Paula Naumann keeps a personal Tanzania Journal;
her entry for April is HERE.
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Classes at Wittenberg Seminary continue, as I am preparing for a "swift" journey to Uganda in early May. Paula will leave for the USA on May 2. While I am in East Africa by myself for a month I will be visiting our churches and contacts in Uganda. This means a flight from Arusha to Kampala, and then long bus rides to two main destinations. Here is the map:
The first leg will be a visit to the "Confessional Lutheran Church in Uganda." This will be an introductory visit to this group of 17 independent congregations, which are served by 8 pastors. They are located near Ibanda and Buhweju, in the western part of the country. There has been encouraging correspondence with this group. We will need to find out whether we share the same scriptural teachings, with a view to possible future fellowship. Here is a photo of the group in Ibanda, whom we have not yet met (click to enlarge):
The second leg of the trip will be by bus to eastern Uganda, where we will have a pastoral conference of the Ugandan Church of the Lutheran Confession - UCLC. We have been working with Pastor Daniel Mugeni in Uganda for a number of years, and he has successfully completed his colloquy (doctrinal examination). This summer our CLC Convention in Eau Claire will, God willing, confirm our President's declaration of fellowship with the UCLC. At this meeting we will be working on a UCLC Constitution, with special attention given to the statement of faith, which is the same confession as the CLC. Here are a few photos from our previous trip to Iganga this past February:
Pastoral Conference in Iganga, Uganda, February 2024
Pastor Daniel and Ida Mugeni, at their home and orphanage in Iganga
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In other news: Paula and I recently hosted the students and faculty of Wittenberg Seminary to our home for dinner. It was a wonderful time of food and Christian fellowship. Here are a few photos of the event, along with other recent seminary activities:
Our hostess and some guests on our front porch
Seminary faculty, students, and "Mama Nuele," the seminary mom
We "charged" the students for the dinner by having them sing us a song. Click for the video HERE.
Student Jasper Musacali, preaching a practice sermon to the other students.
Student Elinajah Bayo, preaching for Sunday worship at Ambureni Parish.
(Easter banner by Paula)
Mrs. Loskira (mother of teacher Robert) has been in poor health. We went next door to Robert's home one morning for a devotion, hymn and prayer in her native Maasai language.
Our students put in a lot of effort at Wittenberg Seminary, but just to show that it's not ALL hard work, see the video clip HERE.
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Once I've returned from Uganda, it will be a short time until my flight to the U.S., where we'll see family and friends, and I'll be attending the CLC Convention in Eau Claire.
We appreciate very much the support and prayers of our fellow believers in the U.S., so that, as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, "the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you."
