For over 100 years, WELS Congregations have been building Christian elementary and secondary schools. Many WELS members grew up learning Bible History and the teachings of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, along with reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as social studies and science. In the 21st Century, over 400 WELS congregations operate Early Childhood Educational Centers to secure our children’s relationship with their Savior.
While understanding the world around us is important, the understanding of eternal life supersedes it all. We understand that life-learning starts early, the earlier the better. The age of 2 or 3 years is not too soon to introduce our children to the teaching of salvation.
The One Africa Team is working with a group of Christians in Buchanan, Liberia, who understand the importance of educating children in the truths of Scripture. Lamb of God Lutheran Congregation is hoping to start with ABC Kindergarten. They hope that the kindergarten will quickly grow into a primary school and even a secondary school within just a few years. Pastor Toye Barnard, Lamb of God’s leader, expresses confidence that the program will grow fast.
Lamb of God Lutheran Church broke away from another group that the One Africa Team had studied with for several years. That group had decided to hold to the Pentecostal teachings of its leaders, which included a refusal to baptize infants, among other misunderstandings. Pastor Barnard and his members endured many false accusations from that other group when Lamb of God agreed to hold to the truth of Scripture and to continue studying with the OAT. A benevolent group of WELS Christians in California continues to support this budding ministry, which is focusing much attention on building a school as a foundation for their congregation.
Currently, 44 adults and 22 children worship at Lamb of God. The congregation owns three-quarters of an acre on which to build a small school near the edge of town. Principal Barnard, together with several members who are also teachers, is confident they will be able to build a large school and even a church building. They will need more land and more funds to actualize the plan. They will also need the Lord of the church to put his hand of blessing on this effort, so that his church may grow in Liberia. Your prayers and support are hugely appreciated!
Missionary Dan Kroll lives in Malawi
Please pray for those working in fields that are ripe for harvest. Share their story, engage with future news, and receive updates. Learn more about our mission fields in Africa and how the Holy Spirit is working faith in people’s hearts at https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/africa
