The Tie That Binds

 In this blog I write mostly about the work we do. If you'd like to get some insights about our daily life here in Tanzania, see Paula's journal entry for May HERE.

"Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34

The "Tie That Binds" is our mutual love for the LORD and his Word. This love for the Lord Jesus and for one another was on full display during our recent visitation to the churches of the Kenyan Church of the Lutheran Confession (KCLC). Pastor Jeremia and I, along with visiting missionary Todd Ohlmann, met in Nairobi to travel by Land Rover to Etago, Kenya. There we visited with the leaders and members. Our Sunday worship service at St. David's Academy was uplifting for all. Missionary Ohlmann was the preacher, and the children sang several songs.

Along with a number of pastors from Etago our Land Rover was full for the 5-hour trip to the Moi's Bridge area. There we had a 2-day pastoral conference and convention. I presented on the distinctive teachings of a confessional Lutheran church, and Todd Ohlmann presented on the interpretation of parables and the meaning of the "Kingdom of God." We also heard reports from KCLC officers, and made progress in updating the KCLC Constitution. These KCLC members rarely have the opportunity for fellowship, and this event was a great benefit for all, to gain wisdom from God's Word and to firm up the "Tie that Binds." 

[Click to enlarge]

Our route

Missionary Todd Ohlmann preaching in Etago, Kenya

A video clip of Missionary Ohlmann's message is HERE.

KCLC President Enosh Anyona delivering his report

Pastor Calvin Luvisha of Kitale, Kenya, preaching for the KCLC conference Communion service

KCLC Conference delegates and guests

Following the trip, we are now finishing up the final two weeks of Wittenberg Seminary classes here in Arusha, prior to the June break. I will be visiting with family, preaching and presenting at several congregations, and attending the CLC General Pastoral Conference, June 17-19. Both Paula and I return to Tanzania, God willing, on July 1.

Wittenberg Seminary students and dorm mother, May of 2025

Class in progress with teacher Robert Loskira

Wittenberg Seminary Dean in his office

We are thankful for the "Tie That Binds" us with our fellow Christians here in East Africa, as well as elsewhere overseas, and of course with all of you in the CLC-USA. The more that we love one another as Christ has loved us, the stronger these ties will become, and in this way the light of our Gospel message will shine ever more brightly!

FOR MORE CLC Foreign Missions News,
See Missionary Todd Ohlmann's blog HERE.

Eyes on the Prize

In this blog I write mostly about the work we do. If you'd like to get some insights about our daily life here in Tanzania, see Paula's journal entry for April HERE.

"For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God." 1 Timothy 4:10

Here in East Africa we are still basking in the glow of Easter resurrection joy. The children of Ambureni church, Arusha, sang:

          Siku ya furaha, siku ya uzima, Yesu Kristo afufuka!
          Watu kifungoni, wamefunguliwa, Furahini, furahini Wakristo!

          [A day of joy, a day of life, Jesus Christ is risen!
           People in prison, they have been released. Rejoice, rejoice Christians!]

As Paul writes in 1 Timothy, "we have set our hope on the LIVING God." The certainty of Jesus' victory over sin and death for us, and the fact that He is truly living as our King today, makes our work here a joy. This is not to say that every part is enjoyable, but the final outcome of our efforts is assured in the risen Christ.

A few weeks ago we took advantage of time off of seminary classes to visit the men of the Karatu district of the TCLC, about 3 hours west of Arusha. We had presentations on the book of Acts, a Catechism instruction workshop, and preaching on the resurrection of Christ. 

Conference of Pastors and inquirers near Karatu, April 14-15

"Teaching Martin Luther's Small Catechism" workshop

Robert Loskira, Jeremia Issangya, and me at the conference lunch

Paula and I sang "A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth," in Swahili, for Good Friday services

Classes have resumed at Wittenberg Seminary following Spring break

Visiting Missionary Todd Ohlman, Pastor Jeremia and I are looking forward to visiting the pastors and churches of the Kenya Church of the Lutheran Confession (KCLC), May 16-21. Please ask our Lord to give us safe travel, and to prosper our work of strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ in Kenya!

Paula leaves for the U.S. on May 14, and I will follow on June 1. Our stay in the U.S. will feature family visits, a new grandson, the wedding of our son Grant and his fiancé Shaina, the CLC General Pastoral Conference, and visits to several CLC congregations for preaching and missions presentations. 

FOR MORE CLC Foreign Missions News,
See Missionary Todd Ohlmann's blog HERE.

Bravery, Humility, and Determination

In this blog I write mostly about the work we do. If you'd like to get some insights about our daily life here in Tanzania, see Paula's journal entry for March HERE.

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. (Luke 9:51-52)

Bravery, humility, and determination. These were the qualities that our Savior displayed as he began his final journey to Jerusalem. He would enter the city on a wave of popular (if misguided) support, to cheers of "Hosanna!" A few short days later, he would be taken outside the city, bearing his own cross, with the mob crying out, "Crucify Him!" At the start of this final journey from Galilee to his death, the Savior "...sent messengers ahead of him...to make preparations for him." Even at this late date his purpose was to preach the Gospel of the kingdom of God, and his ambassadors were the disciples who believed in him. 

Our Savior is doing much the same today. He is sending his disciples ahead of him, "to make preparations for him," before he arrives a second time in glory. As his ambassadors, we share the Word of God which reveals the sin in our hearts, our desperate need for the Savior, and the full and free forgiveness which is ours through Jesus' death in our place and his resurrection to glory.  

Pictured below is the 2025 student body of Wittenberg Lutheran Seminary in Arusha, Tanzania. These men are preparing for a life of service as ambassadors for Jesus. They will go before him, to make preparations for him, so that many more will place their trust in that Savior. In this work they will need the same qualities that Jesus had - bravery, humility, and determination. Please continue to pray that God will prosper their studies and their work of proclaiming the Gospel that will follow. Please also remember to our Lord the many other pastors and pastors-in-training in our fellowship, at home and abroad. They are making it their life-long work to get people prepared for the coming of the King of Kings in glory!

Back Row, 1st-year Evangelists: Lazaro, Emmanuel, Amos, Zakari

Front Row, 3-year Seminary: Godfrey, Dennis, Eubank

You can see the student bio pages, with background info for each, HERE.

Seminary student Eubank, preaching for Sunday services

Paula and Pastor Jeremia, with the Lenten banner she made

Once a semester we have the students and staff over to our home for dinner

The students had great fun playing "spoons" - video clip HERE.

Ambureni Confirmation class with translator Dennis (far right)

FOR MORE CLC Foreign Missions News,
See Missionary Todd Ohlmann's blog HERE.

The Pearl of Great Price in Africa

In this blog I write mostly about the work we do. If you'd like to get some insights about our daily life here in Tanzania, see Paula's journal entry for February HERE.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

When traveling in the East African country of Uganda, you are regularly reminded of the nation's tourism motto, which promotes it as the "The Pearl of Africa." The name certainly fits when it comes to the natural beauty and wildlife that is found there. For me, though, this motto speaks to people I have met and worked with in Uganda who highly prize the Gospel of Christ crucified for sinners. Like the merchant in Jesus' parable, they recognize that the things of this world have no value at all compared to knowing Jesus - His obedience for us, His death in our place, and His resurrection that guarantees our own eternal life. 

Paula and I had a week-long visit to two church bodies in Uganda, from February 12-19. We flew from our home in Tanzania to Entebbe, Uganda. We were met there by Pastor Andrew Schaller of Fond du Lac, WI, who came to represent the CLC Board of Doctrine. 

Our first destination was a 6-hour drive east of the capital, Kampala, to visit the members of the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU). This is an independent group of about 20 Lutheran congregations, with whom we have had extensive written discussions about Bible teaching. They operate a seminary in Ibanda, with 8 students attending. Pastor Schaller and I were tasked with having face-to-face meetings with the leaders of the CLSU, to determine whether we in the CLC are in full agreement with them in doctrine and practice. In the course of our discussions we were mutually convinced that we are in agreement. We have forwarded our reports to CLC President Michael Wilke for his consideration. We were also able to visit several of the CLSU congregations. Here are some photos of our visit to the CLSU (click to enlarge):

Crossing the equator: Dr. Enoch MacBen, A. Schaller, P. & B. Naumann, Pastor Nicholas

With the leaders and pastors of the CLSU, following our day of doctrinal discussions

St. Paul Lutheran Church, CLSU, with seminary professor Dr. Enoch (left) and Pastor Samuel (right)

On the way far up into the hills to visit Hope Lutheran, CLSU

After Sunday services at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, CLSU

For a video clip of the worship service at New Jerusalem in Ibanda, click HERE.

Paula had the opportunity to address the Ladies Group of New Jerusalem Lutheran

After our four days in eastern Uganda, we traveled back to Kampala where 5 of the 6 pastors of the Confessional Church of the Reformation in Uganda (CCRU) met us for a conference. Pastor Milton Wanyama, the local pastor in Kampala, and his congregation were the hosts. I delivered 300 copies of Luther's Small Catechism to them in the local Luganda language, as well as the Sydow Catechism in English for the pastors to use as a teacher's guide. I presented a workshop on catechism instruction for them, and Pastor Schaller conducted a sample confirmation class. We also had a review of Reformation history, and viewed a film on Luther and the Reformation. On the following day Pastor Schaller presented a workshop on correct Bible interpretation. These conferences are very important for the pastors, both for their continuing education and our mutual encouragement.

Pastors Milton, Norman, Daniel Mugeni, Deo, Schaller, and Tanas - also P&B Naumann

Backdrop: the flags of Kenya, Uganda, the U.S., and Tanzania

Yes, in many ways the natural wonders of Uganda make it the "Pearl of Africa." The work of the Gospel going on in the CLSU and CCRU is a pearl of a different sort, though it is hidden from outward view. The Gospel of God's free grace in Christ and the love for God's Word that sustains us is truly "The Pearl of Great Price in Africa."

Kazi! Kazi! Kazi!

In this blog I write mostly about the work we do. If you'd like to get some insights about our life here in Tanzania, see Paula's journal entry for January HERE.

"We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:4)

During our recent student orientation for the new school year, I asked Eubank, a 2nd-year seminary student, what my favorite Swahili word is. He knew right away that it was "Kazi," which means WORK. From time to time I remind my students that a lot of Gospel-motivated people in the CLC-USA support the seminary so that our students can study full time, with room and board provided. Whenever they groan a little about class schedules or homework I smile, pound my fist in my palm, and say "Kazi! Kazi! Kazi!" Paula made me a custom coffee mug which we keep in the classroom to remind us of this very thing. We need to make the best use of our time together so that the students will know God's Word well, and how to serve their people with that saving Word of God in the future.

There have been many blessings as a result of the "kazi" that the CLC supports here. The Word is being studied and preached, Bibles and Luther's Catechism are being provided to people in their own language, and God's grace is being poured out in Holy Baptism. See the photos below (click to enlarge):

In Iganga, Uganda, church members have the Bible in their native Luganda language for the first time!

More church members, in Kampala, Uganda with their own Luganda Bibles

Pastor Jasper graduated from Wittenberg seminary last November. Now at home in Moi's Bridge, Kenya, he is preaching and conducting Catechism classes.

February 2 worship service in Mbuyuni, Tanzania - a Maasai village where Robert Loskira is pastor

I was privileged to baptize four children at the service in Mbuyuni.

Mothers and babies, happy for God's outpouring of grace in Baptism

Some of this year's students at Wittenberg Seminary, Arusha, enjoying "Mama Paula's" baking

Please pray for the upcoming trip Paula and I will make to Uganda, Feb. 12-19. Pastor Andrew Schaller, who serves on the CLC Board of Doctrine, will join me for doctrinal visits with the independent Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU) in Ibanda. We will also have a pastoral conference with the clergy of the Confessional Church of the Reformation of Uganda (CCRU), with whom we are already in fellowship.

It's not all work all the time, of course. For an example of the lighter side of Tanzanian seminary life, see the video clip HERE. 

Sharpening

 

"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Proverbs 27:17

Since our return to Tanzania on January 9, we have been blessed to witness the power of God's Word as it sharpens the hearts and minds of our TCLC pastors.

Paula and I had a long but smooth flight from Chicago O'Hare to Kilimanjaro International. After a couple of days to recover from jet lag there was much to do to help with the preparation for hosting the 35 participants for the annual pastoral conference of the Tanzania Church of the Lutheran Confession. The pastors were housed at the seminary, at Pastor Jeremia's home, in modest hotel rooms, and also with Paula and me at our home. Meals were prepared and served by ladies of the Ambureni parish, and our sessions took place in the church, adjacent to the seminary.

Our program included opening devotions, a homiletics (Gospel preaching) workshop by Missionary Naumann, "Congregational Stewardship" by Pastor Jeremia Issangya, "Proper Preparation for the Lord's Supper" by Pastor Robert Loskira, and a review of the TCLC Constitution. We also received reports from the District Chairmen about their congregations and pastors.  On Wednesday evening we reviewed Reformation history with a film about the life and teaching of Dr. Martin Luther (entitled "A Return to Grace," which you can see in full HERE).

The men came from as far as 14 hours away in crowded public buses. It was a blessed time of mutual "sharpening" with the Word of God and encouragement in our kingdom work. The conference concluded with a communion worship service and a fond farewell to all the pastors who are humbly serving their members and communities with the Word of God.

The following day (Friday, January 17) was orientation for the new school year at Wittenberg Seminary. Our current enrollment includes 3 men in the seminary and 5 in the first-year evangelism course. Our faculty is looking forward to sharpening them for service as pastors in the TCLC (Tanzania) and KCLC (Kenya). Regular classes begin on Monday, January 19.

Both the pastoral conference and our Wittenberg Seminary instruction are made possible through your generous contributions and prayers - we thank our LORD and you for these blessings! Some photos are below (click to enlarge):

Pastoral Conference in session

Mealtime

Wittenberg students Eubank and Godfrey, November graduate Elinajah, and student Dennis

Pastor Robert Loskira presenting on the Lord's Supper

Viewing the Luther Film, with Swahili explanation by R. Loskira

Conference photo

Some of the guests who stayed at our home