2026 CLC Mission Helper Trip to East Africa

Tuesday was a quieter day, but a good one. After a full first day of settling in on Monday, Tuesday gave us a little more space to rest, prepare, and see more of the work here in Tengeru. I was thankful for that. These first couple days have not been rushed, and I think that has been a blessing. In the morning, I went with Bruce to the seminary and got to see some of the latest updates there. I took a number of pictures, and it was good to see the progress being made. Mission work is not only the public teaching moments. It is also the steady work behind the scenes: training pastors, preparing leaders, maintaining places for learning, and building relationships over time. We also stopped at Jeremiah’s house for coffee. He showed us his new fireplace, and I had the chance to see Mama Elisha again. The fireplace made me smile a bit, because it has been unseasonably cold here, with temperatures in the high 50s. Coming from Minnesota, it is funny to hear that described as cold, but afte...

Monday was our first full day in Tanzania, and it was a good day to settle in. After the travel day, it was helpful to have a slower morning at the Naumanns’ home in Tengeru. We had time to unpack, sort through supplies, and start getting things ready for the mission helper work later this week. That kind of thing does not sound very exciting, but after a couple long flights, it matters. It helps your mind and body catch up to where you actually are. Later in the day we went into town with Bruce and Paula. We visited the African Cultural Heritage Centre and walked around looking at the art, carvings, and displays. After that we had a Mexican-style lunch nearby. I suppose it is a little funny to come all the way to Africa and look for Mexican food on the first full day, but sometimes adjusting slowly through something familiar is its own kind of blessing. After lunch we stopped for groceries and then came back to the house. I also got to drive again yesterday, which was good. Later i...

We made it to Tanzania. We left Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon, flew overnight to Amsterdam, had a few hours there, and then continued on to Kilimanjaro International Airport. We arrived late Sunday night and are now staying in Tengeru with Missionary Bruce and Paula Naumann. I was on this same trip two years ago, so coming back has a more familiar feel. I remember more of the roads, the house, the pace, and the general rhythm of things. One of the unique joys this time is that Sarah is here with me. It is a gift to experience this together. Before we left, Psalm 121 had been on my mind. “The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 That was a helpful verse to carry into the trip. There were plenty of things to leave in the Lord’s hands before getting on the plane. Work, family, travel, health, energy, and all the unknowns that come with a trip like this. We prepared the best we could, and then we had to go. This morni...

After months of planning, praying, preparing lessons, gathering supplies, checking documents, and packing bags, the day has finally arrived. Sarah and I are at the airport in Minneapolis, ready to begin our journey to Tanzania — pronounced Tan-San-Nia . There is a mix of excitement, gratitude, and a little bit of “here we go!” in the air. We are thankful that the Lord has brought everything together: visas approved, bags packed, flights arranged, and hearts prepared as much as they can be before a trip like this. Tomorrow we will meet up with Missionary Bruce and Paula Naumann in Amsterdam, and from there we will travel together to Tanzania. We are looking forward to seeing the work firsthand, meeting brothers and sisters in Christ, and sharing the good news of Jesus with the children and families we will visit. Please keep us, Bruce and Paula, and the churches in Tanzania in your prayers — for safe travel, good health, clear communication, and above all that Christ’s Word wou...

Only 4 weeks from today the 2026 Mission Helpers to Africa will depart Chicago, O'Hare on their way to Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. We are eager and excited to share the Gospel of Christ with an estimated 6000 children. Some of these children will be members of CLC-affiliated congregations and preaching stations, but most of them will not be. For many, this will be the first time they have heard a clear Law and Gospel presentation of the Bible's story of salvation.  Due to the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda, Team Kenya will not be making their planned stops in Uganda. We are saddened by this, but we trust that while man has a plan, God has a purpose. He promises to work even this out for the good of His people. We are closely monitoring the status of the outbreak, but at the time of this writing, there is no safety concerns nor travel restrictions to Kenya, Tanzania, or Zambia. Our plans to evangelize in those countries remain the same.  The theme for our Child Evangelis...