|
|
|
|
Let brotherly love continue. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. (Heb 13:1,3)
“No photos inside, it’s not permitted.” A pastor shares with me about how his church shares the Gospel in the prisons of his country. The government guards are strict, but allow the pastor and a small group of lay people to visit weekly to encourage and comfort the inmates.
During their visits, groups of 30-70 prisoners may be allowed to gather to pray and hear the Gospel preached. Singing is not allowed, however, the group is permitted to distribute food and toothbrushes, as well as administer medical care to relieve inflammation and illness that result from confinement. On other days, the group makes hospital visits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
John attended Sunday Divine Service at the Center for Theological Lutheran Education (CLET) in Dapaong Togo, which trains men from eight french-speaking countries in western Africa. Missionary Rev Gary Schulte, Area Director for West & Central Africa, preached in French while a Togolese pastor translated into the local Moba dialect.
|
|
|
The few Lutheran pastors in this country use prayers and services for the infirm and sick that they learned while students at the CLET in northern Togo. This LCMS-supported seminary provides training for men to become pastors and return to one of eight French-speaking countries in west and central Africa to share the Gospel in their own languages and in difficult situations.
Annually, church leaders and delegates from 12 confessional French-speaking Lutheran church bodies in these eight countries gather as a union to discuss the state of, plans, and future for theological instruction and Lutheranism in their countries. The gathering is known as the Conseil Administratif de l’Union (CAU), and in English would be the Administrative Counsel of the Union.
|
|
|
|
|
|
John addresses Lutheran church presidents and pastoral delegates from eight Francophone countries to the annual CAU held in Dapaong, Togo.
|
|
|
This February, I was finally able to attend this meeting, and learned stories and histories from many leaders, as well as heard the progress of projects supported by their church body and the LCMS.
The above story is one told to me during the three-day meeting. It was a blessing and eye-opener to hear first-hand how, despite strife and long-suffering in some countries, the Lord uses such events to grow His Church.
In Christ, the Wolf Family
|
|
|
|
During his visit to Togo, John was joined by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation representative who lives in Africa, Tuomo Sumojoki. LHF has been working to translate catechisms and hymns so graduates of the CLET can tell people in their own local languages how salvation comes through Christ alone and not our own actions or deeds. Above, John and Tuomo visit with Francophone church leaders with translation help from LCMS missionary Rev Micah Wildauer.
|
|
|
At the moment, we and many other LCMS missionaries are limiting our movement and hunkering down in our homes in eastern Africa due national precautions in response to the COVID-19 virus. Mission work continues though, connecting with churches, church workers visiting families rather than gathering in public, and sharing how people are drawn to Christ even during these interesting times. Above, Project 24 site managers bring food to students who returned to their extended families following early closer of schools.
|
|
|
|
Images from Africa- TOP LEFT: In Togo, most anything can fit atop of a vehicle, even a sure-footed goat. TOP RIGHT: Visibility a bit challenging between the Harmattan dust and dirt roads on our 11-hour drive from coastal Lome to Dapaong in northern Togo. BOTTOM LEFT: Missionary Cantor Phillip Magness also attended the CAU as part of his music work with Francophone Lutheran churches. BOTTOM RIGHT: What a glorious sound to hear the liturgy and hymns sung in French, and with such fervor.
|
|
|
|
Wolf Cubs
TOP LEFT: In February, Ian was recognized for earning the Eagle rank in BoyScouts. We were joined by some of fellow mission colleagues, one an Eagle scout and one a Kenyan scout TOP RIGHT: Sean lashes together a podium for use during the Scout Court of Honor. BOTTOM LEFT: Angus shows us the waterfall on a recent hike in a nearby forest. BOTTOM RIGHT: A couple of our kids reached the insect unit in science class. No shortage of specimens for their examination….outside.
|
|
|
|
Prayer Requests
That local pastors can minister to the needs of their congregants during this COVID-19 pandemic.
For the well-being of our missionaries as they walk alongside their host churches in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia to reach out with mercy and the Gospel during this time period.
For our family as we continue home-schooling and as John finds new ways to continue monitoring projects while working from home.
|
|
|
In Praise
That people are still able to procure food and essentials, as permitted within the bounds of government efforts to contain COVID-19
For mostly stable internet and electric resources that have enabled us to connect online with others while in self-isolation.
For the ability to meet virtually with our fellow missionaries for daily devotions and encouragement.
For the creative implementation by education institutes to allow online learning and examinations to proceed.
|
|
|
|
Serving together with African churches takes many resources. Thank-you to the many churches walking with us, including saints at: Rocky Mountain District; Iowa District West; Rock of Ages/Colorado Spgs CO; Trinity in Alamosa CO, Hinton IA, Jefferson IA, Lexington Pk MD, Martinsburg NE, NewYork Mills MN, Palo Alto CA, Rock Springs WY, Waseca MN, Zanesville OH; Peace in Arvada CO, Columbus NE, Marcus IA, Peace in Christ/Hermantown MN, Prince of Peace/Springfield VA, Redeemer in ABQ NM, David City NE, Redwood City CA, Los Alamos NM, Huntington Beach CA, & Souix City IA; and Our Redeemer in Glenrock WY.
If you are not already, please prayerfully consider partnering with us via on-going support. You are an important part of our Mission team!
|
|
|
|
Support Information. To support the LCMS through the work of the Wolf Family, please consider a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the below Give Now buttons
|
|
|
|
OR
Make checks payable to LCMS or Mission Central. Write “Wolf-Kenya” in memo to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:
|
|
|
|
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
P.O. Box 66861
St Louis MO 63166-6861
|
|
|
Mission Central
40718 Highway E-16
Mapleton IA 51034
|
|
|
|
Reach us at:
(correspondence ONLY- no checks)
John Wolf Family
PO Box 22
Karen 00502 Kenya
|
|
|
|
|
You have been subscribed to our newsletter because your received previous newsletters, expressed an interest in this mission work, submitted your email through a sign-up sheet when we visited your church, a Mission Sender’s brochure, or in connection with a gift of support or prayer commitment.
This letter is sent from our primary email address so you may reply to send us a message. If at any time you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may directly access the list manager service at MailChimp at the bottom of this email.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
