“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
In this series, those involved with CLC foreign missions profile one aspect of our overseas endeavors.
There are many challenges to living and working in East Africa, and at times there are disappointments. Yet our Lord often allows us to see the fruits of our labor. One of the most encouraging blessings is witnessing how the students at Wittenberg Seminary are growing in grace.
Take, for example, a student we will call “Christian.” When I first arrived, Christian was surly and not well liked by the other students. He had grown up in a Pentecostal church, where he was constantly taught that his confidence in gaining heaven depended on his own efforts to live a pure life. Christian knew that he was anything but pure, and it was plain that this weighed heavily on him.
Pastor Mbise teaching in the main classroom
During the course of his studies, it became plain that he had finally come to understand the Gospel of God’s free grace in Christ. His demeanor changed, as did his relationships with the other students. Having found the “peace that passes all understanding,” he now eagerly looks forward to sharing this true Gospel as a Lutheran pastor.
And he is not alone. Other students have undergone similar transformations, and it is evident in their preaching. Where their sermons once focused almost entirely on what God requires of us, they now emphasize what God has done for us in Christ.
Our students are not only growing in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; they are also growing in knowledge. Many come to us with only a confirmation-class level of understanding God’s Word. During their four years at the seminary, they engage in extensive study of Bible History, Catechetics, Preaching, Practical Theology, and other subjects.
It takes time for them to adjust to interactive classroom lessons and regular homework. This adjustment is not without some groaning, but by the time they graduate, they are prepared to use the Biblical knowledge they have gained to serve God’s people faithfully as pastors.
The people of our CLC are to be commended for their faithful support of this work. At the same time, we keep in mind the important concluding words of the passage quoted above concerning our Lord Jesus Christ: “To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
is a CLC Missionary to East Africa. His home is in Arusha, Tanzania.