Sent to West Africa...

 

I'm gearing up for my first visit to Togo since before the pandemic. I'm leaving Sunday (2/19) morning, so I'll be able to arrive in time to travel with Missionary Evensen to the seminary to spend a couple of days teaching and observing classes. I'm excited to spend some time with my good friends and colleagues Missionary Peter Evensen and Pastor Kossi Blewu. I am also looking forward to seeing firsthand how the land and building have progressed. The last time I was there was when Peter first took up residence in Togo. At that time nothing had yet been built. Missionary Evensen has sent several pictures, but it will be great to see things with my own eyes. 

The following week, pastors from Togo, Liberia, Ghana, Benin, and Nigeria will gather in Lomé, Togo for the three-day West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference that is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 28th. This conference was initially scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. We are expecting twenty pastors and seminary students to attend. Missionary Evensen, Pastor Blewu, and I will be hosting this semi-annual conference. Six essays will be delivered by some of the pastors in attendance from each nation in attendance. An evening worship service with the Lord's Supper will be a highlight as we gather to be encouraged by a sermon from one of the Nigerian pastors. 

Your prayers are requested and much appreciated, asking the Lord to bless all those traveling to Lomé on February 27th with safe and uneventful travel. Thank the Lord for this opportunity for these pastors to gather, study, encourage, and grow together in the saving truths of God's saving word. Ask the Lord to bless the preaching, teaching, and hearing of His word that His name will be honored. And please pray for my wife Beth and family while I am gone.

February 2023 - CLC World Missions Prayer List

West Africa – Pastors from Togo, Liberia, Ghana, Benin, and Nigeria will gather in Lomé, Togo, for the three-day West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference the last week of February. This conference was initially scheduled for 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. There will be twenty pastors and seminary students in attendance. Missionary Evensen and Missionary Ohlmann will be hosting the conference. Six essays will be delivered by pastors from each nation. An evening worship service with Holy Communion will highlight the conference. Ask the Lord to bless all those traveling to Lomé on February 27^th with safe and uneventful travels. Thank the Lord for this opportunity for these pastors to gather, study, encourage, and grow together in the Word of God. Pray that God will bless the preaching, teaching, and hearing of His word that His name may be honored.

Bangladesh –Pastor Monotosh and a congregational elder were recently involved in a motorcycle accident as they were doing evangelism work. They were both taken to the hospital, where their wounds were bandaged and stitched up. Thankfully X-rays and scans revealed no broken bones or internal injuries. Praise the Lord that their lives were preserved, and they were spared from serious injury. Pastor Monotosh also reports that they are continuing negotiations on a piece of land upon which they hope to build a multipurpose building that would be used as a church headquarters, worship facility, and Bible School for training pastors and church leaders. The Board of Missions has approved a grant from the Mission Development Fund to assist the BLCM in purchasing land. Once the land is purchased, and the building is constructed, this will be a great blessing for the BLCM. Over the past few years, they have had to move several times because of persecution. Missionary Ohlmann is planning a visit to Bangladesh in early May. Ask the Lord to continue to bless both the preaching and hearing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the BLCM. Pray for the Lord’s wisdom and provision as the BLCM finalizes plans for purchasing land and constructing a building.

Tanzania – Classes at the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary in Arusha have begun again, with five students from Tanzania and two from the Kenya-CLC enrolled in the three-year seminary course. Three additional students have begun the one-year pre-seminary/evangelism course. The faculty and students are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Missionary Naumann. Ask for the Lord’s blessings on these students and those called to teach and train them.

New CLC Missionary – Pastor Bruce Naumann has been led to accept the divine call to serve as a resident Missionary to Tanzania. His primary responsibility will be assisting the TZ-CLC as they continue to develop the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary. He will be teaching several classes and helping to develop seminary curriculum that will be used for years to come to train faithful pastors and leaders. Missionary Naumann will be commissioned in mid-March and is planning to travel to Tanzania and take up residence in the last week of March. This will give him a couple of weeks to settle in before second-semester classes begin shortly after the Easter break. Following a one-month leave in the U.S. this summer, he will be joined by his wife Paula when he returns to Tanzania in August for the beginning of the third semester. Thank the Lord for providing a faithful servant to take up this important work of training more workers for the harvest fields of East Africa and his faithful and willing wife! Ask for the Lord’s blessings and wisdom as Missionary Naumann and Paula make final preparations to take up this new calling.

The Philippines – Pastor Jordan Palangyos has completed the first introductory Online Theological Study course based on the CLC Statement of Faith and Purpose and continues to correspond regularly with Missionary Ohlmann. Pastor Rob Sauers (Bd of Missions) and Missionary Ohlmann are scheduled to travel to Manilla in late April for an initial face-to-face visit with Pastor Palagyos and those he serves. Pray that the Lord would continue to bless this correspondence and that it will lead to a God-pleasing unity of faith and teaching. Ask the Lord to provide opportunities and all that is necessary for Pastor Jordan to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Kenya –The CLC Bd of Missions (BoM) recently began sending the MDF Grant funds to assist with much-needed classroom repairs and construction at both schools. Construction has begun and is moving along quickly. Give thanks to the Lord for the privilege of assisting our brothers and sisters in Christ in training so many young souls through the two schools supported through Kinship. Pray for the Lord’s continued blessings upon the teachers, students, and staffs of St. David’s Kinship School and Emmaus Millimani School as they grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Myanmar – Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Myanmar, especially in Chin State, continue to struggle under the harsh rule of the military Junta, which has brought much pain, suffering, economic hardship, and uncertainty. The members of the CLC-Myanmar are struggling to provide basic needs for their families. Recent reports indicate that more than two million people have been displaced since the military coup in February of 2021. Pray for justice and peace for all the people of Myanmar. Pray especially for our brothers and sisters in Christ that the Lord will grant them strength, courage, and boldness during these difficult times and that He will provide for their needs.

Visiting Missionary Upcoming Travels – Missionary Ohlmann will travel to Africa on February 19^th to attend and host the West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference in Lomé, Togo. In late March, he will return to Tanzania to be on hand to help introduce and install Missionary Bruce Naumann and to help him get accustomed to and settled in. In April and May, Missionary Ohlmann is scheduled to spend time in the Philippines and Bangladesh. He’ll be back in the States for a couple of months to attend Board of Missions meetings and the CLC Pastoral conference before the Mission Helper Trip to Nepal in July. Pray for the Lord’s blessings on the preparation for these trips and that the Lord will provide safe and uneventful travel. Ask for the Lord to be with, protect, and provide for Missionary Ohlmann’s family while he is away. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness in blessing the truths of His saving Word taught throughout the world!

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

January 2023 - CLC World Missions Prayer List

 

…pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified... 

2 Thessalonians 3:1

 Liberia – Missionary Peter Evensen (resident missionary to Togo) is currently working with Pastor Joseph Kwiwalazu as they conduct Bible seminars in Liberia and Guinea.  Pastor John Hein (part-time visiting missionary to Liberia) continues cancer treatments and is unable to travel at this time. Ask the Lord to bless the treatments that Pastor Hein is receiving along with both strength and healing. Pray also for comfort and encouragement for his family and all those he is called to serve both at home and abroad. Pray for the Lord’s continued blessings on the work of Missionary Evensen and Pastor Kwiwalazu as they teach and train others in the truths revealed in God’s word and for the wisdom and provision to conduct the work He has given to all those involved.

Bangladesh –Pastor Monotosh continues to spread the Gospel in new areas of Bangladesh. He recently reported that recently one young lady has been baptized and two families have been received into the fellowship of the BLCM after seven months of Bible instruction.  Pastor Monotosh also reports that they are completing negotiations on a piece of land upon which they hope to build a multipurpose building that would be used as a church headquarters, worship facility, and Bible School for training pastors and church leaders.  The Board of Missions has approved a grant from the Mission Development Fund to assist the BLCM in purchasing land. Once the land is purchased and the building is constructed, this will be a great blessing for the BLCM. Over the past few years, they have had to move several times because of persecution. Missionary Ohlmann is planning a visit to Bangladesh in early May. Ask the Lord to continue to bless both the preaching and hearing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the BLCM. Pray for the Lord’s wisdom and provision as the BLCM finalizes plans for the purchase of land and the construction of a building.

Tanzania – The students at the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary in Arusha are scheduled to return to classes on Monday, January 16^th. They will have five students from Tanzania along with two students from the Kenya-CLC enrolled in the three-year seminary course. Three additional students will be enrolled in the one-year pre-seminary/evangelism course. The pre-seminary students will spend one-year studying basic theology, Bible History, Evangelism, and English. At the conclusion of the pre-seminary year of classes, the faculty will evaluate each student. Some students will receive an Evangelist certificate and be assigned to a congregation. Students who demonstrate the necessary gifts and commitment will move on to the three-year seminary program to prepare for ordination and a call into the pastoral ministry. Ask for the Lord’s blessings on these students and those called to teach and train them.

Tanzania Missionary – Pastor Bruce Naumann has been led to accept the divine call to serve as a resident Missionary to Tanzania. His primary responsibility will be assisting the TZ-CLC as they continue to develop the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary. He will be teaching several classes and helping to develop seminary curriculum that will be used for years to come to train faithful pastors and leaders. Missionary Naumann will be commissioned in mid-March and is planning to take up residence in Tanzania by the last week of March. This will give him a couple of weeks to get settled before second-semester classes begin shortly after the Easter break. Following a one-month furlough in the U.S. this summer he will be joined by his wife Paula when he returns to Tanzania in August in time for the beginning of the third semester. Thank the Lord for providing a faithful servant to take up this important work of training more workers for the harvest fields of East Africa and his faithful and willing wife! Ask for the Lord’s blessings and wisdom as Missionary Naumann and Paula make final preparations to take up this new calling.

Nepal – Pastor Raju recently reported that classes at the Himalayan Bible Institute have resumed with ten students in attendance.  Thank the Lord for these students who are dedicated to learning and teaching God’s word so that others may be led to repent of their sins and rejoice in faith that their sins are forgiven and that they have a home in heaven.

Mexico – Pastor Olvera’s son was recently hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery for intestinal blockage. The surgery was successful and he has returned home. The CLC Board of Missions and Kinship Committee were able to provide a medical aid grant to assist with the hospital and medical. It has been a few years since a visit has been made to our brothers and sisters in Mexico. Missionary Ohlmann is planning a visit sometime in 2023. Thank the Lord for His love, protection, and provision in caring for Pastor Olvera’s son. Ask the Lord to continue to bless Pastor Olvera’s efforts to proclaim the Gospel in Mexico and to train others to join him in this work.

The Philippines – Pastor Jordan Palangyos has completed the first introductory Online Theological Study course based on the CLC Statement of Faith and Purpose. Missionary Ohlmann and Pastor Rob Sauers (Bd of Missions member) are planning an initial face-to-face visit in late April. Pray that the Lord would continue to bless this correspondence and that it will lead to a God-pleasing unity of faith and teaching. Ask the Lord to provide opportunities and all that is necessary for Pastor Jordan to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Zambia – While Missionary Ohlmann was in Zambia in December, an organizational meeting was held with representatives from the three areas of Zambia where the CLC has been actively involved for several years. This meeting was scheduled to take place a few years but was postponed due to the pandemic. Pastors from the northern Copperbelt District (near the DR Congo border), the Lusaka District, and the Livingstone District in the south (near the Zimbabwe border) met and discussed the progress on registration of the ZCLC and officially elected District Leaders. They also discussed plans for ongoing quarterly Pastoral Training Seminars. They plan to meet again in March to finalize plans and distribute registration certificates. This is a big and important step forward for the work in Zambia. Thank the Lord for His blessings on these efforts to organize the work of the ZCLC in a decent and orderly way. Pastor Ibrahim reports several new contacts and a few prospective students for the Martin Luther Bible School. Pray that the Lord would grant Pastor Ibrahim an extra measure of wisdom as he continues to lead and organize the work of the ZCLC. Thank the Lord for the opportunity to be a part of these efforts to faithfully proclaim the Good News of Jesus in Zambia.

Kenya –The CLC Bd of Missions (BoM) recently began sending the MDF Grant funds that were approved to assist with much-needed classroom repairs and construction at both schools. Give thanks to the Lord for the privilege of assisting our brothers and sisters in Christ in the training of so many young souls through the two schools that are supported through Kinship. Pray for the Lord’s continued blessings upon the teachers, students, and staffs of St. David’s Kinship School and Emmaus Millimani School as they grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

India – After many years of faithful and dedicated service to the many sheep of our Savior’s CLC-India flock, the Lord recently called His servant V.S. Benjamin to his eternal rest.  Pray that the Lord will continue to provide hope, comfort, courage, and joy to the many who loved and appreciated this faithful servant of Christ as they mourn.

Pakistan - Pastor Tim Daub continues to teach online video Bible lessons to a group of Christians who are eager to start a Lutheran church in Pakistan. The Board of Missions has authorized Missionary Ohlmann to accompany Pastor Daub on a visit when the time comes. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless the teaching and learning of His word. Thank our Savior for this opportunity and the technology to proclaim the truth of His word in such a way.

Myanmar – Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Myanmar, especially in Chin State continue to struggle under the harsh rule of the military Junta that has brought much pain, suffering, economic hardship, and uncertainty. Recent reports indicate that more than two million people have been displaced since the military coup in February of 2021. Pray for justice and peace for all the people of Myanmar. Pray especially for our brothers and sisters in Christ that the Lord will grant them strength, courage, and boldness during these difficult times and that He will provide for their needs.

D.R. Congo – Missionary Ohlmann was able to spend a few weeks in the DRC this past November and December visiting congregations and conducting Bible training seminars. He also spent one week teaching fifteen students at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Bible School. Much progress has been made on the Bible School facilities and ten of the fifteen students are preparing to graduate in the Fall of 2023. Missionaries Evensen and Ohlmann are planning to be on hand to hear each student deliver the oral defense of their doctrinal thesis’ in the Fall. Ask for the Lord’s continued blessings on the training of pastors and spreading the truth of God’s word in D.R. Congo.

D.R. Congo (Kinshasa) - From CLC President Mike Eichstadt - Declaration of fellowship: Upon the recommendation of Missionaries Todd Ohlmann and Peter Evensen, I am happy to declare fellowship with Pastor Jacques Pondi Lumiangu and the Eglise Confessionnelle Lutherienne Sainte Faille au Congo (E.C.L.S.A.FA.CO), located in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Pastor Lumiangu was trained by an LCMS affiliate, but became troubled by the false teachings he encountered. He and his congregation subsequently left that fellowship and became an independent confessional Lutheran church. Pastor Lumiangu’s first contact with the CLC was with Pastor Timothy Daub on Facebook. Pastor Lumiangu has thoroughly studied the CLC Statement of Faith and Purpose and has submitted essay answers to doctrinal colloquy questions. He writes, “I am convinced that we are in doctrinal agreement and that we are united in the same mind and same judgment (1 Cor. 1:10); therefore, we wish to be officially recognized as a sister synod of the CLC here in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” Missionaries Ohlmann and Evensen met with Pastor Lumiangu Nov. 1-6, 2022 and are confident of his understanding of Scripture’s doctrines and of his agreement with the CLC. Pastor Lumiangu is currently training three men from his congregation to be pastors to be sent out to establish sister congregations which will faithfully preach and teach God’s Word.

Visiting Missionary Upcoming Travels – Missionary Ohlmann recently returned from an eight-week visit to Africa where he visited and worked with pastors and leaders in Nigeria, DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. He will return to Africa in February to attend and host the West Africa CLC Pastoral Conference in Lomé, Togo. Pastors from Togo, Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, and Liberia will spend three days growing in their understanding of God’s word and encouraging one another in the work that the Lord has blessed them with. In late March he will travel to Tanzania to be on hand to help introduce and install Missionary Bruce Naumann and to help him get accustomed to and settled in. In April Missionary Ohlmann is scheduled to spend time in the Philippines, Tokyo, and Bangladesh. He’ll then be back in the States for a couple of months before the Mission Helper Trip to Nepal in July.  Pray for the Lord’s blessings on the preparation for these trips and that the Lord will provide safe and uneventful travel. Ask for the Lord to be with, protect, and provide for Missionary Ohlmann’s family while he is away. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness in blessing the truths of His saving Word that are taught throughout the world!

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

From Tanzania to Zambia to Congo...NOV/DEC. 2022

 It's been a few weeks since my last post. That's due to a very busy schedule of travel, teaching, lesson prep, and meetings. My last blog post was just before I departed from Tanzania on November 24th. Since then, I have traveled from Arusha, Tanzania to Lusaka, Zambia (via Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Harare) and then to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

When I arrived in Lusaka, I was met at the airport by Pastor Ibrahim in the late afternoon. After we discussed our schedule for the next few days, I made my way to one of my favorite hostels and slept. Having missed a night of sleep while flying from Tanzania to Zambia, I slept hard until rising early the next morning for our seven-hour bus ride to Kitwe. We arrived mid-afternoon and were met at the bus stand by Pastor Yumba (who leads the CCLC in the DRC but also works with a few pastors over the border in Zambia). We had some lunch and discussed the schedule for the next few days of teaching and meetings. We would be working with pastors and leaders of the Zambia-CLC congregations and preaching stations in this northern part of Zambia called the Copper Belt. 

Pastors and Leaders and Sunday School Teachers of the ZCLC Copper Belt Distric

The next three days would be spent teaching an impromptu seminar on what Lutherans and the Bible Teach. I had thought that I would be teaching a pastoral training seminar, but somewhere between the planning emails that had been exchanged a couple of months earlier and my arrival, the Lord opened a new opportunity in the Kitwe area. This opportunity to teach the truth of God's saving word came in the form of seven congregations that are led by one man and several evangelists. The pastor in charge of this effort recently became acquainted with Pastor Manza, one of the ZCLC pastors in the area. The two of them began discussing the ministry and the work of the ZCLC to train more pastors. This led the leader of the seven congregations and preaching station to ask about the possibility of training for him and the men who were assisting him in the ministry. The pastor in charge of this effort told me that he received a certificate that he paid for from an online theology school in the U.S. but he said he didn't really receive any training. When Pastor Yumba showed up a few days before my arrival to meet with the ZCLC pastors to organize our schedule, they asked if a special seminar could be conducted to explain the teachings of the Lutheran church to this group. Of course, Pastor Yumba agreed. When I arrived, the plans were all set, and I had one evening to begin preparations for the seminar. The Lord blessed the two-day seminar with these seven men, along with several members of the congregations. Plans are underway to begin a regular schedule of training classes for these congregations conducted by the three ZCLC pastors in the area. Pastor Ibrahim is also making plans to schedule a one-week training seminar to be held in Lusaka in March for all the pastors of the ZCLC along with several of the new contacts from the Kitwe area. Praise the Lord for unexpected opportunities to preach and teach the truth of His Saving Word!

Pastors, Evangelists, and Members at the "What the Bible and Lutherans Teach" Seminar in Kitwe

On Monday, November 28th, we headed to the Zambia/D.R. Congo (DRC) border town of Kasumbalesa to make our way to Lubumbashi, DRC. Crossing land borders in Africa is never a fun experience, but this border in particular is something else. I have crossed this border before, but it's been about nine years ago, and I had forgotten just how crazy it is. 

From the time we got out of the mini-bus that we had taken from Kitwe to the border, to the time we actually crossed into the DRC was over three hours. That's three hours of, what seems to be, total and complete chaos and frustration. I must have had my passport checked and scrutinized no less than twelve times. My luggage and backpack and all my pockets were looked through at least six times. They even opened my medicine bottles at one checkpoint and spilled half of them on the ground. And then there were more hands than I can count, being held out expecting "a little something" for their efforts. 

I struggle to find the words to even begin to describe the chaos of this place. Semi-trucks were backed up for miles, literally miles, waiting to be inspected on both sides of the border. The closer you get to the border crossing point, the more chaotic it gets. There are small cars and vans loaded to the sky with all kinds of products that are all trying to maneuver their way to the front of the line. And little shops and people are trying to sell just about anything you can imagine to everyone in the vehicles that are at a standstill in the traffic. And young boys running alongside the vehicle asking if they can carry our bags.  On top of all of that, it had rained heavily that day and everything was covered in mud. Our mini-bus driver tried to drop us off about a kilometer before the drop-off point by the border because he didn't want to sit in traffic. But Pastor Yumba convinced him that we had paid to get to the border, and we were not going to walk through all the puddles and mud with our luggage. It took some rather firm words and raised voices to get it resolved, but the driver took us all the way. Once we were stopped and began to get out, the real chaos began as probably ten to fifteen young men and boys began jostling themselves to get close to us to try to "help" us with our luggage. There was no other option than to physically push them away and I even slapped the hand of one guy who was trying to take my backpack away from me as I was putting it on my back. It was chaos, but we made it and it didn't require one "special gift" for any of the border police on either side of the border. The Lord is good!

Mini-Bus like the one we road from Kitwe to Kasumbalesa

My view from the Mini-Bus as we approached the border...still 5 kilometers from the border

Photo Credit: ZNBC article describing the trouble truckers face at the border.

Once we actually arrived in the DRC (after all the immigration checkpoints) it was smooth sailing. Pastor Yumba's brother is a DRC Army Major. He came to meet us at the border, in uniform, and there were no questions asked, just salutes, as we drove through all the customs and immigration checkpoints to get onto the highway. 

We made it to Lubumbashi late that night only to find out that the hotel room they had booked for me had been given to someone else because of our late arrival. So, the hotel arranged for a room at a much nicer hotel at the same price. It was a very nice hotel. I was really wishing I could have stayed there for a couple of days just to rest. But that wasn't on the schedule. We were up early the next day to catch a bus to Kolwezi where the CCLC of the DRC has a preaching station. 

Kolwezi is a fairly large and well-developed city that is about an eight-hour bus ride from Lubumbashi. It seems to be rather prosperous, which is because it sits in the middle of several copper and cobalt mines, most owned or at least controlled by the Chinese. When you drive through the town you see almost as many businesses labeled with Chinese characters and names as you do in French.

The work in Kolwezi involved a two-day seminar with the lay leader and members of the CCLC preaching station and a worship service on Sunday. The seminar went from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm each day. It was a wonderful two days spent in God's word as we worked our way through a study titled Twelve Priorities for Every Christian Congregation that focuses on making faithful use of God's word in every aspect of the ministry we are privileged to conduct in the name of Jesus. We studied God's word as we considered the privilege of preaching and hearing God's word, administering and receiving the sacraments of the Lord's Supper and Baptism, visiting the sick, praying for one another, applying God's Law and Gospel in the many and varied situations and circumstances that both those who are strong and those who may be weak in the faith struggle with, and working together to spread the Good News of Jesus. This preaching station was started a few years ago when Pastor Yumba's sister (who lives in Kolwezi and is married to a schoolteacher) asked him to come start a congregation there where they could worship and hear the truth of God's word. The Covid pandemic kept them from getting much of a start, but it didn't lessen their desire. So, Yumba and the CCLC pastor from Likasi (about two hours away) have been making periodic visits. When plans were taking shape for my visit to the DRC, Pastor Yumba sent word to plan some outreach while I was there. They invited friends and family to attend the two-day seminar. We met in the home of Yumba's sister. It was packed. I counted forty in attendance on both days! There were almost that many there for the worship service on Sunday. It was a wonderful group that demonstrated a sincere desire to hear and learn the truth of God's word. They are looking for a place to rent for worship in the not-to-distant future. And they hope to send a student to the CCLC seminary in Ntondo next year to train to be their pastor. In the meantime, Yumba's brother-in-law serves as the lay leader of the preaching station and receives materials from Yumba and the pastor in Likasi for worship services and Bible study. 

Praise the Lord for this opportunity and for the zeal He has worked in the hearts of this fledgling flock in Kolwezi, DRC.

Kolwezi town center round-about with a monument to their mining heritage

Members of the CCLC Kolwezi Preaching Station

Kolwezi monument to honor the mining heritage and the miners

After a long day on Sunday of worship and Bible study, we had a good night of sleep and headed to the bus stand to catch a bus back to Lubumbashi early the next morning. We needed an early bus because a four-day training seminar was scheduled to begin at 9:00 am the next day on Tuesday morning. 

After a few hours of sleep, we headed out to the CCLC Holy Trinity Lutheran Bible Institute for the first of four days of classes. The Bible institute is located in Ntondo which is about a 2-hour drive from Lubumbashi. There is nowhere to stay in the little town of Ntondo, so I stayed in Lubumbashi and drove out every day. Which means about four hours in the car every day on roads that are mostly rough dirt roads that are pretty slow going. Google maps tells me that it's only 33 kilometers but because of the traffic getting out of Lubumbashi and the rough roads to the property, it took us almost 2 hours each day. Yumba likes this location because it is quiet and there are no distractions for the students. 

Approximate location of the CCLC Holy Trinity Bible Institute...from Google Earth Screenshot.
The land donated to the CCLC is approx. 9 acres within the yellow square.

The Bible Institute sits on a piece of land that Pastor Yumba is working with the government to develop. About nine acres of the land have been donated and legally titled in the name of the CCLC as part of the development plan for this property. 

Pastor Yumba owns the remaining acreage and plans to develop it into a farm for the community. Pastor Yumba has been involved with several government-sponsored community development projects. He and the non-profit organization that he runs has a good reputation and respect of the government. The Lord has blessed him with many gifts that he is using in a variety of ways to serve the Lord. The nine acres that the Bible Institute sits on are already being used and developed as farmland. The students are required to spend time working in fields to raise food for the seminary and also to sell to provide financial support for their studies. Yumba is also training them in other secular occupations so that they can support themselves in the ministry when they graduate and are ordained. 

Holy Trinity Bible Institute...under construction

It's getting late and we leave early tomorrow morning for Kasumbalesa so we can get there early enough to get the Bible seminary started by 9:30 am. It's about a two-hour drive, so that means an early departure. 

Holy Trinity Bible Institute Building...under construction

Students in class at the Holy Trinity Bible Institute

As the Lord wills, I should be home in a little over a week, with a few days to spare before Christmas. Thanks for reading and for your prayers and support!

New Maasai Preaching Station in Esilalei, TZ Nov. 2022

On my last full day in Tanzania, Pastor Jeremia, Pastor Solomon (2021 seminary graduate), and I made the trek to the Maasai lands that are located just to the east of the Lake Manyara National Park. It's about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Arusha. The Maasai who live there are a very traditional clan. 

Maasai Gathered for Worship

After about an hour of driving, we pulled off the main paved highway that takes thousands of tourists to four major National Parks in the northern safari circuit (Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro) onto a gravel road. We stayed on this road for about fifteen minutes. We then picked up two Maasai men who would direct us the rest of the way. We followed, what seemed to be, footpaths or donkey-train trails for the next couple of hours. We drove through dry riverbeds and lakes, small Maasai bomas, over hills, through valleys, and finally, we could see a gathering of people off in the distance on a small hill overlooking Lake Manyara. As we approached, you could hear the very distinctive sound of Maasai singing as they welcomed us to their newly minted worship area under a tree. 

Pastor Solomon had been invited to come and visit the area and start a TZCLC by one of his relatives who had married into this clan. From what I understand, the lands surrounding the national parks are not developed, and the Maasai are allowed to live there and graze their cattle as a buffer zone around the parks. Most of the land is not useful for farming, and there is always the possibility and danger of animals from the parks making their way into these buffer zones. The Maasai are not deterred. Several years ago, this particular clan migrated from the area where Pastor Solomon is a pastor to find more land for their cattle. There are still acquaintances, relatives, and marriages between the two clans. Solomon was told there was no other Christian outreach in this desolate and isolated area. The Ev. Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) and Catholics have visited a few times over the years. Still, the Maasai (in general) do not agree with Catholic doctrine and have little time for the more liberal teachings of the ELCT, especially their denial of Biblical creation and the ordination of women pastors. When they heard about the TZCLC, they were eager to have them visit. 

When we arrived, the women greeted us with traditional Maasai singing and dancing and the traditional humming/chanting and jumping by the men. 

We were introduced, and then Pastor Solomon addressed the large crowd by explaining that he had been invited and was eager to come and teach the Bible. They had cleared a large area of rocks and built a low rock wall to outline the gathering place under the tree, as is their custom. Pastor Solomon told them he was impressed by their work and promised to come back regularly to preach and teach.

Pastor Solomon Lazier addressing the crowd

Pastor Jeremia and I were also given the opportunity to speak. I encouraged them in their faith with Jesus' words from Matthew chapter 9 when Jesus looked out on the crowds of people and was moved with compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. I reminded them that Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray that the Lord would send more workers into the harvest and that we can rejoice on this day because Jesus has heard their prayer and sent them a pastor to feed them with God's saving word! They erupted in applause when I concluded with Amen. What a joy to share the truths of God's saving word with these brothers and sisters in Christ who are so excited to have a pastor!

Our afternoon concluded with tea and bread as the elders of the clan gathered near a large Baobab tree to discuss plans to build a church. Pastor Jeremia encouraged them to construct a temporary shelter/tent soon because the rains are coming. He also pointed to all the rocks that are in abundance in this area and said that he would bring a work crew from Arusha after the rainy season to help begin the construction of the church building. They agreed that this was a good way to get started. 

Maasai Elders meeting over tea and bread to discuss future plans

A Beautiful Baobab Tree near the proposed church

We concluded the meeting of the elders with a prayer and the blessing and began the long trip back to Arusha. It was another day of blessings to witness the Lord and His love at work in the hearts of His Maasai children! What a privilege to be a part of it!

It's Thanksgiving eve here in Tanzania as I finish writing this post. I've had a full last day full of meetings, discussions, plans, and proposals. As always, I am a bit overwhelmed by the opportunities our Lord places before us. 

When we ponder who we are without Christ...dead in our trespasses and sin, and then marvel and rejoice in who we are with Christ...redeemed, restored, forgiven, and called out of darkness into His marvelous light that we may proclaim His praises, how we do anything else than give thanks to unto Lord, knowing by faith, that His mercies endure forever!

What a privilege to be a part of God's work here in Tanzania and so many other places around the world. Thank you, Lord, for Your grace and mercy, in giving a sinner like me the opportunity to serve You by serving others. 

   "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7  

Maasai Boma near the proposed church site

TZCLC Hadzabe Gospel Outreach - NOV. 2022

I woke up early yesterday in anticipation of a long and exciting day. Last year when I visited Tanzania, I spent a few hours visiting with Pastor Nathan Lengutai the day before departing. Pastor Lengutai is an elderly Maasai Lutheran pastor with whom we've had the privilege of working for many years. He was fortunate to attend the Lutheran seminary here in the Arusha area many years ago. He was led by the Lord and his conscience to leave the Ev. Lutheran Church of Tanzania several years ago as that church body drifted further and further away from the truth of God's word. He is respected by everyone and known as a humble, wise, and kind student and preacher of God's saving word. I'm not sure how old he is, but he's getting up there. 

Pastors Jeremia Issangya (L) and Nathan Lengutai (R)

Pastor Lengutai always has so much wisdom to share, but he does it in such a humble way. As we were visiting last year, he asked if I had ever heard of the Hadzabe people living out in the forests. He explained that this tribe was one of the oldest in Tanzania and, perhaps, one of the first to live in this area of Africa. DNA evidence suggests that they are not related to any of the other tribes or people groups living in Africa. Amazing to think that the ancestors of these people may have been the first to settle here in the years following the flood and the Tower of Babel! He also went on to tell me that they really needed to hear the Gospel. Apparently, missionaries have tried many times to approach them with the Gospel, but unsuccessfully because they simply don't trust outsiders. Because the Maasai stick more to their traditional ways more so than others in Tanzania, the Hadzabe have traditionally been more trusting of the Maasai that cultivate crops and graze their herds in the areas where the Hadzabe have lived for thousands of years. Pastor Lengutai began to tell me that he had heard from some of his friends that the Hadzabe were becoming increasingly open to outsiders and that some Hadzabe clans were beginning to send their children to schools and trading in the cities and villages that surround the lands where they live. 

The Hadzabe are described as a "primitive" or "uncivilized" tribe, meaning they do not cultivate crops, raise animals, or live in houses. Traditionally, they gather and hunt for their food and have been doing so for centuries. Until recently, they have not built homes but instead, live in caves and under bushes and trees. According to what I have read, there are still about 1,200 Hadzabe and about 400 of them still live by these traditional ways and have very little contact with outsiders. The majority of the Hadzabe have begun interacting with the people and towns that surround the lands where they live for the past several years.

Their traditional religion is centered around the Sun, from which they believe all blessings and curses come. They also believe the Sun to be the place where the spirit goes at death. Interestingly, part of their oral tradition shares a story of a man named Indaya who returned from the dead to bestow gifts and customs on the Hadza people. It's not a much of a stretch of the imagination to assume that the story of Jesus made its way to the Hadzabe people many years ago, perhaps through Ethiopia and the migration of settlers who came from the north.

So, after last years conversation with Pastor Lengutai, I began to wonder if the Lord would open an opportunity to share the Gospel with these people. Unbenounced to me, one of the 2021 graduates of the seminary, a young Maasai pastor named Solomon Laizer has a close friend who works for the government office that overseas the welfare of the Hadzabe. This friend asked Pastor Solomon if he would like to visit the Hadzabe. Pastor Solomon mentioned it to Pastor Jeremia, who in turn asked me a couple of months ago if we could schedule a visit when I was in Tanzania. Of course, I said yes. That visit took place yesterday.

We traveled for eight hours (one way) waaaaay off the beaten path and into, what seems like, a wilderness area that is south and west of Arusha. We had one flat tire and had to stop at three different government offices to get permission to go into the area. We visited with the Senior Welfare Executive Officer for the region, who is the brother of the friend of Pastor Solomon. 

It takes a village to change a tire...or at least to watch :)

When we arrived, there were probably at least 100 people gathered under a large Baobab tree that apparently serves as a local gathering place. We were greeted by a group of ladies dancing in their traditional style. There was a little confusion at first about why we were there, but the government appointed guide found someone who could translate from Swahili to Hadza language. I didn't really notice it, but the Hadza language involves clicking and therefore is difficult to learn. The interpreter spoke with the government guide and explained that we were there to discuss the possibility of bringing pastors to their area to teach them the Bible. We were each given an opportunity to speak. I gave a simple Gospel message by explaining that the reason we had come is because we want them to know about the One True God who loves them and sent His Son Jesus to be our Savior. And because of God's love for us we also love them and want them to learn about the Bible and their Savior Jesus. I left them with a brief explanation of John 3:16 and the joy that God's love provides to all people. 

When we finished speaking, individuals from the clan were given the opportunity to speak. There was a man and woman who spoke. They both welcomed us and thanked us for coming. They both told us how they needed food, water, and schools for their children. Pastor Jermia explained to them that we hope to bring pastors to teach them about Jesus and that we would pray for all their needs and that the pastors who come will also help the children to learn their lessons.

I'm not sure how I feel about all of this. It was certainly a great opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus. And I hope and pray that this will be the first of many opportunities for TZCLC pastors and evangelists to come and teach the Bible. But, at the same time it was heart-breaking to see these people so dependent on others. I was told that the clans that have refused to come near to society and have stuck with their traditional ways of hunting and gathering are actually better off because, while they are poor (by most standards), they make their own way and they have not been reduced to essentially begging for food. On the one hand, you can see the wisdom of "protecting" the more traditional clans from the rest of society and letting them live as they choose. But, on the other hand, if they are denied the opportunity to learn of their Savior Jesus, they are not better off. There needs to be a way to bring them the Gospel and at the same time, not corrupt them with the allure of free stuff. This is certainly something to bring to the Lord's throne of grace as the TZCLC has a seemingly open door to evangelize among the Hadzabe. Praise the Lord for the opportunity share the Gospel and plead for the Lord's wisdom to do so in a way that truly serves His kingdom and the Hadzabe people.

Three Hadzabe Clans in Western Tanzania Await Our Arrival

Pastor Nolting...Wrapping things up in Tanzania

The LORD has continued to bless the work here in Tanzania. On Monday, Tuesday, and half of Wednesday, I continued the overview of the Gospel of John with the students of Wittenberg Lutheran Seminary here in Arusha. [Arusha is the third largest city in Tanzania, with a population of about 900,000 if you include the city itself and its suburbs.] On both Monday and Tuesday we spent the last hour of the class from 3:00-4:00 p.m. discussing a sermon text and then putting together a sermon outline. It was delightful to see the students examining the text and identifying its key points, and then come up with their own themes and parts. 

On Wednesday afternoon, we traveled 70 kilometers (about 45 miles) east to the city of Moshi, which lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro--the tallest mountain in Africa. There is snow at its top throughout the year. We held the conference at the Moshi YMCA. The building was erected in 1959 and certainly shows its age, but the dormitory-style rooms were adequate, and the meeting room airy and pleasant. They had an outdoor pool, of which I was sadly unaware. Otherwise, I could have done some lap swimming. Temperatures here are in the mid-sixties at night and mid-seventies during the day. 

I found out Wednesday night that my presentation on baptism was the entire agenda for Thursday, with the exception of Missionary Ohlmann's slide presentation on CLC World Missions set for late in the afternoon. It turned out that we spent approximately five and one-half hours on the presentation. There were many questions and much discussion, with Pastor Michael Gondwe, one of the teachers at Wittenberg Seminary, providing all the translating from English to Swahili and from Swahili to English for the entire day! He was quite the trooper! 

Friday morning was spent on various reports from the district heads of the Tanzania CLC (TZCLC), as well as discussions with four pastors formerly affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT). They left for doctrinal reasons and have begun discussions with the TZCLC. They were favorably impressed by the conference, and arrangements are being made for further meetings. Apparently, there are another thirteen independent pastors and congregations that they were representing. The Lord truly seems to be opening a door for the TZCLC at this time.

Tomorrow I will be preaching at the Graduation Church Service at the seminary church. Missionary Ohlmann will join Pastor Jeremiah in distributing the ten diplomas. Five of the students will be going back to their home congregations as evangelists and serving in the role of assistants to the pastors. The remaining five will begin a three-year seminary program in January to become ordained pastors.

What was so interesting and encouraging to see was the fact that three of the young pastors who graduated last year (Robert, Israel, and Solomon) were all at the pastoral conference and contributing to the discussion in significant ways. You could see that the ten current students all knew and respected these young pastors. That all bodes well for the future of our sister church body.

Paul Nolting--feeling quite privileged to serve the LORD here in Tanzania!

TZCLC Outreach Among the Maasai...Nov. 2022

I arrived in Tanzania on November 7th. It's been a busy, fast-paced, and encouraging ten days. I've had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with the Wittenburg Lutheran Seminary students when I first arrived. Since then, I've hit the road almost every day to visit a TZCLC congregation or preaching station. It's been especially encouraging to visit the preaching stations that have been started in the past year by 2021 graduates of the seminary. Three of the 2021 graduates are of Maasai descent and continue to live according to many of the traditions and customs of their tribe. 

The Maasai are historically a nomadic and pastoral tribe that roam in search of grasslands and water for their cattle. Oral histories and recent DNA studies tell us that this tribe migrated to the Great Rift Valley of East Africa from the middle east. They are known to be honest, incredibly brave, and hard-working. It is among this tribe that much of the TZCLC Gospel outreach is being done. And the Lord is blessing these efforts. 

The Maasai are spread throughout Kenya and much of Tanzania. The TZCLC has opened five preaching stations over the past year. Most of these Maasai preaching stations are located well off the beaten paths. A lot of Gospel outreach is being done in Ruvu and Arusha districts of the TZCLC. The Ruvu district is in the Same' region that is found to the south and east of Arusha. Much of the north and central regions of Tanzania have been in drought conditions for the past several years. Some of the villages we drove through and visited seemed almost deserted because many of those who live there were roaming far from home with their cattle, sheep, and goats in search of grazing land and water. At one village we visited, Gunge, we were told that they considered themselves fortunate that the nearest water source was only about five kilometers away. What that means in practical terms is that they must carry all the water they need for cooking, cleaning, drinking, and watering their animals more than three miles. Most of these villages had several donkeys that are used to carry the water for the village. We passed several donkey trains, with each donkey carrying four plastic containers filled with 10 liters of water each. 

There are so many things that I see on these visits that leave me amazed, humbled, and thankful for so many "luxuries," like running water, that I too often take for granted.

Yesterday (11/16), we left the main road at about 9:30 AM and spent the next several hours driving through the rough, bumpy, and very dusty roads of the Ruvu district to visit three preaching stations. We didn't see another paved road until around 3:30 pm. That was six very long and grueling hours of travel, but so very much worth it to see God's hand at work in these fields so very ripe for harvest.

What a privilege to visit and encourage these brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Pastor Jeremiah (president of the TZCLC) has only good things to say about the Maasai. He especially appreciates their bravery, work ethic, honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and independent spirit. He often laughs as he comments that you will never see a Maasai beggar because if a Maasai begs, he would be kicked out of the tribe. He also admires their approach to Scripture. He talks about how they do not argue; they simply want to know what the Bible teaches and if you teach them clearly and simply, they will follow the Scriptures. He says if you show them what the Bible says, they believe it. Praise the Lord!

After spending so much time over the past five years in prayer and discussions and preparation with the leaders of the TZCLC to get the Seminary organized and started and then able to continue functioning through the pandemic, it really has been a special gift from the Lord to be able to witness, first hand, the fruits of these labors! What a privilege to serve the One who is always faithful to His every promise!

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10–11

Enjoy a few videos and pictures from the past few days and pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ among the Maasai. 

Bwana Asifiwe

Praise the Lord!