First Contact

Last March, Missionary Howard Molhke and I made our first visit to a church in the Republic of Congo. The ROC, which is commonly referred to as Congo-Brazzaville, neighbors the Democratic Republic of Congo to the northwest. This is the first time ever that WELS missionaries have traveled to this country. The Eglise Evangélique Luthérienne du Congo-Brazzaville (EELCB) reached out to WELS and the One Africa Team because they wanted to remain a confessional Lutheran Church.

Searching the Scriptures

We met all 10 pastors in the EELCB. The WELS’ process for establishing formal relations with another church body begins with a preliminary visit. In a preliminary visit, our goal is to learn as much as we can about a church body. Also, we provide information about the history of the WELS and working with OAT.

The first two days of our meetings were about their church. We also worked through the pamphlet, “What the Bible and Lutherans Teach,” an overview of doctrine. We used this document to discover our common beliefs and to identify topics that need further study. We also studied Ephesians chapter 2, and discussed the practice of baptism.

Meeting the Members

We visited four churches and met some of the members of EELCB. It was amazing to see their push to worship in places where they have only a roof and no real building. I am meeting online regularly with EELCB leaders to continue discussions. We are already making plans for future in-person meetings to continue our process of establishing fellowship.

The work in the ROC is a great example of the opportunities for outreach that God is presenting the OAT here in Africa. We help church bodies that want to be confessionally Lutheran. In addition, we are pursuing relationships with churches that are already confessional Lutherans and desire contact with others. The One Africa Team is developing a large network of confessional Lutheran churches across Africa. This may have been the first time for WELS missionaries to visit the Republic of Congo, but it certainly will not be the last.

Missionary Jake Vilhauer lives in Zambia and coordinates outreach efforts to French-speaking Christians living in Africa.

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

Unexpected Discovery

Pastor Jon Bilitz is a member of the WELS Commission in Inter-Church Relations (CICR). He recently returned from a meeting with the leaders of the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU).

Have you ever reached into a pocket and discovered money you didn’t remember putting there? The discovery is completely unexpected—and delightful.

First Impressions of CLSU

That is how I felt after a recent trip to Uganda to visit the Confessional Lutheran Synod of Uganda (CLSU). At the end of March, I accompanied One Africa Team missionary Ben Foxen on a visit to Ibanda, located in the western hills of the country. Because it was my first time representing the WELS Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR), I wasn’t sure what to expect. In the end, the experience far exceeded anything I could have imagined.

The purpose of our visit was to explore a potential partnership between WELS and the CLSU. Together, we studied CLSU’s statement of faith and constitution, asking questions for clarification and deeper understanding. These discussions proved both productive and encouraging. The CLSU holds firmly to the Bible, teaching and preaching in accordance with Scripture. We share a strong emphasis on gospel ministry that keeps Jesus at the center. We pray for and look forward to the day when our synods can formally declare fellowship.

The CLSU consists of 40 congregations across Uganda, with approximately 3,200 baptized members. After analyzing the demographics of their congregations, their leadership has developed a clear plan for ministry. With nearly 80% of their members under the age of 18, they are focusing on youth ministry and strengthening catechism instruction. They are also working to expand access to education through their schools and are eager to encourage more young men to pursue seminary training and become pastors. In short, they have ambitious goals, coupled with a deep trust in God’s blessings.

Connected Through Christ

On a personal note, getting to know the members of the CLSU leadership team is something I will carry with me for years to come. Worship on Palm Sunday was a particular highlight. Witnessing the faith and dedication of these Christian men—and forming friendships with them—was a remarkable joy. Though they live on another continent, I now count them among my dear Christian friends. Our time together lasted only a few days, but the memories will last a lifetime.

This trip also gave me valuable insight into the work of our One Africa Team missionaries. Watching Pastor Foxen interact with the CLSU was a joy and an encouragement. God is clearly blessing the efforts of our pastors in Africa as they seek out partnerships with groups like the CLSU. The Holy Spirit is powerfully at work through the Word, bringing souls into God’s kingdom. Uganda is a vivid example of the gospel as “the power of God for the salvation of all who believe” (Romans 1:16).

In the end, perhaps the unexpected joy of this trip should not have been so surprising. God is always at work, advancing his kingdom. I look forward to the day when believers from every nation will gather for an eternity in his presence. That joy will far surpass even the happiest unexpected discovery.

Pastor Jon Bilitz serves as a full-time campus pastor at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

The Liberia Plan

On February 7-16, 2026, Missionaries Dan Witte and Dan Kroll visited a group of Christians in Buchanan, Liberia. The One Africa Team has been working with a church there called Lamb of God. Three years ago, they left another local group that was teaching false doctrine. They are currently a single congregation due to their unwillingness to compromise on doctrinal matters.

Making Progress One Step at a Time

Lamb of God has been making slow but steady progress for quite some time. We expect more congregations to form in the near future. We have reviewed Luther’s Small Catechism extensively as well as the Lutheran Confessions. We have seen our Liberian brothers make progress in securing property. They are now building a school in a developing area of Buchanan. This is very likely to bring opportunities for outreach to the community. We have also developed some excellent relationships here and have made inroads into the unique culture of Liberia.

Liberia Plan — *Building site of Lamb of God’s new school*

Many groups of Christians approach the WELS with a request to join our fellowship. For 8 years, the One Africa Team has been using a process to evalute these requests. In Libera, under the guidance of Pastor Toye Barnard, we started with what has become known as “The Liberia Plan.” The plan includes a requirement that new groups join the TELL online Bible school. They must also submit monthly reports via the internet, and send weekly sermon notes for evaluation and revision.

This week, we reviewed the Constitution of Lamb of God Lutheran Church. We also did a bit more in-depth review of their “Statements of Faith.” This allowed the congregation to show that they are united with WELS in their understanding of the Holy Scriptures. We discussed at length the ministerial practices of the congregation. We saw that these teachings are not just words, but are effective for building God’s Kingdom here in Liberia.

Partnering with TELL

In an effort to train lay leaders, we spent two days studying the TELL method. This method offers a clear template of questions that fit well with any Scripture narrative. Pastor Barnard has been using the TELL method for many years. TELL is his go-to method for Bible studies and sermons. Three of his members are currently enrolled in the TELL program. Our Liberian brothers can see the TELL program in action. They are able to use it for any outreach and home visits they make in the area. It has been a very busy week in Liberia!

Next week, the OAT Outreach Committee will review Lamb of God’s constitution and statements of faith. The OAT will pass on Lamb of God Lutheran Church’s official documents to the WELS’ Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR). Please join us in thanking God for using the Liberia Plan to bring Lamb of God closer in fellowship with the WELS!

Missionary Dan Kroll lives in Malawi.