African pastors in America

(Above) Rev. Robert Rahn (LHF founder) and Rev. Dr. Matthew Heise (LHF executive director) traveled to Lansing, Mich. to provide French and Swahili theology books for immigrant pastors. Also pictured are Rev. Todd Jones (seated, left) of the LCMS Michigan District and Rev. Zerit Yohannes (standing, right), member of the LHF board of directors.

Rev. Zerit Yohannes, a member of the LHF board of directors, is working with the LCMS Michigan District to help better educate pastors from Africa who have immigrated with their people to the United States.

Sixteen men from 6 states are taking part in the program. Most lived for many years in African refugee camps before coming to the U.S.

For textbooks, “we use the books that LHF has already produced!” explained Rev. Yohannes, their instructor. “These men have not lived lives in stable countries, and many of them have very little theological education. But they come with faith.”

Their studies begin with the Small Catechism. “When the people have the Word in their language, they have Jesus!” Rev. Yohannes said. “As their leaders become Lutheran, their people will follow.”