Every other month our CLC Board of Missions updates us with recent news from various mission fields.
The Lord continues to bless the outreach efforts of our church body, opening doors for spreading the Gospel around the world. The Mission Development Fund (MDF) plays a vital role in supporting these endeavors. Here are some highlights of the opportunities being funded through the MDF:
Major Building Projects in Nigeria and Bangladesh
In Nigeria, construction has begun on a new seminary building that will provide classrooms, a library, and faculty offices to train pastors for the NCLC. This project is over twenty-five years in the making. With an increase in enrollment this year and expectations for even larger enrollment next year, this new building is essential. Similarly, in Bangladesh, plans are moving forward for the construction of a multipurpose facility that will serve as a place of worship and pastoral training. The project has already received government approval, and everything is in place to begin construction as soon as funding becomes available. The hope is that this much-needed building will soon become a reality.
Top and bottom photos: Nigerian seminary building to be replaced
Pastoral Training and Outreach Conference
Training seminars and outreach conferences are central to the mission efforts of our sister church bodies overseas. Conferences are planned for the coming months in Tanzania, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. These gatherings equip pastors and lay leaders to faithfully proclaim Christ and serve their congregations. The MDF provides funding for travel, meals, and materials for these conferences.
Pastoral training seminar in Nepal.
Supporting Missionary Work in Tanzania
Missionary Bruce Naumann’s work in East Africa is an important part of our overall mission program. His salary and expenses continue to be partially funded by the MDF for the next few years. His work includes teaching at the Wittenberg Seminary, coordinating outreach efforts among the congregations of the Tanzania-CLC, and assisting with evangelism efforts in Kenya and Uganda.
The Challenges of Limited Resources
One of the more difficult realities the Board of Missions faces is the need to pause funding for some important needs, such as providing Bibles, catechisms, and assistance with church building improvements and construction. These are important aspects of our mission work that the Board desires to support but is unable to at this time due to limited resources. The need is great, and these decisions reflect the challenges of balancing opportunities with available funding.
A Picture of Gospel Growth
From building new facilities to equipping leaders for ministry, the work supported by the MDF demonstrates how the Lord is using our church body to bring the Gospel to the nations. The opportunities and challenges before us remind us of the immense privilege of being laborers in His harvest. Please keep these opportunities in your prayers, trusting that the Lord will provide for His work according to His will.
is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Winter Haven, Florida, and a member of the CLC Board of Missions