September 1986

The CLC’s first resident missionary arrived in Nigeria to take up the work. Pastor David Koenig, his wife and five children located at Efa Anyam, Etinan, Cross River State. The congregations and preaching stations numbering 12 were visited. Meeting after meeting was held concerning the split. In early 1987 the Ibeno group was clearly no

July 1986

The CLC in convention formally recognized that confessional fellowship existed between us and Pastor Bas and the Bharath Ev. Lutheran Church (BELC). As of this date the CLCI consisted of 22 pastors and 35 congregations representing about 2,800 souls. The BELC consisted of two pastors serving six congregations with approximately 300 souls.

November 1985

Visas were applied for to enter India. Different avenues to gain entrance were investigated but proved unworkable. The BoM decided to send the missionary to Nigeria.

January 1985

Calling a missionary to India began. Pastor David Koenig accepted the call. When it appeared that we would not be able to get the missionary into India, the Board of Missions decided to send the missionary to Nigeria instead.

January 1985

Calling of a missionary to India began. As developments proceeded that year, David Koenig accepted the call.

Late 1984

A Bible correspondence course, developed by Pastor Bertram Naumann, was advertised in several newspapers in India, with CLC laypeople then correcting the mailed worksheets. A Mr. V.S. Willard led many young people through the course in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

July 1984

The CLC Convention formally recognized that “the Holy Spirit has established fellowship between the CLC and the CLCI. With grateful hearts we praise His holy name…” The convention authorized the construction of an orphanage building to house 25-30 orphans. Though the cost eventually ran somewhat higher, the first estimate for land and building was $11,327.

January 1984

The situation within the Church was not improving due to several factors, one of which was that no resident missionary was present. A visitation team of Pastors Norbert Reim and David Koenig visited the remaining congregations and held discussions with the leaders. A split within the NCLC was manifest, both before and after the visitation

January 1984

A visitation team was sent ot India, consisting of Pastors Norbert Reim and David Koenig. They were to hold doctrinal discussions with Pastor Bas at Trivandrum and visit Pastor Benjamin and his people. Discussion disclosed an agreement on the teachings discussed and a willingness of Pastor Bas to continue in the Word.

April 1983

Based upon doctrinal agreement with V.S. Benjamin’s Church of the Lutheran Confession of India (CLCI), and with a prayer for a missionary to be sent, the BoM authorized the purchase of a Mission House in Nidubrolu at a cost of $9,500. The building was then used as a residence for Pastor Benjamin and as a

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