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.

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

A Growing French Ministry

French ministry in Africa is growing day by day. The One Africa Team is currently working and in contact with ten different francophone church groups in various countries. One of these churches is the Mission Evangélique Luthérienne au Congo (MELC) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Travel Challenges

MELC’s church headquarters are located in Lubumbashi, a town close to the border of Zambia. Because of the conflict in DRC, the MELC church leaders travel across the border to meet us in a town in the northern part of Zambia called Ndola. This is a great blessing because we are still able to work on growing our relationship with our Congolese brothers, even though we are currently unable to travel to their country.

CICR Meetings

This past January, we moved another step towards growing closer with MELC. On this trip, we brought Professor Brad Wordell from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary to join us in our meetings with church leaders. Prof. Wordell serves WELS not only as a professor, but he also serves on the Commission of Inter-church Relations (CICR).

Bringing a representative from CICR to evaluate MELC’s church constitution and confession of faith is a vital part of our four-stage process in establishing formal fellowship with our partners in Africa. We were able to discuss in detail these documents, as well as plans for ministry training and our goal of growing together in God’s Word.

Spirit-filled Worship

While we were in Ndola with MELC, we organized a joint worship service. Approximately twenty-five MELC members from Lubumbashi travelled down to Ndola to participate. It was a great opportunity to experience how our brothers and sisters worship, as well as listen to their choirs who sang in both French and Swahili!

We look forward to growing even closer together with our French-speaking brothers, and we pray that God continues to grow their ministry in the DRC. We also continue praying for political peace so that we might one day return to the DRC to visit our new friends at their local churches.

Missionary Jake Vilhauer lives in Lusaka, Zambia

Kisii Collaboration

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 .