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

Let me share an incredible story from Kisii, Kenya—a story of transformation, faith, and collaboration.

It Begins with a Boy

It begins with a boy who grew up never hearing about Jesus in his church. Everything changed when he attended a Christian school. There, his teacher spoke about the good things Jesus had done, and curiosity sparked in his heart. Over time, that boy learned more about Jesus and eventually felt a deep desire to share the gospel with others.

That boy is now Pastor Kenedy, a faithful leader who gathers and shepherds two congregations in Kisii. What’s remarkable? Over 80% of the people in these congregations are former Mormons—just like Pastor Kenedy himself.

His title doesn’t come from a seminary degree but from years of dedicated service, guiding people with God’s Word. But Pastor Kenedy and his group wanted more. They longed to understand Scripture better so they could clearly share the truth with others—especially those questioning or leaving Mormonism.

Collaboration with TILM and OAT

Thanks to the blessing of the internet, they connected with Truth in Love Ministry (TILM). TLIM is an organization committed to communicating the gospel to people with a Mormon background. For the past couple of years, Pastor Mark Parsons from TILM has been meeting regularly with Pastor Kenedy and other leaders online, offering instruction and encouragement.

While these virtual meetings were fruitful, it became clear that a deeper connection was needed. That’s where the WELS One Africa Team (OAT) stepped in. In November, my wife Leslie and I traveled to Kenya to meet Pastor Kenedy and his congregations in person. Over several days, we gathered with more than 200 men and women to review the basics of Christian faith and to discuss what collaboration OAT can offer to local ministries in sharing the gospel.

Looking Ahead

The result? A renewed sense of mission and plans for ongoing collaboration between TILM, OAT, and our partner churches in Kenya. Together, we aim to strengthen outreach to Mormons and equip local leaders for this important work.

Please keep Pastor Kenedy, his congregations, and all these ministries in your prayers. Your continued financial support makes this possible—and we are deeply grateful.

Pastor Howard Mohlke and his wife Leslie live in Zambia, where he serves as the One Africa Team leader .

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

The Apostle Paul once wrote to Timothy, “This is a faithful saying: if a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.” (1 Timothy 3:1, NKJV). In other translations, the word “bishop” is rendered “overseer.” Regardless of the term used, the role carries the same weight: to care for Christ’s church, to faithfully teach God’s Word, and to lead with humility—much like a father guiding his family. Paul’s words remind us that this is indeed a noble calling.

A Historic Day in Arusha

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, just outside Arusha, Tanzania, a significant milestone was reached. After 17 years of faithful service, Bishop Baltazari Kaaya of the Africa Mission Evangelism Church (AMEC) consecrated Pastor Judah Pallangyo as the newly elected bishop. Bishop Pallangyo has long been a dedicated servant within AMEC, having served both as a pastor and as Secretary of Theological Training.

AMEC and WELS: A Growing Relationship

In recognition of the growing relationship between Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and AMEC, Missionary Howard Mohlke was invited to attend the consecration. The relationship between AMEC and the WELS began in 2020 through online conversations with Pastor Makundi Davis, leader of the Kilimanjaro District. The following year, WELS Missionary John Hartmann visited Tanzania, marking the beginning of a deeper partnership.

Over the past four years, WELS missionaries and members of the Commission on Inter-Church Relations (CICR) have met regularly with AMEC leaders, pastors, and elders. These meetings have focused on studying Scripture together and exploring whether a shared confession of faith exists—one that could be publicly affirmed through a declaration of fellowship.

A Pause for Reflection

Originally, it was hoped that a formal declaration of fellowship could be made at the 2025 WELS Synod Convention. However, as is often the case in ministry, plans can shift. Bishop Pallangyo has requested more time to revisit the statements of faith with AMEC’s pastors and elders before moving forward.

While this delay may be disappointing to some, it is also understandable. A new bishop stepping into such a pivotal moment naturally wants to ensure unity and clarity among his church leaders.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Even now as of this writing, further meetings for study among the pastors and elders of AMEC are scheduled, as well as meetings to discuss the future work of the WELS Mission Team with AMEC. We pray for God’s guidance and blessing on these discussions and on the future of AMEC’s relationship with WELS. May this new chapter under Bishop Pallangyo’s leadership be marked by wisdom, faith, and fruitful collaboration.

Missionary Howard Mohlke lives in Zambia and is the One Africa Team Leader

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