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. 

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!

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