Tanzania

Nov/Dec 2021

January 22, 2022 | Todd Ohlmann

Missionary Ohlmann visited Tanzania for one month in November and December of 2021. While in Tanzania he was able to attend and participate in the first graduation service of the Wittenberg Lutheran Theological Seminary. Five students graduated and were ordained as pastors of the CLC-Tanzania. He also visited several congregations and preaching stations in the Arusha, Ruvu, Kilimanjaro, and Tanga Districts. A pastoral conference for the pastors and students of the CLC-TZ was also conducted at Moshi.

2020

November 6, 2020 | Todd Ohlmann

Missionary Ohlmann’s annual visit to Tanzania was canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Classes at Wartburg Lutheran Seminary were canceled for a short period of time due to Covid concerns but have since resumed in August. Much progress has been made on improvements to the seminary building, dormitory, and grounds with a grant from the CLC-MDF.

July 2019

| Todd Ohlmann

The 2019 CLC Mission Helper Trip to India was shifted to East Africa (Tanzania and Zambia). Five Mission Helpers spent three weeks working with the pastors and teachers of the CLC-TZ doing child evangelism.

https://2019clcmhteastafrica.blogspot.com/

 

January 2019

| Todd Ohlmann

Missionary Ohlmann spent two weeks in Tanzania. Along with Pastor Issangya and Mshana, he met with a group of independent pastor in Mwanza who are interested in joining the CLC-TZ. They spent two days discussing the doctrinal positions of the CLC and also visited three congregations. While in Arusha Missionary Ohlmann met with the faculty of the newly established Wartburg Lutheran Seminary to discuss curriculum, finances, prospective students, and class schedules. The seminary will begin classes with eight students in February.

Missionary Ohlmann also had the opportunity to visit an independently run orphanage near Arusha to discuss the possibility of future CLC-Kinship support.

Meetings were also held in Moshi with the pastors and lay-leaders of the CLC-TZ congregations in the Kilimanjaro district.

https://missionaryohlmann.blogspot.com/2019/01/finishing-up-in-tanzaniaon-to-zambia.html

July 2018

December 18, 2018 | Todd Ohlmann

Missionary Ohlmann and five CLC Mission Helpers visit Tanzania and conduct child evangelism in the four districts of the CLC-TZ. https://2018clcmhteastafrica.blogspot.com/

Missionary Ohlmann has a meeting with the leaders of the CLC-TZ to discuss their plans for the new seminary. Remodeling has begun on the church property where the classes will be held. A new toilet/wash room has been constructed for the students. A new addition has been added to the church building that will serve as the library and teacher’s office. And district congregations have all made commitments of food to provide meals for the students.

In Sept. 2018…the CLC Bd of Missions approved funding for text books and improvements to the student sleeping quarters. No on-going funding was approved.

January 2018

| Todd Ohlmann

Missionary Ohlmann visits Tanzania for three weeks. While in TZ he visits the Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Pare, and Tanga districts and conducts a pastoral training seminar in Arusha with 28 pastors. He also visits a congregation in Dar es Salaam that is interested in being a part of the CLC-TZ.

The leaders of the CLC-TZ present options for starting a new Wartburg Lutheran Theological Seminary at the local CLC-TZ congregation in Arusha. There is much planning and work to be done.

https://missionaryohlmann.blogspot.com/2018/01/sent-to-tanzania.html

https://missionaryohlmann.blogspot.com/2018/01/tanzania-january-2018.html

 

2005

April 5, 2013 | Matthew Ude

LCEA

Assessed work among Masai and others – Investigated how to better do the Seminary

October 27-November 1 – Mission Board members B. Naumann and L. Hansen with missionary held meetings with pastors, seminary students and teachers and visited several congregations.

October 31 – Twenty-five pastors and seminary students attended study conference.

Fourteen are enrolled in the seminary.

CLCEA

Organizing – Assessed work among the Masai – Tests to be given to all pastors.

One trip made in spring to Uganda by Pastors Jeremiah and Alex.

October 17-21 – Trip to Mbale and Kampala, Uganda by Pastors Jeremiah, Alex and Koenig and Charles to instruct and inform and assess.

October 26 – Four represented the CLCEA at Nairobi study conference and met with Mission Board representatives Naumann and Hansen.

October 27 – Seventeen pastors and others attended study and discussion with Mission Board members and missionary.

LCEA

Missionary present in November for visitation.

Some new pastors joined the LCEA.

Fourteen were enrolled at St. Peter’s.

2011

April 5, 2011 | Matthew Ude

TCLC Arusha (Sept.-Oct. 2011) – Missionary Michael Gurath, Russ Schmitt and Missionary Mayhew visited several Masai congregations west of Arusha, and spent 5 days teaching in the Arusha seminary. They also attended church at Pastor Jeremiah’s congregation in Usa River. Enrollment in the seminary is now up to 11.

TCLC Moshi (Sept.-Oct. 2011) – Missionary Michael Gurath, Russ Schmitt and Missionary Mayhew visited the seminary building and congregation in Himo. The ownership of the seminary building is still being disputed, but we pray this will be resolved soon so that we may continue the training of our men for the ministry in East Africa. The congregation at Himo was visited again, and we attended services at Machame. We also visited Marangu where we have several congregations. The Joint East African Pastoral Conference was held September 21-22 2011 in Moshi. The Moshi district currently numbers about 800 souls.

TCLC Tanga (Sept.-Oct. 2011) – Missionaries Gurath and Mayhew spent several days in the Tanga district. We attended church on Sunday at one congregation, and spent two days in a Pastoral Conference with the pastors of the Tanga district. We reviewed the Biblical teachings presented in Luther’s Small Catechism, and distributed copies to the pastors.

2010

September 5, 2010 | Matthew Ude

TCLC – Arusha (Aug.-Sept. 2010) – At the CLC East African Pastoral Conference in Kisii, Kenya a reorganization took place which divided our churches into three districts. One district was the TCLC – Arusha under the leadership of Pastor Jeremiah Issangya. Mission Board Chairman Todd Ohlmann, Russ Schmitt, Stephen Mayhew, Pastor Michael Gurath and Missionary Mayhew visited congregations of the Arusha district and conducted a seminar for district leaders. Books were brought for the seminary and a meeting took place with the faculty. The souls of the newly formed Arusha district number around 900.

TCLC – Moshi (Aug.-Sept. 2010) – A second Tanzanian district was formed in the Moshi area under the leadership of Pastor Ebenezer Malyi. Two congregations which have been greatly affected by the defection of Pastor Angowi from the CLC were visited. Both the Machame and Himo congregations have left the LCEA and have joined the TCLC – Moshi district. It was a joy to be able to visit these congregations and encourage them in their faithfulness to God’s Word. The Moshi district numbers about 1400 souls.

TCLC – Tanga (Aug.-Sept. 2010) – The third district in Tanzania is the Tanga district which is under the leadership of Pastor Michael Gondwe. Pastors Ohlmann, Gurath and Mayhew spent two days visiting congregations in the hills around Tanga, and put on a one day seminar for the pastors of the Tanga district. There is a great deal of work going on in this district which is very exciting. There are currently about 1000 souls in the Tanga district.

2009

April 5, 2009 | Matthew Ude

LCEA (April-Sept. 2009) – It was discovered that Pastor Angowi had entered into fellowship discussions with another Lutheran church body. Correspondence was carried out with Pastor Angowi by Missionary Mayhew and the CLC Mission Board to try to resolve the situation.

LCEA (Oct.-Nov. 2009) – During his yearly visitation Missionary Mayhew seeks to meet with Pastor Angowi face to face to discuss events of the past six months. Finally the Missionary meets with Pastor Angowi. Angowi plans to work with another church body, bringing a break in fellowship between the LCEA and the CLC. This break in fellowship was formally declared by CLC President John Schierenbeck in February 2010. Missionary Mayhew, Mission Board Member Larry Hansen and Russ Schmitt met with other leaders of the LCEA who were not in agreement with Pastor Angowi and who agreed to remain with the CLC.

CLCEA (Oct.-Nov. 2009) – Missionary Mayhew, Mission Board Member Larry Hansen and Russ Schmitt visited congregations among the Masai and conducted a conference for pastors and teachers in Arusha. Because of the Himo seminary was in question, meetings were held with pastors of the CLCEA to organize a temporary seminary program until the Himo seminary could be restarted. Eight students (some who had previously been enrolled at Himo) were prepared to begin studies.

2008

November 5, 2008 | Matthew Ude

LCEA (Oct.-Nov. 2008) – A visitation was made in October and November by Mission Board Chairman Bruce Naumann, Russ Schmitt and Missionary Mayhew. Pastor Naumann and Missionary Mayhew spent 6 days teaching in the seminary and participated in the Graduation of the first class from St. Peter’s Seminary in Himo. Eight men were graduated from a five year program. A seminar was also conducted in Moshi with pastors, leaders and seminary students.

CLCEA (Oct.-Nov. 2008) – Mission Board Chairman Bruce Naumann, Russ Schmitt and Missionary Mayhew made a visitation of several churches of the CLCEA in October and November. A seminar was conducted in Arusha for pastors and Sunday School teachers.

2007

April 5, 2007 | Matthew Ude

LCEA

A visitation was carried out in Nov. by Larry Hansen, Loren Hansen, Russ Schmitt, Pastor Mayhew and the missionary visiting, preaching teaching and helping to organize self-help projects. Pastoral conference was held Nov. 5th. Between Mayhew and Koenig several days were taught at the seminary.

CLCEA

A visitation was carried out in Oct.-Nov. by Larry Hansen, Loren Hansen, Russ Schmitt, Pastor Mayhew and the missionary in teaching, preaching and helping in various translation and self-help areas. The Joint East African Pastoral Conf. was held Oct. 30-31 at Arusha with 28 attending. A seminar was held in the Masai district on Nov. 26th. In four districts they now have 2332 souls served by 14 pastors and 19 evangelists.

2006

April 5, 2006 | Matthew Ude

CLCEA

Missionary present in November for visitation.

New work was started at two Masai stations in April and May.

Members attended the pastoral conference at Kisii Oct. 24-25th.

2004

April 5, 2004 | Matthew Ude

LCEA and CLCEA

Problems between two sections of our sister church resulted in another group being registered due to not being able to work together. With the missionary on the field in December, meetings and discussion were held toward a God-pleasing resolution. The LCEA has started serious work at Tanga and Dar es Salam. The CLCEA has also started work among the Masai with baptisms just as it has been with the LCEA. A rapprochement is beginning with two men going to St. Peter’s Seminary, God-willing, in February from the CLCEA. Both groups have gained members from the old large Lutheran church, ELCR.

LCEA has 9 pastors and various assistants and evangelists serving 793 members. St. Peter’s Seminary has 10 students.

CLCEA has 12 pastors and 7 assistants serving 819 members, including a station in Uganda.

November 2003

November 5, 2003 | Matthew Ude

The missionary visited, preaching and teaching in varioius settings. The Masai work continues being supported by the CLC especially in the Arusha area. Three new stations have been started: Mwakitau, Msitu wa Tembo, and Njoro.

May 2003

May 5, 2003 | Matthew Ude

The Seminary was started with nine students this first year, taught by five pastors with varying teaching loads. It was hoped that the subject matter could be caught up with as the normal school year starts in January. As it now stands, it is a three year seminary.

November 2002

November 5, 2002 | Matthew Ude

November 14-16, 2002
The first meeting of representatives of the Etago CLC, LCEA and ELCC was held in Uchira, Tanzania, hosted by the LCEA to enjoy fellowship, discuss the starting of the seminary, and to study God’s Word.

October 2002

October 5, 2002 | Matthew Ude

October 24-28, 2002

The missionary and Mission Helper, Tim Schreyer, met with Pastor Angowi and others to work on the beginning of the new seminary at Himo. It is prayed that the school might start early in 2003. The missionary and Tim Schreyer assessed needs at Himo.

October 27, 2002

The first seminar was held with the missionary and seven LCEA pastors. It is hoped that each year this can take place.

June 2002

June 5, 2002 | Matthew Ude

The CLC in convention declared itself to be in fellowship with the LCEA based on doctrinal discussions between the missionary and the officers of the LCEA after the LCEA appealed for fellowship to the CLC President.

May 2002

May 5, 2002 | Matthew Ude

Seven congregations were visited with three baptisms by the missionary. Discussions on doctrine and practice were held reinforcing what was discussed last time. They continue to desire fellowship with the CLC. They are doing work among the Masai tribe in the Rift Valley. The Muslims are also out there contending for men’s souls. Only 10% of the Masai believe in Christ. There was discussion on how to train their pastors and prospective pastors (ten men are waiting to train). They have 15 congregations with a little under 1000 members. In January of 2002 the LCEA numbered 737 souls in ten parishes.

January 2002

January 5, 2002 | Matthew Ude

A proposed doctrinal meeting with the LCEA with representatives from the CLC-USA was cancelled by the CLC. In a letter from the CLC President the LCEA was told “We apologize to you that we cannot come. A number of things have happened that indicate to us that now is not the time…Rev. Koenig will be coming to visit with you. He is asked to be the representative of the CLC, and and to report his recommendations.”

April-May 2000

June 5, 2000 | Matthew Ude

A several day meeting was held in Nairobi between Pastor Koenig and four pastors of the LCEA: Angowi, Issangya, Ukotu, and Massawe. Fourteen pamphlets and leaflets explaining our doctrinal position on a variety of subjects were presented by Pastor Koenig. The Tanzanians also presented a doctrinal paper. There was apparent agreement on all topics. They want to have fellowship with the CLC.

Initial Contact

April 5, 2000 | Matthew Ude

On April 4, 2000 Pastor Jesse Angowi sent his inquiry about the CLC to Prof. Pfeiffer at ILC.  Since the missionary was going to Kenya for meetings with the Etago people at the end of April, an email was sent to Pastor Angowi of the Lutheran Church of East Africa inviting him to come to the meetings at Nairobi, Kenya.  Due to God’s blessing of email and its speed, the meeting took place.  The LCEA had withdrawn from the large Lutheran church in Tanzania over its liberalism, the last straw being the ordination of women.  At the time of the meeting in Nairobi, their church was two and a half years old.  They are registered in Tanzania.