The missionary journies of Paul and his companions, as recorded in the book of Acts, show a clear pattern of 1) seeking new contacts with the Gospel of the crucified and risen Christ, and 2) continuing to build and maintain the faith of those who had already heard and believed. Our CLC missions program seeks to follow the same pattern, with regular visitations to our outlying sister churches in various countries. This "maintenance and encouraging" work is done primarily by traveling missionary Todd Ohlmann, as well as a number of part-time visiting pastors from the U.S.
My own call as seminary teacher and missionary is centered in Tanzania, but since I am within driving distance of our sister churches in Kenya I've been asked to visit there from time to time. Pastor Jeremia Issangya and I have just returned from such a trip. We visited our fellow believers in two locations in Kenya; Etago and Moi's Bridge. We had the same purpose as that of Paul and his companions - "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith." Additionally, we assist the Mission Board in ensuring that the limited resources we have to offer from CLC missions are applied in the best possible way.
It was a 6-day trip from June 9-14, with traveling days on either end and lengthy bus rides to and from our destinations. Some photos and descriptions are below (click to enlarge).
The two travelers: Pastor Jeremia and myself, in front of the newly-completed wing of the school on Etago, Kenya. By the way, many African churches expect any clergyman (not just Catholic priests) to wear a clergy collar.
St. David's Academy in Etago. There are 120 students in 8 levels. CLC Project Kinship helps to support the school, and provides Bible curriculum for instruction in the Word of God.
Sunday worship with some of St. David's students, their teachers, and members of the Etago congregation. Pastor Jeremia greeted and encouraged the group.
I preached a children's sermon on Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. We are to have "good posture" before God; when we bend low in repentance He lifts us up with His forgiveness in Christ.
School headmaster Charles is on the left, next to two of St. David's teachers. At the table are Pastor Enosh of the Chotororo congregation, Pastor Fred of Etago, and church member Brian.
A group photo following the Church service. Pastor Fred has a son, Eubank, who is a student at Wittenberg Seminary in Arusha.
It was a six-hour shuttle bus ride from Kisii (near Etago) to the Moi's Bridge area. It was a crowded bus, but there was beautiful Kenyan Countryside to enjoy!
Mary Sagala, left, is the administrator of Holy Cross Lutheran School in Moi's Bridge. Second from right is the elderly (and blind) Pastor Samson, who still preaches regularly for the local congregation, from his extensive memorization of large portions of the Bible.
The student body gathered to present songs and dancing for their visitors, as well as a reenactment of Jesus' trial, suffering, death, and resurrection.
You may see some video clips of the children HERE.
One of the classrooms in the newly-completed wing of the school, made possible through CLC Project Kinship funds.
Mary and one of the class levels, along with their teacher.
One of the teachers at Holy Cross School is Dennis, who is the son of Jasper, a Kenya student at the Wittenberg Seminary in Arusha.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The book of Acts reports that, while strengthening the new churches of his first missionary journey, Paul and his companions told the believers “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God." In our East African work we see a great many earthly hardships among those whom we serve. Thanks be to God that this does not at all diminish the heavenly riches that we share, in Christ!
We appreciate all the prayers and support from our fellow believers in the CLC-USA. You too are "strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith."
No comments:
Post a Comment