As I prepare to retire after 30 years of ministry at King of Kings, I find myself reflecting deeply on one final mission trip. While this “Library and Teaching Mission Trip” to Africa won’t be my last mission trip ever, it will be my final one as a pastor representing King of Kings. And that makes it especially meaningful.
William Carey, often called the father of modern missions, spoke of two foundational principles: Expect great things from God, and expect that He wants to do them through you. Carey also noted that this usually happens through small acts of faith and simple obedience. King of Kings is taking one of those small steps now—partnering with what God is already doing to reach an entire region of Africa.
When Jesus said, “Make disciples of all nations,” He was speaking of reaching different people groups. He was inviting us to partner across cultures to spread the gospel—and when we do, both sides are richly blessed.
It’s a two-way transformation. We need each other. On this trip, we will witness the remarkable faith of our South Sudanese refugee brothers and sisters. In turn, we will support their Library Project and offer teaching seminars for their seminary and college.
In early June, our team of four will travel to Gambella, Ethiopia, home to thousands from the refugee church body known as The Lutheran Church of South Sudan. These brothers and sisters fled their homes in 2013 due to ethnic conflict. Though many long to return, violence continues—and recent armed clashes have brought new waves of refugees.
Yet even amid such hardship, God is at work. From the ashes has risen Trinity Lutheran Church, along with Trinity Seminary and Trinity College. The college trains nurses, midwives, and other professions. The seminary sends pastors and deaconesses to minister among Sudanese communities and other people groups across neighboring countries, planting churches and transforming lives.
In November, over 15,000 theological and medical texts arrived in Gambella. Theological books heal souls; medical texts heal bodies. These books were collected from across the U.S., stored in Omaha, shipped overseas (at a cost of $30,000), and are now being placed in a newly constructed library (also $30,000). This incredible effort is the result of partnerships among several churches, individuals, and the organization Books for Africa.
Now, the books need to be organized. Kasey Harvey, a librarian from King of Kings, and Brandi Waugh, an organizational specialist—both from our church—will train local librarians and helpers. My brother, Pastor Doyle Theimer from Texas, and I will teach seminars for both the seminary and the college. We also will minister at a camp of new refugees fleeing violence in their homeland.
Mission trips deepen friendships and strengthen the body of Christ in love.
We’re especially thankful for our enduring friendship with the President of The Lutheran Church of South Sudan, Rev. Jordan Long. Would you please pray for our team and its mission? We have opportunity to give toward needed library equipment, computer lab and electric generator. Or you can support mission trip expenses for individuals. Follow this link for prayer updates and learn how you too can support partnerships. Let’s partner together so that together we reach the ends of the earth!
