All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.2 Timothy 3:16–17

In our last newsletter, we shared that our positions within LCMS International Missions changed as of July. We definitely “hit the ground running” during the past two months.

One of these new opportunities allowed Megan to travel to Rwanda to connect with the Lutheran Mission in Africa—Synod of a Thousand Hills (LMA—STH) for a continuing education seminar. It is often difficult for pastors and church leaders in Africa to gather for fellowship and continuing education. Various obstacles often prohibit this, but the need is great. It is vital for church leaders and pastors to meet so that they can grow in the faith, study the Word, and support one another in life and ministry.

The Rev. Selestine Seburikoko, bishop of the LMA—STH, values opportunities for pastors, evangelists and seminary students to gather together so they may “be of one mind” and continue to receive training and education. Since they are a younger Lutheran church body, it also gives them the needed time to discuss best practices and strategies for sharing the Gospel for their growing churches and communities.

During August, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana (ELCG) was also able to host a conference for their pastors. Megan is thankful she can work with church leaders throughout Africa to help coordinate and plan these opportunities. We are grateful the LCMS can partner together for these critical efforts of teaching and training.

Africa Region Field Orientation and Onboarding

This summer, we received five missionary families from Brazil, Kenya and the United States. These missionaries serve in various roles in Ethiopia, South Africa and Tanzania. We were able to go to the orientation to meet our new colleagues and share about business and care ministries for our field. It was a joy to meet the new missionaries and share their burdens of leaving the familiar and entering the unknown. We also share in their excitement of serving Christ by serving others as missionaries in Africa.

Mark was able to travel to Ethiopia to help two missionary families during the first few crucial days of being in their new home. It is a significant opportunity to walk alongside new friends and colleagues as they gain familiarity in their new country. Sometimes, the hands-on help of getting SIM cards for phones, talking to maintenance specialists, and buying furniture for a house can help make the new destination a home.

Home Service

It is home service time again! This means we have the opportunity to travel back to the United States to share updates with our ministry partners (you)! This is especially important since accepting new positions. Of course, we will still give updates on the Lord’s work in Uganda too.

Mark and Megan Mantey serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as career missionaries in Uganda. Mark serves as the project manager for the seminary, and Megan is the seminary’s instructor of Christian education and counseling. You can follow their work at www.facebook.com/MissionMindedManteys.