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!
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:29PM 
