“Look up at the sky and count the stars” – Genesis 15:5 (NIV)

Uganda is a special place—“The Pearl of Africa,” they call it. It’s a beautiful country of rolling hills, mountains, and vegetation. The source of the Nile River is there, bubbling up from underneath Lake Victoria. During the day, my eyes couldn’t get enough of all that they were seeing.

It was when the sun went down, though, that I saw and was reminded of something even more beautiful.

Far from the city, the light burns brightly

My colleague, Pastor Keegan Dowling, and I had the privilege and honor of traveling to Uganda just before Christmas to teach about the life of Jesus to a group of pastors, evangelists, and lay leaders in the Obadiah Lutheran Synod (OLS). The OLS is a church body with whom WELS will be declaring formal fellowship during its 2023 synod convention. The workshop took place on the property of the church president, Pastor Musa (Moses), located in a village away from modern conveniences. The only electricity around was produced by a generator sparingly after night fell. This might not sound very pleasant, but it revealed something often hidden from our eyes.

The night sky…

Seeing that sky and the starlight that pierced its veil is something I will never forget. Thousands upon thousands of the great starry hosts twinkled above us, casting their soft light and dispersing the gloom. I couldn’t help but be reminded of the conversation God had with Abraham about the stars… “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them…So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5).

Pastor Dowling and I were blessed to be introduced to about 40 of those believing stars at this workshop. We taught many stories from the life of Jesus, from his birth to his ascension, and these stars soaked it up. Then they showed us their own capacity for light-bearing as they taught and retaught the same lessons in our practical sessions. Our goal was not only to teach them more about Jesus but to teach them to teach their people more about Jesus.

Who could have guessed that we would meet some of Abraham’s descendants in this remote village in a country halfway around the world from the home we knew? Jesus can count the stars.

Count the stars of Jesus

He knew he’d be introducing me to Tony, a persistent optimist and a man trained to be an educator. He sees many challenges facing their church body (lack of Bibles, for one), but he sees more opportunities for doing gospel ministry. He wants to give Bibles away, show films about Jesus to the community, start a Lutheran school for children, travel to Sudan to do missionary work there, and more.

Jesus knew about Jaka, a refugee from South Sudan due to the war going on there. He lives and serves in a refugee camp on the Ugandan side of the border. Jaka lives separated from his parents. In spite of his experiences, he praises and glorifies God. He also keeps his sense of humor and was often the one making everyone laugh.

Jesus introduced me to another star, Isaac, one of the few men there who has been seminary trained. He had been doing work with another church in Uganda, but eventually left for doctrinal reasons and has been in touch with WELS for some time. I was privileged to be part of the meeting where he and his two companions officially requested to become a part of the OLS in Uganda. Three others who weren’t able to make it to the workshop will also be joining. More stars…

Finally, Jesus knew about Pastor Musa, the current president of the OLS, shining brightly for all of them. He and two others started this church body back in 2008. They had neither congregations nor resources. Today, the OLS has nearly 30 congregations in spite of still having very few resources. Their motto has often been: “We will make use of whatever resources are available.” That goes for money and people as well. Many of the workshop participants were young, in their late teens or early twenties, and they had very little training. But Musa is determined to train them and have their gifts put to use to teach the people in their congregations. That way the light of Jesus may shine all the more brightly, and more and more stars of Abraham might make themselves known as they pierce that blanket of night.

As you look up at the night sky, wherever you are, count the stars you so often can’t see. Count these descendants of Abraham who shine with the light of Jesus. Pray that our Savior would cause them to burn ever more brightly, that the whole world may be bathed in the light of God’s fulfilled promise to Abraham.

Missionary Ben Foxen lives in Zambia and coordinates One Africa Team’s Outreach efforts.

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

Do you know about Lumvwi (“chameleon”) and Njoka (“snake”)? Let’s re-tell their story in several sections since I have a second African saga to share.

That tale is true. From October 24 through November 21 Dr. Al Sorum of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and I led others on a learning journey. We met with brothers and sisters in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia. We focused on stories from God’s Word.

A Conversation Over Food

First, though, imagine God wants to talk with Lumvwi, the chameleon. Why? God made all things very good. He created Adam and Eve in his image, in his likeness.

But they ruined everything. You know the story. Death fills this world, like smoke pervading a room, for we all have sinned. Even wounds that heal leave scars. All human skin wears out. Bodies wear out. Everyone perishes.

“They need new skin,” the Creator announces. So God summons Lumvwi.

“Listen, Lumvwi,” God says. “I have something for you to take to humankind. Hurry! Tell people I sent you. Give them this.”

He holds out a tiny present. “I trust you, Lumvwi. You are fast. Go now!”

Lumvwi takes off for Earth quick as lightning. He holds the package under his arm.

When he gets to a river he pauses. He is so thirsty.

Njoka (snake) is drinking there too. “Sssay, Lumvwi (Chameleon),” he hisses. “Essspecially ssspeedy today! What are you up to?”

“God sent me,” Lumvwi says between gulps of water. “He has something for people.”

Njoka hates people. They walk so tall. They fear snakes. Some kill snakes. And God attends to them more than all the rest of his creation. Jealousy fills Njoka: “Why would God give them another gift?”

Then he has another thought: “What could I do to keep them from getting this gift, whatever it is?”

“Sssay, Lumvwi,” Snake hisses. He comes closer to Lumvwi and the gift. “Ssso ssspecial to sssee you again!”

“My family hasss missssed you. Sssometimesss other relativesss ssstop by for mealsss. But not you. Perhapsss you sssussspect you sssurpassss the ressst of usss.”

Even the suggestion bothers Lumvwi. “Oh no, cousin,” Lumvwi replies. “I would be so honored to eat with you sometime.”

“Sssay,” Njoka suggests, “why not now? My wife hasss lunch ready. She would be so pleasssed to sssee you dine with usss!”

“Oh, dear,” Lumvwi thinks.

“God told me to hurry,” he tells Njoka. “Perhaps some other time?”

“Yesss, yessss,” hisses Njoka. “Jussst as I thought. Too good for the likesss of usss! Ssspeed along with your busssinessss.”

Lumvwi looks at the sun, high in the sky. “Maybe I can have a quick lunch with Njoka and his wife,” he thinks, “and still have time to deliver the gift.”

“Wait, Cousin,” Lumvwi blurts out. “I’m sorry. I would love to eat with you. Why don’t we do so now? I’ll get back to business right afterward.”

“Oh, Lumvwi,” Njoka replies.“Thank you.” He tries to sound humble. “What an honor for usss.” He leads Lumvwi off.

Why a made-up story of Lumvwi and Njoka (Chameleon and Snake) talking, then eating? For one, Al Sorum and I had so many good conversations and meals with God’s people in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia over four weeks.

Telling THE STORY

Each of us exchanged our own stories. We discussed God’s mission to save the world through his Son.

In all three locations, Al especially taught gospel outreach—personal and congregational. In Kenya, I led learning about the Augsburg Confession. Both Al and I stressed stories.

Al led off with the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus from Luke 19. “What is evangelism?” he asked. “It’s going to people. It’s telling God’s good news to people who are between God’s light and Satan’s darkness.”

We discussed more stories. Three of my favorites: 1) John 4— the woman at the well, 2)  Luke 15—the waiting father, and 3) John 12— the Greek men who wanted to see Jesus.

Participants rehearsed one of those, or another favorite good news story about Jesus. Then we all hit the streets to share the gospel with others.

In all three settings (Kenya, Malawi & Zambia), we loved hearing each other’s witnessing stories after we regrouped. Pastor Frank asked a vendor at a market in Sondu, Kenya, “Why are your bananas so small?” That led to a great gospel conversation. There were too many others to tell.

Brand New Skins

Back to our fable:

Njoka’s wife was so hospitable to Lumvwi. “Have more,” she kept saying.

Lumvwi ate so much he could hardly move. “This is such good beer, too,” he told his hosts. Lumvwi forgot all about his mission from God.

Njoka smiled slyly. Lumvwi’s head nodded. His eyelids drooped. Soon Lumvwi slept.

“What isss ssso funny, my husssband?” asked Njoka’s wife. She took Lumvwi’s sleep as a compliment.

“Sssee thisss?” Njoka hissed. He slid God’s gift out from under Lumvwi’s arm.

“What isss that?” she asked.

“Sssomething from God,” Njoka laughed.

Njoka tore open the tiny package. Its contents expanded.

“Ssay!” he exclaimed, lifting something from the box. “New skins. God ssseemsss to have has sssent us new ssskinsss. Whenever our old onesss wear out let usss change into new onesss.”

Njoka laughed again, louder. He woke Lumvwi. The sleepy guest took one look at what he had brought along, now open. He realized how foolish he had been.

“No, Njoka.” Lumvwi begged. “Those are not for you. They are for people. God sent me on a mission to humankind. Give them back.”

When Njoka said nothing, Lumvwi stretched out his hands. “Please, Njoka! I need to fulfill my mission. Give the skins back.”

But Njoka refused. He kept up his evil laugh. He held the skins too far away for Lumvwi to reach them. Then he slithered off with them. “Hah, cousssin. Now thesssessskinsss are oursss.”

When you think about God’s mission to save the world, does it crush you? Scare you?

On the evening of the first Easter Jesus told his disciples, “As the Father has sent me, I also am sending you” (John 20:21).

Go and save the world? Me?

“Why would God still want me to go tell his story to others?” we think. “I have gotten so distracted. I have failed so many times.”

The real snake … is still such a liar. First, the devil distracts us from God’s mission. Then he accuses us day and night. “You are such failures,” he hisses.

We start thinking the same. “I’m so worthless.”

The snake, the devil says, “It’s hopeless. God could never forgive anyone like you.”

But God not only forgives you, he sees you as holy. He invites you to be part of his worldwide mission. And he prizes all you do in his name.

Jesus said to Zacchaeus up in a tree, “You come down. I have to go to your house today.” He did that in your place. God sees you as if you were Jesus.

Because Jesus was fearless, and because Jesus came to seek and to save what was lost, not only did Jesus redeem you by his blood. His holy life counts for you too. God sees you as someone who has perfectly fulfilled his mission for us all: “Go and save the world.”

Yes, the world is ruined. Jesus is going to come on the last day and judge the whole world. And he will give new skin, like his skin, to everyone who trusted in him.

We don’t know what we are going to be like with our new skin, but we know we are going to be like him. We will see him as he is.

So our African fable ends quite differently from that story—the best, truest story.

As the sun sank Lumvwi felt sick. Njoka had betrayed him. And he had disobeyed God. He had failed.

Some say this is why still today snakes shed their old skins and have new skins. And it is also why, some say, chameleons no longer move fast. They hide a lot. They hide in the crooks of trees. They cling to branches. They fear facing God and man.

How about you?

As surely as Jesus lives, you have nothing to fear. You have nothing to fear from the God who equips you with his Spirit to tell others the story of his Son. You have nothing to fear from anyone you tell that story to either.

Please beg the Lord of the harvest to keep sending out workers into his harvest field—you too.

Pastor Dan Witte heads the Confessional Lutheran Institute for the One Africa Team of WELS World Missions. He and his wife Debbie live in Lusaka, Zambia.

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

I was both humbled and amazed when I showed up at his home. Joseph is a young man living in Nairobi, Kenya. His daily routine includes milking a cow and goats as well as tending a garden on an estate. He invited me and the local pastor from Nairobi into his home: a one-window, concrete-walled room no bigger than a box truck. Sitting knee to knee he offered us tea and told us his story. He is the eighth of eight children, raised by his oldest sister. His parents passed away before he knew them. As a child, he learned how to work and paid for his own schooling through grade twelve. 

“Did you go to church as a child?” I asked. “No,” he said, “We did not go to church. A friend invited me to the Mormon Church. I went for a while. But they taught from books that were not the Bible. Another friend invited me to a Seventh-Day Adventist church, but they did not teach much about Jesus.” 

“Are you going to church now?” I asked. “I am,” he replied, “with you and the teachers at TELL Network.” Over a year ago Joseph stumbled across a Facebook ad for TELL and had to see what it was all about. After completing the three self-study courses he began live group classes with a pastor, studying the Bible and Lutheran catechism on Zoom. He formed friendships with students thousands of miles away. His best friend is from Trinidad. They make TELL t-shirts and share what they’re learning with others. For over a year Joseph grew in knowledge and confidence to share his faith in an online classroom. 

Today we finally had a Bible study together in the flesh. We read, asked questions, and discussed. Joseph could identify that sin was the problem and God’s grace was the solution. He has learned how to read the Bible and express his faith to others. Throughout our visit, we encouraged Joseph in his studies, introduced him to the local church, and presented the next steps for him to gather in a Bible study group. 

As our time came to an end my pastor friend had to share his own story with Joseph. He too was orphaned as a young child. Raised by his grandmother, he stumbled across a Lutheran church when he heard music from inside. He had to see what it was all about. There he found Jesus. Today he is pastoring and planting many churches in Kenya. He encouraged Joseph: “Continue learning with TELL. Follow their path and gather a Bible study group. I can tell you from my experience: it starts right here,” he said pointing to the floor. “Church begins in the home.” 

I feel I took away more from that visit than I contributed. God meets us with his Word in rooms no bigger than a box truck. Jesus calls, gathers, and grows his church within our communities: online and in-person. How humbling, amazing and true: Church begins in the home.

TELL Missionary Dan Laitinen is based in Austin, TX

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