OCT 2019 - CLC Mission Opportunities Prayer List

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you...

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NKJV)

1.    Nepal – Pray that the Lord will grant patience and guidance as our brothers and sisters of the Himalayan Church of the Lutheran Confession of Nepal wait upon the Lord to provide the resources necessary to purchase a suitable and affordable piece of land to build or an existing building. They need a building that will serve as a worship facility, seminary classroom, library, office for the HCLCN and the Bible Institute, dormitory, and residence. The CLC Board of Missions is considering ways in which the CLC can assist with this effort.

2.    Nepal – Pastor Raju and his family were evicted from their apartment a few months ago for singing hymns and having prayers in their home during a birthday celebration with a few of the youth from the congregation. They are currently living with Raju’s parents while their possessions are in storage. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work faith in the hearts of the landlord through the Word of God that he has heard from Raju. 

3.    India – Classes at the CLCI Seminary, the Martin Luther Bible Institute of the BELC, and monthly pastoral training classes continue to be conducted among the 1,000+ pastors, students, and evangelists that with whom we are in fellowship in India. Pray that the Lord will keep all of them, and those they serve, strong and safe as persecution continues to increase.

4.    Bangladesh – As Pastor Monotosh continues Online Theological Studies with our missionary, plans are also being made for an official colloquy in early 2020. Our visiting missionary and a representative of the CLC appointed by President Eichstadt will travel together to Bangladesh to conduct the colloquy. Pray that the Lord will bless this important next step.

5.    Togo – Missionary Evensen is busy teaching the seven pastoral students of the Mt. Horeb Bible Institute of the MELC. He also continues to train four ordained MELC pastors as they continue to grow in their understanding of God’s saving word. Pray that the Lord will bless Missionary Evensen’s developing abilities to communicate and teach in French as he assists Pastor Kossi in preparing men to be faithful preachers and teachers.

6.    Togo – With a resident missionary now in place, Pastor Kossi is excited as they begin planning and conducting five evangelism campaigns throughout Togo over the next year. A CLC-MDF grant was recently approved to provide funding for this effort to preach the truth of God’s saving word in Togo, Ghana, and Benin. Pray for the Lord’s blessing on this effort.

7.    Liberia - Pastor John Hein, who serves as the visiting missionary to Liberia, will be traveling to Liberia in October. Pray that the Lord will provide safe and uneventful travel. Pray also for a productive visit as Pastor Hein and Pastor Joseph work together to spread the truth of God’s saving word in Monrovia and Bopolu.

8.    Tanzania – The four pastors who teach at the Wartburg Lutheran Theological Seminary are busy preparing for the third semester of classes that will begin in late January. The students are helping with the ministry at their home congregations for the next few months until classes begin again. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless this effort with all the resources necessary to train these men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word.

9.    The Democratic Republic of Congo – Our visiting missionary has been granted a six-month, multiple-entry visa. He is planning a three-week visit November and will try to visit again after the first of the year. It has been six years since the CLC has made a visit to the DRC. Thank the Lord for providing the necessary visa and pray that the trip will go smoothly, and much will be accomplished for His glory.

10.  The Democratic Republic of Congo – Missionary Ohlmann will be in the DRC in November to see and report on the construction of a multipurpose facility that will serve as seminary classrooms, offices, library, chapel, and dormitory for the CCLC and the Holy Trinity Lutheran Seminary. This project was partially funded through offerings to the CLC Mission Development Fund (MDF). Thank the Lord for opening the hearts of His children to support His work of training more men to preach and teach His saving word in DRC.

11.  Nigeria – Missionary Ohlmann will visit our brothers and sisters of the NCLC in early November. He will preach at two congregations, visit the seminary, and meet with the various NCLC boards and committees. Pray that the Lord will bless this visit with productive and encouraging meetings that are focused on serving the Lord through faithfulness to the truths of His saving word. Pray also for safe travels.  

12.  Missionary Evensen in Togo – Missionary Peter Evensen has recently received a “Stay Card” which will allow him to stay in Togo for longer periods of time and will also allow him to more easily travel throughout West Africa. This is a big deal and the Lord was clearly behind the scenes making this happen. He has received a Nigerian visa and is hoping to have a DR Congo visa in time to join Missionary Ohlmann on his visit. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless this transition to Togo and the work he is doing to assist in training men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word. You can read his blog at: http://evensen.lutheranmissions.org/

13.  Visiting Foreign Missionary – Missionary Ohlmann will be leaving soon on a five-week trip to visit our sister church bodies in the West African countries of Togo, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He is also preparing lessons, making travel plans and schedules for visits to Tanzania, Zambia, the DRC, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh in early 2020. Please pray for safe and uneventful travel, successful meetings with our brothers, and zeal to proclaim the truths of God’s saving word. Pray also for his wife Beth and their family while he is away. You can read his blog at:  www.romans10v14-17.org

14.  CLC Online Theological Studies – continue to pray for individuals in the following countries around the world who are studying God’s word through email correspondence courses as they continue to train to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word:

1.    Burundi, East Africa

2.    Senegal, West Africa

3.    D. R. Congo, Central Africa

4.    Liberia, West Africa

5.    Bangladesh, South East Asia

6.    Zimbabwe, Africa

7.    Myanmar, South East Asia

8.    Kenya, East Africa

9.    Uganda, East Africa

10.  Congo-Brazzaville, Central Africa

Mission Opportunities Prayer List - SEP 2019

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you...

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NKJV)

Nepal – Pastor Raju and his family were recently evicted from their apartment for singing hymns and having prayers in their home during a birthday celebration with a few of the youth from the congregation. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work faith in the heart of the landlord through the Word of God that he has heard from Raju.

Nepal – Pray that the Lord will provide a suitable and affordable piece of land to build or an existing building to purchase that will serve as a worship facility, seminary, library, and office for the HCLCN and the Bible Institute. 

India – Persecution of Christians in India continues to increase. Pray that the Lord will protect His children and that He will use this persecution to strengthen and increase His flock in India. Pray for those who carry out this persecution as well, that they will be led by the Holy Spirit to repent and rejoice in the forgiveness they have through Jesus Christ.

Bangladesh – Pastor Monotosh, continues to travel throughout the districts of BLCM to teach the lessons from the Online Theological Studies course titled “An Introduction to Lutheran Theology and the CLC.” Pray that this effort to proclaim the truth and train faithful leaders will continue to be successful.  

Pastor Monotosh teaching "An Introduction to Lutheran Doctrine and the CLC"

Bangladesh – As Pastor Monotosh continues Online Theological Studies with our missionary, plans are also being made for an official colloquy in early 2020. Our visiting missionary and a representative of the CLC appointed by President Eichstadt will travel together to Bangladesh to conduct the colloquy. Pray that the Lord will bless this important next step. 

Togo – Pastor Kossi, the main leader of the MELC, was recently involved in a motorcycle accident. He was spared from major injuries but will require some downtime to rest and recover. Pray that the Lord will grant him a quick and complete recovery. 

Togo – With a resident missionary now in place, Pastor Kossi is excited as they begin planning and conducting five evangelism campaigns throughout Togo over the next year. A CLC-MDF grant was recently approved to provide funding for this effort to preach the truth of God’s saving word in Togo, Ghana, and Benin. Pray for the Lord’s blessing on this effort. 

Liberia - Pastor Joseph continues to reach out with the Gospel in Monrovia and Bopolu. He is currently leading classes in both areas. Visiting Missionary John Hein is planning his trip to Liberia in November 2019. Pray that the Lord will bless the preparations necessary for Pastor Hein’s visit.

Tanzania – The newly established Wartburg Lutheran Seminary of the CLC-Tanzania with six students in attendance will conclude their second semester of classes soon. The students will return to their home congregations to begin a four-month practicum as they assist in the ministry. They will return to classes in late February. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless this effort with all the resources necessary to train these men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word.

Tanzania -- Over the past several months seminary facilities have been built and improved. The CLC Board of Missions recently approved a small Mission Development Fund grant to assist with roofing the church building that is being used as the seminary classroom. They are currently conducting classes under a lean-to that has been constructed within the walls of the church building. This is necessary because of the hot sun and heavy rains. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless and provide for more necessary improvements to the seminary facilities.

Church Building/Classroom ready for a roof

Newly constructed student dormitory

Newly constructed (temporary) dining and study area for the students

Student laundry and washing facility behind the dormitory

Student toilet and washroom

Newly constructed seminary teachers' office and library

Zambia – Much progress has been made on the repairs and renovations of the building recently purchased in Livingstone. The work is not yet complete, but enough progress has been made to allow for the first session of pastoral training classes to begin at the end of September. Ten students/pastors from four districts of Zambia are scheduled to attend. This project is being funded through offerings to the CLC Mission Development Fund (MDF). Pray that the Lord will provide for the completion of the facility and will bless all the preparations that need to take place before classes can begin.

CLC-Zambia Building before Repairs and Renovations

Demolition work on the back of the building

Construction begins on the classroom/chapel addition

Preparing to build roof trusses for the classroom addition

The Democratic Republic of Congo – Work continues on the construction of a multipurpose facility that will serve as seminary classrooms, offices, library, chapel, and dormitory for the CCLC and the Holy Trinity Lutheran Seminary. This project was partially funded through offerings to the CLC Mission Development Fund (MDF). Thank the Lord for opening the hearts of His children to support His work of training more men to preach and teach His saving word in DRC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo – Due to political unrest during the recent presidential elections, our missionary was been denied a visa to visit for the past two years. Our visiting missionary will be applying for a visa again soon so that he can make a much-needed visit in November. Pray that the Lord will clear the way for a visit to take place.

Missionary Evensen in Togo – Missionary Peter Evensen continues to settle into his apartment and work in Lomé. He recently received a “Stay Card” which will allow him to stay in Togo for longer periods of time and will also allow him to more easily travel throughout West Africa. This is a big deal and the Lord was clearly behind the scenes making this happen. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless this transition to Togo and the work he is doing to assist in training men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word. You can read his blog at http://evensen.lutheranmissions.org/

Visiting Foreign Missionary – Missionary Ohlmann has completed his medical treatments but has a few more weeks of recovery time before he can travel. He is making plans for a late October visit to the West African countries of Togo, Nigeria, and DRC. He is also preparing lessons, travel plans, and schedules for visits to Tanzania, Zambia, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh in early 2020. Pray that the Lord will provide all that is necessary for these plans. You can read his blog at www.romans10v14-17.org

CLC Online Theological Studies – continue to pray for individuals in the following countries around the world who are studying God’s word through email correspondence courses as they continue to train to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word:

1.    Burundi, East Africa
2.    Senegal, West Africa
3.    D. R. Congo, Central Africa
4.    Liberia, West Africa
5.    Bangladesh, South East Asia
6.    Zimbabwe, Africa
7.    Myanmar, South East Asia
8.    Kenya, East Africa
9.    Uganda, East Africa
10.  Congo-Brazzaville, Central Africa

From the Field...by David Koenig, Missionary Emeritus

In the CLC one of our chief goals in working in other countries is to train and help in training pastors. We have consistently worked with our sister churches in this area. Below you have a rundown on the progress in establishing and maintaining seminaries and Bible institutes for this formal training.

Nigeria - The Lutheran Bible Institute was started in 1987 with 12 students. Today there are three men enrolled.

India - The Church of the Lutheran Confession of India started a seminary in 1998. This last June they graduated seventeen. The school has 51 in training. The Berea Evangelical Lutheran Church had Martin Luther Bible School for a number of years up until 2002 when a disruption happened in the church and it was closed. It was started again in 2007. This year they graduated 20 men and accepted 25 new.

Tanzania - From 2003 to 2010 a seminary was in operation until a disruption happened in the church and it was closed. Now the CLC-TZ opened Wartburg Lutheran Seminary in 2018 with six students. 

Nepal - The Himalayan Bible Institute was started in 2016. In early 2020 they expect to graduate 21.

Togo - Mt. Horeb Lutheran Bible Institute is in operation with 7 students having graduated recently its first class.

Congo - In 2018 the Holy Trinity Lutheran Bible Insitute opened and has 5 students.

Zambia - Seven pastors are in training and a building is planned for a site of a school. 

Mexico - Four men are in training

Myanmar - In the CLCM four men are in training. 

Theological Education by Extension

Overseas we have many situations where the men cannot leave their home, family or congregation to go to a seminary or Bible institute site. The theological training is then brought to them. Especially in the BELC in India this has been carried out with monthly meetings until the men are found to be in doctrinal agreement and have learned a lot. Then further monthly meetings are held to continue in the Word. 

Most recently in Laos, Thailand and Vietnam this kind of meeting has been held to lead men through the Word. The CLC will have more and more of a part in this growing effort at training men in South East Asia.

CLC Online Theological Studies – continue to pray for individuals in the following countries around the world who are studying God’s word through email correspondence courses as they continue to train to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word:

1.    Burundi, East Africa

2.    Senegal, West Africa

3.    D. R. Congo, Central Africa

4.    Liberia, West Africa

5.    Bangladesh, South East Asia

6.    Zimbabwe, Africa

7.    Myanmar, South East Asia

8.    Kenya, East Africa

9.    Uganda, East Africa

10.  Congo-Brazzaville, Central Africa

We thank our God that He has given us such wonderful opportunities to work with the Word of Truth and Life with our overseas brothers. 

CLC Mission Opportunities Prayer List - August 2019

August 2019 

Finally, brethren, pray for us, 

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, 

just as it is with you...

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NKJV)

India – South India, where many of our brothers and sisters in Christ live, is again experiencing extreme heat and severe drought. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering. Pray that the Lord will send the rains soon and provide relief from the extreme heat.  

Nepal and Bangladesh – The annual monsoon season rains have been heavier than usual this year. This has brought severe flooding and landslides to the foothills of the Himalaya where several HCLCN congregations are located. There has also been server flooding in Bangladesh among some of the congregations of the BLCM with whom we have been corresponding. More than three-hundred people have lost their lives.

India – Persecution of Christians in India continues to increase. Recent elections resulted in a landslide victory for the Hindu Nationalist President Modi and the BJP party. This will, no doubt, embolden Hindu extremists who seek to establish Hinduism as the only and official religion of India. Pray that the Lord will protect His children and that He will use this persecution to strengthen and increase His flock in India.

India – Pastor David P. recently returned from a teaching visit to our brothers and sisters in Christ in India of the CLC-India and the BELC. Give praise and thanks to our Savior the blessings of safe and uneventful travel and for the privilege of proclaiming the truth of His saving word among the pastors, leaders, and members of the CLCI and BELC.

Mission Helper Trip – Nine CLC Mission Helper recently returned from a three-week trip to Tanzania and Zambia. Give thanks to the Lord for the blessings received by those who participated and those who received the word of God that was taught. Pray that the word of God taught to thousands of children will bear much fruit. You can read about the on the blog at: https://2019clcmhteastafrica.blogspot.com/

Bangladesh – Pastor Monotosh, who has successfully completed several Online Theological Studies courses with our missionary over the past few years and was visited by our missionary and Bd of Missions chairman this past March, has finished the translation and printing of the Online Theological Studies course titled “An Introduction to Lutheran Theology and the CLC.” He has recently traveled throughout several districts of the Bangladesh Lutheran Church Mission to teach these lessons to pastors, congregational leaders, and evangelists of the BLCM. Pray that this effort to proclaim the truth and train faithful leaders with be successful.  

Nepal – Pastor Raju recently reported that he and his father have returned from a successful week of pastoral training in a district of Nepal that is dominated by an anti-Christian political majority and law enforcement. The Lord blessed this training with eager and attentive men and safe travels during the severe monsoon/landslide season.

Tanzania – The newly established Wartburg Lutheran Seminary of the CLC-Tanzania recently began their second semester of classes with six students in attendance. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless this effort with all the resources necessary to train these men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word.

Zambia – Repairs, renovations, and construction of a classroom continue on the building recently purchased in Livingstone. The classroom and dormitory rooms are not yet finished, but plans to conduct pastoral training classes at the facility are be developed with the hope of beginning classes in October. Ten students/pastors from four districts of Zambia are planning to attend. Pray that the Lord will provide for the completion of the facility and will bless all the preparations that need to take place before classes can begin.

Democratic Republic of Congo – The CCLC is working to complete construction of multipurpose building that will serve as a seminary classrooms, offices, library, and dormitory. This project was partially funded through offerings to the CLC Mission Development Fund (MDF). Thank the Lord for opening the hearts of His children to support His work of training more men to preach and teach His saving word in DRC.

Democratic Republic of Congo – Due to political unrest during the recent presidential elections, our missionary was twice denied a visa to visit our brothers and sisters in Christ of the CCLC two years in a row. With the elections complete we are hopeful that a visa will be approved so our missionary can make a much-needed visit in October. Pray that the Lord will clear the way for a visit to take place.

Uganda – Evangelism seminars in Busia are planned for mid-August. Pray that the Lord will bless this opportunity to spread the Gospel and that many will be led by the Holy Spirit to repent of their sins and rejoice with us in the forgiveness and salvation found only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Missionary Evensen in Togo – Missionary Peter Evensen continues to get settled into his apartment and work in Lomé.  Pray that the Lord will continue to bless this transition to Togo and the work he is doing to assist in training men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word. You can read Missionary Evensen’s blog at: http://evensen.lutheranmissions.org/

CLC Online Theological Studies – continue to pray for individuals in the following countries around the world who are studying God’s word through email correspondence courses as they continue to train to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word:

1.    Burundi, East Africa

2.    Senegal, West Africa

3.    D. R. Congo, Central Africa

4.    Liberia, West Africa

5.    Bangladesh, South East Asia

6.    Zimbabwe, Africa

7.    Myanmar, South East Asia

8.    Kenya, East Africa

9.    Uganda, East Africa

10.  Congo-Brazzaville, Central Africa

CLC Mission Opportunities Prayer List...July 2019

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you...

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (NKJV)

1.    India – South India, where many of our brothers and sisters in Christ live, is again experiencing extreme heat and severe drought. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering. Pray that the Lord will send the rains soon and provide relief from the extreme heat.   

2.    India – Persecution of Christians in India continues to increase. Recent elections have given more power to the Hindu nationalists who seek to establish Hinduism as the only and official religion of India.

3.    India – Pray for Pastor David P. as he visits our brothers and sisters in Christ in India over the next couple of weeks. Pray also for the pastors, leaders, and members he is working with to assist in training pastors.

4.    Mission Helper Trip – On Tuesday, July 2^nd nine CLC Mission Helpers will fly to East Africa to spend three weeks conducting child evangelism. They will divide into two teams. One team will go to Tanzania and the other team to Zambia. You can follow the trip blog at: https://2019clcmhteastafrica.blogspot.com/

5.    Nepal – Pastor Raju recently reported that several new Christians were baptized in the Raigaon district. This is an area the HCLC-Nepal has conducted evangelism seminars. There were over fifty new people who attended the most recent evangelism seminar following the baptisms. Praise the Lord blessing this effort to call sinners out of the darkness of unbelief and into the marvelous light of our Savior’s love and salvation.

6.    Missionary Evensen in Togo – Missionary Peter Evensen is getting settled into his apartment and work in Lomé.  Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the Lord’s provisions in helping to get Missionary Evensen moved to and settled in to his new home and the work. Pray also that the Lord will continue to bless this transition to Togo and the work he is doing to assist in training men to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word. You can read Missionary Evensen’s blog at: http://evensen.lutheranmissions.org/

7.    CLC Online Theological Studies – continue to pray for individuals in the following countries around the world who are studying God’s word through email correspondence courses as they continue to train to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s saving word:

1.    Senegal, West Africa

2.    D. R. Congo, Central Africa

3.    Liberia, West Africa

4.    Bangladesh, South East Asia

5.    Zimbabwe, Africa

6.    Myanmar, South East Asia

7.    Tanzania, East Africa

8.    Kenya, East Africa

9.     Uganda, East Africa

10.  Congo-Brazzaville, Central Africa

Pray for India...

This post is adapted from a recent email newsletter sent out by Missionary David Koenig...

The following comes from a recent report on India from the "Voice of the Martyrs"

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is leading a push to make India a purely Hindu nation, just won a second term. Under his first five-year term, Christians experienced an increase in persecution. More believers... were arrested on false charges of “forced conversions.”

Despite increasing persecution, the church in India is experiencing incredible growth. After centuries of Hinduism and its caste system, Indians are hungry for the hope and freedom that come through knowing Jesus Christ.

More than 5 million Hindus are part of the RSS, which has been known to intimidate and even force Christians to convert to Hinduism to return them to “their nation’s Hindu roots.” The RSS has informants living in nearly every village in India. These informants report evangelism activities or the names of Hindus who choose to follow Christ.

The following is taken from Christian Post after Modi's recent election.

How religious minorities have fared under Modi until now

Since Modi was first elected as prime minister, India’s rank as one of the worst persecutors of Christians in the world went up from No. 28 in 2014 to No. 10 this year.

“Since 2014, Hindu extremists have actively promoted hate toward its Christian and Muslim minorities which has led to a tragic escalation of violence,” said David Curry, CEO of Open Doors USA. “So the results of this election — which keeps the same people in power­ — is an absolute tragedy.

“Christians in this region already routinely experience harassment and discrimination in the form of social ostracism, property destruction, hate speech and condemnation of their religious activities. We need the international community to stand up and do more.”

A recent NY Times article concerning the persecution of Muslims in India makes reference to the latest report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom revealed that “religious freedom conditions in India continued a downward trend”

Increased attacks have occurred with the “growth of exclusionary extremist narratives — including, at times, the government’s allowance and encouragement of mob violence against religious minorities — that have facilitated an egregious and ongoing campaign of violence, intimidation, and harassment against non-Hindu and lower-caste Hindu minorities."

Specific attacks include Hindu lynch mobs, which have perpetrated more than 100 attacks since 2015, resulting in 44 deaths, according to USCIRF. Cows are considered sacred to Hindus and many Muslims have been targeted by mobs for cow slaughter or eating beef.

USCIRF noted that Modi “seldom made statements decrying mob violence, and certain members of his political party have affiliations with Hindu extremist groups and used inflammatory language about religious minorities publicly.”

“Victims of large-scale attacks in recent years have not been granted justice, and reports of new crimes committed against religious minorities were not adequately accounted for or prosecuted.”

U.S. Congress members and church leaders have made several appeals to Modi over the last few years to call for more protection of religious minorities. 

Pray for our fellow Christians in India!