Preparing For A New Class...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from the staff, students and the members of the Wotutu congregation. We praise God for all that He is doing to us to go about our work.

We do hope this report finds you all in good health and sound faith as usual. The work here in Wotutu, in particular, and Cameroon, in general, is moving ahead well. The week in CBIW went on well and all the students are okay except for few students who are sick, but we have some medicine in the school to handle small situations.

The week was also busy as we welcomed 25 new prospective students who came to Wotutu for the entrance exams. Many others who were on their way to Wotutu could not make it because of the severe down pour of rain. Because of that we have given them another day of grace to come over to Wotutu, Tuesday the 31st of July, and then we shall release their results thereafter.

I supervised the entrance exams for our prospective students. Keep them all in your prayers, and us so that God will help us to select those He has already selected. We need 20 students for the next batch.

The exercise took the whole day, as leaders of the Wotutu congregation were there to see it to the end. They were also part of the face to face interviews with all the prospective students.

Because of the length of the program, we were bound to serve lunch to the prospective students to refresh them as they were supposed to leave Wotutu back to their destination. We thank God, for as many of them who made it back have called to tell us about their safe arrival.

Some students went out to Mbanga again to continue to evangelize and to nurture the newly established congregation, which is one week old now. Brother Norbert went there this weekend and came back with great news of two precious souls that were added into the body there. Keep this work in your prayers because God is doing something new in that community.

Plans
1) We look for means to move to other communities for the church to be planted.

2) My trip to ACAC conference is ready.

Appreciations
We appreciate God for you allowing yourself to be used by God. We praise God for all that He is doing in our ministry. Please share it with others, so that they may love to come and be part of this soul winning team. God bless you. I am sorry that we don’t have pictures for the students weekend evangelism because, they went without a camera. God bless you for being there for the Lord.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director CBIW

Opportunities Are Unending...

As we draw near to the end of the month, Sheryl and I are nearing the end of our travels to see current and potential supporters for the work. It has been a very encouraging month as we share the news from the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, as well as, the development of the Extension program around the world.

This week we had opportunity to visit with one new congregation, the Crossroads church of Christ just outside of Enola, Arkansas. This congregation may be small in number, but they are large in spirit and their generosity is encouraging. I am always amazed how sacrificial the giving is with congregations that would be considered small in number. 

We also had opportunity to visit with the Enola church of Christ. This congregation has been instrumental in financially supporting us personally for several years. We are grateful for their sacrificial generosity as well. They have been a consistent light in helping provide support for our work in Denver, as well as, our endeavors to travel in the Extension program.

Sheryl and I give thanks to God for these two congregations and all the individuals and congregations who share in the development of our efforts and the various schools around the world where men are being trained to preach the gospel.

The reports each week continue to bring exciting news in the development of men who are preparing themselves for ministry. Their efforts are what this work is really all about. The strength of their labors is what needs to be lifted up. They need to be encouraged for their diligent and sacrificial work as they share the good news of Jesus.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Wes Autrey prepares for his trip to Cambodia for the second graduation ceremony of IBISR. His report can be ready by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

Return From Nigeria: After returning from Nigeria, brother Elangwe shares news from activities in the work of Cameroon.

Gospel Chariot Headed For Chimala: One of the wonderful tools used to reach out with the gospel is headed for Chimala, Tanzania.

Reaching Out To Denominations: At the request of several in the denominational groups in Kpalime, Togo, plans are made for classes to teach the gospel.

An Exceptional Day In Arusha: After a beautiful week, the work of the church continues to see the hand of God at work.

The Church Grows In Tanzania: God has given the increase as the church continues to see souls added in Arusha, Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking time to read the report each week. The news is so encouraging and I pray you are edified by the reports. Thank you for your prayers for those who are laboring so diligently and sacrificially in sharing the news of Jesus. We need to continually lift them up. Thank you for your support. Your generosity and sacrifice cannot be measured. I look forward to heaven when we will all have opportunity to meet one another from every nation, tribe, tongue, and language.

God bless
Bob

Graduation Is A Week Away...

I wanted to send you a quick report regarding Cambodia before I take my trip there next week. After my visit, I will be sending a more full report and am anxious to get back with you and all the news.

The IBISR (International Bible Institute at Siem Reap) is graduating 7 young men and women this month. The men will continue on to preach and teach the word. The women will also continue in evangelizing and teaching women and children the word of God. Each graduating student has now been studying in school for an average of 6 hours per day, 5 days a week (not including homework, tests and field work) for the 2 years. The students also have been evangelizing and teaching almost every Saturday. They travel long distances to bring the word to those of their native country who have never heard about Jesus, God or even the Bible. They have spent countless Saturdays encouraging the brethren in the small villages around by visiting, working in the rice fields, aiding in medical needs or transportation to larger towns for various reasons.

Two of the young men will be living on a boat on Ton Le Sap Lake and making it their home and church building. They will travel up and down the lake while evangelizing mostly to the poorest of the poor who need Christ. These are largely Vietnamese refugees that have no where to go and live in extreme poverty, even by Cambodian standards. 

Three of the men were originally from the village of Takam where the church is bursting with growth. They wish to continue preaching and teaching in and around their home village and continue the great works that are already established while expanding into nearby areas. These young men show leadership skills that have me excited about the church’s future in that part of the country.

We have added more to the Lords church, but I hope to have a more accurate account after my visit.

We also have 8 new students confirmed for the new school year that begins in September. Please remember all of these young men and women as they often are giving up much in the way of families and friends to follow Jesus.

In short you can be proud of your young brothers and sisters in Christ that are graduating in 2012. They love the Lord and express that love to their native countrymen with zeal and sound doctrine.

Please pray for me as I am making my first trip alone. I am very grateful to you for your vision and faith in the work being done there. May the Lord bless you for all the good that you do for His kingdom.

Peace in Christ, 

Wes Autrey
Cambodia Coordinator

The Church Grows In Tanzania...

Dear Faithful Supporters,

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:  "The best time to do something significant is between yesterday and tomorrow."   

CHURCH GROWTH. We rejoice this week over the baptisms of Bertha, Hosanna and Elizabeth. Chris Akin and Israel taught Bertha while the Akins were here. Then, Ahimidiwe and Israel continued the studies and Bertha was baptized this week. Our long-term visitor, Caitlyn Middleton, (and translator, Paulina) taught Hosanna. Hosanna, who is visiting from Moshi, is the niece of Ahimidiwe. Twenty-year-old Caitlyn (daughter of Alan and Cindy Middleton of Northport, AL)  has been conducting many studies and is spending her entire summer (plus some) helping the church in Tanzania grow. Then, Elizabeth was studied with by Suzanna (with the Hoover group) and Paulina. Caitlyn and Jane (Massawe) continued the studies and she obeyed yesterday. Please pray for these new Christians.

NEW CONVERT'S CLASS. Approximately fifteen students were in Jimmy's class this morning where Christian growth was the topic of study. Among these students were three people who stated that they could not read. This shows the need for at least basic adult education classes where these good people could be taught to read and write. To use the words of the Ethiopian eunuch, "How can I learn God's Word fully if I cannot read?" Maybe that is something we need to consider. Please pray about it that God may open the doors for this need. 

Jimmy begins teaching "The Spiritual Development of the Preacher" to the Master's students this week. There were supposed to be three weeks of Master's classes but the scheduled teacher, Roger Shepherd, was diagnosed with blockage in two arteries (40% and 50%) in his heart. Therefore, he will not be coming, but will be providing assignments for an in-ministry course for the students. Please pray for Roger as he faces possible surgery, whether it be stints or otherwise.

HARE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW. Unfortunately, the class on raising rabbits and tilapia had to be rescheduled. Prayerfully they will take place in late January / early February. Lindsey is disappointed because she's already purchased part of her supplies and we were all licking our lips thinking about rabbit stew, rabbit steak, and looking forward to those soft little slippers we could wear. :) 

The EAST AFRICAN GOSPEL MEETING is scheduled for August in Mwanza, which is in northwest Tanzania. As we have said before, this is an annual meeting that is planned, executed, and paid for by the brethren of East Africa. Each year the meeting is in a different place. Last year, as you may recall, it was in Uganda, where Cy and Jimmy went and Jimmy preached the meeting. Each day there is evangelism in the morning and lessons for the evangelists in the afternoon, then outdoor preaching at 4 PM. Please pray that the meeting in Mwanza will be a great success and the church there strengthened.

BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH. The past several weeks we have spent a lot of time in the dentist office.  It began with routine cleanings/exams, then Elijah collided with our solid-wood coffee table (mouth first) which loosened a front primary tooth (which had to be removed), cut his gums and broke off a piece of bone that we first thought was the exposed secondary tooth.  Then while flossing a small white filling fell out of Trina’s tooth.  Then Stuart broke off part of a back tooth (probably while eating popcorn). Never a dull moment in the Gee household! 

"We ought always to GIVE THANKS to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting..." (II Thess. 1:3) for all you have done and for your faith in us and the work going on here. "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified..." (II Thess. 3:1). 

In His Service, 
Jimmy, Trina and Children

An Exceptional Day In Arusha...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We rejoice in the Lord in knowing we have fellowship one with another through Jesus Christ. We are mindful of the fact we are here, able to do God’s will, because you care, you pray and you support this good effort. Thank you!

Today has been an exceptional day for a number of reasons. It was so good to be in worship with Elizabeth our new sister in Christ who obeyed the Gospel yesterday. The new birth of this good sister was made possible by the love of God, sacrifice our our Lord Jesus, Suzanna Weimer and her team from Hoover, Al, the follow up efforts of Stephanie, Jane, Paulina, and Caitlin. Thank you all for a job well done!

Caitlin and Paulina also had a study Fri. afternoon with Hosianna who also repented and was baptized into Christ.

After a great sermon by Christopher two souls repented of sin in their lives and Rosa came forward to be added to the Church through her obedience to the Gospel.

As I began to write this Short Report Jimmy called and said Rahema was being baptized. Abigail and Lindsey had been studying with her for several weeks. God is good all the time! He continues to give the increase and continues to bless the efforts of His faithful.

Our graduate students are arriving and preparing for classes that begin tomorrow. Jimmy will be teaching this week on “The Spiritual Development of the Preacher.” We are so very grateful for the good being done through the Andrew Connally School of Preacher and all who work and support her.

Please keep the East Africa Gospel meeting in your prayers as evangelist from all over East Africa come together to teach and preach God’s Word. This year the meeting will be conducted in Mwanza where our brother Isaac Kusupa currently serves as the local evangelist.

Please also remember Innocent, and his family, the local preacher from Monduli, lost his older brother this past week.

May our God bless each of you as you serve Him faithfully through service to others.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Caitlin

Reaching Out To Denominations...

Nyiveme Church Moves To New Location
A brother donated funds to purchase chairs for Nyiveme congregation. 

On my recent trip to Kpalime, Jean Akli a former student of CBS invited me to see where he is rearing goats and sheep. It had been our plan at CBS to start training the students in vegetable production and animal rearing. The rational behind this idea is to find a source of income for them after they graduate. We shall be appealing to you later for funding to start this project.

Evangelism Seminar Results In One Baptism
I met a new face in service on Sunday, and when I inquired about him, I was told that Daniel was baptized during the recent evangelism seminar held by at CBS.

Two Preaches Left For Noepe and Akepe 
Two of our former students have been asked to handle two of the five new congregations planted recently at Akepe and Noepe. Plans in advance are to have their families join them soon.

Budget
Due to increase in electricity tariff, we have increased the allocation for utility from CFA 27.00 to CFA 40.00.

Office Equipment
The photocopy machine at CBS needs to be replaced before the new school year begins on the 20th of August. It is beginning to malfunction, and as a result so much money is being used for its maintenance. I understand several parts have been changed but it is still the same.

Seminar For Denominational Preachers
A group of preachers from the denominational churches in Kpalime have come to request CBS to organize a seminar on any topic for them. They are very curious about how their members were converted when they enrolled at CBS. They want to have a taste of what we fed their boys. We have accepted the request, and as soon as soon school reopens we shall be ready for them.

Reopening Date Rescheduled
The new school year will now begin on 20th August instead of 3rd September.

Willie Gley

To see the report with pictures, click here.

Gospel Chariot Headed For Chimala...

Wagner Family Tidbits
We have received word that our shipping container is still in Dar es Salaam. There are several steps which must take place for the container to be shipped out of port. One of the steps was completed this last week and now we are facing a month of port charges at $150/day. Please pray that the port authorities will be gracious toward our plight.

The girls are adjusting well to life on the mission. They certainly are not afraid to get out and about! They are able to ride their bikes all over the mission and they have done a lot of exploring.  One of the things the kids have lately been doing is getting busy on the local basketball court. There are usually several locals on the court and my girls wanted to play.   

We also ventured out to the Chimala market. It is a large open area with various booths and spots to sell anything and everything. We saw fabric, clothing, tools, toys, movies, electronics, food, kitchen goods, bicycles, an auction, etc.  We purchased some material for making curtains as well as some oranges.

Housing on the Mission
The Chimala Mission has several houses where missionaries live. In fact, it is more like a small neighborhood than an African village. The mission itself is fairly secure with guards all over the mission. The kids ride their bikes all over the mission with no trouble.  

Here are some pictures of our house here in Chimala. It is the Mays house. It was build several years ago (and added onto several times). We have recently had it painted inside and out. We were able to move back into the house this week and Rena is busy trying to get the bags/boxes unpacked.   

Preaching the Gospel
At the Chimala Mission, we are actively working toward and getting excited about the Gospel Chariot coming in a few weeks. You can visit their blog here. The Gospel Chariot is a truck with all the equipment for a successful Gospel Meeting in just about any village or town. The Gospel Chariot travels to 11 different African countries. We are blessed to have them come every year to SW Tanzania. We have several villages scheduled in the area where the Gospel Chariot will be at and we plan to do all that we can to help them spread the Gospel. Pictures and reports are forthcoming. 

Closing Thoughts
The work here at the Chimala Mission is challenging but also rewarding. We are all finding ways we can get involved in the overall work of the mission to make a difference in the lives of people. We are grateful to all of you who contribute to this work and this family and for partnering with us.  

Of course, you could always come see yourself. . . :) 

Chad

To see the report, complete with pictures, click here.

Return From Nigeria...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation. We pray God will bless you all as you read this report. I am sorry that last week I was unable to get the report to you all because I was in Nigeria and there was no access to the internet for me.

Sister Prudence Orume benefited from that and obeyed the gospel in Wotutu. Keep her in your prayers so that she will grow to make others come to the Lord. She is the 4th convert in their family as of now.

My stay in Nigeria was great as I had time to rest and also to share the gospel with some people around the area of the Kado church of Christ in Abuja. The Lord blessed my trip as I made it home safe and sound to continue from where I stopped before traveling.

The work of CBIW and the Wotutu congregation continues smoothly. The morning radio program keeps cutting across the communities as many are still eager to know the truth as they call to ask questions concerning their denominational belief. Some will call to call us different kinds of names but many are appreciative to what the BACK TO THE BIBLE PROGRAM is doing in Wotutu and 6 other different villages. The Prince of Wotutu village came to me personally to appreciate the church of Christ for all their prayers and teaching to the community. We plan to visit him soon to sympathize with him for the passing away of his father last year. That will be an ample opportunity for us to share the gospel face to face with the royal family. Keep that in your prayers.

Join me to praise God for the safe arrival of 10 students who went out to 10 different villages to preach and teach. They came back with wonderful news of growth and a new congregation has been established in Mbanga village. This is the place we drove past in the village last month. We saw two young boys who came close to our car and said we are members of the church of Christ but we don’t worship here as we are spending our vacation with our senior brother because the church is not there. I gave them my number to give to their brother, that was all. Today a new congregation is born there over this weekend as the Lord added 2 souls and 5 prospects came to worship with the New Testament for their first time. They expressed satisfaction about what they heard, but the brother faced problems with the landlord because he allowed the church to worship in his corridor. Please keep this work in your prayers as we plan to go again next weekend. This brings a total of 3 new congregations already this year, 2012. Many more appeals are coming to my office for our students to come over to congregations and help. Oh, oh the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. Please come and stand with us, so that the prayer for more laborers will be accomplished soon.

I was able to stand at the church sign board in Kado Abuja ,Nigeria. I worshipped there last Sunday. It was sound and I met people who share just what I believe. The congregation has 5 elders and 10 deacons, and they gave me the opportunity to teach during their zonal prayers meeting. Keep them in your prayers.

The worship hall was packed with people who came to worship. It was a wonderful worship service as 500 members were in attendance. The Lord added 3 souls into His body that same day.

You may be surprised, but I was able to have my picture taken with some security guards before worship. The government of Nigeria is cautious with the level of insecurity. This is why they will send police and other security agents to take guard over the church as people worship because of the threat of Boko Haram who always strike during Christian worship. Thanks for your prayers. I came back home safe.

House to house evangelism continued in Wotutu and everywhere we send our students to go because our passion is to continue to rob from the strong man’s house.

Plans
1) We shall organize the next intake entrance exams this weekend in Wotutu to start selecting freshmen for CBIW. Keep us in your prayers that God will help us select those He has already selected that He will use for His services.

2) More plans are getting on now for us to move to Batoke village to establish a new congregation. Please keep our plans in your prayers.

Appreciations
We praise God for using us to do His will for the world in our communities. We also praise you and your family for all your prayers and the support to see that things are going the way they are going for His glory. Thank you for availing yourself for God to use you to accomplish all that is happening in CBIW and Cameroon as a whole.

Do your best to share this with others who may love to come and be part of this. God bless you as you continue to do more for the glory of God.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

A Reason For Excitement And Thanks...

One of the greatest parts of the Extension Training program is sharing the news with individuals and congregations who have the vision to see the benefit of training students in their own countries and in their own languages, so they can teach their own people. 

This program of work does not remove the need or benefit of the traditional mindset of mission work, but rather builds upon it. There is always a need for Christians who desire to go to all nations preaching and teaching about our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I love seeing the heart of missions in the lives of those who are willing to travel to some adverse areas of the world to share the message of Jesus. The challenges are too numerous to list, but suffice it to say, it takes a great deal of sacrifice to leave the comforts and conveniences of what many consider home to give themselves to serve our God and others in all countries.

Sheryl and I had the privilege of visiting with two wonderful and loving congregations yesterday to share the news of the four new locations where Bear Valley will be partnering with others in preacher training. I have really enjoyed sharing the news of growth in the program. It is such an honor to have the kind of fellowship where we can work together for the glory of our God.

It is for this reason I give thanks. I am thankful to God for the opportunity to be involved in the Extension Training program. I am thankful to each of individual and congregation who provides the needed funds to keep the work growing. I am thankful to the teachers, coordinators and various directors who give so diligently of their time and ability to prepare students for helping the church grow. I am thankful to the elders of the Bear Valley Church of Christ for their vision for this work. I am also thankful to the staff of the Bear Valley Bible Institute for their encouragement, support and guidance as I continue to learn how best to serve. 

Now on to the other reports...

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

Howell Ferguson sent his recent report. To read his report, click here.

Extension Reports 

Practice During Summer Break: While the students in Gorlovka, Ukraine take a break during the summer, they are putting into practice what they have learned.

Taking The Reins: As Bill Stinson returns to the U.S., Chad Wagner is now taking the reigns of administration on the Chimala Mission.

Encouraging News In Paraguay: Even in the midst of the political turmoil in Paraguay, the news continues to be encouraging as the church grows.

God’s Way In Tanzania: God continues to work through and bless the efforts of several Christians to expand the kingdom. 

Playing “Catch-Up” Back In Arusha: Jimmy Gee has returned from successfully defending his dissertation. His now back in Arusha getting caught up. 

Final Thoughts
My prayer this week is for all of you. I pray God will continue to bless you richly for your dedication to serve. Through serving God and others we are fulfilling the relationship God intended for His church, enjoying true Christian fellowship.

Thank you for all you do. 

God bless
Bob

Encouraging News In Paraguay...

The news in Paraguay continues to be encouraging. You can read the latest report from Troy Spradlin regarding news from the past mont by clicking here.

Playing "Catch-Up" Back In Arusha...

I (Jimmy) have safely returned home. I appreciate all who helped make my trip successful. Thanks to Ralph and Mimi Samples, the Rivergate (Nashville, TN) congregation, my family in Cleveland, TN, Dupree and Soniea Galloway, and the congregations at Capitol Heights and University (both in Montgomery), Dr. Rodney Cloud, and my son Todd. It was great to be with everyone and I appreciate the help that each gave. Over the last two Sundays Trina has sent me a report for each week. However, I was so busy I did not get a chance to send them. So, this week we will play “catch-up” and send the reports for those two weeks (July 1 and July 8). 

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends, 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:  "If you have a dream, wake up and pursue it." --- author unknown 

What a wonderful day! Stuart counted 113 in attendance at the Kisongo congregation as we all shook hands outside (normal procedure after services end...everyone shakes everyone's hand forming a circle)! We had three visitors and a great sermon by Ahimidiwe entitled "Who Will You Serve?" One visitor was a former ACSOP student named Elijah (whose last name I can neither pronounce nor spell) who has moved to Kisongo to help evangelize the Kisongo area. I (Trina enjoyed teaching Genesis 26 to the Ladies.

Tomorrow, Teresia (from Kisongo) will join the youth from surrounding congregations and travel a long way to Mbeya, arriving about midnight for an annual Youth Conference. What a great opportunity for the youth to hear many speakers, increase their Bible knowledge and fellowship with other Christians!

Yesterday, about 30 ladies from the Kisongo congregation met at my house to formally welcome the new converts worshipping at Kisongo (whose conversions were made possible mainly due to recent visitors). While drinking our morning chai (hot tea), each lady introduced herself, telling the circumstances of their conversion, how long they had been a Christian, etc. Teresia (named above) said, "I was a member of the Pentecostal denomination and wanted to know more about the Bible. My pastor said he would find someone to teach me but never did. One day my neighbor, Sophia, had a guest (Edith Kincaid) teaching her and I sat in on several studies. When Edith left, Lindsey (Gee) continued teaching me. After I was baptized, many in the Pentecostal church talked behind my back and were angry with me." So while the Pentecostal preacher did not find someone to teach her, God did! After a lesson on the importance of Bible reading and assembling with the saints, we sang one of my favorite songs in Swahili ("God is Love"). Afterwards, we enjoyed a "get-to-know-each-other" game and had a fun time watching women (blind-folded) apply make-up to others!  Our lunch was rice, beans, mango and sodas. The purpose of the day was to encourage the new Christians and to strengthen the bond among the ladies. Also in attendance were two non-Christians who accompanied their friends. 

Lindsey continues her studies with non-Christians Rehema (Teresia's older sister) and Nice (Teresia's friend) and conducting follow-up studies with Teresia and Mary (new Christians). Abigail continues to study with 15-year-old Grace, who also attended worship today. In Tanzania, there is NEVER a shortage of people to teach! Tomorrow, several young ladies from the Kisongo congregation have been invited to spend the night at our house to have a devo and watch a movie.

On the home front, a great therapy program for disabled children was located only about 30 minutes from us. Although Matthew has a daily therapist (Lucy) who comes to the house, this new half-day program (M-F) will give her more training and experience as local and foreign therapists (physical, occupational and speech) offer additional instruction and continuing education. Either myself or one of the older girls will always be with him (and Lucy) when he attends. At the pediatric assessment, I was highly encouraged by the doctor. He commented that among all the CP patients he has seen, Matthew was "among those in the best condition." Although Matthew's cerebral palsy has been diagnosed as "moderate," the doctor thinks he will be able to walk one day. Matthew is almost 6 now.  Please pray for Matthew's progress.

Lindsey and Abigail are staying busy trying to finish up their high school work and plan to take several more classes at ACSOP this year. Lindsey is looking forward to  a 2-week short course on raising rabbits and tilapia (fish). This training will help the ACSOP students support themselves while they preach. Other news: our daughter, Heather, turned 14 in June and Lindsey and Abigail will turn 17 this month. We miss (very much) our oldest son, Todd, who is a student at Faulkner University. We are thankful to God for all of our children who bring much joy to our lives. 

Speaking of thankfulness, we are always grateful to you all, the back-bone of this work, the unsung heroes. Have a blessed day, knowing that you are a part of something big, something that will have far-reaching results in the salvation of the lost.  Thank you for giving us this opportunity to be here. 

In Christian Love,
Jimmy & Trina and Family

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters, 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34. 

Greetings from Kisongo, Tanzania, East Africa! It's a beautiful, sunny day with just a "nip" of coolness in the air (similar to autumn in the states). We are looking forward to Jimmy returning to Tanzania at the end of this week. 

As I type, a car race is "gearing up" behind the Kisongo church building where there is quite a bit of undeveloped land. This event seems to happen at least twice a year. Speaking of the church building, a good crowd listened as Cy Stafford preached this morning (in the absence of the regular preacher, Ahimidiwe Kamaro, who is in Mbeya with the area youth). The Ladies continued learning in Genesis, finishing up chapter 26. One of our topics was "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law" conflicts as referenced in the last verse. One lady spoke of a barren daughter-in-law and how the mother-in-law would speak badly about her behind her back. This bit of culture seems very strange to us Americans who would be sympathetic towards a woman who wanted children but unable to conceive or carry. This problem also leads to another in which a man fathers a child before he ever thinks of marrying someone to prove he is fertile (so his future wife will be blamed if no children are produced and he can retain his honor). This information comes from the Tanzanians themselves and not just an observation from foreigners.

Both Lindsey and Abigail (turning 17 tomorrow, July 9) are conducting Bible studies at this moment (one of their students is only off from work on Sundays). Concerning the rest of the family, we are fine. At a Fourth of July celebration (hamburgers and hotdogs) at the Stafford's house, Naomi made a funny statement. Lindsey was talking about the upcoming class at ACSOP (raising rabbits and tilapia) and 6-year-old Naomi said, "I don't like to kill animals just to eat!" Of course, she wasn't thinking about the meat she would soon be eating. As we walked around our neighborhood last week, David noticed a cow's skull up in a tree and replied, "The cow jumped over the moon and landed in a tree!" We are thrilled to have found a speech therapist (volunteering at a local school, but wanting to establish her own practice here) who will hopefully be able to work with Matthew a long time. (None of the sentences above have any connection except they are all about our children...family news.) 

Thank you for giving so generously to this work. We appreciate all that you have done for the cause of Christ. 

In Christian Love,
The Jimmy Gee family

God's Way In Tanzania

Greetings Fellow Workers,

We thank you all for all you do in His Kingdom. We thank our God for the many answered prayers. We are grateful that the Hochdorf’s container finally arrived. Living for the better part of a year “out of your suitcase” has it challenges. Our dear brother Elly spent the better part of a week and a half in Dar to make all this possible. For those of you that know Elly, you know how indispensable he is to the Lord’s work here in Tanzania.

The Safari for Souls campaign efforts continue. One new sister added to the Lord’s Church here in Arusha and another at Kioga. We also received a grand report from Amos, one of our recent Andrew Connally School of Preaching. He is working with Yusuph (another of our ACSOP graduates). He is working with the Lulembela congregation, a church plant from the Ushirombo congregation. Here is a portion of his report:

“I give thanks to God for the many things He has done for me, my family and the Church. In the past four months eleven souls have been added to the Church. All these are from the Lulembela congregation. We also continue to study with some people from one village known as Nyamigota and we hope in the future we will have another congregation in this village.

I continue to teach Christians on Saturday and Sunday here at Lulembela. I also teach on Sunday at Ibamblula who are currently meeting in one primary school, this is becoming a problem.

At Lulembela we have already made 3,000 bricks for the church building, but they are not yet burned. If God wishes, we hope to burn in September or October before the rains start and become a big problem. We really need stones for the foundation because in our area there are no stones. At Ibambula we need to start to prepare the bricks but the challenge is to get the land or place which have good soil for bricks.

I give my salute and thanks to my supporters and I believe God will continue to bless them in the Good work." 

In Christ, Amos

Yes God is having his way here in TZ. The Church is growing wide and deep. Jimmy is back, the Hochdorf family have their things and will be able to “settle-in”. God is blessing our family in all the right ways and with friends and supporters, we truly believe the best is yet to come.

May your week be all you hoped it could be and may our God bless each of your beyond measure. Thank you for being YOU!

In Him, Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Caitlin

Taking The Reins...

Bill and Cyndi Stinson have been the mission administrators for the last 5 1/2 years here in Chimala, Tanzania. As you know, I have moved here to take their role as mission administrator. They departed on Monday, July 9 for Texas to begin their role as the state-side coordinator for the Chimala Mission. They will be missed here at the Chimala Mission. Traveling with them is Corrine Fannaeus and Lacee Sewell from Alabama. They are two nurses who worked at the hospital for two weeks. We bid them all safe journey.

We are continuing to prep the Mays House for us to move in. We are currently staying in the Guest House. We have moved several pieces of furniture back into the Mays House, but are not going to fully move in until we get our container this week (or so they say!!). 

Chimala Mission Primary School
I visited with the primary school headmaster this week and gained a greater perpective and understanding of the strengths and needs of the primary school. You can see more information at the Chimala Mission website. The Chimala Mission Primary School has about 600 students from Nursery to 7th grade. They are currently having to turn kids away due to space issues at the school.  

The Primary School has several challenges, however, due to their space requirements. Many of the children travel quite a distance to go to the Chimala Mission Primary School and they stay on campus. This has presented a housing issue that needs to be addressed. We are currently housing the primary school students with secondary school students, but this has been an issue -- especially since the dorm fire in May. The top priority for the Primary School is to build a girl's dorm to house these students. Below is a picture of the boy's dormitory for the Primary School.  

Preaching the Gospel
We visited several congregations this week. We had quite an adventure going to one congregation at Isitu. It is a small congregation in the bush and I seemed to have taken a wrong turn.

We visited the Chosi B church of Christ. I preached on a Wednesday afternoon to a fairly small crowd. The preacher said that most of the congregation was off playing football and games. During the sermon while I was preaching, I felt something crawling on my neck. I felt my neck to knock it off, but I didn't find anything -- so, I preached on. Following the sermon sitting beside my wife, I felt something crawling on my neck again and I went to knock it off. This time, however, instead of knocking it off my neck, whatever it was fell down my shirt. Then, it began crawling around on my stomach!!! As quietly as I could, I began to swat my stomach to kill whatever it was that was crawling around under my shirt. The more it crawled around, the louder I swatted!! At one point, I was loudly hitting my stomach in my attempts to stop the invasion when I noticed that half of the congregation was looking at me instead of singing!! I quickly went outside to take care of the matter. 

Prayer Support
We ask for your prayers as we continue to work at the Chimala Mission. It is quite a big job and your prayers of support are much needed. Also, we are in need of more missionaries to come and work. We are in need of some 'farm hands' to help out the cattle project (more info later) with Don Logsdon. We also need mission evangelists, medical professionals, teachers, etc. We would LOVE for you to come on a short-term or long-term basis. Please, contact us if you are interested.

Chad

If you would like to see the report, complete with pictures, click here.

Practice During Summer Break...

Dear brothers, families and churches.

I want to share with you some news about our Bible Institute and some churches of Christ in Ukraine. 

It's summer vacation time at the Institute, and students are at their home towns and serve at their local congregations. They have a wonderful opportunity to minister and get the precious experience. They are supposed to send reports to the Institute about their ministry every month, and I think that this practice will help them to be more responsible and disciplined in the future. 

At the beginning of June we had Master's program courses at the Institute. We are in a great need of qualified teachers of God's Word. New denominations appear in Ukraine every year, and they call themselves "Christians," but in reality many of them do not know the Bible at all. 

Three weeks ago, we had a School of a Young Preacher at our Institute for the first time. We invited young men (ages 13 to 17) from the churches of Christ all over Ukraine.  This time we had nine students, and during these three days they have studied about the personality of a preacher, the necessity of good knowledge of God's Word, the skills needed for preparation of a sermon and its presentation. Those were easy and adapted lessons, but after this short seminar almost half of the young men expressed willingness to become preachers. They may change their mind later, but it's their goal for now. 

Also I have to preach in Illovaysk, since there is no preacher at this town, and we take turns preaching there. It's not a big city, but the church there is ten years old, and it consists of 20 members. Please pray with me for finding a suitable preacher for this congregation. 

In July, I plan to visit several churches in Western Ukraine. I hope that these plans will be accomplished with God's help. First, I wanted to meet preachers and members of those churches, and I think it's a good opportunity to recruit new students. Besides, the church of Christ in Ternopil asked me to teach a seminar there.

Right now we have several potential students: 4 men and 2 girls. But we are still looking for more students. 

Students of our Institute and Central Church of Christ in Gorlovka send you their greetings. They appreciate your care and support. 

My family and I thank you for your active participation in our work. Thank you for spiritual and financial support. The apostle Paul often thanked churches for their participation in helping the needy, and I think that by saying that he pointed to the fact that by helping others they helped themselves. Being ready to sacrifice is the indication of spiritual growth.

Your brother in Christ,

Dennis

Influencing Eternity...

We continue to travel this week throughout the middle part of the country to see individuals and congregations about the work of Extension Training. We pray the opportunity to share the work is an encouragement to those who learn about the extension program, but it always seems that we are the ones who walk away encouraged and edified by so many wonderful brethren. Their sacrifices are what make this work possible.

Sunday we visited with the Mountain Home and Cotter congregations. These two congregations have been instrumental in powerful ways through supporting the work financially. Several members from the Mountain Home congregation have also traveled to see the work in Ghana first hand. It is encouraging to see the involvement of such faithful brethren.

The week ahead will provide additional opportunities to share the program with others. As well we will be seeking financial assistance for various needed areas within a few of the schools. There are both one time and monthly needs we are praying we can secure over the weeks ahead. The economic challenges throughout the country make this more difficult, but as a friend of mine says, “God owns all the money.” We trust God will provide what is needed. We ask you to pray for us in this effort.

There are fewer reports this week, but they continue to be encouraging as they share growth in God’s kingdom. As we move throughout the summer all the extension schools continue to provide training for students preparing for ministry in various countries around the world. Their efforts have and will continue to influence eternity.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Donnie Bates’ report is located here.

Josh Austin’s report is located here.

Extension Reports 

One Precious Soul: The power of the gospel in changing the lives of those who are seeking truth in Cameroon.

Graduation In One Month: The second year students are completing their last quarter of studies in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Studies In Chandigarh, India: Several are studying the word of God and are close to obeying. The news of growth is exciting in India.

Short Courses Begin In Uganda: Two short courses are about to begin at the Uganda School of Evangelism.

The Difference One Tanzanian Is Making: One man in the hands of God is making a powerful difference near Arusha, Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for all you continue to do in the work of extension training. You are blessing to so many lives around the world. I ask each of you, as you go throughout the week, to pause for a moment and pray about the specific requests above. Also, remember the overall work of training men to preach the gospel. It is exciting to read about the development of the program and the ways it is changing lives.

God bless
Bob

Studies In Chandigarh, India

Dear Brother,

Thank you very much for your daily messages and we are encouraged by the things we hear the Lord is doing everywhere. We are doing fine and just last week we completed the first semester of this year.

Our home Bible study program is also being blessed as more people are showing interest in the study. Presently, I have been studying with 5-6 people and some of them are almost ready to obey the Lord. One lady named Manju, telephoned me late one night that she did not take part in the communion where she goes in CNI (a denomination here, full form of it is Church of North India) and she was asked why she did not take part. I will try to clear them on these things this week, but basically I am focusing on their obedience. 

The Lord has provided us a new place to live. Even the rent is high, but it is as per the present market trend. Our rent has increase $160, but the good thing is that it is on the ground floor and I pray that if the owner agrees, I will try to build a baptistry on one side, because we desperately need this.

Our first Wednesday meeting each month is also helpful for the preachers to gather together and share their experiences with each other. The hall where we have meeting is a big one and needs PA system. We have seen a small portable system which can be used for about 150-200 people. It cost us here about $300.

We have lately helped brother Gurpreet, who hails from Ferozepur (Punjab), to buy a sewing machine (he is in a tailoring job) to earn his living and do the work for the Lord as well. 

Our SMS service is stopped for a while because of the high charges by the service provider companies.

BIBLE KI BAAT is being published in Hindi and, after being encouraged by the response, we have increased it to a 4 pages of A4 size. Out of that we keep one page for the English and 3 pages for Hindi. People are appreciative because we are sharing with them the basic Christian principles, which people think they believe, but they have no Biblical support for that. We are trying to share the gospel with as people as we can. 

Earnest

Graduation In One Month...

Dear brethren, 

Thank you for the opportunity to share in the work of Jesus Christ in this part of the world. Recently, we had many visitors from the states, who have an interest in the work here with the school and the orphanage, come by and visit and the one question they asked me was, "What's the biggest challenge in your ministry?" And over the years my answer has changed quite a bit. Of course, when I first got here, my answer was "adjusting to the food and culture." Then later on as I grew and gained experience, my answer would be "convincing the lost that they are lost, that they are sick spiritually and need an antidote that can only be found in Christ." 

After finding effective ways to evangelize to the locals and teaching them the truth, my challenge went from that to "growing leaders of the church to be good stewards of God, teaching them not to be dependent on foreign aid and to be self supportive." 

Now, as we've overcome those challenges, the biggest challenge for me personally in my ministry is "to fully trust in God and teach others to do the same," to be like Abraham and all those mentioned in Hebrews 11, to be able to fulfill 2 Cor. 5:7! I pray that you too learn to trust fully in God for all things in this life and the life after. I thank you for your support and for your prayers.

We are in the final quarter for our 2nd year students. They will graduate in less than a month! We are excited for them and ask that you keep them in your prayers! We are also looking forward to Wes Autrey arriving for our graduation!

Phanat

Short Courses Begin In Uganda...

July 2 report
Dear brethren,

It has been a good Sunday. We woke up and prepared to go to Nandwa church of Christ for today’s service. When I went to the truck of mine, it could not start. I tried all that I could, but it could not start. We later discovered that the terminals were loose. We tried to tighten them, but it could not. We decided to go Bukaliha church which is 15 kilometers from Busia toward the school side on a motor cycle. When we reached there the preacher who usually comes with the Lords table elements did not show up. We waited until we decided to come back home and just held worship at home as we usually have the Lord’s supper elements at home. 

Paul, Ema, Edith and children, went  to Namungodi church which is 10 kilometers from Busia towards Kampala. They were informed that there are people who want to take the land from the brother who allowed us to worship on his land. This problem have been going on, but now the case is in court. We need your prayers so that all can go on well. 

Susan, Paul’s wife, went to Jinja to live with his brother who is near Jinja Hospital. She is  expecting to give birth at any time. The expected date was the 26^th of June. Up to now she hasn’t  delivered. Please remember her in your prayers. 

Brother Oloo Daniel, a graduate of Uganda School of Evangelism, reported that about ten churches in his area are planning a big campaign for Christ in July. The old grass and mud church building of Junge congregation which is about 5 kilometers from Nandwa congregation has fallen down on one side. They are planning to make bricks for the new building, but they will need some financial help to purchase cement and iron sheets. These brethren are trying to do what they can but they would appreciate it if they can be helped with money for cement and forty iron sheets. We wish you well as you serve Him.

July 9 report

We thank each one of you for the support you are giving to us here in Uganda. The short course teachers are here. We thank God for the save trip He has given them. They have arrived in Busia this morning and straight away went to church. We went with them at Nandwa congregation. 

Brother Donnie taught during the Bible Class while brother Meadows preached during the service. We were very much built up from their lessons. We are very thankful to those who made it possible for them to come to teach our students. Brother Meadows will be teaching Christian Evidences to the Kiswahili class and Donnie will be teaching the book of Acts to the English class. 

Brother Donnie's luggage did not make it with him. He willing waiting for them. The airport people said that they will be sending them to him at his hotel in Busia according to what he was told. This will make a delay in handing the students their  handouts. Pray that his luggage makes it because he also brought some Bibles for our students. They are going to be with us for two weeks. We need your prayer. God bless you all.

Yours
Francis, Margaret, Paul, Edith Susan

The Difference One Tanzanian Is Making...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray His continued blessing be with you and that through your faithful Christian lives, He is being glorified and souls are being changed for the better. We are good on this side of the world, truly blessed beyond our deserving.

I want to relate a short conversation with a brother in Christ I had this past week that really helped me to see more clearly what God is doing through His mission work here in Tanzania.

I was visiting with Innocent Alfayo, one of our graduates from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching/Bear Vally Bible Institute, and discussing his future plans. Innocent serves as the full-time evangelist for the Monduli congregation, about 45 minutes west of Arusha town. Innocent helped plant this congregation during his Bible training.

Later Danny & Nancy Smelser would locate their medical clinic in this same area (Monduli) and Innocent would step up and serve as their chaplin and translator. Innocent, the Smelsers’ and others would go on to plant three additional congregations in addition to the Monduli Church. Through all these efforts, Innocent’s love for people and desire to serve to the fullest of his abilities, has applied and has been accepted into a three year medical program. When he completes his studies he will come back and continue his work at the congregation and clinic as a Clinical Officer.

He is one of many we have grown to love and admire here in East Africa. His sacrifice for the Gospel, his country men and for his family is one to be emulated as a true follower of Christ. He has accomplished more in his first 40 years of life than most could ever hope or dream of. Yes, the power of the Gospel is having its way in the lives of the good people of Tanzania through our prayers, support and kindness.

Jimmy Gee: Please remember him and his family as he prepares to return to Tanzania after a long four weeks of separation. After successfully defending his dissertation he is excited about being reunited with family and work here in TZ.

Christopher, Ahimidiwe, and Charles have been working with a Youth Conference in Mbeya for the past week. They will return to Arusha along with many of the young people, so please keep them in your prayers.

Gee/Hochdorf/Stafford Families: We ask that you continue to pray for each of us, pray that God will grant us the wisdom to say and do just that things that will glorify our God and build up our fellow Christian family. We thank you all for your service in the Kingdom. May your week be a rewarding one in your faithful service to all.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Caitlin

One Precious Soul...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation. I pray that this mail meets you all in the family and the church in good health and sound faith.

I am writing this report early in the morning on Sunday because I am about to travel and will not have access to internet until Monday. Thanks for your understanding.

Brother Eddie Samuel conducted a confession from the brother who was an usher in the Full gospel church, a strong denomination in Wotutu. He came to our Wednesday class to ask questions and he was so happy as he confessed that he listened to our BACK TO THE BIBLE program daily and he went to his pastor for proof from the Bible about what we are saying, and the pastor was not able to do that so he came to us and was clarified. He went back and discussed with them, but they could not help him, so early in the morning he came during our 4:30 am preaching and told us that he is ready to be baptized.

Brother Standly Yerima smiled after his baptism. He told us he has suffered in errors for a long time and he is praising God that he has found the truth. Keep him in your prayers so that many who are close to him will come to the truth and obey it. Just like the way his name is going, he is having some trace of a Moslem background. God is doing great things in the life of many here.

All is working well and God is blessing. Classes in CBIW went on well and the daily evangelism through our local radio program is still cutting across many souls who listen to the gospel as early as 4:30 am daily. Many will appreciate what we are doing, some will call to ask questions while others will call and say we are against other churches, that will also give us ample opportunity to study with them.

CBIW students sang songs of praises to rejoice with this new and precious brother whom the Lord has added into His kingdom here in Wotutu. The entire village of Wotutu came out to see what was happening that early morning as the students were singing from the river side to the campus about 800 miles from the school.

This week was characterized with power failure and that was another great opportunity for us to spread the gospel without any hindrance from some who will get up also and start playing music to disturb their neighbors from listening. We could do that because of the presence of our standby generator. Many thanks to all those who shared in our dreams to get this PA system it is a wonderful tool for evangelism.

Plans
1) We shall not go to Muyuka this month, as they called us to come and help because we don’t enough funds for that. We shall instead go to Mbanga village to establish a new congregation. Keep the plans in your prayers.

2) We shall do a study about the work in Batoke this month. We want to carry the gospel to virgin lands instead now.

3) New students will come for the entrance exams on the 28^th of July. Keep the prospect students who have applied in your prayers.

Appreciations
God bless you in all your efforts to help us spread the gospel here in Cameroon. Thank you for standing by us to train me to preach the gospel. Your labors is always in our hearts. We appreciate you for allowing the Lord to use you for His glory.

Keep the work in your prayers and share it with others who may love to come and be part.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW