Paul W. Arndt

https://vimeo.com/910660998/2afd3cb38f; Back to Africa; 3:31; Join me as I take you on a journey to the Lutheran School of Theology in Kenya, Africa. On my first trip in December 2016, I had the opportunity to serve with Reverend James May and the organization called "Lutherans in Africa". The memories of the modest campus, the students, the daily rhythm of the school, and the rugged beauty of the Ngong Hills are still vivid in my mind. Now, after seven years, I am returning to Africa and I invite you to journey with me to see what's all changed. https://vimeo.com/1033877493?share=copy#t=0; Fly Over of the LST; 3:29 https://vimeo.com/941365800?share=copy; The Humble Beginnings of the LST; 4:34; In Africa, most things happen "po-le, po-le" (Swahili for "slowly, slowly"). In Christ Jesus, the Triune God orders all things "slowly, slowly" according to His perfect will and appointed time. Such is the story of the Lutheran School of Theology, the Bible school established by Lutherans in Africa. https://vimeo.com/923700756/100d8f401a?share=copy; The Triune God Provides Land, Water, and Rocks; 3:46; This video provides a tour of the Lutheran School of Theology's campus and gives ample proof and example of how the Triune God provides all gifts needed ... land, water, and rocks ... and more rocks ... and even more rocks. https://vimeo.com/925268165?share=copy; Before We Built It, They Came; 4:12; There is a severe shortage of trained pastors in Africa. The average pastor serves 12 parishes but only visits one each Sunday. Here's a brief video conversation with Rev. James May, the executive director of Lutherans in Africa, and Dr. Gregory Schulz, a visiting professor, explaining how and why the Lutheran School of Theology was created. https://vimeo.com/927821401/df695841ef?share=copy; Teaching the Devil to Death; 10:13; In Africa, the lack of resources available for education, coupled with traditional beliefs and practices, leads to misunderstandings of the Living Word. By God's grace the goal of the school and all of its ministry is to "teach the devil to death" and ... to form African Lutherans to be teachers of the faith. https://vimeo.com/929897795/2bfe4a5518?share=copy; Holy Week on Both Sides of the Equator; 6:09; No matter what hemisphere, the crucified and risen Jesus is Lord of all. Here's a brief video about our recent Holy Week trip across the equator and the mission of Lutherans in Africa beyond the physical campus of the Lutheran School of Theology. https://vimeo.com/931646165/929facdc5e?share=copy; The LST and Co-Operative Plan; 6:03; The location, construction, and co-operative work/study philosophy of the Lutheran School of Theology is strategic. The school is centrally located to reduce travel expenses. It is sustainable and self-sufficient in design. Its co-operative work/study program equips students as “tentmakers” so that they can provide for their families if a congregational salary is insufficient.” https://vimeo.com/932072536/24c1c199da?share=copy; The Church Built On the Rock; 2:06; Part of the site plan for the Lutheran School of Theology is to construct a dedicated church building for the Masai community. Here’s a brief video with Dr. Gregory Schulz and Rev. James May of Lutherans in Africa as they talk about the Church that is built on Jesus Christ, the Rock. https://vimeo.com/934874086/347bd121fc?share=copy; An Architect, the Gospel, and God’s Plans for a Lutheran Bible School in Africa; 4:11; Here’s a brief video with Dr. Gregory Schulz and Rev. James May of Lutherans in Africa as they talk about how, over the years, the Lord has … miraculously ordered and orchestrated times and seasons, people and relationships, churches over multiple continents, faithful pastors, gifted laity, and much needed and timely resources in order to build the Lutheran School of Theology. https://vimeo.com/937728544/4cce5cfe33?share=copy; Absolution, and the Baptismal Life at the Lutheran School of Theology; 3:37; Through the work of the Triune God, confession, absolution, and the living out of the baptismal life are at the heart and center of the Lutheran School of Theology. In this video, you’ll see how the formation of African Lutherans to be teachers of the faith begins, ends, and forever continues with a life of repentance. https://vimeo.com/935811527/225e9ffa2d?share=copy; A Library with 30,000 Books and a Reservoir with 900,000 Liters of Water; 3:48; Besides the saving Gospel of Jesus, Africa’s greatest needs are …the life giving waters that come from the seasonal rains. And second to the rain, is access to education, a well trained faculty, books, and academic resources. In this video, you’ll see how the academic library of the Lutheran School of Theology is designed to hold 30,000 books and how the reservoir that sits beneath the courtyard holds 900,000 liters of water. https://vimeo.com/940884291/8027cfa4bb?share=copy; Daily Bread at the Lutheran School of Theology (and a New Kitchen and Cafeteria); 4:27; In some ways, life at the Lutheran School of Theology (LST) in previous years was like perpetual camping. From 2017 to the fall of 2023, meals for the students and staff at the LST were prepared in a make shift shelter over an open fire. Now, thanks to the generous supporters of Lutherans In Africa, the Lutheran School of Theology has an indoor cafeteria, a fully equipped kitchen with a spacious food preparation area, high-efficiency word-fired brick ovens, an on-site butchery, and store rooms for grains and vegetables from the garden. https://vimeo.com/1025846834/213409c79e?share=copy; From Tent to School in Ten Years; 7:35; The Lutheran School of Theology near Nairobi, founded by Reverend James May over a decade ago, has evolved from humble beginnings in a tent to a fully developed campus with classrooms, a chapel, and a library. Students engage in cooperative farming for self-sustainability, and the school has recently gained accreditation, becoming one of three accredited Lutheran institutions in Africa. In this video we reflect on the school's growth and strength, drawing inspiration from Psalm 46. https://vimeo.com/1027968077/a75511042d?share=copy; All Types of Strange Events; 10:31; At the foot of the Ngong Hills near Nairobi, Pastor Arndt reflects on Isak Dinesen's "Out of Africa," highlighting the region's diverse weather and its impact on the landscape. Drawing parallels between the land's physical and spiritual dryness, he emphasizes the importance of prayer for students and staff at the Lutheran School of Theology. Addressing spiritual challenges, Pastor Arndt teaches on Psalms and Luther's Catechisms, while sharing personal experiences of health issues and the loneliness faced by students. The discussion also touches on the need for creative solutions in building projects and the significance of mutual prayer for protection and support. https://vimeo.com/1030265366/c0a13012f8?share=copy; Morning to Evening at the LST; 7:05; The Lutheran School of Theology's daily schedule is structured around the rhythms of nature, beginning at sunrise with morning prayers and the sign of the cross. Throughout the day students engage in a routine that includes communal meals, farm duties, rigorous study, and prayer. The spiritual rhythm of the day includes morning and evening chapel, scripture readings, hymns, and Luther's Morning and Evening Prayer. https://vimeo.com/1031911531/618dea2d1e?share=copy; Everything Is Figure-Out-Able; 8:28; The Lutheran School of Theology emphasizes that all challenges can be overcome through God's grace, highlighting the importance of prayer for wisdom and strength. Drawing on Martin Luther's teachings, the video discusses the essential gifts from the triune God and encourages believers to seek wisdom as outlined in the book of James. Pastor Arndt shares a personal experience with tools and underscores the significance of teamwork and skill development in mission work, ultimately focusing on reliance on God's gifts and grace to navigate life's challenges. https://vimeo.com/1054198066/b7b4e993c0?share=copy; Forming Soul Doctors; 9:42; The new semester at the Lutheran School of Theology begins amidst unexpected January rains, and pre-semester pastor's retreat at the Anabas Lodge at the base of Mt. Kenya. Bishops, pastors, and students from Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Kenya gather to explore the theme of pastors as spiritual doctors, focusing on the diagnosis of the spiritual illness of sin through the Law and the healing power of the Gospel. Key discussions include the importance of soul care for pastors, the role of Martin Luther's catechisms in educating congregations, and the necessity of engaging with and making use of the chief parts of the Christian faith (the 10 Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Baptism, the Office of the Keys, the Sacrament of the Altar, Daily Prayers, and the Table of Duties). https://vimeo.com/1033213061/407428c6a2; Mission Master Class: Part One; 10:18; James May, Director of Lutherans in Africa, shares his journey of mission work in Africa since 2006, focusing on theological education through the Lutheran School of Theology. With the help of Greg Schulz, the Academic Dean, the program aims to equip African Lutherans to be teachers of the faith. Located on a 15-acre campus, the school integrates agricultural work with theological studies while actively pursuing accreditation and addressing challenges like church closures in Rwanda. Future goals include fostering self-sustaining leadership and strengthening community ties with local synods and bishops. https://vimeo.com/1033214940/7e69de1aa5; Mission Master Class: Part Two; 9:53; Dr. Schulz discusses the challenges of establishing a seminary in Africa, highlighting the differences in accreditation and educational programs compared to the U.S. He addresses issues with the initial curriculum and the low academic performance of students, often due to inadequate church support and economic pressures. The seminary aims to provide tailored certificate and diploma programs, including remedial classes, to improve theological education for the significant number of Lutherans in Africa, where many pastors lack proper training. The ultimate goal is to have a fully African faculty to foster local governance and support. https://vimeo.com/1033216343/a68b958dcf; Mission Master Class: Part Three; 11:13; Accreditation for Lutheran pastors is becoming essential in various countries to ensure effective mission work and faith teaching. This initiative emphasizes empowering African Lutherans to develop their own educational programs, focusing on long-term theological training rather than immediate results. The need for qualified pastors is highlighted by church closures in Rwanda due to unbiblical practices, while the mission aims to transition to more African educators and uphold authentic Lutheran education across the continent. https://vimeo.com/1033359553/45b75dabd9; Mission Master Class: Part Four; 15:03; The video highlights the urgent need for self-sustainability in African schools to reduce reliance on Western funding, particularly in the context of Lutheran seminaries. It discusses the challenges faced by these institutions, including financial dependence and governance issues, and emphasizes the importance of local leadership and qualified African professors. Rev. James May advocates for the "three cell formula" to create self-propagating and self-governing churches, while reflecting on the historical neglect of African seminaries and calling for renewed commitment to mission work in the region. https://vimeo.com/1033360084/94e278c4f0; Mission Master Class: Part Five; 18:36; Rev. James May and Dr. Gregory Schulz led a vital discussion on enhancing global pastor training, stressing the importance of strategic planning for seminaries beyond just financial support. Key accreditation areas include admission standards, qualified faculty, financial sustainability, well-maintained facilities, and quality library resources. The need for more professors and volunteers is urgent, along with training for pastors' wives in ministry skills. The session highlighted community collaboration, the positive developments at the Lutheran School of Theology, and the importance of prayers and support for students and families facing challenges. https://youtu.be/Z5erC92FU7A?feature=shared; Lutherans In Africa Presentation; 57:10; Here's a presentation by Rev. James May, the executive director of Lutherans In Africa.