ago in the process. So, for the next few days, these men dutifully went to the office at 9:00 and waited, and filled out more paperwork, and testified in court that their affidavit stating their leadership of the ZCLC was true and accurate, and stayed until the close of business. By Thursday afternoon, they were told that everything was complete and approved and they could pick up the official certificate on Monday. That little piece of news was great to hear, not only because it seemed that all their work and frustration was finally going to pay off, but also because it freed them up to attend the ZCLC pastor conference and Bible training!

On Monday, May 18, their persistence paid off—the registration certificate was finally issued and signed! The excitement among the men was obvious. I was told that there were prayers of thanksgiving said right in the registrar's office along with a few tears of joy! After years of delays, immigration challenges, lost paperwork, and many setbacks (including Covid), the church body now has legal recognition. This will now allow the congregations to purchase property, conduct marriages, funerals, and baptisms. This will also provide the necessary legal status for Missionary Ibrahim (who is from Tanzania and was trained in a CLC affiliated seminary) to work unhindered and unharrased under the banner of a registered church. This may not seem like much to many in the world, but to the pastors and leaders and congregations of the ZCLC...this is a BIG DEAL! Everyone involved was overjoyed and gave thanks to God.

That same week we held a three-day (Friday-Sunday) conference, Bible training seminary, and organizational meeting in Lusaka with twelve men from several areas across the country. It was the first time many of them had gathered together in one place. I have met and taught all of them on different visits over the past fourteen years, and they have all studied under Missionary Ibrahim for many years. We studied doctrine, discussed Lutheran worship practices, and shared reports on outreach efforts in their various districts. The men participated with deep humility and respect for the Word of God, zeal, and a deep commitment to the truth of Scripture. Watching them meet, exchange ideas, and strengthen their unity was a joy and a privilege to witness, not a memory I will soon forget! Thank you Lord!

From Lusaka, I traveled by bus to Livingstone for a Bible seminar. Missionary Ibrahim stayed behind to collect the registration certificate and joined me in Livingstone on Tuesday evening. We spent Wednesday studying key teachings of the Lutheran Reformation with a group of fifteen people, including six local pastors and leaders interested in sound doctrine. The discussions were lively and encouraging.

This visit marked a significant milestone. After years of patient work, the ZCLC has taken important steps toward greater organization and unity. The pastors and evangelists expressed genuine excitement about moving forward together, growing in their understanding of God’s Word, and reaching out with the Gospel. They have lots of plans for strengthening the congregations and preaching stations they are called to serve. They asked if I could make plans to come more than once a year and conduct longer, deeper studies of God's word. I told them I was not opposed, but we would need to see how the Lord leads.

I left Zambia encouraged and eager to return soon for continued training and support. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!