The congregation helps sponsor Pastor Andy Hinderlie, his wife Barbara and their two children Michael and Kristian now based in Madagascar, through the ELCA Division for Global Mission. For more information about the Hinderlies, you can view their website at 
Fall Newsletter 2009
Greetings in the name of our Lord in what is our Spring to your Autumn in the states. First I would apologize for not having had something out much sooner, no excuses simply to ask for forgiveness.
Upon returning to Madagascar, Andy had to leave almost immediately to help with orientation done together with the Nairobi International Lutheran Parish at Dagretti, Pastor Sam Wolff, who came to us from Frankfurt, Germany. He and his wife have accepted the call for 2 years and perhaps beyond to assist in the ministry of that great church which has two congregations worshipping in it (Kiswahili and English) and which by God’s amazing work as always, has brought to that church the very person who helped start the Kiswahili Congregation. Pastor Sam was welcomed warmly by all, and speaking to them both in English and Kiswahili as well it could be seen how God has worked in marvelous ways to provide for this congregation as it did in bringing Pastor Mario Miranda as the interim the year before without whom it might not have gone so smoothly. This is not to say that a new pastor coming in does not have to deal with challenges, but there is no question that Pastor Sam is up to the Challenge. It’s wonderful to have him in that call and to have such a fine colleague to work with and along with KELC we welcome him. If you are in Nairobi and looking for a church on Sunday don’t miss out on the opportunity to worship with NILP and Pastor Sam.
Barbara jumped right into the work in Tana: having been gone for the two months there was much to do.
Michael was excited to get back to school, going into 3rd grade like into any new class is stressful yet Michael was happy to be back among his friends though some have left due to their families moving from Madagascar because of the situation or end of their contracts. He has new friends as well as renewing old ones and facing the challenges that come with a new grade with a sense of adventure and purpose. Kristian is staying home this year, we decided that with his missing half the year last year due to all the violence and insecurity it was better to have him home during the week rather than throw away money on practically the same thing if things don’t settle down here.
Since coming back Barbara and Andy have read a great book called, “It’s Our Turn to Eat,” by Michaela Wrong, which highlights the situation in Kenya during the post election crises and before what led up to it; however we both feel that it’s a book that isn't only about Kenya but about the world and even about mission, churches, and missionaries. It might even speak to American communities and understanding some of our own issues.
The situation here is still tense and uncertain as those in power continue to jockey for positions and power, agreeing now to share power with 1 president and 2 co-presidents representing three different movements along with a prime minister representing a fourth movement. We ask that you pray that the Holy Spirit may work within their hearts now to see the greater good of the whole people of God through peace and reconciliation.
We give thanks once more for your continued faithfulness in your relationship to God, to your callings, to your stewardship and in your relationship with us as we share the ministry to our Lord Jesus Christ to go and preach the good news to all t he world in word and deed.
In Christ,
The Hinderlies
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