INTERNATIONAL MISSION WORK
West and Central Africa Partnership
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Rev. Gary Schulte and Rev. Tim Heiney with the pastors at the Lutheran church in Guéckédou, Guinea.
Read more updates about mission work in West Africa by clicking the links below!
Supporting Theological Education in Guinea and West Africa!
For 26 years, LCMS Kansas District congregations have supported the growth of God’s kingdom in Guinea and West Africa. Last year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of this partnership and put forth the goal of raising $25,000 for the new Lutheran Center for Theological Studies (CLET) Guinea seminary. Through the 2022 Pentecost Offering, the special seminary offering, and other gifts received, a total of $70,000 was received in support of the West Africa partnership!
Much was accomplished last year in Guinea and West Africa, which included six parcels of land being purchased for the seminary, the improvement of drinking wells and latrine construction in local villages around the region, and five students who successfully completed the academic cycle of basic Theological Formation.
So far, over $25,000 has been received for the 2023 Pentecost Offering! These gifts will be used to continue supporting the seminary, as well as the provision of Lutheran education and resources to the people of Guinea and West Africa. We thank and praise God for these blessings, and the generosity of Kansas District congregations and members!
Support is still needed for the ongoing operational costs for the Guinea seminary, and the 2023-2024 academic year. Please consider supporting the mission work being done in Guinea and West Africa by donating to the 2023 Pentecost Offering (ways you can donate are listed below.) Also check out the West Africa Partnership Updates insert on this page, along with the May 2023 Lutheran Witness Kansas insert that highlights the West Africa Partnership.
Please continue to pray for God to provide strength and guidance for the Guinea and West Africa students, pastors, families, missionaries, and church planters, and may He abundantly bless their efforts.
Here is how you can give to the 2023 Pentecost Offering:
1. Donate online by clicking the red “Donate” button (top or bottom of the page), which will take you to our secure online donation page. (Choose “Pentecost Offering” from the dropdown fund menu.)
2. Mail a check with “Pentecost Offering” in the memo line to the LCMS Kansas District (1000 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604).
Thank you so much for your support!
A Visit to Guinea
In November 2022, LCMS missionaries Rev. Gary and Stephanie Schulte visited the leadership of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guinea (ELCG). During this time, Rev. Schulte introduced 31 pastors and church leaders to “Thru the Bible,” a lesson plan which pastors can use to lead Bible studies for their congregations.
In the classroom/office building across the way, Stephanie Schulte taught Community Health Evangelism (CHE) classes to about 20 women, mostly wives of the pastors. The CHE courses provide health education and awareness, and an opportunity for the women to teach back the lesson. (Photos courtesy of John Wolf, Africa Region Project Manager, and Rev. Gary and Stephanie Schulte)
The Lutheran Center for Theological Studies (CLET) Guinea students at the end of the academic year.
Rev. Gary Schulte teaching “Thru the Bible” courses to the pastors at the Lutheran church in Guéckédou.
Stephanie Schulte with the women from the Community Health Evangelism (CHE) training class.
The women with certificates of training for the CHE course.
Rev. Gary Schulte with the pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guinea (ELCG).
Rev. Gary Schulte and the pastors visiting a school.
Teaching back the lesson in the Community Health Evangelism (CHE) class.
Singing before the CHE classes begin.
Francophone Africa Unpacked
Rev. Gary and Steph Schulte, LCMS missionaries in West and Central Africa, provide an excellent overview of the work in the region in this video, recorded in February 2021. Use it for a Bible study, watch with a small group, or watch on your own. We’ve put together a one-page video guide (with time markers) as a companion resource.
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Joyful Response in Africa, Cultural Highlights, and 125 Years of LCMS Mission Work
“We need shepherds to strengthen these churches. Now is the time.”
Rev. Gary Schulte, Theological Educator
West and Central Africa