Lift Up Your Eyes And Look...

Over the last few days stateside staff in the Bear Valle Extension Program, along with the Denver staff, met in Colorado for a retreat. The theme of the retreat was “Lift Up Your Eyes And Look.” The idea is based on the text of Genesis 13:14-15 where God wants Abram to see the land He is going to give Abram and his descendants. Each lesson was uplifting and faith building. We all learned of the need for us to do as Abram, lift up our eyes and look all around us.

Along with the lessons, staff members provided reports about the various areas of the work. Updates were given regarding each of the locations where Bear Valley is privileged to share in the work of training men to preach the gospel. Exciting only begins to describe the atmosphere of the retreat as we listened to the work being accomplished around the world.

The retreat also affords opportunity to discuss face to face the various issues we need to consider regarding the overall work. This year we were able to look at a number of areas involving the improvement of communication in every location, the possibilities of alternative training models, and the requirements for the various certificates offered through the Bear Valley Bible Institute. The discussions were encouraging and informative. Considering everyone’s suggestions we hope to narrow our focus and improve the overall work of the Extension Program in each location.

The challenges in the work of training men to preach are certainly easier to overcome when working with such qualified and experienced men as the staff of the Bear Valley Bible Institute within the Extension Program and at the Denver campus. I am thankful to have opportunity to learn from such a wonderful group of men who love the Lord, have a compassion for the lost, and are driven by the desire to train men to preach.

Next year’s retreat will focus on the text of Nehemiah 2:18. The theme will be “Let Us Arise And Build.” According to the power of God to do far beyond all we ask or think (Eph. 3:20) and God’s instruction to lift up our eyes and look (Gen. 13:14), it is time for us to arise and build. I look forward to the powerful lessons to aid us in our efforts to fulfill God’s command.

There are several reports this week and they are listed below.

Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/

Howell Ferguson’s report for August is now available. Howell shares a report from Brent Smith and writes about his upcoming trip to Ukraine.

Extension Reports 

Cameroon Prepares For Campaigns: With the completion of short courses at the CBIW, students are preparing for upcoming campaigns to use what they have learned to teach others.

New Class Begins At BVBIU In Ukraine: The next class of students is all set to begin their studies in Gorlovka, Ukraine. Classes begin today.

Cambodian Mindset Of Evangelism: The evangelistic development of the work in Cambodia is part of Phanat Ouch’s report this month.

Preacher’s Seminar Focuses On ‘The Church:’ With several in attendance, the Visakh Valley Bible College recently hosted a seminar on the greatness and uniqueness of the church.

Souls Added In Cambodia: The work among local congregations in the villages around Siem Reap continues to see growth.

Rejoicing Over 15 New Souls In Tanzania: The Lord continues to give the increase in great ways as a result of the graduates’ work from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.

Always: A common marketing thought used by Wal-Mart carries application to the needs and development of the work in Arusha. 

Final Thoughts
I want to close with a thought of thanks to all the men and their spouses who traveled to Denver to be part of this powerful weekend. While we enjoyed the time of fellowship together, we were also able to accomplish another step to improve the work of training men to preach the gospel.

I also want to thank each of you who read the reports for your continual prayers for us and the work of Extension Training. Our gratitude is also extended to all who provide the financial support involved in keeping this work moving forward. We know your generosity sustains everyone involved in this work around the world. Thank you!

Most of all I am thankful to the Lord. He continues to work in so many ways to reassure and strengthen us in our efforts. All we do is to His glory.

God bless
Bob

Souls Added In Cambodia...

Dear brethren,

Hope this email email will find you are fine with the work that you are doing for our dear Lord. 

We are very honored to have the Christian brethren around the world and to know that they are very dedicated in their time, strength, money and themselves because of God's work.

That's really encouraging to all of us who are younger Christians. I am really grateful to you all who involved with the work of our God as some are good preacher, good teacher, some are faithful to give, faithful to do benevolence work for the work that He commanded us to do.

We are very grateful to the brethren who love His work and continue to pray for us and help us financially. Your great love to us we know that because of Jesus teaches us to do so. You are doing a great example to all of us. We pray that in the future, the church in Cambodia will try to get up and work hard to be a self supporting and Lord's willing we will send to help the brethren at various places who are working for our Lord too.

I have some news want to share with you all about the work which has been done Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Last year and this year we are also blessed to get to know brother John Rice from Alabama State, who is working as a missionary for the camp. This year which is from 03-05.09.2011, the camp had been done smoothly for three congregations in Siem Reap. One is called Takam, Leang Dai and in the town. We had 220 people joined the camp at Takam, 110 at Leang Dai, 50 in the town. The result we had three baptism at Takam village. We are very blessed to have brother Cheouy who is preaching for the congregation there at Takam and he has done a great job.

Once again, on behalf of the work in Siem Reap I truly appreciate you all very much for helping us and the work in Cambodia. May our mighty God bless you with strength both physical and spiritual.  

In His service
Chann

Cambodian Mindset Of Evangelism...

Dear brethren,

We met again for the month of August to talk about the work of Jesus Christ that’s happening in Siem Reap, Cambodia. As always, I am grateful to God and the brethren for the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful work. I know many people say they love what they do, but I am truly thankful that I am counted worthy enough to be a servant of the Almighty in this part of the world. 

Paul wrote to the evangelist Timothy exhorting him to make full proof of his ministry by being sober minded in all things, enduring afflictions, and doing the work of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5). Part of my responsibility as an evangelist is to be watchful in all things. Especially on the mission field when there are so many distractions from the evil one and his ministers (2 Cor. 11:15). 

Time and time again the Bible teaches us to beware of false teachers and mark those who follow not after the traditions and teachings of the apostles. We must be on guard and contend for the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints, keeping sound doctrine. However, we must also consider the emphasis of the Bible on unity, forgiveness, teaching to restore the error, and making sound judgments. Sometimes we focus too much on the former and forget about the latter. It’s true we must guard against man-made doctrines creeping into the church, but we must also be wise enough and loving enough to correct those who may teach false doctrine but are sincere about serving God. We should be able to discern when to 'speak the truth in love' in hopes of converting the sinner’s soul and when not to 'cast our pearls to the pigs' and have them trampled on. 

A good biblical example that I like to use in emphasizing this point is found in Acts 18:24-28. Was Apollos a false teacher? According to scripture, “he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John” (v-25). That sounds like a false teacher by some of our standard nowadays! However, while in Ephesus he encountered Priscilla and Aquila, coworkers of the apostle Paul who instructed him more accurately (v 26). Evidently Apollos repented of teaching falsely on baptism and became a huge asset to Paul and the work of God in that area. 

How many of us today would’ve marked Apollos and had nothing to do with him because we heard him teach falsely on baptism? Moreover, how many of us would even dare to approach a “well versed and eloquent man” and correct him? For tentmakers like Priscilla and Aquila to not only approach but correct the Alexandrian born intellect, proves that it doesn’t matter what our background is. If we have the truth, we should have no fear in correcting and teaching the one in error. Apollos then set out for Corinth, where he encouraged fellow believers and soon became as popular as Paul and Peter; parties loyal to each began to threaten church unity. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians addresses the threat, “every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ” (1Cor 1:12). Far from blaming Apollos for the divisions, Paul credits his work and appeals to the true basis for fellowship when he writes, “I have planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase” (1 Cor 3:6). 

Further indication that Paul and Apollos were not rivals is found in Paul’s urging Apollos to revisit the church in Corinth and in his requesting Titus to “bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them” (1 Cor 16:12, Tit 3:13). 

What we want to do at IBISR is cultivate this mindset in all of our evangelists. We want to be biblically sound yet humble and confident in winning allies and souls for God. It doesn’t matter if the person is older, or more educated, or wealthier, or is from a more powerful nation, or is more eloquent in speech, or better looking, etc. If they are in error, we should not judge according to appearance and automatically marking them as a false teacher. We should be humble yet confident and sit down with them and ask them to explain why they taught what they taught and reason from the scripture to come to the truth (1 Cor 4:6). 

We know that the word of God is the ultimate authority and if both parties submit to it then there should not be any problem resolving the issue at hand. These attributes, soundness, humility, and confidence, are what we want our students to have when teaching the gospel to others. I truly believe that we have men with such traits serving God in this part of the world. I want to thank you for supporting such a great work that's producing such men and women.

One of our sound, humble, and confident brother in Christ, Choeuy translating for our other sound, humble, and confident brother from Tennessee, brother Jeffery Bell who will also teach in Tanzania with the BV extension school there. Brother Bell and brother Daniel Hamm did mission work in Thailand and Burma before coming to Cambodia to be with us. It's always good for our students and teachers to be exposed to sound preachers as much as they can so that they can learn from them and their experience. It's amazing how there are so many unsung heroes in God's kingdom and these two are truly them. If you get to know these individual as we've gotten to know them, you will truly be blessed and be inspired to do more for Christ and His kingdom. Especially brother Hamm's story.

Our family business of selling school and office supplies is starting to pick up. It's a low profit business but at least we have an outside source of income. We pray that business will pick up so that we can pay back our loan and in time do more for the Lord and His kingdom. Please keep us and the work in your prayers.

My daughter Katesana is now 13 months old. She's grown up so fast. She may be born in Siem Reap, Cambodia but she's a Texan at heart!

Phanat

New Class Begins At BVBIU In Ukraine...

Dear brothers, churches and families.

In Ukraine, as it is in other parts of the world, the summer comes to its end, and this period is usually connected with recreation, traveling and spending time with one’s family.

We had a wonderful chance to get some rest and get ready to the new school year. We thank God that we were able to change the registration of the building from educational to religious facility, and this way we can use it safely.  

On September 3, we’ll have an orientation day at the institute, where we’ll address the rules and requirements for the students. We have 9 new students entering this program as freshmen. Three of them are ladies. All of them are about of the same age. These young people are willing to sacrifice their time and strength to serve and win new souls for our Lord. The classes at the institute will start on September 5.

In this month I had an opportunity to visit several local churches and preach at some of them, like Slavyansk, Gorlovka, Kramatorsk, and Krasnyy Lyman. Brothers and sisters there accepted me with joy and enthusiasm, and many of them are sending their greetings to you, especially the churches that our students attend.

The building of the institute is ready to the new school year. Our new secretary Oksana has put in order our library and electronic information. We have also prepared a study room for the Master’s class. 

Now we have enough room to provide housing for all the students from other towns. 

Starting with the new school year, we plan to start a Bible school for kids at the building of the institute, which will work during the week, and in this way it would help Central church of Christ. We would be grateful if you keep this project in your prayers. 

On September 29, we had a meeting of the preachers that was attended by brothers from Donetsk and Lugansk regions.  We try to meet as often as we can and keep in touch. There is a recent tendency in Ukraine that some churches start departing from sound doctrine and try to influence other churches too. I think it’s very important to have communication and support those preachers who stay committed to the biblical position. 

One of the problems, that worry me now, is that we haven’t started any new local churches. We have students, and in the next year we’ll have new graduates, but we don’t have any plans on how to use them after they graduate from school and how to help them in their ministry. If you have any ideas or experience in this matter, please write to me. 

I’m very glad that many of the American brothers responded to my previous letter and are ready to come to Ukraine to teach. We are in great need of your experience and support. I will have all of the information in September and will send you an updated schedule with your names. 

Thank you for your prayers and support of the institute and my family. God has shown us His power and care in multiple ways when we started previous school year, and I hope we’ll rely more on Him during this year.

Your brother in Christ,
Dennis.

Rejoicing Over 15 New Souls In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

It is our continued hope and prayer that God blesses each of you in your faithful service to Him and to our fellow man. We continue to remember you in our prayers, that our God be with you, that He blesses you and that our fellowship in the Gospel might prosper to His glory and to the saving of many lost souls.

There are so many joys in this work! Time or space will simply not allow us to mention them all, but may we list but a few that your soul might be lifted. We are indeed a blessed people, the people of God.

I received a text from our brother David Bayi this morning reporting on the good God is doing through him (David) and his fellow Christians that meet and work at Kioga. In his brief report he mentioned the saving of one new soul yesterday. What joy there is in the fellowship of the Gospel, its purpose, its preaching and its power! 

Yesterday (Saturday) I received a message from Isaac Kusupa. He had called earlier in the day asking for some help with a study he was engaged in with fifteen lost souls. I gave him some scriptures to use in his study. The text read; “we rejoice in the Lord in the saving of fifteen new souls who have put Christ on in baptism.” These contacts came from our brother Yusuph Madeaki (graduate of the ACSOP and current evangelist for the Ushirombo congregation). Though I do not know all the details, we have great joy in this wonderful news!

Today during worship a good brother in Christ stood before the congregation and confessed sin in his life. He had gotten caught up in a business deal with his brother (in the flesh), the deal “went south” leaving our brother (in the Spirit) “holding the bag”. In the end it was his brothers in the Spirit that stood by him, helping him through his troubles. He then preached a powerful lesson on “How we are to suffer persecution”.  The whole congregation had great joy today with our brother!

We are privileged month after month in that we get to meet, fellowship, work with brothers and sisters in Christ who sacrifice their time, talents and financial resources. There are many who come to lift our spirits and save the lost of this good country. Many are not mentioned in our writings, though they are appreciated and prayed for often. One such person is Penny Cabler! She has been coming to Africa for many years, first to South Africa and for the past several years, Tanzania. She is a perfect example of one who gives sacrificially! We thank her and all who come our way, bringing us such joy!

We thank God for the joy of salvation, the joy of the hope of heaven and we thank God for the privilege of service! We thank you for the joy you bring into our lives and for the joy we see on the faces of countless souls here in East Africa because YOU care enough to share. 

May we all, with the Apostle Paul, remember to; “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice”. (Philippians 4.4). Amen! 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny 

Always...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends

ALWAYS. Everyone is familiar with the Wal-Mart slogan, “Low prices. Always.” While in church services, We were thinking of the constant opportunities that abound JUST in the small village of Kisongo (not to mention the entire country of Tanzania or the entire continent of Africa). There are ALWAYS non-Christians who need teaching. Most of these people are not “cold calls” (to use salesman language). Most (like Lucy who visited this morning) are relatives of members and would welcome a Bible study. There are ALWAYS new converts who need additional teaching and encouraging. There are ALWAYS weak and unfaithful members who need the stronger members of the church to visit them. We know there is similar work to be done in America but here, especially with non-Christians and new Christians, much teaching is always needed and is welcomed by these people. ALWAYS.

SPEAKING OF THE ABOVE, in our last report we mentioned that the work permit has gone up to $550. As a part of the law, our children (listed as dependants on Jimmy’s work permit) are not allowed to teach any classes at church, conduct any Bible studies or attend any classes at the Andrew Connelly School of Preaching unless they have their own work permit. Our oldest girls, Lindsey and Abigail (16 years old), would like to conduct personal Bible studies and continue taking occasional classes at the ACSOP. Abigail, Heather and Candace would like to teach children’s classes at the church. They love being involved in this work. If you (as a congregation or an individual) would like to contribute to their work permits ($1100 total), we would be grateful. Simply earmark your check: “Lindsey and Abigail’s work permit” and mail it to East Side as normal.

THE GOSPEL CHARIOT.  “If a brother’s in the road, we will stop and pick him up…” remember this children’s song? That’s what we now call our van because we make the rounds in our neighborhood, picking up mainly women with babies and young children for church services so they don’t have to walk. This morning there was “standing room only” with babies in laps and everyone else “squashed,” but we made it safely.

THE MONTHLY CHILD-TRAINING CLASS was conducted yesterday. Previous material was reviewed. Then we discussed such questions as “Is it a small thing when your child disobeys you?” We discussed the importance of beginning training early when they are “soft clay.” It was made clear that when parents fail to train their children to obey that the parents are disobeying God’s command. 

The students of the ACSOP go out each week and do evangelism in various parts of the country. Matthew Laizer goes to Longido where he has helped plant a congregation. Vincent usually goes with Jimmy on his studies with Lembris, Rosemary, Isaac and Usta. And Desderry Massawe takes some students to Arusha. Others go out with other instructors. Much good is being done and many are being taught. Thank you for your continued support which makes it all possible. 

In Christ,
The Gee's

Cameroon Prepares For Campaigns...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from your brethren here. The students, staff and members of the Wotutu congregation send greetings to you and your family in Jesus name. I do hope you are doing great in your services to the Lord.

God is helping us meet up with our program. The last week of the third quarter in CBIW went on well, we give glory to God for all He had been doing to us and the work we are doing in His vineyard.

Minister Awum Nicholoas, my advisor, was invited to come to CBIW from Kumba, about 80 kilometers from Wotutu, to lecture part of the Prison Epistles as a short course. He did well as he had once been a lecturer in a Bible College. Awum Nicholas checked on students as they were taking notes. Brother Awum stayed in Wotutu for one week teaching in the school. He left and is back home safe and sound. Keep the old minister in your prayers for his zeal to serve even at this age in Africa still moving around for evangelism.

As I am writing you this mail, all our students left campus for campaign into different congregations for mission work. All have called to relate information to me about their safe trip to their various destinations. May God be praised. Some of them travel 4 hours in water to get to a village which a sister is demanding the school to go and help establish a congregation here. Keep them in your prayers.

Brother Tobias, as student of CBIW taught prospects very close to the Wotutu church hall the Bible on house to house evangelism. Please keep this effort in your prayers that we shall plant and continue to water for God to give the increase.

Brother Ititi Benedict took a snap shot with a prospect in Wotutu village. Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism, that is a strong force that drives our students to work even though the work load was too much for them to go through their short courses and also to reach out to souls, all is because we THINK SOULS and we are having the vision to always rob from the strong man’s house. Please help us with your prayers to accomplish all this. 

VISIONS
More evangelistic programs as we approach the dry season, but many things are still to be put in place, like a public address system, generator and an evangelistic van. 

APPRECIATION
Many thanks to God for His care and love over us. God is the pillar that supports us through you.

I thank you for all your support to see that CBIW stands firm no the solid rock of the gospel to train men to preach the gospel in many places under heaven. Please let us know that to which more is given, more is expected. We have the strong desire to do more for the Lord in this country. Please continue to stand with us for the glory to our King.

The students will finish the campaign and move straight to their homes to spend one week with their families and they shall return on campus on the 18th September 2011 before 6 pm and we shall start the last quarter for this year on the 19th September.

To this effect I will not send a weekly report until the 18th of September where I will report the details of the campaign.

Thanks very much for loving the work here in Wotutu, Cameroon. God will watch over you until then. 

Elangwe and family
By His grace, Director CBIW

Leadership Class In Takoradi...

Never having visited this extension before or Ghana, for that matter, I did not know what to expect. What I found was an outstanding class of men! I had 22 students who were eager to learn and who proved themselves to be very good students. I taught “Leadership” which is needed there, as it is in most places.

The studies prompted many good questions from the students and we spent a lot of time addressing some of the practical matters of leadership, especially that of church leadership. One question I will be laughing about for some time had to do with preacher support. One of the students said he had been told that in America preachers make about the same income as doctors. After I stopped rolling on the floor I clarified it for him.

More than half of these students are nearing the end of the requirements for either a degree or a certificate and a new class is being currently recruited. There are many congregations in Ghana and most of them are without a preacher. Certainly there is a great need here. Continue to pray for this school and these men and their families.

Keith Kasarjian

The Joy Of Extension Training...

Reading about the impact of the Extension Schools around the world brings such joy to my heart. According to the e-mail I receive from many of you reading the reports, the feelings are mutual. I love reading about the lives being changed because of the gospel taught throughout the world. This week’s report continues to emphasize more of the same growth.

I appreciate the effort put forth to communicate the development of the work in these locations. Their effort to provide reports about the activities within the school and the outreach of the students keeps us all informed. These men are extremely busy and the time they set aside to communicate about the work shows the love they have for the Lord. It also shows their understanding of how much others benefit from reading about the work. They want others to share in the same joy they experience. It further expresses their gratitude. They know your prayers and support keep this work moving forward.

I have enjoyed the opportunity of sharing the work with individuals and congregations around the country through e-mail and personal reports. I had the joy of sharing information about the work of Bear Valley and the Extension Program with the Mt. Juliet congregation near Nashville, Tennessee this past Sunday. It was so uplifting to share in our time of worship together. Ray Birchett, who is from the Mt. Juliet congregation, recently moved to Denver to begin his studies at the Bear Valley Bible Institute. It was a great privilege to be with the congregation and I am thankful they are part of this work.

We are constantly looking for others to be involved in the work of training men to preach the gospel. The need is evident in this country and every country around the world. Please share the report with others and let us know if there is anyone we can visit with about the work. We want to provide a greater awareness of this work to everyone.

Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/

Chad Wagner recently returned from the graduation in Nigeria. His future plans involve moving to Tanzania to work with the Chimala Bible Institute. His report explains more details. Click here to read it.

Extension Reports 

Cameroon Students Prepare For Campaign: As students finish two short courses they prepare for a campaign to reach out in 15 locations.

Leadership Class In Takoradi: Keith Kasarjian, Assistant Director to the Extension program, recently returned from Takoradi after teaching a class on leadership. The expectations for a first trip are always encouraging.

New Class And Campaign In Togo: CBS prepares for the next class of students and a recent campaign has seen fruit in Togo.

East Africa Gospel Meeting: Francis Wechesa writes about a recent Gospel meeting in East Africa that continues to reach lives.

Tanzania 2000 Impact In East Africa: The growth evidenced from graduates of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching is impacting East Africa.

One Beautiful And Exciting Conversion: The Gee Report shares news about the progress of the work in Arusha, Tanzania. This week’s report has an incredible story worth reading. 

Final Thoughts
There are never adequate words to express appreciation for the way your support of this work is bearing such fruit. The Lord has been very good to us in the work we are doing together to take the gospel around the world. 

Training men to preach the gospel in their own country is effecting the lives of people everywhere. It is powerful to read and learn about the difference being made through the Extension program at Bear Valley.

Thank you for making it possible.

God bless
Bob

New Class And Campaign In Togo...

Students and staff of CBS conducted a two day door knocking exercise at Kpadape near Kpalime. There were 11 preachers who participated in this outreach program. Several tracts were distributed and many contacts made. As a result of the exercise a family is visiting and engaged in studies. David is making all efforts to reach out to all the contacts in Kpadape. The future of the church looks very bright. All they need is permanent place of worship. Two men baptized recently.

Brethren are considering starting a new work in a village called Atiyi. Initial contact has been made and the village chief has offered a place for the church to build a meeting place. 

The Nyiveme church now has a membership of 43. The congregation is involved in home bible studies with a couple of prospects. 

The radio program has continued with Cephas and Jean doing the preaching.  Several continue to make contact and extend invitation to Church of Christ to plant a congregation in their villages. Truly, the brethren have more than they can handle now. God is using the radio program to reach many.

CBS Interview
The interview date was on the 17^th August. I arrived in Kpalime at about 10 pm on Tuesday the 16^th.  The interview started at 9 am with entrance exam in French language and later a couple of Bible questions were presented to test their bible Knowledge. 

There were 22 persons present but only 17 passed the exam and interview. Three brethren will be added later to bring the number to 20.  

Out of the 20 who will start classes in September, eight (8) are from the church of Christ and 12 are denominational “pastors” and leaders.If we can’t get them to sit and listen to the truth preached to them, we have devised this strategy to teach them in our classroom.  We are using CBS as evangelism too. Our track record shows that this has worked twice. Our goal is to convert all of them by the end of the first year. The interview ended at about 6:30 pm

Beme campaign for Christ
Seventeen (17) left Kpalime on Friday morning at 9:30 am for Kpele Beme. The campaign was scheduled to begin on the 19^th August and end on the 21^st . We used my car to convey the P.A system and some of the preachers and the preachers who had bikes used them to convey other preachers. We arrived there in about an hour, and quickly had to visit one of the elderly men in the Beme congregation, who led us to greet the chief. After that, we paired and went into the town to conduct Bible studies.  

There were 154 contacts during the two days personal work from house to house and in the market places. There was public preaching each night. During worship on Sunday, there were a few visitors among whom one baptized. The church now has several prospects to keep the preacher and members busy till the end of the year.

I did the preaching that morning using Rom. 8:28 to encourage both Christians and visitors.  Since the Beme congregation does not have a meeting place and were using someone’s living room, we decided to rent this canopy. 

Provision was made to provide two meals each day during the campaign.

CBS re-opens on 12^th September
We have decided to start 2011-2012 academic years on the 12 of September. We are grateful to the Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ for their commitment to the process of training these men to preach the gospel of Christ. In spite of the financial crisis worldwide, they have remained committed, and for these we are thankful.

Willie Gley 

One Beautiful And Exciting Conversion...

To Our Co-Workers, 

It’s been two weeks since our last report (due to Jimmy’s trip to Uganda) and we have lots to write about. First of all, many will remember a Christian named Rubin who (sadly) committed suicide a couple of years ago. Several months ago his parents wanted to learn more about the church due to all the love expressed to them from the Kisongo church members. Last Sunday, it was announced that they both were baptized (after much study). I wish I could have videoed the excitement and joy shown on their faces when they stood up. Rubin’s father is planning a celebration at his house soon and will invite all of the church so that (in his words) “all the neighbors will know that I am in Christ.” Do people in America get that excited about becoming a Christian? He says that he believes his whole family will soon become Christians. It’s great that many families here live close together and that helps the Gospel spread throughout families.

More great news:  Recently baptized was a woman named Adella who, along with her husband and son, has been visiting for some time and has been attending the New Converts’ Class (although she was not a Christian at the time). For the last two weeks we have had a family visiting the church that live in the Braeburn International School compound (the husband is an instructor there).

Jimmy taught the Men’s class, continuing the series on the Gospel of John. Paulina (member at Kisongo) taught the Ladies’ class and Trina taught the Children’s class (more than 25) concerning the Prodigal Son. Since the weather has been very cool, the church is trying to quickly get the classrooms at the back finished. The roof is on but no door or windows yet. It is still warmer than meeting outside.

Jimmy’s aunt (Edith Kincaid) and Trina’s mother (Rita Ward) are planning to visit us near the end of September. Trina has been busy planning a Personal Evangelism Seminar for the ladies and a ladies seminar on the book of Galatians that will take place during their time here. Edith has been busy with preparing her lessons (she will teach all lessons of the PE seminar and two lessons for the Galatians seminar). Trina’s mother wanted to teach some classes but decided that the work permit (recently raised to $550) was too expensive. We are very happy that both will be visiting.

The third quarter has begun at the ACSOP so the students have returned. Cy Stafford is teaching the book of Acts and Ahimidiwe Kimaro is teaching Samuel, Kings and Chronicles. Emmanuel Peter taught the book of Luke and Jimmy will teach a short course on the Church. Buddy Fry is also planning to be here to teach a short course on Exegesis.

Before Jimmy went to Uganda he spoke about his planned meeting with Stone. The study took place over a two hour period and many things concerning the Truth were acknowledged by Stone. He knows what he needs to do but has said he wants to think about it. We left study material and four people to follow up with him. Cy Stafford was also a part of the study and typed a transcript that he promised to e-mail back to Stone. Jimmy has also e-mailed him encouraging him to study more. Please pray for him that God will give him time to obey.

In addition to the study with Stone, the other reason Jimmy and Cy went to Uganda was to participate in the East Africa Gospel Meeting. A few days before they left, Francis Wechesa asked Jimmy to preach the meeting. Since there was so little time to prepare he simply took the sermons with him that he preached at the same meeting in Nairobi in 2005. Because of the trip to Kampala to study with Stone he was able to preach only three of the lessons. Francis covered the other two lessons. In addition to preaching, the brethren planned times in the afternoon each day of the week to bring lessons to strengthen the brethren. Jimmy was asked to speak on Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage and Cy was asked to preach on The Power of the Cross. Both lessons were well received. Further, Jimmy and Cy also participated in the evangelistic efforts that took place. The local brethren were left to follow up with those studies. No public conversions took place but we know that the word of God will not return to Him without having the effect which He intended (Isa. 55:11). Thanks for all you do to make our work possible.

In Christ, The Gees

Tanzania 2000 Impact In East Africa...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Through your prayers He continues to bless His efforts here in East Africa in a grand way. We are the blessed recipients of your love, generosity and kindness each and every day.

We are in full swing and in the middle of four classes at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. The Arusha Bible School and the Moshi Bible School are also fully engaged in their studies. Our current enrollment in all three schools is 55. The good being done through this one approach is amazing.

The East African Gospel meeting that just concluded was an indicator of just how effective these schools are. Of the twelve evangelist who were ask to speak, six were men directly associated with the Tanzania 2000 mission efforts and Her schools.

Below are three short reports showing just what I am saying: 

“We are all fine doing well....thank you very much for your encouragement to me to do God work here in Mwanza...also I appreciate the Elmore Church of Christ for their love and goodness in working with us in Mwanza...Attendance: Before I came back to Mwanza, eight to twelve people met every Sunday.  Now twenty two to twenty eight people meet on Sunday. We thank God for HIs work and the changes...Everyday I teach three to five classes....Eight people have been baptized since I have been here. We ask your prayers for them...Challenges: We do not have working tools such as tracts, Bible lessons, Bibles, etc. We ask you to help us so we may have a good place for worship. If we get Iron sheets it will help...Yours in His Service, Isaac & Mkunde Kusupa.”

We also received reports from three of our graduates, David Wasonga, Charles Ogutu & Jacob Omolo who preached a meeting in the southwest part of Kenya, twenty three souls being added to the Church! 

Yusuph Madaki reported thee souls being added to the Church two weeks ago. 

We solicit you prayers as we finalize our plans for the Tanzania Leadership Conference. Buddy Fry and Steve Wiseman will be our guest speakers as well as many from Tanzania. The conference will center around congregational responsibility as to outreach. 

We thank you all for your continued prayers and support of God’s work here in Tanzania. We hope and pray God’s richest blessing upon each of you in the week to come as you serve Him faithfully.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Granny

East Africa Gospel Meeting...

Dear brethren,

We thank God always for brethren. Through your support a lot is being done here in Uganda. We have just finished our one week East Africa gospel meeting. Thank you for your prayers. 250 Christians attended the meeting. These came from over 30  congregation of East Africa.

Over one hundred homes were reached by the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 people were baptized and many believed and promised to be baptized. We are ending our second quarter on 1st September and start our short course after one week rest. May the Lord bless you as you serve Him. 

As it always happens, yesterday I could not write to you because of power. But all the same we thank God very much for all what he is doing for us. We are still doing well. Uganda School of Evangelism students have one week break as from 26th August 2011. On 6th I will start teaching a short course. This time we did not get any short course teacher from U.S.A. I will be teaching about church planting (world Evangelism). On 6th I will start with English class students and finish with them on 10th September 2011. The Kiswahili class will start on 12th September up to 16th September 2011. 

On the side of the churches we have planted where graduates are helping as preachers, we have got a very big problem. Most of them have brought a wrong doctrine from the anti brethren. A brother from Tanzania who used to work with Tanzania 2000 mission in Arusha by the name Boaz Auma has come with one missionary from America teaching that those who use many cups in the Lord's supper are sinning. They are promising to start giving them monthly support and buy them plots and build church buildings for them. Because of the need they have of support they are with them. I am still waiting things to cool and then I will start visiting those congregations and see what members are saying. But for now we need your prayers.

Yours
Wechesa  Francis

Cameroon Students Prepare For Campaign...

Dearest in Christ,

I bring greetings on behalf of the students of CBIW, staff and members of the Wotutu congregation to you. I do hope this report will meet you all in good health and a sound faith in the services of the Lord. 

We thank God for all He is doing for us hear and we do hope He is doing the same to you and the entire family of God’s people around you. Our student preacher Ititi Benedict baptzied Rose Mankume into Christ in the Wotutu congregation after Wednesday Bible class. Please keep her in your prayers to work according to the purpose of her calling, so that most of her family will emulate her example and come also to the body to learn more.

God is always there for us. In CBIW all our programs for these last two weeks for this quarter are going on smoothly. The students are enjoying the insight of the short courses which are 1 Corinthians and the prison epistles made up of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon. Please keep them in your prayers.

This Friday, 2nd September, all students will leave the campus to more than 15 different villages for evangelism. They have been shared in twos and some will go to areas alone. The demands for students to come over and help congregations was more than we could hold. Please keep them in your prayers as they travel through bad roads. The roads are really bad now as rains are still on. I left last week for a mission to sensitize some congregations over what we are doing. So, I snapped the road on a motor bike.

Some of our students were involved in sharing the gospel with a Jehovah Witness preacher who came right into the net of the truth in the student’s residential area. The students exposed him to the truth about the kingdom of God and he escaped. The same thing happened to a denominational pastor who was a neighbor to the students. He escaped out of the compound because he could not contend with the truth. Many blessings are coming to the inhabitants that live close to the Wotutu church as they are close to the students and they keep getting the truth. When we shall finally have our public address system, it will serve as a broad band because from our hall we shall preach early in the morning and many people in their home will hear the truth as if they are listening to a radio.

Brother Ititi Benedict taught the Bible class this morning on the topic, “The Importance of Suffering in the Life of a Christian” (2 Cor. 12:7-10). He encouraged both the students on the assiignment they will face shortly on the mission field and Christians to know that suffering is a preparation for a testimony about God’s faithfulness.

The Wotutu congregation worshipped this morning. During the sermon, which was a part of a wonderful worship service, even though there was a torrential down pour of rain, God still opened the way for some of our Christians who live outside Wotut to still manage and come to worship. We had 6 first time visitors today. Please keep CBIW and the Wotutu congregation in your prayers and many other congregations we are working hard to nurture.

Next week schools will resume in Cameroon, so now it is not easy for parents and guardians to help their children go back to school. My married students are facing hard times now, on how they will do to get back to school. It is a million dollar question with a simple answer; God will provide. Please keep them in your prayers, as it is not easy now in our country.

Keep me in your prayers and some students who are still sick. I am still having a running nose due to the climate now and more work outside of Wotutu for mission. God still sits on the throne.

APPEAL
1. Please keep our students in your prayers as they will travel on Friday. Some will to go villages where there are no congregations to see how they can start one. Some will go to areas where the church has been dead many years ago and try to revive it. Some will go to weak existing congregations to help nurture it.

2. We are moving gradually toward the season and by so doing we shall invest in more time to evangelize. There are some things we need to put in place like the public address system, van, more tracks and Bibles for young converts. 

APPRECIATION
I am thankful to God for you, for all you are doing for us here. The students are overwhelmed with your love and deep concern for them. Please continue this good work to train men to preach for the field is ripe, but laborers are few. You are a pillar in our ministry. God will continue to bless you for this work is bearing fruit because you are a part. Tell others to come and be a part. The one that saves souls is wise. Keep thinking souls. We shall continue to rob from the strong man’s house. Perishing souls are crying for the gospel. Keep this mission work for our students in your prayers so that the Lord will work in their lives so that they shall set the captives in sin free and the free gospel. 

God bless you and all the sacrifices you are putting for the work in Cameroon. You will never be forgotten. God alone will bless you richly in all His riches in glory.

Elangwe and family
By His grace, Director CBIW

Second Greatest Work On Earth...

Training men to preach the gospel has to be the second greatest work on earth, second only to the actual preaching of the gospel. For the past two years I have been privileged to see the growth and development of the work in Extension Training. As students are being trained in the sound doctrine of the faith, they are extending the gospel to various villages and cities around the world. Souls are saved, wayward brethren restored, congregations edified, Christians around the world are encouraged, and God is glorified through the work.

The work involves many levels and faces numerous challenges. With each passing day, we continue to resolve various issues to help make the overall operation of the program better. In a few weeks the stateside staff of the Extension Program will meet to discuss ways we can help the program become more effective in training men to preach. I ask you to pray for us as we discuss these matters.

The reports this week continue to demonstrate the growth and success of the program. God is blessing our efforts and we give thanks. As the program develops in the years ahead we are going to face a number of challenges. This is where you come in. Please share the report each week with others. Send me their e-mail address and I will add them to the list to receive the report. 

Be praying about the need for overseeing congregations to get involved with additional schools. Please pray for the economy of our country so additional funds are available to develop the work in these new locations. If you would like to know more about these areas, please drop me an e-mail at bturner@bvbid.org.

Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/

Donnie Bates recently returned from both Guatemala and Honduras. His report explains the details of these trips.

Extension Reports 

Writing Exams And Extending The Gospel In Cameroon: While the students finish another quarter of study, their efforts to preach the gospel continues to bear fruit.

Beta Class Prepares To Begin: A new class is set to begin their studies in Honduras. With this new class comes opportunities to reach more souls.

Center For Biblical Studies Is Changing Lives: The work of the students in converting entire denominations emphasizes the lives being changed with the preaching of the gospel in Togo.

House To House and Public Preaching In Uganda: Uganda was host of a gospel meeting last week and the work went from house to house and public. 

Final Thoughts
There are only a few months left in the year, or so it would seem. As quickly as the first eight months of the year have flown by, I know the remaining four months will go even more quickly. Nearing the end of the year will bring planning for the year ahead.

I pray you all know how vital you are to this work. You are needed. Thank you for being so supportive of our efforts. Thank you for being involved in training men to preach. 

God bless
Bob

House to House and Public Preaching in Uganda...

Dear brethren,

We thank you very much for all that you are doing for the Lord. We are fine here in Uganda. As from 15th August, the East Africa Gospel meeting started in Busia District at Buyimini Church of Christ. We thank God who has enabled the brethren from Tanzania, Kenya and many parts of Uganda to come to this wonderful meeting.

We have started teaching people house to house and preaching in class rooms after lunch and at four we all go in the market place near their church building to preach and teach Christ to the people in the market. Brother Jimmy Gee, the Director of Andrew Connally School of Preaching from Arusha, is the one who has taught from Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow they will be traveling to Kampala to teach a certain man there who has called them. I will be filling in for him tomorrow and Friday teaching in the market place for those who come in the market and pass by people.

We are using public address system which helps us very much to reach many people who are even in their homes seated. If they do not want to come where we are, they can still hear what we are teaching. We still have electricity problems in Uganda. Right now I have just managed writing this email because of the help of a generator. May the Lord be with you all. Pray for us in this meeting. 

Yours
Francis Wechesa

Center for Biblical Studies Is Changing Lives...

Hello! My dear brethren

In the beginning of July we continued our Evangelism program. We (preachers) went all at KPELE-BEME for public preaching on 15^th but we have not succeeded because there was a big raining all the day. We postpone it on 19^th-21^st August. 

I went to ATIYI with KODJO of AVETONOU area to work for start the church. We met the chief to talk with him to mobilize youth for preparing the place for shed. On 21^st they started preparing the place. The Center Biblical Studies bought a football for their youth. That football was given to the youth’s leader. They started playing that football and they were happy and working so hard to make temporal shed. 

KPELE-BEME – CHURCH.
The evangelist Kossi GIDIGIDI want be the preacher their, I spend that when we shall do the public preaching on 19^th to 21^st, he will be their with he family. We need fifteen (15) benches and on table, and altar for church. 

KPADAPE (New congregation, denomination change to Church of Christ).
The attendance was 21 to 22.

After KELE-BEME, 13 preachers and 4 members of KPADAPE church join us. We went to knock doors with gospel (house to house) two by two. At 3 pm we have a rest and take food before going back. All preachers were present and I encouraged them at the end with 1 Cor. 15:58.

Two men were baptized on the 3^rd after worship. The men pass 08 to 10 and on the 24^th six young boys visited and started studies with evangelist. Preachers were in KPADAPE on 26^th June for public evangelism program organized by the Centre Biblical Studies (CBS). The last report I notice that people visited the church. 

World Bible School (WBS) and Radio Program and Center Biblical Study:
One group of six started studies with Evangelist Yawovi AMEGANDJIN at KOUSOUNTOU and I plan the public evangelism there in September 23^rd to 25^th. 

Our radio program continues with force. 28^th September evangelist Selom ASSOKLOU, my interpreter, talks about “things sins can do with sinners” and we notice that many people were interested and our listeners request Bibles, tracts and we make program of personal study with them. One woman and her husband started coming in church now. Evangelist Selom has on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon studies with that family. 

The Center for Biblical Studies (CBS) teachers met on 25^th at Lome: Cephas NYEMANTA, ESPERANCE Akovi and Kodjo KPODENOU to discuss the program of school. The interview day will be 17^th and 18^th August 2011 and 5 September will be the beginning of the new school year. I enrolled 27 candidates and on 17 to 18^th we have to choose 20 twenty best to be students at CBS. 

God bless you all,
Your brother in Christ
Cephas Essotena NYEMANTA

Beta Class Prepares To Begin...

The report below is the most recent from Nery Irias about the new class of students with the Honduras Bible Institute in Danli.

The Beta class at the moment is maintaining their excitement. Each one of the brethren is motivated in continuing to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each one of them strives to complete the demands of the teachers, up to this moment all goes very well.  

We are taking advantage today, in the morning we head out to evangelize and this afternoon we are going to give out the Manna Rice (food supplies) to the poor people of the community. Each student will be involved in this effort, giving out a bag of food and also giving literature from the church of Christ. Brother Luis David spoke with sister Yorleny about the class on Spanish. She has agreed to give 2 hours of Spanish and 2 hours of English to the students, but she needs $90 monthly for expenses and food. If you are in agreement we can tell the sister if she can begin to give these classes next Friday. I will be awaiting your answer. We hope that you are well together with your wife.

Nery Irias

Writing Exams and Extending the Gospel in Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation. We are happy to share our reports with you about what happened here on our campus. I do hope you and your entire family and the church are just doing fine in health and sound faith. Our prayers go up to God for you daily.

Brother Norbert baptized John Atakan into Christ in one of the newly established congregations in Atongeh. The report reaching us is not good because there are no strong brothers that can be helping the congregation, if a student is not sent there. A student cannot go there every week because it is not easy with us financially.

Last week in CBIW all went on well, but very busy as usual. This week was characterized with our students busy writing their third quarter exams. Oh how time flies. You can’t imagine that we shall soon get into the last quarter for this year and later on next year we shall finish our two years of intensive study of the word of God. Thereafter, by His grace, many pulpits in Cameroon will have the right persons to divide the truth rightly. Many other communities in our land will come into the limelight of the gospel that will shine in their lives and they shall see the path to heaven clearly. That is our humble prayer and we are doing all we can as humans to see it a reality according to God’s will.

The students of CBIW were recently dressed in white sweaters because of the cool climate now in Wotutu. They were busy writing their exams for the third quarter. Please keep them in your prayers for them to maintain growth in their studies.

The students stood with a nurse sent to the Wotutu village by the government of Cameroon to give free drugs to fight against Filaria and worms. I met with the authorities so that our students could benefit from it. The students were very happy for such care and raised the thumb, our normal sign in CBIW that stipulates that they are not alone, with their new school T-shirts which will be used for vocational training soon, if means be.

One of our students, Tobias Sakwe went out for weekend evangelism in Tole sharing the gospel from house to house. Brother Ashu Evaristus did the same with the church of Christ in Lobe village. If we continue like this, many congregations will be empowered to defend the doctrine of Christ in their localities. Who can still continue?

Tobias taught in Tole congregation this morning. Tole is a struggling congregation. His topic was Giving is a Command. He said if you don’t give the right way you are sinning against God. He brought out a very good illustration about their relationship with God in the aspect of giving with this question. Who is God to you? God or dog. He further explains that many Christians have made God to be dog in their lives because they give all rejected things to God, just as a poor man will give bones and expired things to his dog.

Please keep us in your prayers for the harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few. Every week I receive calls and demands for our students to come over to different congregations to help nurture and evangelize the area but we are not able to meet up with all of this demand. Please keep us in your prayer for more laborers to come and join us to do more for the Lord. 

APPEAL
1) We still lament over transportation problems to meet up with our calling.

2) We still lament about a public address system to reach out to many communities.

3) Our students need to travel to virgin lands and communities where the Lord’s church is dying for evangelistic campaigns come the 2nd of September. Please come and help us meet up with these challenges. 

APPRECIATIONS
We are thankful to God for using you, your congregation and your family to help get to this level. Please, we lack words to appreciate your wonderful gestures to His work here in Wotutu, Cameroon, but only God will reward you in due season.

Continue to keep us in your prayers as we pray for you. The weather conditions now are the best for our health and the work. Some students are still sick and I am also sick from catarrh, since last week when I returned for a weekend mission in some congregations.  

SAD NEWS
One of our students, Awatt Manfree, lost his father and I was there yesterday with some few students for the burial. Please remember the young brother in your prayers, for it is not easy, as the first son in our culture to carry over all the fatherly responsibilities. But, we are satisfied with our Lord’s promises, “I will be a Father to the fatherless and the husband to the widows.”

Stay strong and do your best to share this report with others around and far from you. 

God bless you in all your endeavors. 

Elangwe and family
By His grace, director CBIW

Weekend In New England...

Over the past weekend I had opportunity to speak in a lectureship at the Northern Valley Church of Christ in Lancaster, New Hampshire. The lectureship was a great experience and success. I was encouraged with the organization and participation of all involved with this event. It was a true honor to share in this event. The church in the Northeast part of the country greatly needs sound men who are willing to work in teaching the gospel. 

The development of men throughout the Extension Program has been successful in spreading the news of Jesus in many countries around the world. Our efforts are desperately needed within the U.S. also. There are parts of this country with the same need for sound doctrine. The New England states certainly fall into this category.

I ask you to be praying with me for the needs of men to preach the gospel in this country, as well as, the countries where we are preparing men to preach. The reports this week relate the need for men to go with the gospel to places throughout their countries where people need to hear the message.

As the population of the world approaches seven billion people, the need will continue to grow. The time is now for us to step up to answer the commission of the Lord to go into all the world with the gospel. The need is great! Jesus said the laborers are few. His words are just as true today. You are needed to help meet the task at hand. If you would like to know more about how you can help meet the need, please contact me at bturner@bvbid.org.

Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/

Josh Austin shares news in his report about the work in Cameroon and the challenges of raising support for the work of a coordinator.

Extension Reports 

Focal Point In Cameroon Is Bearing Fruit: The focal point of the work in Cameroon continues to see souls added and restored to the kingdom.

50th Anniversary - John Oppon Gaidoo: 50 years ago, John Oppon Gaidoo began preaching the gospel in Ghana, West Africa. Daniel Asiamah from Takoradi was involved with this event.

2nd Graduation In Nigeria: The school in Abakaliki, Nigeria recently finished the second class of students. Chad Wagner was able to be there for the celebration.

Preparing For East Africa Gospel Meeting: The week ahead in Uganda will be focused on the East Africa Gospel Meeting. Brethren will be attending from all over the Eastern Region.

Living Examples In Arusha: Thanks to the efforts in Safari For Souls, Christians in Tanzania are proving to be living examples of the work. 

Final Thoughts
My final thoughts express the words of Paul. I give thanks upon my every remembrance of you. My heart is filled with joy when I consider all the ways each of you have chosen to be involved in this work. There will always be work ahead for us to do. I am thankful to know we are working together to accomplish this task.

I pray for you and ask you to pray with me for the future of the work in Extension Training. I know God will continue to bless our efforts to His glory.

Thank you for the kind and encouraging words, your prayers, financial support, and the sacrifices you make to keep the work progressing.

God bless
Bob