Pastor Michael and Karen Schempf

Hope Lutheran Church is excited to have adopted Pastor Michael Schempf. Pastor Schempf and his wife Karen serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) as missionaries in East Africa. 

Michael works as a theological educator at Matongo Lutheran Theological College Seminary in Kenya. His primary work is to prepare pastors with Scripture so they have a solid foundation/knowledge of the Bible that they can then teach and convey God’s Word throughout the region. 

Michael was born in Detroit, Mich., and his home congregation is Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wis. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Mich. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Prior to becoming a missionary, Michael served congregations in Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. He also served as a VA hospital chaplain and with Bethesda Lutheran Communities. Michael enjoys cycling, hiking, snow skiing and traveling.

Karen was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., and her home congregation is also Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She received an Associate of Arts degree from Concordia University in  Ann Arbor and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne. She has served at two different Lutheran schools. 

Karen enjoys spending time with Michael, connecting with family and friends, outdoor activities and sharing Jesus and His love with children.

Michael and Karen began their African Mission work in March, 2019 in Uganda. 

 

Wash Day 

Mission Facts

  • Christians in East Africa have many opportunities to witness to their Muslim neighbors with whom they live and work.
  • Matongo Lutheran Theological College Seminary is six hours from Jinja, Uganda and six hours from Nairobi - the capital of Kenya.
  • The seminary is isolated up on a mountain with a terrain that is “Appalachian like.”
  • Eighty students representing 10 African countries attend the seminary.
  • Karen enjoys leading a Bible study with 19 deaconess students using LWML materials that focus on how to be a mentor.
  • The Lutheran Church of Kenya is in fellowship with LCMS. Swahili and Luo are the predominant languages.

How You Can Help

Join us in our commitment of raising $15,000 per year for the next five years in support of Pastor and Karen Schempf as they spread the Good Word throughout Africa. Informational brochures and donation envelopes are available in the Narthex. You may also elect to donate online

 

 

Missionaries 

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