|
 Rev. James May is called to the Lutheran Heritage Foundation to assist Rev. Dr. Anssi Simojoki in overseeing LHF activities throughout Africa. Centered in Nairobi, Kenya, Rev. May is learning Swahili to help translate and introduce Lutheran books for people in East Africa.
Read past blog entries:
November 2008
December 2008
January 2009
March 2009
May 2009
July 2009
September 2009
November 2009
To have Rev. May's newsletter delivered directly to you via e-mail, become a registered user of this site. Once you're logged in to the LHF site, you can click on "My Profile" in the dropdown menu above. Check the box next to "Rev. James May - Africa Update" to subscribe.
| REV. JAMES MAY REPORT: MAY 26, 2009
 The last time we sent out a bit of news it was to inform everyone that our work permit was finally approved so that we could move to Kenya where the LHF African headquarters is located. The plan was to get settled in and then begin learning Kiswahili so that I can teach in English, French, or Kiswahili depending on the country. This is very important because the mission of LHF is to translate, publish, and introduce biblical materials.
The most widely spoken language in West Africa is French, East Africa it is Swahili, and in many other countries it is English. A quick search on the internet shows that 100-150 million people in Africa speak Swahili while 70 million speak English and about 50 millions speak French. Being able to speak all three languages means I will be able to speak with the leaders of the churches throughout Africa in order to explain the doctrine of the bible and how important it is to know and understand God’s word. If the bishops or church presidents are interested then we work to translate and publish catechisms, hymnals, and other teaching materials so that locals can read these in their own languages. We learned that one of the most successful language schools for learning Kiswahili is actually at the Lutheran Junior Seminary in Morogoro, Tanzania. So after spending a brief couple weeks in Nairobi we packed up and made the move down here. This school has a reputation of enabling foreigners to have a good command of the language and a full understanding of the grammar within four months. The thought was that we will learn much faster and be of service earlier at this school than if we had a part-time teacher in Nairobi. We are not the only ones here in Morogoro who will eventually serve in Kenya. There are several other missionaries from Nairobi or from that area. Some of them had previously tried other schools and did not have as much success as they are having here. Currently the plan is to finish our studies in mid-August and then move back to Nairobi ready for full time service. We would like to say that everything has been roses but life has its challenges, especially when you work for Satan’s enemy. Shortly after arriving in Nairobi, and before coming to Tanzania, our daughter Sarai had a terrible accident. She ran through a glass door and had to be rushed to the emergency room. We are thankful that she had no damage to her eyes or abdomen, especially since she landed on the remaining glass on her stomach. Her head has healed pretty well but she has a nice scar. Then again, about two weeks after arriving in Tanzania, the same Sarai had to be treated for malaria. It is very challenging for parents to have to go through situations like this in America where we have first rate medical care but added stress when we are in Africa. Nevertheless, the hospital in Nairobi was much better than what we found in Burkina Faso. One additional task I had before coming down here to Tanzania was to teach a course on Lutheran Worship to a group of seminarians from Matongo Lutheran Seminary. They had a scheduled break during Holy Week and instead of relaxing they came to Nairobi for a special course on Lutheran liturgy. This was a great opportunity also for me to learn what pastors in Kenya are being taught. All the students knew the elements of the liturgy; confession, prayer, sermon, benediction, etc., but they didn’t understand how they worked together or “why we do it the way we do it.” What better time to teach the liturgy than during Holy Week? The students told me that many of the churches do not use the propers but instead choose their own Sunday readings and prayers. One student who came was actually assigned to preach in his congregation on Good Friday. His given text was from John 9. That chapter does not even recount the crucifixion! Go to page 2...
| Field ReportsClick on the links below to read the reports of LHF staff and associates working in the mission fields.  SOUTHEAST ASIA
The Muellers
 CAMBODIA
Ken Precht 
TURKEY
Laura Davis
Your mission gifts help us translate and publish Lutheran books and materials for Christians worldwide.
Donate Now | Thrivent GivingPlus® form
|