Rev James May, the director of Lutherans in Africa, was called to Kenya because it was a transportation hub.
Each month he was traveling to other African countries to organize training seminars. Over time, several bishops repeated the same comment,
“These seminars are great but they are not long enough to train pastors. You need come back three of four times a year.”
Since Rev. May was already working in 20 countries across the continent, this just was not possible. So the bishops made the motion at the annual board meeting of Lutherans In Africa to found a faithful, yet sustainable seminary. This is how and why the Lutheran School of Theology was founded.
In 2015, after three years of searching for land near Nairobi, Rev. James May chose the current site for the Lutheran School of Theology. Unable to afford land in the city of Nairobi ($600,000/acre), Rev. James May and Lutherans in Africa decided to establish a cooperative study program for students on a 15-acre plot of land they purchased for $225,000 on the Western side of the Ngong Hills in Kimuka, Kenya.
The location, construction, and co-operative work/study philosophy of the Lutheran School of Theology is strategic. Since purchasing the land in 2015, there has been rapid development in the area with new roads and highways.
- 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.”
Video Vlog Update
Here’s a brief video with Dr. Gregory Schulz and Rev. James May of Lutherans in Africa talking about the development of the campus and co-operative work/study plan of the Lutheran School of Theology.
The story recounts the providence of the Triune God and His gracious activity in the development of the school.
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Thank you again for your generous support, encouragement, prayers and many kindnesses.
We’ll commend all into His hands. Come what may, we do belong to Jesus!
If you would like to continue to support the Missionary at Large position through East Bethlehem you can either give a charitable donation by check or through electronic giving. Here’s a link that will give you more information … Support Missionary at Large (here).