New Opportunities — Lutheran Bible Translators

 7 February 2015

 There is tremendous new opportunity for Lutheran Bible Translators in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Dr Mike Rodewald, executive director and Rev. Rich Rudowske, Director of International Programs are spending two weeks connecting with leaders of the two largest Lutheran church bodies in Africa. Lutheran Bible Translators, a recognized service organization of the LCMS, was founded 50 years ago through the vision of a Lutheran missionary who had to leave Nigeria for the health of his family. In the last fifty years, LBT missionaries and partners have translated 40 NT and/or complete Bibles reaching an estimated seven million people with God's Word through their own language.

 

Dr. Jim Kaiser, LBT translation consultant arrived in Ethiopia three weeks ago to serve as consultant to five translation projects being accomplished by the EECMY and other partners in southwest Ethiopia. EECMY leaders have formed a translation board to advise and lead the church's efforts in translation.

   

 Dr. Albert Collver of the LCMS Office of International Mission (OIM), Dr. Mike Rodewald and Rev. Rich  Rudowske of LBT, discuss areas of cooperation and networking strategy as both organizations seek to work in Ethiopia with the EECMY for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel. They are looking at a Ge'ez document titled, "Aleqa Meseret Sebhat LeAb" which teaches the doctrine of justification by faith and helped lay the foundation of the EECMY at the beginning of the 20th century. It will soon be translated into Amharic and English. The LCMS mission department and Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT) have had a long standing relationship where LCMS rostered workers are called by the Synod and seconded to LBT. Future opportunities in Ethiopia and elsewhere offer new avenues for cooperation.

 

The Ge'ez document "Aleqa Meseret Sebhat LeAb." Ethiopia has a history of Lutheran Bible translation efforts going back to the 17th century. Dr. Peter Heyling (1607-1652) in 1647 translated the Gospel of St. John from Ge'ez (pictured above) into Amharic which was the language of the people.  In 1652, Dr. Heyling departed Ethiopia and while traveling was captured in Turkey. Faced with the choice of conversion to Islam or death, Peter Heyling did not deny Christ and was martyred for his faith. There is apparently a direct line from Peter Heyling to the founders of the EECMY. Peter Heyling's translation efforts in the 17th century helped give birth to the worlds largest Lutheran church in the 21st century with 7.2 million members.

To find out more about Lutheran Bible Translators, please visit lbt.org.

Dr. Baue's Doctrine / Confession Class at MYS

Dr. Fred Baue  Lecturing on the Lutheran Confessions

6 February 2015

"Our churches are falsely accused of abolishing the Mass. The Mass is held among us and celebrated with the highest reverence, " comes from the Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV, said Dr. Fred Baue to his class on the Lutheran Confessions. "What is the mass?," asked Dr. Baue, "The word is associated with the Roman Catholic church, but it simply means the chief Sunday service where the Lord's Supper is celebrated." Lutherans were falsely accused of abolishing the chief worship service in Martin Luther's day. "Today, we need to consider if the charge of abolishing the mass, or the chief worship of Christ applies to us today, particularly here in Ethiopia. You as leaders of the church need to evaluate this for yourselves." What ensued was an engaging lecture with excellent dialog in the class of about 36 people.

 

 Part of the lecture was a demonstration and practicum on how to not "abolish the mass" included  singing the opening versicles of Matins. The EECMY does not have Matins or Vespers as part of its liturgical tradition. The missionaries 90 some years ago translated the Divine Service with Holy Communion and a Service of the Word from German and Scandinavian languages into Amharic and Oromo, but they did not translate Matins or Vespers. When LCMS people began teaching on the campus of Mekane Yesus Seminary, they would hold a Matins service from time to time in the chapel. After seeing the service from the Lutheran Service Book a few times, the leadership asked if assistance could be given to put Matins into Amharic. The next EECMY hymnal revision may contain the order of Matins and Vespers. Dr. Baue is involved in bringing these services into Amharic by helping to put it in an Ethiopian context.

Dr. Baue's demonstration of the opening versicles of Matins, prompted a discussion on "contextualization" and a discussion about how to properly contextualize worship both in the 21st century and in Ethiopia. Dr. Baue explained that the music and the instruments need to be contextualized for a given people and location, but the basic forms and content should remain consistent. This brought about a discussion on Lutheran doctrine. One of the students raised his hand and said, "Lutheran doctrine is nothing other than Biblical doctrine. The teachings of the Lutheran church come directly from the Bible." Dr. Baue then asked, "What is pure doctrine?" as he began to draw on the chalk board.

The quality of the artwork aside, Dr. Baue illustrated "pure doctrine" with a glass of milk. He quoted 1 Peter 2:2, "long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." Christian teaching is spiritual milk by which we grow up to salvation. He asked how many flies would have to be in the glass of milk before you refused to drink the glass of milk? Nearly the entire class said, "No flies!" Dr. Baue explained that reason, philosophy, culture, even contextualization that take us away from the cross of Jesus are flies in the milk. He said the reason we study the Augsburg Confession is to help us keep flies out of the milk. The class remained engaged in the lecture to the point of nearly forgetting to take a coffee break. At the end appreciation was expressed for the lecture. Dr. Baue will remain teaching for several months.

For the past two years, the LCMS has been actively assisting in the masters level theology program at Mekane Yesus Seminary (MYS). Support for the program includes scholarships, curriculum assistance, and instructors. Presently, there are about 65 students enrolled in the masters program. The master degree students are or will become Synod leaders and instructors at Bible schools and regional seminaries. Those who teach at the MYS seminary frequently study abroad, increasingly at LCMS seminaries. Funding for the MA student scholarships, for the instructors who teach at the Mekane Yesus Seminary (MYS), and scholarships to study at LCMS seminaries is provided by the Global Seminary Initiative (GSI). To see the opportunities the Global Seminary Initiative is meeting please visit: http://www.lcms.org/makeagift/gsi

Opportunities in Africa (Ethiopia) for Theological Education (GSI)

Opportunities in Africa (Ethiopia in this case) abound for theological education. Opportunities exist both for a person who wants to travel overseas to teach a class and for students who are taught at a local insinuation or who receive a scholarship to study at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, or Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis. 

The video highlights how the Global Seminary Initiative (GSI) is helping connect qualified volunteers with teaching opportunities overseas and students with opportunities to study locally or possibility at an LCMS seminary. Two students are interviewed: a future deaconess who has been accepted to Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne and a PhD student who has been accepted for study at Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis. Two instructors are interviewed about their experience at Mekane Yesus Seminary. Finally, Rev. Shauen Trump, Area Director for East Africa, speaks about how theological education is the single largest request he receives in Africa.

For more information about the Global Seminary Initiative please visit: http://www.lcms.org/makeagift/gsi

Latvia Guest in Regional Directors Meeting at CPH

Pictured (left to right): Rev. Tony Booker — Eurasia Regional Director, Deaconess Grace Rao — Director of Deaconess Ministry, Rev. Andris Kraulins — Board Member from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, and Rev. Dr. Albert B. Collver — Director of Church Relations / Regional Operations.

During the Regional Directors' meeting held at Concordia Publishing House, Rev. Andris Kraulins visited from Latvia and met with the regional directors, in particular Rev. Tony Booker, Eurasia Regional Director.

Rev. Andris Kraulins a board member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, an LCMS partner church, and dean (circuit counselor) of the district of Jurmala visiting LCMS international center, St. Louis, January 25-27. Rev. Kraulins, who studied theology at Luther Academy, gave a presentation at IC, discussed the conservative church of Latvia in times of challenge. The presentation was informative and interesting and the audience received it well. At IC he was able to meet and have a brief talk with Rev. Bart Day, interim chief missions officer, Rev. Dr. Ray Hartwig, secretary of the synod, Rev. Larry Vogel of CTCR, associated executive director of CTCR. Later he was interviewed by KFUO, followed by a visit to CPH, where he was invited by Rev. Dr. Albert Collver, director of church relations, and assistant to the president to meet all the regional directors of office of international mission. Here too, Rev. Kraulins talked about the Latvian church its structure and the challenges. Also, he brought the greetings from Archbishop, and the congregation at large.

Prior to his visit, he was at CTSFW who participated at the Lenten workshop, and the exegetical symposia, Jan. 18-21. At the seminary he had an opportunity to meet Rev. Dr. Timothy Quill, Rev. Dr. Masaki and Rev. Dr. Detlev Shulz. Subsequently, he was invited by ONM to attend the Life Ministry Conference and participated in March for Life at Washington DC, Jan.21-24.

Rev. Kraulins is here to strengthen the church partnership and is interested in building the theological educational needs for pastors, and diaconal workers. LCMS welcomes Rev. Kraulins and looks forward to support and assist our Latvian partner church to reach out in mercy and compassion to those in need, motivated by Christ and His Gospel according to the Lutheran confession of the faith.

On Wednesday 28 January, the Regional Directors' meeting concluded with budget and strategic planning. After the conclusion of the Regional Directors' meeting, the RDs along with OIM staff attended the ALMA Conference on Thursday and Friday.

Concordia Publishing House hosted the Regional Directors' meeting. A special thanks to Dr. Bruce Kintz and the staff of CPH for providing the Regional Directors with one of the most productive and peaceful from hustle and bustle meetings that they have had in recent memory. The close relationships that the Regional Directors have forged with CPH and the partnership between CPH and OIM have been and continues to be a blessing for the international mission efforts of the church. We are looking forward to many other joint ventures in the future for the benefit of the mission field.

CPH Missionary Gift Registry Video

ntroducing the Concordia Publishing House Missionary Gift Registry, featuring Dr. Bruce Kintz - President and CEO of CPH, Rev. Theodore Krey - Regional Director of Latin America, Rev. Tony Booker - Regional Director of Eurasia, and Dr. Detlev Schultz - Dean of Graduate School and Director of Missiology Program at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne.

The CPH Missionary Gift Registry connects you with mission opportunities where CPH Products can assist LCMS Missionaries on the field. Check out CPH's Missionary Gift Registry.

https://www.cph.org/t-international-missions.aspx

The Biblical and Theological Foundations for Mission — Regional Directors’ Meeting

Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schultz Teaching "Biblical and Theological Foundations for Mission"

Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House

January 26-28, 2015

The Regional Directors, representing Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, gathered at Concordia Publishing House's Gerber Room for continuing education on missiology with Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schultz, Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Dr. Schultz serves as the Dean of the Graduate School and Director of the Ph.D. in Missiology program at the Fort Wayne Seminary. The Office of International Mission (OIM) and Concordia Theological Seminary have formed a partnership to provide advanced missiology training to LCMS missionaries. The initial pilot program began with the Regional Directors, even allowing them to take the classes for credit toward the Ph.D. in missiology. After the completion of the pilot project, LCMS missionaries will be able to take seven classes toward a "certificate in missiology."  Dr. Lawrence Rast, President of Concordia Theological Seminary, noted, "The partnership between the Office of International Mission (OIM)  and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, has been a model of collaboration for missionary training. OIM has significant human resources and missionary experience. CTSFW's expertise in missiology is undergirded by one of the premier Ph.D. programs in missiology in the world. Together, they are able to resource the church and its mission in ways beyond what either could do on its own."

At CPH, the Regional Directors are taking Module 2: Biblical and Theological Foundations for Mission. This particular course explores the historical genius and the theological discussion on the concept of missio Dei, the Lutheran contribution to that concept, the overall missiological direction of theology, and the relationship of church / congregation and mission." A significant portion of the class focused on the relationship between  church and congregations (modalities) and mission societies (sodalities). The class also examined and critiqued Alan Hirsch's apostolicity model (that apostolic leadership needs to be revived today in the church) from Ephesians 4:3. A portion of the class also discussed the relatively recent use of the term "missional" and how Lutheran theologians can contribute to the discussion. Dr. Schultz said of the class, "Coming together around the table as theologians and as missionaries, and then interacting with one another on theology and field experiences is how we can best further our mission for the future. We cannot forego reflection on mission just as much as we cannot abstain from practicing it."

Rev. Theodore Krey, Regional Director for Latin America, remarked, "Dr. Schultz's engaging lectures are challenging OIM's Regional directors to think through missiology and its centrality in the theology of the church. The goal of missions is through the Lord's Word to incorporate people into the body of Christ, which is to bring people into a worshiping community where they can receive the Lord's saving gifts." President Matthew Harrison joined the class for a time to see how the missionaries were receiving continuing education. President Harrison said to the Regional Directors, "I am proud of the work you are doing. Now is a unique moment in time for mission."

Dr. Bruce Kintz, President of Concordia Publishing House, also joined the sessions. He attended the first missiology class that Dr. Schultz taught in the Dominican Republic in October 2014. Dr. Kintz said, "I have heard many times how CPH resources remain long after LCMS missionaries move on to a new area. Getting to know the missionaries in the field has helped CPH create the resources missionaries need." Over the past year, the collaboration between OIM and CPH has increased dramatically. Kintz said, "Having been to one Regional Directors' meeting in the Dominican Republic, I felt compelled to invite the Regional Directors to CPH for their next meeting. They will be able to see first hand our materials, to see how our associates work together to create them and gain valuable input into the creation of additional resources."

In addition to the missiological continuing education, the Regional Directors will work on OIM's strategic plan and budgeting for the next year. The week concludes with the Regional Directors attending the ALMA meeting and the BIM meeting on Friday and Saturday.

(The Course Syllabus)

Module 2 Biblical Theological Foundations

Ethiopia — New Work in An Ancient Land

(Originally from: http://blogs.lcms.org/2015/new-work-in-an-ancient-land)
Ethiopia is a country with an ancient history and rich culture dating back to the Old Testament period. Some Bible versions translate Cush in Ezek. 29:10 as “Ethiopia,” and the Oromo, the largest of Ethiopia’s many tribes, is known as “Southern Cushite.”

Christianity has been in Ethiopia for nearly 2,000 years. It became the state religion in 330 A.D. when Archbishop Athanasius of Alexandria sent a bishop to Ethiopia, resulting in the birth of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and it remains the predominant religion to this day.

Lutherans are relative latecomers to this African nation—and the LCMS later still.

Lutheran contact with Ethiopia began in the 17th century with the arrival of Dr. Peter Heyling, a young missionary from Lübeck, Germany. Heyling practiced medicine while teaching Lutheran theology to the Ethiopian clergy. Echoing Luther’s work, he translated the Gospel of John and the liturgy into Amharic, the language of the people.

When Islam demanded his conversion, Heyling refused and was martyred. His teachings, however, survived in the Ethiopian desert for nearly 200 years. Once discovered, they laid a foundation for the work of Lutheran missionaries who came to Ethiopia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The missionaries — who were sent by Lutheran mission societies in Sweden, Germany, Norway, Finland, Denmark and the United States — planted a patchwork of independent churches that merged over 50 years ago to form the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY).

Mekane Yesus means “the dwelling place of Jesus.” It aptly describes this rapidly growing church body that is focused on ministering to the whole person with Christ’s gifts in Word and Sacrament.

The LCMS began regular contact with the EECMY in 2000, though informal connections occurred through individual students and professors of the EECMY in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

The EECMY, with its zeal for missions and revitalization of congregations, has grown significantly from a church of 20,000 members in 1959. Its membership will soon surpass 7 million.

Such rapid growth creates a tremendous need for pastors and provides a challenge for this young church body with a goal of training 10,000 pastors and evangelists in five years.

Because the LCMS has an international reputation for excellence in theological education and pastoral formation, the EECMY has asked the Missouri Synod to assist in helping train future professors who will teach at its central seminary, five regional seminaries and 40 Bible schools.

The Rev. Dr. Berhanu Ofgaa, the EECMY general secretary, says that the EECMY needs a strong Lutheran identity to remain faithful in light of the many challenges the church faces — challenges ranging from Islam to Pentecostalism to liberalism. This is a conviction shared by EECMY President Rev. Dr. Wakseyoum Idosa.

In November, an LCMS delegation led by the Rev. Dr. Albert B. Collver III, LCMS Director of Church Relations and Regional Operations, met with EECMY leaders to discuss and sign a revised working–partnership agreement. The agreement includes provision for theological education and support for Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa.

“Though differences remain,” said Collver, “the EECMY has a great respect for the LCMS’ commitment to the Holy Scriptures as the inerrant Word of God and to the Lutheran Confessions. At the same time, the LCMS can learn from the EECMY’s zeal for mission and revitalization of congregations.”

“The EECMY has a strong desire for confessional Lutheran Theology taught to the highest standards,” said the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha, provost at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. “By strengthening their graduate programs, pastors and professors of the EECMY will be built up in the Scriptures and Confessions … We are pleased to have several pastors from the EECMY already studying for advanced degrees here through the Global Seminary Initiative. They will return to Ethiopia to strengthen theological education there for the next generation.”

The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast Jr., president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., expanded on this, stating: “Students from the EECMY have benefited from educational opportunities at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS) in Fort Wayne for more than a decade now. At the same time, faculty from CTS have built deep and lasting relationships with Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa. Through this mutual interaction, we see God at work building and strengthening His church for a robust future.”

“There are great opportunities ahead for the LCMS and the EECMY as this relationship develops,” Collver said. “Thanks be to God for opening this door. LCMS ministry leaders look forward to continuing this work together.”

The Rev. Dr. Albert B. Collver III, LCMS director of Church Relations and Regional Operations, and Deaconess Pamela J. Nielsen is associate executive director for LCMS Communications, contributed to this story.

New Work in an Ancient Land by brandy99

Mission Emphasis for January 2015

 The Christmas and Epiphany seasons in the church year are excellent times to remember the Synod's efforts to share the Incarnation, Nativity, Epiphany, Baptism, Death, Resurrection, Ascension of Jesus (see "The Litany" from LSB  pg. 288) with the entire world.  The 140 Synod International Missionaries (career and GEO missionaries) share the Gospel with those who haven't heard it before and work to strengthen Lutheran churches where they serve. Please remember them in your prayers.

January 2015 marks the Synod's Mission Emphasis. The link to the Synod's emphasis on International Mission includes link to bulletin inserts and other resources (including prayer cards for LCMS missionaries)  that can be used by Districts or congregations to increase awareness of international mission work and to support the Synod's missionaries and mission efforts around the world. The LCMS Reporter Insert for the month of January also features international mission work, as does the upcoming January Engage magazine.

With the Lord's help, the coming year looks very exciting for International Mission. Pray that the Lord of the Harvest send labors into his field.

 Rev. Albert B. Collver, Ph.D.
 Director of Church Relations / Regional Operations

From Tanzania To Kenya -- Meeting with Church Leaders

Yesterday, we began the drive back from Moshi, Tanzania, to Arusha, Tanzania, back to Nairobi, Kenya. The scenery changed from the foot hills of Kilimanjaro, to the Mara / Serengeti which was very dry, to the hills of Nairobi. 

In Arusha, Tanzania, we stopped at the Lutheran Centre, the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), to pay our respects to the leadership there, and to inform them that the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Lutheran Church of East Africa (LCEA) were in discussions with one another. Bishop Alex Malasusa was not in Arusha when we visited. In fact, he was headed to Moshi, from where we just came. In Moshi, we did have an opportunity to meet with Rev. Ambele Mwaipopo, who is in charge of Mission and Evangelism for the ELCT. Mwaipopo also is responsible for ecumenical dialogs. In Arusha, we met with Brighton Killewa, the Secretary General of the ELCT, pictured above with Dr. Albert Collver and Rev. Shauen Trump.

View along the highway between Tanzania and Kenya.

From the highway between Arusha and Nairobi, we saw a compound for Chinese road workers. For the past decade, China has been investing heavily in Africa, and building the infrastructure such as roads to make it easier to remove raw materials from Africa for shipment to China. Some Chinese men also see Africa as the solution to the shortage of marriageable women in China. The arrival of the Chinese in Africa has created a mixed response with Africans, tending toward the negative. When we asked Church leaders where Chinese people could be found, the answer given was “on their compound.” The people we spoke to indicated that the Chinese laborers typically had little to do with the Africans. The average term of service for a Chinese worker in Africa is between 18 and 24 months before returning home to China. We asked several African church leaders were regarding the possibility of evangelism outreach toward the Chinese. The responses varied but ranged from a giggle to sure anything is possible (if you can get on the compound). One church leader said that the Chinese in Africa, which are estimated to be between 750,000 and 1 million divided among several African nations, are not a primary focus right now. He said the real challenge is Islam.

Pictured above is a mosque on the highway between Nairobi, Kenya, and Arusha, Tanzania. Along one stretch of highway between Kenya and Tanzania, sometimes literally in the middle of no where, one can find a mosque. Many of these mosques are built along the highway on Maasai land. It is not clear if the mosques are even used. In some cases, we were told other than the guard, the mosque remains empty. However, the thought behind building mosques in these remote locations is that eventually they will serve people.

Back in Nairobi, Kenya, we met for lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden. Karen Blixen authored the book Out of Africa. It was quite a treat to visit this place made famous by the book and movie. For lunch, the Rev. John Halahke, General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya, joined us.

After lunch, Dr. Albert Collver, LCMS Director of Church Relations, presented Rev. John Halahke, General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya, with a Swahili Book of Concord. General Secretary Halahke said that he had heard about the Swahili Book of Concord but had not seen it until presented to him as a gift from the LCMS.

In the video above, Rev. John Halahke briefly speaks to the importance of the Swahili Book of Concord. The trip to Tanzania and Kenya was very good. We look forward to seeing the fruits of this trip. - Posted on 18 August 2012 by Rev. Dr. Albert Collver, LCMS Director of Church Relations

Worship – Liberia Day 3

Dr. Joel Lehenbauer stands outside Christ Assembly Evangelical Lutheran Church

This morning, 1 January 2012, we worshiped at Christ Assembly Evangelical Lutheran Church. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia (ELCL) was the result of a merger between four groups. Some of these groups originally had roots in the Church of God or in the Assemblies of God. The remnants of this history is sometimes detectable in the name of congregations such as "Christ Assembly" Evangelical Lutheran Church. Yet having originated in a more Pentecostal background, the ELCL has a good understanding of its dangers and incompatibility with Lutheran theology. One of the ELCL pastors explained, "Pentecostalism teaches that God will do something for you on the basis of what you do for God. This is animism using Christian vocabulary. As Lutherans, we teach that God blesses us not because of what we do for him, but because he loves us and has sent his Son for us." Nonetheless, the ELCL recognizes that elements from its Pentecostal background remain and require slow, patient teaching.

Note the email address says LCMS2

As seen from the pictures above, the ELCL strongly sees itself as connected to the LCMS. The ELCL liberally makes use of the LCMS cross on its buildings and bulletins. The ELCL refers to the Lutheran Worship hymnal as "our Lutheran Worship." The congregation loudly and boldly received the Apostles' Creed during the service. Although the Divine Service in Lutheran Worship serves as the foundation for the worship in the ELCL, it would not be accurate to say the service is like a typical LCMS service. Between sections of the liturgy, various choirs sing in the pattern of tribal chants. Some of the songs were recitations of Scripture with congregational response encouraging the choir or cantor to continue to tell the story. The only musical instruments required were the human voice and drums. Occasionally, the choir and congregation would break into a dance. After the song, the service would continue according to the liturgy.

A Choir that began dancing during one of the songs

The service bulletin is reproduced here:

ELCL Bulletin 1 Jan 2012

Pastor Washington N. Gate preached a sermon based on Luke 2:22 - 38, titled, "Jesus is the foundation of the church. Time to Name the boy born of the Virgin Mary." The sermon, delivered in about 45 minutes and interspersed with "Amens" and "Alleluias," in Liberian English went something like the following.

Pastor Washington N. Gate Preaching

The Law proscribed certain ceremonies – one of them was circumcision. Why was circumcision so important to the Jews? It was a sign that the Lord had saved the Jews, that the Lord had separated them from the Gentiles. It was a symbol of dedication and of salvation. It was a symbol of separation from idols. What was circumcision to the boy? It was the giving of his name. It was a putting of the boy into the Lord's family. Once the boy was circumcised, there was no turning back; he forever was identified as belonging to the Lord. Circumcision was required by the Law. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law.

Circumcision set people apart. It set people apart in their morals. People are watching you in your community to see how you live. You have been set apart in Jesus.

The new circumcision of God's people is Baptism. it is a circumcision of the heart by the Spirit of God. Salvation is by God through the death of Jesus. The Church is built on the foundation of Jesus, the name given to him not by man but from God.

At the naming of Jesus, the woman was purified. Purification came from the blood of animals. It is not the blood of animals that purifies us. The holy blood of Jesus purifies us. He is our priest. He entered the temple of God and shed not the blood of animals, but his own blood that makes us righteous. He used the blood of the Lamb of God to make us righteous. It is a gift.

Now we are clearly blessed by God because we stand on a firm foundation, Jesus. We are buy back, redeeming. The church belongs to God. Jesus redeemed us from the wrath of God, not with the blood of animals but with his own blood.

Simeon said, "Let us depart in peace. My eyes have seen your salvation." I assure you that Jesus is your salvation. Let's look at the name of Jesus and the name Christ. God himself selected the Name of Jesus. Jesus saves his people. Jesus is the only solid foundation.

Why is Jesus called Christ? Jesus is the anointed one. Jesus is anointed to be our prophet, priest, and king. Jesus is God. He is true man and was raised up as the true prophet, like Moses, but even better. As a prophet he proclaims and bears witness to the truth of God.

Who is a priest? A priest offers up intercession. All Old Testament priests are a shadow of Jesus. Jesus is God and our true high priest. Unlike Old Testament priests, Christ did not have to offer sacrifice for his own sin to enter into the holy of holies. Jesus had no sin. When he entered the holy of holies, Jesus did not offer up the blood of animals. Instead he offered up his own blood. He is the perfect atonement for our sin. The Old Testament sacrifice is a shadow of Jesus. It is like a check that is signed and put into the bank. Jesus, however, is the true treasure. Jesus is your treasure.

Who is a king? A king has power and authority. Jesus is the true King who has all the power and authority of God. Jesus is the true foundation.

Jesus was born, suffered, and died for you. If you do not believe this, you will remain under the wrath of God and die forever. You must believe for yourself that Jesus is the foundation of the church.

Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus is the Son of Man. He is called Emmanuel, the Lion of Judah. Jesus is your Lord and Savior. Amen.

________

The Celebration of Holy Communion

After the sermon and before the Liturgy for Holy Communion, Bishop Amos Bolay offered instruction on the Lord's Supper. He said something resembling the following:

The Lord is in the business of unity his church. One way he does this is by giving his Holy Body and Blood to those who believe his teaching and are baptized. If you do not come from one of our Lutheran congregations, we ask you to remain in your seats during the celebration of Holy Communion. We believe that Jesus gives his true body and blood in the Lord's Supper. It is his body and blood. The bread and the wine do not represent or symbolize body and blood. Jesus gives his body and blood. If you are not Lutheran, or if you are not baptized and repentent for your sins, we ask you to stay in your seats. St Paul warns against improperly eating and drinking the body and blood of Jesus; such improper eating and drinking leads to judgment. For those who believe Jesus' body and blood is forgiveness and life.

After Holy Communion and before the service continued, the pastors gathered at the front of the altar to consume the remaining body and blood of Jesus. 

In total, the service lasted about three and half hours.

Dr. Lehenbauer, Bishop Bolay, Dr. Collver

In the background between Bishop Bolay and Dr. Collver is the church's water pump.

Later in the day around the time of sunset, we drove up a hill that over looks the army barracks and the ocean.

The sunset.

– Rev. Dr. Albert B. Collver, Director of Church Relations
Posted 2 January 2011 in Monrovia, Liberia.

Fellowship Talks – Liberia Day 2

Representatives from the ELCL and the LCMS

On New Years Eve (31 December 2011), representatives from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Liberia and The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod met on the grounds of the UHP Evangelical Lutheran Church and School for fellowship discussions. Before fellowship discussions began, children from the UHP Evangelical Lutheran School greeted the LCMS visitation team.

The UHP Evangelical Lutheran School Class President

Notice that the school uniforms are yellow and green. In Liberia, the color of the school uniform identifies the church confession. All Lutherans in Liberia use yellow and green. Even the buildings are painted yellow and green. The Methodists use blue and white for their uniforms.

UHP Evangelical Lutheran School

The construction of the UHP Evangelical Lutheran School building was a partnership between the LCMS Concordia Missouri Circuit and the UHP Evangelical Lutheran Church. Africa Regional Director, Dr. Michael Rodewald's father was instrumental in forging this partnership.

A School Girl Sits Near the Wisdom Board

The "wisdom board" reads in part, "If I had a formula for by passing trouble, I would not pass it round. Trouble creates a capacity to handle it. I don't embrace trouble. That is bad as treating it as an enemy. But I do say meet it as a friend, for you'll see a lot of it and had better be on speaking terms with it. Men of character find a special attractiveness in difficulties. For it is only through difficulties they discover their real potential."

Naomi Erber Poses with some Children

The ELCL has 16 Lutheran schools.

Dr. Collver with Bishop Amos Bolay in his WMLT Shirt

In October 2011, Bishop Amos Bolay travelled to Saint Louis, MO, both to attend the LCMS International Disaster Conference, where he received his Witness, Mercy, Life Together shirt, and to request for formal fellowship discussions from President Harrison between the LCMS and the ELCL. In December 2011, the LCMS responded by sending Drs. Albert Collver, David Erber, Joel Lehenbauer, and Michael Rodewald to Liberia for fellowship discussions.

At the 31 December 2011 meeting, Bishop Bolay addressed the LCMS and the ELCL's executive committee and church council:

"We in Liberia feel we are a LCMS church. You ask why? You are the church that started us. You started Bible translation in Liberia. When the Liberian civil war broke out in 1989, many of our people fled to the surrounding nations for safety. There as refugees LCMS missionaries ministered to us. After the war ended and our people were able to return to Liberia, we formed congregations in Monrovia. A few years ago, we asked LCMS missionaries to ordain some of our pastoral candidates. We were told that LCMS missionaries could not conduct the ordinations because we were not LCMS. This hit us hard because we thought we were LCMS. It was an awakening for us and made us desire even more to join the LCMS in partnership. We later learned that the LCMS missionaries referred to us as "Liberian Lutheran groups." It is true that we were once four separate Lutheran groups but now we are one, united in the teaching of the Bible. We believe that the LCMS teaches the Bible correctly and holds to the Confessions. We want to have fellowship with the LCMS because we believe the same. If our teaching is not the same as the LCMS', we want it to be. If we aren't doing it well, it is because we need better teaching. Powerful nations come to Liberia and promote agendas that destroy families and do not hold to the morals of the Bible. The LCMS is in a position to help us bear witness to our nation. We desire fellowship with the LCMS and await your response."

After Bishop Bolay finished his address, the entire room broke into applause. The moderator turned and addressed the LCMS delegation saying, "We await your response to our request for fellowship." This led to a several hour conversation about Lutheran doctrine, fellowship, and the LCMS' policies and procedures related to fellowship. There also was a period of Q&A where people from each church body could ask questions. The meeting ended with hope for the New Year.

Dr. David Erber, West Africa Area Facilitator

Fellowship is not made or created by the church, but recognized as a gift that the Lord bestows upon his church. Fellowship is recognized between church bodies. Drs. Collver and Lehenbauer will prepare a visitation report for the CTCR at its next meeting in April 2012. 

The procedure for fellowship is explained in Bylaw 3.9.5.2.2c in the 2010 Handbook:

"When a small, formative, emerging confessional Lutheran church body (identified as such by the President of the Synod as chief ecumenical officer) requests recognition of altar and pulpit fellowship with the Synod, and after consultation with the Praesidium and approval by the commission, such recognition may be declared by the President of the Synod subject to the endorsement of the subsequent Synod convention."

The remaining days of the visitation teams time in Liberia will be spent observing worship, becoming more acquainted with the people of the ELCL, and engaging in more conversation. As I write this, it is the wee hours of the New Year, 1 January 2012. Below are a few pictures from Liberia.

The signs of businesses always are interesting in Africa. The sign above reads, "Divine Glory Electronic Workshop."

Along the road in Monrovia.

Great beauty on the coast.

– Rev. Dr. Albert B. Collver, Director of Church Relations.
Posted 1 January 2012 from Monrovia, Liberia.

The Role of Theological Education in Missions

Dr. Timothy Quill Discusses Global Theological Education

In the short video clip below, Rev. Dr. Timothy Quill speaks on the role of theological education in global missions at the LCMS Missionary Orientation held in July 2011. He notes the key role that theological education plays in the goal of Lutheran Mission leading to Lutheran Congregations, and its reverse, Lutheran Congregations do Lutheran Mission. As Dr. Quill notes, since Dr. Luther taught at Wittenberg University, Lutherans have been known for theological education.

1856 Ordination Rite Translation

1856 Ordination Rite Translation

Translator’s Note:

The text below is a translation of the German Church-Agenda for the Evangelical Lutheran Church Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other states.

Kirchen-Agende für Evangelisch-Lutherische Gemeinden. (St. Louis: Druckerei der Deutschen Ev. Luth. Synod, 1856).

The ordination rite is taken from pages 171 – 176 of the aforementioned book. The numbers appearing in brackets [ ] correspond to the original page numbering of the Kirchen-Agende.

The aforementioned Kirchen-Agende was translated into English in 1881; however, the translation omitted several parts including the ordination rite translated in this document.

Church Liturgy for Evangelical Lutheran Congregations. (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1881).

 Albert B. Collver, III
1998 Epiphany 5

Ordination

The ordainer steps with his assistant to the altar. On the steps of the altar stands the one to be ordained. At the conclusion of the song, the ordainer and his assistant turn around facing toward the one to be ordained and the first one says:

Our Lord Jesus Christ said after his resurrection to his disciples (John 20): “Peace be with you! Just as the Father sent me, also I am sending you. And when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive now the Holy Spirit! Whomever’s sin you remit, it will be remitted to him and whosoever you retain, to that one it will be retained.”

And later before his Ascension he said to them (Matt 28): “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go there and teach all peoples and baptize them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to hold all, which I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world.”

And after he ascended above all heavens, so that he fulfilled all things, he appointed some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as shepherds and teachers, that the saints would be prepared, for the work of the Office, so the body of Christ will be built up. (Eph. 4:11ff.)

Therefore the office, which preaches reconciliation, is setup by the Lord himself. The office is of the Spirit, who judges the living and the dead. The office of the New Testament is not held by one who is fit of himself, but he who is fit is [fit] because of God. They are ambassadors in the stead of Christ, God admonishes through them, and they bear God’s office full of exuberant clarity. (2. Cor. 3:5)

Therefore you ought also to adorn it in all respects, as St. Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus. For a bishop should be blameless, a man of one wife, who has believing, obedient children with all respectability, who administers his own house well (but if someone does not know how to administer his own house, how will he provide for the congregation of God?). [172] [A bishop ought be] not stubborn, not angry, sober, moderate, not a wine swiller, not a braggart, not dishonest working with his hands, virtuous, pure, chaste, just, holy, hospitable, kind, not a brawler, not avarice, gentle, not a novice, so that he does not puff himself up and fall into the judgment of the Blasphemer, apt to teach, because he holds on to the Word, which is certain and able to teach, so that he be able to exhort through the salutary teaching and to reprove the gainsayer. He must also have a good reputation from those who are outside, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Blasphemer’s trap. He should persist with the reading, with exhortation, with teaching and not disregard the gift, which was given to him through the prophecy with the laying on of the elder’s hands. He should wait, [and] contemplate, so that he will increase in all things manifest. He should have concern for himself and the teaching and remain steadfast in his task. For in whatever he does, he will bless himself and his hearers. – Most of all in the same way the holy Apostle in his exhortation to the elders called to Ephesus (Acts of the Apostles 20.) recently united, thus he said, “Thus, now take care of yourself and of the flock, which the Holy Spirit has appointed you under as bishop, to tend the congregation of God, which he purchased through his blood.”

All this makes plain for you, what a high and holy office this is, into which you were called, and that what the Apostle said is certainly true, “Whoever desires the office of bishop desires a wonderful work.”

Here the one to be ordained kneels down.

Therefore, I ask you now, beloved brother in the Lord Jesus Christ, before the eyes of God, our Lord Jesus Christ and his holy angels, also in the hearing of this congregation, whether you, after careful consideration are ready to take upon you this holy office, and according to the ability that God gives [unto you], to execute and administer [it] according to every pleasure of the Lord and Arch-Shepherd of this congregation?

Answer:

Yes, I am willing after earnest consideration for the holy office, which God has called me to be placed upon me; I solemnly vow and pledge before God and his congregation [173] according to the ability that God gives to execute and administer it according to every pleasure of the Lord, the Arch-Shepherd and Bishop of Souls.

The ordaining pastor continues:

But do you also confess that you are obliged to carry out in accordance with his office, in the three chief Creeds of the church, the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian, as in the unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology, the Smalcald Articles, both catechisms of Luther and the Formula of Concord are found a pure and correct explanation and exposition of God’s Word and Will? And are you willing to execute on account of this your office according to these confessional writings of our holy church and to do this to your death?

Answer:

Yes, I confess the three chief Creeds, the unaltered Augsburg Confession, the Apology, the Smalcald Articles, both catechisms of Luther and the Formula of Concord as the pure, correct explanation and exposition of the divine Word and Will; I confess the same as my own confession and intend to perform my office until my death truly and diligently in the same way. May God strengthen me through his Holy Spirit! Amen.

The ordaining minister speaks again:

Upon this your promise before God and us, we ask God, the Father of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ, the one Lord of the harvest, that he, who called you to his Office, make you able through his Holy Spirit. May he grant, that you give no one offense, lest in this way the office is slandered, but demonstrate yourself in all things as a servant of God, in great patience, in afflictions, in needs, in anxieties, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in work, in watching, in fasting, in chastity, in knowledge, in long-suffering, in friendliness, in the Holy Spirit, in pure love, in the Word of Truth, in the power of God, through the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left hand, through honor and dishonor, through malicious rumors and good rumors, as a seducer and yet truthful, regarded as unknown and yet known, as dying and behold, you live, as beaten, and not yet killed, as [174] a mourner, but at all times cheerful, as poor, but making many rich, as having nothing, but yet having all things. (2 Cor. 6.) The Lord gave you, therefore, to endure and to do the work of an evangelistic preacher, that you may be able to appear on that great day before the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give a common answer, to the strict and just judge of the living and the dead, to receive praise and honor out of his hand and to shine as the heavenly splendor and as the stars forever and ever!

Next the assisting ministers lay hands on [him] and each speak a biblical wish.

Then the ordainer speaks again.

We consign you now through the imposition of our hands to the holy office of the Word and Sacraments of God, the Trinity, ordain and consecrate you to the service of the holy church in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit!

The other fellow ordaining ministers answer:

Amen. Amen.

Then all the ministers pray together:

Our Father … forever and ever! Amen.

The ordainer again:

Let us pray! Merciful God, heavenly Father, you have spoken to us through the mouth of your dear Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. “The harvest is great, but the workers are few – pray to the Lord of the harvest, that he send workers into the harvest.” By this your divine command we pray from the heart, that you would give abundantly this your servant together with us and everyone, whom you called to your office, your Holy Spirit, that we may spread your Gospel, continue truly and strongly against the Devil, World, and Flesh, in order that your Name be hallowed, your kingdom increase, your will be done. Put a stop also to all your enemies, who oppress your Name, destroy your kingdom, oppose your will, place a limit and end, and wherever your servants bear witness and work, distinguish your witness and the work of your hands to the glory of your most holy Name and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

[175]

The ordainer says to the ordained:

Thus lead and tend the flock of Christ, that you have been entrusted with, and watch [it] well, not under compulsion but willingly, not for the sake of vile gain, but from the bottom of your heart, not as one who rules over people, but become an example for the flock; that you may receive the unfading crown as an inheritance when the Arch-Shepherd appears. The Lord bless you from above and make you a blessing for many, that you may produce much fruit and your fruit remain for eternal life!

The ordained answers:

Amen.

Afterwards one sings: “Lord God, We Praise You …” or “Now Thank We All …”, whereupon the Holy Meal begins with the Words of Institution. The ministers accompany the newly ordained to the Table of the Lord.

__________

If an already ordained minister enters a new parish, allow the installation of him to proceed in the same manner, only that the conferring [of the office] not happen in general, but after answering the questions one of the following prayers beneath the laying on of hands is spoken, and after that: “Go Now To That Place …”

__________

Two Prayers

For use after the answering of the installation questions.

1.

Merciful God, heavenly Father, you who have fatherly comforted and promised us through your holy apostle Paul, that it is your good pleasure, O heavenly Lord and Father, to save all who believe through the foolish preaching of the crucified Christ. We pray from the bottom of our hearts, that you would bestow with Divine grace and grant and impart to this your servant, whom you have called to your Holy Preaching Office, your Holy Spirit. In the same way grant and impart strength to him against all trials of the Devil and make him wise and able to lead, your costly bought sheep with your salutary and true Word according to your divine will to the praise and glory of your Holy Name, through Jesus Christ! Amen.

[176]

2.

O Lord Jesus Christ, you the eternal Son of God who sits on high at the right hand of your heavenly Father, give gifts to the men on earth and send them shepherds and teachers, that Holy men be prepared for the work of the office and the building of your spiritual Body: we say from the heart to you praise, honor, thanks, that you have given your congregation once more a shepherd, and we pray that you would bestow your Divine grace to him and to us, that we may do what is due to you, to maintain faith and good conscience until death and obtain eternal life with all the elect. Amen.

The assisting minister receives a kind of ordination, as pastor, each case with respect to the congregation, whom he should serve chiefly, and where possible in their midst.

On the day of ordination or installation, the new pastor does not preach, but his entrance speech follows on the immediate following Sunday.

__________

The Lord bless you and keep you!

The Lord illuminate his face upon you and be gracious to you!

The Lord lift up his continence upon you and give you peace. Amen.

Originally posted on Logia's Blogia  (click here for original link).

__________

Original German Below.

Ordination 1856 MA German