The CLC in East Africa

Back in the States again

2011-10-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 10th, 2011

I just wanted to let everyone know that Russ and I safely made it back to the states this morning after a very long flight from Addis Ababa.

Sunset over Nairobi from "The Blue Nile" was beautiful - is it just because I'm heading home?

After leaving Ethiopia we had a five and a half hour flight to Rome, Italy where the pilots were exchanged for some fresh ones. It was 3:30am there local time when we arrived. We stayed in our seats for the hour in Rome, and then we were off again.

The lit up city of the port city of Taranto, Italy (I believe) at 3:00am local time.

This time it was a nine and a half hour flight to Washington DC. Over 15 hours in the same seat is too long! I was glad to be back in the states, but I think I was even more glad to get off that plane! That was too much time with "The Blue Nile" - Ethiopian Airlines newest aircraft. From here Russ returns to Minneapolis and then back to Mankato. I head on to St. Louis for our Southeastern Pastoral Conference which begins tomorrow morning and goes until Thursday noon. Then I will get to (finally) return home.

Thanks again for all your prayers. Please continue to remember our work in East Africa in your prayers, as well as our work throughout the world. May the name of our Savior be spread and His kingdom come!

In His service,

Nathanael

Coming Home

2011-10-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136:1-2).

Right now, Russ and I are sitting in the airport at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We left Nairobi almost 4 hours ago and will soon be boarding our plane for Washington DC (via Rome). It has been another long day and we are looking forward to getting back home again.

We left Matunda at 8:45am this morning, boarding another shuttle for the 5 hours trip to Nairobi. Mike walked us to the bus stop and waited with us for the hour it took for the shuttle to arrive. It doesn’t feel like Sunday, having missed church, but we did have a service yesterday....

We arrived safely in Nairobi and Jemima graciously had us picked up from the bus stop, even though she was just coming into town herself. She had a meal prepared for us, and our room ready in case we wanted to rest up before our flight. What a wonderful lady! As it turns out, we had to eat quickly and get back to the airport for our flight out of Nairobi. Thankfully, the airport is a very short drive from Jemima’s!

The men of the Chotororo seminary - one of the reasons we are here in East Africa!

It has been a long trip, but we are nearing the end. Thank you for your prayers during our trip. No doubt our graciously Lord heard them all and answered them by giving us safe travels! May the Lord of the Harvest continue to bless the work here in East Africa through the seed that is being sown. Oh, give thanks to the LORD!

In Christ,

Nathanael

A visit to Mike's Home away from Home

2011-10-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday, October 7-8, 2011

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting (Psalm 147:1 ).

We left the Jazz Hotel at about 7:00am to make our way to the bus stage for our trip north out of Kisii to Eldoret. We had a nice shuttle, which meant that we weren’t packed in like sardines. We each had our own (paid) seat, and there were no stops between Kisii and Eldoret to pick up passengers. It was about a five hour journey, and we arrived in Eldoret a little after 12:30pm. We had a few errands to do so we visited the bank, the Bible Book store, the Grocery store and a few other odds n ends. Finally we were ready to leave Eldoret for Mike’s home in Matunda. We had another 45 minute ride, but the roads were much improved from what they were last year. When we arrived, Mary was at Mike’s already and she was busy making supper! We visited with Eric for a little bit and soon Anna arrived. She had been at Emmaus church supervising the construction of the second classroom there. We made a quick journey to the church to see the progress and I had the opportunity to get up on the roof and help the fundi (carpenter) install the iron sheets on the roof! He looked at me skeptically at first when I asked about coming up, but by after driving a few nails, he saw that I had experience and invited me to keep helping! It was a nice change of pace!

We returned to Mike’s for the supper Mary had prepared for us (which we enjoyed immensely) and after visiting with the Sagala family for a while, turned in for the night. We settled into Mike’s house, which is the upper story of a duplex. He has a kitchen and living room as well as three bedrooms and a bathroom. It is in a much better location than his previous house, and although he is a little further from church, he is closer to town. To top off the night, Mike made us grilled cheese sandwiches, which were REALLY good.

Russ gets a picture of me at work in Mike's living room the night before we leave.

On Saturday we went to the church to meet with the school children, their parents and members since Russ and I were not going to be able to be there for Sunday services. We began at about 10:00am and finished up at about 2:00pm! After that we went to a little restaurant for a small lunch with Anna and Mary, and then went to Mary’s house for the rest of the afternoon. We wrapped up at around 6:00pm, said goodbye to Mary and Anna and walked across town to Mike’s. It was a somber evening.... While Russ and I are glad to be going home, it is difficult to leave our compatriot behind. But he only has two more months left and he will be following.

Mary, Mike, Anna and I after our lunch on Saturday afternoon (Mike and I were a little burned!)

Please keep Mike in your prayers during the coming two months. You can follow his work here: http://emmausmilimanimission.tumblr.com

In Christ,

Nathanael

Final Days in Chotororo

2011-10-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday - Thursday, October 4-6, 2011

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me (Colossians 1:28-29).

It was more of the same the past three days. Five hours on the road and six to six and a half hours of teaching....

On Tuesday Mike and I went out to the seminary to teach, while Russ stayed in Kisii again to get more things done for Wednesday. We worked through the 14 pamphlets this week. In the morning I presented the topic of Law and Gospel, and in the afternoon Mike presented “What is Lutheranism?”

Mike teaches at the Chotororo seminary while students look on and take notes.

Wednesday brought something different day. Instead of taking our typical travel, we hired a taxi to carry out all the books for the seminary and the gifts for the children at the Etago KINSHIP school. So he took us to Chotororo where we unloaded five boxes of books for the seminary. We brought two paper boxes of books that were donated by CLC members, two boxes of Swahili catechisms and one box of Kisii Hymnals. After the morning session, Russ went on to Etago with Pastor Enosh to the KINSHIP school to distribute the gifts he had purchased from the KINSHIP committee. Toothbrushes and toothpaste, balls, and a few other toys went out to the kids. In the morning I covered the Charismatic movement and in the afternoon Russ presented a study of the Lord’s Prayer.

On Thursday we had a bit shorter of a day. In the morning I did studies on Marriage and the Role of Women in the Church. We broke at lunch and in the afternoon had meetings with the teachers and students about the schedule for the coming year. We finished up at about 3:30 and said our goodbyes to all those who were there. I won’t see them again for another year. Yet what a joy it is to come and to teach God’s precious Word of Truth to these men who are eager to study for the ministry! While this is a struggle, it is worth the effort when we know and understand that the Holy Spirit is at work through His Word.

When we arrived back in Kisii we had packing to do for the coming morning. Tomorrow we leave for Mike’s home in Matunda. We have to be ready to go by 7:00am once again. We are all starting to wear down a little from the hectic schedule. We are tried and don’t have the energy we should have. It has been a very long five weeks, but we are nearing the end. May the Lord continue to be with us and bless the spread of His Word of Truth in this land!

In Christ,

Nathanael

A hair-raising trip to Chotororo

2011-10-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 3, 2011

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

It has been a very busy week. Originally we were only going to be spending two days at the seminary in Arusha and another two days at the seminary here is Chotororo. In the course of our visit this year I decided to rework my schedule to enable us to spend more time at each seminary. We spent a full five days in Arusha and spent four days here in Chotororo. This was a very beneficial change to make and one I will plan to incorporate in future visits as well.

Even though our stay in Kisii was shorter than our stay in Arusha, it was much busier, for a number of reasons. Kisii is a main city in the Southwestern Region of Kenya. This city has become our base of operations for when we come to work in this district which sponsors a seminary at Chotororo and an orphan school at Etago. While I focused on the seminary, Russ eagerly took up the responsibility of the orphan school. Mike assisted in both arenas.

On Monday, Daniel Mugeni (from Uganda) and I made the long trek from Kisii to Chotororo. We left Mike and Russ in Kisii to purchase gifts for the children at St. David’s KINSHIP Academy in Etago and do some printing work for seminary. Daniel and I boarded a Matatoo at a little after 7:00am for our trip to Awendo which took about an hour and forty-five minutes. Poor Daniel was not used to this kind of “Kenyan driving” and was almost sick from the crammed in people, wretched roads and chaotic driving! He says it is much better in Uganda. We finally exited in Awendo with Daniel almost white as a sheet. While he sat down to recuperate, I procured two motorbike drivers to take us up the mud roads to the hill village of Chotororo where the seminary is located. That was almost as hair-raising as the matatoo ride. We had two good drivers though and made it up the hill without incident. We arrived at 9:30am after spending 2.5 hours on the road, and began our day at the seminary. I gave our test in the morning, corrected them over lunch, and went over the test in the afternoon. We had about 17 men there in total: teachers, students and a few additional leaders from our churches. We wrapped up the day at about 4:00pm and I had to repeat my trek back down the hill to Awendo, and then on to Kisii by matatoo. It was after 6:30pm by the time I returned to our hotel in Kisii to meet up with Mike and Russ, and I was beat! It puts a new perspective on “commuting to work” - that’s for sure! Five hours on the road and six and a half teaching!

The beautiful view down on Chotororo from the seminary at the top of a hill.

So the next time you think about how much you despise your commute consider having to make it in a bus crammed over the limit with people, live animals and other goods, on horrible roads in a vehicle with no shocks or struts left for your first leg, and then a motorbike up muddy roads unable to be traveled by other means for the second leg.... Then thank God for the many blessings we have in the United States! I’m thankful I only have to do this for 3 more days!

In Christ,

Nathanael

From one seminary to another

2011-10-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday - Sunday, October 1-2, 2011

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).

On Saturday we got up early to catch a bus for Nairobi. Pastor Jeremiah’s Son, Elisha, came to pick us up and drop us off at the bus station. We have spent some time with Elisha over the last couple of trips here, and he is a wonderful young man. We always enjoy our time with him when we get together, and he is always glad to get together when he can.

A view of the barren terrain between Arusha and Nairobi from our bus.

Our bus left just a little after 8:00am and we had a five hour trip to Nairobi. We made it to the Kenyan border at Namanga in record time, due to the completed roads in Tanzania. We only had one diversion, and that was a short stretch where they were working on a bridge. It was sure a nice change from all the previous years we have traveled on this road! We got off the bus at the airport and then waited for Andrew to pick us up from there. He took us to Jemima’s where we were treated to lunch and then supper and welcomed for the night. What gracious hosts! In the evening Mike and I made a two hour trip across Nairobi to visit the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, but when we arrived we found that it was closed. I hopped the locked gate and finally found someone who could give us information about the schedule. After that we had another two plus hour trip across town again, doubling our traveling for the day!

An Islamic mosque is not far from where we stay in Nairobi. Another reminder of why we are here....

On Sunday we hit the road once again for Kisii. It was another long trip on a big bus. It was after dark by the time that we arrived - almost 7:30pm. We met up with Daniel from Uganda who came to sit in on our seminary classes at Chotororo this coming week.

This year I have come to realize that I need to change the way I have been approaching the work here in East Africa. Instead of visiting congregations and running all over East Africa, I will be focusing on teaching in the institutions we have set up and are sponsoring. I have spent one week in Arusha and will be spending the coming week in Chotororo at the Kenya seminary. I believe that this is a far more profitable use of my time then traipsing all over these countries visiting congregations, but not really accomplishing much. I have revamped my schedule this year to incorporate this, and will be implementing this in future years as well. I pray that this will serve to better equip our men here for the work of ministry as we continue to grow in Christian wisdom, knowledge and zeal for our Savior’s kingdom work!

In Christ,

Nathanael

Teaching at Arusha seminary

2011-10-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Monday - Friday, September 26-30, 2011

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:15-16).

I’ve been a bit behind on my posting since the last two weeks have been so busy teaching at our seminaries in Arusha, Tanzania and Chotororo, Kenya. Let me revisit for you the week that we spent in Arusha....

We spent five days teaching at the seminary in Arusha. Each day we began at around 9:00am when we were picked up by Pastor Jeremiah. It was about a one hour trip through Arusha to Pastor Jeremiah’s church where the seminary classes are held. Classes began at around 10:00am and continued until about 2:00pm when we stopped for lunch. We continued teaching until about 4:30 or 5:00pm. Then we had another one hour trip back to the hotel.

Pastor Gondwe receives a laptop that was donated by one of my members back home. Pastor Gondwe is our district leader in the Tanga region and a teacher at our seminary - it will be put to good use!

Arusha is a beautiful area - it is covered with bananas, coffee, corn, tomatoes and other plants. Jeremiah’s church is set into this beautiful surrounding. We met with the seminary students, as well as some of the pastors from the Arusha district during this week. We began the week with a review on the two lessons that Mike and I gave at the Pastoral Conference in Moshi. I covered Fellowship and Mike presented the pamphlet: “What is a Lutheran?”.

On Tuesday, we gave a test on the catechism just like we have given in other places. After giving the test, we went through the answers and reviewed the Biblical references that provide the support for those answers. It was once again well received and we had a good review of these Bible Doctrines.

The rest of the week was spent going through the Catechism. On Wednesday we went through the 1st Article and part of the 2nd Article of the Apostles’ Creed and Baptism. On Thursday Mike presented more on the study of the 2nd Article and I covered the Sacrament of the Altar. Friday was concluded with the remainder of the 2nd Article and the Lord’s Prayer. So we made it through almost the entire catechism in the week we had here. This has been a good review and we have been able to incorporate some better teaching methods in the classroom.

Mike teaches at the seminary, and Pastor Nathan Lengutai serves as his very gregarious translator.

We have been staying at the Caanan Hotel in Arusha. I found this hotel on the Internet last year and it has been a pretty good place for us. It is owned by a Maasai man who we have seen from time to time. The only downside is that it is a long walk to anything that you might want. We ate in the Hotel Restaurant most of this week, even though the selection was very sparse, and the food was more expensive then we could have found it somewhere else. They had a nice menu, but whenever we asked for something, our waitress would tell us that it was not available. About the only thing that we would have was chicken - either with fries or with rice! I did get Spaghetti one night and that was sure nice for a change.

Tomorrow we are on the road to Nairobi where we will be for less than 24 hours before we board another bus to Kisii. We pray to the Lord for more safe travel over the next couple of days.

May the Lord bless His Word here in Tanzania!

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

Worship in Machame

2011-09-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).

We are left the Moshi District today. But before we leaving for Arusha we visited our small congregation in Machame which is just off the road from Moshi to Arusha. This is another congregation that, like Himo, has struggled with the effects of the court case over the Seminary building. The pastor of this congregation is a former seminary student at Himo, and one of the men who graduated from there in 2008. There was only a small number of people there, but they were eager to join in the worship of our Triune God for the gift of salvation He has won for us. Before the service we were invited to the home of one of the members, where we had tea, bread and hard-boiled eggs. Two members and the pastor joined us as we waited for service time.

Russ plays some "pre service music" at Machame on his Ukelele.

When the service started, it was very familiar. Their liturgy is much like our back home. It contained the Invocation, Confession and Absolution, Responsive Psalm, Confession of Faith, Scripture Readings, Responses, the Lord’s Prayer, and Benediction. We even sang familiar hymns like Rock of Ages and God Loves Me Dearly! I had been asked to preach and used the word of Romans chapter 5:1-5 once again. I emphasized God’s work of Justification and the results of that work which are ours: Peace; Hope; and Comfort in Tribulation.

What a privilege it is to worship with fellow believers teaching and admonishing one another thought the readings, hymns and parts of the liturgy! And thanks be to our God who has given His Word for this purpose. How often we forget or fail to realize that our Lutheran Worship is full of God’s Word. We don’t just hear God’s Word in the Scripture readings - we also hear it in the hymns and in the various parts of the liturgy. Through and through it is a Biblical service teaching and admonishing us! We dare not take this for granted, but understand that God is at work through His Word in our liturgy. May the Lord continue to be with His people here at Machame and throughout the Moshi District.

Following the service we caught a shuttle which took us to Arusha. It was a two hour trip through some very beautiful country. It is full of banana trees, coffee plants, maize, beans, and various other crops. Since it is so close to the mountains, there is lot of rain and the climate is very conducive to crops of various kinds.

We arrived in Arusha mid-afternoon and checked into our hotel on the north side of Arusha. The prices have gone up quite a bit with the electricity shortages and economic problems, but it is still a good value compared to other hotels. It even has wireless internet (when there is electricity). We are glad to be able to settle in here, knowing that we will be here for a week. It is always a good feeling when you know you will be in the same place for more than one or two days! We also look forward to working in the seminary this whole week. May the Lord bless our service to Him.

In Christ,

Nathanael

Maasai gifts in Msita wa Tembo

2011-09-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice (Philippians 4:4).

This is our last day in Moshi. While there have been plenty of challenges and struggles to deal with while we have been here, we have really enjoyed our accommodations. The people here are very kind and eager to help, and we have gotten to know many of them by name. The beds have been comfortable, the shower has been hot (usually), and the food has been great! So we glad to be moving on to Arusha for the next stage of our work, but we are going to miss our lodging place!

This morning I had a meeting with two of the pastors of the Moshi district to discuss some matters that have come up in the course of my stay here. It was a difficult situation, but it was necessary to work toward resolving an issue among some of our pastors. After that meeting I visited the local Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. They have a large church and administration offices right here in Moshi. This is a liberal Lutheran Church body, much like the ELCA is the States, although the ELCT churches are not happy with some of the recent decisions in the ELCA. I wanted to do some checking on pastors in the ELCT, locations of their churches and ask some other research questions as well. The people that I met with were very friendly and helpful in answering my questions.

After my research safari, I met up with Mike and Russ and we rode out to one of our churches in Msita wa tembo with Pastor Malyi. It was about a two hour ride through the sugar cane field south of Moshi and into the desert sands at the foot of a small mountain range. It was quite a change in scenery! From rich and plentiful land growing bountiful harvests of sugar cane, to dry barren land that nothing but scrub brush can grow in! It was here in this barren wasteland that we found Pastor Mollel’s Maasai congregation waiting for us and singing hymns of rejoicing.

The members of the church in Msita wa tembo.

We were ushered to the front of the church building constructed with stick as the congregation continued their singing. They had two choirs - a youth choir and an adult choir and they took turns singing their hymns of praise. We were introduced to the church leaders, and were given gifts from the congregation in appreciation of our coming. Russ, Mike, Pastor Malyi and I each received a hand made bead cross necklace. They also gave me a Maasai robe which they tied around me. We were then given an opportunity to greet and share the word with the congregation. Russ did his Jonah presentation, and I again addressed the congregation from the book of Romans. I asked questions to determine the understanding of the people, and I was impressed by their responses on basic Bible doctrines. They were very alert and receptive throughout our speaking, nodding their heads in response and appreciation.

Pastor Gurath sports his Maasai cross necklace.

After a few more hymns and the benediction, we were ushered to the sacristy where lunch was served. There was cabbage, rice, soup, meat, tea, coffee, water and peanuts. It was a good meal, but my favorite part was probably the peanuts! All the while the congregation continued singing different songs of praise in Swahili and in the Maasai tongue. What an amazing thing to see these people who have almost nothing rejoice in the greatest gift of all - salvation through Jesus Christ!

I visit with Pastor Mollel and Pastor Malyi in my Maasai robe following the service.

We had a long trip back after the service and it was evening by the time we arrived in Moshi. We ran a few errands on our way back to the hotel, and packed our things, ready to leave tomorrow morning. A new adventure begins tomorrow....

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

Last Minute stop in Makanya

2011-09-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 23, 2011

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).

We had an extra day since we moved the Moshi District seminar up to yesterday afternoon. Originally the Moshi District seminar was scheduled for today, but we moved it up to yesterday and saved costs on a hall rental and gained an extra day. We filled that extra day by going to visit Pastor Godson Mshana in the small village of Makanya. Mike and I met with Pastor Gondwe at 7:00am this morning and caught a bus to Makanya which is located halfway between Moshi and Tanga. We had planned to visit him on our way to Moshi from Tanga, but he was out of town that day, so it didn’t work out. This was a nice back-up plan.

It was a two and a half hour ride from Moshi to Makanya. We rode on a big bus which was more comfortable than most of the ones we have ridden this year. We hopped off the bus at a hole-in-the-wall market in what looked like the middle of nowhere. A few minutes later Sadiki met us and led us on a 10 minute walk to the church in Makanya. Pastor Mshana is in the process of building a 9 room hostel which he plans to use to support the school they are running and looking to expand.

He took us to see the school that the church is running. They have about 200 pre-school students ages 3-5. This is an area highly populated by Muslims and they are teaching Muslim children here as well. They teach Bible stories and Christian principles, so who knows what the Lord may work through this opportunity. Pastor Mshana’s wife is the head teacher and she is assisted by two other women. They would like to expand and build more classrooms and add more levels in the coming years, but funds are hindering them at this time. They have the land to build, so it is possible to build the that additional classrooms in the future.

Go to Pastor Gurath's blog to see some video of the children from the school here in Makanya. You can find them here: http://emmausmilimanimission.tumblr.com/

Pastor Mshana walked us around the village and introduced us to the teachers at the public school, at the hospital and clinic, and in the market. It was obvious that people in the village knew and respected him. For a small village in the middle of nowhere, this village had many conveniences which one would not expect like the school and hospital (with a doctor “in house”).

Following the tour of the village we came back to Pastor Mshana’s home and were served lunch. His wife and family were very gracious and hospitable, and Sidiki offered a wonderful heart-felt prayer for us and for the Lord’s work in Makanya and throughout East Africa. After lunch we had to say goodbye and catch another bus back to Moshi. It was a very worthwhile trip and very exciting to see how the Lord’s word is at work in this area of Tanzania! May the our Great High Priest bless their witness and confession!

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

Conference wraps up, Moshi district seminar

2011-09-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb (Psalm 19:7-10).

Day two of our conference began this morning at 8:30am. Today was just a half day, so that those who were traveling a long distance could begin their return trip. Our conference began with a paper by Pastor Jeremiah Issangya on unity of church leaders. Pastor Issangya is the principal and teacher at our seminary in Arusha, Tanzania. In his paper he offered very practical examples of the dangers church leaders face and suggestions for how to maintain brotherly love in our working together. It was well received and incorporated some very profitable discussion among the attendees.

Following this we took some time to hand out the tests on the catechism which were taken yesterday and to review the answers. It was a helpful review to all our pastors, showing the importance of knowing and using the catechism regularly in our ministries.

Attendees of the conference representing five different countries.

Several reports were offered on our work in various fields before we concluded with our schedule for next year, and prayers in word and song. Goodbyes were said among brothers before many headed to bus stations for return trips home.

Since we were only able to rent the hall for a day at a time and not half days, we decided to use the hall for an afternoon session for the leaders of the Moshi district. After lunch, the men of the Moshi district returned to the hall overlooking the city of Moshi for some additional studies. With many new contacts in the area, I explained the men the colloquy process and explained that new contacts would have to go through a period of instruction with me before they would become pastors affiliated with our churches in East Africa. While this will be a lot of work both for the inquiring pastor and for me, it is necessary to maintain the unity we strive for, and will be beneficial instruction as well.

A view of Moshi from the upstairs room of the Newcastle Hotel where our conference was held. Kilimanjaro is in the background but hidden by clouds....

We pray for the Lord’s continued blessings on this process and on those looking for the truth of God’s Word. In addition, the afternoon session contained a study of the Lord’s Prayer which Russ presented and a study of the Biblical presentation of Grace Alone and Universal Grace and how one or the other of these are rejected by the majority of Christian churches today. This included a study of Calvinism and Arminianism.

We wrapped up our afternoon session at about 5:30pm. More meetings were held in the evening as plans were made for the coming days. Tomorrow we will be on the road again for a brief visit to a village I have never been to.

We thank the Lord for blessing our conference and for building us up through the Word of Truth which has been taught and heard during these past two days. May He continue to bless the work of these pastors and teachers in their service to Jesus Christ!

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

East African Pastoral Conference begins

2011-09-28T08:22:00.001-07:00

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

The East African General Pastoral Conference began this morning at 9:00am. Pastor Malyi served as the chaplain and opened with prayers, hymns and a devotion. Men were in attendance from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and the United States - 16 men in all. We were supposed to have twenty men, but several were unable to attend for various reasons. We still had a good turnout from a variety of our East African fields. This year I decided to take some time to review doctrines that set us apart from other church bodies and presented in Koenig’s 14 pamphlets (these can be found on the CLC’s Lutheran Missions website under Teachings). I took the attendees through a review of the Doctrine of Fellowship and Pastor Gurath followed with a review of “What is a Lutheran?”

Attendees begin to arrive and greet one another at the beginning of the conference.

In the afternoon Pastor Fred Ogendo took us through a review of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Pastor Ogendo serves as one of the teachers at our seminary in Chotororo, Kenya, in the Kisii District. This was followed by a review test on the Catechism, which was given by Pastor Gurath. The purpose of the test was to see how well our pastors know and understand the Catechism, and to encourage them to study the catechism more and teach it in their congregations. The test was received well by the attendees, and they appreciated the review of these basic Christian teachings.

In the past we have had problems getting copies of the Catechism to distribute to our pastors and the people of the congregations here. I have brought English catechisms which have been donated by our members in the states, but those have been few compared to the large number of people who need them. Last year we were finally able to get copies of the Small Catechism with Explanation and began distributing them in our seminaries. This year we have picked up more and are distributing them to our pastors and church leaders for review and instruction. This has been received very well and appreciated by our pastors.

Attendees work on the Catechism test in the afternoon session.

The conference mixed singing English and Swahili hymns for the opening and closing of our sessions. It was a joy to be able to sing with these men and have them sing with us. Many hymn tunes are familiar in both languages and can be sung in either English or Swahili. What a joy to gather around the word of God in Spirit worked unity and sing together praises to our Triune God! May He continue to bless the proclamation of His salvation through each one of us as His witnesses and keep us faithful to His word of truth.

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

Himo School

2011-09-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12).

The congregation in Himo has been the central focus of the lawsuit brought on by a former member of our church in East Africa, against us and against certain individual members of our churches in the Moshi district. This has been going on for two years now in a very slow process, and although it seems to be nearing the end, we cannot be sure when everything will be finally resolved. The chief matter in dispute is the ownership of the seminary building in Himo. The seminary has been closed for two years, but the members of the Himo congregation, who used the seminary chapel as their sanctuary have been allowed to continue to use it in this way during the case. While that has been a blessing, it has also put them in the middle of this battle.

Thankfully we found that the pre-school that was also operated at the seminary has also been able to continue. They have about 80 students from ages 3-5 who are taught by Pastor Makundi’s wife and one other woman in the congregation. We arrived at the seminary building at about 11:00 as they were wrapping things up for the day. The children greeted us in English and did some counting and singing for us. The school here receives some fees from parents, but is supported mostly by the members of the Himo congregation and other TCLC churches in the Moshi district. Of course they have more needs than they are able to meet themselves and they would like to be able to provide. One thing they would like to provide is a bowl of porridge for the children in the morning. They would also like to buy some small blackboards for the younger children so they can practice their writing. I have asked Pastor Makundi to provide me with a full list of the needs they have and what those items would cost, to see if we can help.

A picture of the happy faces of the children of the Himo congregation's pre-school.

From the school we went to visit the family of a Himo member who passed away earlier this year. Mr. Uiso had been a rock in the Himo congregation and he became ill with a liver disease at the end of last year. We wanted to pass on our sympathy to his family.

We also went to visit with some of the members of the Himo congregation to encourage them to continue fighting the good fight of faith and not give up. In the face of all these difficulties, we reminded them that our hope in the future has not changed, no matter the outcome of the current court case. The Lord will be with them as He has promised. It was a very beneficial and uplifting visit, for us and for them as well.

Greeting the Himo members before heading back to Moshi.

We caught the bus back to Moshi and met up with the men who had already arrived for the conference. More continued to poor in throughout the late afternoon and early evening. It was a joy to sit and visit with them all and to discuss the state of affairs in East African politics and religion amiably and as brothers in Christ. It makes me look forward all the more to our conference tomorrow!

In Christ’s service,

Nathanael

Bear with one another

2011-09-27T23:07:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 19, 2011

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).

We all have problems getting along with others. It is part of our selfish human nature. It can be seen in children and adults, men and women, rich and poor. Bearing with one another in love is one more God-desired fruit of the Spirit which we need the Lord’s help to do. Sometimes we also need reminders and encouragement from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

In some ways, the Africans countries struggle with this to a great degree. We hear a lot about racism in our own country - but it is widely prevalent here in Africa as well. There is obvious racism against white people, but there is also racism against between various tribes - where one person thinks that they are better than someone else because they are from a different tribe. Even though our faith in Christ unites us as Paul says in Galatians 3:28 (“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”), the flesh still raises its ugly head against that unity and equality in Christ.

We met with two men today who have been working in the same village for many years as well as a couple others. A conflict has developed between them so this meeting was called to try to resolve the situation. It was clear that lines had already been drawn before everyone arrived. Accusations were made, tempers flared, but some ground was covered. It will not be resolved today, but we pray that it will be in the near future. How sad it is when the devil uses personal desires to hinder the work of Christ’s kingdom! We should all be aware of this in our own lives and pray for His help in striving against such attacks from the devil and our own flesh.

We also moved to a new “hotel” which was nicer, but cheaper then what we were paying at the place where the conference will be held. We are very happy with this new location, which is just a short walk from the Pastoral Conference venue. We are always looking for ways to cut costs and keep things as inexpensive as possible. We are staying in a single room, but which can sleep three. It is new and very comfortable.

A view of the inside of our new and cheaper "home away from home" in Moshi.

The rest of the day was spent in preparation for the Pastoral Conference which is just two days away now. Agenda were completed, papers prepared and printed, and accommodations readied. Tomorrow we will be visiting the school at Himo, so we will be gone for most of the day and in the afternoon Conference attendees will be arriving.

Lord, be with us and bless our work that You might be glorified in all things! Amen.

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

The Lord's Day

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Sunday, September 18, 2011

(Let us not forsake) the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).

Today is Sunday - the Lord’s Day. It was called the “Lord’s Day” in the early church because it was the day when Jesus rose from the dead and showed Himself to his disciples. It was the Lord’s Day because our Lord showed openly that He had defeated sin and death through His death on the cross.

We still celebrate the Lord’s Day today, centuries later. His death and resurrection, His victory is still ours through faith and we need to be reminded of it constantly. It is a privilege to be able to worship our God for the salvation He has won for us on this day. But oh, how easy it is to take this privilege for granted! We think of it as unnecessary or as unimportant compared to other events in our busy lives. This is true in Africa, just as it is in the states. It is common to find women bringing their children to church, but often the husband is busy working to put food on the table. Sometimes both parents are absent, and the children are left to get themselves to church on Sunday morning. How sad this is to see! The Lord reminds us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). How many distractions there are in this world! How easy to loose sight of the importance and need we have to gather with fellow Christians to encourage one another and be b

uilt up by the Word of God on the Lord’s Day!

Pastor Lengutai translates for me at our service this morning at Pastor Jeremiah's church.

There were only a few who gathered with us this morning at Pastor Jeremiah’s church. Students were away to school, and others were gone, unable to watch video services or “Skype” in for church as we do back home. Russ did a presentation for the children on the account of Jonah, and I was asked to preach. Pastor Nathan Lengutai translated for me as we heard Paul’s words of comfort found in Romans 5:1-5. We pray for the Lord’s blessing on this small church, that they may continue to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s work for us, and in their witness to one another and to the world!

Following church we were invited to Pastor Jeremiah’s home for a lunch of rice, soup, bananas and soda with Pastor Lengutai, Evangelist Tangeza and his family. We discussed the coming Pastoral Conference and other topics, and then said our goodbyes. Pastor Jeremiah then took us to the bus station to catch a bus back to Moshi. It was not a comfortable ride. We were crammed in like sardines, with even the isles filled with people. Our luggage was strapped to the top of the bus with everyone elses, but we didn’t have any more room. It was a good thing it was only a two hour trip which we paid only about $2 a ticket for! Boy, were we glad to get off that bus! There was also the typical ridicule by the public of the “white men” - which gets a little old after a while....

We checked into our new hotel in Moshi and rested up for a while, getting ready for the next day. We ended the day with a treat - real pizza at a little Italian restaurant we found behind our hotel. It wasn’t Pizza Hut, but it was good! Tomorrow we have some meetings scheduled and we are considering moving to a new hotel just down the street, because we found a better deal. I’ll explain tomorrow. For now, blessings to you all on this Lord’s Day. Thanks be to Him for His grace and mercy!

In Christ,

Nathanael

Masai congregations outside Arusha

2011-09-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Through him [Jesus Christ] we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2).

Today we had the opportunity to visit two Masai congregations to the West of Arusha. They are both stories of hope, so I’d like to tell you their stories.

This morning Pastor Jeremiah picked us up at about 9:00am. He was accompanied by Pastor Nathan Lengutai and Evangelist Tangeza. We drove through Arusha and headed west into the dry and barren wastelands of northern Tanzania. In this area there is little vegetation on the ground, and the dirt is easily stirred up by the turbulent winds well known by the people of this land. There are no big cities, just villages of mud buildings with thatched roofs along the side of the road. The typical passerby would hesitate to stop here, just like they would hesitate to slow down if they found themselves in one of Chicago’s bad neighborhoods. But the people here are kind and ready to offer a cup of tea for weary travelers. This is Masai land. A ranching people who herd sheep, goats and some cattle, they are wanderers - taking their animals wherever they can find grass to feed them. They are a simple people who have little or nothing beyond the wooden stick in their hands and the colorful sheets which they use to clothe themselves.

It is in this environment that we arrived. We met a large number of members from the Engamata Masai congregation (even though it was a Saturday). They were working on the second stage of constructing a new church. The land had been leveled and holes had been dug into the ground with tree branches jutting from them. This frame was beginning to give the new church shape. The members greeted us and took a break from construction to sit with us and discuss their project and their situation.

The frame goes up on the Engamata church building.

We found that this was the same congregation we had visited several years ago. They had built a nice church and had started a school as well. But their land has been taken over by the government as a part of land to be used for military operations. In a recent military exercise, the church building was destroyed, forcing them to move further away from the military zone. They are now building on the other side of the road, far away from their former land. They are requesting assistance with the iron sheets to cover their church building before the rainy season comes in November. The cost of supplying the iron sheets for this building would be about $350. Although discouraged by the destruction of their church they are not giving up. They are moving forward, eager to start again and continue in their service to the Lord.

Sticks have been gathered in anticipation of the new building project.

From here we traveled further to the north, many miles from anything more than foot travel. Rocks and ruts lined the “road” we drove on and lions are said to roam these lands in the evening looking for the stray sheep or goat to feed their family. We came to the village of Noosuyan, which was nothing like what you might picture in your mind. This village consisted of 9,000 residents, but they were scattered over hundreds of acres. We came to a community school where the church now worships. It was a nice building, although small, made with a stick frame and using iron sheets for the roof and walls. The church has now been given a plot of land by the village elders for the purpose of building their own church.

The land given by the village elders for our new church building.

The interesting thing is that this is the only church in this village at this time. We were told that this was the only church in 20 kilometers, and that is a huge distance in this land. They have already gathered the wood for the frame and are ready to begin building here too. Again they are asking for assistance to supply the iron sheets for the roof. About the same size as the first, this would also cost about $350. What is encouraging is the opportunities we have in these two areas. Two groups of people who are focusing on the hope that God alone can give through His word of truth. May our Lord continue to be with them and sustain them through the trials of this life through His word!

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

From Moshi to Arusha

2011-09-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Friday, September 16, 2011

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:10-11).

To fill the rest of our vacated schedule we decided to travel to Arusha to visit a few of the churches in Pastor Jeremiah’s area. Before we could leave Moshi though, I had to resolve the matter of a hall for the Pastoral Conference for next week. Still I had found nothing suitable for a reasonable price. Many places, when they see a white person, will increase the rates for residents because they believe they can get more from a white person. This would be called discrimination in the states, but here it is common. It helps when people find out we are pastors and are working with other pastors, but some people don’t care, they want to make an easy buck (or shilling). We find this on the buses, businesses and everywhere we go.

Because of this it has taken a long time to find an acceptable and affordable place for the conference. One young man who worked at the hotel we were staying at was w

illing to walk me around town to visit some other locations. Finally after three stops we found a hotel that was reasonable and offered affordable prices for accommodation, food and hall rental for our conference. I met with the manager and organized everything for the meeting. We also found a new hotel that offered a room that all three of us could stay in for a cheaper rate then what we have been paying for two rooms in our current hotel. We strive to be good stewards of the money that we have for the work of God’s kingdom here. The less we spend on our trip, the more we have to use for other purposes in the work of God’s kingdom. It was a great trip all around!

After booking the hotel for our return, I met up with Russ and Mike and we boarded a bus to Arusha, which is about an hour to the West of Moshi. Of course, it took longer than that, even though we were on a shuttle. It ended up taking two hours to get there and we arrived mid afternoon. We checked into our favorite hotel from last year, and found it much the same, except that they had raised their prices! Because of the power shortages they are running a generator through the needed times which has caused them to raise their rates on accommodation and food at the hotel. But it does have wireless internet, so that makes it much easier for us to check e-mail and post to our blogs. I even had the change to Skype my family back home and talk to them that way. It was really nice to see my wife and kids and talk to them all.

Mike and Russ stand in front of our hotel hidden in the metropolis of Arusha.

I have also made the difficult decision to cancel two visitations that I had scheduled in Uganda and Bungoma so that I can spend more time teaching at our two seminaries. We will be spending a whole week in Arusha, Tanzania (Sept. 26 - 30) and a whole week in Chotororo, Kenya (Oct. 3 -6). It is important that we spend this time with our seminaries in assisting with the instruction of our students. Here also we strive to be good stewards of our time and in teaching the men of our districts. We pray that the Lord will bless our teaching efforts.

So this will be our new schedule for the remainder of our time here. We will be here in Arusha through Sunday when we will return to Moshi before the Pastoral Conference.

Thanks again for your prayers on our work and travels. Mike is still a bit under the weather, but is beginning to feel better. Russ has been tired from the lack of electricity at night, but has been handling it well. I remain healthy, and thank the Lord for His blessings so far. Please continue to pray for us and for the pastors of this area that the Lord would bless their service to Him.

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

Marangu and Himo visits

2011-09-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Note: I’m sorry that I am so far behind in getting the blog updated. We have had many electricity and internet problems while we have been in Tanzania. If you would like, you can fill out the email update form on this page and you will be sent an e-mail whenever I make a new post. This will save you from having to check the blog when nothing new has been posted. Thanks for following our trip and keeping the work in your prayers!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Today we were scheduled to visit the Kajaido district, but that had to be cancelled because our leader there had to leave the country for a while. So we have had to rework our schedule and arrange to do other things instead. Yesterday I made plans with Pastor Malyi to visit a church in Marangu and the pastor and his wife in Himo.

In addition to that I also needed to make arrangements for a hall for our Pastoral conference next week. It has been a real pain to get this organized. In the past we have used the hall here, but they have some kind of government event here next week, so there are no halls available. Lucy, the lady in charge of special events here was very kind and took m

e to a school that she thought we might be able to use. We looked it over and it looked good, but when I went back this morning, they said that it was not available either. Pastor Malyi and I also looked at a community / government hall just a block from where we are staying, but the people there gave me a very high price, so I’m going to keep looking around town.

After working on the hall rental, Mike, Russ and I caught a ride to Maran

gu, where Pastor Malyi took us to visit an elderly pastor who serves a church not far from his. He is 68 years old and has built a very nice church on his own property. He has no son and is concerned that when he dies, his brothers will take it and give it to another church body. He would like to sell it to the CLC for $3,000 so that his brothers are not able to obtain

it. The church is worth far more than that. It is much different from most of our churches in Africa, with concrete walls, a finished and painted exterior, a cement floor and even real glass windows! But once again, we simply don’t have the money to be able to buy such a building and there are many other needs that are more dire at this time. It is our prayer that the Lord will give Pastor Jackson many more years that he may continue to use this church building to the glory of His name.

Pastor Jackson's church building in Marangu. Pastor Malyi, Gurath and I are heading in.

From Marangu we returned back to Himo to visit Pastor Davis Makundi and his wife. Pastor Makundi has been one of the central figures in the seminary building problem here. He is the pastor of the church at Himo, and the congregation is able to use half of the seminary building for worship while the case is in court. He and the congregation here have been right in the middle of this struggle and have suffered greatly. What’s more, Pastor Makundi and his wife just lost their first baby only a few weeks ago. May the Lord give them comfort in this time of earthly loss!

Pastor Davis Makundi and his wife at their home in Himo.

It was 4:00pm when I finally returned to our hotel. After some work in my room we came down for supper and I has an interesting conversation with a Belgium couple. I had met them earlier in the day and knew they were going to be leaving the next day, so I wanted to say goodbye. We ended up talking for over an hour about all kinds of topics. If this couple is typical, then Europeans are more liberal than I thought. They have traveled the world and have no real concept of God. They have been turned off by the Roman Catholic Church which is THE church of their small country. They believe that the Bible is not God’s Word (although it presents some good ideals) and that God is a vague thing which is different for each person. They have been together for 20 years, but are not married. While that is commendable, it is sad that the true God is not part of their marriage or life.

It was a sad discussion, and I tried my best to turn them away from Catholic teaching and to the truth of God’s Word with passages during our conversation. Who knows what will happen, but we have the Lord’s promise: “(My word) shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

A change of schedule

2011-09-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! (Psalm 148:1-3).

This psalm is a wonderful tribute to the truth of the one and only true God. In the midst of those peoples who worship the creation rather than the creator (Romans 1:25), this Psalm brings that all-important message: There is only one God, the one who has created the world and everything in it – don’t worship what is not God! May the Lord bless our message as we

proclaim His name to all the world!

A Hindu temple in the foreground and the minarets of a Moslem mosque in the background shows some of the religious diversity in Moshi.

While Mike and I were glad to get to Moshi, we found there was some discouraging news. For some reason, Tanzania is rationing its power supply, which translates into no electricity last night. They are rotating the power around, so one day there will be no power during the day, the next there will be no power during the night. Although most businesses have generators to help them through these outages, it still has made it very hard to get things done. The internet place we usually use has been down today, making it impossible to get email and updates done which we had planned to do today.

In between writing reports and getting to exchange place to get more T. Shillings, I did have the chance to meet with Pastor Malyi. Pastor Malyi is the district leader for the Moshi district. He is also the main person who is involved in the legal case with the seminary building. He had some good reports concerning the case, which we are glad to hear.

Due to a change of schedule with on of our pastors, I have had to change my schedule as well. Pastor Papani is out of the county and working in the Sudan, so he will not be available for our scheduled visit to his district. So I have had to fill my schedule with other work. I talked about this with Pastor Malyi and also talked with Pastor Jeremiah in Arusha and they were eager to fill the now-empty days with work in their districts. So tomorrow we will be visiting Marangu and Himo in the Moshi district, Friday we will finishing up preparations for the Pastoral Conference and then traveling to Arusha where we will spend Saturday and Sunday. We will return to Moshi on Sunday or Monday to spend more time with the Moshi district and have the Pastoral Conference.

Even though it was a slower day, it was greatly needed and appreciated. Mike is feeling worse again today and trying to rest up and kick the cold he picked up in Tanga. Russ is feeling a bit run down too with the shortage of electricity to run his C-PAP at night. I’m doing well, and am thankful for that. I did get a lot of catch up work done today, so it wasn’t a lost day by any stretch of the imagination. Regrouping and catch up days are vital as well, if we are to keep our heads above water.

Right now there is a wedding send-off going on at our hotel. The music is loud and the lights are bright and it will probably go into the wee-hours of the night. Hopefully that means they will run the generator and have electricity through the night for Russ. Tomorrow will be another busy day again. May the Lord grant restful sleep and health to us this night!

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

From Tanga to Moshi

2011-09-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! (Psalm 105:1-3).

We didn’t sleep very well last night. It was pretty cold, and although we had all our clothes on, we were still chilled to the bone under our one blanket. Mike has come down with a nasty cold as a result of the temperatures up here at night. We were finally awakened for good by our host’s portable radio at about 5:00am. We had decided to skip breakfast and get an early start down the hill. Then we said our goodbyes and prepared to head back down the hill to catch a bus to Moshi. Pastor Steven, the elderly pastor here at Amani, had heard that they were installing a culvert under the road which could prevent our traveling. He awoke early and went down the hill to the site to make sure we would be able to pass. Such is the concern and love of the people of Amani!

We loaded up the car, along with an additional guest, but didn’t make it very far. After rolling only 200 feet we found that we had a flat tire. Once again, the people of Amani assisted by gathering rocks to put in front of the tires (to keep it from rolling) and for under the car (as an added support in case the car fell off the jack). We were able to get the tire changed, and then pumped up the spare and the now flat tire at the next village (using a bicycle hand pump, no less).

Three hours and a million and one bumps later and we arrived in Muheza where we would catch a bus to Moshi and Pastor Gondwe would catch another back to Tanga. Since we had skipped breakfast and had time to kill while we waited for our bus to arrive, we walked across the street to have breakfast. Our breakfast consisted of several samosas and a soft drink. Samosa (often called sambusa) are one of my favorite snacks. They are small and triangular shaped, thinly breaded on the outside and stuffed with meat and spices on the inside. Very good especially when they are warm! Now, if I could only get a Cherry Coke....

Our bus arrived at about 12:30, and our estimated travel time of four hours to Moshi was again short of the mark. It ended up being a 5 and a half hour trip crammed into a very small seat on a very big bus. Poor Mike had to straddle two seat to get enough room for his legs! I had to keep my bag on my lap because there was so little room and ended up with deep bruises on the top of my legs from all of the jolting and pressure! It was a miserable trip, and we were exuberant to finally get off the bus. Once again we noticed the plethora of Muslims, this time running the bus. The bus driver was a hulking Arab man, and there was another slender one assisting with seating and ticket checking. Four others were working on the bus with baggage and other jobs, and several of them were wearing the unique hats of Muslims. While less prevalent inland, Muslims are making inroads across Africa.

It has been a very long and hard travel day and we were very glad to meet up with Russ and get settled into our room under the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tomorrow will be a slower day for running errands, writing reports and resting up a bit. Mike is feeling more miserable tonight, so hopefully the bonus day will be good for him.

We give thanks to the Lord for His wonderful works, and rejoice to be workers in His kingdom!

In Christ,

Nathanael

Tanga Pastoral Seminar

2011-09-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 12, 2011

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105).

It was an interesting night for Mike and me. We shared a small room in the home of a teacher from the village. He didn’t have any extra furniture, so someone in the village moved a bed from their home to this man’s home for us to sleep on. When the sun went down, it became dark quickly and all we had were kerosene lanterns to give light in the house. Mike fell asleep while he was lying in bed waiting for supper to arrive, and slept there pretty soundly until morning. It was pretty cold though, and we each only had one blanket. We both slept with our clothes on to stay warm and protect against any investigating critters which we knew surrounded us! It was a unique experience to say the least.

The beautiful view looking down on the valleys of Amani Zurai from the top of the mountain.

This morning some of the women of the congregation brought us tea and chapati for breakfast. The tea was the best I have ever had. The chapati (pancakes without syrup) were good too. We had a bit of time to study in the morning in preparation for our seminar. It was scheduled to begin at 8:00 but didn’t actually begin until 9:00am. We had about 30 pastors in attendance, most of whom were former members of the Anglican church or the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT). They had left these church bodies because of the liberal teachings promulgated there, and have joined the CLC. About 18 of them had received formal theological training, and others were serving as Pastoral assistants or deacons, or interested in the ministry.

Mike and I decided to do something different to help us ascertain the knowledge of the men we are working with. We gave the men a test on the catechism, going through the Law and the Gospel, the 10 Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and the Ministry of the Keys and Confession. Mike gave the test and since it needed to be communicated into Swahili, it took all morning to give it. We finally wrapped up with the test at about 1:00pm and took a break for lunch. In the afternoon we came back to go over the test. I took the afternoon session and quizzed them on their responses and went through the answers to the test. We wrapped up at around 5:30pm as some of the men had quite a journey back home yet before it became too dark (it gets dark at around 6:00pm there).

Pastors of the Tanga district gathered in an open school room for our seminar.

It was a very profitable day for us and for them. A number of the pastors mentioned to us after the sessions that they had greatly appreciated the presentations and that they had learned much from them. That night, the elderly pastor of the host congregation came by to check on us and he too mentioned how much he had benefitted from the seminar and the review on the catechism. We planned to send catechisms to the pastors and leaders in the Tanga district, but I had an extra one in my pack and gave it to him. He was very appreciative, and as soon as he received it he turned on his flashlight to begin reading through it. After several minutes had passed (while discussion in the room continued) he started nodding vigorously. Pastor Gondwe related to us that he had discovered a point in the catechism which had been made in the seminar and again reinforced that point in his mind! And that is just how the word of God works - bringing light where there is darkness. This was a point well taken as we sat in a place where we could see only by the light of a lamp or flashlight, and where traveling without one could have dangerous consequences!

In Christ,

Nathanael

Into the Hills of Tanga

2011-09-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 11, 2011

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” (Psalm 122:1).

Wake up call was at 4:30am this morning. We had to catch a bus at 6:00am for Muheza to get up into the mountains for church. It was decided to save costs that we would have the Tanga district seminar at one of the churches in the mountains this year. We would be staying in a place without electricity, so Russ decided to go on to Moshi, while Mike and I visited the Tanga district. We split up at Muheza where Russ continued to Moshi and where we caught a taxi to Amani Zurai. The Amani Zurai church was up in the mountains northwest of Tanga.

Some of the roads on the way to Amani.

Mike and I recognized many of the roads as the ones we had been on last year. It was a rocky and uncomfortable three hour ride to the church at Amani Zurai. We arrived at around 9:30 after the service had started. It was a very special service. Pastors from all over the district were here for the service which would be a confirmation / communion service. They had over 50 confirmands in attendance from the different congregations. The confirmands were of all ages - teenagers as well as adults. One was a convert from Islam who, after he had been questioned with the rest of the students, received his certificate and joyously waved it in the air, showing the appreciation he had for his study! It was quite moving to realize how the Lord had brought him out of the darkness of Islam!

It was also impressive to see how they conducted the Lord’s Supper celebration in view of all the visitors who were in attendance. The pastors dealt with this in a very evangelical way, communing only those who were communicant members of our churches, just as it was practiced in the early days of the New Testament church, and is still practiced in our midst.

Mike and I were both asked to preach which was a real joy and privilege. I would guess that there must have been over 300 people in attendance, but it was very hard to count. The congregation is currently building a church which is not finished and which would not have been capable of housing all the people who were there even if it was. So we met in front of the village’s secondary school under two large tarps to protect people from the sun. Seve

ral choirs from the various churches sang, and a sound system was set up to amplify the word and song down the hill and throughout the whole area. It was quite a day and quite a service, finally concluding at about 2:30pm! What a joy to be able to go up to the house of the Lord, and what a privilege to see and hear his word proclaimed!

The church at Amani which is under construction. Pastor Gurath is in the foreground.

Following the service we had lunch with the pastors and leaders and then visited the site of the congregation’s church building which is still under construction. They are collecting money and hope to complete it very soon. The problem that they face here is that they are building the church with bricks made from clay and with a clay mortar as well. So, when it rains it can wash out the work that they have begun by deteriorating the clay products. They need to get iron sheets on the roof to protect the bricks and mortar, but it is very costly for them, since that is a product they cannot produce themselves, and must have shipped up the mountain from Tanga. It would cost about $800 to buy the iron sheets needed for the

roof here. Again, this is one of projects that we would like to assist with, but this is just one of many churches with such a need in this district. We simply cannot provide for all such needs of our congregations. I will be able to assist with maybe one or two, but the others will have to wait until more money is available – probably next year sometime. P

lease keep these congregations in your thoughts and prayers and remember the needs of these congregations which are funded out of the CLC’s MDF. There are so many more needs than we are able to fulfill at this time, even though we would like to help.

That’s all for now, but I’ll write more later.

In Christ,

Nathanael

On to Tanga, Tanzania

2011-09-16T08:48:00.001-07:00

Saturday, September 10, 2011

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. (Psalm 121:2-5).

The Muslim influence in this area is hard to believe or explain, but it is everywhere. Yesterday on our way back from Samburu, we stopped at a booking office to book seats on a bus from Mombasa to Tanga. The men running the office were Muslim. In front of the office several stands were set up selling Islamic booklets and pamphlets in Arabic and Swahili. The people surrounding the stands and neighboring businesses were a mix of Africans and Middle

Easterners. Most of the people who joined us on the bus were also Muslims. There were few exceptions. It is an interesting thing, because it is apparent to us that they are Muslim and it is probably apparent to them that we are Christian, although no one ever asked us. There did seem to be an uncomfortableness, although nothing was ever said. It is a strange thing though and must be difficult for many people.

We were told that the bus ride to Tanga would be about 4 hours so we expected to be in by mid afternoon. We said goodbye to Charles and Andrew, and Ann, who had returned to see us off. Charles and Andrew would be driving back to Nairobi and should be in by this evening.

Getting on the ferry with a large crowd in Mombasa harbor.

Instead of a 4 hour trip it ended up being over 6 hours. We had to get out of the bus and get on a ferry to cross the channel dividing Mombasa from the mainland. It was quite the experience. Hundreds of people crowed on as we crossed the channel, surrounded by huge freighters and other boats in the harbor. When we got off we walked through a market which offered all kinds of local goods – especially fish of different kinds. The smell was enough to make me loose my breakfast, but I contained myself! After getting back on the bus we had a three hour ride to the border. We crossed into Tanzania without incident (other than that Mike had to pay a fee because he was not carrying his vaccination card). It was only the second time I have ever been asked about that card, but they caught him without it and had to pay the price. Better than having to get the shot here though!

The "under construction" roads to Tanga

After that it was another three hours over roads which were under construction from the border all the way to Tanga. It seems like we have a way of finding the roads that are under construction when we travel! When we finally arrived we were very glad to get out and get to our hotel!

We met with Pastor Gondwe to go over our schedule for the next few days and then sat down for an eagerly awaited supper. It wasn’t anything fancy, but really hit the spot. We have to get up and going very early in the morning tomorrow for travel to church so it is off to bed. The electricity keeps cutting out and that is a mixed blessing. When the electricity goes out, the ceiling fan which keeps me cool and the mosquitoes away stops, but so does the loud music from the concert right out my window. I guess I’d take the breeze and no mosquitoes over the quiet....

In His service,

Nathanael

An Unexpected Turn of Events

2011-09-16T08:43:00.001-07:00

Friday, September 9, 2011

And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed (Acts 16:40).

This passage records the conclusion of the Apostle Paul’s tumultuous stay in the city of Philippi. Paul and his coworkers had organized a church in that city, but after being imprisoned for casting a demon out of a slave girl and seeing the conversion of their jailer, they were released. Now they encouraged the believers there and continued on their journey. These final words remind me of our stay in Mombasa. It has been short and focused on “encouraging the brethren.”

Our trip to Mombasa has been a little bit of a disappointment, but we have tried to make the best of it. Somehow the message about my schedule to visit the Mombasa churches was not relayed to the pastors in that area, which meant that they were unprepared for our arrival. The seminar with the pastors and leaders for today was canceled and a visit to one of the pastors who lives near Mombasa was substituted in its place. This is disappointing because of the distance and expense to get here, but there were good things to come out of it.

First we were able to meet with Ann, the daughter of one of our church leaders from Etago, Kenya. She is in the Kenyan Navy and has been stationed here in Mombasa for over a year while she attends school as a navigator in the Navy. She doesn’t get home very often and was glad to be able to see us. She met with us this morning and we visited about her family back home

and her career in the Navy. We gave her a catechism and a few Spokesman issues to serve as devotions and instruction while she is away from her church home.

After meeting with Ann we journeyed back to the small village of Samburu about an hour outside of the metropolis of Mombasa. There we met with Pastor Simon who is one of the leaders of the Mombasa churches. He has home and small business in Samburu where he works to support the struggling church. Here they do not have their own building, but rent a facility in which to

worship. He has personally financed a loan to building a church building in Mariakani, about 30km closer to Mombasa. A fellow pastor assists with serving this congregation. They are also in great need of catechisms and Bibles.

Pastor Simon and his daughter Julia and two other young neighbor girls.

They are not able to use regular Swahili Bibles, because the coastal dialect is different from Kiswahili. They asked for help to buy 185 Bibles which cost about $10 each. We would like to help with this need, but we have very little money available to assist right now. The MDF which supplies money for Bible, church roofing, catechisms, and motorbikes is running very low. A small amount was sent over, but it will not be able to provide for all of the needs we see. This is just one more example of the needs we face here in East Africa. We were able to leave a few catechisms for the pastors in Mombasa. They appreciated the effort, and we told them that we would keep their Bible request in mind and help as we were able, when money was available. They understood, but were disappointed. May the Lord continue to bless their work with what they have available and provide for them according to His will. Please remember these churches and their pastors in your prayers, especially as they live in and increasingly Muslim area. May they serve as faithful witnesses of Christ and his word of Truth!

In His service,

Nathanael

Mombasa

2011-09-14T02:57:00.001-07:00

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me" (Jonah 1:1-2).

Today was a long day on the road. We packed our bags and were ready to go at 8:00am. Jemima had another wonderful breakfast waiting for us at 7:00am so we would be able to leave when Charles arrived with our car. Coffee, tea and juices; eggs, sausage, toast and chapati filled the table! She insisted that we eat, eat, eat, and even fill our pockets with food because of the long trip ahead of us!

After saying goodbye to our wonderful host family, we finally hit the road around 10:00am and headed southeast out of Nairobi for the coastal city of Mombasa. I still remember the first trip that I made to Mombasa in 2008. The roads were under construction and the first stretch was enough to make a kangaroo loose his lunch! The roads have improved every year, and now the road to Mombasa is completed! This made the trip go much more quickly and with less wear and tear on the car and our bodies. We stopped at the halfway point for a Coke, and we could begin to tell that we were approaching the coast. As you approach the coast, the temperature and humidity increase substantially for this area. Mombasa feels worse than Atlanta in the heat of summer. From time to time you will get a nice breeze from the ocean, but for the most part the air is hot and sticky.

A shot of a tuktuk (small taxi) in Mombasa

The other thing that is readily apparent is the heavy Muslim influence in this area. Green and white Mosques can be found at every turn, both men and women are clothed in the typical Muslim apparel. It is sad to see the prevalence of this false religion in this city. But this is one reason why we are here. Sometimes it can be a bit frightening when we think of the aggressiveness of Muslim fundamentalists against Christianity. I’ve felt like Jonah may have when the Lord wanted him to go to Nineveh, but for different reasons. “Anywhere but there, Lord. That is a dangerous place for someone like me....” Maybe you have felt the same way at times. It helps to remember Jonah and what the Lord brought about through him. Not only did the Lord protect Jonah from any supposed and real danger, but the Lord brought about the repentance of that people through Jonah’s preaching! Lord, bless our preaching as You did Jonah’s!

The best part of the day was that I was able to Skype home and visit with my wife and kids for a little bit. What a wonder technology is! On the negative side, I heard that one of the members of Zion was admitted to the hospital back home. This is one of those situations which make it difficult to be away. May the Lord be with John.

Finally, this evening I heard from one of the men in the Etago area. He mentioned that his daughter was in the Mombasa area and asked if I would be willing to meet with her. I agreed and he said he would have her call me. She did, and we are planning to meet tomorrow morning before we head out for the day. It will be nice to work that into our schedule.

In His service,

Nathanael

Beginning in Nairobi

2011-09-14T02:47:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:1-2)

The passage above reminds me of the account of Abraham when he welcomed three strangers into his home and fed them richly (Genesis 18). Scripture tells us that those three men were in fact the LORD God and two angels (Genesis 18:1,16-17, 22 etc.). Abraham’s hospitality is eager full of compassion, unknowing at the time that he was serving heavenly host and the Creator of the world!

In our country today we have become hardened to this particular issue due to the dangers that are often present in our society. How often do we “show hospitality to strangers” as Abraham did?

Over the past two days, we have received such hospitality from Jemima and her family. She has welcomed us into her home, fed us with three large meals a day, and even provided transportation for us whenever we need it. She has gone out of her way to make her home our own! May the Lord soften our hearts to show such hospitality to others as she has done for us.

Today we were scheduled to have a meeting with the Nairobi district leaders, but that was postponed until the end of our stay. While this was disappointing, it did give us an opportunity to get a few things taken care of. In the morning Jemima loaned us her car and driver to run some needed errands. One of the first was a trip to the airport to see if Russ’s bags had arrived. Not yet....

In the afternoon Mike and I met with a man I have been corresponding with for several years and met with in person on my trip last year. He was in Nairobi, and was able to meet with us this afternoon. Jemima offered her home as a meeting location and even brought coffee and snack out for our guests when they arrived. What a host!

Tonight I am working on sorting through books which were sent over from members in the CLC to our overseas missions. Two boxes of books will be going to the seminary in Kisii, Kenya and a suitcase more will be headed to the seminary in Arusha, Tanzania. I have a bunch of Spokesmans as well which I will carry with me to distribute to those whom we may meet along the way. Our thanks to all the CLC members who have donated such books to be given the men in our foreign fields!

Tomorrow we have the long trip to Mombasa before us. We will be sad to leave the comfort of Jemima’s care, but there is much waiting for us to be accomplished. Thank you Jemima for your kind and caring hospitality!

In Him, Nathanael

A safe arrival in Nairobi

2011-09-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

Monday/Tuesday September 5/6, 2011

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! (Psalm 67:1-3)

It has been an exceedingly long day. I was up at around 3:30am this morning to catch a 5:50am flight out of Atlanta to Washington D.C. We were an hour late pulling away from the gate because of a spring malfunction on the door of the airplane, but someone from maintenance finally arrived and tightened a screw on the spring so that we could get the OK to fly....

I arrived in our Capitol city at around 9:00am where I waited for an hour and a half for Russ Schmitt to arrive from Minneapolis. His plane was also delayed an hour for maintenance and they finally had to exit the plane and reboard a different one. We were in danger of missing our flight to Addis Ababa, but made it just in time to the chagrin of the Ethiopian Air lines representatives at Dulles airport. From Washington D.C. we had a 12.5 hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean, Europe the Mediterranean Sea and Northeastern Africa to the capital city of Ethiopia. As we headed east and into the sun it was somewhat disconcerting to see that the sun was going down at what my watch (and body) said was 3:00pm!

By the time we arrived in Addis Ababa, it was 7:00am local time. Even though we had lost seven hours of the day and flown through the night we were only able to get a little bit of rest on the plane. An hour here and an hour there, but definitely not REM sleep! We exited the plane down stairs to the tarmac at the small but growing headquarters of Ethiopian Air and took a bus to the terminal where we had to wait for three hours for the last leg of our journey. Muslim men and women were as prevalent here as flies on a dead animal. It is depressing to see how Islam is taking a hold of this part of the world, and the increasing spiritual darkness and depravity that they are bringing to the African people.

Our 777 from Washington to Addis Ababa, The Victoria Falls.

Finally we boarded our flight to Nairobi. It was a short two hour jump from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, and we arrived on the ground at 12:30pm. Since we were on a smaller plane, we sailed quickly through security, but were delayed when we discovered that Russ’s checked bags did not arrive - probably due to the short connection time in Washington D.C.

Pastor Mike Gurath and Nairobi leader Charles Gikonyo were there to meet us. We were welcomed at the home of Jemima Kivuto who lives in Nairobi. Jemima is the daughter of Anna Sagala from Mois Bridge where Mike is serving for the remainder of this year. Although I had never met her before, Jemima welcomed us into her home with a loving heart and open arms. She prepared a wonderful lunch for us and provided rooms for us in her spacious home. Mike stays with her regularly when he is traveling to Nairobi, and has a”permanently reserved” room at Jemima’s home!

Jemima and her two sons, Joshua and Elvis.

After a wonderful lunch and some visiting, Mike and I hired a Taxi to take us to get some Hymnals, Catechisms and other resources in the local dialects of Kiswahili and Kisii. The Book of Concord has also been completed now, but will not be available until the end of October. We came away with several boxes of materials and a jump start in preparing for our work here in the coming weeks.

We thank the Lord that we have arrived safely after a very long trip, and have already begun our work. Thank you also for your many prayers on our trip so far. Please continue to hold us up in prayer over the coming weeks as we continue our travels. Please keep our families back home in your prayers as well.

In Christ,

Nathanael

East Africa Visitation 2011

2011-08-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

Plans are already in full swing for my 2011 visitation to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Russ Schmitt and I will be leaving in just over two weeks for our five week trek to work with our CLC brethren in East Africa. We will be covering thousands of miles on the ground between these three countries, and thousands more in the air. Because of the limited time that we have there, and because of the immense amount of work to be done while we are there, we have a very full schedule for this year. Here is our tentative itinerary for East Africa in 2011:

Sept. 5-6 - Nathanael and Russ fly from US to Nairobi
Sept. 6 - Meet up with Pastor Mike Gurath who is already in Kenya/meet with Nairobi leaders
Sept. 7 - Conduct a seminar for the Nairobi leaders/members
Sept. 8 - Drive from Nairobi to Mombasa
Sept. 9 - Conduct a seminar for the Mombasa leaders/members
Sept. 10 - Visit Mombasa churches (AM) / Drive from Mombasa to Tanga (PM)
Sept. 11 - Sunday Worship at Tanga area church / visiting churches
Sept. 12 - Conduct a seminar for the Tanga leaders
Sept. 13 - Tanga leaders meeting (AM) / Drive from Tanga to Same
Sept. 14 - Meet with church leader in Same area (AM) / drive to Moshi (PM)
Sept. 15 - Drive from Moshi to Kajaido, Kenya / visit churches
Sept. 16 - Conduct a seminar for the leaders of the Kajaido district
Sept. 17 - Visit churches in the Kajaido district
Sept. 18 - Sunday Worship at Kajaido area church
Sept. 19 - Teaching at the Kajaido seminary
Sept. 20 - Travel from Kajaido to Moshi / prep for the General Pastoral Conference
Sept. 21-22 - General Pastoral Conference in Moshi
Sept. 23 - Conduct a seminar for the leaders in Moshi district
Sept. 24 - Visit Moshi area churches
Sept. 25 - Sunday Worship at Moshi area church / Travel to Arusha
Sept. 26 - Conduct a seminar in Arusha at the seminary
Sept. 27 - Teach at the Arusha seminary / visiting churches
Sept. 28 - Travel from Arusha to Nairobi
Sept. 29 - Travel from Nairobi to Iganga, Uganda
Sept. 30 - Conduct a seminar for the leaders/members in Iganga, Uganda
Oct. 1 - Meet with Iganga church leaders
Oct. 2 - Sunday Worship in Iganga church / Travel to Kisii, Kenya
Oct. 3 - Teaching at Chotororo seminary in the Kisii district
Oct. 4 - Teaching at Chotororo seminary/ seminar for church leaders
Oct. 5 - Teaching at Chotororo seminary / Visit Etago school/churches
Oct. 6 - Travel from Kisii to Bungoma
Oct. 7 - Bungoma seminar / Travel to Mois’ Bridge
Oct. 8 - Mois’ Bridge seminar / Travel to Nairobi
Oct. 9-10 - Sunday Worship at Nairobi church / Fly from Nairobi to US

Please keep Russ Schmitt, Pastor Mike Gurath and I in your prayers during this time, as well as our families and congregations back home. Also pray for our church leaders and members who will also be traveling many miles. May the Lord bless our work together to the glory of His name!

In His service,

Pastor Nathanael Mayhew

Flying Home

2010-09-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

Wednesday – September 15, 2010

I am writing this ahead of time so you will know our schedule. Our flight leave Nairobi tonight at 11:00pm. Russ, Stephen and I are on the same flight together to Brussels where we will arrive approximately 7:00am local time. From there we will split up. Russ and Stephen will leave Brussels and fly to Newark, New Jersey, and after a two hour layover will board another plane that will take them back to Minneapolis. Jennifer Schmitt will pick them up there for the trip back to Mankato.

I will be heading a different direction from Brussels. After a two hour layover in Brussels I will be making the short one hour flight to Frankfort, Germany. I should arrive there at around 10:00am local time. At 12:15pm I will be departing Germany for the long, 10 hour flight back to Atlanta. My itinerary says this is an overnight flight, even though I will arrive at 4:30pm local time in Atlanta, the same day! It is still a long flight. I haven’t traveled on Lufthansa before, but I’ve heard that it is a good airline. I guess I’ll can let you know when I arrive back home.

As for Mike, he will be staying here in Kenya. He will be here for at least six months, and most likely longer. He will be working with the church near Moi’s Bridge, Kenya, but will also be assisting on a one week a month basis at the seminaries in Kisii and Nairobi. You can follow his work by checking out his blog at www.emmausmilimanimission.tumblr.com. Please keep him in your prayers, as well as all our churches here in East Africa. May the Word of the Lord grow and prosper!

Thank you all for your support of our work in East Africa and throughout the world. Thank you for your thoughts, encouragement, and prayers. What a blessing you all have been to me and to the people here. I can’t tell you how many times members here have said, “Please take our greetings to the CLC back home.” – So please receive the greetings from your brothers and sister in East Africa, and their gratitude for all that you are doing for the work of the gospel here among them!

In His service,

Nathanael

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the LORD, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” – Isaiah 55:10-13

Preparations for Departure

2010-09-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Tuesday – September 14, 2010

Today was a bit chaotic. I had a meeting scheduled with the leaders of the Nairobi churches at 10:00am this morning. But that didn’t happen. We have been working on attaining a copy of our church registration with the government here in Kenya. It is needed for each of our districts so that they are recognized by the government as legitimate churches, and are sometimes not allowed to operate without it. Up to this point, I have not been able to get my hands on a copy of it to distribute to the various districts. So today was spent trying to track down the original and get a copy of it for our records. As a result our officers’ meeting didn’t happen until about 1:30 in the afternoon. We met to discuss the elections that will take place tomorrow at our seminar. This will be the election of officers for the Nairobi district for the coming 2-3 years. We also went over finances, and discussed the work for the coming year. There is much to be done, and in all our districts, the Nairobi area is the least organized and needs the most training. It is an eclectic group that really needs some solid training and instruction. Charles has done a great job of bringing people to us and giving them information about Lutherans, but they need more then that, and we need someone with the time and ability to follow through with people.

I loved this picture of Todd sitting at a desk carved out of a tree trunk in Moi's Bridge!

We also sat down to overhaul the way they are conducting the pre-the courses here. Instead of meeting every day, we are going to have them meet on a one week a month basis like they do in Kisii. This should be easier for the students, easier for the teachers, and more cost effective in the long run. It is my prayer that this will help the program to run more efficiently and effectively in the future.

Okay, so I'm running out of pictures, but this is a pretty good picture of (most of) a camel when you consider that I was traveling in a bus somewhere between Arusha and Nairobi at 80km per hour!

With our time winding down here, much of today was also spent in considering requests, compiling reports, and preparing recommendations for KINSHIP and the Mission Board. I have also been working on a concluding review of my trip for our men here and a “punch list” of things that need to be done for each of our districts in East Africa. Kisii, Nairobi, Kajaido, Tanga, Moshi, and Arusha – there is much to be done in each district, and the critical items vary from one place to the next. I’m just thankful for some time to do this now, before I get home again and need to get back in the groove of things at Zion. There is always so much catch up to do when I get back after being gone for 5 weeks....

Lord give me strength, wisdom, and patience!

In His service,

Nathanael

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” – Colossians 1:11-12

Back to Nairobi (again)!

2010-09-14T05:27:00.000-07:00

Monday – September 13, 2010

The only thing we had scheduled for today was the trip from Kisii to Nairobi which would take about 5 hours. We had a sign on our door at the Jazz that stated that check out time was "9:30am strictly." When I asked the manager about that last night he said, "No – it is 9:30am FLEXIBLE!" if we liked. So we weren’t in any hurry to leave this morning. We slept in and rested up a bit. It felt pretty good to not have anything scheduled. We packed up our bags and checked out of the Jazz. We walked to the bus station just a few blocks away, and found an express to Nairobi. I was a little nervous at first, because there was no one on it, and I really didn’t want to spend two hours waiting for it to fill up like we did when we left Uganda a couple days back. But the manager, whose name was Elvis, assured me that they already had most of the seats sold and wouldn’t take long to fill. And he was right. About half an hour later we were on the road back to Nairobi once again.

My wife sent me this picture of my five oldest kids - Mark was being a stinker so he wasn't included. I miss them all!

Once again we settled in for the long and loud ride. Mike, Stephen and Russ were in the row right behind the driver, and I was in the row behind them between and new mother and the bus doorman. The mother I was sitting next to had a one week old baby with her that was sleeping soundly. But here is the amazing part: The baby slept the whole way to Nairobi without a peep, in spite of the ear piercing noise that was coming from the speaker right next to the baby’s head! The music was loud enough to cause me to plug my ears, even after we had asked them to turn it down once - so that child was either already acclimated to the noise of music in African buses, or deaf. Either way the baby took the noise a lot better than I did!

We made a quick stop in Narok – a town halfway between Nairobi and Kisii – for bathrooms and snacks, and then were on the road again. The boys up front saw another pedestrian / car accident on the trip to Nairobi. It looked like it was a fatality this time. It is really sad how incapable people are of using common sense. How sad. How unnecessary.

We arrived in Nairobi at about 4:00 and then had to get a taxi to take us to the Southern Blue Hotel. It wasn’t very far, but took us a little bit to get a taxi, load up, get through rush hour traffic and then unload at the SB. Charles and Jonathan arrived at around 5:00pm and I sat down with them to discuss the schedule for the next few days. We will be teaching the in a pastor training seminar on Wednesday before we leave, conducting elections for new officers in the Nairobi district, and meeting with the seminary students. So we have a lot to do yet before we leave on Wednesday night.

We passed this mosque in Nairobi on our way to the Southern Blue. We see more and more every year.

Tonight I am especially reminded of the importance of our work as I think of that man who was killed on the road. Concern for the soul and the work for souls is most important. We thank the Lord Jesus for what He has done to win our souls from sin and death, and are privileged to be part of reaching souls for Him!

In His service,

Nathanael

"Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?’" – Matthew 16:24-26

Worship in Misesi

2010-09-14T00:11:00.001-07:00

Sunday – September 12, 2010

We were invited to attend church in the small congregation of Misesi, which is only 45 minutes from Kisii. Church was scheduled to start at 10:00 so we left at 8:30 to make sure that we were there plenty early. Mike, Stephen, Russ and I loaded up in Charles’ car (a different Charles from the one(s) in Nairobi) and were silently thankful that it was a short 45 minute trip and the road were better than most of the ones we’ve been on during this trip!

Enjoying tea at the home of Pastor Joseph Nyaribo

We arrived just before 9:30 and were invited to Pastor Joseph’s home for tea while preparations were made for the service. Pastor Fred and Enosh arrived a little after we did and we discussed the seminary, church work, and other topics. At about 10:45 Pastor Joseph said we were ready to head over to the church. This congregation does not have a building to worship in. They began worshiping in Pastor Joseph’s home, but have outgrown it. More recently they have been worshiping outside, but this is not always possible with the rain they receive here. They have a piece of land donated for a church, but they are waiting to construct it until we have money available in the MDF to assist with the roofing. The problem here is that they build mud walls. If they build the walls too soon and don’t have money for roofing sheets, the rain will wash their walls away wasting time and resources. So we are waiting for money to come into the MDF so we can assist this congregation with the building of a permanent structure for a church.

Today we were able to use the home of Pastor Joseph’s son who is currently away in Sudan. It worked very well for our purposes, although it was a little small as well. We used what was the “living room” for our service with the altar along one wall and chairs for the congregation set up all the way around the outside walls. Pastor Joseph had two robes, one for himself and one for me, the guest preacher. We robed in one of the additional rooms and walked out for the beginning of the service. Pastor Joseph conducted the liturgy which again was very similar to that which we are familiar with. The music is different, but sometimes it is vaguely familiar. They sang songs during the service that were also found in our hymnal, and although the melody was similar there were some differences.

Robed for preaching, with Pastor Enosh translating into Kisii for me.

Following the sermon we continued with a “second” service for communion. I was very impressed by how the service was conducted. It wasn’t much different from being in our own churches here in the states. I assisted Pastor Joseph by distributing the wine, and when the congregation was finished I communed him and he communed me. It was both a joy and a privilege to join with these fellow believers in both Word and Sacrament on this day!

Once again the service went about two hours. We concluded at about 1:00 and after introducing the visitors from the US to the congregation and sharing greetings, we returned to Pastor Joseph’s home for a lunch which his wife had prepared for us. The hospitality of the people here is simply amazing. They always invite our driver or any other guests they may have to join us as well, even if it wasn’t expected, and do it cheerfully and eagerly. What a wonderful example these people can be for us! We enjoyed a rice dish with beef “soup” over the rice that was very good.

Following lunch we packed back into the car, but added Fred and Enosh for the trip back to the tarmac. We squeezed in, and although had some trouble shifting with Enosh sitting on the stick, we made it! We dropped Enosh and Fred off there where they could catch a bus into Kisii behind us.

The congregation of believers at Misesi

When we got back to the hotel I had another meeting. I had set up a meeting with the men from Etago to mediate some differences and concerns with other churches. I wasn’t sure how the meeting was going to go, and prayed for the Lord’s blessing on our meeting. I listened while the men voiced their concerns and it took us a while to get to the heart of the issue. When we did we addressed it specifically and also addressed related issues. In the end (after two hours of discussing) we had admission of wrong and forgiveness offered as well as a willingness to move forward for the work of the kingdom. We thank the Lord for His work in the hearts of these men and pray for His continued blessing here!

Tomorrow we will be leaving for Nairobi, so we had to say our goodbyes to the Etago men. Please keep them and the Lord’s work in your prayers – that His kingdom may be advanced and His name glorified!

In His service,

Nathanael

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:12-13

Seminar in Chotororo

2010-09-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday – September 11, 2010

Today got off to a rough start. Mike and I were going to go to Chotororo to teach the Kisii church leaders in a seminar while Russ and Stephen stayed in town to run errands. But Mike had a problem – he couldn’t see. His contacts failed to clean themselves because the solution leaked out of its container during the night and his glasses had broken in the rough travels from Uganda. Since he was practically blind, he opted not to come. Russ considered coming with me as a replacement, but thought he might be more valuable here in Kisii, assisting Mike to get his glasses fixed.

The church at Chotororo can as it is seen up the hill from the road below.

So I rode out to Chotororo on my own. It was a one and a half hour trip out to the home of the seminary, and since it had rained heavily the night before, the dirt roads were not in very good shape. I was glad that the driver we had found was a good one, because these road were not going to be navigated by an amateur. He did a great job and didn’t bottom the car out a single time!

We arrived at the church / seminary at about 10:00am and began shortly after as the rest of the pastors and leaders arrived. We opened with a hymn and them Pastor Joseph led us in a short devotion and prayer. They gave me the floor and I taught for three and a half hours on the Division of Christian Churches and the difference between the Reformed and Lutherans on the Sacraments. Fourteen men were present from 7 different congregations. The driver also joined us for the study. He has a Catholic background, so it will be interesting to see if anything develops from what he heard. Three of the seminary students were also in attendance with the church leaders today. In addition there were two men who asked if they could attend the seminary. I will ask the KINSHIP if they have sponsors available for these students when I return home, with the hope that they will be able to join the seminary in Chotororo.

Kisii sem students with pastors (from L to R): William, Pastor Fred, Jeremiah, Isaac, Pastor Enosh, myself.

We stopped at 1:30pm for a lunch of bread and soft drinks, and over the lunch break it was noticed that the skies were darkening. Here in the Kisii area, it can rain everyday, and some days very heavily. When it does, it can make transportation very difficult and even dangerous. Out of concern for those traveling, we decided to cut things short, end our session and release everyone to return home before the storm hit.

The 14 men that attended our Kisii seminar in the Chotororo church.

The three men from Misesi rode with me since we were going to be driving right by the turn off to Misesi. It was good that we left when we did, because it started to sprinkle, and finally turned to a deluge. The wipers couldn’t keep up, and I thought they might just give out completely! Then to make matters worse, hail started coming down too! Thankfully it didn’t last long. By the time we made it back to Kisii (at around 4:00), it had almost stopped completely – at least for the time being.... There will be more tonight or tomorrow again. It would be interesting to know how much rain they get in this area a year. I would guess it is a lot.

When I went to check on the guys, they were all resting. It has been a long and hard couple of days. If you just keep going, your body doesn’t recognize how tired it is, but when you get the chance to relax, it seizes the opportunity. It usually takes me about a week to recuperate when I return home. At first I thought it was just that my body needed to readapt to the time change and adjust my internal clock. But I think that there is more to it than that. I think that after five weeks of “go, go, go” here in Africa with very little down time, that when I get home my body is actually in shut down mode, forcing me to take the rest that it needs. Anyway, I’ve pressed these guys hard, and I was glad that they had the chance to get some needed rest today. I talked with Mike about this since he will be staying here, and reminded him that it will be important for him to take time off and let his body relax so he doesn’t overdo it. I figure I only have five weeks here, and I want to make use of every day possible, because I won’t get another chance for 11 months. It will be different for him since he will be staying longer and have more opportunity. We are down to less than a week now. May our Great God who has called us out of darkness continue to bless our service to Him in His kingdom work!

In His service,

Nathanael

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. ” – 1 Peter 2:9-10

Back to Kisii

2010-09-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

Friday – September 10, 2010

On the road again... Daniel met us at the hotel this morning and walked us back across the border into Kenya. We loaded up into a shuttle that was going to Kisumu, but had to wait 2 hours until it finally left! The bus won’t leave until they have filled every seat, and you never know how long it is going to take. So we ended up spending our morning in the bus and finally left at 11:00am.

Two men cart 10 litre containers of water up the street on a hand and foot operated cart.

I am constantly amazed at how load everyone plays their music here. As we waited for the bus to leave there was music blaring from a shop that was selling African videos. They had the TV hooked up to a receiver and it was blasting the music through some speakers set up outside the canvas shop. Then when our shuttle started up it started blasting its music as well. There don’t seem to be such a thing as riding in silence. And here is the sad thing – wherever you are, they generally don’t have much for selection, so you end up hearing the same 4 to 8 songs over and over and over again! You can’t help but wonder if these songs ever get old for everyone else....

The roads weren’t too bad and we arrived in Kisumu two hours later. We exited our shuttle and had to find another bus to Kisii. This time we weren’t as fortunate. On the first bus they limited the passengers to 14. On the second bus, they not only packed in an extra four passengers, but they also made stops along the way to drop off passengers and pick up more. Mike and I were pretty scrunched in that second bus, and wondering if they had any concept of physics! It was a rough two and a half hour ride to Kisii, and we were more than glad to get off the bus when it finally arrived.

Stephen and Russ weren’t back from their church visitation in the Kisii area yet when we arrived, so Mike and I checked into the Jazz, and then went out to run some errands. We haven’t had much of a chance to do that over the last week with as busy as it has been, so it was good to check a few things off the to-do list.

Construction is underway right next to the Jazz Hotel. You can see the heavy concrete construction of the building here.

We met up with Russ and Stephen at the Nile Restaurant at about 6:00pm and caught each other up on the events of the day. It sounds like they have had some productive days here in Kisii as well. We were glad that they were able to do some visiting in our absence.

Tomorrow we have our Kisii District Leaders Seminar in Chotororo. We pray for good weather and a good turn out, and ask for the Lord’s blessings on the continuing work here.

In His service,

Nathanael

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. How great are your works, O LORD!” – Psalm 92:1-5

Ugandan Contact Discussion

2010-09-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Thursday – September 9, 2010

There are some really nice things about Uganda. First, things are much less expensive then in Kenya and Tanzania. Mike and I are staying in small but nice single rooms for about $16 a night. There was cheaper place, but it was booked up and not available when we arrived. The Maryland Hotel is very nice and clean with good service and private security. The only downside has been that the running water isn’t working! They have a water tank, but they must have a problem with the line because there is no water from the sink, toilet or shower. We have to use a 5 gallon bucket filled with water for our washing, bathing and flushing needs. Other than that it has been great. The food is very inexpensive as well – around $4 for a good sized meal (and that is hotel price). Second, the weather is great. It has been beautiful in the morning and evening, and not cold like it was in Moi’s Bridge. But it doesn’t get too hot either. Mike and I conducted most of our meetings outside in the grassy courtyard of the Maryland today, and we got enough sun to get our faces a little burned, but we were never hot. It was a really nice day.

The Maryland Hotel from the green grassed courtyard. Our rooms are pictured in the middle.

But it gets better. We came here to meet with Daniel, who I’ve been going through correspondence courses with during the past few months. This morning he brought his fiancee to meet us, as well as a good friend of his who is also interested in learning more about Scripture. James came to meet us, but had to leave for work, so we made plans to meet with him again in the evening and talk more about any questions they might have.

After James left for work Daniel, Aidah (his fiancee), Mike and I sat down and talked for a while. Daniel had asked about the topic of baptism so we discussed the Biblical teaching on baptism very thoroughly. The majority of churches here are reformed in their teaching on baptism, so what we discussed was new to them. Daniel had several questions as we discussed the topic, but we went back to Scripture to answer those questions, and he eagerly soaked in the information and took notes on the passages we studied. We spent a couple hours discussing it, and it was a real joy to see his reaction. You could see his understanding as he began to fit the pieces of the puzzle together and began to point out passages we were studying and how they supported the Biblical teaching of baptism! He was so glad to get into the Bible and study it in this way and commented that this was exactly what he was looking for and had been lacking in the past. He wants to learn more and to have someone “mentor” him in the Word of God! What a joy to see his desire for the Word!

From L to R: James, Daniel, Aidah, and Mike

After a break for lunch we went on to discuss another topic very relevant here in East Africa – Spiritual gifts. This is another area where churches are going wild and people are being encouraged to seek direct revelation from God. It was another beneficial study and we concluded at about 3:30pm and took a break for Daniel to take Aidah home.

Daniel returned around 5:00pm with James. We sat down in the Maryland hall, and went over the topic of baptism in less detail than we did this morning. James had questions too, but also readily acknowledged the Biblical teaching of infant baptism and other aspects. During our two hour meeting we also discussed the Trinity and a few other topics. It was a joy to sit with these men, and see them bow to the Word and accept it! James plans to join in our correspondence course study as we continue so that he too can learn more and assist Daniel in the ministry in Uganda! While we came to teach these men, we also learned a great deal from then and thank the Lord for providing men so dedicated to the work of ministry and concerned about the truth of the Word. Praise the Lord!

It was an enjoyable day and in many ways, I’m sad about leaving Uganda tomorrow and returning to Kisii, Kenya. But we will keep these men in our prayers and continue working with them during the coming year, with the hope and prayer of spending more time with them next year. May our gracious God be with them and build them up in His Word!

In His service,

Nathanael

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

New Contacts in Kenya and Uganda

2010-09-12T23:01:00.001-07:00

Wednesday – September 8, 2010

It was another day of traveling for all of us. We all loaded into the van this morning at 8:00am and said goodbye to Mary before we left Mike’s house in Matunda. We drove south to Eldoret on some of the worst tarmac roads in all of Kenya. It took us 2 hours to drive only 40 kilometers! We have heard that they will be rebuilding this road soon, so maybe they will be better when I return next year.

We split up in Eldoret. Russ and Stephen caught a shuttle from Eldoret southwest to Kisii, Mike and I took a taxi west to Bungoma, and Charles continued southeast to Nairobi with Todd.

This map charts our journey from Mutunda (X marks the spot) to Bungoma (the big A) to Busia on the border of Uganda.

Originally I was going to take a bus from Eldoret to Bungoma, but we were pressed for time, so I haggled with several taxi drivers to take us instead. After talking them down about $8, Mike and I said goodbye to Charles and Todd, loaded our luggage into a small Toyota, and were off to Bungoma, Kenya.

About two hours later we arrived in Bungoma, where we met with a man I have been corresponding with by e-mail for over 2 years. It was exciting to finally meet Allen after all our e-mails back and forth. We sat down in the lounge of a hotel and discussed his life and family and what brought him to Bungoma from Nairobi, where he was a year ago. It was sad to hear his story, but at the same time we also saw the opportunities for the Gospel here. Allen told us that there was a great deal of witchcraft in this area. He told us of some very specific local stories that literally sent chills down my spine. What was most surprising was how he told of “Christians” who commonly played with witchcraft as well! As we heard about the situation here, we began to see how the statistics which say that Kenya is 80% Christian are greatly skewed and unrealistic. In this area, “Christians” aren’t even familiar with the first and second commandments and what God says about witchcraft!

We had a very productive visit, and talked more about the Biblical teaching of Baptism as well as a few other topics. Allen has been working through a Bible correspondence course with me, and we will continue that over the coming year to make sure that all his questions have been answered and he has a full understanding of what we teach. When I return next year we will discuss more in depth the possibility of joining in fellowship together.

Allen and his wife Emily on the right, Evanson and his wife on the left, and our driver, Andrew squatting in front.

During our time in Bungoma, we met Allen’s wife and children, and several of his friends. Believe it or not, one of his friends was named Michael Gorbachev! Not exactly a name you would expect in Africa!

After 4 hours of discussion and meeting with others, we loaded back into our car with our driver, Andrew. For an additional fee, he had agreed to wait around for us and take us from Bungoma to the border town of Busia. The roads were good from Bungoma to Busia, so we made the trip in just over an hour. Andrew drove us all the way to the border where he dropped us off and we started into Uganda on foot.

It was at the Kenya Immigration Office that something unexpected happened. While I was getting my passport stamped with an Kenya exit mark, I heard someone behind me call my name! I wondered who would know me here in Busia? I turned around, and didn’t recognize anyone, but someone certainly recognized me. It was Daniel, another man I have been corresponding with for quite a while, and the one I was coming to visit here in Uganda! I was expecting to meet him after entering Uganda, but here he had come through the border to meet us! Once again it was great to meet face to face with someone I have communicating with for over 6 months.

Daniel and I at the Maryland Hotel in Busia, Uganda.

We continued through the border and into the town of Busia on the Ugandan side of the border. Daniel had made arrangements for us at a hotel that was within walking distance from the border, so we followed him through a maze of turns hearing the children of all ages yell, “Wazungu, how are you?” as we walked along. It was a bit of a change, because the common language in Uganda is not Swahili, but English. This was a nice change, but took some getting used to!

After checking in we sat down in the beautiful courtyard of the Maryland Hotel and talked with Daniel. He told us his life story – and it was full of pain and sorrow, but one which led him to where he is today. Much of what Daniel had been through was similar to what we had heard from Allen earlier in the day. More stories of witchcraft and “Christians” who have no foundation in the teachings of Christianity. Daniel has seen this in his own life, and recognized his lack of Christian instruction, and is seeking a mentor to help train him in the Word of God. That was what led him to look into Lutheran teaching and led him to find the Lutheran Missions website.

We will have the whole day tomorrow to meet and discuss more things with Daniel, and we are eagerly looking forward to it! What a joy to see such new opportunities here in Kenya, and to find those who are truly concerned about Biblical teaching and instruction. Thank the Lord!

In His service,

Nathanael

“I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” – Pslam 57:9-11

Gurath Installation in Mois Bridge

2010-09-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Tuesday – September 7, 2010

There was a place for all of us to sleep in the three bedrooms of Mike’s house. The rooms are not big – just big enough for a full-size bed, and an extra four feet between the bed and the wall for the occupant’s belongings – but they were adequate for our purposes. We enjoyed some chapati for breakfast along with coffee and tea, and then waited for the arrival of Mary to take us to the church. The service was scheduled to start at 10:00am and we left Mike’s at around 9:30. We was only about a 10 minute drive to the church from his house, but it was off the highway and up a pretty treacherous road. It was so bad that we had to get out and walk so that Charles could get the van up the hill.

Charles sticks his head out of the van we have been using for the last four days. It has been a trooper!

When we arrived, I was struck by the changes! When I was last here, less than 10 months ago, there was nothing here but rocks, and some vegetation on rolling hills. But now they have several buildings constructed. They have built a mud walled church – complete with a narthex at the entry of the church, a sacristy off to the side so the pastor can enter the church at the front of the church, and a rounded altar area, with a raised dirt platform to separate it from the rest of the sanctuary. In all my time in East Africa, I’ve never seen a church as much like ours back home as this one! In addition, they have built a separate mud building for housing the guard who stays on site to watch over the building and its contents, so they can leave things in the church during the week. They are also in the process of constructing a latrine for men and women at the corner of the property.

The Emmaus Milimani church with the school children out to meet us as we arrived.

In addition to the church they are also operating a school. Currently they have 110 students registered for the coming school year from Nursery (age 3) up to standard 1 (1^st grade). They are currently using the church for the school classes, but its size is not adequate for the three levels they are currently teaching. They hope to build another building for additional school space, and then construct a separate, more permanent church building. When that is completed they will be able to use the existing church buildings for classroom space. It is exciting to see the number of children who are being brought to the feet of the Savior through the instruction in this school! We met many of the students who were gathering for their first day of school. While we waited for the service to begin, Russ gathered the kids and used the children to act out the account of "Daniel and the Lion’s Den." He used the story to show and teach about God’s love and protection in our lives.

We gather for the laying on of hands for Pastor Gurath's installation prayer.

After making the rounds of the "campus" we gathered for the service. The church was filled, the narthex was filled and more gathered outside the church with the school children. Todd began the service, I preached and then Todd conducted the installation of Pastor Gurath at Moi’s Bridge. The congregation sang "What a Friend we have in Jesus" – one of the most beautiful renditions I have ever heard – then Pastor Gurath concluded the service by installing leaders and teachers of the church and concluding with the Benediction. The children closed the service with a song that they had prepared, and then the congregation met outside for a meal of kale and beans prepared by the Sagala family.

Children enjoy the beans and kale for lunch after the service.

We wrapped things up at church at around 1:00pm and made the 45 minute trip to Anna’s home, where we toured her beautiful property. She has a huge "plantation" where she grows corn, kale, tomatoes, bananas, oranges, sugarcane, cabbage, and much more, and also raises chickens. It was very impressive! She and Mary also treated us to Tilapia and Ugali for an early supper. Todd, Russ and I passed on the fish, but Stephen and Mike said that is was good! We had a good visit with the family and then returned to Mike’s house at about 5:00pm.

Mike stands beside the pulpit on the alter in his new church.

Tonight was our last night together, so we relished the time. Tomorrow Todd leaves for Nairobi to catch his 11:00pm flight home; Russ and Stephen head back to Kisii to spend some time with the school children and to visit other congregations; and Mike and I head to Uganda to meet with some contacts I have been corresponding with over the past year. Mike and I will meet back up with Russ and Stephen in Kisii on Friday.

It has been another whirlwind trip. Since I left Atlanta just over four weeks ago I have spent over 150 hours traveling by plane, car or bus! That shows how much ground we are covering here in East Africa. It is tiring, but it is also necessary. We continue to ask for your prayers for safe travels as Todd returns home, and as we finish our last week of work here in East Africa. Thank you and may the Lord be with you all!

In His service,

Nathanael

"And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. " – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

North to Mois Bridge

2010-09-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Monday – September 6, 2010

It was now off to Moi’s Bridge. We slept well in our rooms at the Jazz, in spite of the loud music that was blaring three floors below us past midnight. Even though it is called the Jazz, I heard a lot of Country music and no Jazz that I can remember. Even with the noise, it is much better than the Zonic.

My humble room at the noisy, but comfortable Jazz Hotel in Kisii.

After breakfast we ran a few errands around town before getting on the road to Moi’s Bridge. We left at about 10:00am with Charles behind the wheel and Mike navigating. Charles had not been to Moi’s Bridge before, so Mike directed with his Kenya map from the co-pilot’s seat. For those of you with a map of Kenya, we went north out of Kisii up to Kisumu which sits on the shores of Lake Victoria. From there we continued north through Kakamega until we reached the Eldoret - Mbala highway. Then we took off on some back roads on a North-easterly direction to Soy, and then arrived in Matunda which is just south of Moi’s Bridge. Matunda is a small town but is near to both the church and several member of the Sagala family. Mike has a house here where he will be staying during his time in East Africa.

A mosque is just down the road from Mike's house. There is work to be done here...

We arrived there at about 4:00 after a long 6 hours in the van. The last two hours were a little rough on the back roads of Kenya, so we were glad to finally arrive. The Sagala’s met us at Mike’s new home and were overjoyed to see us. They gave us a tour of the home which is fully furnished and has plenty of space. It is set in a beautiful yard with a variety of fruits growing in trees around the property. It has three bedrooms, a kitchen, livingroom and working bathroom. The only down side was that there is no hot water. Water for bathing needs to be heated on the stove for the time being.

The guys hang out in Mike's new living room, having just finished the delicious lunch Mary made for us.

Mary had also prepared a late lunch for us. So we ate bananas, rice and potato stew along with soft drinks and coffee. It was very good and we also enjoyed visiting with the family and discussing the plans for the service tomorrow morning. They all speak English very well, so we had a very enjoyable visit and discussed a lot of different subjects. We also met a young man of the congregation who will be studying with Mike for the ministry during the coming year. It is exciting to think of the work that will be accomplished here during the time that Mike is here, and it is easy to see that the people here are excited about the work as well. May the name of the Lord be glorified!

Mike stands in front of the gate that leads to his home in Matunda.

In His service,

Nathanael

“That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” – 1 John 1:3

Sunday Morning Church in Etago

2010-09-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday – September 5, 2010

This morning we made the long drive out to Etago for 10:00 church. Of course, before we could do that we had to check out of the Zonic, since we would be moving in to another hotel a few blocks down the road when we came back in the evening. No tears were shed when we left. We were glad to find another “home” in Kisii! We were only disappointed about leaving the acquaintances we’ve made over the years that we have stayed here.

We loaded the van down again, filled up with gas (called petrol here in Africa) and were off. In case it might make some of you back home feel a little better about the gas prices, the cost for fuel here is around 90 shillings per liter. If you do the conversion, that comes out to be more the $4 per gallon! Even $3 a gallon would sound good over here...

The pump shows the price per liter - 89.9 Ksh!

The roads to Etago have improved greatly over the past year. They have finished blacktopping the main road from Kisii to Ogembo now and that is a big help. In addition, even though we still have to travel on dirt roads from there ti Etago, they have been working on grating them, and they too are much improved. Last year the road through Kenyenya was a horrible washboard road, but this year it was much smoother. It still took us an hour and a half, but it was a much easier ride than last year. It is quite a bit different from the first year I came, and that is a good thing!

When we arrived in Etago, the school yard was unusually quiet. We have become used to being greeted by the school children, lined up along the path to the school and singing. But not this time. They were no where to be seen. I think we were all a little disappointed that we weren’t going to see them, since is wasn’t a school day.

But when we walked into the church we found that it was full of the children, sitting patiently as they waited for us to arrive. The teachers were there, and most of the leaders of the congregation, but there were very few adults. During the “Bible Class” period Mike presented the account of Jesus and the Woman at the Well. More children and adults continued to funnel in during Bible Class and filled up the building. Some of the older students had to go down and bring desks from the classrooms into the church to provide more seating.

The Etago school kids ready for church on Sunday morning.

After Mike’s study we began the service. We joined in as we were able. We were given a hymnal, but it was in Kisii instead of Kiswahili, so it was a little harder to follow along. I thought it was very nice of them to make sure that we had a hymnal so we could follow along, and they made sure we knew when there were changes in the service from the printed liturgy. Something we can learn from in our services.

Stephen, Mike and Russ stand in front of the two new classrooms that were added this year.

After the service, we checked out the two new classrooms that have been built since I was here last year. They were constructed again with brick and mortar with a steel roof and were well designed and constructed. We also met with the headmaster of the school and a few of the Etago leaders before we left to go to Chotororo. It was another hour drive from Etago to Chotororo, and again the roads were much better this year. We followed Fred and Enosh who rode on separate motorbikes.

Enosh gets to drive a motorbike from Etago to Chotororo.

We had a good visit with Pastor Fred and the three seminary students who were able to attend. We talked about some of the same issues that we had discussed with the teachers last night, but it was good for the students to know that we care about them and support them in their work and service to the Lord.

We also visited a house up the hill from the Chotororo church, where they were conducting classes for a time. It was owned by a relative of Pastor Fred’s who was willing to “rent” it for use as a seminary for the minimal cost of $75 a month for the week that they have classes. It provides beds and bedrooms, an area for classes, and a kitchen and dining room area, as well as bathroom facilities. It would serve the students and teachers very well, and we would like nothing more than to help them with this. It will be passed on to the Mission Board and the KINSHIP committee for their consideration.

Mike stands in the Chotororo church (classroom) with three of the seminary students.

After our visit was concluded we returned to Kisii (only an hour and a half this year) and checked into the Jazz Hotel. The rooms were much nicer than the Zonic, it was 1/3 the cost, and most importantly of all, it had HOT water at the shower!!

We had supper tonight at the Nile Restaurant down the street, a place we had frequented in the past. Todd, Mike and I ordered pizza and Stephen and Russ ordered the Chicken Fried Rice. We all enjoyed what we ordered immensely, especially after having missed lunch. The food here has always been great, but we have never been able to get pizza in the past. It was a welcome option on this night!

Tomorrow we are on the road again, this time north to Moi’s Bridge where Mike will be living for at least the next 6 months. The trip is starting to wind down, but there is still so much left to do....

I talked with Debra tonight for a little bit. She is staying busy and faces her own challenges with the kids. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for her while I am gone, and those of you who have called her, and helped her in so many other ways. It is such a big help to her, and it helps me as well! Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for my family while I am gone!

In His service,

Nathanael

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. ” – Psalm 25:4-5

Seminary Meeting in Kisii

2010-09-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday – September 4, 2010

We are on the road again. We have rented an eight passenger van to get us around for the next 5 days. Charles will be driving us to Kisii, then to Mois Bridge, and then will bring Todd back to the airport on Wednesday. So we had to pack up our things and be ready for our pick up at 9:00am. We loaded the van to the max with 6 of us plus all our luggage. Mike had three big bags himself for his longer stay here. It was 9:30 before we got on the road, and it was about a six hour drive to Kisii. On the way we drove through the Great Rift Valley, which was a striking scene. We started up a long climb and when we reached the top you could see the expanse of the valley below. The road down was managed but with no little amount of trepidation on our part. The roads were good, but there were no side rails on the edge of the road and sometimes it was a sheer drop into the trees below. And most of the drivers were not taking it slowly, either!

The valley is pretty dry especially at this time of year, but the land greened considerably as we neared Kisii. The fields were abundant with lush tea bushes, sugar cane, banana trees, corn, and the occasional papaya. Kisii is only about 30km from Lake Victiria, so it gets rain throughout the year. It is a very beautiful land.

We arrived in Kisii a little after 3:00pm and checked into the Zonic Hotel. We didn’t have reservations, but we weren’t worried – the Zonic is usually lucky if they have more than 6 rooms occupied at any one time (it has 5 floors of rooms!). We settled into our rooms and found them in varying states of disrepair. Our room was missing two light fixtures, and the sliding glass door to the balcony off our room did not close all the way because of the bowed frame. Russ and Stephen’s room was also missing lights and a toilet seat, and Mike’s room was missing the door handle! None of us had any hot water, either!

A view of Kisii from the balcony of our room at the Zonic Hotel.

After four years of staying here, I’ve had enough. While Mike, Todd and I waited for the Etago seminary teachers to arrive for our meeting, I asked Russ and Stephen to go with Charles and check out come other hotels in the area. They came back with some good news. They had checked out several other hotels which were cleaner, bigger, and quite a bit cheaper than the Zonic. So we are planning on checking out of the Zonic tomorrow morning – permanently. I’m kind of excited about it!

Pastors Fred, Joseph, and Enosh arrived at the Zonic at about 6:00pm. They were slowed by a brief thunderstorm which poured down rain and made a mess of the country roads they have to travel to get to Kisii. We all gathered in the second floor restaurant of the Zonic and discussed the Etago seminary program over Cokes, tea and coffee. There are four seminary students here who are being taught by Pastor Fred and Pastor Joseph. The only funding that they are receiving from us is a monthly sponsorship of $35 per student through the CLC’s KINSHIP program. But due to the limited nature of our support, they are only able to conduct classes one week per month. They are using the church building in Chotororo as their seminary classroom, dining hall and dormitory during that one week a month. This is not a nice church like ours, mind you. This is a mud walled building with a dirt floor, and this is where they learn, eat and sleep. It breaks our hearts to know the desire of the students to learn, and the desire of these pastor’s to teach, but to hear the struggles that they are facing as they try to do this. But there is little more that we can do, especially right now since the MDF has no money in it. We are going to see if maybe KINSHIP can help by offering a yearly grant to help subsidize the seminary and assist with the work they are doing there. We also brought two boxes full of books which will be used by the students and teachers at the seminary. Dogmatics, Bible History, Bible Dictionaries, a laptop and much more which were all given by members throughout the CLC. We are thankful for all those who are assisting with the work here by donating these resources for the work here, and those who are supporting the individual students through KINSHIP. Your help is needed and appreciated!

We all gathered in the Zonic Restaurant for our Seminary meeting.

It was a two hour meeting, and later than we anticipated, but very important in getting a better grasp on what is being done and what is still needed. May the Lord continue to bless the work of these teachers as they build a foundation for these younger men in the precious Word of God, and may He bless these four young men as they grow in the knowledge of their Savior and prepare for serving Him in the preaching ministry! Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to meet with the seminary students at Chotororo, so we look forward to that as well.

In His service,

Nathanael

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:1-2

East African Pastoral Conference - Day 2

2010-09-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Friday – September 3, 2010

It’s the big day – the last day of our East African Pastoral Conference. We decided to begin earlier this morning so that we could get as much done as possible. We walked from the Southern Blue to the Wagon Hotel at about 7:50 and arrived at 8:00am. We had to wait a few minutes for some stragglers, and then opened up with some comments. We had some conference issues that had to be resolved, but began Pastor Malyi’s paper on “Witnessing to Muslims” in the meantime. He had an excellent paper which was also very relevant with the increase of Islam here in East Africa. We had some good and very profitable discussion following the paper.

Following a break for breakfast and tea, we continued with my presentation on the Unity and Organization of the Church of the Lutheran Confession in East Africa. We considered Paul’s words to the Ephesians where he writes about the work of building up the Church of God through instruction and unity. We have seen the problems that often come with having a “dictator” in the church. We saw it in India in 2001 with Mohan Bas, and we have now seen it here in East Africa with Jesse Angowi. While we are still dealing with the fallout from Angowi’s reign, we can see how the Lord has blessed the work in India immensely following our separation from Bas. I am confident that the Lord will bring about a similar result here. But we need to change the structure of how the work of the church is being conducted so that it can operate more effectively and efficiently. Up to this time the churches have been operating in separate “church bodies” but without any specific organizational structure or unity between them. So we determined to divide the churches of East Africa into different districts which would spread out the work and enable better communication between the districts and myself. We have divided the churches here into 6 districts with the possibility of adding more districts as areas grow in size. We are hopeful that this will eliminate strife and division, and assist us in teaching in these areas.

The plan was actually well received by the members of the conference. We had some discussion to clarify certain points, but that was all. Most of the members were even relieved that we were going to be putting this into effect! So we pray that the Lord would further His work through this new church structure in East Africa. We also carried out elections for officers of the East African Pastoral Conference – the first time in its history. This too was a big step forward.

After some concluding comments, I was asked to offer a prayer to close the conference, and then we sang a hearty chorus of “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” in Swahili. It was a wonderful conclusion to the conference.

Lunch had been prepared for us so we sat and visited over a lunch like we had yesterday. We said goodbye to the men who had to catch a bus for the trip back home, especially those we wouldn’t be seeing again this year. It’s kind of a melancholy feeling after such a great couple of days, but we know they are returning to the Lord’s service in different parts of East Africa.

We had the afternoon off, so we decided to do some things we had been wanting to get done.

We checked out a “hotel” which we had heard and read about online called the Wildebeest. It was booked up, so we weren’t able to book a room there, but we wanted to look it over since we had the time. It is a very unique place. It’s like a campground, since you can bring your own tents but they also had “deluxe tents” which were heavy canvas tents with beds and other furnishings in them! They also had a bunk room which contained thee sets of bunk beds. The great feature though is the wireless internet they offer free! We hope to stay there on our next stay in Nairobi, we just need to make sure that we book in advance!

We also went to the African Walmart or Nakumat to pick up a few things that were needed. Since we were there we decided to have an American style supper. We all had pizza, which really hit the spot. Stephen later commented, “It may not have been that good, but it was really good at the time!”

We got a lot done today and now have to get ready to move again. Tomorrow we leave for Kisii and a two day stay there. The last week here we will be moving quite a bit to get all of our visitations completed.

We all thank you for your prayers on the work here, for our families and congregations back home, and for our trip. We appreciate your interest and encouragement in this important work.

In His service,

Nathanael

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” – Ephesians 4:11-14

East African Pastoral Conference - Day 1

2010-09-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday – September 2, 2010

The yearly East African Pastoral Conference began today in Nairobi. We were to begin at 9:30am at a hotel just a few blocks from the Southern Blue where we are staying again. We had to get a few copies made at the “Kinkos” near our hotel, and then we walked to the Wagon Hotel where the conference was being held. When we arrived, most of the men were already assembled. We are meeting in a small room that is long and narrow, with two tables set up end to end for everyone to sit around. There were two recessed areas in the ceiling where light fixtures used to be, but where only one bulb existed now.

Pastor Fred opened our session with some opening comments and then we joined in prayer and the singing of a hymn. After introductions were made all around, Pastor Gondwe was given the floor for his paper on Church Unity. It was very well done and was a very fitting beginning for our conference. We have had troubles in the past at our conferences due to the different tribes and cultures that make up our churches in East Africa. It is a good reminder for all of us to “keep the unity of the spirt and the bond of peace” as Paul says in Ephesians.

The conference attendees enjoying thier lunch around the table.

After finishing the paper we took a 20 minute break. We enjoyed some visiting over tea and simple buttered bread. We returned to the conference, and after some discussion on Pastor Gondwe’s paper continued with the next paper. Pastor Fred gave the floor to Pastor Ohlmann to present his paper from our convention on “Hope for the future.” At around 1:00pm we took a break for lunch. Although all our papers are presented in English, they take longer to present here because everything has to be translated into Swahili. This doubles the time of presentation.

For lunch we were served a vegetable mix of spinach and cabbage, potatoes, ugali, and either chicken or beef. There was also a spicy tomato and pepper “salad” that was really good.

Following lunch we finished Todd’s paper. I’m really glad that he presented this because it brought out the early struggles of the CLC and had some great parallels to the struggles that have been faced here in East Africa. Yet, our hope does not depend on the things of this world, but on Christ and what He has done for us. While our work may look hopeless to the world, we have confidence in the future because of God’s promises! It was a very important reminder and assurance for our men here.

Lunch - 350 Shillings. Seeing Stephen use his fingers to eat - PRICELESS!

We continued with Pastor Nyribo’s paper titled “On Being a Christian.” This paper was on the topic of Sanctification and we had some good discussion when he finished his paper. We closed our session for the day at 5:30pm and then spent an hour and a half visiting with some of the men. It was a good day and the majority of the twenty two men in attendance commented on their appreciation of the papers and discussion. We give thanks to the Lord for His grace and for the work He is accomplishing here.

Tomorrow I will be presenting a plan of organization for our churches in East Africa, so I have quite a bit of work to get finished up tonight. More tomorrow...

In His service,

Nathanael

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:1-3

The Seminary in Himo and back to Nairobi

2010-09-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

Wednesday – September 1, 2010

Today was the big day. The members of Himo and Machame had asked if Todd would be able to appear in court and speak on the CLC’s ownership of the seminary building at Himo. We were more than glad to tweak our schedule to fulfill that request. It is our hope that this will help to settle the ownership question for the judge, so that we can retain ownership and restart the seminary once again for the efficient training of pastors in East Africa.

People began showing up at our hotel at about 8:00am and continued filtering in until we left the hotel at about 9:30am. Although we discussed the work here in East Africa, all our thoughts were on the impending court appearance.

At 9:30 we began our stroll to the court house via the bus line office. We stopped at the office and purchased tickets for Moshi to Nairobi for later that morning. Our court appointment was at 11:00, and the bus was scheduled to leave at 11:30, so it was going to be tight. The office manager said that he could wait for us for a little bit if necessary.

They really weren't as excited to be here as they look....

So we left Mike and Stephen with our bags and walked with the rest of our group the 8 or so blocks from the bus office to the courthouse. There we met a few more people from Himo – all of whom were also being taken to court by Pastor Angowi. We shared greetings and visited for a while as we waited for the advocate to be able to meet with Todd to prep him for his appearance.

At about 11:15 we were called in before the judge. We entered a small room and filled it up with all the defendants in this case. As it turns out, they were amending their suit so it does not include ownership of the property, so Todd wasn’t able to give his testimony, but everyone said that this was very good news. I guess it will now have to go to a land court, and everyone feels that we have more than enough proof of ownership to win there. So it may take a little longer, but we pray that we will finally retain the ownership of the property. We pray that this may be quickly resolved so that the Lord’s work here may soon resume!

Our shuttle picked us up right outside the courthouse when we were finished. We said our goodbyes and had a short parting prayer with these faithful members and pastors of the Moshi area congregations. May the Lord continue to be with them and keep them strong through this ongoing battle!

We left Moshi at about 12:00 for the long trip back to Nairobi. Todd, Mike and I weren’t looking forward to riding again after the past couple of days, but this was much better than our conditions to and from Tanga! It was a one and a half hour trip to Arusha where we had to disembark and wait for another larger bus for the trip to Nairobi. We had a half an hour to stretch and do some other odd-n-ends.

Waiting in Arusha for our bus to Nairobi. We were NOT looking forward to getting on again!

Our bus for Nairobi left at 2:00pm. It was 8:15 when we made our first drop at the airport in Nairobi, but we didn’t arrive at our stop until 9:30pm. We were all hungry, since we hadn’t had much of anything since breakfast, so I dropped the guys off at the Southern Blue and rode over to the hotel where our conference will be tomorrow to meet with the men who had arrived. It was good to see them all and was important to go over a few things before the start of the conference. It had been another long day, but we are ready all geared up for the East African Pastoral Conference tomorrow morning.

Longido peak on the Tanzania side of the border with Kenya, just south of Namanga.

Check out Mike Gurath's blog as well for some additional information on our trip at http://emmausmilimanimission.tumblr.com/.

In His service,

Nathanael

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

Conference in Tanga

2010-09-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Tuesday – August 31, 2010

After yesterday we are ready to be done traveling, but we aren’t done yet. Today was another long day on the road, although it was on much better roads this time.

This road is much better than the ones we were on yesterday.

We started off the day with a three hour seminar in Tanga for the men of this region. We had over 20 men in attendance, many of whom serve congregations in the mountains we were in yesterday. We were supposed to begin at 8:00am because we needed to get on the road, but most of the men did not arrive until a little after 9:00am. Since many of the men came out of the Anglican church, we decided to begin with a study on the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. We ended up using the entire time for the study and the questions that followed and concluded at about 11:30am. Some greetings followed, and then we closed our session and ate a quick lunch so we could get on the road for Moshi. We were all more than a little disappointed that we had such little time in teaching and such a long time in the car. So mentioned to the leaders and all the pastors that in the future we want to make sure that time is given to teaching as a first priority. That is the single most valuable use of our time and energy here and we want to make use of it as much as possible.

Todd adresses the men assembled for the conference after our study.

From there we left to climb back into the Pastor Jeremiah’s car for the six hour drive back to Moshi. Pastor Gondwe joined us on the trip so that we could save extra transport costs for him to the conference in Nairobi, but that made it a bit tight again in the back seat of the car. Todd and I were both just a bit stiff and sore and were glad for any and every opportunity to get out and stretch. We finally arrived back in Moshi at about 7:00pm. Jeremiah dropped Todd, Mike and I off at our hotel in Moshi where Russ and Stephen had spent the last four days. We said good-bye to Pastor Jeremiah and Pastor Gondwe who were continuing on to Arusha. We will see them in Nairobi on Thursday for the East African Pastoral Conference.

The men of the conference gathered for a picture after our meeting.

As we waited for our supper to arrive, the five of us swapped stories from the past few days. Tomorrow we have to meet with the Himo men who are being taken to court by Pastor Angowi. We will also make an appearance before the judge to testify to the CLC’s ownership of the seminary building and property. Once again we pray for the Lord’s blessings on our work and service in His kingdom and to the glory of His name.

In His service,

Nathanael

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2

Going where few men have gone before...

2010-09-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Monday – August 30, 2010

It was dark when we arrived at Pastor Cecil’s house last night, and we really didn’t appreciate the beauty of our location until we woke up the next morning. We were in this small village that was almost entirely surrounded by tall hills, covered almost entirely by the bright yellow stalks of corn. Since this is a hilly area, they are forced to make use of the land they have and that means planing on the side of mountains! We have constantly been amazed at the thought of carrying the seed up the side of these hills, planting it on the sloped ground and then carrying the crops back down again when they are ready. Quite the job! But it is a beautiful area and very serene.

The view of last night's dwelling from above. Todd and Mike are pictured.

We were invited to Pastor Cecil’s house for tea at 7:00am, so we got up and going and joined the others at the pastor’s home where we were again offered omelettes, bread, chicken, soup and more along with our spicy tea. When we had finished we loaded our bags into the Suzuki and somewhat reluctantly loaded ourselves. Little did we know how long a day this would end up being....

The mountain gardens beside the village of Kwamkole.

Within 15 minutes of leaving Kwamkole we encountered an accident on the road. A man on a motorcycle had crashed somehow. We found his bike on one side of the road and the man was huddled on the other side of the road with a growing audience around him. We got out to see what we could do and saw right away that it was not good. He had a puncture in one forearm the size of a nickel, a dislocated shoulder, and most of the skin on his right calf had been cut and was hanging loose. The man was almost in shock. Todd had a first aid kit in his bag and found a bandage to cover the hole in his arm, but didn’t have anything that could help his leg. He decided to grab one of his undershirts to wrap around the man’s leg. He tried to pull the skin back in place, and then taped the shirt around his calf. He then gave him some pain reliever to make him more comfortable. We were concerned about how he was going to get to a hospital, and didn’t think he should wait for a lorry or other passing vehicle, and felt he should definitely NOT ride a motorcycle (yes, someone even suggested that!). So we put him in the front seat of our car and decided to take him to the nearest hospital ourselves. We got the impression that it would be on the way to where we were going, so thought that was good too.

But it was a painful ride. We were traveling on really bad roads and now we had man riding with us who had a dislocated shoulder. Every time Jeremiah went over a bump a bit too roughly we would hear a grunt from the front seat. It took us almost an hour to reach the main road – something we had covered in less than 30 minutes the night before! After over two hours in the car we again asked Jeremiah how much farther to the hospital and he said it was still a long way. We encouraged him to find something closer, because we were concerned about the man’s injury and the amount of blood he had lost already. When we reached the next big town we found that they had a hospital there and rushed him to it. They got him in fairly quickly and Todd gave the Doctor the run-down on what had happened and what he had done. She said it was good that we had come here and not tried to make it to another hospital. He had been in the car for just over three hours, and it was a HARD three hours on those roads. We were just glad to hand him over to someone who could do something to help him after that amount of time. We pray that he will recover quickly and be able to return to his wife and four children. The whole event kind-of changed our outlook on riding motorcycles – especially in the mountains!

From the hospital we drove up the road another 45 minutes to visit a small congregation. We met in one of the member’s homes first, and when we had received a sufficient number there, walked to the place where they were building a new church. It was just a skeleton of sticks and poles, but it was taking shape. We prayed for the Lord’s work through the members of the congregation, said a few short words, sang a hymn, and then headed back down the road again, the way we had come. By this time it was noon, and we still had three more congregations to visit. We stopped back at the hospital to check on the man we had dropped off, but found nothing out. Then we began the long trip higher into the mountains surrounding Kwamkole.

The first church that we visited. As you can see it is under construction.

You wouldn’t believe the trip if I told you. We drove through a national forest on winding switchback roads, crossed rivers, passed tea farms, villages, burning maze fields, and traversed roads that were not made for four-wheeled vehicles to travel. We probably took 10 years off the life of that poor Suzuki through the course of the day! As it began to grow dark we finally arrived at our destination high in the hills and overlooking beautiful fields of tea and corn. Here we were greeted by a large number of people singing and waving branches for our arrival which was now 6 hours past. We walked past a large pole building with a canvas cover that was serving as the existing church and down a hill to a place where they were building a new brick church building. We participated in the dedication of this building, offered prayers, and sang more hymns. We had been invited for supper, but because of the approaching night, they packed us supper and sent it with us. It was discouraging to spend so little time here, especially after such a long drive, but we didn’t have any choice. Our schedule had been planned based on the travel time by motorbike and that did not match the time that it took by car on these roads.

The second church was also under construction, but with brick instead of wood.

Now we had to begin the long return trip back down the mountain and into Tanga. It was a long four hour ride with six of us in this small five passenger vehicle. It was quite a relief when we finally pulled off the dirt road and onto blacktop for the last hour of our trip, but we were all pretty much done in by that time. We had been on the road – and bad roads at that – for over 12 hours today and we were all eager to get out! It was after 10:00pm when we pulled into the Tanga Hotel in Tanga and checked in for the night.

We were all pretty well exhausted, and eager to get to bed so we could get up and going for the conference in the morning.

In His service,

Nathanael

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” – John 17:3

Into the Hills around Tanga

2010-09-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday – August 29, 2010

It was up-and-at-‘em this morning at about 5:30am. Jeremiah was scheduled to pick us up at 6:30am, so we had to be packed and ready for our long trip to Tanga. Originally, we were supposed to be in Tanga yesterday, but with the death of Pastor Jeremiah’s niece, that changed. So we were really sure what our schedule was supposed to be. We were going to meet Pastor Gondwe and then attend a church service around lunch time and then visit another one or two churches in the afternoon. It didn’t turn our that way. Although the roads were pretty good, it took us six hours to make the drive from Arusha to Koroyo, where we met up with Pastor Gondwe, the district pastor of the Tanga region.

Pastor Jeremiah beside his trusty steed "Nomade"

From there we had another two hour drive up into the mountains to a village called Kwamkole. The members greeted us with smiles from ear to ear and with singing and dancing. It was after 3:00pm when we were ushered into the church for the start of the service. Since we were late they had gone ahead and conducted the baptisms, but had reserved the installation of new church elders for us to participate. We were all given the opportunity to pass on our greetings, and I had the opportunity to preach. The church was full and there were many pastors in attendance. These pastors and congregations came out of the Anglican church because of false teaching, and came into contact with Pastor Gondwe. After attending some of the seminars he put on using papers which were presented at previous Pastoral Conferences, these pastors and congregations decided to join us!

The pastors who attended church with us in Kwamkole.

We were invited to Pastor Cecil’s home after the service was over for a late lunch which consisted of potato soup, chicken, and a rice dish with sodas. By the time we finished “lunch” it was 5:00pm and they still wanted us to visit another congregation. So we loaded back into Jeremiah’s car for the bumpy trip to another hill congregation. It took us about an hour and a half to get there. After a 30 minute trip coming down and rough road from Pastor Cecil’s we traveled a smoother gravel road for another 30 minutes or so. Then Pastor Cecil told Pastor Jeremiah to turn right down a small path and grinning said in the few English word he knew: “Short Cut.” As I looked ahead, all that could be seen was a walking path or motorcycle trail. It wasn’t made for a four wheel vehicle, that’s for sure! It must have been a herding trail as well, because we had to stop once while a teenage boy “encouraged” his charges to get off the road with a stick. We also had to dodge tree stumps and rocks and regularly scraped through brush on both sides of the vehicle where the path narrowed. It was quite a ride! it was just starting to turn dusk as we arrived. This was a Maasai congregation, and their building was made of sticks and mud with a thatched roof. We were again introduced and were given time to greet the people and share a few words. The meeting was again concluded with song as we were led out of the church and back down the hill to our car.

The Maasai church and members we visited just before it turned dark.

We then loaded back up for the one and a half hour return trip to Pastor Cecil’s home. It was after 8:30pm when we returned and after some discussion among Pastor Gondwe and Jeremiah, it was decided that we would not continue on to the next congregation tonight. We decided instead to stay here in the mountains and continue on our way to the next congregations in the morning. We were pretty exhausted after our early morning and long day and we readily agreed, although we were curious about where we were going to stay in this small mountain village of about 2,000 people. After some more discussion and a light meal prepared by Pastor Cecil’s wife we gathered our things from Pastor Jeremiah’s car and were led by flashlights on a winding path down narrow alleys, through homes and over rocks to a small building. We were led inside and down a hallway which led to another hallway which had doors on either side. They began unlocking the doors and offering the rooms to us. They were small rooms, or “cells” if you will that contained only a full sized bed, and a nightstand on top of which stood a battery operated lamp. There was also a “bathroom” which consisted of a room with a hole in the ground, and a shower room, which contained only a bucket. All I could think was, this was a lot better than I thought we were going to get for the night!

My accomodations in the guesthouse in Kwamkole, somewhere in the hills near Tanga, Tanzania.

We thank the Lord for the safe travels and the opportunity to meet these fellow believers in the hill country near the coast of Tanzania. May He continue to be with them and strengthen them through the faithful preaching of His Word and continue to be with us as we continue our travels!

In His service,

Nathanael

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 2:6-7

New Contacts in Central Tanzania

2010-09-02T08:43:00.001-07:00

Saturday – August 28, 2010

Today was an unscheduled day to relax and get ready for the coming trip to Tanga. Because of the death of Pastor Jeremiah’s niece, it was necessary for Pastor Jeremiah to postpone our trip to Tanga so that he could attend the funeral and spend time with his family. As a result, we had an unscheduled “free” day. Well, sort of. Since I knew that we were going to have some time today, I had scheduled some time to meet with one of our pastors from the Moshi area. He has made a contact with a man and congregation in Singida, near Dodoma. Both of these men planned to come to Arusha to meet with us, along with Pastor Malyi, who would assist as an interpreter when necessary. They were planning to call us in the morning to let us know when they were supposed to arrive, but we never heard from them. They finally came walking into the courtyard of our hotel at around 12:00pm, just as we were getting ready to leave for lunch. We found out that they had tried calling, but were unable to get through. This was because there was a mandatory power cut throughout all of Arusha today, and this also affected the hotel phones!

It turned out to be an exciting meeting. The man was a Sunday School teacher in the Lutheran Church, but became inactive over time. Then he met our pastor and became involved again. Now he is working to form a congregation in Singida and has the local government of the area asking him to start other congregations! They have been given a track of 10 acres for the church and are preparing to build a church. The man is also eager to continue his training so that he can become a full time pastor! What a blessing from God!

Todd stands in front of our new favorite hotel in Arusha, Tanzania - the Caanan Hotel

The rest of the afternoon was spent reading, resting and doing prep work for the coming trip to Tanga. We worked on our computers and other devices until the batteries were dead on them, and then had to find something else to do. At about 5:30 the hotel started up their generator for electricity, which was just outside our window.

At about the same time Elisha arrived to take us out for supper in Arusha. Elisha is Pastor Jeremiah’s son, who works as a tour guide to the many tourist areas which surround Arusha – the tourist capital of Tanzania. He is a wonderful and very likable young man and he knows the places to go. He took us to “Nick’s” which specialized in fish grilled over fire with vegetables. He said they were big enough to feed two people and both Todd and Mike were game, so they ordered two fish for the three of them to share. I ordered the “kuku” which is Swahili for chicken. It kind of reminded me of when I took my wife to Red Lobster and ordered the chicken sandwich. It was not a good chicken sandwich and I remember my wife saying, “Well what do you expect ordering chicken at a seafood place?” The difference was that the kuku was actually really good – good enough that I’d order it again if I had the chance (and I’m not just saying it was good because fish was the only other option, either!).

The picture of the fish has been removed from this site for your protection.... Use your imagination!

We appreciated the fact that Elisha took the time to spend with us and take us out to eat on our last night in Arusha, and we enjoyed the time we spent together. We pray that the Lord would continue to bless him in his service to the Lord in all that he does.

In His service,

Nathanael

“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. ” – Colossians 4:5-6

Visiting the our Troubled Seminary in Himo

2010-09-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

Friday – August 27, 2010

We have been looking forward to this day for a while. We were headed to the Moshi area to visit with the congregations that have been working to retain the seminary building and property in Himo, Tanzania. It has been a long and difficult year for many individuals and congregations, so we were eagerly looking forward to meeting with them. Pastor Jeremiah picked us up at around 10:30am and we all loaded into his 5 seat, four wheel Suzuki. It would be the equivalent of the Suzuki Swift in the US. Since we didn’t have the room to seat all of us in the car, one of us had to pile in the back with Stephen and Russ’s luggage. They were going to be staying in Moshi, while Todd, Mike and I went to Tanga. Part of the reason for this was that we wouldn’t be able to get all six of us plus all our luggage in Pastor Jeremiah’s vehicle. So we decided to do it in shifts. Since we were going to the Moshi area, we decided to drop those two off after we had completed our visits for the day. We will then meet back up on Tuesday night.

The members of the Machame Congregation

Our first stop was at the congregation in Machame, which is West of Moshi. One of the men in this congregation has been deeply involved in the seminary building situation. He was arrested and had charges filed against him by Pastor Angowi and the LCEA. He was released, but has not been able to travel until the suit has been settled. He and others have stood up against the LCEA and have protested the selling of the seminary building. This is why he was arrested and why a number of lawsuits have been filed by the LCEA against these individuals. It is a very sad situation, but we it seems that this may work to serve the Lord’s purposes. It looks as if through the process of taking these men to court that the courts are beginning to realize that the LCEA doesn’t have the right to sell the seminary property since it was purchased by the CLC. This will be coming to a head very soon and we pray that the Lord would bring this to a quick conclusion so that our churches here may re-focus on the work that is at hand – preaching the good news of sins forgiven through Jesus.

Pastor Makundi, and others of the Himo church standing in front of the Himo seminary building.

Following our visit there we went on to visit the pastor at Himo and look over the seminary building. They have the classroom and dormitory part of the building closed off while the matter is in the courts, but they are allowing the congregation to worship in the chapel area. We are thankful for that. The building is in a state of disrepair with it not being in use, but doesn’t look too bad. It is really a shame that this building is sitting empty is not being fully used for the Lord’s glory.

We were invited to the home of one of the elders of the congregation. As we walked up to the home we were greeted by screaming women who hugged and squeezed us! You could tell the pain that they had been through and the joy and hope that came over them, knowing that we were finally here and may be able to bring this to a conclusion. We were led out the back of the house where we met the men of the congregation, and after exchanging greetings, we came back in the house to sit down. Introductions were made and then we were invited to eat what the women had prepared for us. Many of the members spoke up to express their thanks and hope for the future. They also asked for our help with the funding of the Kindergarten supported by the Himo congregation. They asked for $200 a month to help with the feeding and salary of a teacher for more than 30 children. Not only do they teach math, reading and other basics, but they also teach Bible stories, giving them a foundation in the Word of God. We hope that KINSHIP might be able to assist in funding this. What a wonderful opportunity!

Enjoying food and fellowship with the Himo members.

After sharing some words of thanks and encouragement, we got back on the road for Moshi. We checked Russ and Stephen into a hotel in Moshi, then Pastor Jeremiah, Pastor Malyi, Todd, Mike and I returned to Arusha. It was nice to have the extra room in the car after dropping those two off in Moshi! There were times today where I felt like I was reliving my high school and college days – cramming as many people as possible into the only car available!

Tomorrow will be a bit of a down day, as we get ready for our trip to Tanga. We continue to thank the Lord for his blessing on our trip which is now half over.

In His service,

Nathanael

“He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works Which You have done; And Your thoughts toward us Cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered..” – Psalm 40:3-5

Arusha, Tanzania Seminar

2010-08-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday – August 26, 2010

We are settling into Arusha. Last night was the first night that the five of us have spent together since our trip began and we enjoyed being able to sit down and discuss our work. This morning we again all met for breakfast in the dining room and enjoyed coffee, tea, watermelon, and Spanish Omelettes together before the day began. We had a seminar today with the Arusha men, so I had some work to do to prepare. I also had to get to the money exchange center to get money exchanged for Tanzania. I had a little left over from last year that I had saved and brought back, but it was only about the equivalent of $14, so it wasn’t going to get us very far. Jeremiah came by at about 10:00am and took Mike and I into Arusha to get money exchanged and to pick up some pens and notebooks for the seminar. It was a pretty good deal. I purchased a dozen notebooks for less than a quarter each and the same number of pens for less than 15 cents a piece.

Some pastors from the Arusha area stand outside Pastor Jeremiah's Church waiting for the seminar to begin.

From there we returned to the hotel to pick up the other three guys and then made our way to Jeremiah’s church where the seminar was to be held. We were met at the church by many pastors that I had met in the past, but a few new pastors as well. After everyone was introduced we began. I presented a study on the difference between the way that the Reformed and Lutheran churches view the Sacraments. There are many “reformed” churches in this area: Baptist, Methodist, Adventist, Presbyterian, and non-denominational. While there are some differences between them, they all strip the sacraments of God’s power and turn them into a work of man rather than a work of God. We had some good questions and profitable discussion during the presentation.

After a quick lunch prepared by the women of the congregation and brought right to the church, Mike presented a similar study. His presentation focused on the distinction between Sanctification and Justification. This too is an area that is misrepresented by the reformed churches and should be helpful to our pastors here.

Pastor Jeremiah and his family invited us into their home for refreshments following the seminar.

At around 4:00pm we wrapped up the seminar and drove the short way to Pastor Jeremiah’s home. He has a beautiful home that is made even more beautiful by the plants that are nurtured by his green thumb. His wife greeted us and welcomed us in. After some visiting we enjoyed drinks, nuts, bananas, and more. It was very good and we enjoyed getting to see Pastor Jeremiah’s family more. Sadly, Pastor Jeremiah’s niece passed away yesterday, so the family will be busy making plans for the funeral which will be on Saturday. She had been sick and in the hospital for a while, and finally was taken home by the Lord. Please keep Pastor Jeremiah’s family in your prayers during this time of their earthly loss. May He give them the comfort which only He can give.

Tomorrow we will be visiting the congregations that have been immersed in the seminary building turmoil with the LCEA and Pastor Angowi. We look forward to meeting with them as well, and we pray that the Lord would bless our meetings and visitations.

In His service,

Nathanael

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Into the Wilds of Tanzania

2010-08-26T23:58:00.001-07:00

Wednesday – August 25, 2010

On the road again... We were up and going early again this morning. Our bus from Nairobi, Kenya to Arusha, Tanzania was scheduled to leave at 8:00am. Charles said he would be at the Southern Blue to pick us up at 7:30. But before we left we had some things to take care of. We had to get four bags of Mike’s put in storage. Since there will be five of us traveling together, we want to carry as little extra baggage as possible. So we stored the bags that contained items for Etago and Mois Bridge and took only the things that would be needed in Tanzania.

Charles was a little late this morning and we were a little concerned that we might not make our bus. When he finally arrived it was only 5 minutes to eight, and traffic was pretty thick. But we made it to the bus stop before they were ready to go. We unloaded our bags from the car and handed them up to the top of the bus to be tied down for the trip. Then we piled on to the bus and settled in at the back of the bus. Russ and I have taken this shuttle several times in the past few years and it is very comfortable compared to other means of transportation.

A view of a small town along the "Arusha Road" with chickens for sale. Chicken anyone?

After making a stop for fuel and to pick up a couple more passengers, we finally got on the road. We left at about 8:45am for the 7 hour trip to Arusha. The first year I came to East Africa, the roads here were very poor. In the years since they have been in the process of rebuilding most of the main roads in Kenya and Tanzania. The road from Nairobi to Arusha is one that has been under construction. It was much better this year, but still has a great deal that is not finished. In those areas where they are still working on the road, we have to take diversions over rough ground and it rattles the bones inside your body! It is slow going, but maybe by next year they will be finished with this road.

Our shuttle ride from Nairobi to Arusha. Stephen, Mike and Todd pictured.

We had no trouble crossing the border into Tanzania, although I was disappointed that the road on the Tanzania side was now under construction as well! Maybe next year is a bit optimistic....

We arrived in Arusha a little after 3:00pm and got off at our usual Arusha residence, the Eland Motel. We had made arrangements to stay at a different hotel this year which was cheaper and advertized better accommodations than what we have been getting at the Eland. Pastor Jeremiah was planning to pick us up, so we enjoyed a Coke at the Eland while we waited for him to arrive. We were all hot and dusty after the bus ride and enjoyed the cold drink.

As you can see, we were all eager to get off the bus at the Eland Hotel in Arusha. "Karibu" means "welcome" in Swahili.

Jeremiah finally arrived and took us in two shifts to our new residence, the Caanan Hotel. We checked in and settled in to our rooms, while we waited for Jeremiah to pick up Pastor Malyi. When they arrived we discussed our schedule for the week and the current seminary building situation in Himo, Tanzania. It seems that things are leaning in favor of our getting the building back, but we will see how things play out. We ask for the Lord’s blessings on the upcoming week, that His name may be furthered through the proclamation of His salvation!

In Christ,

Nathanael

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” – Psalm 91:1-2

Nairobi Seminar

2010-08-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday – August 24, 2010

We were up and going again this morning earlier than we would have liked. It sure felt like a short night since we didn’t crawl into bed until after 2:30am. But the bed felt good and we fell right asleep. When I went down in the morning to find out what room Stephen and Russ were in and to check on getting the boxes that we had left earlier, I found Russ standing at the desk, inquiring about whether we had made it in. It was good to see him! Stephen, Russ, Todd and I gathered in the kitchen for breakfast and met with Charles to organize our schedule.

James picked us up at 9:45 to take us to a hall which we had rented for our seminar for the Nairobi men. After introductions had been made and greetings shared, we began. In the morning Todd presented his study on Biblical Interpretation, and after lunch I presented the study on the Pastor’s Job. Once again, good questions were asked which led us to cover other valuable topics that are plaguing the church today. The same things that we find so appalling in the churches in the US are going on here in Africa as well.

As we closed our conference, I was reminded once again of the following words of the Apostle Paul: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. ” – 2 Timothy 4:2-5

Our men here in East Africa are facing the same struggles here that we are facing in the US. But they are asking for our help to grow in the Word and to be better prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in them. There is so much ground to cover and so little time that we are able to spend with each group of men. There is so much more that needs to be done, but which we cannot accomplish in the short time that we have here each year. We continue to pray that the Lord would provide according to His good and gracious will.

At the same time we also give thanks for how the Lord does continue to provide. When Russ and Stephen came over they brought three more boxes containing books and other items for the work here. In all we have six containers of materials for the churches here. I had already given one box to Charles for the Nairobi group, but I sorted through the materials again and put together another box for the pastors and churches here. It contained Bibles, Catechisms, Bible History books, Dogmatics books, Devotion books, Hymnals, Spokesman issues, a laptop computer and much more. All of these materials were donated by members of the CLC for our work overseas! What a help these books have been in the past, and continue to be as they continue to grow in the knowledge of the great things God has done for us. On behalf of our overseas Missions, I would like to thank everyone who has assisted in the Lord’s work by donating items like these over the past few years. Your help in this way is greatly needed and appreciated! If you have questions about how you can help or what items would be beneficial to donate, please contact me at ndmayhew@juno.com. Thank you!

A picture of our group after finally getting together! (From L to R) Stephen, Mike, Todd, and Russ.

After some more work dividing materials for our various districts over here and a trip to the Internet Café down the street, we returned to our rooms for some more work. We ate a late supper and then Charles arrived to take us to the airport to pick up Michael Gurath. He was scheduled to arrive at 9:00pm, and while his plane was on time, it took him almost an hour to get through immigration, collect his bags and clear customs. It had been a long flight for him from Phoenix via London and he was exhausted. We visited a little on the way back to the hotel, but look forward to doing more tomorrow on the bus ride to Arusha. We give thanks to the Lord for his safe arrival and look forward to having him with us during the remaining weeks.

More later....

In Christ,

Nathanael

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!” – Psalm 105:1-3

Leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo

2010-08-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Monday – August 23, 2010

It was an interesting morning. We were supposed to be at the airport three hours before our flight which was scheduled for 1:00pm. Things didn’t work out as smoothly as we had hoped.

We began our morning by finishing packing and making sure everything was ready for our flight. We were joined by Pastor Yumba, our translator Mark, and Martin, our copy man for breakfast in the hotel. Todd and I enjoyed our final ham and cheese omelette and the Mark and Martin had various items from the buffet. We had a good visit, which we especially enjoyed since it was our last opportunity. At about 9:30am Pastor Daniel and Pastor Muzakuza arrived, but we waited for our transportation for another half an hour. We were supposed to be at the airport by this time, but we still had to stop and say goodbye to Martin Essien. We had a brief visit with him at his hotel and thanked him for all he had done, and wished him the Lord’s blessings on his remaining days here.

Pastor Yumba, Martin and Mark join Todd and I for breakfast at our hotel.

Then we were finally off to the airport. Pastor Daniel was accompanying us mainly because he works at the airport and was able to “expedite” our journey. After Todd had his checked bag screened we had to buy two $50 “go passes” that were necessary for exiting the country. By this time we had quite the entourage. There were nine men surrounding us from the ELCC and the CCLC eager to help us. It was a bit chaotic. Finally we made it to the check in desk where they checked our flight itinerary, passports, and go passes. We were given hand-written vouchers that we needed to take to a second desk behind the first. There were two men at this desk, and they were not very friendly. We handed them our passports, itineraries and the hand-written vouchers, but they couldn’t find us on the list. Finally the lady at the first desk came back and found us on the list, but they said there still was a problem and asked us to sit down and wait.

Our entourage made things even more difficult, because they wanted to help but the people at the desk were getting tired of answering all the same questions five times! Finally they called us back over and printed off our boarding passes and checked Todd’s bag. We were the last ones checking onto the flight, and as we were finishing up, the men behind the counter started collecting the dividing poles and put them on the conveyer belt which took the luggage away. They were sending them outside to reuse them for plane boarding! We must be in Africa...

When we were all finished, Pastor Daniel took us through immigration and into the waiting area. There were only three plane on the tarmac and one of them was undergoing maintenance! The working planes taxied and left and we watched our plane land and pull up outside. Passengers exited the plane and we were escorted out to board the plane. There had been no security check of our carry on luggage to this point, but we had to go through a hand security check before walking up the boarding ladder to the plane. Pastor Daniel walked us all the way up to the boarding ladder and didn’t return back to the terminal until we were aboard.

Our flight took off at just after 1:00pm. We flew southeast out of Lubumbashi down the “tail” of the DRC which is sandwiched between the two surrounding borders with Zambia and when we reached the end we headed directly east to Lilongwe, Malawi. We had a brief stop there as they let passengers off the plane and put others back on for the flight to Addis Ababa.

Waiting for liftoff at the Lilongwe Airport.

At 4:00pm we were in the air again headed straight north. The sun began to set in the west as we made our way back to Ethiopia. We landed on time, at 8:00pm and had to kill some time in the airport as we waited for our 11:00pm flight to Nairobi. In the airport, and interestingly enough, on our same flight to Nairobi, we met a young man named Powell from Cheyenne, Wyoming, of all places! It wasn’t hard to pick him out of the eclectic crowd with his WYOMING t-shirt and cowboy boots! You can find just about anything in this airport. We had a good visit with him while we sat at our boarding gate waiting for our plane to be ready.

It was only a two hour flight back to Nairobi, and there were very few people on our flight, so we had no trouble getting through customs and collecting Todd’s bag. Charles was waiting for us outside when we exited the terminal, and with the empty Nairobi streets at 1:30 in the morning, we made good time back to our hotel. We checked in to the Southern Blue once more, said goodnight to James, Jonathan, Charles and Rosa (Charles’ wife) who had come to pick us up.

We are off to bed now. We have a meeting with Charles in the morning, and then a seminar with the Nairobi area men from 10:00-3:00, so it will be a short night again, but we are looking forward to finally seeing Russ and Stephen and meeting with the men here.

In Christ,

Nathanael

"Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.” – Psalm 127:1

Sunday Worship at Trinite

2010-08-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday – August 22, 2010

It is Sunday. We were scheduled to visit Trinite Lutheran Church in Bel Air this morning where Pastor Muzakuza is the pastor. We didn’t eat breakfast, just refilled our water bottles and grabbed a quick glass of juice. We were picked up at 9:00am, picked up Mr. Essien, and made the now familiar trip to Bel Air. We were there a little early (I think) and they were still waiting for members of the congregation to show up, so we were invited into Pastor Muzakuza’s home were we visited a little while we waited. Finally at about 10:00am we were escorted by the church usher from the house over to the church and through the singing congregation to the front of the church. I went first, followed by John (our translator), Todd, and Mr. Essien, then three robed pastors and finally Pastor Muzakuza himself. The usher kept busy moving people from one set to another to make room for the people that continued to arrive. The choir sat on one side of the church, near the front and opposite them was the children’s section. This section also filled up quickly. Finally there was no room left. Chairs were brought in from the outside and even the center isle was filled! Once again, people were left standing outside. There must have been members from several churches here, because there were at least 4 pastors of the ELCC in attendance, as well as several church leaders from several other congregations we had visited.

It was a service of joy. Many songs were sung accompanied by clapping and dancing. The dancing was so vigorous that the stomping of feet raised a cloud of dust from the carpet at the front of the church! You could see the haze in the air and it was difficult to breath at times, but the air was also full of praise.

In the middle of the service, Todd was invited to preach the sermon. He preached on the Good Shepherd and brought a wonderful Law and Gospel sermon to the people gathered at Trinite church. Following the sermon Pastor Muzakuza conducted the installation of two elders for the church. We were invited to participate in the laying on of hands along with the three other pastors who were in attendance. It was obvious that this was an important occasion for the church.

The service lasted two hours. After the benediction was given and some greetings were shared, we were ushered out of church through the throng of people. When outside we formed a line with everyone shaking hands with everyone else in true African tradition. Following the service we met for an hour and a half with the ELCC translation committee to discuss the work of translating books and pamphlets into French and Swahili. They had done a great amount of work translating Doctrinal Pamphlets from English into both languages, but the sad conclusion was that, with the MDF depleted, we currently have no money available to assist with the printing of any of these documents. Once again we pray for the Lord to provide the means to continue the work that has been started here.

From this meeting we rode to the home of Mpoyo for lunch. This man is one of the church leaders and is quite well off by African standards. He works as an agricultural engineer for the government, and has a large family of 10 children. We were treated to rice and soup, chicken and fish, bugari and potato wedges, as well as a few other vegetable dishes. It was all very good, and we enjoyed the time relaxing and getting to know the people better in this different environment. While Mpoyo speaks very little English, his 15 year old daughter, Angel, spoke English well enough for us to visit with her for a while. She was eager to practice her English which she had been learning in school. You could tell that everyone was glad to relax and enjoy some camaraderie.

Mpoyo and his family standing in front of their home.

On our way back to the hotel they drove us to an Arts and Crafts “warehouse” so we could look at and purchase some local gifts if we wanted. The prices were very high (because we were Americans) but the prices were always “negotiable” they said!

It is our last night in the Congo, so we are wrapping things up and making preparations for our return to Kenya and Tanzania. I had the chance to Skype home and talk to Debra and a couple of the kids, and even talked with my parents for a while. What a wonderful thing technology is when we can communicate so easily from across the world!

It has been quite a trip to the Congo. We have done a lot while we have been here, and seen some progress, but it will be important to find someone who will be able to return here on a regular basis to replace Missionary Koenig. We pray that the Lord of harvest would provide a man to work in this harvest of souls in the DRC.

In Christ,

Nathanael

“Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” – Luke 10:2

Poor But Yet Rich

2010-08-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday – August 21, 2010

After a lite breakfast we were picked up at around 9:00am for our trip to Trinite church in Bel Air for our Sunday School teacher’s meeting. On the way we picked up Martin Essien at his hotel a few blocks away.

Todd taught a lesson on how to teach parables from the Bible. He gave the good reminder that we are not to get bogged down in the details, but rather focus on the big picture to see the main spiritual lesson that the parable is teaching. He also went through some specific parables to demonstrate these points. When he finished the first hour of teaching, I continued with a lesson on teaching the Old Testament. I began with a question about whether they preferred teaching the Old or the New Testament. Surprisingly, they all said the Old Testament! So we went through and considered the fact that the Old and New Testaments have the same purpose and message in spite of their differences. They both point to the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior from sin!

We weren’t sure how our lessons were being received, but after we finished several of the teachers came up to us and told us that they really appreciated the teaching and thanked us sincerely for coming. We are thankful that they have appreciated and benefitted from the lessons that we have presented over the past several days, and pray that the Lord continues to bless these teachers as they instruct Christ’s little lambs in His word!

Our driver, Fidel, taken from the sun roof in top of our van.

After a break back at our hotel, we hopped back into our van along with our Translator, Pastor and Mrs. Muzakuza, Hubert and our driver for the drive to Kenya (not the country, but a city just outside of Lubumbashi). We drove by a national football (soccer) stadium were the Congo Cup was currently underway. It was pretty full, but it didn’t seem to be as big of a deal as we thought it would be. It was not as bustling and hectic as we anticipated.

We pulled into what was obviously a very poor area. We were ushered down a hill and across a drainage culvert, and then wound around through some mud homes until we came to the church at Kenya. The church was not full by any means, but there were many children. The women set on one side and the men on the other. The children all sat in the front few row of “pews” which were made up of two blocks on either end with a metal railroad tie lying across them. What was again amazing was how well behaved the children were. They participated eagerly in the service, and you would find older children watching and caring for younger siblings. It was so neat to see that!

The members of the church in Kenya standing in front of their church building.

We were ushered to the front of the church by the usher as the people sang a hymn. A few minutes later the pastor entered with his white gown and stole to begin the service. During the service people continued to filter into the church and were led to a seat by an usher. By the end of the service the entire church was full and there were children standing outside both doors looking in. You could tell that this was a poorer area just by the clothing that the people wore and the fact that they were more emaciated than in other areas we have visited. It tears at your heart to know that they are struggling in such a way. But we were also filled with joy to see how they praised their Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier with song and dance, and how they responded to the Word of God we preached to them! What an encouragement for us to know that in the face of such physical difficulties, these children of God rejoice in their salvation and the sure hope of everlasting life!

After what we saw tonight I couldn’t help but thinking that the words of the following Psalm were a fitting and apt description of what we saw in the people and service at Kenya:

“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, And His praise in the assembly of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.” – Psalm 149:1-4

What an example for us, who have been given so much physically, to remember that we too should eagerly rejoice in our salvation, knowing the promise of our Lord for our eternal future!

In His service,

Nathanael

Visiting Some Distraught Congregations

2010-08-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Friday – August 20, 2010

We had a great deal to get done today. Our first order of business was to stop in at the Ethiopian Airlines office and make sure that we were confirmed on our flight out of Congo and back to Nairobi. We were picked up at 8:30am and rode the five blocks to the EA office. For some reason, they don’t like us walking here. Usually Todd and I will go for a walk in the evening to find a place to eat. One day, as we passed a certain restaurant, we mentioned that we had walked there the night before. Our translator, John, when he heard that we had walked the five blocks or so from our hotel to the Metro P Caf. said, “You are very courageous!” We still aren’t quite sure why. Maybe its because of the crazy Congo drivers....

Anyway, we arrived at the airline office and the lady at the desk was a bit cold. She took our itinerary and looked at her computer for a while shaking her head the whole time. Todd and I glanced at each other with nervous looks. The same though was going through both of our minds: “We’re stuck in the Congo and we can’t get out!” Finally the lady said that we would have to come back tomorrow after 1:00pm. Well, we weren’t stuck yet....

The Sunday School teachers with Todd in front of Trinity Church in Belair.

From there we went to pick up Martin and then drove to Pastor Muzakuza’s church in Bel Air. Todd and I were scheduled to teach Sunday School and Catechism teachers this morning. It was a bit of a drive from downtown Lubumbashi to Belair which is on the outskirts of town. On the “campus” is Pastor Muzakuza’s home, his son Hubert’s home and Trinity church in between the two. The buildings were made of baked mud and mortar and then covered with a mud paste and painted. They have a slanted sheet-metal rood with wooden beams, and square holes in the walls for windows. They have a poured concrete floor and plastic deck chair and wooden benches for seats. There is an altar at the back with cloths hanging on the walls for color and beautification.

We had six students. Hubert and his wife, Pastor Muzakuza’s wife Mary, an elder of the church and two other women. Todd started things off for the first hour by going through the basics of teaching Bible stories to children. He explained to them how to prepare a lesson and what is important to include. I followed in the second hour by going through a specific Bible Story lesson and discussing how to apply the lessons that Todd had presented in the first session.

During this we had a bit of a scare. In the middle of Todd’s presentation, our translator, John collapsed as he was translating! We sat him down and got him some water to drink, but he was sweating and having a hard time concentrating. After some fresh air and water, he said he felt much better and was ready to continue! We were concerned, but he assured us that he was fine. A strange thing!

Two girls playing with their well-worn cards outside Pastor Muzakuza's home.

Something struck me during this time as well. We had four women in here, three of which were mothers with young children. The children were right in there with us, but they were quiet and not at all disruptive! It was very interesting to compare the children here with those in the states. They are still children, they still play and set into spats (I’ve seen plenty fighting here too) but they are not as hyper as the children are back home. It makes me wonder if there is something in the things we eat and drink in the states that cause hyperactivity, or if it is just that we are not giving them the opportunity to play outside like we should. No answers, just an observation.

A mud brick kiln with the holes beneath where the fire was lit.

After lunch we went to visit two churches that were destroyed by heavy rains. The buildings here are made out of baked mud brick using an ingenious process. They we the dirt to the proper consistency, then shape the mud into bricks using a brick stamper, then let them dry. When they are dry they stack the bricks into huge piles and cover the outside with mud. Then they light several fires underneath the brick pile until the bricks are baked hard. Then they are separated and sold. These are great building blocks, but they can corrode with rain if not protected. In the case of the first church we visited, they had built the walls, but had not installed the roof yet when a storm came through the area and destroyed a good part of the walls of the church. We met with the members of the Kalugwe church and it just breaks your heart to know that they put their time and money into this building, and have seen it washed away with the rain.

Some of the members of Kalugwe, standing outside their destroyed church building.

The second church in Kalibuka was a similar story. They had finished their church building, but had purchased light-weight iron sheets for the roof. When a storm came, the wind bent the sheets and caused part of the roof to collapse. Rain then came in and washed out two sections of the church walls! Again, a very sad situation. What is even more sad is know that we do not have the money to help at this time. The balance in the Mission Development Fund (MDF) is currently at $0 and there is absolutely nothing available for Bibles, Catechisms, Church building assistance, or anything else! We pray that the Lord would give these congregations strength and courage to not give up, and that the Lord would open the hearts of people here and back home to help in projects such as these!

The church in Kalibuka with its destroyed walls and windtorn roof.

We will have a similar schedule tomorrow, so it’s time to do some prep for our morning class.

May the Lord be with all of you!

In His service,

Nathanael

“The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” – Psalm 147:2-5

Peace and Unity at Last!

2010-08-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Thursday – August 19, 2010

Today was the day. We were up and going at our usual time this morning. The longer we are here, the less I look forward to breakfast. Eggs are very common and they have plenty of them. As much as I enjoy an egg from time to time at home, they’ve gotten a little old. But this morning we had a nice treat. When Todd asked for an omelette this morning, the waiter asked, “Ham and Cheese?” You mean we can get it that way? Absolutely! So we had a ham and cheese omelette, and it was really good too! So that was a good start to the morning.

Our ride was running a little late this morning since they had to pick up Martin Essien as well, so by the time we arrived at our class it was 9:30am. Todd began this morning and went right into the Doctrine of Election – our topic for the morning. We had touched on this topic three days earlier during the study of Biblical Interpretation. It was an excellent study of the passages that discuss election and the pitfalls of going further than Scripture does. There were a few questions during the presentation, and a few more at the end, taking us past our end time. Todd wrapped up the discussion and we dismissed for lunch.

Todd teaching on the Doctrine of Election.

Over lunch Todd, Martin and I met with Pastor Yumba and Pastors Kitombe and Lubaba in preparation for the discussion on bringing the two bodies together which would take place in the afternoon. We didn’t have time for lunch but they did bring drinks in for us as a refreshment. It was the Coke knock-off called Jinga. The orange drink tastes just like Fanta, but the cola isn’t even close!

We drove from Yumba’s office to our classroom, but we were waiting on some of the men to return from lunch who were running late. You could tell that some of the men were chomping at the bit to get going when 2:00 rolled around, but we didn’t want to start the devotion on church unity without everyone being there. So I presented a review of the church calendar and handed out a church year pericope for those who were there to stall for a little bit. Finally the rest showed up and we began. Martin began by presenting a devotion on humility from the Gospels. Todd then took over and presented a summary of the unity what God wants for his church on earth. He pointed out that there were Biblical reasons for division, and there were unBiblical reasons for division.

Pastor Lubaba, Secretary of the CCLC, signing the Unity Agreement.

Following that study he presented a statement of agreement that he hoped the representatives of both church bodies would be willing to sign. Todd read through it and explained how it would work as we moved forward. To our relief, both churches agreed to sign it after very little discussion among themselves! The agreement was then signed by three men from each of the church bodies. We praise the LORD for His work in the hearts of these men to put things aside and move forward for the sake of Christ’s name!

Pastor Hubert, Assistant to the President of the ELCC, signing the Unity Agreement.

After the signing there were smiles all around the room as we all joined in signing an African hymn. Pastors were dancing and clapping as the song was sung. Then Pastor Muzakuza offered a wonderful prayer thanking God for the unity and asking for His continued blessing and Pastor Yumba concluded our meeting with the benediction. May the LORD continue to strengthen the bond between the leaders, pastors and members of these church bodies so that they may work together to proclaim His saving name!

We thank God for His many blessings,

Nathanael

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!.” – Psalm 133:1

Teaching - Day 3

2010-08-21T04:38:00.001-07:00

Wednesday – August 18, 2010

For the most part we were on the same schedule today. I was going to teach in the morning so that Todd could go with Pastor Muzakuza and pick up Martin Essien from the airport. Martin is an engineer and businessman who has traveled all over the world. He grew up in Nigeria, but was educated in the US, and worked in France for many years. A member of the Church of the Lutheran Confession in Nigeria, Martin continues to be instrumental in supporting the Lord’s work in Nigeria as well as here in the Congo. Martin has been here before and with a solid grasp of French should be a real asset to our work here. (See the picture of Todd with Mr. Essien.)

This morning I took up the study of “The Pastor’s Job.” We took a lot of time considering the Pastoral Qualifications outlined by Paul in the Pastoral Epistles, and spent quite a bit of time on the role of women in the church. One can tell that this issue is becoming a growing issue here in the Congo, just as it has become in the United States. Many of the questions that were asked were application questions, not principle questions. This goes to show that they understand the principle laid out in Scripture, but are looking for direction concerning the many ways it then applies to our work as a church. It was a very profitable discussion. We closed at around 12:30, and Hubert came to tell me that he was to take me to meet with Todd and Martin Essien over lunch.

The pastors and members of the CCLC led by Pastor Yumba (back row center with a blue shirt and coat).

So we drove to the Oasis Hotel where Martin had checked in. It was not far from where our hotel was near the center of Lubumbashi. We visited for a bit, then gave him some time to freshen up. After that we went to get some lunch. We went back to the first restaurant we visited in the Congo. Todd and I ordered Spaghetti Bolognaise, and Martin had some kind of steak. It took almost an hour for it to be prepared, but it was good. We had a wonderful visit with Mr. Essien in the meantime and talked about his family and his father, who just recently passed away. He is a godly man, and it was wonderful to get to know him better.

After lunch we returned to class, and I took the rest of the afternoon to finish the study on the Pastor’s Job. What a wonderful privilege and joy it is to encourage our fellow brethren in this way, and also to be encouraged by them! It is tiring work, but it is also joyful work. In some ways this week reminds me of when the TVBS flyer team comes to our church during the summer. I go into it knowing it is going to be a lot of work. They will be long and hard days distributing flyers and long nights catching up doing the things that are usually done during the day. When the week is over I am exhausted! But with that physical exhaustion comes the joy of visiting with people and telling them about our church and inviting them to join us. Along with that exhaustion comes the excitement of working beside Christian young people who have volunteered their time to go and serve their Savior by handing out flyers theat invite people to Come and drink from the waters of Life! It has been a long hard week. It has been full of challenges and struggles. But it has been full of joy too. We look forward to tomorrow with fear and trepidation as we prepare to discuss a unity agreement between the two church bodies that have faced many struggles. We pray for the Lord’s blessing!

In Christ,

Nathanael

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” – Romans 1:11-12

Teaching - Day 2

2010-08-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Tuesday – August 17, 2010

Another day of teaching. We were picked up at about 8:30am and arrive at our classroom location at about quarter to 9:00. I was up for teaching this morning. I presented a paper on “the Art of Preaching.” We discussed the proper distinction between Law and Gospel at length. It was a good morning and had some very good questions. We closed at 12:00 for lunch and returned to our hotel for some rest. I have begun to pick up a little bit of French after being here for a week. Bonjour, Merci, Pardon, Savat Bien and a few other words help us to manage a bit in this French speaking country. Most of the people speak Swahili as well, but it is a mixed Swahili and is a bit different from that which I have learned in Kenya and Tanzania. Every little bit helps and you can tell that people are glad when you try to speak their language.

The men of the ELCC led by Pastor Mutombo Muzakuza (back row in the dark red shirt).

After our lunch break, we picked back up again with the Art of Preaching. When I finished it up, I handed the floor over to Todd who went through a more thorough study of Infant Baptism. This is an important topic in Africa, and seems like there are always churches that are teaching contrary to God’s Word. So it is always an important review. It went well, and while there were a few questions throughout, everyone was satisfied in the end. We concluded again at about 4:30 and visited for a while after we had concluded.

We then returned to our hotel and then decided to go out and find a place to eat. We had driven by a pizzeria earlier in the day and decided to try it out for supper. We found it, only a few blocks from our hotel and walked in following a European group. Inside it was like stepping out of Africa and into a US diner. They had Ice Cream like a Basking Robins, and a menu in English (first time we’ve seen that since we’ve been in the Congo). We both ordered the cheeseburger, Todd with a water, and me a Coke. My Coke was in a 330ml can that cost over $3! Our burgers, while alright, were ale carte, and not worth the $5 each that they charged us. But that was that. And it was nice to have something other than eggs!

Coke is a big thing here in the Congo as it is throughout Africa. It is the main staple – you find it everywhere you go. I’m sure my brother would be happy to hear that I only seen Pepsi once on this trip and that was on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to the Congo. Other than that is has been Coke, Coke and more Coke. (Check out the Coke concession stand!) How about getting some Cherry Coke over here?

Two more days of teaching. I’ll be up again tomorrow and Martin Essien will be arriving here from Nigeria. So it will be another big day. Thanks again for keeping up with us and keeping the work here in your prayers!

In Christ,

Nathanael

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:1-2

Teaching in Lubumbashi - Day 1

2010-08-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Monday – August 16, 2010

We woke up this morning rested and refreshed, and eager for our day of teaching. We went down for breakfast at around 7:45 as we do every morning and enjoyed a banana, omelette, a hot dog, hard boiled egg, with fruit juice and coffee. It has been a good breakfast every morning, but I told Todd this morning that I am already getting tired of eggs. I can only take so much!

For our four days of teaching we had tentatively planned to teach the following: Todd would teach on Biblical Interpretation and the Doctrine of Election and I would teach on The Art of Preaching and Pastoral Qualifications and Responsibilities. We divided up our time into half days and had a general outline of what we thought we would teach every day. Things did not turn out that way!

We were picked up at 8:30am to travel the 1.5 km to the school where we were conducting our teaching. We met in a secondary (grade 6-12) school compound in one of the classrooms. Some of the men were there or arriving as we pulled in, but we had to wait as the room was swept out. They are on “holiday” right now at school, so the room has not been in use since June and needed to be cleaned. Since a number of windows were broken, quite a bit of dust had probably blown in. We could see a bit of segregation between the men of the ELCC and the CCLC as we waited outside, and when it was ready for us to go in we saw the same segregation with the locations that chosen for seating. Still, everyone was being amiable toward one another, so we were thankful for that.

The attendees listen intently to Todd as we begin our morning session.

Todd opened the session at about 9:30 by introducing himself. We discussed the schedule a little bit and then began the study of Biblical Interpretation. Todd presented several rules of Biblical Interpretation, and then discussed them at length. He used Scriptural examples in order to show the dangers of not following the rule and how important it is. During the morning many questions were asked by the men there. This is probably the best way to determine if the people really understand what you are teaching so we generally encourage questions. Some of the questions varied from doctrine to application. It seemed like some of the questions were motivated by the issue separating the CCLC and the ELCC. They asked about being wronged and forgiveness. We concluded at 12:00 for a two hour lunch break. Over lunch we discussed what to do in the afternoon. Todd had not come close to finishing his presentation on Biblical Interpretation, and I was supposed to be up for the afternoon. We decided to have Todd finish discussing Biblical Interpretation in the afternoon since it was so important and because of the questions that had come out in the morning.

The men and women of the CCLC and the ELCC who attended our first day of teaching.

The afternoon session was again full of questions. We discussed the topics of Conversion and Election at length as well as the importance of Infant Baptism. All of this came out of Todd’s presentation through examples of Biblical Interpretation. It was a very profitable presentation and included some deep discussion.

After closing our afternoon session, we drove to Pastor Yumba’s office so that we could print off my lessons for the following morning, as well as a few other things. While we were there, Pastor Yumba was showing a pamphlet that covered the teachings that we had spoken about throughout the day, which was translated into French. We all felt that it would be good for all our pastors to have a copy, so we asked if Martin could make enough copies for everyone. He said it would cost about $100 to print them up and said they could have it ready by the end of the week. It may be the best use of $100 since we have been here.

The printing office was interesting. There is a computer desk, a table with printers stacked haphazardly on it, a glass case which is used for a counter full of printed materials of various kinds, and an empty table with chair around it. On the computer desk is an old computer which Martin uses for his printing and copying business. Although there are several printers at his disposal, they are all inkjets and they don’t move very quickly compared to what we have in the states. It took a while first of all for his computer to recognize my flash drive, and even when it did, it took just as long for it to bring up the pdf I had saved on there. We were only printing 22 pages, but it took about an hour to get that accomplished! But it did the job and we were thankful that Martin was willing and eager to help us out, even at the end of a long day!

Martin, our printer, is at work behind his computer desk.

Tomorrow will be another day of teaching. We pray for the Lord’s continued blessing.

In Christ,

Nathanael

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” – Hebrews 4:14

Sunday Worship in the Congo

2010-08-18T11:52:00.001-07:00

Sunday – August 15, 2010

It was an exciting day for us. We were asked by Pastor Yumba to join us at his church in Katuba (a suburb of Lubumbashi) today for preaching, the baptism of 11 children, and the ordination of three pastors. He had asked for Todd to prepare ordination certificates to give to the pastors to certify their ordination. Church was to begin at 9:00am, so we were to leave at 8:15, go to Pastor Yumba’s office to print the certificates that Todd had prepared on his laptop, and then continue on to church. But there was a hiccup in the plan. There was a problem with one of the certificates, so we had to return to the hotel, edit the certificate, return to the office, and reprint the certificate. By the time we had finished, it was almost 9:30. We asked Pastor Yumba about that, but he replied, “The people will wait.” And so they did.

When we arrived they were singing hymns to fill the time. By the time they were ready to begin, it was about 10:00am. I noticed that many of the CCLC pastors were at the service, as well as many of the members of the congregations we had visited yesterday. I guess we might liken this service to our CLC convention service, where members from all our congregations come together to celebrate the unity that we share in a special worship service. It was very enjoyable. They had a very distinct liturgy that was printed out and was close to our own. It contained the same parts we are familiar with: Invocation, Confession and Absolution, Responsive readings, Hymns, Choir songs, Scripture readings, and a Benediction.

Pastor Yumba conducted the service, and I was asked to preach. I preached on Acts 20:28 as a word of encouragement for the pastors who would be ordained and as a reminder to the congregation of the blessing of a faithful pastor. Following that Pastor Ohlmann conducted the ordination of the three pastors. When the ordination was completed there were cries of joy throughout the congregation as they demonstrated their thankfulness to the Lord for this precious gift! After a rousing hymn, we continued the service with the baptisms. Eleven children were brought forward, ranging in age from about 10 years to a small infant. One by one Todd baptized each one, and after each we hear more African cries of joy! What a joy it was to know that the Lord was at work through the water and the word in the hearts of those young ones!

After church Todd tried making some noise with the drum that was used by the choir.

When the service finally concluded, it was 1:00 in the afternoon. Three hours had elapsed, but it didn’t feel that long at all! Following the service we were invited in to Pastor Yumba’s house for a fellowship lunch with the rest of the congregation. We enjoyed more rice and soup, fries, and an African version of “deviled” eggs on a salad, with Orange Fanta to drink. It was very good and we appreciated Pastor Yumba’s hospitality. While we ate, the choir continued to sing in the church – maybe for our enjoyment???

When lunch was concluded we walked to a near-by lot where a permanent church building was under construction. The current church is in an area that would be like a car-port in the states. But the walls of the new church are almost completed and then they will be able to build the roof and poor a floor. They also hope to build an office on the rear of the church in the future and as the Lord blesses. That the current progress had been a long process for them was evident in the different colors of mortar throughout the structure, showing the different stages of building as they had the money for materials. They did not ask for financial assistance, but we would like to be able to help them complete this project more quickly, if we were able. So many needs...

In the forground you can see the place where we worshiped this morning. The brick wall in the background is one of the exterior walls for the new church building that in under construction.

We returned to our hotel before 4:00pm – much earlier than usual. We have been able to rest up a bit and prepare for the lessons that we will be teaching over the coming four days. Todd and I will be taking turns presenting studies to some 30+ pastors, elders, and teachers of the ELCC and CCLC during the next few days and hope to conclude with a visit of the ELCC congregations next weekend. We pray for the Lord’s continued blessing on our fellowship with these faithful Christians!

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:23-25

Church Visits in the CCLC

2010-08-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday – August 14, 2010

There have been some good things and bad things about the Congo. Most of their roads remind me of the first year that I was in Kenya and Tanzania – they are not very good. But while the roads in Kenya and Tanzania have improved immensely over the past three years, the roads here are mostly still in poor condition. Part of this may be due to the fact that it was torn by war for many years, setting them back in many ways. As a result, everything is very expensive here. Food, transport, lodging – everything. It is not just a lot compared the other African countries, it is even greater than what it would cost in the US! At first they were charging us $90 a night for our rooms at the hotel. Beginning today Todd and I convinced the hotel to let us share a room, but it is still $135 a night. The food has been more expensive than it would be in the states as well. On the positive side, they keep their streets fairly clean, and there always seems to be someone washing their car when we leave in the morning. One of the nicest things about our stay in the Congo has been the internet service. We have had wireless internet service here at our hotel, so we are able to correspond regularly with home. That has been really nice (although we expect it with our $135 room!).

Well, today we visited two congregations of the CCLC. First, we visited the congregation in Kipushi. The congregation was singing when we arrived and we were ushered into the front of the church. Pastor Kitombe led the service which consisted of hymns by the congregation and by adult and children’s choirs; liturgical responses; scripture readings, and a concluding benediction.

Todd preaching on the Lost Son at Kipushi along with Mark, our translator.

They asked Todd to preach, and he preached on excellent sermon on the parable of the lost son from Luke 15. After the service we were invited over to the pastor’s house where they provided lunch for us. We enjoyed the rice and sauce (which they call “soup”) and were glad we didn’t have to eat the fish! Check out Todd’s blog at http://www.2010clceastafricavisit.blogspot.com/ for a description and picture.

After settling some problems with our transportation (our van had been in an accident before getting us in the morning, and had to have its real window replaced) we made a two hour journey to the south east to the border city of Kasumbalsa. This growing city sits on the border of DRC and Zambia and serves as a major trade route all the way to South Africa. As a result it is an opportune place for small congregation to be. We met the congregation in a “suburb” named Wisky, at a temporary structure that looked like a pole building with no skin on it. They had thatch on half the roof, but a tarp cover only half of the other side of the roof. There were no walls on any side. Here we were introduced by Pastor Yumba, and I was asked to give a devotion. I used the account of Naaman and the slave girl and emphasized our sin, God’s grace and our ability to serve in His kingdom no matter how insignificant we may be. It was exciting to see the opportunities that this congregation has before it in this small but rapidly growing village.

A picture of the temporary building we met at in Wisky near the border of Zambia.

After visiting the planned site for their permanent church, we were taken on a field trip to the border of Zambia. We actually crossed over the Congolese border, through “no man’s land” and into the Zambia border office. We weren’t able to officially cross into Zambia, but Todd and I did step across the part of the border building that set within Zambia, just so we could say that we had been there! We were not allowed to take pictures, otherwise I’d post one for all of you to see!

From there we made the long two and a half hour trip back to Lubumbashi as a brilliant red sun set to the West. It was after 8:00pm when we finally returned to the hotel, but it had been another enjoyable day. We thank the Lord for these faithful men who are so eager to serve their Lord by proclaiming the gift of salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ!

In His service,

Nathanael

“The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; And he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the LORD. – Jeremiah 23:28

Meeting with the Leaders of the CCLC

2010-08-15T11:55:00.001-07:00

Friday – August 13, 2010

Today we were scheduled to spend time with Pastor Yumba and the people of the CCLC. We had discussed visiting churches and meeting the people of the CCLC but we did not receive any specific information about where we would be going. We were scheduled to leave the hotel at 8:00am. I got up at about 6:30 and got ready to go. They reserved separate rooms for Todd and me, although each room would be big enough for both of us. We are looking into sharing a room to help reduce costs, which are very high here in the Congo, especially for an African country. The bathrooms are very nice as well, with a very fancy sink, and a great shower which even has HOT water! We even have wireless internet here.

With the room comes free breakfast, so we head down for breakfast at about 7:00am. The breakfast room is set up buffet style, with hard-boiled eggs (a common staple in Africa), bread, cereal, bananas, apples, and oranges, and hot dogs... Yes, hot dogs. At first we thought they were sausages that looked like hot dogs, but these tasted just like official Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs! I’ve always liked having lunch type foods for breakfast, so that works for me. They also had coffee, tea and apple juice. It was a good breakfast, and filling.

At 8:00am we went out to the lobby to wait for Hubert and our driver as well as Pastor Yumba and his men. We visited with Hubert and John (the translator for the ELCC), while we waited for the others to arrive. At around 9:00am when everyone arrived we got into our rented Toyota 8 passenger van and drove several blocks to Pastor Yumba’s office. He works for a non-government organizaion and has an office that he shares with a printing company. In addition to Pastor Yumba and our translator Mark, two other CCLC pastors joined us – Pastor Kitombe and Pastor Lubaba.

Our morning meeting: (from L to R) Mark, me, Pastor Lubaba, Todd, Pastor Kitombe, and Pastor Yumba kneeling.

In our morning session we discussed issues facing the CCLC and found out about the past history with the ELCC and what has caused the division here in the Congo. We had the chance to ask questions, and we gave them the chance to ask questions of us as well. It was a very beneficial meeting and helped us learn a great deal about this church and its pastors. These men are all very humble and long to learn more so that they may serve their Savior faithfully. They have translated and published a host of Lutheran pamphlets including Luther’s Catechism, Our Statement of Faith and Purpose, Mueller’s “My Church and Others,” studies on Holy Communion and Baptism, as well as invisible Sunday School lessons and much, much more. It was truly impressive to find these studies printed in both French and Swahili. We left with a very positive impression of these CCLC men and their dedication to the Word of God.

Our young translator, Mark, sits in front of shelves full of Lutheran pamphlets and materials.

We were given two hours for lunch and we taken to a little restaurant not far away that served pizza. Todd and I had tried to order pizza where we had supper last night, but that came to nothing. So Hubert, knowing that we wanted pizza, brought us here so we could have some. Todd and I both ordered a pizza and a Coke. While we waited we discussed the events of the morning and our first impressions. Finally our pizzas arrived. They were larger than we anticipated, and filled our plate. They were very good and certainly hit the spot, although we both had trouble finishing them off. I have to say - I’m eating better here in the Congo than I usually do when I am in Africa!

After lunch we returned to Yumba’s office to meet again. This time it was not just the pastors. They kept telling us, “You did not come just for the pastors, but for the people as well.” So, in the afternoon we were joined by Sunday School teachers and Church elders. This too was a very productive discussion. They began by explaining their Sunday School program and asking how they could improve what they were already doing. It was impressive to see how they had been using the Invisible Sunday School program, and their dedication to improving it and expanding it for older children. We hope to be able to provide more materials that would be able to be used with the older children similar to what we have in the CLC Sunday School series. The problem is that we need to get the material translated into French and Swahili for the people here. It is something for us to look into doing at least.

Following that some candid questions were asked by these men. They explained their church position on certain issues or situations, and then asked us if that was correct. Most of these were very practical issues that surrounded the doctrine of fellowship in one way or another, and invariably, they demonstrated that they had taken the correct stand on those issues! It was refreshing to see how they had applied the Scriptures in these situations, in the face of the antagonism of the world and were simply looking for confirmation on the correctness of their teaching and practice. Very refreshing indeed!

The CCLC men who met with us in the afternoon meeting.

We finished at about 5:00pm and returned to the hotel after a brief discussion about our plans for tomorrow. After checking in we decided together in Todd’s room and discuss the events of the day and work on preparations for the coming days. We had had a large lunch, so we weren’t hungry right away. When we did get hungry Todd made his way to the hotel lounge to check on supper availability. He came back with bad news. It was extremely expensive. For just a little sandwich is was about $20! Since there was nothing close by outside the hotel and it was pretty late, we decided to skip supper and eat granola bars instead. Hakuna matata (if you don’t know what that means, then watch “The Lion King”).

Tomorrow is another day under God’s grace, and we thank the Lord for His continued blessings here in the Congo. If you get the chance, check out Todd’s blog. He has some nice maps and additional pictures as well. You can find it at http://www.2010clceastafricavisit.blogspot.com/ Thank you all for your prayers.

In Christ,

Nathanael

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

From Ethiopia to the DRC

2010-08-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

August 12, 2010

I was awoken this morning at 5:30am by the ringing of my telephone. It was the concierge calling to let me know that our bus back to the airport would be leaving in one hour. I was especially appreciative of this since I did not bring an alarm clock and left the phone I had been using as an alarm clock in Kenya for Stephen and Russ to use. The family from Iowa that we had met yesterday had said that the internet seemed to be better in the morning, so I dug out my laptop right away to see if I had a wireless connection. Sure enough, I could connect to the Internet. So I made a quick Skype call home to talk to my wife and let her know where I was and see how things were going there. After that I packed my bags and headed down for breakfast with Todd. They offered boiled eggs, chapati (Swahili for pancake), meat and cheese, as well as a plethora of fruits, with fruit juice and coffee. We ate a quick breakfast and prepared for our trip back to the airport.

A picture of Addis Ababa from the Panorama hotel.

The bus picked us up promptly at 6:30am and we made the trek with seven other stranded travelers back to the airport. After going back through another round of security, we went back through customs, and up two flights of stairs to the terminal waiting area. Since we had three hours until our flight, we did some work on our computers and visited for a while. At 9:00am we made our way to our gate, and went through another security check. We sat down in the waiting area and struck up a conversation with a young Jewish diamond seller from South Africa. He was returning home from Israel where his family lives. We couldn’t understand why we were in the same waiting area if he was heading to South Africa and we were going to the Congo, but it turns out they had two planes departing from the same area! They weren’t making this well known and they didn’t even have anyone checking tickets before making their way down the tunnel! South Africa anyone???

Todd at work in the terminal waiting area while we wait for our boarding time.

Finally it was our turn. We walked down a tunnel and around a corner where the tunnel split in two. The right arm was a dead end. We followed everyone to the left and back into the terminal one floor where we were in the waiting area. Another turn to the right, and I’m not seeing who if anyone is leading this group. We’ve now walked past a number of Ethiopian Airlines planes and it begins to look like we are going back into the airport. I begin to wonder if we are going to get lost and miss our plane. We come to an escalator that goes down another flight of stairs and we see a group of people in the room below. At the bottom of the stairs an Ethiopian Airlines Representative is checking boarding passes and sending people out the doors and onto a bus. Then I remember... bus, tarmac, plane... after all, we are in Ethiopia you know!

An Ethiopian Airlines 777 which we passed on our way to our plane -- this one was actually connected to the airport terminal by a bridge!

By 9:45am we were settling in to our new seats on another 737, this time bound for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our seats were not exit row seats this time, so we were a little more crowded. We were on the right side of the plane behind the wings, Todd in the isle and me in the middle. It was a three hour flight, but we gained an hour, so we arrived in Lubumbashi, DRC at around 11:45. We exited our plane, wondering whether our checked bags would arrive safely along with us. We crossed the tarmac and made our way to the terminal on foot. Waiting for us at the door was Pastor Muzakuza along with his entourage of men. While neither of us had ever met any of these men, we had both heard much about them. They helped us through customs and took us to get our bags. We had some trouble for a while when they asked to see our yellow vaccination cards. They took Todd aside and were going to charge him $10 for a Typhoid shot. He kept telling them that he was up to date, and asked them to bring him his card so he could show them. Sure enough, it was there. His was handwritten though instead of stamped and they overlooked it. With that resolved we collected our checked bags, changed money from dollars to Congolese Francs and purchased a sim card for Todd’s phone. I visited with Hubert, Pastor Muzakuza’s son in the meantime. He doesn’t know English very well but can communicate somewhat effectively. He asked about Pastor Koenig and Pastor Povolny, who both have served here in the past. It was enjoyable to get to know him a little as well.

After we were finished we walked outside and met more pastors and members of the ELCC who had come to meet us at the airport. From there Pastor Muzakuza drove us into Lubumbashi to check into our hotel. From our drive we could see that there were many similarities to the other African countries we have been in – with two striking differences. They drive on the right side of the road and obey all traffic lights! I think that is a good change, myself.

We arrived at the hotel at about 2:00pm where we met up with Pastor Yumba and his men of the CCLC. We all went inside and decided to take a hour for Todd and I to settle in and get cleaned up, and then we would meet with the men from both churches to discuss the schedule for the week.

At 4:00 we had our meeting. It went fairly well considering the history between these two groups. After some lengthy discussion we settled on the following schedule:

Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be spent with Pastor Yumba and the CCLC - meeting with pastors, elders, and members of their congregations.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be dedicated to teaching. Todd and I will teach the men of both churches in one location.

Then the following Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be spent with Pastor Muzakuza and the people of the ELCC. Everyone was agreed. We wrapped things up by making our arrangements with Pastor Yumba for tomorrow’s schedule and with a short meeting with Pastor Muzakuzu.

With everything taken care of we went with Hubert and our translator, John, to get some supper. Todd and I had omelettes which were pretty good. After finishing supper and talking with Hubert and John we returned to our hotel for the night. It was a good start and we pray that the Lord brings peace between these two groups.

In His service,

Nathanael

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” – John 17:20-21

An Unexpected Day of Rest

2010-08-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

We started off this day knowing that it was going to be a long day. But we ended up getting something we didn't expect. We left our hotel for the airport at 10:15pm and arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport just a little before 11:00pm. There were no customers in line at the Ethiopian Airways counter, so it took no time to getting Todd's bag checked and making changes to our seats (so we weren't in the back row of the plane). We then passed through security and spent the next two and a half hours in a lounge in the terminal visiting and working on our laptops. Believe it or not, a really bad English soap opera was on television. You would think that they could find something better than that to put on TV even at 1:00am in Kenya!

When it was time to board our plane we made our way to our gate, and waited there a bit longer. Our plane was late, and when it finally was ready, we walked out of the terminal, down to the tarmack and across in the open to our waiting 737. That was the first time I had done that since I rode in a farmers plane in Nebraska when I was a boy! It was kind of enjoyable! Todd and I ended up in exit row aisle seats right across from one another.

At 2:30am we left Nairobi for a short one hour flight to Entebbe, Uganda. They stopped on the tarmac and allowed some people to get off and allowed others to get on for the flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The rest of us just waited on the plane. Well, some of us. The couple sitting beside me got up, grabbed their bags and exited the plane. A few minutes later the two sheepishly returned, having been sent back by someone. That's what you get when you fall asleep on an plane over here! Thirty minutes later we were in the air again on our way to the capital city of Ethiopia. We arrived at the Addis Ababa airport at about 6:30m, having slept very little during our second night in Africa. Once again we exited the plane on the tarmac and took a bus to the terminal to wait for our next flight to the Congo.

This airport was very new but not very large. We decided to kill some time by sitting down in an airport "restaurant." It was more like a smokers bar, but beggars can't be choosers. When someone came in asking if there was some "non-smoking" café, he was practically laughed out of the building! It's a different world here.

With about an hour to go to boarding time (9:45am) we decided to see if we could find our gate. We began to get a bit nervous when we couldn't find our flight listed on the screen. When we had hunted down a customer service man and asked about our flight, he nonchalantly replied, "Your flight doesn't leave until tomorrow morning." TOMORROW MORNING!?!?!?! Sure enough the date changed between our arrival and departure, and we never even realized we were losing a day in the expanse of Ethiopia.

To make a long story short, we had to make arrangements with the airport for a hotel and transit visa for Ethiopia. And we were not the only ones. There was a huge line of people who were in the same situation. We can't imagine why an airline would so such a thing intentionally, unless they had an "arrangement" with the local hotels.

While we were both a bit steamed about this unexpected turn of events, it was actually a real blessing in disguise. While we had to pay for the visas and the hotel, we were in a really nice hotel and it came with free lunch, supper and breakfast the next morning.

Todd seems to be enjoying his room, doesn't he?

It also had free wireless internet, although it didn't work most of the time we were there. We checked into our room around 11:30am and had the rest of the day to prepare for our Congo visit, and rest up after our long night. We met a family from Iowa who was here adopting two Ethiopian children and another family from Vermont who were on their way to Malawi. It's a small world, isn't it? We also were befriended by a local man, Manfer, who told us all about Ethiopia and helped us find a Internet Cafe not far from our hotel.

In addition to resting up, we enjoyed some gourmet food, some of which had a bit of a kick to it! I wouldn't mind coming back to Ethiopia sometime, although next time I think I'd like to know ahead of time, that I'll be coming....

We thank the Lord for His many blessings -- even unexpected ones! Please continue to keep us in your prayers that the Lord would bless our travels tomorrow and upcoming meetings with the men of the ELCC and CCLC in the Congo.

In Christ,

Nathanael

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" -- Psalm 107:21

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

2010-08-12T12:30:00.001-07:00

Tuesday – August 10, 2010

We must have been tired, because we slept soundly and didn’t wake up until 11:00am the next morning! Since we hadn’t met with our Nairobi leaders last night we were in the dark about the schedule for the day. After showering and getting ready to go down for breakfast we had a call from one of our men downstairs. We journeyed down the five flights of stairs to the entryway where we met Charles and four of his leaders. After greeting everyone and visiting a bit, Charles, Todd and I sat down and discussed our schedule over breakfast. Since we had to make sure that everything was in order with our tickets to the Congo before our flight early tomorrow morning, we decided to move our Nairobi seminar to August 24th, after we returned from the Congo. While we were discussing our schedule, someone came for Todd and told him that his “lost” bag had arrived from the airport. One down, one to go...

During the past year many books and religious materials have been donated by our brethren throughout the CLC for use in our overseas churches. Todd and I had brought over two boxes of books to be distributed to our churches here, and so we decided to give the Nairobi churches theirs now, so that we wouldn’t have to carry or store them any longer than necessary. Charles was given a box of English Bibles, catechisms, Bible History books, a prayer book and a stack of back issues of the Lutheran Spokesman. Our thanks to all those back home who donated such materials during the past year, making it possible for our Pastors here to receive much needed teaching and study materials. Charles was very thankful to receive all the resources that were brought.

After ironing out a few details we decided to make a trip to the airport to make sure that the tickets we had purchased online for our trip from Nairobi to the Congo were legitimate. Charles was supplying a car and driver for us. Our driver was a nice young man named James. James drove us to the airports where we found out that we had a reservation, but we needed to pay for our tickets yet, and that had to be done at the Ethiopian Airlines office in downtown Nairobi. So off we went again. After some searching we finally found their office on the ground floor of a building on Mundi Mbingu Street in Nairobi. We walked in the office at about 4:15 and after a short wait were helped. After a bit of discussion and explanation, we were able to pay for our tickets and get confirmation for our flight to Lubambashi and back to Nairobi again. Our flight was scheduled for 2:00am tomorrow morning, but we were supposed to be at the airport 3 hours early - so 11:00pm tonight. Our flight leaves Nairobi at 2:00am travels to Entebbe, Uganda for a brief layover, and then continues to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where it arrives at 6:00am. We have a layover there as well before continuing on to Lubambashi, DRoC. There will be no rest for the weary this night...

We walked back out to the street to wait for our driver and noticed that the foot traffic was picking up as it neared 5:00 – closing time. While we waited we were approached by several men who wanted to offer their driving services. We explained that we had a driver and were waiting for him to return. In our discussion with one of these men we found out that he was a Jehovah’s Witness and began a discussion with him about the person of Jesus Christ. It quickly became clear that he did not recognize Jesus as true God, and after referring to several Bible passages that demonstrated that Jesus was true God, he quickly abandoned the discussion and walked away. The Jehovah’s Witness organization is very prevalent in East Africa, and sadly is considered by many (who don’t know better) to be a “Christian” church. How sad it is.

James dropped us back off at the hotel so we could eat supper and pack for our flight and said he would be back at 10:00pm to take us to the airport. While we packed we received a call informing us that my lost bag had arrived. This was a relief to know since we were about to leave and wouldn’t have to worry about what to do if it came while we were gone. I made arrangements for storing our remaining books and materials, and made reservations for Russ and Stephen who would be arriving tomorrow night after we were gone.

Everything should be in place here. Now for our trip to the Congo. We pray that Russ and Stephen arrive safely tomorrow night and that the Lord blesses our trip to the Congo as well. There is much to be done, and the time is so short.

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” – John 9:4

A Safe Arrival

2010-08-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

Monday – August 9, 2010

We finally made it. After our service concluded at Zion on Sunday, my family and I drove to the Atlanta airport so I could catch my 2:45pm flight to Chicago. I didn’t have any problems checking my two bags full of books, Spokesman issues, and a few other odds and ends. The United Airlines Representative at the airports was a little concerned about checking my bags all the way through since I only had a one hour layover in Amsterdam, and didn’t think I would make my flight. I assured her that I had been through the airport before and would be fine making my flight, so she sent them through. After saying an emotional goodbye to my family (especially Hope) I made my way through security to my gate. My flight to Chicago was on a small Embracer, only four seats wide, with and isle in the middle. I was in the very back row, right in front of the bathroom. It was not a good seat. Since it was against the wall my seat did not recline backwards. What was just as bad was the fact that this plane also had its engine on the tail rather than under the wing. As a result the engine noise was much louder than any other plane that I’ve ever been on. I was glad that it was only a two and half hour flight, and determined not to have a back row seat again in the near future. The highlight of the flight was when we flew over Chicago and I spotted Wrigley Field where a Cubs game was in progress. For a long time Cubs fan that was pretty exhilarating!

I arrived in Chicago ahead of schedule (Thank you United Airlines!) and met up with Todd Ohlmann in the terminal after a short wait. At about 6:00 we boarded a 777 for our flight to Amsterdam. Once again I found myself in the back row of the plane, and although I wasn’t able to recline my seat much, at least there wasn’t as much engine noise since the engines were under the wings on this plane! We flew over Lake Michigan and across lower Michigan where my wife grew up.

A view of God's beautiful creation over Lake Michigan from my seat on the plane.

It didn’t take long for the sun to go down and soon there was nothing to see at all. At about 11:00PM I fell asleep for a couple hours, while we flew over the Atlantic between Newfoundland and Ireland. The sun started to come up as we neared England. We arrived in Amsterdam at 9:30am local time (about 3:30am back home). I was pretty tired and really stiff after two flights where I was unable to recline my seat. While we waited for our plane to arrive in Amsterdam I tried to stretch to loosen up a bit, but it didn’t help much. I wasn’t looking forward to another 9 hour flight, but made sure that I was not in the back row for this flight! I generally like to be by the window, especially during the day when there is so much to see below, but I sacrificed to go to an isle seat to get away from the back of the plane! It was actually a good seat and I was able to nap for another hour or so on this flight as well. We arrived safely in Nairobi at 7:30pm local time (12:30pm back home), and although I was still tired, I felt confident that I could go to the hotel and get a good night’s sleep. We were able to get through customs in record time, but then ended up waiting for 2 and a half hours for our checked bags. One of Todd’s and one of mine failed to show up. After we had someone check for them, and were sure they hadn’t arrived, we had to file a claim with the Baggage center at the airport and ask them to deliver them to our hotel in Nairobi when they came in. By the time we finished up and left the airport, it was after 10:00pm. We looked for the driver that was supposed to be there waiting for us, but didn’t see him. After getting an Africa sim card for my phone we hired a driver to take us to our hotel.

By the time we checked into the Southern Blue, it was pretty late. We settled into our room and then went down to the restaurant to get some supper. We ordered several samosas, but the waiter told us that the selection was limited because the store where they get their food was closed for the night (at least we know that our food is fresh!!!). So we each ordered a plate of fries and visited about our plans for the coming days. Several of the people that are working here are new, but there are many familiar faces as well. This has kind of become our “home away from home” here in Africa.

We were both exhausted from our flights and lack of sleep, so we were eager to get to bed, yet struggling with the time change. It was about 11:30pm here in Nairobi, but our bodies were still telling us that it was the middle of the afternoon. Finally we drifted off to sleep.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." -- Psalm 91:1-2

East Africa visitation 2010

2010-08-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Preparations are under way for our trip to East Africa. Beginning tomorrow five men will be making their way over to East Africa for our 2010 visitation. Pastor Todd Ohlmann and I will be leaving tomorrow after church. We will be meeting up in Chicago and flying together to Nairobi via Amsterdam. Russ Schmitt and my brother Stephen will be following us on Monday, flying out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pastor Michael Gurath will be joining us on the 24th of August. A tentative itinerary of our trip can be found below. We ask for your prayers as we begin this service to our Savior. Pray for profitable and edifying discussions with all our fellow workers that our Lord's name may be glorified in all places. Pray for safe travel, good health for all those who will be traveling. Pray that the Lord would be with our families and congregations while we are gone and keep them safe. Pray that the Lord's kingdom would come!

With that in mind, here is our tentative itinerary:

Aug. 8-9 Todd and Nathanael fly from US to Nairobi
Aug. 10 Nairobi seminar / church visits
Aug. 11 Todd and Nathanael fly from Nairobi to Congo
Aug. 10-11 Russ and Stephen fly from US to Nairobi
Aug. 12 Russ and Stephen fly to Uganda
Aug. 16 Russ and Stephen return to Nairobi
Aug. 17-20 Russ and Stephen visit Nairobi churches
Aug. 21 Russ and Stephen travel to Kisii
Aug. 21-23 Russ and Stephen visit Etago school and churches
Aug. 24 Russ and Stephen return to Nairobi
Aug. 24 Todd and Nathanael fly from Congo back to Nairobi
Aug. 24 Mike arrives in Nairobi
Aug. 25 All travel from Nairobi to Arusha, Tanzania
Aug. 26 Seminar in Arusha at seminary
Aug. 27 Travel from Arusha to Moshi (visit Himo)
Aug. 28 Kaijado visit
Aug. 29-31 Tanga visit / leaders seminar in Tanga
Sept. 1 Himo visit follow-up if necessary / return to Nairobi
Sept. 2-3 East African Pastoral Conference in Nairobi
Sept. 4 Travel to Kisii
Sept. 5 Church in Etago
Sept. 6-7 Travel to Moi’s Bridge / Gurath installation
Sept. 8 Todd returns to Nairobi / Flies home / Nathanael to Uganda
Sept. 9 Kampala visit / seminar in Kampala
Sept. 10 Travel to Kisii
Sept. 11 Etago seminar
Sept. 12 Church in Etago area
Sept. 13 Return to Nairobi
Sept. 14 Nairobi church visits
Sept. 15 Nathanael, Russ and Stephen fly home

In the service of Christ,

Nathanael

Back in the states...

2009-11-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Our bus shuttle left the hotel at 6:45, right on time (we are not used to that at all after 4 weeks in Africa). We were at the airport by 7:00am and made it through the ariport and customs in record time (surprisingly, there was no security for us to go through here) so we were ready in plenty of time. We decided to sit down at the food court and get something for breakfast. After finishing our sandwhiches and danish we walked down to the gate to wait for our boarding gate to open.

The Airbus 330 that brought us home!

By 10:30am we were at crusing altitude over England and pointed in the right direction. "Go West young man..." It was very cloudy for the entire trip so there was very little of the very big Atlantic Ocean to see. Too wired to even try to sleep, even though I wanted to.

This was a nie hour flight, but we gained 7 hours from Amsterdam to Minneapolis, so it was just a little after 12:00pm that we arrived back on US soil once again. What a nice feeling!

Our families were all waiting for us there: Nancy and Amanda were waiting for Larry, Jenn, Isaac and Alex were there for Russ, and Debra had come with her mom and dad as well as all our kids. It was sure good to see them all again! When Mark first saw me, he hesitated and must have been thinking "You look familiar, but I can't place your name off hand!" Thankfully, it didn't take him too long to warm up to me again.

We are heading to St. Louis area tonight. The hotel there was nice enough to move our reservation from last night to tonight, so we are thankful for that. Then tomorrow we will finish up the trip back to Atlanta.

Thank you all for your many prayers over the past month. Surely, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. We thank the LORD for our brethren here in the US and throughout the world who have assisted us in our work this year with your prayers and with your bounties. We thank the LORD for his guidance and protection over the past four weeks, for us, for those travelling with us, for our families who have been without us here at home, and for those in our churches here in the states. May the LORD continue to bless the preaching of His Word throughout the world, and may he keep us faithful to it!

In His service,

Nathanael

"I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest" (John 4:35).

Closer to home!

2009-11-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 20, 2009

Our flight was delayed over 9 hours. There was a technichal problem with the plane in Amsterdam and it finally arrived in Nairobi at about 6am. We began boarding around 8:00am and were cruising down the Nairobi runway in our Boing 747 before 9:00am. In all my trips to and from Nairobi, I had never seen Nairobi during the day - this was a first. It was interesting to see all the places we have visited from the sky. It put things in a bit of perspective. Larry and I were sitting next to each other (with an empty seat in between) and Russ was sitting a row ahead of Larry. Larry and Russ like isle seats and I like the window seats, so it worked out well. I stayed awake for the first part of the flight a saw Mt. Kenya from my window and the beautiful country of central Kenya. But it wasn't ling before I put my head down and went to sleep. The next thing I knew we were over the Mediterrenean Sea! I was exhuasted from our night in the Nairobi arirport terminal.

From there we passed over Greece (we saw Athens and later Mt. Olumpus) and then up the coast over Austria and central Europe. We also were able to see the Swiss Alps from 30,000 ft in the air. It was pretty amazing.

It was an eight hour flight and we gained two hours, so we arrived in Amsterdam at 3:00 pm. We were scheduled to be on the 10:00am flight earlier in the morning so we knew that wasn't a possibility. I had checked the NWA website and had seen that there was another flight at 2:30pm. We were hopefull that they would hold that flight we that we could get out of Amsterdam yet today. Russ rushed off the plane (he even beat the first class passengers off - quite to their dismay) but found out that there was no afternoon flight.

The "buzz" of Amsterdam's Shiphol airport...

We waited in line (with 300 other Nairibi passengers) at the Travel desk to find out what our options were. Three hours later we had tickets for the flight from Amsterdam to Minneapolis for tomorrow at 10:00am. So much for making it home by Sunday. The airline gave us food vouchers, phone voushers and discounted flight vouchers, and provided hotel vouchers for those who had to stay over night (and asked). We used our food vouchers to eat at McDonalds at the airport. The coupon was for 10 Euros (about $17) and our meal almost used the full amount. That was the most expensive Big and Tasty I've ever eaten! Even though it wasn't Nebraska beef (or North Dakota beef as Larry would say) it sure was good after a month in Africa.

After supper we decided to stay at the hotel and wandered through the airport tracking down the information we needed. We went through customs, picked up our vouchers, and took a shuttle to the Claus hotel. It was dark already so we didn't get to see any of Amsterdam, which was a bit disappointing. It is such a beautiful area. We checked into the hotel, which was very nice. We guessed that a room like what we stayed in would go for at least $200 a night. What a change from even our nice hotels in Africa!

The welcome screen on the TV in Russ's hotel room in Amsterdam with a picture of our hotel

Boarding time was 8:00am tomorrow morning and the shuttle back to the airport left at 6:45am. So we have to be up and going tomorrow at 6:00am and ready to go. I guess we won't see Amsterdam tomorrow morning either!

In His Service,

Nathanael

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" (Psalm 103:1).

Returing home (we think...)

2009-11-23T06:32:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Last night was a bit rough. We were staying in the Terminal Inn in Nairobi and had a room on the second floor with windows directly above the restaurant below. There must have been a soccer game on or some other event, because it was wild down below us and it went on fairly late. I worked on my laptop as long as I could, but finally had to quit because of my battery.
When I awoke in the morning (around 6:30am) there was dead silence – quite the contrast from the noise last night.

A picture of Nairobi

Russ and Larry went over to the Nakumat to do some shopping and check us in to our flight back to Amsterdam. At 9:30am Charles and the Nairobi men started to arrive. We walked over to the Kenya Comfort Hotel Lounge and visited about the work of the Nairobi stations. It was a good visit and a lot was discussed and decided.

A meeting of the Nairobi men in the Kenya Comfort

One of the exciting things about this visit was that the driver Charles had used to bring the Nairiobi men to Kisii for the conference was interested in joining our group. He had sat in on the conference in Kisii and told me that he was impressed how we base all our teaching on the Bible and allow people to ask questions so they can fully understand. Another exciting opportunity!
After the meeting was over we went to Charles’ mother’s home for lunch. We met Charles’ mother and sister and his niece and nephew. It was nice to get to know more of his family and enjoyed visiting with all of them.

Charles Wamithi and his mother (left) and sister (right)

Charles had to work at 3:00pm so we decided to go back to the airport extra early. Andrew was driving us today, and he took us smoothly through traffic and to the departure gate at the airport. We went through security but were not able to get checked into our flight since it was too soon. They asked us to wait about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes we checked back but they still weren’t ready for us to check in. One of the Kenya Airways ladies was nice enough to let me work on my laptop in a corner behind their counters where I could plug in my laptop and get wireless internet!

At 5:00pm we found out that our plane to Amsterdam had not yet left Amsterdam due to technical problems. They would not be able to do anything for another several hours. They told us to check back at 7:00pm. By 7:00 a huge line of people had formed who were now waiting to check in on the Amsterdam flight, but still the plane hadn’t left. We were given vouchers for a meal at the airport restaurant, so we decide to go and get something to eat while we waited. We met a young geologist from Canada during the wait who had been on vacation here in Kenya and was on his way home to Vancouver. He had been at the airport even longer than we had.

After supper we found out that our flight had been delayed until 8:00am tomorrow morning. There were a few people who were able to get flights into London, but they were few. Since it was already late, and we would have to be back here around 5:00am to check in for our flight, we decided to head into the terminal and wait it out there. This has been a bit frustrating, but there is nothing that the people here can do, and many of the passengers are not being very understanding about it. It makes for a bad feeling among everyone.

Larry and Russ are trying to get some sleep on the hard floor right now while I work on this. I have been able to find a wireless connection, and so I want to get this done while I can. I’ll close for now. Tomorrow is a new day, and day which the LORD has made.

In His service,

Nathanael Mayhew

“If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that” (James 4:15).

Our last visit and back to Nairobi

2009-11-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

One last church to visit. We left this morning at 8:30am for the hour drive to Misesi. Once again the roads were bad so Enosh and Fred met us at the hotel and we took an alternate route to get to Pastor Joseph’s home. We arrived at about 9:30 and were greeted by Pastor Joseph and his wife. She offered us bread and tea while we discussed the training of the four seminary students who had been going to school in Himo. There was a lot to discuss, and we all had ideas about how this could be made to work for the time being. We also talked about hymn books in our congregations here and what we might do to assist our people learn more solid, theological hymns and become more familiar with the liturgy. We are considering the possibility of printing our own small hymn book since the existing ones are lacking in many ways. This is something we will have to discuss more next year when I return.

Discussing a hymnal for the Etago churches (and singing a few together in Swahili)

After the conclusion of our meeting we walked down to the road and along the way Pastor Joseph pointed out the land he had designated as the location for the church in the future. Right now he is growing corn and sugar cane in the place where one day a church will stand. We continued on down the road to visit a small building which has been serving as a temporary orphan school. There are about 30 children being taught here now who have lost one or both parents. The church at Misesi works with the community to carry out this program and they would like the CLC to support it as they do at Etago. We will have to see what the KINSHIP committee and Mission Board are able to do.

After visiting the orphan school we went back to Pastor Joseph’s were we all ate lunch. Mrs. Nyaribo served us ugali, mutton stew and kale. I’m not a big fan of ugali, but the stew and kale was very good.

From here we had to return to Kisii to prepare for our trip back to Nairobi. We gave Fred and Enosh the Bibles we had purchased, then said our goodbyes.

The shuttle picked us up at the hotel and took us to the station where we waited for about an hour for it to fill up. At about 2:00pm we left Kisii with a full bus. This bus was nicer than the others. It had three big seats per row, and they didn’t put in more people than they had seats. It was a fairly new van and that we nice as well. As we left Kisii it was beginning to rain again. It sprinkled off and on almost all the way to Nairobi. At one point we had to stop because water was rushing across the highway and a car had become stuck in a sinkhole. A four-wheel-drive truck succeeded in pulling it out, but I hoped that we wouldn’t have to turn around. A road worker came over and directed us and others through so we would get stuck as well and we were off again. We came to the outskirts of Nairobi at 7:00pm but there was another traffic jam and it took us two hours to make it to the bus stop! This is just as bad as home, and maybe a bit worse!

A mechanic working on the engine of a matatoo (don't try this at home!)

Charles picked us up and took us to the Terminal Inn to check in. Then we walked down the street to Steers’ to get a hamburger and some subs. It really hit the spot after four weeks in Africa!

Tomorrow we meet with the Nairobi men and then head for the airport for our trip back home.
In His service,

Nathanael Mayhew

“And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

Church visits

2009-11-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

The rainy season is here. It has been raining lightly but consistently throughout the day yesterday and night last night. This morning it was still raining and we began to wonder if we were going to be able to follow through with our schedule. It was planned to visit three congregations today, but the first one was the farthest away. We had hoped to visit this congregation last year but were unable to because of the bad roads due to the rain. It wasn’t looking promising this year either.

We had arranged with our driver from yesterday, Cliff, to take us today as well. He was scheduled to be at the hotel at 7:30am to pick us up. I decided to check with Enosh and he said we were going to try to make it out to Olgumii in spite of the rain. When Cliff arrived we double checked with him and he said he would still be glad to take us, so we decided to go for it. Russ has been feeling a bit run down and decided to stay in town and get some things done here, especially since we were planning to be gone all day.

The roads were bad. They were muddy. They were slippery. They were rough. We saw cars, matatoos, and big tea trucks in the ditches and stuck in the mud. At one point we came to a spot where a tea truck was stuck in a ditch but was almost completely blocking the road. As we pulled up we saw a matatoo which had tried to go around it get stuck several times. There was an army of men with ropes pulling and pushing the matatoo out of trouble.

A matatoo being pulled out of the mud after trying to get around a stuck tea truck

At this point I felt like we should turn around and head back. We weren’t even to Etago yet! But Cliff was adamant that we try it. After the matatoo cleared the road he made a run for the gap between the front of the tea truck and the ditch on the other side. He passed the truck but slid into the ditch on the other side. I almost thought we were going to make it, but not quite. I was looking out my rear seat window at a wall of dirt less than a foot away! But to our rescue came the same guys who had just freed the matatoo (here is free enterprise at work – see a need and fill it!). They came and after a bit of shoving and pulling set us free as well! We gave them 500 shillings (about $8) for their help and trouble and it was more than worth it. We were on the road again. There were a few more hair-raising situations throughout the remainder of the trip, but we made it safely to Etago to get Enosh and Fred and continued on to Olgumii. It was very muddy and there were several times where I thought we were going to be stuck, but our expert driver pulled us through every time!

We visited the Masaai congregation at Olgumii and had a long visit with the “chief” of the congregation about their hopes to moves the current church building and make it more solid than the original, and discussed the possibility of an orphan school here. It was an enjoyable visit and I was glad that we had made the effort to visit here.

From Olgumii we journeyed back towards Etago to the congregation at Kenuchi. This church is built on a hill and our car was not able to drive up it, so we had to walk. We almost didn’t make it up walking either. My shoes were full of mud by this time and I couldn’t get any traction at all. Climbing up that hill was like going up hill on a slip-n-slide! By the time we reached the top we were pretty wet from the falling rain and muddy from the knees down. It was nice to get to the top but we still had to make it back down again!

Slipping down the muddy hill at Kenuchi

While we were there the rain stopped and the sun started to peak out. We decided to go on and visit one more congregation on the other side of Etago in Omotembe. Once we passed Etago the roads became much better and we were more at ease. It was quite a hike from the road to the church of Omotembe, and the path was pretty rocky at first. This is a very beautiful area surrounded by fields of tea, sugar cane and corn nestled into the rolling hills. We had a sort visit with the congregation here and then they brought us bread and soda for a “lunch” while the choir sang a few songs for us.

The members of Omotembe church

One of the needs here is that of Bibles. They only cost about $8 each, but many of the people here are very poor. After returning to Kisii I went across the street to a local bookstore and asked about Kisii and Masaai Bibles. They had both available and told me they would give me a 15% discount if I bought them in bulk. I decided to buy them out (they only had 16) and plan to give them to Enosh and Fred tomorrow. In the past we have had the people pay a small amount for them - whatever they can afford - so they appreciate the Bibles, and I thin that is a good procedure. I will talk with them about that tomorrow as well. I would like to be able to supply more Bibles, but there is a limit to how much we are able to do with the funds that we have. It is a difficult balancing act at times. May the LORD give us wisdom...

In His service,

Nathanael Mayhew

“Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing” (Acts 15:36).

Etago Conference

2009-11-23T06:06:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 16, 2009

Today was our seminar day. When I come to Africa we have the general Pastoral Conference with pastors from all the areas, and then we have local “seminars” in each of the regions. Today was the last of these seminars with the men of the Etago area churches.

There were a few things that we were not able to get done yesterday because it was Sunday. I needed to get money exchanged and copies made for the seminar, but was unable to because the banks and copy places were closed on Sunday. I figured that I would have to leave the hotel by 7:30am to make it to Etago for our conference at 10:00am, and the copy place and bank would not open until 8:00am. So we decided that Larry and Russ would stay in town to get that done and then come to Etago when they finished their tasks.

I left the hotel at 7:30 and walked to the bus station where I found a Matatoo that was going to Etago. I had to wait about 15 minutes while it filled up with people. Finally we were ready to go. We left the bus terminal and went to a service station to get a low tire filled. We then started our trek to Etago. We picked up even more people on route and soon there were four or more people to a row again!

I arrived safely in Etago and had to hike up the road to the church. There were motorcycle taxis at the bottom of the hill, and I considered hiring one to take me up to the church, and then thought better of it. I’m not ready for that yet!

I arrived at the church a little after 10:00am. One of the school rooms had been requisitioned for our seminar and we began at about 10:30. I presented two studies: Confessions and the Catechisms of Luther in the morning and The Pastor’s Job in the afternoon. Larry and Russ arrived shortly after the seminar began and I was astonished at how quickly they had made it. I found out they had hired a taxi and had not taken the Matatoo. Cheaters!

Pastor Fred translating for me at the Etago seminar

Russ taught his lesson on the second article of the Apostles’ Creed after lunch, but he and Larry were pretty occupied with the teachers and children most of the day. They conducted interviews with them and learned a lot about the school. It was a very productive day, for them and for me. We wrapped things up at about 4:00pm and had to rush to get a few other meetings in before we left. Our driver (Russ and Larry talked him into staying and taking us back after the seminar was over) was pushing us to get on the road because it was looking like rain, and he didn’t want to get stuck on the roads when the rain came down.

We hustled, but the rain came down and we did get slowed down as a result. They had made it out to Etago in less than an hour and a half and it took us a full two hours to get back because of the rain. It was 6:30 when we got back to the Zonic.

Relaxing for a minute at the Zonic Hotel in Kisii

We took a little bit of time to get some things done and then walked down the street to the Nile Restaurant for supper tonight. We learned about the Nile last year when we were here. The good thing about the Nile is that it is very inexpensive and they give you really big portions. The bad thing is that you have about a 50-50 chance of actually getting what you order! They held true to their reputation. Russ and I ordered chicken fried rice and ended up with fried rice and big piece of chicken. Not what we expected! Oh well, there is always tomorrow night!

In His service,

Nathanael Mayhew

“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28 ).