Subject: CLIMB: LHF Mission News Africa Trip Report- PART I Sent: 9/15/19 7:53 PM Received: 9/16/99 9:31 AM From: Robert L. Rahn, 74301.2325@compuserve.com To: Confessional Lutherans in Missionary Boldness, CLiMB@CAT41.org

LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION MISSION NEWS

AFRICA, "I WAS THERE"

Mission Trip Report- PART I

August 13, 1999 - September 1, 1999

At first it was kind of a joke. Later it became the theme for the entire trip. There were so many new sights and sounds that whenever we discussed the events of the trip, I concluded with the words AND I WAS THERE!! The words were spoken in terms of being almost unbelievable except for the fact that I Was There to see and experience.

I WAS THERE but my travel companions Prof. Tim Quill and Prof. Richard Resch were someplace else when the plane left Detroit. They had been delayed because of weather and I still managed to get my extra baggage aboard when I got to the gate. They came on a later flight.

ALL OF US WERE THERE when Rev. Mark Onunda opened the first session of the workshop focusing on the publishing of a hymnbook in the Swahili language for the Ev. Lutheran Church of Kenya. Some 20 people participated in the week-long seminar and received instruction on hymnody and liturgics.

I WAS THERE when Dr. Anssi Simojoki brought together the LHF team of Swahili translators from Kenya and Tanzania. It was soon evident as 15 of us sat around the table that this was a group of gifted people. There were four men present who had earned doctorates. The men brought with them a vision for future translation work and how elements of the translation work could be improved.

A plea was given that we begin publishing a Lutheran Journal of some type. I recommended we publish the GOOD NEWS Journal in Swahili with a Kenyan/Tanzanian insert if thought necessary. We are pursuing this with Dr. Wallace Schulz.

There were numerous endorsements of the LHF work that would take too much space to report. Here are several of the 15:

Rev. Justin Uforho: "For almost 100 years have not had a Book Of Concord in city of Moschi, Tanzania. There is a battle for the hearts and minds of many therefore, this translation work is our kairos time. Your visit is very timely. Many groups here involved in social causes and I so appreciate the LHF focus on the Gospel. This is what is so urgently needed by our people."

Dr. Naaman Laiser: "Your words have such meat and so good to have a man at the head with such a desire for God's people. Lutheran church is growing very fast. As reading slowly becomes part of the culture here, it is utmost importance that Lutheran writings be introduced. Future of LHF very bright in our midst."

Mr. Naphtali Igendia: "Need something that will tell why we are Lutheran. I look at this meeting as the beginning of a new era for us. No other church body throughout East Africa has taken up a project of systematically translating theological materials into the Swahili language. I commend you for your vision."

Copies of a newly published book were distributed that contained several writings of Luther, including Freedom of a Christian, and Letter to Pope Leo X. It was thought that this was timely in view of the growing effort to weld Lutherans with Rome.

It is anticipated that a Mini Book of Concord will be ready in time for Reformation and that the entire Book of Concord might be ready at the beginning of the new year.

Anssi and I took several side trips while the seminar was going on. We flew to Kisumu, the area of Lake Victoria. I Was There at the lake but not at Victoria Falls. This is where the Nile River begins. This is the place where our Swahili printing is done. I Was There where one of our translators, Rev. David ChuChu, is building a home. He is proud of this cement edifice with four rooms. He informed us that it was possible because of his translation work, but done in stages. I kidded him with a great laugh from Anssi, building in stages by pages. He is paid on the number of pages that he translates.

From there we headed to Matongo, the site of Western Africa's primary Lutheran center. The green hills of Africa spoken of by Ernest Hemmingway are a sight unexpected in Africa, but I Was There. Mountains with a gentle sloop filled with tin huts and green grass, patches of corn, banana & pineapple trees. Driving to the Lutheran compound we passed the unusual site of rice fields in Africa.

We finally arrived after encountering the usual crazy mini-bus drivers, cows, donkeys, people, and even monkeys in the road. Mother Theresa welcomed us at the compound. Her name is really Ms. Anja Marija VanHamen. A great reception with ten of us gathered around the table. The Bishop's greeting is read by his assistant. The Bishop is hospitalized after surgery.

This compound was actually settled in 1974 by a Swedish Mission Society with later help from LEAF. The key Pastor who really got things going was basically run off by the Mission Society, a case of superior competence in an incompetent bureaucracy.

Marija heads up the orphanage that needs to be expanded but the Mission Society had no funds supposedly. Marija does it all with volunteers. Took us to the area where the kids are kept. She pointed out that simple huts were built to make the environment like it would be at home for these children. I Was There and was moved at the poor conditions but the pleasant kids. The kids sang some songs for us with an older boy playing the guitar.

Earlier we had learned in casual conversation that Anja had served there for 25 years. After the children presented their songs I took one of the Luther Seal suncatchers and a JESUS NEVER FAILS bookmark and made it a 25th anniversary celebration for her. It was an emotional moment for all and I didn't have a video camera to record the fact that I Was There. She would like to expand the orphanage. Didn't ask for help but they could have 150 kids that need help instead of the 25.

Next stop on the compound that must cover 200 acres on the side of a mountain was the church and a small bookstore where books are sold to make a little money for the orphanage. Gave her permission to sell our books.

From there to the Hospital/Dispensary for a guided tour with Dr. Nemedy Nyuamgachi, the medical coordinator. Primitive conditions but put up with what they have. Someone broke in the evening before and stole equipment even though a new fence had just been erected. Nursing staff of about eight. Would like to make this into a full fledged hospital and expand facilities in three other areas where they have clinics. He did ask for help.

Down the road was the Matongo Bible College or Seminary. A complex of buildings making up a nice campus. Anssi taught here for several years, so was able to say I Was There. They appealed for help in staffing the seminary. Anssi and Dachi have been invited to serve on the faculty part-time.

Another side trip was taken by "Land Robert," a Mercedes 4-wheeler with that insignia on the side with the name Lutheran Heritage Foundation. It took us to Uta Wala, near Kisasi and Ungatu, all mission stations of the ELCK. We took with us Chief Samson Malumbe and headed over the Yalta Plain, passing through several mountain ranges. Every small village had speed bumps built into the highway to slow traffic. Here is where they set up their roadside markets.

We finally arrived after the last 20 miles driven on a dirt road and the final mile on a cow path that led to the place where the church is located. Some 40 people were waiting and we were ushered to the partially finished residence of evangelist/builder Andrew Maguti for coffee. We then proceeded to an area that had been set up for a service under a giant tree. I Was There and preached in the bush. A choir sang several numbers and Anssi translated into Swahili.

After the service it was back to the evangelist's house for dinner. Chicken had been cooked on an open fire by some of the women. Obviously their talent fits the situation and their service does not deter them from worship. It was pointed out that a church would soon be built next to the area where we conducted the service.

We were invited to visit the other church sites in the area and proceeded on the proverbial bush paths to Kisasi Congregation. We walked through a corral where cattle are auctioned and got to a fence which was crossed on steps made of tree branches. I watched an elderly man cross it and followed. I wondered how many Americans would make it to church using that route? It was pride that led them to show us their building even though it was only a metal building with some benches and a wood altar.

We were then taken back on the trail to visit the Ugatu Congregation. If you feel the above description is of an unpretentious church; this one had a few stakes holding up a tin roof located in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. They pointed out that they have purchased land on which to build "a parsonage." I Was There and saw how the pioneering work is carried out by Dr. Simojoki and Rev. Dachi.

Upon returning we heard word that Anja Marja VanHamen in Matongo had been robbed. Four thugs broke into her apartment and threatened to kill her. Her only thought was to start praying out loud in Swahili thanking God for the opportunity to be a martyr if necessary. The thugs then left her alone. She called to thank us for our visit as it prepared her for this event. She especially thanked me for the bookmark as it was the first thing that came to her mind in the situation- JESUS NEVER FAILS. In this case the Lord Was There with her.

I Was There for R & R and it was good Quill and I had this time for a safari to the Masai Mara Game Park. When landing in the Game Park on a gravel runway we saw giraffes and zebras. It was only the beginning of an event that boggles the mind, seeing alligators, hippos, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, lions, warthogs, buffalo, wildebeest by the thousands, gazelles, impalas, dikdiks, hyenas, monkeys, mongeese, ostrich, exotic birds, etc. Most of them were seen from close distance by experienced Land Rover drivers.

Before departing Nairobi I Was There to receive three different visits within a three hour time span. The first visitors were Mr. Siomon Gatluak Geng and Peter Pouch Beil, who are trying to build a worship center at the Kakuma Refuge Camp in Southern Sudan. A congregation in Iowa had sent funds for the purpose and we made the delivery. They are Lutheran but know little about the doctrine. They were happy to hear that the Small Catechism in the Nuer language is about ready for publishing by the LHF. They have a vision to enlarge their evangelistic efforts. We are standing by to give help after determining the direction of the Synod and the American Sudanese Mission Society that has an interest with the Nuer speaking people.

A second visitor was Evangelist Andrew Maguti, who just wanted to bid me farewell before he went back to Uta Wala (the bush where I preached). His wife died last year and he is left to take care of the six children along with his mother. He travels from station to station in four different villages. He himself lives many miles away and sometimes is gone from his home for two months. Before he left he asked to pray. It was in Swahili and I couldn't understand a word. I could, however, tell from his intentness that this was a man of God calling for the blessings of "Papa," (Father) a term heard again and again in the prayer.

The third visitor was Alice, a secretary. She came to receive payment for typing a manuscript. This was amazing to me because I knew nothing about the work. There is a Masai tribe in Africa that we got acquainted with when we visited the Masai Mara Game Park. There is a Lutheran Missionary up in the hills of this nomadic people who is translating the Catechism into the Masai language. Alice was transcribing the text so that final review could be made and then published by the LHF.

On to Sudan where Quill and I were met by Andrew Elisa to see us through customs. The laptop computer I was carrying for Andrew was expected to be taxed, we also expected some of the other items to be questioned. While we were preparing to do paper work and make payment for the laptop, a custom agent with Andrew informed the officer there would be no duty. I would not have believed it but I Was There.

The Rev. Ken Greinke, Dr. Allan Buckman, and Dr. David Adams had arrived on Tuesday morning. Dr. Simojoki, the Rev. Japhet Dachi, Dr. Quill and I arrived Tuesday evening and checked into the Acropole Hotel.

I Was There for the meeting of the ELCS Church Council in which the compliments for the LHF involvement were generously and embarrassingly dished out. Those sentiments are accepted on behalf of you who read this report. You have made our work possible. A six page written report summed up the Council's overview of the work. If a full copy is needed please request it. I quote from one paragraph:

After seven years of serious operations in Sterling Heights, our Executive Council members are really very excited to see Rev. Robert L. Rahn among us, most importantly attending the first Priestly ordination taking place in the ELCS. Rev. Rahn has made history in building ELCS tirelessly since 1995, starting with five catechisms, one book of Concord, and $1,500.00 for printing 1000 hymnals, followed by funds for purchasing chairs which are still being used in our congregation. Rev. Rahn has done more than just that, we all thank him for his real commitment to the Sudanese people, and promoting confessional Lutheranism in Sudan. The work in Sudan was started by Rev. Rahn, under the assistance of the late Dr. Robert Preus, Board Chairman. In 1995, the LHF as a young institution decided to take upon itself the task of building another church. Again thanks to Rev. Rahn for introducing ELCS to Dr. Anssi Simojoki, and to the Board of Missions LCMS to join hands and support work in Sudan. His initial involvement made it possible for LCMS to come in and we thank them for their contribution towards the building of ELCS.

The report contained 10 points that not only summarizes their history but lays out needs. The LCMS World Mission has signed an operating agreement with the ELCS that follows their two-fold philosophy of planting churches and providing leadership training.

The agreement indicates the LCMS is there to "assist with the development of the ELCS managed leadership formation program." The ELCS Church Council has asked the LHF to assist in providing theological training and preliminary discussions have led the ELCS Church Council to the formation of Concordia Institute for the Holy Ministry. This will be a unique approach in providing pastoral training. It is hoped that a linkage can be established with Fort Wayne via the Westfield House in England. Dr. Simojoki is already gathering a team of potential visiting professors from Kenya, Tanzania, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and North America. Hebrew and Greek will be possibly obtained at the Catholic Seminary in Khartoum. This is a low cost approach and will be instituted immediately so that critical pastoral personnel can be provided. Those men showing exceptional talent will be encouraged to receive advanced degrees in preparation for teaching at the Institute.

The Institute will be housed in the office complex the LHF leased four years ago and currently is leased in a joint venture with the LCMS.

I Was There for the ribbon cutting ceremony opening the St. Paul Clinic within the office compound. Two rooms were customized for use by a doctor and nurse. With the help of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chesterton, IN, the local AAL Branch and the Valparaiso LWML Zone, and LHF matching funds, the clinic was opened with a full-time nurse and doctor. As reported earlier, Muslim clinics expect Christians to convert prior to receiving help. The spirit of Christ can now be demonstrated through the help open to all in the St. Paul Clinic.

During meetings with the Council it was announced one day that the World Mission was opening an office in Nairobi. The next day it was announced the Rev. John Duitsman would occupy the office. Andrew questioned its workability if in fact the office would be responsible for work in Northern Sudan. I asked if it might have been less expensive for some kind of joint office and having Dr. Simojoki and Rev. Dachi providing some of the leadership. I have asked Dr. Simojoki to write a document describing our past, present, and future work in Africa. Dr. Buckman responded to my stated concern that all adjustments in the Sudan operation will have to be made on the part of the LHF and that time will be needed to make sure we are seen as partners, not competitors. There are some events we have scheduled in February that would be considered leadership training. We were assured that the agreement with the ELCS has flexibility.

At the meeting on Wednesday we were told that a meeting was being held on the same day in New Jersey with the Sudanese Mission Society and Rev. Duitsman was asked to attend that meeting while Buckman and Greinke came to Sudan. No word was given as to the work the World Mission intended in Southern Sudan and the Nuer people. Dr. Simojoki is visiting the Nuer service in Nairobi and the camp in Kakuma. We were told that the office in Nairobi represents a change in mission philosophy. This will be the beginning of decentralization whereby more Executives are stationed in regions and thereby have a better handle on matters. Since returning from Sudan we have met with a Nuer group in Marshalltown, IA and we have agreed to publish Luther's Small Catechism.

The Sudanese government was very interested in Our Being There. We were invited to meet with Hassan Osman Dahawi, State Minister of Social Planning. He was most eager to give us the full police escort to the pharmaceutical plant bombed by President Clinton. They wanted us to see the debris and see for ourselves that this was not a nerve gas plant. They are waiting for the UN to come to confirm that the US made a grave error.

We were then whisked through the city once again and taken to the Sudanese Parliament to have an audience with the Speaker of the Parliament, Dr. Hassan Abdullah El Turabi. In both cases we were first given almost an hour of what I call propaganda. In essence, their theme was "there are no problems in Sudan," most stories are contrived by news media. In a meeting with Ahmed AbdAl Rahman Mohamed, the General Secretary of the Council For International Peoples' Friendship, along with several other clergy, our questions about religious persecution were neatly skirted.

On our return to America an editorial in the International Herald Tribune had a title: "Sudan Must End Its Brutal War Against Civilians." They accuse Sudan of engaging in a "charm campaign." I think that is what we experienced. I Was There in some of the highest offices in the land. Perhaps it was good that in our company was Dr. David Adams, from the LCMS Government Office in Washington, D.C. It was interesting to see their reaction when he introduced himself.

You have permission to duplicate, edit, and use this report as you see fit.

The ordination of the Rev. Andrew Mbugo Elisa as Pastor, Founder, Bishop, President, of the ELCS follows in Part II.

Rev. Robert L. Rahn

LHF Executive Director

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