A blessed Advent from the students and staff of the Lutheran School of Theology in Kenya.
“Come, Lord Jesus, quickly!” (Revelation 22:20)
The Church, a full month ahead of the secular calendar, has begun its new year. The Sundays of Advent, unlike the days following January 1st, don’t focus on renewed personal efforts or resolutions for a “new year … new you”.
Rather, this penitential season warns against any spiritual confidence. Instead, it turn us away from our works of righteousness and point us to the works of Jesus, the only Righteous One!
Rather, this penitential season warns against any spiritual confidence. Instead, it turn us away from our works of righteousness and point us to the works of Jesus, the only Righteous One!
Three Advent Comings
The appointed Scripture readings for Advent sound the call of repentance, a spiritual awakening, and a sacred preparation for the three “comings” (“advents”) of Jesus, the Christ.
- His fulfilled coming in the flesh at the appointed time in Bethlehem
- His future coming in judgment at the end of time
- His present and continual coming in grace to His Church through His Word and Sacraments
The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light ... clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. (Romans 13:11-14 NIV)
If the final “Day of the Lord” is slow in coming, it’s not so that the world might have more opportunity to eat, drink and be merry.
Rather, the Lord delays His reappearance for Kingdom purposes.
He gives His world one more day so that His Word might be proclaimed, we might repent, turn from our sin, receive the forgiveness of sins in Jesus, believe, and rejoice in the Gospel.
Rather, the Lord delays His reappearance for Kingdom purposes.
He gives His world one more day so that His Word might be proclaimed, we might repent, turn from our sin, receive the forgiveness of sins in Jesus, believe, and rejoice in the Gospel.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation. 2 Peter 3: 8-9 (NIV)
Ordinations and Now Going With the Gospel
While we wait for the final advent of the Lord Jesus, we take heart that the recent graduates of the Lutheran School of Theology are now going with the Gospel to their home countries of Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan.
Two graduates, Adelino Upwoth and Anjelo Ongang, were just ordained in November and now minister in the midst of 400,000 refugees in Kenya's Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps.
You can read about that great day in the LIA November newsletter (here).
Two graduates, Adelino Upwoth and Anjelo Ongang, were just ordained in November and now minister in the midst of 400,000 refugees in Kenya's Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps.
You can read about that great day in the LIA November newsletter (here).
The First Graduating Class
It's hard to believe that he Lutheran School of Theology took its first steps ten years ago (watch that video here).
Nine years later, the LST became an internationally accredited school. And now, the season of ordinations into the holy ministry has begun. We praise the Triune God for His work of forming African Lutherans to be teachers of the faith.
Nine years later, the LST became an internationally accredited school. And now, the season of ordinations into the holy ministry has begun. We praise the Triune God for His work of forming African Lutherans to be teachers of the faith.
Below is a video celebrating the graduation of these students.
It has been a great joy and privilege to witness the work of the Triune God at the Lutheran School of Theology over the past ten years.
It's quite a story!
To learn more about the work of Lutherans in Africa and the Lutheran School of Theology, you can visit their website at www.lutheransinafrica.com.
It's quite a story!
To learn more about the work of Lutherans in Africa and the Lutheran School of Theology, you can visit their website at www.lutheransinafrica.com.
With Your Support, We Move Forward Into 2026
Faye and I thank God for His provision supplied by you. Your generous financial support, prayers, and many kindnesses have blessed us and the work of the Gospel. Come what may, we do belong to Jesus. We commend all into His hands.
If you would like to financially support the Missionary at Large position through East Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Detroit, you can either give a charitable donation by check or through electronic giving.
A sacred joy and surpassing peace to us in Jesus.
Paul