A Tribute In Ghana...

Greetings once again to all of our brethren throughout the world who have an opportunity to read this newsletter. Your brothers and sisters from Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Benin, and beyond extend their heartfelt greetings to you as we continue to labor in our Lord’s vineyard. Your prayers and support are an encouragement to all who love our Lord and have a desire to see the gospel spread. We pray that God continues to bless you with health and prosperity as we labor together in service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A Tribute to Avril Keoughan
During the month of August, we had the opportunity to celebrate the life of a wonderful sister, friend and coworker for our Lord. Sister Avril Keoughan had a terrible accident after attending the graduation at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies that resulted in her death. There was a time of mourning for our loss, but we now want to celebrate her life, and the example that she set for all of those who came in contact with her. Sister Avril was a Canadian nurse and missionary who had worked in the country of Ghana for many years. In addition to administering a Mission Clinic for the church of Christ in Kumasi-Ghana, Avril also taught basic health care to the students of our Bible Colleges. She had traveled to Tamale to help the students at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies many times during the past two years, and they always looked forward to her medical instruction. She had become such a part of the Ghanaian culture that she called herself a Ghanadian, and planned to spend the rest of her days in Ghana. Her final wish was satisfied when she was laid to rest in Kumasi-Ghana on August 27.

Throughout the years that I have spent in Ghana, Avril had become a very close friend to me, and I have had the opportunity to spend much time with her and her Ghanaian church family in Kumasi. We have worked together on mobile clinics in northern Ghana where we combined evangelism with the distribution of free medical care and drugs to those in need. She was not afraid to travel throughout West Africa or to work in the villages. It would be difficult to count the number of people that she has helped or influenced with either her medical skills or her life. She was a wonderful example to Christians everywhere, especially to women interested in working in the mission field.

It is our prayer that the works that Avril had been involved with over the years will continue to prosper after her departure. We pray that women all over the world will see her life as a Christian example that they can continue to follow. There is much work that needs to be done in the Lord’s Kingdom. Let us each take up the challenge that our dear sister Avril has laid at our feet and continue to labor diligently in her absence until our Lord comes to take us home also!!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)

The French World in West Africa
The work in the French speaking portion of West Africa continues to need our prayers, and support. During the month of July, a seminar was held in the city of Lome in Togo for many of the French speaking preachers and Christians. Many of these preachers have been trained in the country of Benin at a preaching school that is directed by a Ghanaian named George Akpalbi. This is a wonderful example of how Ghanaians are having an impact on the growth of the church far beyond the borders of Ghana. A congregation of the Lord’s church located in Benton Kentucky oversees this preaching school, and some members of that congregation were present at the seminar in Togo. It was a great opportunity for many of us to gather together and discuss the work in the French speaking world. Let us keep the school, the preachers, and all of those who need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in our prayers.

The Bible Schools in Ghana
There continues to be a significant need for trained leaders and preachers throughout Ghana and West Africa. Many have a desire to take advantage of the training available at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies and the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi. However, this requires support for each additional student that varies from $100 to $150 per person depending upon the location for supplies, food, lodging, etc. There are other needs for fixed assets such as beds, roof repairs, computers, and the funds to finish the building in Tamale. We need books to build up the libraries of each of the schools, and materials and tracts that we can hand out to the students and use for evangelism. We can only continue to offer this Bible training with your assistance. If you can help in any special way or with any special needs then please let us know!

Reporting in the USA
I have already called or written many of you to set up appointments over the next couple of months. I am looking forward to seeing you all, and telling you about the wonderful works taking place throughout West Africa. If you know of other congregations that may want to become involved with this work, then please let me know. All of us working together will make a difference!!

Bear Valley Bible Institute Website
I would like to remind you that more frequent reports for the schools of preaching where I am working are now being posted to the Bear Valley website. You can see these reports at this web address:

/why-extension- schools/

If you go to this web address, you will find links on the right side of the page for the schools in Tamale, Takoradi, and Togo in West Africa. You will also find specific links for each school on the left side of the page along with a link for my previous reports.

Financial Support
We want to thank all of the supporters for their contributions to this exciting work in West Africa. Without you, this effort would not be possible.

All checks need to be made out to: Mountain Home church of Christ

For: West Africa Mission and mailed to:
Mountain Home church of Christ
380 North College Street
Mountain Home, AR 72653

Any questions can be directed to the church office at 870-425-4330.

Or you can contact Steven Ashcraft at:

Email: samtnhome@yahoo.com U.S. Cell Phone: 971-270-8535 U.S. Message Phone: 870-425-4330 Ghana Cell Phone: 233-24-614-6022

Please email Steven if you would like to receive this newsletter with photos by email.

Thanks So Much, With Christian Love
Steven Ashcraft

To see Steven’s full report with pictures, click here.

English and Kiswahili Classes In Uganda...

Dear brethren, (October 10 report)

I am sorry to have not written my short report for a week or so. There have been a problem with my computer. It could bring very small letter on my gmail account until today when a friend showed me how to work it out. 

The school is going on well. We are half way in our third quarter. Every body is very busy with class work. Paul is very busy managing the farm and also assisting me with many other work at the school. Margaret is busy with her kitchen work. She makes sure students get their meals on time. 

We have also started translating from English to Kiswahili lessons which we are going to teach in the  last quarter. We will be teaching The Book of Revelation, Anti-ism, The Beatitudes, Millennial Mania. We need some good Concordances and Bible Dictionaries, to give our students as gifts on the graduation day. We are also in need of different good books for our library. We have nothing in our library. If you know anybody who might be with some good books he or she can donate to us through Woodland Oaks Church of Christ in Houston, Texas. May the Lord bless you. 

Dear brethren, (October 17 report)

We hope that you are all doing fine there in USA. We are fine here in Uganda. We are still  having some rain around. Farmers still need it very much for their crop mature. On Sunday we worshiped at Junge Church of Christ where our graduate, brother Okochi Josephat, is the preacher. We enjoyed worshiping with them. My lesson was about how one can prove a growing church. "It is not by number but doing the will of God." 

Ten churches among those planted by our school effort have started understanding the need to start being self supporting. They have started a plan of working together in purchasing land and building small grass thatched houses of prayers. They meet together every other two months to study and raise funds and the money raised is left for the hosting congregation. They want to do what they can to get through these efforts.

I know due to the poverty among them, it will take years to raise money which can do what they are planning, but it is better to start than waiting. Pray for them, and if possible we need your boost.

Yours In Christ
Francis Wechesa

Graduation And New Class Begins At WCSOP...

We are expecting two more for the junior class next quarter. They need time to get off their jobs to be able to attend full time. The picture to the right is the present junior class of students at the West Coast School of Preaching.

The picture to the left is a picture of the present senior class at the WCSOP.

The other picture to the right and below is of the new title holders - George the youngest, and Solomon the oldest on campus.

The mortal remains of our late sister Augustina will be laid to rest after her funeral service on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The school and the Ituma church still mourn her death, especially when she fell on duty and was rushed to the hospital never to come to the campus again. Please, continue to pray for her husband and their four children.

We have taken advantage of the favorable weather to plant some cassava on our school land. Cassava combines with plantain to give us a favorite Ghanaian staple, fufu. We could harvest the cassava by February next year, but the plantain will take longer.

Our 11^th graduation is some three weeks away, November 5, 2011. We are praying the weather will be favorable. We have had to do a graduation on a rainy day. It was an unpleasant experience, as the canopies under which we sat dripped with water. Bear Valley will be represented by Gary Fallis. He will be our Guest Speaker and will also hand over the certificates to the 11 men who will graduate that day. This will be the first time our students will be awarded Bear Valley certificates since West Coast became an extension school. The master’s classes will begin on the Monday after the graduation. It will run from November 7 to 18 and will be taught by brother Fallis.

We have had much rains this year. There was not much of a break between the major and  minor seasons. Floods have been reported in various parts of the country almost every week. This has affected many of our national road networks. Our access road to the school has not been spared – it has suffered much damage making it unusable when it rains. It can however be sued with some difficulty when the ground is dry and firm.

Brethren, continue to pray for us
Daniel Ampadu-Asiamah

My Week In Chandigarh (NIBC)...

The first part of the journey this week focuses on the North India Bible College in Chandigarh, India. I was met in Delhi by Jerry and Paula Bates and we traveled together to Chandigarh. The city of Chandigarh is known as the city of the “Open Hand.” The picture to the right is the symbol for the city. 

Earnest Gill, who serves as Director of NIBC, met us at the airport in Chandigarh. After arriving we had opportunity to meet the staff and students of the school. The time with these men was fruitful and eye opening to the conditions they endure to study. The picture to the left is the room where they meet for classes. This is the current student body with staff members in the back of the room.

The school presently meets in a flat of an apartment complex. Because of complaints and threats by neighbors, the students are no longer able to have devotional time in the morning or evening. They are able to have class and the church meets for worship in the same room on Sunday mornings. Earnest told us the police know every student by name because the complaints they have responded to concerning the school’s activities. The students live on site in the most basic of two rooms. A third room is used for a warden and his family. Their accommodations consist of sleeping on the floor and preparing their own food.

There are presently five students in their first year and five in their second year. These second year students will complete their classes and graduate in February 2012. It was both an honor and pleasure to have time with these men and worship with them Sunday. The names of the first year students in the picture to the right, as they appear are next to brother Gill, are: Shiv Kumar, Keshal, John, and Vishal. One student in the first year class was unable to be there. The second year students are are in the picture on the left as follows: Mahananda, Kirtan, Rinky, Baidyanath, and Naresh. 

The staff of the school consists of three teachers and a warden. In the picture to the right, brother Gill is standing on the left and next to him are the remaining staff members: Mangal Masilie, Noble Gill (Earnest’s brother), and the school’s warden.

Earnest Gill has done a tremendous job with the limited financial resources available to him, as well as, facing the challenges of meeting in the present location. Lord willing, as the months ahead unfold, we will be able to raise the additional funds needed to help the school meet in a new location where they will have greater liberty to study and worship.

In connection to these challenges facing the school and its operation, there are the challenges of dealing with other religious groups. Two of the prevalent religions of India is the Hindu and Sikh. There are temples for these religious organizations throughout the city of Chandigarh. The picture to the left is one of the largest and most elaborate Sikh temples in Chandigarh. The Muslim religion is also growing rapidly throughout the northern section of India.

Besides directing the school, brother Gill has been a great asset to the Voice of Truth International and Truth for Today organizations. He spends many hours translating materials into the Hindi language. While we were in Chandigarh, Jerry Bates unveiled the first edition of a booklet translated by Earnest for Voice of Truth International. This is the first of several editions to follow. I was most impressed and encouraged to learn he gives his time to this organization without compensation. It will most certainly provide a powerful example for these students.

I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to see this school for the first time. I know I have said it before, but there is something special and significant about seeing a school for the first time. I learn more than I could ever have learned simply through e-mail. I am proud to be part of the work of the North India Bible College and I look forward to seeing this effort flourish in the years ahead.

If you would like to know more about the school, the staff or students and how you can be involved to help, feel free to call me or send 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/

The latest report from Gary Fallis is located here. You can read about his recent trip to 

Remember to pray for Howell Ferguson and Denton Landon while they are in Gorlovka, Ukraine teaching. The should finish classes later this week. There will be a report to follow in the weeks ahead.

Extension Reports 

Great News In Cameroon: The news in Cameroon continues to be exciting as more are obeying the gospel and the plans for the future unfold.

Youth Event Reaches Many In Nepal: Jerry Golphenee reports about the doors being opened for the future of the school through youth events such as this one.

Fourteen Students Are Studying In Ukraine: The report from the school in Gorlovka, Ukraine shares news about the new students and the restarting of the Master’s program.

Church Growth Perspective In Arusha, Tanzania: I always love Cy Stafford’s perspective and this report is no different. This report helps us see the perspective of church growth through a powerful set of eyes.  

Final Thoughts
As I write my final thoughts for the week, I am sitting in an airport waiting for the second part of my journey. I will soon arrive in Chimala, Tanzania. This will be the last school I have yet to see. I am looking forward to meeting the staff and students of this program as well.

Later in the week I will travel to Arusha to visit with Cy Stafford, along with the staff and students of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. It is going to be a busy week filled with much travel, fun and excitement in spending time with some of the greatest people on earth. You just gotta to love God’s family! Until next week...

God bless
Bob

Teaching In Guatemala...

Gary Fallis recently returned from teaching in Guatemala. His report talks about the recent graduates and the new class.

Great News In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism remains a priority in our agenda. Every Saturday all students and members of the Wotutu congregation go out for house to house evangelism meeting people in their homes and sharing the gospel with them. Then after that I will go out in the evening visiting our Christians in their home pray with them and share words of appreciations and encouragement to them.

Below, brother Mbappe Guy shared the word to our closest neighbor’s son, whom David Ballard preached to the father last June 2011 and gave him a copy of his lecture on the New Testament church. The son spent some time to read through it and came last Sunday to the church and asked many questions about the church of Christ and other denominations. He had greatexplanations from me and the students and at the river side Mbappe read another scripture for him to really know and consider his decision.

Brother Kelechi said, I have seen the truth and I am ready to follow the truth. So the father said he cannot stop the son from following the truth, so in the picture above and right, Kelechi was baptized on Tuesday  4^th of October. Please keep him in your prayers so that through him his father and mother who are worshipping with us and have not accepted baptism because they said they were immersed in a denomination will finally believe the truth about the sin of denominationalism and will be baptized to be added to the body of Christ which is not a denomination.

Accept warm greetings from all the staff, students and the entire members of the Wotutu congregation. We just had a wonderful worship service today with many first time visitors. As I write this report to you it is 2:45 pm here in Cameroon. Today is our presidential election day and Cameroonians are practicing their civic rights today in total peace as usual. Keep the country in your prayers that this peace should continue in our fatherland. Cameroon is described by historians and geographers as a peaceful island in turbulent waters. They are referring to other African countries where there is always uprising and civil wars but Cameroon is always peaceful and we give God thanks for that.

Our week in CBIW was hectic and busy from our lectures and all other activities. We thank God that all is going on well and God is using us in many ways to fulfill His mission here on earth. I came back safe and sound from a short personal evangelism visit to assess the work we are planning to do to fully establish a congregation in Batoke village.

Let me share with you what made news here in CBIW and the Wotutu congregation and other congregations close to us.

Our students are making good use of the library as they do their research and assignment and other findings which is part of their studies. I appreciate many who donated books to our small library and I pray  God to use more people to think about us by sending books as we continue to build our library.

This week on Friday minister Ameli Martin from came visiting to CBIW. He is also the president of the board of trustees of the churches of Christ in Cameroon. He expressed great satisfaction about what is happening in CBIW and prayed God to bless all those who are standing by this school in prayers and finance to sustain this school that God should reward them in hundreds fold. Many more ministers will be visiting in the course of the month.

Yesterday, Saturday 8 October, God blessed our efforts by adding Ivo Esange into the body here in Wotutu. Our student, brother Muofo Bernard, baptized him late in the night to put on Christ. Please keep brother Ivo in your prayers to walk worthy of his calling. He worshiped today alongside his wife and a son giving me another opportunity to talk to them and pray with them in my office after service. May God give the increase as we plant and water the seed of the gospel.

Brother Patrick brought his new born baby today to the church for the church to pray for the baby. The wife also came, who is not a believer. We are happy because she saw and enjoyed the fellowship with the saints of Wotutu today. This is an opening for us to help her see the truth and be a Christian and just a Christian. I exhorted them and the entire church from psalms 127:3-5, that they should be careful with God’s gift. My wife carried the baby as I exhorted the congregation in Wotutu this morning. Please also keep my wife in your prayers as the Lord added one year in her life yesterday 8/10/11. My wife is 30 years now. To God be the glory.

Plans
Our program to Batoke village will come up soon as we are still putting tools for evangelism in place. We appreciate God that we have a stand by generator now and projector, but we are waiting for the PA system which will come by His grace very soon and by then we shall finalize the preparation to establish the Lord’s church in that community. Keep it in your prayers for God to direct our plans and our steps.

The Muyuka church of Christ has invited us to come over to them and help in evangelizing their community for four days from the 27 to the 30^th of October. We shall happily go which is part of our vision, but we don’t have a van and we don’t have money in school to hire a van that will take all of us to the place.

Another invitation has come to my office as the Mbalangi church of Christ is inviting us to come to their community to help in evangelism and nurturing from the 24^th to 27^th  of November, during the annual lectureship of the churches of Christ in Cameroon. One of our lecturer will teach on the New testament Church. Please think about this and see how you can support us to go to this Macedonian calling.

Brother Ayaubo is still sick and still in the hospital for the past two weeks now. Please keep him in your prayers.

Keep Cameroon in your prayers. Keep CBIW in your prayers. Please keep our visions to plant and continue to water tirelessly in our country in your prayers. The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments. Please, we are ready with our spirit to help as many as we can to hear the gospel which will help them fear God and eventually they will keep His command.

Do your best to share this with others. God can touch and encourage someone to come to us. God bless you in all your endeavors.

Elangwe and family.
Evangelist of the churches of Christ.
By His grace, Director CBIW 

Church Growth Perspective In Arusha, Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

It is our hope and our prayer that this note finds you well and blessed in all the right ways by our Lord. We thank each of you for your continued prayers and support, making God’s mission work possible here in Tanzania. God continues to bless your labors here by giving the increase to His Kingdom.

Church Growth, what exactly is it? It might be defined differently by many. The bottom line is “What is Church Growth as God would have it? I believe you all are a part of genuine Biblical Church growth as seen through the Tanzania 2000 mission effort. Let me illustrate:

Church growth is two dimensional; spiritual growth (individually and collectively), numerical growth (locally and on a worldwide basis). Congregations throughout the world do what they can to help the individual and the local congregation grow in faith. Congregations on different levels are doing what they can to grow locally, spiritually and numerically as well. All to often, congregations fail in their duties as to numerical growth outside the local congregation.

Such is not the case here in Tanzania. Let me illustrate:

Today a husband and wife obeyed the Gospel here at the Arusha congregation. This came to be because one member, our brother Mwinyi, invited this couple to our Friend’s Day two weeks ago. They came and our brother Christopher Mwakabanje followed up with a study of God’s Word. The rest is history, a case of both spiritual and numerical growth within the local congregation.

The Arusha congregation has planted several congregations throughout East Africa. This year alone, they have planted the Kwa Mrombo congregation, over 40 new converts, (in conjunction with the Safari for Souls campaign, with the help of the Hoover, AL group and those who came with them. The Arusha Church is also in the process of planting another congregation between the city congregation and the Kioga congregation on the slopes of Mt. Meru. 

The Monduli congregation (with the help of Danny & Nancy Smelser) have planted a new congregation on the outskirts of Monduli town, over ten new converts (near the Tanzania Christian Clinic). 

The Mto wa Mbu congregation has planted the Kamaba ya Chui congregation in the village new Lake Manyara. They have around 15 souls meeting each week.

The Kisongo congregation hosted a Ladies Day this past weekend. Close to 60 ladies from many congregations participated in this great event. They had one guest speaker from America, Jimmy Gee’s great aunt, Edith. Edith is a retired school teacher who loves telling the story of God’s love for all mankind.

The area wide congregations have joined hands and have gone to Babati to help a sister congregation grow spiritually and prayerfully numerically.

Space simply does not allow a complete list of all the good being done as the Lord’s Church grows in Tanzania. A simple sampling of God growing His Kingdom in one small part of the world of some 7 billion souls.

We close by asking; what is your definition of “Church Growth” and is God pleased with your level of participation in this most important aspect of life as God would have it?  

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Fourteen Students Are Studying In Ukraine...

Dear brothers, families and churches.

In my letter I want to share with you some news from Ukraine. September was an intense and exciting month and full of many blessings.

First of all, our classes have started on September 5. We have 9 first-year students and 5 second-year students. All of them are very diligent in their studies and try to maintain high GPA.

Some of the second-year students are making their first steps in ministry and are helping to preach in local congregations. Dennis Petrov, Roman Kamayev and Dennis Yampolets are those men who will be ready to serve God to the full extend after 8 more months. We should keep them in our prayers since they are the next generation of Church of Christ in Ukraine.

Second, Howell Ferguson arrived a week ago. He is a regular visitor in our country, though the word “visitor” can’t quite be used here. As we say: he came to is second motherland. Howell will stay here for two more weeks. He’s teaching Homiletics and Christian Ethics to first- and second-year students respectively. So he’s busy every day. I thank God for his work and his help to us. 

This week marks the beginning of the Master’s program in our institute. This program was closed for about two years, but now we have an opportunity to continue this work.  Staring with October 3, Denton Landon is teaching his courses. It’s quite possible that because of this program we might have more good local teachers in our institute.

Central church of Christ in Gorlovka sends you their greetings. This month they had several events: a joint service together with church of Christ from Illovaysk, a meeting and a lecture for couples and young families, and youth group meetings. This church tries to constantly evangelize, and our students join this work. Every Thursday after classes, we go out and evangelize on the streets of Gorlovka.  It is very helpful for the students since they get a lot of practical experience. I noticed that many churches have problems due to just studying God’s word but not sharing the Gospel with others and, therefore, not fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. We are trying to train preachers who would be eager to preach not only behind the pulpit but also outside the church.

In the middle of October, we expect the arrival of Jim Sherman, Steve and Teesh Hausley. Please pray for their safe flight to Ukraine. 

Thank you for your prayers and support. Due to your help, we train ministers who in future will make a huge difference for the church of Christ here in Ukraine and maybe also abroad. 

Your co-worker for Christ’s cause,
Dennis.

Youth Event Reaches Many In Nepal

During the last 8-9 months of the curriculum at Nepal Center For Biblical Study [NCBS] we took our six students out on five campaigns to village congregations outside the Kathmandu Valley. One of these campaigns included two visiting American teachers. There were multiple services to provide, multiple lessons to teach and also to learn, and multiple areas for growth. One area that had a strong impact on each of our six preacher students, our regular teaching staff, and the visiting teachers was the young people in each of these congregations. Each trip back to Kathmandu included conversations about the enthusiasm of these young people, the need to do more for them, and different ways NCBS could include them as part of our ministry.

Last week we found the window of time and added the planning and preparation to meet this need. Every year there is a huge national and Hindu holiday during late September and early October. All the schools close. Every part of the Nepal community is affected in many ways.  

Last week NCBS hosted a four day Youth Week. About 35 young people, ages 14-22, were invited from outside the Kathmandu Valley. Some of them had to walk three days to get from their village to where they could catch the bus. The school paid for their transportation and meals, and provided lodging at the school. It was a little crowded but even that seemed to add to the adventure and the enjoyment of fellowship with new friends. We also had about 20 local young people come each day.

The theme of our lessons centered on the book of Genesis. These students were encouraged to read Genesis at least twice before coming to Kathmandu. The students were to come prepared to engage in “active learning” through discussion and questions/answers. Each morning we had three classes related to the stories and lessons from Genesis [12 total] taught by seven men. Each morning ended with the girls having a class taught by one of the ladies and the “gents,” as they are referred to in Nepal, having their separate class. Lunch for about 75 was served each day. We had more adult guests than expected. They were welcome but had to sit in the back and listen.

The first three afternoons began with a film in the Nepali language about Jesus. The students discussed it among themselves with very little teacher activity. They did a great job of teaching one another. Then came the games, relays, and silliness. Eight teams were formed by drawing names. This helped in make new friends and heightened the excitement level. They had so much fun that each day when it was time for the local young people to go home, they begged to stay and have more group activities.  

We planned to also have a film and complete the games on the fourth day but we had to alter those plans. All the young people, the teachers, plus other adults walked 25 minutes to catch a bus that would take everyone to the river where 13 young people, ages 14-20, were baptized into Christ. The river bank was the scene of the final group fellowship, singing, and saying “good-bye”. The mixture of laughter, tears, smiles, and hugs were all reflections of joy.  

It is often said that our youth is our future church. Last week was a touching reminder of that truth, and also a glorious encouragement to the youth ……… as well as to all the active adults.

Jerry Golphenee

Extension News Touches Base Around The World...

I begin my trip this Wednesday to see several schools in the Extension Program. The first stop will be in Chandigarh, India. I have not seen the school in Chandigarh and I am looking forward to meeting Earnest Gill and discussing the work at the North India Bible College. They have faced a number of challenges in recent years and I know we will be able to work out some details to assist in their needs.

I will leave Chandigarh on my way to Chimala, Tanzania. The Chimala Bible Institute is the final location I have yet to see in the Extension Program. Garry Hill is working with the Bible Institute in Chimala and, as you can read below, Chad Wagner will be moving to Chimala next year to begin working as the Administrator of the overall mission. I am also excited to see this work for the first time and discuss the future of the work with both the Swahili and English training efforts.

After leaving Chimala, I will be headed to Arusha, Tanzania. I plan to visit a few days with the staff at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. This school has been training men to preach for the past fourteen years and I look forward to spending time with Cy Stafford and Jimmy Gee to discuss the program and our future together in training preachers. Cy and Jimmy sent reports below. The news about the work in Arusha continues to be exciting.

The end of the trip finds me in Atlanta, Georgia. I will speak October 19th at the mission’s forum with the Forest Park congregation. While this is going to be a busy few weeks, I know it will be an exciting time visiting with the great brethren who have given their lives to serve the Lord around the world.

Below are the reports from this week.

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

Remember to pray for Howell Ferguson and Denton Landon. They are in Gorlovka, Ukraine to teach and be involved in the work. You can read Howell’s latest report on the work here. Please remember Denton in prayer, as his mother recently passed away.

Chad Wagner, who serves as coordinator with the extension program, will be moving to Chimala in 2012 to serve as the Administrator of the Chimala Mission. Please read all about this transition and his needs in this report.

Extension Reports 

Death Of A Local Minister Brings Sadness To Cameroon: One of the local ministers in Cameroon, who has influenced so many in the school, recently passed away.

Cambodia Is Wet, But The Church Is Growing: The rainy season in Cambodia has created several problems, but it has not stopped the church from growing.

Helping Another Congregation In Uganda: The recent challenges in Uganda have Francis working to help one of the struggling congregations.

One Exceptional Day... You Need To Read: The conversion of one Masai has led to the conversion of his son, who is now bringing others to Christ. This is one great story.

Ready, Set, Go In Arusha: Along with a number of plans in Arusha, a study in the book of Galatians is set to bring a number of women from the area together.  

Final Thoughts
As I prepare to leave this week, I ask for your prayers. Thank you for making this work possible for me. Above all, thank you for loving the Lord and helping the faithful brethren who make so many sacrifices to share the gospel with the lost souls of the world.

I will have more to report next week about the first leg of this trip in Chandigarh. 

God bless
Bob

The Death Of A Local Minister Brings Sadness To Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the staff, students and brethren here in Wotutu. I strongly believe that this mail meets you in good health and a sound mind.

Thursday evening students, some staff and some members of the Wotutu congregation were en-route to Kumba to mourn with those who mourn as minister Awum Nicholas’ corpse was being removed and transported from Dschang, about 250 miles where he died, as he was struggling to seek admission for his daughter into college.

The Students of CBIW were the only ones authorized to carry the casket. Our presence was really uplifting to the saints and many desire to come to CBIW in the next intake.

We appreciate God for all His care over us throughout the past month and we are now in October going closer and closer to the end of the year 2011. This year is election year in Cameroon as on the 9^th of October there will be presidential election in Cameroon. Keep our country in your prayers for peace to continue.

All our programs  for the school went on well. Our chapel service was centered on encouraging one another to stand firm.

The program was good as many had opportunity to reflect into their life again as they live in this pilgrim world. It was a solemn gathering as members of the churches of Christ all over Cameroon was in attendance. About 300 people came.

CBIW students, early in the morning on Friday, arranged the chairs and mounted the canopies for people to sit as rain is still falling here. Our students wore their blue T-shirts welcoming people from far and near and made them comfortable as they await the arrival of the corpse.

The students went there with many reasons; to mourn, exhort, encourage and to share the gospel with souls still under the captives of the evil one.Brother Opel Esowe knelt down after the wake keeping service to share the gospel with many. We have planted and we shall go time and again to water and help those Christians there to sit up even though their minister is not there again.

Later after the wake service, we projected DVD from WVBS to entertain people as we wait for the day to come for burial that is the way we do here, so many had the opportunity to listen to the truth through that.

The widow stood and was supported by a brother and she stood with a girl whom minister Awum took to Dschang for the admission process. It was a pitiful situation to hear her talk with tears and a heart that is breaking.

The family gave me opportunity to say a word which I used to exhort the audience with the word of Job 14:1, talking about our few days. I painted a picture with a question; HOW WE ARE USING OUR FEW DAYS?  I exhorted many that we should use our few days wisely investing our all to the services of God just as minister Awum used his throughout his life, since he was converted till the 20 of September where he died.

Thanks very much for all your support and your care to us. The work is moving on well.

Keep brother Alfred Ayaubo, a student, in your prayers. He sick and is hospitalized in the hospital. He is suffering from diabetes. He is down now for one week plus some days now.

OUR PLANS
We are still planning for the establishment of a new congregation in Botoke village after Limbe. Keep it in your prayers.

Do your best to share this with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Cambodia Is Wet, But The Church Is Growing...

Below is the latest report from Phanat Ouch concerning the work in Cambodia. I urge you to read this wonderful report, but also to click here for the link to his post. You can see pictures referred to by Phanat.

Greetings family of God,

This month marks my fourth year in Cambodia! I am as excited about the work here as when I first arrived on September 25th, 2007. It’s been a wonderful journey and blessing in my life to do God’s work in this part of the world. I am amazed at how awesome God’s been in my life and I pray that He is doing amazing things in your life as well. It truly is an honor and a privilege to be a servant of God! We have wonderful news concerning Christ’s work in Cambodia for this month. I would like to begin with our new brother in Christ, Samol. What’s special about this case is that it’s a testimony to the work of IBISR and ultimately God’s word. We all know and agree that it is God who gives the increase and all glory belong to Him. I just wanted to point out that Samol was taught and baptized by our 2nd generation student named Sopheap from Takam village. It is a blessing to see the growth of Sopheap and how the word of God is working in his life to seek and save the lost. This case truly brings 2 Timothy 2:2 to life for us! We rejoice for our new brother in Christ, but we also rejoice for our ‘old’ brother in Christ. I don’t know if you know the feeling of personally bringing a lost soul to Jesus Christ but it is truly a great feeling. Please keep both of them in your prayers!

Joe Hickey, (I’m sure you all know him by now if you keep up with my blogs) and the brethren of Portal Way church of Christ brought forth much blessings to us. The church at Leang dai village needed a new exterior paint job on the building where they meet, so we gathered the students and local church members to help paint the building. Sokchea, the local preacher, is doing a great job in Leang Dai and is instrumental in saving the lost in that area. Joe’s congregation also helped get a new baptistery out in Takam village and also provided funds for our new school uniform at IBISR. Joe also taught the book of Colossians to the student while he was here on his short (1 month) stay. We are thankful for brethren like him and you who support this work and we pray that you continue to do so. Maybe one day you too can come and visit the work first hand and be a part of this work in that aspect. It is truly a life changing event, especially for our brethren oversees who’ve never been to a foreign country spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.

Recently, Siem Reap province has been flooded due to the tropical storm. In fact, this year was the worst year in history for Siem Reap as far as flooding goes. It was so bad that the government had to ‘cut’ roads in several places just to drain it out of the city. It has affected our school and where the church meets as well. They bulldozed our entrance to make way for the water to flow out. They told us that we must build a stone bridge from now on so that this won’t happen again. The local church cannot afford (at the moment) to pay for the construction. It is estimated to be $2000. If any of you brethren can help with this please send your checks to: 

Bear Valley church of Christ
2707 S. Lamar Street
Denver, Colorado 80227
For construction of bridge

Thank you once again for your great love and support of Christ’s work in Cambodia. I look forward to reporting to you once again next month as our brethren from Bear Valley, the Siem Reap 6 (Wes, Cathy, Sheryl, Sharon, Dale, and Rachel) join us for two weeks to do God’s work and fellowship with us in the month of October! 

Phanat

Helping Another Congregation In Uganda...

Dear brethren,

I hope that you are doing fine there in the USA. Receive our greetings from Uganda. The Lord is blessing us with life. Our health is not bad. Margaret's health is not so bad. She is still on her hydrocortisone, as she cannot stop. We thank God that she is supplementing her body with tre-en-en, cal-mag and Omega3 from the GNLD company which is helping her  a lot. 

On Sunday, September 25, Margaret and Lydia worshiped at Nandwa congregation, and for me, I went to Bukalikha congregation where brother Morris Wanyama and Wandera Julius decided to go with the one cup brethren because they were promised monthly support. I had helped them to make bricks but now they said they do not want to work with me as I do not give them support. 

Two families refused to worship with them and I worshiped with them in one of their homes. I will be sending one student every Sunday to go there on the days I cannot go to worship with them. Pray for us so that we overcome this problem.

May God bless you all. 

Yours
Francis and Margaret  Wechesa

One Exceptional Day... You Need To Read!

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We continue lifting you up in our prayers, thanking God for all He has done, is doing and for that He has yet to do. Your prayers, support and encouragement stands as an example to follow. 

Stephanie, Granny and I are blessed beyond measure. We are blessed with notes of encouragement from time to time from God’s young people like the ones from Hayes Church of Christ, Gloucester, VA, also Westside Church of Christ, Yorktown, IN and the young people from the Pitman Church of Christ, Sewell, NJ. It is so encouraging to hear from and to know others have “missions and missionaries” on their hearts, minds and in their prayers. We are also so grateful to those who send “special treats” in the mail, a special thank you to Jeanny Gilpin and our Westside family, Salem, VA. To our brother and sister Jay and Renee Galloway, a special thank you, you are indeed servants of God in a grand way. Yes, we are a blessed people to be surrounded by family, the family of God. 

Today was an exceptional day at Arusha. Three years ago an older Masai man came up to the church building during one of our Children's Bible Seminars, and he never left!  He was taught God’s Word and he in turned obeyed the Gospel. The Church had need of a night guard, and he accepted. Several months ago his 18 year old son, Saruni appeared. He to was “living” at the building with his father. He too would study God’s Word and is now a faithful Child of God. Saruni is faithful in service and attends every Bible class. He missed his opportunity to go to High School because his family did not have the financial means. He is now in school thanks to the faithful Christians at Arusha. 

Today before Bible class he came to the building with a friend. Come to find out, Saruni had been engaging his new classmates in Bible discussions. Keep in mind, Saruni has only been a Christian for a couple of months. His classmate was there to give his life to Christ. So, before we began our Bible class, he was baptized into Christ. What a wonderful example this young man is to us all.

We have concluded another Tanzania Leadership Conference. Steve, Lexi Wiseman and Buddy Fry have now retuned home. Jimmy’s great aunt and Trina’s mother are here for the next week or so. The new quarter begins in a week at the ACSOP, graduation to follow at the end of November. We are excited about Bob Turner coming our way. Bob is the Director of the Bear Vally extension program. We are also anticipating the arrival of Cotton Box and Gene Davis toward the end of the month.

We are also grateful for the first two contributions toward the much needed generator for the ACSOP, $700 down, $22,300 to go! No contribution is to large, nor to small!

Until all have heard.....May our God be with you, bless you and may He direct your path toward Home. 

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Ready, Set, Go In Arusha...

Dear Co-Laborers:

“I LOVE A RAINY NIGHT.”  Yes, we agree with the musician/singer Eddie Rabbit … blessings fell from heaven last night and the ground was soaked this morning. Our boys loved slipping and sliding (in the van) on the way to services this morning. Jimmy taught the Bible class and preached to a full house an excellent sermon entitled “Contending for the Faith.” It was an extremely timely lesson because we had a lady visitor from London, England. Her name was Naomi and she will be living at the International School (next door to us) for about 3 months while she volunteers with a local sewing project.

“THE OLDER WOMEN [SHOULD BE]…TEACHERS OF GOOD THINGS. Titus 2:3” Our Personal Evangelism class was very biblical because an older woman (Edith Kincaid, age 79) was teaching good things. We appreciate the many hours Edith spent in the preparation and presentation of her lessons. Twelve women received a certificate for their attendance and were thankful to receive a nice Bible cover (donated by Walter and Rita Ward and Tom and Linda McKleroy, members of the Oxford, AL congregation). The material used was written by George Jensen (missionary in Iringa, Tanzania) with additional material from Roger Campbell (missionary in Malaysia). Twelve women now know more about teaching others one-on-one and hopefully will start practicing. I will try to keep you informed. Edith continues to teach non-, new and weak Christians on a daily basis.

THANK YE, THANK YE, THANK YE… to all who contributed to Lindsey and Abigail's work permits which will allow them to attend classes at the ACSOP, teach classes and conduct personal Bible studies. We now have enough to get the permits and will start the process in the next week or so. Thank you very much for giving them this opportunity!

The Bible translation team met this week and worked on the book of Luke. Again, they are taking a Swahili translation which is in the public domain and correcting it using the NASB95 and McCord's translation. Jimmy supervises the project while ACSOP graduates do the heavy lifting. Isaac Mwangonde, Michael Mitalami and Ogutu Charles are the three men who come to Arusha every two months or so to do this wonderful work.

READY, SET, GO…We’re gearing up for the Galatians Seminar scheduled for this Saturday, October 8th, from 9-4 pm. Ladies from area congregations have been invited and we are expecting a large crowd. Edith will teach 2 lessons and the other lessons will be taught by Tanzanian Christians.

ACSOP...As we have said in past reports, Jimmy will be teaching a short course this week. The topic is "The Church." Then, beginning the next Monday the fourth and final quarter of the year will begin. Thanks again to Buddy Fry for teaching the last short course which ended on Friday. Since we have not heard differently we are assuming he made it home safely on Saturday.

Finally, thanks to those who have contributed to the ACSOP generator fund. We now have around $800 committed. That means we have just $22,200 to go. We know that God will accomplish His will in the matter.

Thank you for making a difference in Tanzania and all of East Africa! 

In Christ,
The Gees

Preparing For The Journey Ahead...

The 2011 Bear Valley Lectureship ended last night in Denver. The weekend was filled with various lessons from the gospel of Mark. If you would like to listen to the lessons you can visit our website and download any lesson from the series. The lectureship this year was one of the most well attended in the history of this annual event.

I know everyone has their favorite speakers and styles of lessons. I would recommend my favorites, but I do not want to influence your thinking regarding the lessons. Let me simply say it is worth your time to review the lessons and learn from this wonderful gospel account of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

As the first quarter of the school year comes to a close next week, I will be making a trip to the last two schools I have yet to see in this work. I am looking forward to spending time with Earnest Gill at the North India Bible College in Chandigarh, India. After visiting with the school in India, I will be flying back to Chimala, Tanzania to visit the Chimala Bible Institute. While in Tanzania I will also stop by and visit the work of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Arusha. It promises to be a busy few weeks, but the rewards of seeing these works will be worth the time.

Below are the reports received this week from several of the various schools in the Extension Program. As always, the reports are rich with the work around the world. It is certainly worth your time to read the most recent news.

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

Remember to pray for Howell Ferguson and Denton Landon. Howell is presently in Gorlovka, Ukraine to teach and be involved in the work. Denton will be joining him later this week. We will have a report in the next few weeks about their efforts.

Extension Reports 

The Great Invitation: As the Cameroon Institute of Biblical Studies begins the last quarter of the first year, the chapel lessons focus on the Great Invitation.

Sweet Company Of Brethren In Tamale, Ghana: Several visitors from the U.S. have shared in the work of the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies over the summer.

First Graduation In Nepal: The joy of graduating the first class in Nepal has set the stage for a class of nearly two times the number of students. Read more.

Struggling Congregations In Uganda: Several congregations throughout Uganda are struggling. One is dealing with the influence of using “one cup” in the Lord’s Supper.

Two Souls Added To The Kingdom In Arusha: The news of God’s increase fills the page of this week’s report from Arusha, Tanzania.

Desperate Need At ACSOP: Recent conditions have created a desperate need for a generator in Arusha. Jimmy Gee’s report explains more about their need. 

Final Thoughts
My mind always races with the activities of the weeks ahead when I prepare to travel. There is so much to get done to make sure everything is in place before leaving the country. However, I am always reminded of the generosity of the wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ who have given so sacrificially to make it possible. 

Thank you for your willingness to be involved in preparing men to preach the gospel. I pray for you each day and I trust God will richly bless you for your gift. I will report more each week as I make my journey beginning next Wednesday.

God bless
Bob

First Graduation In Nepal...

On September 21 we had the first graduation ceremony for the Nepal Center For Biblical Study. For the last nine months the word “PROGRESS” has been the most dominant word in my vocabulary. That was certainly the case during graduation.  

In 2009 I told Bob Turner and Ralph Williams, extension school Directors of Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, that Nepal desperately needed a school of preaching, and also that maybe Nepal was not ready for such a school. They both said that God would unquestionably do His part so we should get busy and do what we need to do. Their strong faith combined with the labor of love from many Christians on both sides of this planet, plus many sincere prayers have resulted in the PROGRESS that defies description. I still vividly remember the blank looks on the faces of the students in January and February of 2010. My own frustrations and doubts remain fresh in my mind. Those memories remain ……. BUT …….. the feelings have become those of encouragement, excitement, confidence, and fulfillment. “You will know them by their fruits” is a clear statement of faith, obedience, and purpose put into action. The “fruits” of our students, and the school’s influence throughout Nepal, says more than words could ever say.

We anticipated about eighty to ninety people for graduation. The earthquake Sunday evening, three days of heavy rains, and mudslides reduced that number to about seventy. On Tuesday each of the students gave a twenty minute lesson centered on the need for each Christian to be active in evangelism and the need for each congregation to mature their members. Their words of sound doctrine were strengthened by their poise, organization, and confident delivery punctuated by smiles and encouragement. Each member of the audience could see their progress and the need for more men to receive this type of teaching and training. Tuesday was the edification and the ceremony on Wednesday was the celebration.

We will begin our next class of students on November 7. The challenge remains, but the fears and doubts have vanished. Our enrollment should more than double [12-15]. This group of full-time students will receive comprehensive instruction in every book of the Bible as well as teaching, active discussion, and questions/answers on all phases of Christianity, including false doctrines.  

Four to five times per year we also invite preachers/leaders from congregations throughout Nepal to join us for a week of special classes. We want to be touching all Christians with sound teaching, unity, and fellowship. After nine to ten months of training we will begin to take our students to remote areas of the country for teaching and evangelism campaigns. Every Friday afternoon through Sunday the students go out in groups of two to three to work with congregations within the Kathmandu Valley. They gain personal experience while working under the guidance of the men of that congregation.  

Late September and most of October are a sacred Hindu holiday. We will use one week of this time to invite forty young people [ages 15-22] to Kathmandu for a special week of Bible classes, fellowship, and fun. They will be joined by about twenty local young Christians. Each student is required to read Genesis at least twice prior to the gathering and come with notes and questions. We believe that students should always come prepared, join in active discussions, and ask questions. Preparation leads to Progress, which will result in individual growth and more edification and application of Christian principles when they return home.

Thanks to Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver for thinking of Nepal in 2008-2009 and for their confidence and assistance. Thanks to the brothers and sisters in Texas, California, and Nevada who have contributed to our various needs, both financially and regular prayer. Thanks to the local Nepali brothers and sisters for their participation, support, and prayers. Mostly we thank God Who is “able” and willing to do more than we can imagine and ask. When we see the PROGRESS, we see the hand of God. 

Rejoice with us and pray for us, 

Gajendra Deshar ……Director
Jerry Golphenee

Sweet Company Of Brethren In Tamale, Ghana

The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies has for the past two quarters enjoyed the sweet company of brethren from America.

Brother Tony Johnson, apart from the thought provocation lesson he offered preachers and church leaders at a seminar, was instrumental in personal evangelism in the villages. He also had a good time with the student preachers. We enjoyed his presence and thank him for his brief visit to Tamale.

The Management Board and Staff of Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies wish to express our profound thanks and appreciation to brother Tony for his support to the Institute. So also are we appreciative of the company of the Coordinator, brother Steven Ashcraft, and his wife during their stay in Tamale. Our wish has always been that we are always together to contribute towards the Lord’s work here in northern Ghana and beyond.

Brother Robert Turner, (International Coordinator) was at the Institute’s Graduation held on the 25^th June, 2011 to grace the occasion. His presence was inspiring. The speech he gave was really motivating. It was a joyful fellowship.

During their short stay in Tamale, brethren went to the villages with local preachers to assist with the gospel campaign there. 

Thank you for your support of this work.
Baah Joseph Okyere

The Great Invitation...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept our sincere greetings here. I do hope you are doing great in all that you do. We are struggling with life here in CBIW, but we appreciate God for all circumstances that we find ourselves because He is aware.

I pray that this report meets you in good health and a sound faith as usual.

All our programs for this first week of our fourth quarter went on well. Our chapel theme for the week was THE GREAT INVITATION, an invitation to serve and to serve whole heartedly. The students and staff benefited from this sitting with lots of examples from our fallen minister Awum Nicholas who was invited to come and teach a short course in CBIW and today he is no more. We should try and use the time we have to do our best in the work of the kingdom so that we shall leave foot prints for others to follow.

His passing away caused stress to many both in the school and the Wotutu congregation and other sister congregations all over the country. Minister Awum was also my advisor in CBIW, having contributed mentally towards the work here. We lost a great figure in Cameroon who started working as far back as 1975. He leave behind his wife and 5 children and many to mourn him.

We shall travel there on Thursday after lectures to his home for wake keeping and burial. CBIW has been given opportunity to exhort mourners on Thursday evening. We have made our plans to carry along some WVBS DVDs with our projection device. This will be a great opportunity to help many as we can to lead them to Christ. From Wotutu to his home is 80 kilometers, please keep us in your prayers for safe trip.

Brother Ayaubo Alfred, a student, is sick and hospitalized since Wednesday in a Baptist hospital in Mutengene about 20 miles away from Wotutu. Please keep him in your prayers as the doctor said he may have been suffering from diabetes. The final test will be confirmed within the week.

All the stress should not deviate us from our calling. I still sent out students to nearby congregations for weekend evangelism. Brother Mulango Theophile, with the mile 14 Likoko church of Christ, restored 2 souls who were away and are back rejoicing.

God bless you as you do your best to share our reports with others to be aware of what is going on here in Cameroon.

Plans

We shall travel to Batoke to fully establish the Lord’s church in that community with the help of our public address system. We shall do great work. Keep us in your prayers.

Thanks very much for your prayers and your timely support to see our progress. God will not pass you by when He will come for His reward.

Elangwe and family by His grace
Director CBIW

Desperate Need At ACSOP...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends.

We are thankful for the safe arrival of Steve Wiseman, Buddy Fry, Rita Ward and Edith Kincaid this week. Much good has already been done by all of them. Steve Wiseman has had several studies (one of them was with 15 people at once!) and at least one conversion (from Kwa Mrombo) that we know of. In addition, he has spoken on the Leadership conference. Buddy Fry has spoken several times on the conference and will begin his class on Exegesis with the first year students tomorrow. Steve and his daughter Lexi leave on Tuesday night and Buddy leaves on Friday night, so please pray for the safe travel.

Rita Ward, Trina's mother, paid for her own trip so she is here taking time with the family and enjoying the grandchildren. Edith Kincaid, my great-aunt, is here to do a ladies seminar on Personal Evangelism as well as another one on Galatians. The Personal Evangelism seminar actually began this morning in the ladies Bible class and will continue each afternoon through Saturday from 3-5 PM. She will also hold many personal Bible studies with both non-Christians and weak ones. Those will begin tomorrow.

As we ended our worship today a man named Charles stood up and said that he wanted to obey the Gospel. He has been to services on several occasions and simply from the Bible study times and sermons in the services he learned that he needed to put Christ on in baptism. Since no one had ever formally studied with him, Ahimidiwe spent over an hour with him, making sure he understood what he was doing and the kind of commitment he was making. He understood and was baptized shortly after 2 PM. We thank God for another soul added to His kingdom.

As I said, Buddy Fry will teach a short course this week. The next week Jimmy will teach another one on the Church and the following week the fourth and final quarter of the year will begin. This also means that we will be having a graduation (Nov. 26), which will be another milestone in the growth of this work when we graduate the first Swahili class. Praise be to God for wonderful opportunities He has given to 17 men who will go forth from this school and preach the Gospel in many areas of Tanzania and one area in Kenya. By supporting us, you have had a grand part in the training of these men and I pray that God blesses each and every one of you for it.

Finally, we have mentioned several times over the past months the fact that we have been experiencing massive power outages due to a lack of rain and other things. While they have eased a bit (very little) over the past week or two, it is still a daily (or nightly) occurrence. For the past several years the school has had an 8000 watt generator, but this has never been enough to power the whole school when the power is out. In addition, it is on its final legs, needing almost constant repair. Therefore, since we need a bigger generator and need to replace the one we have, Cy Stafford and I are embarking upon a fundraising drive to raise $23,000 for a 45,000 watt generator for the ACSOP. I will be writing congregations and individuals directly to ask for specific commitments so that we can get these funds as quickly as possible. Please consider what you can do and respond accordingly. All funds for this project should be sent to: 

Kensington Woods Church of Christ
415 S. 40th Ave.
Hattiesburg, MS 39402

Please send a note with it stating that the money is for the ACSOP Generator.  

In Christ,
The Gees