Uncategorized Archives - WELS Friends of Africa

July 28, 2026July 24, 2026

Karibu Kenya

Recently my wife and I journeyed to Kenya with three students enrolled at Martin Luther College, the WELS college of Ministry, and ten students from Wisconsin Lutheran High School. This was our first trip to Kenya, and the first group of teens to be received by the WELS’ sister synod, the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC Kenya).

While every new venture brings some anxiousness and concerns, our group could not have been welcomed more warmly. Whether it was at church on Sunday, visiting local schools, or shopping at local markets, everyone was happy to greet us by saying, “Karibu” (meaning, “Welcome”), a big smile, and often a warm embrace.

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

Best Reformation Ever

The Lutheran Reformation continues to bear fruit all over the world and especially in Gambella, Ethiopia today. Gambella Evangelical Lutheran Church (GELC) started in 2018 with a few men who had become frustrated with the false teaching of their other denominations. In 2021, the One Africa Team of the Wisconsin Synod directed their leader, Opiew Okugn to investigate the TELL Bible Study program from WELS’ Multi-Language Productions.

March 19, 2025March 17, 2025

Blessed be the Tongue that Ties

On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave each of Jesus’ disciples the ability to speak in a foreign tongue instantly. God tied three thousand people to Himself in one day through the message they proclaimed in their listeners’ mother tongues. Would the results have been similar if the disciples had preached in Greek or Latin? On Pentecost, God did more than perform a miracle. He displayed his love for people of every tongue and tribe.

Speaking to someone in their heart language does more than convey information. If you speak three sentences to someone in his native tongue you will instantly establish trustworthiness. You show that you are committed to your listener’s culture and language. Your tongue ties you to his community.