A Little Bit About

Pastor Bruce Naumann

       

Back row - Paula, Pastor Naumann, Brian
Middle Row - Laura
Front Row- Grant, Sarah, Michael

You went to Nigeria about 6 years ago.  Why are you returning to Africa this time and why Tanzania? 
What moved you to take on this responsibility again?
The CLC provides mission support to two church bodies in India, three in Africa, and also to several smaller groups of congregations. I serve on the CLC "Board of Missions," which decides how we will help these church bodies to bring the Good News about Jesus to the many people they serve. In January and February of 2000, I had the great privilege to visit the people of the CLCI and BELC in India, and I also spent a few days with the NCLC in Nigeria. Since that time, we have begun to help congregations in Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although Pastor Koenig has been working with these people for some time, the Mission Board members haven't yet met them face-to-face. It's important for us to get to know them, to see the work they are doing, and to bring our help and encouragement to them personally.
         
What are you most looking forward to seeing again in this trip?
The people and places I will be visiting on this trip are new to me. What gets me excited about going is once again to see God's Word making a big difference in the lives of these people who live so far away. They have the opportunity to introduce the Lord Jesus to many people who otherwise would never hear about Him.
         
What are you looking forward to the least?
Of course, it's hard to be away from my family for nearly a month. Sometimes the traveling and accommodations are hot, dusty, and long, but that doesn't bother me much.

         
What is your flight plan? (Dates - Stop overs)
* October 24 -- We leave from Minneapolis. After a 2-hour layover in Amsterdam, we continue on to Nairobi, Kenya, arriving on the evening of the 25th.
 
* October 25 to November 2 -- We will meet in Nairobi with some local pastors who are interested in starting a church in that city. Also, we will see the leaders of our affiliate church in Etago, Kenya, as well as Pastor Jeremiah of Tanzania. From Nairobi, we will travel by rented car to Himo, Tanzania, where the LCEA (Lutheran Church in East Africa) operates a seminary. We will meet with the leader, Pastor Jessie Angowi, and visit various churches.
 
* November 2 -- We fly from Nairobi, Kenya, to Johannesburg, South Africa. Our destination is the Democratic Republic of Congo, but we must get the visa to enter that country in Johannesburg. While in South Africa we will meet with a few local pastors who have written to Missionary Koenig, inquiring about the CLC.
 
* Between November 4 and November 18 -- We get a local flight from Johannesburg to Lubumbashi, in the Congo. We meet with Pastor Mutombo Muzakuza and the pastors of the CLC-Congo, visiting various congregations. We hope to travel with Elinor Gbedey, a member of our Madison, WI CLC congregation, who will serve as interpreter, since the pastors there speak French.
 
* November 18 -- Back in Johannesburg, we leave for home, via Amsterdam. All of these plans depend on God's blessing and direction, of course! 
         
You're going with Larry Hanson - How did Larry get involved in this trip?
Larry Hansen is also a member of the CLC Board of Missions. He is a veteran foreign traveler, having gone over to Nigeria a few years ago to renovate missionary housing in the NCLC. More recently, he traveled to Tanzania to rebuild the seminary building for the LCEA. He has volunteered to come along on this trip at his own expense.
         
How can others get involved with the Missionary Helper plan if the Lord so leads them?
Every other summer, Pastor Todd Ohlmann has been leading a "Mission Helper" trip to India. This past summer, a total of 13 volunteers conducted VBS classes in the CLCI and BELC. CLC volunteers who are of high school age and older may volunteer for a future trip, through Pastor Ohlmann. What you need it time, a desire to serve the Lord, and a sponsor to cover the cost of the airfare. You may contact Pastor Ohlmann by phone -- (636) 225-3458. His email address is faithstl@swbell.net.
 
Other individuals have assisted Pastor Koenig by traveling with him in India and Africa. Paul Stockman, a member of Trinity, W. Columbia, SC, is now with Pastor Koenig in India. Anyone who may be able to help with teaching or building skills should contact me at brucenaumann@clclutheran.com.
         
What family and responsibilities will you be leaving behind here in the States?
I serve two congregations here in southern Minnesota: Grace, Sleepy Eye and Faith, New Ulm. They have been very supportive of my work for the Mission Board, and have expressed a lot of interest in this trip. Guest pastors will conduct the Sunday services in my absence. My wife and five children are also supportive, and very capable. Overall, there are a lot of things to be left in the Lord's hands in connection with this trip -- which is a very safe place for them to be!
Pastor Naumann and a NCLC Orphan
Nigeria  2000

 

  Pastor Naumann, Joythi
Jytho's daughter, Becky
India - 2000