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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