FIELD NOTES FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2026

Writing from Nairobi, Kenya February 18, 2026 Planting Lutheran Churches Early Childhood Center Children Take a Break in the Shade of a Church in Rwanda

The Lutheran radio program in Rwanda reaches across the nation. It started as churches were closed in 2020 and proved so popular that the church leadership continued the program after churches re-opened. The weekly program is supported by a grant from LCMS International Mission, one of many ways the LCMS walks with The Lutheran Mission in Africa - Synod of Thousand Hills (LMA-STH). We support the training of pastors in regional seminaries, the translation of Gospel-centered materials into local languages through Lutheran Heritage Foundation, the credentialing of pastors in online and intensive-format programs, the training of lay helpers and congregational officers, the purchase of land in urban locations, seminars on the Lutheran approach to reconciliation through the lens of Luther’s Small Catechism, and a sweeping effort to bring congregation buildings into compliance with updated building codes which now also require all religious facilities to include a social ministry like a school (photo above) or medical clinic.  Through these efforts, the clear and pure Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached and shared in Rwanda. This year, LCMS International Mission will launch a new way to support and engage with the LMA-STH. Through a FORO (forum), or Partner’s Consultation, we will coordinate a gathering of supporters and interested parties from the LCMS who are eager to walk together with the LMA-STH and with each other. The local church body hosts this annual gathering to share the current state of the church, their plans for the years ahead, and areas of opportunity or concern. Those who attend the FORO listen for ways they can plug in to the plans the Lord has entrusted to the leadership of the church, bringing personnel, experience, materials, or resources to collectively and collaboratively serve the efforts to plant Lutheran churches. The use of FOROs started many years ago in the LCMS International Mission Latin America and the Caribbean region. As the model of partnership gained traction, LCMS congregations, districts, and entities unified in their support of the church, doing more together than they could alone. Recognizing the success of these collaborations, the LCMS in convention directed LCMS International Mission to expand the use of FOROs across all regions.  The Africa region has FOROs supporting the formation of church planting pastors in South Africa at Lutheran Theological Seminary and supporting the church-planting efforts of The Confessional Lutheran Church—Malawi Synod. In the months ahead, we will coordinate the first FOROs in support of the churches in Rwanda and Eritrea. The FORO introduction plan extends more than five years, bringing FOROs to a few more church bodies each year.  Pray that together we can collaborate, cooperate, coordinate, and communicate through the FORO in support of the planting of Lutheran churches across the continent!  Trump Family Update The Trump Kids Enjoy Sunset on Safari - December 2025 Josiah (16) has a significant load of AP classes in his sophomore year of high school. He is currently working on his Scouting America Eagle Scout project proposal, supporting a primary school to establish a useable library. He plays basketball on the junior varsity team and is looking forward to a mountaineering camp this summer. Elijah (14) recovered from knee surgery last year and was able to swim on the swim team last season, medaling in the international school championships his first season. Unfortunately, he re-injured the same knee last month - although a slightly different injury - and went through surgery again. He is once again on crutches and in a knee brace as he begins the long process of recovery. Isaiah (12) has started middle school and crossed over from Cub Scouts to Scouting America. He ran cross country and is on the middle school basketball team. He loves ambushing his father with nerf guns at bedtime. Jeremiah (8) has continued to grow into his love of reading and - even though he is only in 3rd grade - joined the cross country club, running after school a couple days a week. Esther (4) has taken well to school after all these years of dropping off and picking up brothers. She maintains a good balance of playing princess/queen, being a mom to her stuffed animals, and engaging in rough-and-tumble play with her brothers and dad.  Krista has settled into her increased work hours and manages it well, still supporting the kid’s school, sports, and scout schedules along with the usual play-dates and other activities of the family. Shauen continues to lead the region and support the work of many Lutheran churches across Africa. His PhD dissertation proposal was approved and he is now in the midst of field research, visiting congregations with notably good stewardship to learn from them why they do what they do.  Praise the Lord for contentment, good health (and recovery from injury), success in studies, and joy in life. Little Bits and Bites LCMS President Matthew Harrison Leads a Tour of St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg With more than 35 relationships in 25 countries across Africa, there is always something going on. Rejoice with us in a few select items of note from 2025 that came to fruition through the financial support of LCMS donors just like you: Ethiopia - A new LCMS-funded missionary apartment building was dedicated at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa. This replaces missionary housing on campus that was condemned after recent flooding. Germany - LCMS President Matthew Harrison (photo above) co-hosted the LCMS International Mission’s Africa region continuing education program in Wittenberg, Germany, with Concordia Seminary St. Louis professor Stephen Pietsch.  Kenya - The LCMS Field Office hosted workshops for the half-dozen students completing their master’s degree theses for the Concordia Seminary St. Louis online Master of Arts in Theology program. As this initial proof-of-concept cohort completes their program, Concordia Seminary is working through the process to formalize the program and intake 15 new students from Africa as the next cohort. Tanzania - The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania’s SouthEast of Lake Victoria Diocese seminary campus was dedicated. This Book-of-Concord confessional Lutheran seminary is heavily supported by the LCMS with residential missionaries, infrastructure development, and block grants to supplement the operations. They did their second intake this year. Kenya - The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya dedicated the Chapel of the Cross at Matongo Seminary, built to accommodate the largest gatherings of the church and the first chapel purpose-built on campus. Tanzania - Two Congregation Connect partners (LCMS congregations committed long-term to partnership with a church body/congregation) made visits to The Lutheran Church of East Africa to support the church in evangelism and training in areas of recent expansion of the church. South Africa - Lutheran Theological Seminary in Pretoria hosted their first FORO/Partner’s Consultation, coordinated by LCMS International Mission. Kenya - The Evanglical Lutheran Church in Kenya hosted an Africa Luther Academy conference on exegesis and preaching with hundreds of their pastors in attendance and special guests from Lutheran churches across the continent.  Shauen Visits a Pastor and His Congregation in Mzuzu, Malawi Malawi - The Confessional Lutheran Church-Malawi Synod hosted their first FORO/Partner’s Consultation, coordinated by LCMS International Mission. Rwanda - The Lutheran Mission in Africa - Synod of Thousand Hills celebrated their ten year anniversary as a church body, preceded by a mission training center course with a guest lecturer from the SouthEast of Lake Victoria Diocese seminary in Tanzania. Zambia - The Lutheran Evangelical Church in Africa hosted an Africa Luther Academy program for continuing education of their church workers. Madagascar - The Malagasy Lutheran Church provided training, training materials, and resources like bed nets to promote proven techniques to fight malaria. Tanzania - Missionaries Rev. Michael and Shanna Hageman accepted calls to serve in support of the SouthEast of Lake Victoria Diocese seminary in Tanzania. Kenya - Missionary Kaelin Peralta accepted a call to serve as a Communication Specialist out of the Africa Field Office in Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya - Alliance Missionary Rev. Kalle Väätäinen and his family from the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese in Finland moved forward in an assignment to LCMS International Mission to teach at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya’s Matongo Lutheran Theological College (Seminary). Africa - Building on the success of a small group of pastors working through the online bachelor of theology program with Riga Luther Academy, 12 new students from across the continent were accepted for studies and have completed their first semester. Over the next three years, 36 additional scholarship slots will be offered, providing openings for almost every church body we work with to send candidates to study towards a bachelor’s degree, qualifying them to teach in certificate-level seminary programs in their own countries. Africa - Arrangements have been initiated for the inaugural Africa Confessional Lutheran Bishop’s Conference in 2026, marking the first time delegates from all our partner church bodies will gather together. Photos in Focus Prayer Requests For the churches in Rwanda as they remain closed under new government regulations - that worshipping communities may meet the requirements and re-open for worship For the new FOROs in support of the churches in Rwanda and Eritrea.  For Elijah's recovery from arthroscopic surgery on his knee - that he may experience full and quick healing, regain strength, and return to his active life with vigor For Shauen in his role as regional director and the missionaries, projects, and relationships he oversees for the church - that the Lord would grant him wisdom, discernment, patience, and tact in the work put before him For Krista as she supports the mission while still balancing the amazing work of mother and spouse For Shauen in the final stage of his PhD program - that the research may be captivating and that the writing would flow In Praise For the planting of Lutheran Churches across Africa and the LCMS's ability to support those endeavors For the LCMS Africa team and their continued dedication and commitment to the work of the church For our missionaries in the Alliance Project who join our team from the LCMS's sister church in Brazil and soon Finland For new missionaries to Africa - soon arriving in Tanzania and Kenya For the ability to receive good medical care and physical therapy in Nairobi for Elijah For the LCMS's faithful and generous support of missionaries and mission opportunities  For Shauen's approved Dissertation Proposal for his PhD and for the proximity of a conclusion to his studies Financial Support Give Now through the LCMS Website Give Now through the Mission Central Website To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the Give Now buttons above or online at https://www.LCMS.org/trump or https://missioncentral.us/trump/  OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

Contact Us (correspondence ONLY - no checks) Shauen & Krista Trump PO Box 22 Karen 00502 KENYA Shauen.Trump@LCMS.org Krista.Trump@LCMS.org TheTrumps.org LCMS.org/Trump Share Tweet Forward Copyright © 2026 Rev. Shauen and Krista Trump, All rights reserved.

Field Notes for June 5th, 2025

Writing from Baring, Washington June 5, 2025 A Brief Re-Introduction If you happen to look back to find when our last newsletter was sent out, you'll see the title article mentioned a year of changes - a new baby (Esther), a new position (regional director), and new ministries (radio programs as COVID lockdowns continued). In many ways we had no idea how much would change or how hard it would be to balance the additional responsibilities. This catch-up issue of Field Notes will bring you up to speed on some of the amazing things God has been doing in Africa - and in our family - since our last newsletter. Thank you for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support!  Planting Lutheran Churches The New Church Building for Namitembo Lutheran Church in Malawi

Across Africa, Lutheran churches continue to be planted at astounding rates. Many of them are planted in unplanned, organic ways: a Lutheran moves to a new location where there isn't a Lutheran church, so he starts one on his front porch; a traveler visits extended family who worship at a Lutheran church and attends worship with them, returning home and planting a congregation; Lutheran refugees start congregations in their refugee camps and settlements and other refugees attend, planting Lutheran churches when they return home. In other cases, the local church body intentionally and strategically identifies a location and endeavors to spread the Gospel in that community to plant a Lutheran church: a new graduate from the seminary is assigned to an urban area without a Lutheran church for his time of probation (vicarage) before ordination; an evangelist is sent by the church to a new town and establishes a congregation from which outreach can be done across the area. New congregations spring up, occasionally surprising church leaders as they reach out to the local Lutheran church body requesting a pastor, visitation, training, Sunday School programming, new member curriculum, hymnals, and assistance building their worship structure. Although often small, these communities of the faithful gather around the Word and the Sacraments across the continent. The LCMS supports the local church body in their responses and resourcing of newly planted Lutheran churches through fervent prayer, the training of pastors, grants to purchase land for a new congregation or put a tin roof onto a new church building, church worker conferences, translation work through Lutheran Heritage Foundation, providing training materials for lay helpers in congregations, and supporting the training of church leaders in the left-hand-kingdom management of resources and personnel. Praise the Lord for the work of the Holy Spirit and the planting of Lutheran Churches in Africa!   Trump Family Update The Trump Family - Spring 2025 The Trump family continues to thrive in the joys and even in the midst of the challenges of this missionary life in Africa. Nairobi, Kenya continues to be our home as it has for the last 15 years. Josiah is now 15 years old and has just wrapped up his freshman year of high school. He was active this year in cross country running, basketball, volleyball, and scouts and is intently keeping grades up and his schedule full with an eye towards college. Elijah is now 13 years old and is excited to enter 8th grade in the fall. His sports included soccer but after the season a knee injury and subsequent arthroscopic surgery put him onto the team manager's bench for swimming and water polo. He is also active in scouts and right behind Josiah in advancements. Isaiah is 11 years old and will enter 6th grade - middle school - in the fall. He attained the highest recognition in Cub Scouts - Arrow of Light - and joined his older brothers in the troop. Jeremiah is a joyful and exuberant 8 years old, an avid reader with an active imagination, enjoying playing games according to his own rules which change throughout the game. Esther is now 4 years old, adorably cute, and looking forward to joining school with her brothers in the fall. She loves the color pink, pretty things, dinosaurs, and hot wheels cars. Krista is preparing to not have a small child at home for the first time in 15 years by increasing her work hours with the mission to meet our desperate need. She enjoys reading, keeping active and fit, and serving as the family travel agent and manages (although perhaps doesn't enjoy) getting all the kids to all their weekend activities. Shauen continues to enjoy the work that the church has put before him - with its many opportunities and challenges. He travels extensively on and off-continent and is grateful to be able to see the result of years-long projects starting to bear fruit. He has passed his comprehensive examinations for his PhD program in Intercultural Studies and is finalizing his dissertation proposal. Our life is rich and full and we continue to firmly believe that the church has put us in the right place at the right time and given us the right support to maximize our impact for the mission of the church, see the blessings of our assignment, and watch our family grow and thrive. Praise the Lord for His great provision and protection as we serve the church in Africa. Trump Family Home Service 2025 The Trump Family - Recovering from Jet Lag by Hiking This summer we are privileged to be able to visit the United States as a family for a brief 2025 home service. We are focusing on the Pacific Northwest - from Western Washington to Northern California, to Idaho, followed by a brief visit to our doctor's offices in Wisconsin before returning to Nairobi in the middle of July. Here are our scheduled visits: June 5 - Peace Lutheran Church, Monroe, WA June 7 - Peace Lutheran Church, Chehalis, WA June 7 - Epiphany Lutheran Church, Kenmore, WA June 8 - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Tacoma, WA June 8 - Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Federal Way, WA June 15 - St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Port Angeles, WA June 17 - Grace Lutheran Church, Crescent City, CA June 19 - Lutheran Church of Arcata, Arcata, CA June 22 - St. Mark Lutheran Church, Ferndale, CA June 29 - Our Savior Lutheran Church, McCall, ID June 29 - Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church, Cascade, ID July 1 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Twin Falls, ID July 2 - Zion Lutheran Church, Burley, ID July 6 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Rupert, ID July 13 - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Oconomowoc, WI We look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, and support.    Photos in Focus Prayer Requests For the churches in Rwanda as they remain closed under new government regulations - that worshipping communities may meet the requirements and re-open for worship For Elijah's recovery from arthroscopic surgery on his knee - that he may experience full and quick healing, regain strength, and return to his active life with vigor For Shauen in his role as regional director and the missionaries, projects, and relationships he oversees for the church - that the Lord would grant him wisdom, discernment, patience, and tact in the work put before him For Krista as she expands her availability to full-time work for the mission while still balancing the amazing work of mother and spouse - that she may find joyful reward in her additional responsibilities and navigate this transition in life with her usual grace For Shauen as he enters the final stages of his PhD program - that the research may be captivating and that the writing would flow In Praise For the planting of Lutheran Churches across Africa and the LCMS's ability to support those endeavors For the LCMS Africa team and their continued dedication and commitment to the work of the church For our missionaries in the Alliance Project who join our team from the LCMS's sister church in Brazil For the Trump kids' good progress in school and extracurricular activities For the ability to receive good medical care and physical therapy in Nairobi for Elijah For the LCMS's faithful and generous support of missionaries and mission opportunities  For Shauen's completion of comprehensive exams for his PhD and for the proximity of a conclusion to his studies Financial Support Give Now through the LCMS Website Give Now through the Mission Central Website To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the Give Now buttons above or online at https://www.LCMS.org/trump or https://missioncentral.us/trump/    OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

Contact Us (correspondence ONLY - no checks) Shauen & Krista Trump PO Box 22 Karen 00502 KENYA Shauen.Trump@LCMS.org Krista.Trump@LCMS.org TheTrumps.org LCMS.org/Trump

Radio/Podcast Interview with Evangelical Life Ministries

Shauen had an opportunity to be interviewed for the Engaging Truth Podcast which is produced by Evangelical Life Ministries, a Houston-based Christian Talk Radio program. Listen to the podcast:

KFUO's Cross Defense Episode Featuring an Interview with Shauen

Shauen was interviewed by Rev. Tyrel Bramwell of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California in a segment used in the KFUO Cross Defense radio program/podcast. Pastor Bramwell provides an extensive introductioon and study of Scripture, concluding with the interview which starts around minute 45.

Vulnerable Evangelists - Cross Defense on KFUO

Thank you, Pastor Bramwell, for the opportunity to visit together!

Field Notes Newsletter

Writing from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin July 13, 2021 A Year of Change - A Baby, A Promotion, and New Ministries The past year has been described in many ways - "The COVID Year," "The Lost Year," and the heavily-loaded "2020." For our family, it felt all these ways and more. The past 18 months have brought significant changes to our lives - and not only because of the pandemic. We have missed opportunities to share these changes with you and are only able to point out some highlights in this short note. Our family remains deeply grateful for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support even when you haven't heard from us in this newsletter format. Here are the three highlights from the past year or so that we want to feature for you: a new baby, a promotion, and new ministries in the midst of the pandemic. Our family has been in the United States over the summer with very limited travel as we welcomed Esther and is eagerly anticipating a return to Kenya in the first week of August.  Introducing Baby Esther Trump

With great joy, we introduce Esther Trump, the newest member of our family. Esther was born in May and is thriving and healthy. She was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin a few days after her birth. Her brothers dote on her and are eager helpers, frequently arguing over who will get to hold her. Krista is doing well and Esther is starting to settle into a routine.  Shauen Accepts Position of Regional Director for Africa Shauen has been asked to serve as the Regional Director for Africa, adding responsibility for West and Central Africa to his existing responsibility for Eastern and Southern Africa. As The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod’s Regional Director for Africa, Shauen regularly engages church leaders in more than 25 countries to equip, enable, and encourage them in the work the Lord has put before them to spread the gospel, plant Lutheran churches and train church workers, and show mercy. In support of this, Shauen supervises the LCMS missionaries across the continent, coordinates with other entities, mission societies, and church bodies, and communicates with the boards, institutions, districts, congregations, and members of the LCMS. He also oversees the implementation of convention and board directives and the development and execution of strategies, programs, projects, and grants for Africa.  Ministry in the Africa Region Bishop Selestine Seburikoko of The Lutheran Mission in Africa - Synod of Thousand Hills Hosts a Live Radio Broadcast Show to Proclaim The Gospel across Rwanda Last year, ministry around the world changed drastically. Government orders across Africa closed schools at all levels including seminaries, worship services were suspended, travel restrictions were imposed, and international airports were closed. Then as the situation wore on, things opened up, and then closed again, and then opened again. Despite the challenges and the suspension of some opportunities, the Lord also provided new avenues to proclaim the Gospel - through significant new radio programs, for example - and new ways to compassionately care for those around us through economic and educational COVID relief programs. The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod quickly pivoted to provide grants in support of these new opportunities and expects to continue providing such support for the year ahead as the nations of Africa continue to seek the best ways to protect their citizens while preserving their livelihoods. Photos in Focus The Trump Boys BONUS PHOTOS!! Prayer Requests For quick receipt of two of our children's passports that are still with the US State Department For the Trump boys as they wrap up summer - that their school in Kenya may open on schedule and continue in-person learning throughout the year For wisdom, discernment, and patience for Shauen and Krista in their work as spouses, parents, and missionaries For Shauen in his new role as regional director and the missionaries, projects, and relationships he oversees for the church For the people of Africa as governments seek to protect citizens while preserving livelihoods In Praise For healthy and thriving Baby Esther and our family's ability to return to the States for her birth in May For radio broadcast programs supported by The LCMS, particularly in Rwanda and Tanzania For the LCMS's faithful and generous support of missionaries and mission opportunities throughout the challenges of the pandemic For Josiah, Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah's good health and warm welcome of Esther For Shauen's completion of coursework for his PhD and opportunity to start his comprehensive exams and dissertation in the months ahead Financial Support Give Now through the LCMS Website Give Now through the Mission Central Website To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the Give Now buttons above or online at https://www.LCMS.org/trump or https://missioncentral.us/trump/    OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-East Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

Field Notes Newsletter Out

Writing from Nairobi, Kenya March 31, 2020 The Trump Family Gratefully Continues in Service in Kenya The Trump Family in Northern Kenya in December 2019

The Lord through His church sent our family to serve His people in Eastern and Southern Africa. We live among His people here, in Kenya, far from our relatives, the comforts of our home cultures, and our own “ancestral lands.” What we have undertaken for the sake of the Gospel does not make sense to the world. The challenges of travel, work, and gathering together due to the restrictions related to COVID-19 are certainly preventing us from carrying out the work we had planned. Seminaries are closed and students have been sent home. Congregations are not allowed to gather for worship. Conferences and seminars are suspended by government order. Short term teams and volunteers cannot make it to their assignments. Shauen Led a Sunday Service from the East Africa Field Office's Chapel  in Early March before COVID-19 Restrictions  The Gospel itself, the very core of our work as a mission, is conveyed in relationships. Relationships are hard to foster and maintain in this restricted environment. Nevertheless, we see that in this – as in all those things we would call tragedies – God is at work. Many doors have been shut but God will open new ones. Our own plans have been canceled or suspended or are simply no longer tenable but God’s plans are beautiful and generous and will come to fruition, glorifying His name. Some of our missionaries were in the United States for their time of home-service while others have prayerfully requested and been granted temporary re-assignment to the United States where they will continue what work they can from afar. The rest of our team has prayerfully elected to remain in place, even as secular organizations and some mission agencies have forcibly repatriated all their workers. Our missionaries believe they are exactly where we should be, whether in Africa or in the United States.  Our own family feels grateful that the LCMS has permitted us to remain on the field. We appreciate the huge amounts of support we have received from the mission.   The Trump Family Coordinates Sunday Worship Online from the East Africa Field Office's Teleconference Room Our missionary team is taking this time of pause, this forced Sabbath, to catch up, to gather strength, to re-gather our community through the myriad of digital platforms available to us today, to seek the new opportunities the Lord is opening for Word and Sacrament ministry, for teaching, and for showing mercy to His people. Whether in the United States or on the field, our missionaries are poised, ready to respond, ready to serve, and eager give an answer to anyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have. If, after this time of forced rest and respite, God re-opens our familiar paths of ministry, our teachers will return with joy to the classroom as soon as students are there, our pastors will return to the congregations eager to hear the Word and receive the Sacrament, our volunteer coordinator will start rescheduling those who support the ministries on this field, our project managers and communication specialists and administrators and consultants will take up their work with renewed strength and the Word of God on their lips. If instead of those traditional familiar paths of ministry, the world is moving into a new normal where some of those are no longer possible, we strive ahead to see how the Lord will enable us to walk with Him in mission, spreading the Gospel, planting Lutheran churches, and showing mercy. The Trump Boys in School in Their At-Home Classroom Photos in Focus BONUS PHOTOS!! Prayer Requests For the Trump boys as they learn from home - and especially for patience for Krista as she helps with their programming from school For wisdom, discernment, and patience for Shauen and Krista in their work as spouses, parents, and missionaries For the missionaries, projects, and relationships Shauen oversees for the church For the responses and restrictions of the governments in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia as they react to COVID-19 For Shauen as he enters the Comprehensive Exam phase of his PhD program In Praise For LCMS International Mission permitting us to remain on-station in Kenya during the COVID-19 outbreak That our family is together For Shauen's unexpected time at home during what is usually a busy travel season For healthy, safe, and thriving children For the technology that allows our missionary team to gather for worship, fellowship,  conversation, and deliberation about the doors God is opening in the midst of the pandemic Financial Support Give Now through the LCMS Website Give Now through the Mission Central Website To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the Give Now buttons above or online at https://www.LCMS.org/trump or https://missioncentral.us/trump/    OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-East Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

Contact Us (correspondence ONLY - no checks) Shauen & Krista Trump PO Box 22 Karen 00502 KENYA Shauen.Trump@LCMS.org Krista.Trump@LCMS.org TheTrumps.org LCMS.org/Trump Share Tweet Forward Copyright © 2020 Rev. Shauen and Krista Trump, All rights reserved.

LCMS Convention Celebrates 125 Years of Mission Work

TAMPA, Fla. — In 1894, the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States — now known as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) — called the Rev. Theodore Naether to be its first official missionary. Naether arrived in India the next year, where he spent the rest of his life working tirelessly to spread the Gospel.

Now 125 years later, the Synod continues to send missionaries around the world. Some 130 full-time LCMS missionaries...

Read the full article on the LCMS blog:

https://blogs.lcms.org/2019/convention-celebrates-125-years-of-mission-work-in-the-lcms/

Field Notes Newsletter Released

Writing from Tampa, Florida July 25, 2019 Shauen Addresses the 2019 LCMS National Convention Rev. Shauen Trump shares a story from Mozambique at the Convention  (photo courtesy LCMS Communications Dept / Frank Kohn)

Yesterday Shauen was privileged to address the 2019 LCMS National Convention. The live-feed video from the convention is archived through the LCMS Convention website (see Wednesday's afternoon video) or linked through our own website at http://thetrumps.org/video. The introductory video about Mozambique (about 90 seconds) is followed by Shauen's presentation to the ~1,050 voting delegates and ~200 advisors and observers of the Convention. There is a concluding video about Mozambique as well, after which the business of the LCMS convention continues, starting with a resolution celebrating the LCMS's work in Africa and recognizing its missionaries, their families, and directors, Rev. Gary Schulte and Rev. Shauen Trump, adopted by the convention unanimously, moving on to other international mission resolutions around minute 17:30. Please take a look through the preview below! Video of Shauen Presenting at the LCMS Convention followed by ongoing convention proceedings Immediately after Shauen's presentation (including videos), Standing Floor Committee 2, International Mission, presented the following resolution to the convention which was adopted unanimously:   To Give Thanks to God for the Work of the Office of International Mission in the Africa Region RESOLUTION 2-05 WHEREAS, The Great Commission of Matthew 28 has been and will until the Last Day remain the heart of the Church’s mission, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations; and WHEREAS, In 1928 Jonathan Ekong came to the United States seeking a church that would teach the Word of God in its purity and also help establish good schools in Nigeria; and WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is active in 25 African nations, working with seven partner churches, 29 full-time missionaries deployed by the Office of International Mission (OIM) with 46 accompanying family members; and WHEREAS, The OIM has deployed five mercy medical teams in fiscal year 2019, engaging in both wellness and general health awareness as well as spiritual care; and WHEREAS, The African region of the OIM has partnered with LCMS congregations to send short-term teams to Africa resulting in long-term relationships; and WHEREAS, Numerous African church bodies, both English- and French-speaking, have requested fellowship with the LCMS; and WHEREAS, Theological education remains a priority in the Africa region through numerous seminaries and Bible institutes for pastoral, deaconess and evangelist formation; and WHEREAS, The LCMS has worked for many years to create theological literature and hymnals in multiple countries and languages; and WHEREAS, The OIM is dedicated to spreading the Gospel far and wide and planting churches by the leading of the Holy Spirit in His Word; therefore be it Resolved, That Synod commend the OIM for its continued work in the Africa region; and be it further Resolved, That Synod in convention give thanks to God for the Africa region missionaries, their families, supporters, and the region’s directors Rev. Gary Schulte and Rev. Shauen Trump. Rev. Shauen Trump shares a story from Mozambique at the Convention (photo courtesy LCMS Communications Dept / Erik M. Lunsford) Photos in Focus Prayer Requests For the Trump boys as Josiah, Elijah, and Isaiah start a new school year For wisdom, discernment, and patience for Shauen and Krista in their work as spouses, parents, and missionaries For the missionaries, projects, and relationships Shauen oversees for the church For a safe and uneventful return to Kenya next week at the conclusion of our summer home-service in the USA For the travels Shauen expects in August and September to Angola, South Africa, Uganda, and other countries In Praise For the opportunity for Shauen to address the LCMS National Convention For the LCMS in convention recognizing and thanking God for the church's work in Africa and her missionaries and their families For safety as our summer home-service draws to a close For recovery from sickness that Shauen struggled with for the first 2/3rds of our home service For healthy, safe, and thriving children Financial Support Give Now through the LCMS Website Give Now through the Mission Central Website To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the Give Now buttons above or online at https://www.LCMS.org/trump or https://missioncentral.us/trump/    OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-East Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

Contact Us (correspondence ONLY - no checks) Shauen & Krista Trump PO Box 22 Karen 00502 KENYA Shauen.Trump@LCMS.org Krista.Trump@LCMS.org TheTrumps.org LCMS.org/Trump Share Tweet Forward

Celebrating 10 Years of Ministry

In January of 2019, our family celebrated our 10 year deployment anniversary. We are pleased and grateful to share a little bit of that journey with you today:

10 Years of Service A story told with Adobe Spark spark.adobe.com

May 21, 2019 Newsletter Released

Writing from Nairobi, Kenya May 21, 2019 A New Relationship in Tanzania - Mbulu Diocese

Rev. Brent Kulhman of Murdock, Nebraska, presents to pastors of the Mbulu Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania  (photo courtesy of Erik Lunsford, LCMS Staff Photographer) Last week, Rev. Brent Kuhlman of Trinity Lutheran Church in Murdock, Nebraska, presented at a pastor's conference in Mbulu, Tanzania. With insightful comments, thought-provoking questions, and open dialogue, about 70 pastors together explored what Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions say about vocation, the office of the holy ministry, and the order of creation. Although The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) has no relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) as a whole, we do have relationships with a few of their dioceses which have reached out to the LCMS over the years.  Earlier this year, in response to Bishop Nzelu's request, Rev. Shauen Trump made an initial visit to the Mbulu Diocese of the ELCT to learn more about their diocese, share about the LCMS, and explore opportunities to work together. That visit was collegial and positive, with joy on both sides as we recognized common ground in our public confessions. Rev. Kuhlman's visit was a second step in the relationship, an opportunity for The LCMS to establish a foundation for the relationship in God's Word and set expectations about our own priorities and strengths. The team representing the LCMS included missionary Shara Osiro and Erik Lunsford and Kevin Armbrust from the LCMS communications department in St. Louis.  Rev. George Ondieki of Lutheran Heritage Foundation and Rev. Shauen Trump greet pastors of the Mbulu Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (photo courtesy of Erik Lunsford, LCMS Staff Photographer) Shauen and Rev. Kuhlman were also accompanied by Rev. George Ondieki of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, which supported the conference with a distribution of the Swahili Book of Concord. Prior to last week, only two of the pastors in attendance had their own copy of the Book of Concord which contains a number of writings collectively called the Lutheran Confessions. Rev. Kuhlman referred to this resource frequently with Rev. Ondieki providing assistance in locating citations in the Large Catechism and the Augsburg Confession. At the conclusion of the conference, Rev. Ondieki distributed additional books as gifts from The Lutheran Heritage Foundation.  Visits were also made to congregations and institutions of the Mbulu Diocese before the team traveled to Moshi, Tanzania, where Rev. Kuhlman is presenting at a conference for the independent Lutheran Church in East Africa. Praise the Lord for these opportunities to walk together! Rev. Shauen Trump visits with the evangelist who started the church in Endagaw, Tanzania (photo courtesy of Shara Osiro, Africa Communications Specialist) Home Service This summer, the Trump Family is on home-service in the States. While we can't get to all of the places where our dear friends and supporters live, this summer we are making visits in these locations. We pray you are able to join us - we would love to see you! Sunday June 2 - Trinity Lutheran Church in Rupert, Idaho Sunday June 9 - St. Mark Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California Friday June 14 - St. Luke Lutheran Church in Oakridge, Oregon Saturday June 15 - Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sandy, Oregon Sunday June 16 - Peace Lutheran Church in Chehalis, Washington Wednesday June 19 - St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Port Angeles, Washington Thursday June 20 - Epiphany Lutheran Church in Kenmore, Washington Saturday June 22 - Peace Lutheran Church in Monroe, Washington Saturday June 22 - Light of Christ Lutheran Church in Federal Way, Washington Sunday June 23 - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Washington Saturday June 29 - Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Kokomo, Indiana Sunday June 30 - Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Kokomo, Indiana Saturday July 6 - Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Illinois Sunday July 7 - Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, Illinois Saturday July 13 - St. John's Lutheran Church in West Bend, Wisconsin Sunday July 14 - St. John's Lutheran Church in West Bend, Wisconsin Saturday July 27 - Trinity Downtown in Orlando, Florida Sunday July 28 - Trinity Downtown in Orlando, Florida Photos in Focus Prayer Requests For wisdom, discernment, and patience for Shauen and Krista in their work as spouses, parents, and missionaries For the missionaries, projects, and relationships Shauen oversees for the church For the Trump boys as they wrap up the school year For Shauen to be able to manage work and class while traveling and speaking this summer  In Praise For the conferences in Tanzania with Mbulu Diocese and the Lutheran Church in East Africa For Jeremiah's birthday this week For our wedding anniversary in June For the opportunity to see friends and family this summer For healthy, safe, and thriving children Financial Support Give Now through the LCMS Website Give Now through the Mission Central Website To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the Give Now buttons above or online at https://www.LCMS.org/trump or https://missioncentral.us/trump/    OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-East Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

Contact Us (correspondence ONLY - no checks) Shauen & Krista Trump PO Box 22 Karen 00502 KENYA Shauen.Trump@LCMS.org Krista.Trump@LCMS.org TheTrumps.org LCMS.org/Trump Share Tweet Forward +1 Copyright © 2019 Rev. Shauen and Krista Trump, All rights reserved.

Elijah Considers Consequences for His Brother

Elijah, age 7: "Isaiah [age 5] wasn’t helping pick up. So I was thinking about consequences. Maybe he should have no TV or maybe he can’t play with house three [neighbors] on the weekend… You have a choice."

Shauen: "Okay. You’re right. He wasn’t picking up like I had asked. But he was playing with Jeremiah [almost 2 years old], and that was helping both of us so that Jeremiah wouldn’t take toys out as you were trying to pick them up, huh? So he was still helping, but he should’ve asked me first if that’s what he could do."

Elijah: "Yeah. Maybe then just a time out or a talking to."

Shauen: "Okay. Thank you..."

March 26, 2019 Field Notes Released

Writing from Nairobi, Kenya March 26, 2019 Ambassadors of Reconciliation Leads a Conversation in Rwanda Bishop Selestine Seburikoko (LMA-STH) and Dwight Schettler (AoR) present the small catechism-based "Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean?"

Grief and loss never disappear in this fallen and broken world. They just become a part of you, a little less painful day by day. Although the genocide in Rwanda was twenty-five years ago, it still comes up frequently in conversation. National reconciliation programs have helped enable Rwandans to freely articulate and share their own accounts of what happened and how it impacted them. Bishop Selestine of The Lutheran Mission in Africa - Synod of Thousand Hills (LMA-STH) recognized, though, that his own pastors were ill-equipped to walk with their people in addressing the trauma and repercussions that echoed down the years. Bishop Selestine presented a request to The LCMS to provide training in Christ-centered counseling.  After exploring some options, Shauen contacted the LCMS's Ambassadors of Reconciliation (AoR, https://www.aorhope.org/), which he had learned about in seminary and then met again a few years ago when AoR presented at regional operations meetings with his fellow directors. Dwight Schettler and Ted Kober from AoR worked with LCMS missionary Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe to form a program that would draw on the Rwandan culture and expertise within the church to present relevant conversation points and realistic examples. Last week, Dwight, Ted, Mark, and LCMS missionary Megan Mantey, a professional trauma counselor, fulfilled Bishop Selestine's request.  AoR's program, Go and Be Reconciled: What Does This Mean? provides a catechism-based foundation for the reconciliation found in Christ and then shared with others. A second program, Coaching People through Conflict equips participants in guiding others through their conflicts. With considerable research in advance of the trip, translated materials and handouts, visits in the area to learn and discover local case studies, and the cultural interpretation provided by experienced missionaries, AoR fostered an environment of mutual learning for the nearly two dozen pastors and their wives who attended the program at the church's headquarters in Rwamagana.  Pastors and Wives of The Lutheran Mission in Africa - Synod of Thousand Hills work in small-group time during the Ambassadors of Reconciliation conference Bishop Selestine shared that the visits made in the area before and after “left us encouraged, confident and connected.”  For the pastors, the conference itself was their first ever opportunity to all gather together as a community and approach the issue of reconciliation theologically. For the wives, most of whom had never met each other before, it was an opportunity to build a new community and gain insight and skills for their own work in the congregation. For our missionaries and AoR, the conference expanded our wonder at God's amazing act of love in reconciliation through Jesus Christ and how that flows through the body of Christ to His people - seen now through the eyes of our Rwandan brothers and sisters. After the conference, Bishop Selestine wrote, “We experienced love and the hand of God, touching our wounds, pains and past bad memories into the new proclaimed forgiveness to us and therefore new life and ministry in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Praise the Lord for His reconciling love, the Ambassadors of Reconciliation program which points us to the foot of the cross, Dwight, Ted, and our missionaries Mark Rabe and Megan Mantey! Although we received some support for this program from both Ambassadors of Reconciliation and congregations in The LCMS, we moved ahead even without full funding in hand and the program currently has a deficit. If you feel drawn to supporting this work, please send a check to The LCMS according to the instructions later in this newsletter, marking the memo line "61051 - Rwanda Pastor ContEd."   Photos in Focus Prayer Requests For wisdom, discernment, and patience for Shauen and Krista in their work as spouses, parents, and missionaries For the missionaries, projects, and relationships Shauen oversees for the church For Shauen's upcoming class on global migration and diaspora christian communities For The Lutheran Churches in Mozambique and Malawi as they recover from cyclone Idai  In Praise For Shauen's successful meetings last week with the other directors in Taiwan For Elijah's successful tonsillectomy last month and his quick recovery For Jeremiah's hairline fracture in his femur healing quickly (and continuing to heal) For opportunities opening up for a new church plant in Murang’a, Kenya For healthy, safe, and thriving children Financial Support Give Now through the LCMS Website Give Now through the Mission Central Website To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the Give Now buttons above or online at https://www.LCMS.org/trump or https://missioncentral.us/trump/    OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-East Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

September 17, 2018 Field Notes Released

Writing from Nairobi, Kenya September 17, 2018 Deep and Wide - a few Months' Activities  Across Eastern and Southern Africa

Rev. Shauen Trump and Rev. Dan McMiller (Executive Director of the Office of International Mission) spend a few moments with children during a visit to a village congregation in southern Malawi The last four and a half months have been a whirlwind of activity in Eastern and Southern Africa (as usual).  Every day we praise the Lord for the missionaries on our field who enable all this to happen and for the church bodies with whom we are in relationship who invite us to walk alongside them in outreach and Gospel proclamation. Here's the briefest glimpse of some of what God is doing here through local church bodies walking alongside the LCMS and our amazing missionaries: Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, and Malawi - OIM Exec Director Dan McMiller visits with Shauen Kenya - Bishop's Reconciliation Retreat Tanzania - Mercy Medical Team South Africa - Lutheran Theological Seminary Visit  Kenya - Project24 Volunteer from the States Kenya - Living Faith of Clive, Iowa short term team trip to Kakuma Refugee Camp Madagascar - Mercy Medical Team South Africa - Missionary Rev. Dr. Tom Aadland Teaches Intensive at Lutheran Theological Seminary Malawi - CLCMS Women's Guild Seminar Uganda - Volunteer Visits  Kenya - Dedication of new Project24 Boarding Facility Kenya - Project24 Catechism Club  Kenya - Sudan, Malawi, and Rwanda send students to Matongo Seminary for the first time Kenya - Mercy Medical Team Praise the Lord for His name being glorified and His Gospel going forth in each of these opportunities!    (The photos above and below were taken by several missionaries and church leaders including Shauen Trump, Shara Osiro, Sarah Kanoy, John Wolf, and Rev. Davis Wowa) Kenya - Bishop's Reconciliation Retreat Some of the current and former bishops of the ELCK, seen together for the first time and working towards a reconciled church for the glory of God Tanzania - Mercy Medical Team Missionary Shara Osiro, a former pharmacy tech, (foreground) assists the local pharmacist (background)   Tanzania - Mercy Medical Team Missionary nurse Sarah Kanoy takes an infant's armpit temperature Tanzania - Mercy Medical Team Missionary Krista Young prays with a patient South Africa - Lutheran Theological Seminary Visit Lutheran Theological Seminary chapel in Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa Kenya - Living Faith of Clive, Iowa short term team trip to Kakuma Refugee Camp Pastor Luke Timm of Living Faith consults with the local pastor   Malawi - CLCMS Women's Guild Seminar Missionary nurse Sarah Kanoy visits with a member of the women's guild with an injured leg Malawi - CLCMS Women's Guild Seminar Missionary Shara Osiro shares with the Women's Guild Kenya - Dedication of new Project24 Boarding Facility   Kenya - Mercy Medical Team Geoffrey (standing, left) from Lutheran Hour Ministries project in Kenya shares a Gospel Presentation at one of the clinic waiting areas Photos in Focus The Trump Boys Prayer Requests For wisdom, discernment, and patience for Shauen and Krista in their work as spouses, parents, and missionaries For the relationships, programs, and projects Shauen supports for the LCMS in Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda For Elijah who is having a minor out-patient surgical procedure this week, that he may recover well and quickly without complications In Praise For the Gospel proclamation opportunities God has opened up in this area For Shauen reaching the half-way point in his PhD classroom coursework For the joy of a few weeks at home and time spent together as a family For the ongoing safety, contentment, health, and opportunities for the amazing missionaries who serve in Eastern and Southern Africa - heroes of the church, every one of them Financial Support Give Now through the LCMS Website Give Now through the Mission Central Website To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through one of the Give Now buttons above or online at https://www.LCMS.org/trump or https://missioncentral.us/trump/    OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-East Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861 Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

Contact Us (correspondence ONLY - no checks) Shauen & Krista Trump PO Box 22 Karen 00502 KENYA Shauen.Trump@LCMS.org Krista.Trump@LCMS.org TheTrumps.org LCMS.org/Trump Share Tweet Forward +1 Copyright © 2018 Rev. Shauen and Krista Trump, All rights reserved.

May 29, 2018 Field Notes Released

Writing from Nairobi, Kenya May 29, 2018 Seminaries During a recent seminary board meeting of a partner seminary in Africa, Shauen was asked to share about other seminaries on the continent. As he went through the list he realized how many different seminaries the LCMS is connected to across Africa. Each of these schools has a niche and an important ministry of forming church workers. The LCMS has missionaries serving at three of these formal institutions and supports all of them financially.  Theological education is the primary request we receive from the church bodies with whom we work and Shauen is a frequent visitor to many of these fine schools.  Here are the formal institutions supported by the LCMS in Eastern and Southern Africa:  Rev. Eric Stinnett teaches at Mekane Yesus Seminary, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (photo by Shara Osiro) Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe teaches at Mekane Yesus Seminary, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (photo by Shara Osiro)

Mekane Yesus Seminary - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia The largest seminary with support from the LCMS Issues up to a Masters of Theology (accredited) Students are almost exclusively members of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus although there are some students from South Sudan Two LCMS missionaries serving - Rev. Dr. Mark Rabe and Rev. Eric Stinnett Matongo Lutheran Theological Seminary in Chebera, Kenya (photo by Carlotta Cisternas Tiews) Matongo Lutheran Theological College - Matongo, Kenya The premier conservative and confessional seminary in this area Issues up to a Bachelors of Theology (accredited) Students are from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and other countries One LCMS missionary serving - Rev. Dr. Tom Aadland and recruiting for another theological educator! Shauen greets and encourages students at Lutheran Theological Seminary near Jinja, Uganda (photo by Rachel Meyer) The Lutheran Theological Seminary - Magamaga, Uganda Provides scholarships from its own means for refugee students from South Sudan or Ethiopia Issues up to a Certificate in Theology Students are exclusively members of the Lutheran Church of Uganda and the refugee congregations within Uganda Two LCMS missionaries serving - Mark and Megan Mantey and recruiting for a theological educator! St. Peter Lutheran Theological Seminary in Himo, Tanzania (photo by Shara Osiro) St. Peter Lutheran Theological Seminary - Himo, Tanzania We pray this will soon be the fourth seminary where we have a missionary serving - Rev. Jonathan Clausing is waiting on a Tanzanian work permit  Issues up to a Certificate in Theology Students are exclusively members of the Lutheran Church of East Africa Lucky Mia from the Lutheran Church of Southern Africa studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa Lutheran Theological Seminary - Pretoria, South Africa Seminary in transition with a new principal and a change in its funding model Issues up to a Statement of Results Students come from across Africa including several Lutheran church bodies in South Africa, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Uganda, and Ethiopia In addition, the LCMS is eager to begin providing some level of support to the Concordia Lutheran Institute for the Holy Ministry in Yambio, South Sudan and Asella Lutheran Theological Seminary in Asela, Ethiopia.  Beyond seminaries, the LCMS also supports pre-seminary programs like the Mission Training Center program designed for lay leaders and evangelists. This program has been used in many of the countries in this area and is currently being used in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda with requests from Rwanda and South Africa who already have the training materials in hand. Yesterday the MTC Coordinator from Uganda, Rev. Paul Sserwaniko who was in Shauen's TEE class when we first arrived in East Africa more than nine years ago, came to our East Africa Field Office in Nairobi to collect hundreds of pounds of MTC books to take to Uganda for use by their 137 students currently enrolled in the MTC program there.  The LCMS also supports post-seminary education, primarily in the form of continuing education courses on a topic of the local church body’s choice. This provides not only for the opportunity to engage Scripture but also the rare opportunity to fellowship together, particularly for pastor’s wives who often have never met another pastor’s wife before an opportunity like this. The course may be provided by a church leader, local seminary professor, or a missionary - but always on a topic of their choice for the sake of those to whom they joyfully bring the Gospel. Praise the Lord for His amazing work through those he calls into ministry across Eastern and Southern Africa! Photos in Focus Trump Family Prayer Requests For the hundreds of pastoral and deaconess students studying at Lutheran seminaries in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan For our missionaries who teach at and directly support seminaries and theological education For financial support for the work done through our own hands and for the programs, projects, and grants the LCMS supports in our area For wisdom, discernment, and patience for Shauen and Krista in their work as spouses, parents, and missionaries In Praise For Jeremiah sleeping through the night  For the mutual support and joys of marriage in the face of hardship For restoration of health for our family after illness was passed between us for about two months For an amazing team of missionaries and local workers - true heroes of the church - who work alongside us in this area For Shauen's safe travels and good visits during recent trips to South Africa, Rwanda, Malawi, and Tanzania Financial Support Give Now To support this work financially, please give a recurring or one-time gift securely through the Give Now button above or online at http://LCMS.org/trump    OR Make checks payable to "The LCMS" and mark the memo line “Trump-East Africa” to send a tax-deductible gift through one of the following:

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod PO Box 66861 St. Louis, MO 63166-6861

Mission Central 40718 Highway E 16 Mapleton, IA 51034

Contact Us (correspondence ONLY - no checks) Shauen & Krista Trump PO Box 22 Karen 00502 KENYA Shauen.Trump@LCMSintl.org Krista.Trump@LCMSintl.org TheTrumps.org LCMS.org/Trump Share Tweet Forward +1 Copyright © 2018 Rev. Shauen and Krista Trump, All rights reserved.

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Elijah, age 6, whispering mid-way through church: “I finished my book [a children’s Bible]. How much longer is church?” Me: “It’s a bit longer. Do you want another book?” E: “No. I’ll just wiggle my tooth.”

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Isaiah has some bites or a rash on his legs. Mama asked how his legs feel... “When I walk, they feel bad. When I lay, they feel good. So probably people need to carry me.”

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Getting ready to walk across campus at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School near Chicago with a muffin in my hand. My mind interjects, "Cover your muffin - the baboons and monkeys will go for it." Context-switching gets easier with experience, but it's never 100%.

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Isaiah (age 4): "Knock, knock!" Me: "Who's there?" "It's raining today." "It's raining today who?" "I'm superman!" Destined to be a great stand-up comedian, that kid.

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Josiah (age 8) had a reading contest at school. 1st - 3rd place prize was a candy bar. 4th - 6th prize was a piece of candy. Josiah was shooting for 4th place because he didn’t know what a “candy bar” was. He got 2nd place. Turns out he likes candy bars after all. #MissionaryKids

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Tomorrow morning I leave for a trip to Turkana in northwest Kenya. Elijah prays for me at bedtime: "Dear Jesus, please let papa not get sick on his trip or get home sick and let him not be captured..." #MissionaryKids understand!