Still building on an age-old tradition

For more than 100 years, WELS congregations have been operating Christian elementary and secondary schools. Many WELS members grew up learning Bible history and the teachings of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism right along with reading, writing, and arithmetic as well as social studies and science. In the 21st century, more than 400 WELS congregations operate early childhood educational centers to foster our children’s relationship with their Savior.

While understanding the world around us is important, the understanding of eternal life supersedes it all. We understand that life-learning starts early, and the earlier the better. The age of 2 or 3 is not too soon to introduce our children to the teaching of salvation.

The One Africa Team is working with a group of Christians in Buchanan, Liberia, that understands the importance of educating children in the truths of Scripture. Lamb of God Lutheran Church is hoping to start with ABC Kindergarten. Their hope is that the kindergarten will quickly grow into a primary school and even a secondary school within just a few years. Pastor Toye Barnard, Lamb of God’s leader, expresses confidence that the program will grow fast.

Pastor Barnard

Lamb of God Lutheran Church broke away from another group the One Africa Team had studied with for several years. That group had decided to hold to the Pentecostal teachings of its leaders, which included a refusal to baptize infants, among other misunderstandings. Pastor Barnard and his members endured many false accusations from that other group when Lamb of God agreed to hold to the truth of Scripture and to continue studying with the One Africa Team. A benevolent group of WELS Christians in California continues to support this budding ministry, which is focusing much attention on building a school as a foundation for their congregation.

Currently, 44 adults and 22 children worship at Lamb of God. The congregation owns three quarters of an acre on which to build a small school near the edge of town. Pastor Barnard, together with several members who are also teachers, is confident they will be able to build a large school and even a church building. They will need more land and more funds to actualize the plan. They will also need the Lord of the Church to put his hand of blessing on this effort, so that his church may grow in Liberia. Your prayers and support are hugely appreciated!

Written by Rev. Dan Kroll, world missionary on the One Africa Team