Since Paula and I were with family in the U.S. during December and part of January, her regular, daily-life journal will continue next month.
“The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear." Mark 4:26-28
The CLC has been planting Gospel seeds in East Africa for many years, and like the farmer who "sleeps and rises night and day," we have been relying on the LORD to bring about growth and fruit. I was privileged to see many of these fruits on my just-completed visitation to our sister churches of the Kenyan Church of the Lutheran Confession (KCLC), January 9-20, 2026.
The first main stop was in Kisii, where I met with Pastors Fred and Enosh concerning their churches in nearby Etago, as well as St. David's Academy, a Kinship-sponsored K-6 school. On Sunday morning I visited Our Savior's Lutheran Fellowship Church in Kisii. The congregation and Pastor Peter Ombogo became KCLC members last May. That evening the church met again to view the "Jesus Film" in the Swahili language. (click images to enlarge):
The men from the Kisii area and I traveled together to Moi's Bridge, about 150 miles north, for the annual conference of the KCLC. 22 participants met at Emmaus School, on the same site as Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Over 3 days we heard presentations by myself and Pastor Calvin Luvisha of St. Peter's, Kitale. We also adopted a revised constitution, and were blessed with a Communion worship service. We received 2 graduates of Wittenberg Seminary in Arusha, Tanzania into the KCLC clergy roster. They are Pastor Amos Otieno, who serves Holy Cross, Moi's Bridge, and Pastor Jasper Musacali, who serves St. Paul's Lutheran in Milimani (near Moi's Bridge). St. Paul's was also received as a member congregation. I am so thankful to the LORD to see these fruits of the Gospel seeds we have been planting!
I spent the day after the conference at Emmaus School, where the students viewed the "Jesus Film." I also met with the school headmistress, KCLC member Mary Sagala, and the two pastors who serve Holy Cross, Henry Nyanumba and Amos Otieno. We discussed enhancing catechetical instruction at the school.
On Saturday St. Paul's Lutheran in Milimani gathered for worship. I was privileged to preach, as well as to administer Holy Baptism to 10 children and 1 adult. That evening the church gathered once again for the "Jesus Film."
Sunday I traveled north about 30 miles to Kitale to worship with the members of St. Peter's and their pastor, Calvin Luvisha. Also present were 4 pastors and other visitors from churches who are interested in affiliating with the KCLC. After the service we met with the visitors and answered their questions. I was then invited to Pastor Calvin's home for supper.
During my absence from Wittenberg Seminary, Pastor Paul D. Nolting taught in my place, and will remain for the upcoming TCLC Conference, January 26-28. Thanks, Pastor Nolting!
The journey back to to Tanzania by bus was long and satisfying. I was very happy to spend valuable time in fellowship with our Kenyan brothers and sisters. There are 3 young Kenyan men who are now enrolled at Wittenberg Seminary, along with 9 from Tanzania, for a total of 12 students - up from 6 last year! Truly we wait night and day for God to make his harvest grow, in the same way that the Apostle Paul did: "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:6
