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):
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