Greetings and a blessed Thanksgiving from the students and staff of the Lutheran School of Theology at the foot of the Ngong Hills in Kenya.
This is our first Thanksgiving in Africa. Instead of turkey and all of the fixings, we'll have sweet potatoes, butternut squash, cabbage and kale from the LST farm.
Faye passed on the goat for the main course, and so we might have a chicken (or maybe a rabbit). No worries about me, Faye is in her sourdough and yogurt making era, and so I'll be just fine.
Along with you, we do praise the Triune God from whom all blessings flow. His mercies are new and ever abundant each morning. Great is His faithfulness to us!
For the past six weeks I have been teaching three intensive classes for the Certificate students at the LST.
The students are from Rwanda, Congo, and Kenya. They have been a joy to teach and each one of them has been blessed with a burning desire to learn God's Word.
They have sacrificed much to study at the school. And the Lord has been faithful in the giving of His gifts.
This is our first Thanksgiving in Africa. Instead of turkey and all of the fixings, we'll have sweet potatoes, butternut squash, cabbage and kale from the LST farm.
Faye passed on the goat for the main course, and so we might have a chicken (or maybe a rabbit). No worries about me, Faye is in her sourdough and yogurt making era, and so I'll be just fine.
Along with you, we do praise the Triune God from whom all blessings flow. His mercies are new and ever abundant each morning. Great is His faithfulness to us!
For the past six weeks I have been teaching three intensive classes for the Certificate students at the LST.
- Intro to Lutheran Worship
- Intro to the Small Catechism
- Personal Devotional Life
The students are from Rwanda, Congo, and Kenya. They have been a joy to teach and each one of them has been blessed with a burning desire to learn God's Word.
They have sacrificed much to study at the school. And the Lord has been faithful in the giving of His gifts.
Ten Years of God's Faithfulness at the LST
A decade ago, in October 2015, Rev. James May received the title deed to a rocky and barren plot of land in Kimuka, Kenya, a small village outside of Nairobi, at the foot of the Ngong Hills. What started as a God inspired vision has blossomed into the thriving Lutheran School of Theology (LST) campus we celebrate today.
Humble Beginnings
The early days were marked by sweat, faith, and determination. Rev. May and Pastor David Twinomugisha stood alone on rocky terrain, armed with nothing but a metal pole, digging a latrine pit by hand. It seemed like an impossible task—but God had other plans.
Soon, volunteers began arriving from around the world. Experts and enthusiastic supporters alike answered the call, traveling across continents to help build something extraordinary. Together, they transformed barren land into a center of theological education.
Students Who Built Their Own School
What makes the LST story truly remarkable is that students were part of the building process from day one. These eager learners struck a unique deal: they would clear land and lay foundations during the day in exchange for evening Bible classes.
This work-study model became the school's heartbeat and continues today.
2025 - A Milestone Year
October holds double significance for the LST. Not only does it mark the month the land was purchased, but it also celebrates the school's accreditation—achieved exactly one year ago.
And blessing upon blessing, in August of this year, the first students graduated with accredited theology diplomas, a historic moment for the school. Currently, a new cohort of students is completing their first semester in the Certificate Evangelistic Training program.
Upon graduation, they'll receive accredited certificates, with qualified graduates advancing to the diploma level and ultimately ordination as pastors for the Lutheran Church in Africa.
Upon graduation, they'll receive accredited certificates, with qualified graduates advancing to the diploma level and ultimately ordination as pastors for the Lutheran Church in Africa.
Watch the Journey Unfold
To commemorate this milestone, I had the privilege to film and produce the "Lutheran School of Theology Ten Year Anniversary" video series.
In these inspiring episodes, Executive Director Rev. May and Academic Dean Dr. Schulz recount the school's incredible transformation—from teaching under a tree to operating a multi-facility campus serving churches across several African countries.
In these inspiring episodes, Executive Director Rev. May and Academic Dean Dr. Schulz recount the school's incredible transformation—from teaching under a tree to operating a multi-facility campus serving churches across several African countries.
Below is the introductory video to the seven part series.
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