Jonathan Menn, ECLEA Director
AUGUST 2026
I recently returned from my week-and-a-half trip to Tanzania. I must say, it was not only a good and productive trip, but I was very heartened and encouraged by what the ECLEA-Tanzanians are doing. They are really stepping up and doing an excellent job of "owning" this ministry.
I began by preaching 4 times the Sunday after my arrival: three times in a large Lutheran church in Tanga and then once at the group New Life in Christ, also in Tanga.
Lutheran church where I preached
On Monday, I began teaching the book of Hebrews to about 30 participants. This is the first time I have taught the book to a group of students, since I only completed it earlier this year. The book is a very important one, since its focus is on who Christ is, what he has done, and how we can appropriate the New Covenant into our lives.
Joram addressing the Hebrews group Teaching Hebrews
It was also important in that, in connection with Hebrews 6:4-8, I had discussed the nature and elements of true, saving faith. I had laid out six elements of true, saving faith: election; regeneration; conversion; justification; adoption; and sanctification. But I noticed that I had failed to mention being sealed by the Holy Spirit. So, I will add that. Also, in connection with the book's discussion of Melchizedek in chapter 7, a question from one of the participants related to the fact that Melchizedek is called the "king of Salem." There are two main views as to the identity of Melchizedek: some hold that he was a "type" of Christ; others (including myself) hold that he was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Both the actual identity of Salem and one other aspect of Melchizedek, which I saw for the first time while teaching the book, in my view, corroborate my position that Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. I will flesh that out (hopefully, this week) and repost the revised version of Hebrews on the ECLEA website. In short, engagement with the very sharp Tanzanians helped to stretch me and give me greater understanding. Praise the Lord!
Then, along with Joram Ibrahim (ECLEA-TZ's national coordinator), Bishop Bartholomew Sheggah, Paul Mdimi (ECEA-TZ's secretary), and others, I spent two days with 16 of ECLEA-TZ's teachers going over such things as ECLEA's nature, history, and teaching methodologies so as to help the teachers be as effective as possible. This was time well spent.
ECLEA-Tanzania teachers
After that, several ECLEA-TZ teachers gave testimonies. Here is what Lazaro Chikula, who is heading ECLEA's outreach to Muslims, had to say: "I went with two others (from the TAG and Baptist churches) to 6 villages in a remote area. We had many challenges, but eventually 108 Muslims came to Christ. We then had a public baptism. Because of fear, 60 were not baptized at that time, but 48 were. We also planted one church in each of the six villages. The TAG and Baptist churches sent people to oversee the new churches. I did not have any means of transport. But, by God's grace and thanks to ECLEA, I was able to obtain a motorcycle. Now, I visit the new churches and converts. We also give them Bibles, as we obtain them, but there is a need for more Bibles. Some Muslims are angry at me and are saying, 'One pastor keeps coming and is changing our people.' But I expected this." This is a tremendous work Lazaro is doing. Please pray for his protection and continued effectiveness.
Finally, on Saturday we all participated in a graduation ceremony for 10 graduates of East African Theological Bible Institute. Our courses are included in their curriculum. That is very encouraging to me. East African governments are beginning to require that pastors be formally trained. To include our materials in the curricula of such theological schools means that ECLEA will continue to make an impact for generations, long after I am gone. Again, praise the Lord!
Paul Mdimi, Joram, JMM, Bishop Sheggah, Lazaro EATBI graduates and officiants
Attached are some photos of this trip. I should now be home until early October, when I am planning on going to Uganda for my last trip of the year.
Thank you again for your prayer and financial support. I hope you can see how valuable they are and what a difference you are making in this spiritually vital region of the world.
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MAY 2026
Last Wednesday afternoon, my wife, Nancy, and I returned from Ethiopia. I apologize for taking so long to report to you, but the last week of the trip I became very ill. I am much better now, although still not back to 100%.
In any event, as you know, ECLEA is expanding beyond the five countries that surround Lake Victoria. David Njeru is heading our expansion into Malawi and Ethiopia. He has already established the beginnings of an indigenous ECLEA organization in Ethiopia, headed by the very capable and well-respected Solomon Kebede Tessema. While in Ethiopia, we did a training of trainers in 1 Timothy in Addis Ababa to about 26 participants who had already been through 1 Timothy; The Church: Its Nature, Mission, and Purpose to about 28 participants in Burayo; and Biblical Marriage and Parenting to about 30 participants in Ambo. I also lectured on Is Christianty True? to about 25 students at Addis Ababa Bible College (where Solomon is a lecturer). Because I had gotten so sick, I was not able to participate in the first day of the Marriage and Parenting session, but Nancy spoke for about 30 minutes on marriage and parenting based on her own experience. Reports indicated that she did and excellent job and was well-received.
David, JMM, Nancy, Solomon Teaching in Burayo Addis Ababa Bible College students
We are building a very good foundation in Ethiopia. The Ethiopians clearly followed the material and see how valuable is. It will bee translated into Amharic and Oromo, the two major Ethiopian languages. I am hopeful that, especially when it comes to marriage and parenting, the participants will take to heart what we talked about so that Ethiopian family life will be rather more biblically, as opposed to culturally, based.
Let me give you a few impressions of Ethiopia. The country is known as "the land of origins." There were very few Westerners we encountered. The people were unfailingly gracious and helpful. Ethiopia has a real "coffee culture." There are coffee shops everywhere. Their coffee is essentially espresso (which is the one kind of coffee I like). The food is distinctive and excellent. Meats, vegetables, and sauces are placed on injera (a spongy flatbread made from fermented teff flour), which is used as a transfer device for the meat, vegetables, and sauces. Ethiopian music has significant Arabic influences and sounds similar to Indian music. One thing Nancy and I both noticed was that the Ethiopians are quite aggressive about trying to cut into line or grab your seat, the greatest offenders being old women!
Great Ethiopian food Traditional Ethiopian instruments and music
After the week of teaching, Nancy and I (on our own dime) stayed an extra four days and visited the city of Lalibela, where there are 11 churches hewn out of solid rock, dating back to the 1100s. We also visited the northern city of Axum, which includes multiple 1700 year-old obelisks, the Queen of Sheba's castle and pool, and other interesting historical sites.
Nancy at Haile Selassie's tomb Dear Ethiopian children A rock-hewn church at Lalibela
Attached are some photos of the trip. Unfortunately, my camera is having some problems, and I have not been able, so far, too offload pictures from Axum. However, I think these will give you a good feel for this amazing country and the great privilege we had in going there.
Now that I am home, I have a considerable amount of ECLEA-related work to do, including proofing translations, among other things. I am still planning on returning to East Africa later this year, although such trips have not yet been finalized.
I want to thank you again for your ongoing prayer and financial support of ECLEA. I hope you can see how valuable your support is. We are making a big difference in a spiritually important part of the world--indeed, ECLEA is going to the primary meeting point between Christianity and Islam. So, thank you very much again.
Until later, God bless you,
Jonathan
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MARCH 2026
I have just returned from a very worthwhile trip to Kenya. I spent the entire week in Nairobi. I began by meeting with approximately 20 of ECLEA's leaders, teachers, and regional coordinators. I am happy to say that the group included 7 "second generation" teachers. We did part 1 of the Gospel of Mark. The three days were marked by extensive Q&A and discussions. The discussions centered around some of the most important issues facing the church, including personal and institutional accountability, the churches becoming engaged with their communities, dealing with "unlovable" people and those different from ourselves, and other matters of depth. I think we all grew in our understanding of the gospel and the church. One of the participants told Barnabas that, before he got involved with ECLEA, he felt like he had a blanket over his head, but now the blanket has been removed and he can see and understand the Bible so much better than he ever could before. The group also presented me with a new hoodie, shirt, and bush hat! They are very kind.
Jonathan and the Old Guard Jonathan and the Second Generation
I am also happy to say that, one night, I met with Barnabas Mpekethi, ECLEA-Kenya's national coordinator, and three regional coordinators. These Kenyan leaders have come up with a plan and structure for taking ECLEA to countries outside the 5 (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi) where we have been working for the last 19 years. David Njeru will head ECLEA's work in Ethiopia and Malawi (both of which countries he has been to twice), Barnabas will head ECLEA's work in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Michael Taari will head ECLEA's work in South Sudan. (Jacob Boldig and Protais Nshogoza are in charge of ECLEA's work in Democratic Republic of the Congo.)
Saturday I spent at Michal Taari's church, going through the book of Biblical Theology, with approximately 20 students. Michael is in charge of a Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College center. ECLEA and NPBC have an agreement whereby ECLEA materials are used as part of NPBC's curriculum. NPBC is an accredited educational institution and provides certificates, diplomas, and degrees. This arrangement is important and serves to increase ECLEA's visibility and "legitimacy." (We have similar arrangements with other accredited educational institutions in the other countries of East Africa.) Sunday I preached at Christian Outreach Better Covenant Church before heading to the airport.
At Michael Taari's chuurch Barnabas, JMM, George Kariuki, Children at the church where I preached
Thomas Mwai
I will be home for just over a month, when I will be joining David Njeru in Ethiopia. It will be my first timee in Ethiopia.
I thank you for your prayers and financial support. You are making a big difference in a vital and strategic part of the world. Attached are some photos of the trip. Enjoy!
Best regards, Jonathan
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FEBRUARY 2026
Last week I returned from a week in Rwanda. It was, I believe, a very worthwhile trip. I have said that I want to be more focused in my time in East Africa. Accordingly, Protais Nshogoza, ECLEA's Rwanda national coordinator, arranged for me to teach Biblical Interpretation to two different groups. In Rubavu, we did a "training of trainers" for about 15 ECLEA-Rwanda teachers and two of the principals from Democratic Republic of the Congo (since Rubavu is located in far western Rwanda, near DRC). In Kigali, I taught the course to a group of about 22 people affiliated with "We Go To Them," an evangelistic organization of primarily younger people who evangelize in schools, businesses, etc. Protais wisely said that ECLEA needs to bring its teachings to younger current and future church leaders.
Rubavu group studying Rubavu group
Both courses went well. There was lots of Q&A and discussion in both groups, primarily in the WGTT group. In the course, I begin with general hermeneutical and exegetical principles for understanding and interpreting biblical texts, then give an overview of the biblical storyline (since one needs to have an overview of the entire Bible to be able to understand well any particular passage), cover interpreting different genres of Scripture, and end with applying the Scriptures. These were not just lectures, but we dove into a number of important biblical passages, including, among others, 1 Corinthians 12 (regarding spiritual gifts), 1 Corinthians 13 (the "love" chapter, which, given its location and the broader context of the book, is not doing what most people think it is doing), Galatians 3-4 (which give a good overview of the relationship between the Abrahamic Covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, and Jesus Christ), Genesis 15 (ratification of the Abrahamic Covenant, which points to Jesus Christ), Gen 4:17-24 (regarding the line of Cain, especially Lamech), and Luke 15:11-32 (the somewhat misnamed "parable of the prodigal son"). As Protais said, the participants got lots of insight.
We Go To Them WGTT group studying WGTT group
As an added treat, the last night, we had time to go to dinner before I had to go to the airport to leave. We went to a very nice Ethiopian restaurant which Jake Boldig had discovered when he was in Rwanda recently. An added benefit of that is that we sat at a table with an Ethiopian couple and their infant and were able to share each others meals and have very good and interesting conversation. Thank you, Jake!
Dinner at Rubavu Protais' "white meal" of casava and milk one night Dinner at Ethiopian restuarant
I will now be home until the end of March, when I am scheduled to return to Kenya. I thank you very much for your ongoing prayer and financial support. It means a lot to me, and I hope you realize the important and long-term impact you are having in what I consider to be probably the most spiritually significant region in Africa and, I believe, the world.
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ECLEA 2025 YEAR-END REPORT
2025 has been another productive and effective year for ECLEA. New ECLEA books and translations have been completed, and ECLEA has now expanded to include the countries of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, and Ethiopia! There is a sad note, however. Our friend and former missionary teacher, Frank Cummings, passed away in April. He will be missed. Here are some of the year’s highlights:
ECLEA-USA IN EAST AFRICA
Jonathan’s work in East Africa
I was again able to make five trips to East Africa. In Burundi I taught Biblical Eschatology and the book of Jonah. In Kenya I taught the books of Revelation, Galatians, and our books on The Church and Is Christianity True? (our book on apologetics). In Tanzania, I taught Revelation and Is Christianity True? In Rwanda I taught Is Christianity True? And in Uganda I taught Biblical Marriage & Parenting and Expository Preaching.
I also participated in a number of graduation ceremonies for graduates who had gone through our materials over a period of years. This is important, because some East African governments are now requiring that pastors have a formal theological education. Our materials meet those requirements, and the students who go through our courses get recognized certificates, diplomas, and degrees! This will have a lasting impact on the health and strength of the churches in East Africa for years and years to come. While in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, I also met with and taught the ECLEA leaders of those countries. I think this is very important and hope to continue to do this in the future. You can see my reports on the ECLEA News & Blog page of the ECLEA website. (http://www.eclea.net/news.html).
Paul and Rosemary Nelsen’s work in East Africa
Paul and Rosemary Nelsen did not teach in East Africa this year. But Paul, even now, is leading a medical mission in Kenya. The Nelsens have been invited by Protais Nshogoza, ECLEA-Rwanda’s national coordinator, to come to Rwanda and teach. They hope to do that in the near future.
Jacob and Jamie Boldig’s work in East Africa
Jake and Jamie Boldig led ECLEA’s first official outreach to Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in December 2024. They were accompanied by Protais Nshogoza of Rwanda, Stephen Sempala of Uganda, and others. Jake reported that “We accomplished much of what we came to do despite facing challenges that are to be expected in an exploratory trip such as this in a country suffering from war currently and for most of the past 30 years.” It was an amazingly full trip of meetings, teachings, and establishing ECLEA-DRC leadership structures and teaching centers. His report is on the DRC page of the ECLEA website. At the end of this month, Jake and Jamie will be returning to DRC!
ALL-AFRICAN ECLEA TRAINING CONFERENCES
ECLEA’s name reflects what we stand for: we equip church leaders of East Africa so they can equip others. As a result, the vast majority of ECLEA’s work is done by the East Africa church leaders themselves! In 2025 our East African ECLEA teams kept moving forward, teaching at the different centers they have established in each of the countries of East Africa. As a result, hundreds of ECLEA training conferences are conducted indigenously throughout East Africa and, as noted above, in each of the countries, our materials are also being taught as part of formal and government-recognized theological schools created or arranged for by our East African ECLEA leaders. Reports from the all-African training conferences are available on the individual country pages of the ECLEA website (www.eclea.net).
EXPANSION!
I have always gone to Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. However, the East Africa Community has been officially expanded to now include Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and South Sudan. We have on several occasions been asked to teach outside of the five countries I go to—and now we are doing it!
* In December 2024, Jake and Jamie Boldig, accompanied by Bishop Sempala and Protais Nshogoza, went to DRC to teach and establish an ECLEA organization there. While there, they taught and developed relationships with local coordinators, pastors, political leaders, refugee and military camps, potential supporters with resources, and formalized a partnership with Goma Baptist Seminary. (ECLEA works with numerous Protestant denominations.) They will be returning to DRC at the end of this month.
* Pastor David Njeru, of Nairobi, Kenya, is ECLEA's Africa Expansion Program Coordinator. He is a pastor-teacher with Transformation Ministries - Kabiria Church in Nairobi, Kenya. David also operates in the apostolic calling with a precise mandate of opening cities and nations to the Gospel. He has over 27 years experience in ministry, serving the Lord in diverse backgrounds. David is a celebrated author with over 5 books in his credit.
David is spearheading ECLEA's expansion into Malawi and Ethiopia. In addition to personally going to Malawi and Ethiopia to teach, David is appointing national coordinators in those countries to continue ECLEA's work indigenously. So far, he has made two trips to Malawi (in Feb and Sept 2025) and one trip to Ethiopia (in April 2025). After his second trip to Malawi, David commented, “As the Africa Coordinator, may I express my heartfelt gratitude to ECLEA and the generous support from partners. You have touched so many African pastors and leaders here in Malawi who could not have benefitted if it were not for your consistent support.”
Further, David has just spoken with Ababu Minda, an Ethiopian native now living in Canada, who is soon to be returning to Ethiopia to spread the word concerning ECLEA. David states that he has arranged for Ababu to get in touch with Solomon Kebede Tessema, ECLEA’s contact person in Ethiopia, so that Ababu “can plug into the ECLEA system in Ethiopia in the near future when you finally settle down from Canada in July or August as you intimated. Meanwhile, we have an elaborate extension plan for ECLEA in Ethiopia. The plan is being implemented in phases and so far so good.” See David’s reports on the Ethiopia and Malawi pages of the ECLEA website.
ECLEA BOOK TRANSLATIONS
Translating our books into the major East African languages is a hugely important part of what ECLEA does, since few other good theological resources are available in the indigenous African languages. They are also being used in formal theological schools. These books will continue to have an impact for generations.
* Translations of several of our books also were completed in 2025. These include the Kinyarwanda translation of Biblical Literacy and Ruth, the Acoli translation of 1 Timothy, the Luganda translations of Is Christianity True? and 1 John, and the Runyankore translations of Biblical Eschatology, 1 John, 1 Peter, Ephesians, Esther, Galatians, Habakkuk, James, Jonah, Mark, and Ruth.
* All of our books, translations, and video lectures are on the “ECLEA Courses & Resources” page of the website: http://www.eclea.net/courses.html. The video lectures (as well as videos of other matters pertaining to East Africa and ECLEA’s work) also are on the ECLEA YouTube video channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpN8YUjt8zpi9iKfcuozxJw.
THE IMPACT OF ECLEA
ECLEA’s mission is: “Deep Foundations=>Healthy Churches=>Transformed Lives.” Here are some comments from East Africans I have received this year concerning the impact ECLEA is having:
* Stephano Edward (Tanzania): I am one among many who have participated in one of the classes. Surely the course on Apologetics [Is Christianity True?] is very crucial to the church especially in our nations here in East Africa and Africa at large. It is said, "Prevention is better than cure". This is what the course about Apologetics does to us here in Africa. The church in the West is already suffering from naturalistic views and evolution theories, etc. I hope even the church in the West can be helped by the contents in this well prepared lesson on apologetics.
* Bishop Lawrence Maliki (Kenya): I have been going through your teachings entitled, EQUIPPING CHURCH LEADERS, EAST AFRICA, THEME: BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP. This is incredible teaching that every child of God would need. Such teachings are the true teachings your brothers and church leaders in Kenya and across East Africa need.
* Zemen Endale (Ethiopia): Greetings and thank you for your materials. I am using them for my life and ministry both in our church and in our pastoral training center in Ethiopia. Thank you and God bless.
* Paul Batambuze (Uganda): Thank you for the great work you're doing to promote God's work especially among the very poor community church members in rural areas. Your Biblical training approach is unique, down to earth even to the least at the grassroot is timely. God bless you abundantly.
* Patrice Nduwimana (Burundi): I really appreciate the work that you are doing. to prepare tools for church Leaders. Pastors who went through ECLEA books are really making a difference in their local churches. If you look at the way they lead people, the way they teach and preach, the way they organize things is really different from the way they used to.
LOOKING AHEAD
By God’s grace we will continue moving forward in all areas in 2026. We take seriously Christ’s commission to go “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). What is happening in East Africa, and now beyond (!) is BIG. Few others are doing what we are doing. No ministry is doing church leader training or preparing and translating excellent books on the scale that ECLEA does. These books go to the heart of what Christians and church leaders need. YOU are making this possible!
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
* Giving opportunities: 100% of donations goes to the work of the ministry. Your financial support is necessary (it enables us to go “to the ends of the earth,” translate our books into the indigenous languages, and also helps facilitate the all-African training conferences). It is paying great dividends (as I hope you see from the above report).
Giving can be done through the website (http://www.eclea.net/contact.html), automatic fund transfers can be arranged through your bank, or checks (payable to ECLEA) can be sent to the ECLEA office at 714 S. Summit St., Appleton, WI 54914.
* To contact ECLEA's treasurer: If you wish to contact Jacob Boldig, ECLEA’s treasurer, his number is 920-209-1477 and his email address is jacobboldig@gmail.com.
* We value your input and suggestions. Let us know what you think! If you no longer wish to receive these updates, please let us know, and I will be happy to remove you from the mailing list.
We wish you a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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