A Simple Sign, a Greater Purpose

We continue to remember the people in Nepal who are suffering in the wake of devasting flash floods, including many of our own HCLCN members. For Missionary Ohlmann's recent report, click HERE.

 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 August HERE.

A new sign for the AECT and Wittenberg: Among other recent improvements to our church and seminary property, made possible by contributions to the CLC MDF, we were blessed to install a sign outside the gate of our property. It's a simple thing, but we pray that our Lord will use this sign for his kingdom work:

• It is meant to catch the attention of our community for our Lutheran church and seminary, but the sign itself is not the destination. It's meant to point people to Jesus, for “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
  
  
• In the same way that our sign makes the church and seminary more visible, it reminds us that Jesus calls His people to live visibly -- not for our own glory, but so that others may see God at work. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
  
  
• Our sign is a simple invitation, the same one that Philip told Nathanael concerning Jesus, "Come and see!" John 1:46 We pray that people will find here the saving message that Jesus entrusts to his disciples of all time: "That repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations," (Luke 24:47), and "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth." John 17:17

A few recent photos (click to enlarge):

From time to time we visit retired Pastor Lengutai at his home. L to R: Prof. Thobias Mbise, AECT Chairman Jeremia Issangya, grandson of Pastor Lengutai, Pastor Lengutai, Pastor/Prof. Robert Loskira

Children of Pastor/Prof. Robert and Rachel Loskira: Angel, Zipporah, Innocent, and Onesimo

The front yard of the church and seminary was recently renovated to include a small soccer pitch for the students. Pictured: the winning team of the first "Wittenberg Cup" round-robin tournament

See a video of the winning goal in the championship game HERE.

Wittenberg students at lunch, grateful for the baked treats and beet pickles that Paula made them

Our twelve Wittenberg Seminary students completed the 2nd of 3 trimesters last week, and they are now on their September break. Please include in your prayers our upcoming visit to Kenya. Paula and I will travel by bus to visit our sister churches of the Kenya Church of the Lutheran Confession (KCLC), as well as outreach contacts, from September 3-15. We ask our Lord for safe travel, growth in grace and knowledge for our KCLC pastors and members, and fruitful discussions with a number of pastors and churches who have expressed interest in our fellowship. In all things, dear Lord, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done!"

FOR MORE CLC Foreign Missions News,

See Missionary Todd Ohlmann's blog HERE