In this series, thoseinvolved with CLC foreign missions profile one aspect of our overseas endeavors.
In our foreign mission work we see clearly that the Lord directs us. Each night we can’t help but give thanks to our God for the opportunities He has laid before us to share our faith overseas. “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut; I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my Word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8 ESV)
Think of how the work began in Etago, Kenya. In 1984 we learned that a Mrs. Kemunto of Kenya had corresponded with CLC President Daniel Fleischer and pleaded with us to work with her and her people to spread the Gospel in Kenya. This did not come to fruition, though there was correspondence with her.
In 1985 another opportunity arose with the Mission Board corresponding with Rev. and Mrs. Osaka of Kenya. Pastor H. C. Duehlmeier carried on the correspondence until the Osakas stopped corresponding. Well, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) Further contacts arose, such as with Pastor Maweu. But that did not pan out. But then we hit pay dirt in the tea-laden hill country of Kisii, Kenya. A committee from a group in Etago began to correspond with us.
“There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21) It is truly fascinating how the Lord works in mysterious ways. A group of Seventh Day Adventists and Roman Catholics were looking for a new church in their area of Kisii at Etago. The chairman of this committee of twenty was Ombasa. Ombasa had homes both in Etago and also at Narok, in the Great Rift Valley, through which many tourists traveled to see the abundant wildlife. Ombasa would ask the tourists about a church he could attend. Someone, we do not know who it was, suggested he check out the CLC. This was the contact that led to a meeting on the side of a hill at Etago, where my wife and I met with about 125 people. This contact would eventually culminate in the Kenyan Church of the Lutheran Confession (KCLC).
I distributed a lot of printed material I brought from Nigeria, and subsequently more was sent. Covering our differences with the Catholics and Adventists, I also answered many questions. One man asked whether we would build hospitals, and other services. It should be assumed that poor people would expect us to supply other things also. I supplied Bibles, catechisms and devotional books. One man stood up in that pasture and said that what they needed was the pure preaching of the Word of God. A number of them agreed with this. I paid more visits and taught the Word. They then sent a formal letter of request for fellowship.
This new group held their first worship service on June 18, 2000, with thirty-two adults and twenty-four children in attendance. Pastor Enosh now leads them in the Word.
We in the CLC have but little power, being such a small Lutheran synod. Before us, though, our God has always set open doors, and He continues to do so. His purpose is accomplished as He directs our steps.
has served as a foreign missionary in Africa, India, and elsewhere. Though officially retired, he continues to be active in the synod’s mission endeavors.