God, why? Fifteen African pastors re-learn Godās answer
āGod, why?ā
You ask that. We ask it in Africa too.
Why this hardship? Why so much woe? Why does progress seem so slow? Our recent bachelor of divinity (BDiv) cohort wrestled with such questions.
In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading. That year, experienced African pastors started studying together. The graduates had hoped for BDiv degrees from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. All in the group held theological diplomas.
Our cohort came from five countriesāCameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zambia. We began with gratitude. God had expanded the program beyond two countries. He had brought together pastors from across Africa. Yet concerns followed.
Why couldnāt we meet in person at first? Why did some pastors drop out? Why did some participants face serious hardships along the way?
Paul knew. He and Timothy thought they would die. God, why? Paul wrote, āThis happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the deadā (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Paul was describing Godās stunning way. By letting our strength fail, God leads his children to depend on his grace alone. Our African brothers learned that lesson repeatedly during six years of study.
Twice each year we gathered for short courses. Paul Nitz helped us become better listeners. Seminary professors Dave Bivens, John Schuetze, and Brad Wordell guided us into Godās Word. Al Sorum led us in street evangelism. Ken Cherney Jr. helped us see better the Spiritās power.
We clapped and sang together. We prayed together. We studied together. We became brothers.
Along the way, we shared each otherās burdens. Ministry in Africa presents many challenges. Pastors face alcoholism, polygamy, syncretism (combination of forms of belief or practice) and tribalism in their communities. God, why? Financial pressures abound. God, why?
Some of our brothers endured especially painful trials. One pastor needed a second hip replacement after the first surgery failed. Another graduateās wife nearly died from severe bleeding. God, why?
We kept seeing it. āThis happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.ā Then, on May 28, 2026, we saw more.
Fifteen graduates processed into the Lutheran seminary chapel in Lusaka, Zambia. We belted out, āOn Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.ā
Skip Goetzinger, director of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminaryās Pastoral Studies Institute, urged us, āPreach the wordā (2 Timothy 4:2).
A local youth choir sang in Bemba, and the congregation worshiped in Chewa, English, and Swahili. Church leaders from Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia swelled our joy.
Soon afterward, the graduates boarded buses and planes for long journeys home.
To easier ministries now? No. As Paul says, there are still āconflicts on the outside, fears withinā (2 Corinthians 7:5). Yet these pastors return home with love for each other. They have greater biblical knowledge, stronger skills, and new confidence in Christ.
One Kenyan graduate expresses the cohortās gratitude: āEvery day, as I prepare sermons and Bible study lessons, I am reminded of the invaluable knowledge and wisdom you imparted to us during our bachelorās studies.ā
These graduates are more ready when others ask, āGod, why?ā
In every hardship, God teaches his children not to rely on themselves, but on him, āGod, who raises the dead.ā
The same Shepherd who carried these pastors through six challenging years now sends them out again to preach Christ crucified, risen, reigning, and returning.
Godās answer to every āWhy?ā is Jesus.
Written by Dan Witte, missionary for the One Africa Team in Lusaka, Zambia
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