​Even as God once used Aaron to assist Moses, so he moved Benford Kawiliza, a native-born pastor of considerable experience, to mentor Missionary Dan Sargent 28 years ago.  That’s how he eventually learned to speak the Chichewa language, and to understand the African culture. He has let his ministry be guided by three meaningful African proverbs.  The first is:  “Gather stick by stick to make a bundle”   Indeed, that’s how the mission field has grown – one congregation at a time until now the numbers astound: 113 congregations … 33 pastors … and since 2012, every rural congregation served by its own native-born pastor!

“If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together”  That’s the second proverb and it was also applied. It took some time, but encouraged by his mentor, Missionary Sargent patiently taught the men how to lead the congregations and the women how to teach the children.  After still more time, The WELS built a training center to further develop the abilities of promising young men from the area. 

And after still more time, the most promising of those were enrolled in the Bible Institute for three more years of training; and then, the most promising of those were recommended to the Pastoral Seminary for three more years of study, and one of ‘on-the-job’ training. And now, after all that time and teaching, God, in keeping with His promise, is giving African pastors as gifts to His African church.

The third and final proverb can also be applied to the ‘maturing of a mission church’ if you understand that African mothers use slings to carry newly born babies about on their back where the baby can feel secure and be lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the mother’s walking or working.  That beautiful picture helps to explain the proverb: “The child on the mother’s back does not know the journey is long”.  And so it is with an infant church … so long as it is being carried, it can rest and even sleep!  But eventually, as it grows, it must be awakened and made to realize its responsibilities.  

As it grew, the Lutheran Church of Central Africa was helped to see and assume an ever-greater share of its responsibilities.  Already in 1980, its members resolved, under God, to gradually increase their offerings so that within twenty (20) more years the salaries of all their native-born pastors would be fully funded by the congregations.  And when that goal had been achieved, God moved them to assume 20% of the cost of their parsonages as well!

Today, only four (4) WELS missionaries are needed to help supervise that entire field.   It’s humbling to think that for the last seventy (70) years, the Lord has allowed us to take part in and rejoice over the growth of His Church in Zambia.  But it’s also exciting to know that mission planting continues … in Ethiopia, Sudan, Liberia, Tanganyika, and Kenya, because it takes time for the seed to grow and for the crop to mature. 

So with those African proverbs in mind, let’s continue to support with our fervent prayers and generous offerings ‘the sowing of the seed and the maturing of the crop’ because the question – ‘How much time is left?’ –  can only be answered by our returning Savior who said: “Behold, I am coming soon!” (Rev. 22:12)

Rev. Dan Westendorf served as the chairman of the Administrative Committee for African Missions

Please pray for those working in fields that are ripe for harvest. Share their story, engage with future news and receive updates. Go to this link to learn more about our mission fields in Africa and how the Holy Spirit is working faith in people’s hearts  https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/africa 

The young people of our two sister synods in Nigeria are key components of the lifeblood of the Church. They put their energy, fervent faith, and idealism to work for their faith. As everywhere, young people of our Lutheran synods are the future of their churches. But in Nigeria, the youth play critical roles right now.

To clarify, “youth” means everyone from about 14 to 35 years of age. A new communicant member remains in the youth wing until he or she desires more mature participation. Unfortunately, young women frequently leave their faith to join their husband’s church automatically when they marry. Conversely, young women becomes Lutheran by marriage. This is one of those areas where culture and faith are at odds.

The Youth Fellowships of both Christ the King Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN) and All Saints LCN are highly organized. The youth leaders in each synod meet monthly. The members meet on an area level every month too. Youth representatives are included on various synod committees.

At least once a year the Youth Fellowships have synod-wide rallies. On a chosen weekend 100 to 300 youth gather in a village or city chosen by synod leaders. They start arriving on Friday. They spill out of cars or hired vans in amazing numbers. The host congregation connects participants to member and non-member neighbor homes for beds or even floor sleeping space. All weekend there are lectures, Bible studies, worship, praise dances, Bible and choir competitions, health and personal development lessons, and a general celebration of their Savior and one another.

On Saturday afternoon they fan out through the streets drumming, singing, and inviting everyone to the big finale on Sunday. When I asked why strangers come to a Youth Sunday gathering, they answered, “Because our church tells them that they are saved by the grace of God alone without any works.”  In a culture plagued by demanding false prophets spouting false promises, this is refreshing news. In fact, the Youth Fellowships do nearly all of the organized preevangelism outreach for both our Nigeria synods. They fervently believe that this is their purpose.

In congregations the youth are key players on a weekly basis. Young instrumentalists and the Youth Choirs provide the musical backbone for worship services, Sundays and during the week. Service begins when the youth and women’ choirs sing in procession.  Instruments support the hymns. Youth sing anthems and lead the congregation in praise songs. Youth Choirs sing for member funerals in their parish or district.

At the close of one annual youth rally, I observed a key truth. When the Youth handed out awards to honor their past leaders, I noted that those past youth leaders are now lay leaders in our synods, parishes, districts, and synods.

All Saints LCN and Christ the King LCN Youth Fellowships – what blessings for their synods and the Kingdom of Christ!

Missionary Em. Doug Weiser, Nigeria

Please pray for those working in fields that are ripe for harvest. Share their story, engage with future news and receive updates. Go to this link to learn more about our mission fields in Africa and how the Holy Spirit is working faith in people’s hearts  https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/africa

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says…’the worker deserves his wages.’” (1 Timothy 5:17-18) But in spite of North Americans’ best intentions to help their African brothers in Christ, cultural differences must be taken into consideration.

About a year ago, Dean of Students Mesue Israel and his family moved into the new house on the Bible Institute/Seminary campus in Kumba, Cameroon. The house was generous gift from one of our WELS congregations. As much as we try to keep all things African here, our contractor included a kitchen in the house. Maybe he assumed that Pastor Israel’s family had or wanted a gas stove, but they don’t. Mama Israel, the wife of Pastor Israel, prefers to cook with firewood because of the cost and simplicity of use.  For over one year Mama Israel has been patient and uncomplaining about no place to start a cooking fire.

Last week, I passed by the Israel home and saw that somebody had brought them some scrap wood and a few used sheets of corrugated tin roofing. Mama Israel finally has a kitchen she can use!!

Why is this awesome? When North American missionaries work in developing countries, sometimes they feel that they must provide what is needed by the local pastors and their families. However, the Israel family never asked the WELS to help them build their new kitchen.

WELS does provide significant assistance to the Lutheran Church of Cameroon in the training of their pastors. However, Pastor Israel made this spiritually mature statement: “We can take care of ourselves.” As the Bible says, “The one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.” (Galatians 6:6)

God bless you Mama and Pastor Israel!  We pray your trusting spirit and faithfulness will be noted  and imitated by many. To God be the Glory.

Missionary Dan Kroll, Cameroon

Please pray for those working in fields that are ripe for harvest. Share their story, engage with future news and receive updates. Go to this link to learn more about our mission fields in Africa and how the Holy Spirit is working faith in people’s hearts  https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/africa