“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Happy New Year! This is a time when people make resolutions in many areas of their life; among the popular ones are weight loss and adopting a healthier lifestyle. I choose to look towards what God has in store. I can’t being to imagine what things may come my way, but I know with certainty that the Lord will be with me every step of the way. Michael and I endeavor to be better ambassadors for Christ; we desire to continue to deepen our relationship with Christ and to share His love with many. We step into this “new year” one moment, one day at a time. And thus the year has already been busy as our East Africa field welcomed and thanked God for new missionaries and for volunteers from the agricultural consultancy.
Rev. Vance & Linda Becker
The Beckers are serving the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Kenya. Vance teaches at Matongo Lutheran Theological College in Kenya. Linda teaches adults and children and works with deaconesses in training. Before becoming a missionary, Vance was a pastor at three LCMS parishes (in South Dakota and Minnesota). He also taught for two weeks at the Lutheran Theological Institute in Yambio, South Sudan, in the spring of 2018. Linda colloquized into the LCMS at Concordia University, St. Paul in St. Paul, Minn. Linda taught 1st through 7th grades at various Lutheran and public schools in Virginia, South Dakota and Minnesota before serving in Kenya.
Rev. Dr. Walter & Robyn Steele
The Steeles are serving the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Kenya. Walter teaches at Matongo Lutheran Theological College in Kenya. In addition to teaching, he preaches in the College’s chapel, counsels students and preaches in local Kenyan congregations when requested. Walter is a 16-year United States Navy veteran, having served as a Navy and Marine Corps chaplain. Before becoming a missionary, he also served as pastor at three LCMS congregations and taught for a short time at the seminary in Nigeria. Prior to serving in Africa, Robyn worked as a dietitian in local hospitals and care facilities, and as a nursing home inspector.
Pray for the Beckers and Steeles for a smooth transition and for cultural sensitivity. Ask God to grant them wisdom and peace as they begin to adapt to living and teaching in this new culture and environment.
Archbishop Joseph Ochola Omolo - ELCK
Sunday January 26th was a special day. Rev. Dr. Joseph Ochola Omolo was installed as the newly elected Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK). Bishops and pastors from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, South Sudan and Uganda came to support their brother in Christ. Also in attendance of this most joyous occasion were family, friends, mission partners and congregation members.
The following day, our East Africa field office hosted a fellowship gathering for all the bishops and pastors that came for the installation. A wonderful way to start this “New Year” united together in Christ.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us as we serve the Lord in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Or you can send gifts to: Mission Central 40718 Highway E-16 Mapleton, IA 51034 or give online at www.missioncentral.us
Prayers & praise
- Pray for God's strength and guidance as Michael and I serve in Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Pray for the Beckers and Steeles as they serve in Kenya.
- Pray for Archbishop Ochola as he serves the Lord through the ELCK.
- Pray for God's mercy for all of the disasters happening around the world.
- Praise God for a "New Year".
- Praise God for all of you and the love, support and encouragement that you give to me and Michael.
Contact Information: P. O. Box 22, Karen, 00502 - Kenya / Email: shara.osiro@lcms.org