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

Graduation Milestones, 2024

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

Dear Friends - Today is a busy day as Paula and I are preparing to return to the U.S. for December. I do want to write briefly about Sunday's graduation service for Wittenberg Lutheran Seminary before we leave. The LORD richly blessed our students, faculty and guests as we reached important milestones, by His grace. Here are our graduates:

From left to right: seminary teachers Jeremia Issangya, Bruce Naumann, and Robert Loskira; seminary graduates Jasper Musakali, Marko Sapuro, Elinaja Bayo, and Raphael Kinyaga; evangelism gradates Emmanuel Boniphace and Dennis Musakali 

Each of our seminary graduates are being assigned to daughter parishes of their home congregations and will be working with the guidance of the home church pastors. Our two evangelism graduates intend to return to enroll in the 3-year seminary program.

We are eagerly looking forward to educating future pastors in 2025. We expect, with God’s blessing, to have four students in our seminary department and to enroll as many as seven new students in the introductory year of evangelism studies. May our Lord graciously bless this and all our other efforts for His kingdom!

A few pictures follow. You may see more photos and video clips HERE. A 30-minute video with highlights from the graduation service can be seen on YouTube HERE. 

Presenting the diplomas

A Maasai choir from Mbuyuni sang several songs

The student body and faculty of Wittenberg Theological Seminary

The meal following the service wouldn't be complete without the traditional roast goat!

We have deep gratitude to God in our hearts this Thanksgiving, as He has enabled us to reach these milestones for the work of His kingdom in Tanzania. We pray that your Thanksgiving will be blessed. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!"

Missionary Bruce and Paula Naumann

Home Stretch for Graduation

 

Graduation Day at Wittenberg Seminary is set for Sunday, November 24. By God's grace we expect to present four seminary graduates to the TCLC for service in the pastoral ministry. There will also be two graduates from our 1st-year Evangelism program; these men intend to continue on to the 3-year seminary course. Meanwhile we are working hard to complete the necessary instruction and prepare for final exams. Here is a class in session, with Pastor Robert Loskira translating for me:

I will be publishing a report and graduation photos in early December. Meanwhile, Paula has done her regular Tanzania Journal for September and October, so she is our guest blogger for this post. You can read her Journal entry HERE.

God's blessings to all of our brothers and sisters stateside - we appreciate your prayers and support!

Our neighbor kids brought us bananas! We sent them home with apple cake.

Divine/Human Resources

We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

"Human resources" are usually the most important part of any organization or endeavor. It is people applying their skills to a given task, people who interact with other people in order to accomplish goals, and people who care about the mission of the group that make an organization thrive. 

The human resources for God's kingdom in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania were on full display as I took advantage of a 3-week break at Wittenberg seminary to visit our sister churches and new contacts in these countries. The two trips:

The pastors and people here are poor, especially by U.S. standards, but their zeal for the Gospel of Christ crucified and for the truth of God's Word is a blessing to behold. 

In western Uganda, the people in the 17 congregations of the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU) are still recent contacts for us. We continue to have doctrinal discussions to see whether we are united in our confession. About a year ago they left a larger Lutheran group in Uganda in order to remain faithful to God's Word. They operate a seminary with 8 students, and are active in seeking to plant new churches. I was invited to present a preaching workshop in their seminary, and visited two churches and a school during my short stay.

CLSU Seminary students. Back row: Dr. Enoch MacBen, Pastor Obed, and at his left hand is Pastor Ernest

Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with temporary building inside the walls being constructed

In eastern Uganda I had a two-day visit with the pastors of the Confessional Church of the Reformation in Iganga, Uganda. We had Bible studies on Scripture doctrine, and valuable fellowship for this young synod. The CCRU was officially welcomed into CLC fellowship at our Convention in June. On Sunday I was asked to preach for the morning service at Grace Harvest Lutheran, and also to address their youth group in the evening. Their president, Pastor Daniel Mugeni and his wife and children, share their home with about 25 orphaned and abandoned children. This effort is supported by CLC Project Kinship. 

L to R: Pastor Norman of Kamuli, Pastor Deo of Kampala, Pastor Mugeni of Iganga, BN, Pastor Tanas of Busia, and Pastor Milton of Kampala

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During the worship service the ladies' choir sang beautifully - see the video HERE.

A video clip of the youth group choir is HERE.

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Children at the Mugeni home in Iganga, Uganda

Next, the long bus ride took me across the border to Kenya, and I arrived at Kisii to meet with the pastors of the KCLC. We had planning and work to do in order to update the KCLC registration with the Kenyan government. We also elected a treasurer for the group, and received Pastor Calvin Luvisha and his congregation, St. Peter's of Kitale, into KCLC membership . Pastor Calvin had previously completed extensive studies with CLC representatives. He and his congregation are overjoyed to be officially in fellowship with the KCLC.

L to R: Pastor Enosh, BN, Pastor Fred, Pastor Henry (Moi’s Bridge) Pastor Calvin (Kitale), Elder Joshua (Etago)

After returning home for a short rest, TCLC President Jeremia Issangya and I drove 275 miles south to visit our sister church in Dodoma, led by Pastor Joseph. We had planned to visit there with the CLC Mission Helpers in July, but scheduling did not permit it. We presented the "Jesus Film" in the Swahili language on Saturday evening there, and provided Pastor Joseph with a Bible study guide for the Gospel of Luke. On Sunday I was invited to preach at their worship service. These infrequent visits are very important to strengthen ties among the sister churches of the TCLC.

TCLC Dodoma congregation - Pastor Joseph Chihoma, back row right

There were good roads on the way south to Dodoma, but our return trip north was mostly on rough, dirt-and-rock roads. We had arranged to visit some Maasai tribe pastors who have expressed interest in the TCLC. We met Pastor Hezekiah at the town of Okesumet, and visited his home church on Monday evening. We presented the "Jesus Film" there, in the Maasai language. The next morning we proceeded north, and had lunch with 6 other Maasai pastors who may also be seeking fellowship and partner ministry with us. Pastor Hezekiah is making plans to attend Wittenberg Seminary in January.

Pastor Hezekiah (2nd from right) and some of his church members 

Children of the congregation near Okesumet

Lunch with other interested Maasai pastors

In many places the scenery was beautiful!

"Human resources" are an important part of the Lord's kingdom work here in East Africa, and it is a joy to see so many fellow Christians who are dedicating their lives in the service of the Gospel of Christ crucified. All of this would be for nothing, however, without the divine resources which are at work here. It is the power of the Holy Spirit, working through His Word, that is enlightening the hearts and minds of all those who are brought to faith in Jesus, and is also keeping them in that faith. Human resources often stumble and fail, but God's Word always accomplishes His purposes. That's why Paul said:

We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

By God's grace I am now safely home in Arusha, and we are preparing for the final segment of classes at Wittenberg Lutheran Seminary before graduation day on November 24. Please continue to pray for all the "jars of clay" here, so our Lord's divine, infinite resources will continue to work powerfully through our finite human resources!

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