God Supplies Through His Faithful Sons, You And I...

It’s my hope that things are going well with each one of us, and that we are all working hard in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope that the gospel is being preached and taught by the faithful servants in other parts of the world. This is only possible because of the ability that our God supplies through His faithful sons, that is you and I. 

At ACSOP we can see things going well. We started our first quarter since February 9, 2015. We enrolled 13 more students for the first year; these are the men from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. We started teaching them the book of Genesis, taught by Godfrey Mngoma, “How We Got the Bible” taught by Daniel Gaines. I am teaching “Biblical Interpretation: Introduction to Hermeneutics.” “Writing Skills” is being taught by Charles Hebert, and “Spiritual Disciplines” is being taught by Desdery Massawe. 

My fellow teachers and I are working hard to mold and strengthen these fellows by imparting to them skills in the word of God. The 15 second-year students are in the first quarter of their last year of being in ACSOP for studies. They are expecting to graduate on November 28 of this year. We really appreciate this great effort which is being undertaken here in this other part of the world because of your prayers, and your great financial support that you gave to make these things happen. May our God of our Lord Jesus Christ supply all your needs as you do to us. Amen. 

Your servant in Christ Jesus,

Losotwa Michael
Dean of Academics
Andrew Connally School of Preaching 
A Bear Valley Bible Institute International extension school
Arusha, TZ

Workshop Helps Develop Strong Leadership For The Church In Ghana...

I present warm greetings from Tamale, Ghana. 

Going through the Harmattan season, with daily temperatures ranging between 30 degrees and 35 degrees Celsius, we are joyfully going through the studies as per the curriculum.

For this quarter, which by the grace of God ends on Friday, we are studying the follow:

Topic                                          Instructor

Christian Morals        Baah Joseph Okyere

I & 2 Timothy                     Daniel Agyei- Mensah

Old Testament 8                    Ndakar Jaminja

Christian Evidences               Steven Ashcraft

Gospel of John                       Baah Joseph Okyere

Campaign                               Jacob Agyei  Yeboah

Staff and students of Tamale wish to express our sincere thanks to our sponsors. By your support, Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies is to graduate the third batch of students, hopefully in the month of July, 2015.

These men, after graduation, will help some of the congregations which currently have no preachers. We appreciate all that God, through you, has established here for the general growth of the church.

I wish to introduce two of the students in our graduating class. The first is brother Samson Akum. He hails from Garinkuka, a village near Cheriponi in the Northern Region where he lives. Currently,  he is unmarried. He intends to assist in the establishment of congregations in the Cheriponi district. 

Francis Waja is a student that hails from Bakpaba, which is about seventeen miles from Yendi, the district capital. He is married with three children: Steven, Martha, and Comfort. He plans to help in building strong churches in his district.

By the grace of the Almighty, there will be a workshop in the month of March to prepare all preachers in the northern sector of the country to go through a short course that will enable them to further train church leaders as to how to lead a congregation. In this exercise, it is hoped that those trained at the Tamale Institute of Biblical studies will be required to play key roles.  

This workshop is to help develop strong leadership for existing and new congregations yet to be established. In actual fact, we want as many churches as could be established to have their own trained leadership.

The fear that without a preacher no congregation can be sustained is the notion the Institute wants to put away from the minds of Christians here in the northern sector of Ghana. This notion has discouraged many who planned to help evangelize certain towns where there are no Christians living. This time, the Institute plans to involve existing congregations to train in the local languages those who will lead in the church.

It is our hope that this plan will be successful, in that we are able to go everywhere in the northern sector regardless of the existence of a Christian. 

Baah Joseph Okyere

The Work Continues To Be Fruitful In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ,

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ.

The staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan main campus, evangelized Ogunbunmi and Ogunwon villages on Saturday of February 14, 2015 between 9:00 am and  2:00 pm.

On Sunday, February 15, I concluded my teaching on “Millennialism” while brother Lawrence Dada, one of our 2009 graduates spoke on “The True Worship” during our monthly open air meeting, while I served as his interpreter.

At the Egbeda congregation, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe taught from the book of Samuel Chapter 2, while brother Akinade Oluwaseun spoke on “Character Building” at the campus church, and brother Abraham Idu Yeje, our campus minister admonished the campus brethren from the book of Revelation chapter 2:1-11.

On Sunday evening, brother Matthew Adeyemi phoned me to inform me of the conversion of a young lady at Igbesa congregation, Ogun state.

Brethren, I will travel on the weekend to pay a visit to brother Samuel Akinsola Ishola, one of the SWSE foundational members, and on Sunday, Lord's willing, I will worship with the Iju-Ota congregation, where I hope to teach on “Crisis Management.”

We posted three packages of our Newsletter and returned lessons from WBS students today to WBSTC, brother Doug Wheeler, and WBS of Texas, USA.

Every disappointment is a blessing! Since the electorate body of Nigeria postponed the elections of February to March and April 2015, we decided to use all the available Saturdays for our weekend evangelism and campaign for Christ.

We used Saturday, February 21 to evangelize Kupalo village before I traveled to Lagos in the evening to visit one of SWSE foundation members, brother Samuel Ishola, that has been on the sick bed since the beginning of this year. Thanks be unto the Lord for healing him.

On Saturday morning, one of the three WBS students of our beloved late brother Robert George, who are now studying with the SWSE Ibadan main campus, named Victor Y. Smarsher was baptized.

This Lord's day, February 22, 2015 I taught on “Crisis Management” at the Iju-Ota congregation in Ogun state where one of our 2013 graduates named brother Adekunle Emmanuel Olanrewaju is ministering and I also admonished them on “Standing the Test of Time” from Matthew 14:22-32 & Matthew 7:24f. We were 61 in attendance with total collection of N16,010=.

Today at the Igbesa congregation in Ogun state, one of brother Matthew Adeyemi’s prospects named sister Mary Raji was baptized immediately after this morning worship.

We received on Saturday evening a big carton of Truth For Today Mission School books on Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther, and Preaching On The Gospel Of Luke 1 & 2 for our instructors' training. 

Brethren, all our year 2 students were actively involved in teaching and admonishing the church where they are ministering as evangelists or Bible teachers.

Works continue tomorrow morning at SWSE Ibadan main campus! Beloved, we appreciate you all for your kind-gesture, which you expressed through your partnership with SWSE, Ibadan and our satellite campus in Lagos! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all your undertaking in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Yours in His service,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi 
(Director of Studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE ), Ibadan & Lagos Campus, Nigeria, West Africa

"The Spirit of Evangelism is Growing in Cameroon"

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. It was a great weekend here for us in CBIW as it was the first time for some staff and students of CBIW to go out to a specific location for evangelism since the coming of the Gamma batch. Last week went well as our lecturers finalized teaching the long courses to the students. This marks the first two months of intensive studies of the word of God. Tomorrow is examination week. It will be the first exams for the students. Please keep them in your prayers.

This weekend, a majority of our students were in Muea congregation for a Bible lectureship sponsored by that congregation. It was organized by one of our graduate evangelists, Itoe David. He is the minister of the Muea congregation. It was great for us to be part of the work there and to be living witnesses of the power of God.

You can see our students in Muea getting ready for evangelism. They had just arrived a few minutes before. The spirit of evangelism is growing in all those who cross paths with us. These new students have already been initiated with the spirit to go wherever the gospel calls them to go. As we think souls, we go for souls! Our goal is to rob from the strong man’s house so that God can translate those souls from the power of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son.  

We started moving house to house scattering the seeds of the gospel in Muea village. Muea is a small town with a saturation of denominations, each with different names to attract various people who would be drawn by their different messages. The theme was renewing your confidence in Christ. The congregation of Muea is young but in the two months that our young evangelist Itoe David has been preaching there, they have witnessed  a great change, not only in number, but also in the reasoning faculties of the members towards the scriptures. Keep them in your prayers.

The bread of life was distributed by our students from one house to another free of charge. The community gained knowledge of God’s word by our studies with them and by through one on one Bible study, the use of Bible tracts in our studies with them,  and our leaving with them Bible tracts for them to study on their own. It was great! They could read a wide range of topics from our tracts from Mission Printing. God blessed the weekend evangelism with 5 precious souls that were added in His vineyard. Keep them in your prayers to grow as they receive the milk that will help them grow.

This weekend was also a weekend where the Muea congregation officially organized a welcome ceremony to their new evangelist Itoe David. When I see things like this I am almost crying and I lift up my hands to appreciate God for bringing CBIW to Cameroon. Since 2011, the country of Cameroon has been witnessing a transformation and many great changes, as CBIW is putting preachers in pulpits without preachers and is establishing congregations in communities where the Lord’s church has never been. What a God we serve! Evangelist David is still single and will be in need of a wife to help him do the work well. He solicits your prayers and asks for help to his ministry if God will open the door for you to assist.

An Appeal
Please, I am making an appeal for transport funds for both the current students and all our graduates to storm Lebialem with evangelism. This is a region in Cameroon where the church of Christ is not yet established. Please, we have decided that we need to go there to sow seeds which may bear fruit for the establishment of a new congregation in the administrative area of Menji. One of our students, John Nkemnkeng, is already there working with two congregations we established in the hinterlands. Please come to our aid and help us go there. The number going will be 17 Alpha plus 21 Beta plus 22 Gamma plus 5 staffs plus some preachers. We will need to pay taxi fare for two 30 seat buses. Some who are Christians from that area, who came to my office to make this appeal, said they are ready to feed us for the number of days that we will be there, but they will not be able to transport us. The total amount of about 800.000 frs ($1600) can accomplish this for Christ. The program is scheduled for March 25-29 which is immediately our first mission work with students.

Plans
1) Tomorrow we are starting exams in CBIW. Keep the students in your prayers.

2) Lebialem for Christ in coming up in March. Keep praying for that campaign. 

Appreciations

God bless you! We sincerely thank you for all your help towards the work here. God will reward you if you faint not. Great all around you and do your best to share this  report with others.

Elangwe and family

By His grace Director CBIW

                     EVANGELISM IS OUR MISSION AND OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM.    2TIM2:2     2TIM4:2

Influencing Eternity One Soul At A Time...

The week ahead brings most of the extension staff to Denver for an annual “spring” meeting. We will discuss numerous areas concerning each school in the program and plans for the future development of the work. Examining ways to improve preacher training around the world is the core purpose of this week’s meeting. Our desire is to provide a program of excellence, and we plan to develop the Bear Valley program into the premier preacher training program in the brotherhood.  Please pray for us as we discuss the growth and development of the work.

Reports this week represent the development of the work. From Haiti to Nepal to several countries in Africa, all the reports share news about God’s increase around the world. The news of souls added to the kingdom is exciting and it indicates why this work is so important. Considering the influence on eternity, we find the power of the gospel that God intended for the salvation of those who obey Him.

Students in Denver also continue their preparation for preaching the gospel. In a few weeks, they will complete this quarter of studies and participate in a campaign. A number of campaigns are scheduled that will take these men all across the country. We pray their efforts in sharing the gospel in each location will be fruitful.

Now on to this week’s incredible reports...

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

The latest report from Larry Waymire about the work in Haiti can be read here.

The latest report from Luis Camacho about the recent graduation in Paraguay can be read here.

Extension Reports 

Youth Day, New Church Plant, Souls Added To The Kingdom: Students in Cameroon work to reach out to young people on youth day, plant a new congregation, and witness souls added.

India Tea Plantations And East Nepal Campaign: The work of the Nepal Center for Biblical Studies extends to numerous places. Three people share a perspective of their recent trip.

Scheduled Activities In Takoradi, Ghana Prepare Students For Work: A number of events, including graduation, are scheduled to help students grow in their work for the Lord.

Third Quarter Of Classes In Nigeria Back In Session: Students return and begin courses that prepare them for the third quarter of their journey at the Southwest School of Evangelism.

Togo Chariot Yields Fruit, 46 Obey The Gospel: The news is exciting out of Togo, as staff and students reach out with the gospel. God gives the increase as this report from CBS shares.

Evangelist In Need Of Prayers And Medical Assistance: A young man, with an amazing track record, is in need of our help. Please read this report to learn more of the details.

On The Road Telling The Story Of God’s Great Love: Cy Stafford is on the road sharing the story of God’s amazing love and work through the people of Tanzania.

New Year, New Job At ACSOP, Tanzania: After returning from furlough, Daniel Gaines shares news this week of a new position he is taking at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.

Final Thoughts 
With the passing of each week we are reminded of your involvement in making this work possible. We thank you for your love for the Lord, His church, and the lost. We know the value of your assistance and we appreciate your willingness to participate in the defense of the gospel through training preachers. 

God bless
Bob

Youth Day, New Church Plant, Souls Added To The Kingdom...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Cameroon, here in Wotutu. We do hope you are doing amazingly well for the work of the Lord entrusted in your hands.

We are doing better in health and work. The Gamma batch students keep studying and by so doing day after day they are coming to know the meaning of their coming to CBIW. Many of them have started admiring their stay in school as they themselves can testify their signal of growth as they continue to study.

Last week was described aa youth week in Cameroon, as the 11th of February is always a holiday in Cameroon. Our president made a speech acknowledging the plight that is common among the youths and made a promise that there shall be a way out for job creation for the youths. It is always a promise without fulfillments. Away from that, CBIW students used the week after classes to reach out to souls, that the greatest hopes with great assurance is when humans build and put their trust in Christ because His promises will always come to pass.

Students were in class and brother Nguty Victor stood in front of the class to make his first speech as the new student president. Electing others to a post of responsibility is another way to give them some leadership training among themselves. Brother Nguty is a father of 9 children and he left them behind with his wife to study the word. Keep him and his vision in your prayers.

Our students during the youth day celebration shared tracts and the good news to many youths. It was an ample opportunity to reach out to the youths during the youth day celebration in Cameroon.

Our students are trained to point the truth to their prospect in the Bible. Pointing to the truth is our passion. Back to the Bible is what we are known for in Wotutu, as our early morning program is “Back to the Bible.”

Our students are growing day after day with that strong affection for evangelism. Keep them in your prayers as we all shall see their growth to maturity upon their graduation as they go full time.

The Brightland Christian Academy participated in the youth day celebration. Brightland Christian Academy is making waves in Wotutu and the entire community as they won greatly during the choral singing and traditional dance as they displayed. Keep this school in your prayers as they continue to touch the lives of these young ones who will in turn touch their parents, training children daily with the good news.

Sharing tracts from Mission Printing was wide spread that day as many go to different villages with those tracts. One officer said in a quote, “It is better to read tracts now days than to read newspapers where people write captivating stories to make their money, but the Gospel stands the same and interesting.”

Weekend evangelism took us to 5 locations, as I was able to stand with some members of the church of Christ Mbonge Marumba. This is the very first congregation that was planted in Cameroon, but there is no legacy as the congregation is going down because there is no preacher. It is located in an area where there are the largest divisions in Cameroon, Stepping into this community will bring a change as I heard the few leaders spoke to me with tears. Who will lead us? They are in dire need of a preacher every week. The invitation, “come over to us and help us,” is coming from many batches. Few laborers will leave CBIW before this pressure will go down a bit.

This week, there is a new congregation, the newest in Cameroon. A few current students and some of our graduates in the Kumba Mamfe road converged in Babensi 1 for four days of house-to-house evangelism. The Lord added 6 precious to be pioneer members of this new congregation. The villagers where very surprised to hear what they heard about the New Testament church from our PA system which is getting old now. Lots of follow up is needed as our students will be there on the weekend and during mission work.

Two souls were added in Wotutu also, and one soul was restored. Keep praying for the work as many communities need to be touched by the gospel.

Plans
This weekend, it will be the first mass evangelism as all our students will be in Muea. It is not too far from Wotutu. One of our graduates has invited the school to come and be part of his induction or welcome ceremony. The Muea congregation wants to officially welcome their minister, the first of its kind since the existence of that congregation. Our graduate, Itoe David, decided to call other congregations for a mini Bible lectureship from Thursday before the welcome ceremony on Sunday. I salute his ideas of using any opportunity to reach out to lost souls.

Appreciations
God bless you, as we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your efforts toward the growth of the work here. Keep up the good work. God will reward you in due season.

Do your best to share the report with others. The students do not have a camera, which is why we cannot have pictures of all the great events in different locations.   

God bless you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW/BVBID

Growing Work Meeting The Growing Need In Haiti...

Greetings in the Name of Our Lord, 

I want to thank you for your support, prayers, encouragement, and interest in the work of Haiti. It is because of concerned congregations and individuals like you that we are now in the second half of the school year at the International School of Theology (IST) in Haiti. 

Our students are eager to work, study and learn more of God’s precious word. As this class progresses I can see that some of these students will have a great impact on the work in Haiti. Please pray for each of them as they study. 

Introducing Some of the Students and Their Work 
I first Introduce Mack. Mack is our full-time Mack translator at the International School of Theology in Haiti. Mack is only seventeen years old but is well grounded in the gospel. His personality is always pleasing and positive. He grew up at the Sonlight Children’s in home and Roberta Edwards has been a mother to him. When I am with Mack, I am reminded of Paul’s relationship with Timothy and Timothy’s relationship with his mother and grandmother. Mack was only 11 years old when I first arrived in Haiti in 2010. He and I packed beans and rice twelve hours a day for a week. He never stopped, complained or tried to run from the work. He has shown himself to be a friend to the other children in the home and to all he meets. 

Mack is still continuing his high school education. I believe God is going to use this young man in many ways as he grows in faith and maturity. I am proud to call him my friend. 

Saint Hubert Felix
Brother Felix is a preacher and educator in Haiti; Saint, is a part of his name. He has been working as a preacher in Cité Soleil for more than thirty years. He has had to flee the area with his family on three occasions because of his stand against sin and for the truth. His faith has been proven even in the face of death. He also serves the community as a director of a Christian school in Cité Soleil. 

Felix serves as one of the directors at IST and will be teaching a course at IST, Religion in Haiti. He has worked for a year without pay to help establish the preaching school. This month, due to a generous member of the church, Felix will be receiving $150 per month for his work with IST. He is worthy of and deserves, far more than we are able to pay at this time. We would like for each of our directors to receive at least $300 per month. Yet, as Felix says “We (IST) are making a difference in Haiti and will long after we have closed our eyes in death. Therefore, we will move forward as a faithful servant of the Lord.” 

Origene Beaubrun 
Brother Beaubrun has been a Christian for about four years. He has shown great faith, love for the lost and his ability to teach the message of Christ. After being a Christian for only a year, he and his wife realized, in his words, “We have pure gold in our hands and must take this to our family in Jérémie.” Jérémie is in the southwest area of the country and it takes about eight hours to drive there. He started making weekend trips to family and friends to teach them the word of God. There are now fourteen new congregations of the Lord’s church in the Jérémie area! To God be the glory and we are also thankful for the Beaubrun and his wife who have faithfully shared God’s word. 

Brother Beaubrun is also a member of the Royal Police Force in Haiti and serves with the Palace Police. He is one of the preachers for the Santo church of Christ and continues to reach people with God’s message of hope. He serves as one of the directors for IST. He has a degree in communication from the University of Haiti. He too has worked to establish the school of preaching and has served without pay. Again, due to the generosity of a good Christian family,
he is now receiving $150 per month. 

Brothers Beaubrun and Felix do not simply take this money and use it for themselves but they use it to help the students. They pay for transportation and snacks for the students who are unable to pay. They use their own money to buy supplies for the school when needed. God has blessed us with two great men to help us move the school forward. 

Jean Yves Desmosthene 
Jean Yves, as most in Haiti, is called by his last name, Desmosthene (pronounced Demo-stain). He has been a preacher for several years and now serves the church in Carrefour. Brother Desmosthene travels about two and one half hours each way to attend class at IST. I had the privilege of preaching at the congregation in Carrefour in December. I have seen how much the church loves brother Desmosthene and the influence he has in the community. The church is poor and cannot pay him therefore he, as most preachers in Haiti, must find other ways to support himself. If you are looking for a good work to help support and work with, I can highly recommend the work in Carrefour. If you would like to take a survey trip to meet Desmosthene and the church, I will be glad to assist. 

Widlord Thomas 
Widlord Thomas recently graduated from Freed- Hardeman University. He is also a product of the Sonlight Children’s Home. Brother Thomas will be serving as a co-director of IST alongside brothers Felix and Beaubrun and will be teaching classes in the local language. His faith stems also from his mother, who is a faithful member of the Lord’s church. The Gauthier congregation started in her home, a mud hut and is now a congregation of about 250. As Thomas settles into the work in Haiti he will no doubt be pulled in many directions. Pray for his faith, strength and wisdom as he uses the knowledge he has gained at FHU to build the church in Haiti. 

We are blessed to have these men in the school at IST and perhaps some of them will be the teachers one day. 

Distant Teaching 
Thanks to the church and friends in Paducah, Kentucky we will soon be able to teach from many locations. The video conferencing equipment has arrived in Haiti and is now being installed. Once this is completed I will be able to teach wherever I am as long as I have an internet connection. We are living in a wonderful time for spreading the message of God. I will give more information at the equipment goes into use. 

Classes for the Ladies  
When IST was being formed, one of our goals was to provide teaching for the ladies. Kim Kasarjian and Sheri Harris from Alabama have said, “HereamIsendme”. They have made two trips to Haiti and the ladies are growing. Their trip in January brought in thirty ladies to the class! They also had a class specifically for the wives of preachers. 

It is not only the training of preachers we are seeking to accomplish but also give strength and knowledge to the whole church. Kim and Sheri did such a wonderful job. One of our students Viciere (V-c-air), came to class and said his wife was in the ladies class and how great it was. Thank you Kim – Thank you Sheri! We need more ladies to go and teach and if you are interested, please let me know. 

A New Location 
We do not like paying rent and we are now in conversation for a new location. We need a permanent place for the school so we can focus on more long range goals.Please pray that God will open the doors so we can make this a reality. We are looking at a two story house that started at $180,000 but we have come to an agreement for $80,000. We will have to make several repairs and this could cost another $25,000. The building is in an ideal location and just across the street from where we often stay. If you are able to help us raise the funds or make a donation to this effort we would be grateful. 100% of the money given to help goes directly to the work. 

Your Help is Needed 
Since it is now February, we must once again pay the rent. The custom in Haiti is to pay a full year in advance. Our rent is $15,000 per year. I have been paying almost half of this each month ($600) but we owe $7,800. The building is working great and we even have a room for visiting teachers if they choose to stay there. If you can help us with part or all of this amount it would be greatly appreciated. 

Monthly Support 
I am not asking for myself but for the students and for the lost souls of Haiti. God has softened the hearts of the Haitian people and at this time the door is open and we must act now. The time may come when we will not reach the masses as we are today. Several of the preachers have said they have a renewed hope because of the International School of Theology. There is a zeal we are generating across the country that will bring in more souls. 

We need your help to train the preachers and teachers at IST. The cost is only $300 per student each month to cover the total cost of supplies, transportation, snacks, pay the rent and utilities. At this time we have $3,100 committed. While we have cut corners and the students have made great sacrifices, we must raise the funds needed. If you or your congregation would like to adopt a student and support him with only $75 per month, it will make a big difference. No amount is too small. It takes $6 per day ($30 per week) to supply a snack for the students, can you help us with that amount? If you or your congregation can take on the full support of a student with $300 per month, it would be reaching lost souls across the country of Haiti. I am willing to come and present our work to you personally or to the congregation. The cost and work is far too much for one person but united we can and will change the lives of many. Thank you in advance for any consideration. 

Larry Waymire 

To see Larry’s report with pictures, please go here.

Contact Information: 

Larry Waymire
Email: lwaymire@gmail.com 
Follow us on Facebook, Tweeter and LinkedIn
731.798.0136 

All Funds Should be Sent to: 

Broad Street Church of Christ
Caribbean Ministries
131 North Broad Street
Lexington,TN 38351

India Tea Plantations And East Nepal Campaign...

Dear respected brothers in Christ,

Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the grace of God, love, and peace always be with you.

I am always happy to write some encouraging words to our brothers and sisters in Christ. NCBS is really blessed by God through His people around the world. We are doing our regular school activities in a normal way. Our students are doing their best in studies. We were able to make one Bible campaign at West Bengal of India and East Nepal from the 15th - 29th of January 2015. Brother Jerry, sister Sunita, and myself went together for two weeks of Bible study. The environment climate was so cold, but the hospitality and welcome were so warm in eight different congregations. Our classes went well. Brother Jerry and sister Sunita coordinated in the women's classes. Two souls were baptized in the Lord at East Nepal. We did our best to serve God's people in His kingdom. 

I must thank God for His love and grace. I must thank you, our brothers and sisters, who are helping us to run our school at Kathmandu, Nepal. I have below message and words from Brother Jerry and sister Sunita.

Thank you.

Brother in Christ,
Gajendra Deshar
gajendra_deshar@yahoo.com 

India Tea Plantations Plus East Nepal Campaign
Gajendra Deshar, the Director of the Nepal Center For Biblical Study [NCBS] in Kathmandu, along with Sunita Rana, a Christian widow and mother of two college students who pioneers our outreach to teach Christian ladies, and Jerry Golphenee spent two weeks [January 15-29] visiting, teaching, fellowshipping and encouraging congregations in eight villages in the Darjeeling District of India and in east Nepal. Each day was a wonderful experience even if measured separately. The whole time and experience of growth for those being taught, the local leaders, and for the teachers, was and will continue to be a blessing for the kingdom of Christ.

These two weeks were also a special joy when we reflect on how far we have come in Christian love and fellowship over the last five years. NCBS opened in January 2010. At that time we had no support or encouragement from the congregations in these areas. Unfortunately we had some active opposition from church leaders in east Nepal. An American missionary, not directly associated with the school, which has worked in Nepal for twenty years labeled it as “jealousy and bitterness” because their area was not getting special recognition. This is common to Nepal because of its ethnic, tribal, and geographical separations as well as the caste system. The Nepal government has been unable to write a Constitution over the last five years with two different Parliaments and Prime Ministers because of the rivalry, prejudice, and self-serving demands of the ethnic and geographical divisions. This historical cultural trait also has affected the church resulting in fragmentation and lack of fellowship. However, it is with great joy that we are seeing a whole different attitude from these same leaders and congregations today.    

Our first class of students had one man from east Nepal. However, over the previous ten years he had spent seven years working out of the country to earn money for his family. His connection to any congregation in east Nepal was very loose. Still they opposed him being a student at NCBS. Today, we have five students from these areas of India and east Nepal. The local leaders are supportive, encouraging, and even proud that their young men are devoting themselves to a more active work for the Lord and with their study at the preaching school.

What has brought about this change of heart, mind, and behavior?

1. The noticeable progress and conduct of our graduates [11 in the first two classes……. 2010 to 2013]. Our product is our biggest blessing.

2. The excitement and unbelievable amazement of the local congregations when they see the Bible knowledge combined with the servant leadership attitude of the graduates.

3. The high level of teaching of classes and delivery of sermons by the 11 graduates. The result is greater learning by the members and increased motivation to mature more.

4. The hard work and humble attitude from Gajendra. High in leadership by service and strong in truth. Void of boasting and criticism. His ever faithful and soft response has turned closed doors into open arms.

Nepali Christians, students and teachers, are responsible for these much needed blessings and the progress that brings rejoicing. The leaders who opposed or stood at a distance in 2010 are to also be commended. They have objectively viewed the progress being made, had their fears and questions answered, and have accepted their responsibility in strengthening and expanding the Lord’s church. The respect, cooperation, fellowship, singleness of purpose, and frequent expressions of love expressed over these two weeks were prayers answered and dreams come true.  

We Americans, those providing financial support from home, those who visit and teach on occasion, and myself [live here 9-10 months per year] can guide and assist this growth. Foreigners will never evangelize the local population. That can only be done when Nepali preachers and teachers, including women teaching women, “speak the truth in love” and give those words credibility by Christian example.   

The progress in the past five years, and the bright hope for more growth in the future, go hand in hand with the reduction of frustration I feel after 17 years of working with the church. The internal cultural fragmentations of the past are being broken down as seen in our 11 graduates, and our present 12 students, from various areas and different ethnic groups. They work in harmony as we do campaigns all over Nepal. The visiting missionary is being supplemented by a constant working presence of the school. All these factors that were separated and fragmented in the past are now working together year round to bring this progress all over Nepal.

A brief message about our recent trip: First ….. We were invited by local leaders and joyfully received by each congregations. That is essential for a fruitful campaign. Gajendra and I taught men and women together each morning on two subjects; lessons from the book of Ephesians and lessons on personal Christian maturity, which leads to congregational growth. Gajendra continued these lessons in the afternoon while Sunita and I taught the ladies some parables of Jesus and a lesson on the scriptural role of women in the church. The lessons were appropriate, timely, and needed. We had a devotional every evening. The reception was outstanding. The smiles on the faces in every congregation said as much as their words of gratitude. Last, and related to the first, is that we were enthusiastically requested to return soon and frequently.  

We will supply money to add on a room for a church meeting hall in Kurti, India. See the picture of the very crowded and very small room below. It will cost $4,000.00 with them doing all the labor. A tea worker earns about $1.25 per day [7:30-4:30]. It is the right thing to do at the most needed place.

The smiles on our faces, which you cannot see, compliment our words of gratitude and appreciation to our brothers and sisters in the USA for your prayers and love graciously supported with your generosity.   

Jerry Golphenee
jrgx21958@gmail.com         

A word from Sunita:
In the 15 days campaign, Brother Jerry, Brother Gajendra and I traveled to West Bengal India, Darjeeling, Mirik and east Nepal. During that time we visited eight different congregations. We had a great experience with all the families in Christ. Brother Jerry and I, Sunita, handled the ladies’ Bible classes after the combined classes with the men and women together. It was a wonderful experience taking the ladies classes. Wherever we had classes, we were welcomed with a lot of enthusiasm and a great desire to learn the word of God. Most people had a very low Bible knowledge but a great interest to learn. Their warm welcoming attitudes and their loving hospitality touched our hearts. They have invited us to come in the near future. I am so thankful for this trip. 

I would also like to thank you all for your prayers and your support. Without your support, it would not have been possible. I would also like to thank brother Jerry from my heart. He is a big encouragement and help to me and all the ladies in Nepal in all the time that he has spent here. May God bless all of you.

From your sister in Christ          

Sunita Rana
sunita_rore@yahoo.com

Scheduled Activities In Takoradi, Ghana Prepare Students For Work...

Dear Brethren,

As indicated in our last report, school reopened on the 19th of January 2015. All the students reported back to school on time and classes also began immediately. As has also been reported to you briefly, we have had an additional student. His name is Joseph K. Badu. Originally he was with the central church in Takoradi, but came into contact with one of our past students who has established a new congregation near Takoradi. Joseph placed his membership with this new congregation and our past student, Simon, recommended to him to attend this school to have a formal training to enable him use his great potential to enhance the work in the Lord’s church. He is gradually adapting to the environment, his colleagues, students, and also to classroom work, which by God’s grace has been going on successfully. 

Program for the Term
Besides our normal classroom work, we plan the following programs within the term:

1.    Campaign For Christ

We usually have two campaigns each year. The first is due to assisting an existing congregation and as has been reported to you. We agreed that this upcoming campaign be used to assist the congregation at Effiakuma. Funds for the campaign have already been provided by Howe and we have acknowledged receipt of it. This campaign is starting on Monday, the 16th of February and ends on Friday, the 20th of February. Some past students of the school expressed interest in joining us and we have agreed to that.

2.    Arrival of Todd Clippard and Scott Ellis

This already known trip was scheduled for last year but was suspended. Brother Todd has written to confirm that Lord’s willing, they are arriving in Ghana March 17th through the 20th to begin the agricultural project. The school continues with its preparation towards their arrival.

3.    Graduation 

The school’s 13th graduation which was also postponed last year has now been fixed for Saturday, 18th of April, 2015. Twenty students, two from the graduate courses are expected to graduate on that day.

Baptisms
During the period under review, there were four baptisms by and in connection with the work of the school.

Transportation Petrol (Items 209)
We are aware that the amount quoted here for transportation petrol this time is on the high side. We want to explain that this amount spent on transportation included transporting our students to attend the funeral of a past student who passed on. We reported about this passing in the last report.

Support for the School
Brother Ebenezer Amable, also a past student who will be in the group of the next graduation, and who was recently recruited to assist as an instructor, has offered to assist the school with a monthly support of GHC 20, beginning January, 2015. His first contribution of GHC 20 is acknowledged in the financial report.

Thank you all and may God’s blessings be upon you all.

Charles

Third Quarter Of Classes In Nigeria Back In Session...

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ,

Greetings from students and staff of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan & Lagos satellite campus.

The SWSE, Ibadan campus commenced third semester classes today (Friday). I (brother Mak) will be teaching Doctrine 1 & 2, Christian Home, World Religions, Book of James and Practical. Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe (brother Kay) will be teaching The Life of Christ - 3, 1st Corinthians, and OT History -2. Brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji will be teaching on Christian Evidences and Hermeneutics - 2. Brother Isaac Olaniyan will be teaching on 1 & 2 Peter & Jude, along with the Gospel of John and 1, 2, 3 John. Brother Abraham Idu Yeje (our campus minister) we be teaching on OT Prophet - Minor.

On Saturday of last week, we joined the Egbeda congregation in Ibadan for door-to-door evangelism.

On Sunday at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, I taught on Millennialism (Rev. 20:1-7), while one of the SWSE - 1 students, named Emmanuel Okpachui, admonished the church on “Prepare to Serve” (John 2:1-13). We were 55 in attendance with a total collection of N3,500=.

At the Egbeda congregation, brother Kay taught on “How God is Speaking to Man Today” from Heb. 1:1-3. Brother Adedoyin Sola Rotimi, one of our year 2 students taught at Jago congregation on “Working for God” (Matt. 20:1-16).

Brother Matthew Adeyemi, one of my co-WBSFUW in the West informed me of the conversion of three people at the Igbesa congregation, Ogun state in the last two weeks (Okonkow Thompson, John Hope, Patrick Ogor).

At the SWSE Ibadan main campus, brother Abraham Idu Yeje admonished the students and staff on “Seek The Right Way” on Monday during the morning devotion, brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji on Tuesday spoke on “Spiritual Growth” (1 Peter 2), Brother Kayode Eniafe on Wednesday morning devotion spoke on the “Faith of Our Fathers” (Heb. 11), and I taught on “How To Live A  Meaningful Life” (1 Peter 3:8-11) in Wednesday chapel (5:00 pm - 6:00 pm). Brother Victor Edet, one of the students, admonished us on “Wait & See” (Exodus 14:13ff) during Thursday morning’s devotion.

Beloved, the electoral body in Nigeria has finally danced to the voice of our Federal Government in postponing the general elections that were supposed to start this Saturday until March 28 for security reasons! Please, keep on praying for us in Nigeria so that the Federal Government will succeed in winning war in the North-East against the insurgency.

Thanks for your love and concern. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ’s name, Amen.

Sincerely His & yours,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi
(Director of Studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan & Lagos campus,
Nigeria, West Africa

Togo Chariot Yields Fruit, 46 Obey The Gospel...

Hanyigba Congregation Adds Six (6) Souls 
Jean Akli preaches for the Hanyigba Church of near Kpalime. Jean is also on the committee that oversees the Togo Chariot. Jean is a very dynamic preacher and has led several to Christ in the Kpalime area. During a recent campaign, six souls were added to the Hanyigba church of Christ. 

Zomayi Church of Christ had Two (2) Additions to their Number 
Asuka preaches for the Zomayi Church of Christ. He is seen here baptizing these two men . 

Bible Study Results in Twenty-Eight (28) Baptisms
David is a student at CBS in Kpalime. In some of my reports I mentioned that he had about five denominational churches he planted a couple of years ago. A few months after he had enrolled, he was baptized and became part of the Lord’s body. He was so excited with his new found faith that he immediately started preaching with the view to converting the congregations he once preached for. This was a big challenge, but with God on his side, he was able to win several of them to Church of Christ. In order to encourage him, a family in the USA provided funding for a church building. Recently David took some preachers and students to Tchabome and Alikope where he had congregations. After the Bible studies, seventeen (17) members at Tchabome and eleven (11) at Alikope were baptized. 

200 Attend 2014 Bible Camp 
Fourteen congregations in the Kpalime with their preachers converged at EYOH from December 23-26 to study the Bible and discuss pertinent issues affecting the growth of the area churches. In all 14 congregations, numbering about 200 attended the Bible Camp. God blessed the camp with one baptism. 

Jean Preaching at Dawn
Jean wakes up each morning to preach at Dawn between 5 am – 6 am to to the community he lives in. He was seen preaching from a sisters’s hair salon. Jean was also seen on a motor bike conveying the equipment to the venue where he was to preach. 

Campaign Revives Acetone Church with Ten (10) Baptisms
The Avetonu congregation had suffered a lot of setbacks since its inception. Two of its preachers died. Many of its members left the village and for a period only a handful could meet. Recently, Job, one of our former students, decided to take over the work and revive the dying church. A campaign was organized with the Chariot and the team of preachers and students. God blessed their efforts with ten (10) baptisms and several were also restored. Now the church is revived and the excitement is back. 

The good news is that two of the converts carried the good news to two villages, Agbave and Tsevi. A daughter of a denominational preacher was baptized and now the father and mother are being studied with, and hopefully they will be converted, too. God is great! 

CBS is Bereaved 
Abraham was one of the 2011 graduates of CBS. After the graduation, he went back to his village to preach for a small congregation and also continued with his farming activities. Abraham did not have any support to cater for himself. He became sick and the family reported to CBS. We tried to do our best in trying to offer some assistance, since he did not have any support, but the sickness became severe and Abraham passed on to be with the Lord. He was only 38 years. May his soul rest in peace. 

First Quarter Courses at CBS
January 7 - April 19, 2015

1) Biblical doctrine
2) Christian Evidences
3) Apocalypses
4) Romans
5) 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus
6) Minor Prophets
7) Major cults
8) Ezekiel and Daniel
9) Bible geography and History
10) Ethics of the preacher 

Worlanyo Bor to Join Teaching Staff at CBS
Worlanyo Bor, until recently, was a missionary in Bangui - Central African Republic. He and his family fled Bangui to escape the massacre that was going on. He now resides in Hohoe, Volta Region. He is familiar with CBS and, therefore, expressed interest in joining the teaching staff. Worlanyo is bi-lingual, but prefers working in a Francophone country. We look forward to having him in Kpalime in April. 

Chariot Continues to Make Impact 
Since the coming in of the Chariot, our evangelism activities have increased and the rate of conversions have also increased. 

Our activities in 2015 will take us to the following towns: 

1) Gbalave
2) Kpadape
3) Klomayondi
4) Yeviepe *Yorkele
5) Nyive
6) Tove
7) Agou
8) Amuzukope
9) Alikpodzi
10) Adzanu
11) Gle koji
12) Keve
13) Keve
14) Noepe
15) Akepe
16) Sanguera
17) Tabligbo
18) Lome and surrounding towns
19) Lamakara in the Northern Togo. 

We are planning some trips to towns near the Ghana / Togo border. 

Nyiveme Congregation Continues to Grow 
I had the opportunity to worship with the Nyiveme church of Christ. Cephas taught the Bible class on the topic, “The Receptive Heart,” and I preached the sermon using the “Beatitudes” in Matt. 5:10-12 and Luke 6:22-23. The topic was “Rejected, but Rejoicing.” 

Class in Session at CBS
Attah was one of our best recent graduates. He came to the school as a Catholic, but was converted before his graduation. He suffered a lot of persecution from the Catholic Church, but was resolved not to look back. At a point in time, the wife left him because she claimed there was no future in the husband. In all these, Attah continued to work as a teaching assistance at CBS. Later, the wife returned and was baptized and is now member of the Nyivemeh Church and one of the women leaders. I remember when I interviewed her about her sudden change, she responded, “ I did not know my husband had found something good.” 

Preaching Tulasi and Wife Outdoor with their Child 
One of our traditions in the church is to present a new born baby to the Lord after the worship service, to seek the Lord’s blessing upon child and parents. Kwaku Tulasi is a graduate of CBS and preaches for the Yorkele church of Christ near Kpalime. Cephas, the principal of CBS, was there to perform the ceremony. Usually, the ceremony is followed with a reception during which the congregation enjoys a local dish provided by the family. Some members also make a presentation of gift items to the little baby. 

Report by Willie Gley

Evangelist In Need Of Prayers And Medical Assistance...

Going into the world (Matt. 28:18-19) requires faithful men, who are not only going to reach lost souls, but also to commit what they know and have learned to faithful men who will teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2). Though he is a very poor guy, this can be said of our good brother and dear friend, Koimere Ngarasaa. Koimere is one of our graduates who labors day and night for the cause of Christ. He began teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ when he was in secondary school (High School in America). While he was a student, he was able to start a congregation at his school. He served as a preacher/ teacher converting his fellow students, teachers, and citizens of the surrounding community. After he finished his secondary education, Koimere joined the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in 2013 and graduated on November 28, 2014. Koimere is now serving as a full-time minister at the Monduli Juu Church of Christ. He is among many good brothers who are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:16) and are exhibiting Christ’s love for the lost and His Church.

One of the saddest things is that, Koimere has a health problem. He was discovered with a growing thyroid panel. His throat is swelling everyday. This disease has hindered his work performance in the Kingdom. He consulted several doctors because of his problem, and the only solution to the problem is surgery. Due to the fact that he is poor and does not have any support, he failed to pay the amount required by the hospital. He is supposed to pay $850. I know the Lord will intervene in his situation through your prayers and support, so that this soldier of the Lord may return back to the camp for further battle with the devil.

If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, then please contact brother Cy Stafford for more information. Please pray for the Monduli Juu congregation so that they can stay strong during this time when their minister is suffering.

Thank you so much for all that you mean and do in the Lord’s Kingdom both in America and Africa.

Your servant in His Kingdom,

Charles Heberth Mwanga
Assistant Director,
Andrew Connally School of Preaching
An extension of Bear Valley Bible Institute
Arusha – Tanzania

On The Road Telling The Story Of God's Great Love...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

We rejoice knowing we are part of God’s family. We serve the living God Who is able. We partner with you in the greatest cause known to man, a cause that brings salvation to mankind. Thank you for praying and supporting us in Tanzania. 

We are on the road again, telling the story of God’s great love. We have been to Northport, AL visiting good friends and supporters. We will worship with our church family at Piedmont Road in Atlanta, GA this morning where our brother Neil Richey serves as minister of the gospel. On Monday I will fly out to Denver to meet with the extension school workers. Next week I have a meeting in Jackson, MS and then to Nashville, TN for a couple of appointments. I would really appreciate your prayers as I travel and report on God’s amazing work in East Africa. 

A report from our brother Charles Heberth: 

“Koimere Ngarasaa. Koimere is one of our graduates who labors day and night for the cause of Christ. He began teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ when he was in secondary school (High School in America). While he was a student, he was able to start a congregation at his school. He served as a preacher/ teacher converting his fellow students, teachers, and citizens of  the surrounding community. After he  finished his secondary education, Koimere joined the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in  2013, and  graduated on November, 28, 2014. Koimere is now serving as a full - time minister at the Monduli Juu Church of Christ. He is among many good brothers who are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:16), and are exhibiting Christ’s love for the lost and His Church.

One of the saddest things is that, Koimere has a health problem. He was discovered with a growing thyroid panel. His throat is swelling everyday. This disease has hindered his work performance in the Kingdom. He consulted several doctors because of his problem, and the only solution to the problem is surgery. Due to the fact that he is poor and does not have any support, he failed to pay the amount required by the hospital. He is supposed to pay $850. I know the Lord will intervene in his situation through your prayers and support so that this soldier of the Lord may return back to the camp for further battle with the devil.”

If you are like me, we can often take for granted our health and prosperity. We can be thankful we serve the “Great Physician” and with your prayers and support, our brother Koimere will regain his much needed health and be able to continue with the work of the Lord, seeking and saving the lost. 

We solicit your prayers on behalf of our brother Cotton Box, Gene Davis, as well as, Sean and Anita Hochdorf. We also ask for your prayers on behalf of the 28 returning students at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.

We close with thanksgivings for each of you, for your prayers, support, and partnership in the gospel of our Lord. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

New Year, New Job At ACSOP, Tanzania...

A whole new group of challenges and opportunities were awaiting me upon my return to Tanzania. I have accepted the responsibility of serving as director of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. This is an exciting new role for me to fill on this mission team. As I direct the school, my focus will be on preparing my Assistant Directors for a time when missionaries are no longer actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the school. Although American support will always be needed, our goal is to be able to turn the administration over to our African brothers. 

A fresh new crop of preaching students is ready to undertake the challenge of training to be gospel preachers. We are expecting 16 students in this year’s intake. I’m looking forward to watching these men grow in the coming months. 

In this new year our family is also shifting more of our focus towards the newest church plant, the Njiro Chini congregation. With most of the campaigns this year focused on this area, it makes sense to have a missionary present on the ground. We still love Ilkiurei and will continue to keep tabs on them as they mature and grow. 

This should be a great year of service to our Lord! 

Tiffany’s Thoughts: 
Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It’s Back to Work We Go! 

Furlough was amazing! I received a badly needed lift in spirits and am now ready to get back to work with vigor. The Saturday after returning I resumed teaching at the monthly Preacher’s Wives Class at the Arusha Bible School. Jane Massawe and Ludovica Ahimidiwe also taught classes and it was truly a day of blessings and encouragement for all of us. 

Sunday morning we worshipped with the Njiro Chini church and I taught children’s Bible class (held in the living room of the member currently hosting worship.) It was fun to be back in the swing of things and watch the children enjoy the lesson, songs, and activities. 

Meet sweet Abigail. Abigail is 4 years old. Last year she attended VBS at Njiro Chini Kanisa la Kristo. While her parents worship with the Roman Catholics, Abby walks alone to worship. Isaiah 11:6 “A child shall lead them...” Never underestimate the power of educating children in Christ. For 8 months Abby has worshipped here and her parents are noticing and asking questions. 

Student Spotlight 
Martin Tluway comes to us from the Karatu district where he operates a secondary school. His goal is to use the training that he receives at ACSOP to better teach his students about Jesus, and to plant a new congregation of the Lord’s church in his village. 

Daniel Gaines

To see the report with pictures, please click here.

Two New Schools In The Extension Program...

Two new schools are set to begin classes in the next few months. Approval was recently given by the Bear Valley elders after learning of the potential in each location. The first school is set to open up in Mbanga, Cameroon. Mbanga is located in the French speaking section of Cameroon and the director of the program, brother Ititi, is a graduate from the Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu. We know the training he received at CBIW was a strong foundation for the continued evangelistic fervor needed to expand training and outreach into other sections of this country.

The second school is located on the opposite side of Africa in the country of Malawi. We are excited to partner with the school in Mzuzu, Malawi, located in the northern section of the country. Finalization of the details for the program in Mzuzu are nearly complete. We know the direction of this program will also follow the mission of reaching out with the gospel to those without Christ.

The potential of these two schools adds approximately 35-40 new students to the overall extension program. We ask you to pray with us as we get these two schools launched in the coming months. We also ask you to pray for us as we look at additional locations to extend the program of training preachers in other countries around the world. With God, we know all things are possible and your prayers make a difference.

PRAYERS OF THANKS: A few weeks back, we asked everyone to pray for Kim Kasarjian because initial reports indicated the possibility of leukemia. After a bone marrow biopsy last Tuesday, the Kasarjian’s received word that Kim does not have leukemia. We thank our God for answering prayers and we thank each of you for praying on behalf of Kim and her family. We serve an awesome God.

Now on to this week’s incredible reports...

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

The latest report from Howell Ferguson can be read here.

Extension Reports 

New Students At CBIW Grow From Weekend Evangelism: The weekend outreach in Cameroon is helping students grow to understand the nature of evangelism and the need to share the gospel.

Evangelistic Campaign And SIBS Programs In Ghana Draw Attention: The staff and students at the new school in Nsawam-Dobro, Ghana are drawing attention to the work.

Amidst The Turmoil Of War, Students Study In Ukraine: The situation in Ukraine worsens, but students continue to study and make a difference in reaching out with the gospel.

WBS And Southwest School Of Evangelism Students Make A Difference: The staff and students at SWSE continue to work with World Bible School students.

Souls Are Reached And A New Congregation Is Planted In India: The efforts of the Bible College and church in Visakhapatnam are extensive and this report shares the nature of work.

Baptism, Graduation, And Preparation For Beta Class In Paraguay: The Alpha class of students graduated this weekend and students for the Beta class are growing in number.

Recent Programs In Uganda Provide Benefit To The Work: The work is challenging everywhere, but recent efforts in Uganda show the benefit to the Lord’s kingdom.

The Year Is Off To A Great Start In Tanzania: With reports of baptisms, returning students, Master’s classes, and so much more, we can see why the year is starting well in Arusha.

Focus On A New Congregation In Arusha Yields Fruit: Safari for Souls continues to demonstrate the blessings of God as work in a new congregation yields fruit.

The Gaines’ Family Returns To The Work At ACSOP, Tanzania: After a recent furlough from the work in Tanzania, the Gaines’ family has returned and in full swing with the work.

Final Thoughts 
As we close another week of reports from each of the schools above, we thank our God for the incredible way He continues to bless this work. Reading through the reports is exciting and encouraging. We also thank you for the tool you are in the hands of the Almighty God, providing for the needs of this program. We look forward to reporting more next week.

God bless
Bob

Baptism, Graduation, And Preparation For Beta Class In Paraguay...

We are currently in a time of transition. As you receive this, Andrea and I have now been in the mission field for five years, which was our original commitment to the work. We are so thankful and feel abundantly blessed to have been able to serve here in Asuncion. We also feel blessed to have this new opportunity before us and we look forward to the next couple of years of continuing the work in Paraguay. We hope you find this month’s mission report encouraging. Thank you and God bless! - Troy and Andrea

BAPTISM!
Javier Arce obeyed the Gospel call this past month after having studied with brother Ike Yegros for a few months. Javier is a close friend of our sister in Christ, Odila, who invited him and his family to come visit. We rejoice with the angels in heaven that another soul has been added to the kingdom of God.

DEVELOPMENTS AT AVE. SACRAMENTO CHURCH OF CHRIST
Our Vision 2020 Meeting was a great success! We had about 20 men come over to the house one afternoon and discuss where we were five years ago, where we are now, and where we want to be five years from today. It was rather emotional to look back and see how some things that were once just dreams are now a reality. It gives us more hope and courage to strive forward! There will be another meeting next month to continue the discussions.

We are excited to have the Trent Kennedy Family making plans to come to Paraguay and work with the church here for three months! Trent will be teaching classes in the Bible Academy while he is here. He and his wife, Lisa, will also be teaching English using the Bible and offering a family class for parents. They plan to arrive on May 15th. Please pray for this effort!

DEVELOPMENTS AT ÑEMBY CHURCH OF CHRIST
Evangelist and missionary to Ñemby, Eliezer Perez, returned to his home in Panama for furlough and to visit his family. He plans to return to Paraguay in early February. He will continue his work in Ñemby, but will also begin working full time as a professor with the Asuncion Bible Academy in March.

The ABA students spent a week in Ñemby making new contacts, visiting and doing maintenance projects on the church building.`

ASUNCION BIBLE ACADEMY
“Beta Class 2015-17” is currently forming. Several have submitted their applications and gone through the admissions interview process. There are still some considering. Classes start March 2!

GRADUATION is upon us! The diplomas have been printed, the cap and gowns are reserved, and the decorations are getting ready to be put into place. We are so excited to see this project bearing fruit for the Lord’s glory! We are also thrilled to have brother Luis Camacho joining us for the upcoming activities. Please say a prayer for these graduates and their future endeavors.

Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities
We are happy to have two new interns who have arrived in Paraguay to work with the church for the next year! They are, Pablo Yuri and Italo Rocha. They were both trained in the AME Brazil program and plan to primarily help with the youth group in different areas and projects. We hope they have much success with their plans and look forward to working with them!

Bible Studies
I had a great study with Alan Suarez, the 12-year-old son of our sister in Christ, Eulalia. He wants to be baptized, but after our study it became clear that he doesn’t quite understand the purpose of baptism just yet, or what salvation is exactly. So, we plan to continue studying with him as he grows closer to entering that “age of accountability.”

We had a very interesting evangelistic study at Delci Enciso’s house this past month. Unfortunately, the lady who had come to the study insisted that she doesn’t need to study the Bible because God speaks directly to her. Even though I clearly explained that that isn’t possible according to Hebrews 1:1-2, she maintains that she has visions and receives direct revelation from God. I have to admit, that one was a first for me!

I have been helping one of our families try to heal some issues that have come through some recent marriage troubles. We have been reading “The Love Dare” together and doing the various tasks together to help them recover the zeal that was once very strong in their marriage. So far, there have been positive results, so it is going well. (PS: the book is a great tool for marriage counseling, but beware of the erroneous doctrinal slant regarding salvation).

English students – Andrea’s new students are doing well with their studies. Please keep Alison, Sonya, and Nelly in your prayers!

The Academy students are in full swing teaching classes, preaching, and actively involved in ministry. It is truly a wonderful sight to see such spiritual growth in action!

Coming Up Soon:

February
Karen Bennett from the Central Ave church of Christ in Valdosta, GA, is coming to visit and speak at the Annual Ladies Retreat.

Another Men’s Planning Retreat to discuss the desired direction of the church in Paraguay for the next five years. We are calling it “Vision 2020.”

Graduation for the Asuncion Bible Academy will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2015!

A South America vacation to Guarapuava, Brazil.

March - A new class of students will begin their studies at the Asuncion Bible Academy on March 2, 2015.

April - Andrea and I will be returning to the USA for our annual furlough/reporting trip.

May - The Trent Kennedy family arrives in Paraguay.

July - Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ campaign. Margaret Street church of Christ campaign.

Activities/developments:
Surprise Birthday Party! - Okay, as close to a surprise as one can get by flying into town from South America outside of our normal schedule, inviting all the family down from all over the country to convene in one place, and all while trying to organize the event without the “surprisee” suspecting it. Still, Andrea and her family were able to pull off a surprise 85th birthday party for her mom, Joyce Parker. She was happy, Andrea was happy, the family was happy, so everybody is happy! But most importantly, Joyce knows just how much she is deeply loved by her family.

Our fellow worker in the kingdom and brother in Christ, Jorge Vera, lost his mother this past month. She had been battling various illnesses for the past several years and he had been responsible for taking care of her for a very long time. He is obviously sad for the loss, but his heart grieves even more that she never accepted the Gospel invitation, even though he proclaimed it to her many times. Please pray for Jorge and his family.

Personal study:

I have been reading (or, still reading):

“The Chronological Life of Christ” by Mark E. Moore
“New Testament Survey” by Merrill C. Tenney
“El Desafio del Amor” by Alex and Stephen Kendrick

Preaching/teaching opportunities:
I preached one Sunday at Avenida Sacramento on the topic of “What Separates Us from Other Religious Groups?”

From several resources on the subject, I have developed and have been teaching a series on “Spiritual Development” in Spanish. In the first lessons, we have been focusing on the first key element, which is learning about the will of God and that it is only possible through His revealed word. The following elements are: “The Community of Faith,” “Our Inner Life.” and “Ministry.”

Discovering Paraguay: “Kurusú Ara” Celebration
May 3rd is the celebration of “Kurusú Ara,” or “Día de la Cruz” in Spanish (Day of the Cross). “Kurusu” means cross and “ára” means day in Guaraní. During Kurusu Ára a special cross is used, usually one with historical or sentimental value to the community. The cross is placed in a dome shaped shrine made of laurel leaves which is then decorated with chipas, (cheese bread) in the form of rings as well as animals are hung from the branches creating a sort of Christmas tree. Once the ceremony and songs honoring the “kurusu jegua” (decorated cross) are completed these chipas are handed out to attendees.

The Day of the Cross is celebrated in Catholic communities worldwide but, as always, Guaraní culture contributed it ́s own special twist to this religious tradition in Paraguay. According to Margarita Miro Ibara, author of “Alimentación y Religiosidad Paraguaya, Chipa – Pan Sagrado,” Paraguay ́s Kurusu Ára festivities are an example of religious syncretism that occurred between Catholic beliefs and those of the Guaraní culture. She attributes the natural elements – the leafy shrine and animal shaped chipas – as paying homage to the Kurupí, a mythological Guaraní deity representing fertility in both humans and nature. “Kurupí” is still very much present within the Paraguayan culture. (Reprinted from discoveringparaguay.com). For more information on all things Paraguay, visit this informative website: http://discoveringparaguay.com. 

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

To see Troy’s report with pictures, please click here.

The Gaines' Family Returns To The Work At ACSOP, Tanzania...

Hello again friends! It has been awhile since our last post, so let me catch you up on what's been going on. I'm happy to report that we had a very successful furlough trip, both from a work and personal standpoint. God continues to bless His servants and His work.

Let's start with the work. We drove for about 2,000 miles as we visited with more than a dozen congregations of the Lord's church. That was a lot of time on the road, but we are excited about the work that we get to do. It is a pleasure to share with our partners in the US some of the good things that they are helping to make possible. I think that it is encouraging to people to know that the Lord's kingdom is indeed thriving and growing.

We were also taking that opportunity to let people know about some special needs that the work here has. The Lord's people responded, and it gives me great pleasure to report that around $30,000 was donated to buy Swahili Bibles, print tracts, and sponsor preaching students. Together with the efforts of team members all of our furlough fund-raising goals were met. Thank you for your immense generosity and kindness of heart!

Most of the visits that I made were to churches, but I also had the privilege of being invited to speak to the students of Foundation Christian Academy. This was Abby's school when we lived in Bowling Green, and they made us feel very loved and welcome. Abby spent the rest of the day at school reconnecting with old friends and teachers.  

Children learning about missions is an important "side-benefit" of missionary reporting. I had young people at several congregations approach me after my presentation expressing interest in becoming missionaries one day. If just one of them follows up on that dream, then that alone would make this a worthwhile furlough. 

On a personal level, it was so refreshing to spend some time in America and to see friends and family. We saw all of our immediate family, and kept holiday traditions. We ate American food until it made us sick (that happened pretty fast actually). We were reminded of the immense support system that we have behind us. The kids even got to experience a little snow. We NEVER see that in Africa!  

At last it was time to go home. We packed up our 10 suitcases and 5 carry-ons, using every single pound that the airlines would allow. That sounds like a lot, but there were still so many things that we WANTED to bring back that simply wouldn't fit in our baggage allowance. We had to make some tough choices about what did or didn't make the cut.  

Traveling with small children is not for the faint of heart. Our family getting through the airport is like something straight out of a comedy movie. Then two very long flights are a tremendous strain on a kid's ability to sit semi-quietly, and on a parent's ability to remain sane and calm. Add to that a long car ride, dealing with customs, border control, and multiple police checkpoints. But with God's help we all made it through the trip.

Life in a foreign field is exciting and rewarding, but it can also be very draining and wearisome. I don't think that I ever felt shocked at the culture, but there were times leading up to furlough when I was pretty tired of it. Don't get me wrong, I love Tanzania, but we all needed a break. Furlough provided that much needed mental break for the whole family. It is difficult to understand how badly this is needed if you haven't lived in a culture very foreign to your own. I know I didn't fully understand.  

Since we've been back, we have a refreshed ability to appreciate the wonderful things about where we live. It's actually kind of odd how comfortingly familiar our surrounds are to us now. There was an unexpected feeling of relief and ease when we finally made it back to our home away from home. And we've experienced joy at seeing some of our good Tanzanian friends again. Now we're ready to hit the ground running and get back in the trenches. The fields are white, let's go harvest!

Daniel Gaines

The Year Is Off To A Great Start In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Servants, 

We thank our God for His abundant mercy, grace, and love. We thank our God for your fellowship in the gospel, prayers, and support of His good work in Tanzania. We are thankful to be a small part of God’s eternal purpose with hope and great expectations for the home prepared for us by our Lord. 

Our year is off to a great start. Each year more and more fellow labors join us in the greatest work that can be done, the seeking and saving of the lost. We began the year with the Tanzania Christian camp, where fourteen souls were added to the Kingdom. The team from Northport, AL conducted three campaigns resulting in eighteen souls obeying the gospel and one new place of worship being built. Our brother Gary Fallis taught two Master’s classes to nine faithful evangelists and our second year students have arrived along with our new English stream of students. Yes, the Lord is good and the year has begun. 

Sean and Anita made it home safely and are to see the doctor on Tuesday of this week. Please remember them in your prayers. I, too, made it home and have really enjoyed being back with family and holding our latest grandson, Remington, for the first time. Thank you all for your prayers for safe travels. God is good and prayers were answered. 

As of this writing, I have fourteen appointments lined up with a few dates still open. I love telling the story of God’s great love and work in Tanzania, so if you or your congregation are interested, just let me know and we will do our best to make a date. 

Update: I want to thank everyone who has helped with our travel needs. We still lack $1,800 to cover our airfare. Also, we now only lack $6,000 on the “Gospel Chariot” for the ACSOP. We cannot wait to get the transportation needed that our student body might get into the field and gain the experience they desire and need. 

Thank you all for helping us, help them, help themselves. 

We pray you have a great week in service to our God and to our fellow man. We pray God blesses each of us with an open door to reach some lost soul. Always remember, God loves you!

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie and Granny

Focus On A New Congregation In Arusha Yields Fruit...

We should not be ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation. The church in the Arusha area is now making an effort at taking their spiritual maturity to the next level. Area evangelists, coupled with the help of the missionary team, are fulfilling a rotational schedule teaching on various spiritual disciplines.

Last Sunday, I had the privilege to visit the Ilkiurei church of Christ and teach on the subject: Prayer for the purpose of godliness. Ilkiurei is a new congregation that was started as a result of one of our Safari for Souls campaigns. Prior to my teaching on the discipline of prayer, they had been taught the introductory lesson: Spiritual discipline for the purpose of godliness. It appeared that everyone in attendance gave their complete attention to the things being taught. The questions that followed the lesson verified their sincere interest in the subject. There are a total of thirteen lessons that will be delivered on a rotational basis to all the congregations in the Arusha and Kilimanjaro areas. Please pray that the disciplines being taught will be learned and adopted by the brethren here.

This year we have turned our attention to the new congregation at NjiroChini. The Safari for Souls campaigns will be focusing on this new congregation for the next two years before moving toward the next new church plant. A number of local evangelists are sharing the responsibility of spending several hours each Saturday evangelizing the area. Last Saturday we reached many homes, including some backsliders from last year’s campaign. Although this church is only one year old it has sown much seed and has great potential for growth. During our outing we were also able to visit a lady who has not been attending worship because her husband forbids her from so doing. The husband is an elder at a Pentecostal Church and has been trying to force her to attend with him so he does not lose his position. He brought twenty old men from his church to speak with his wife, but the woman defended what she knew was the truth. Finally, the husband said to her you must stay at home rather than to go to your new church. Then because she feared being divorced, and as you may know that African ladies don’t have a voice in the house, she is silently staying at home without going to the church. Please, your many prayers will make the difference. We know God will hear our prayers. Recently her daughter, who faithfully attends worship, said “it is better for her to be chased away from home than to quit the Lord’s church”. 

We would like send our thanks for taking your time to read and be a part of these efforts. Thank you for all the good you do for the kingdom.

In His service

AhimidiweKimaro
Assistant Director, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute International extension school
Arusha, Tanzania

Recent Programs In Uganda Provide Benefit To The Work...

Dear brethren,

We greet you in the name of our precious Lord Jesus Christ hoping that you are all doing well. We do very much appreciate what you are doing in supporting us here in Uganda. During the beginning of the month of January, some students of the Uganda School of Evangelism were still in their homes. From the 8th of January 2015, youth from the churches of Christ in Busia and Namayingo District had a Youth Seminar which was hosted by the Genguluho church of Christ. The seminar ended on the 10th in the afternoon. Youth went back to the homes on Sunday the 11th after worship. A total of 150 youth attended. From 12 years to 30 years - 110, and those from 6 years to 10 years were about 40. We had about 10 teachers. I was assigned to teach the youth about “Entrepreneurship in Biblical Perspective.” Twelve youth came from Mbale, Uganda’s Eastern Region headquarter making this seminar to be considered as for the whole Region. Next year, in January, this seminar will be hosted in Mbale that is about 81 km from Lake Victoria Port of Majanji.

Ladies Program
The Ladies Program resumed on the 19th of January 2015, with 14 ladies from Kenya and Uganda. The following ladies came from Nairobi churches of Christ (1) Elizabeth Bange (2) Anne Karenge (3) Susan Makabira (4) Zipora Moses. From Lumakanda Church of Christ in Kakamega county in Western Kenya: Linet Ongiya Ambaka, she is the wife of Peter Ambaka one of our instructors. From Bar-Ober Church of Christ were: (1) Peres Achieng (2)Beatrice Akinyi (3)  Mildred  Atieno. From Tingolo Church of Christ: (1) Concepta Muruka (2) Veronica  Muruka. From Uganda: Nandwa Church of Christ: (1) Caroline Wanyama. Bwoya church of Christ: (1)Nabwire Everline (2) Nakitto Zaina.  Genguluho Church of Christ: (1) Nasanga Oliver. 

Nakitto  Zaina who has been a Muslim was baptized  by Francis Barasa into Christ for the remission of her sins. Barasa is one of our students in English speaking class.

Our short course started on the 12th January for one week. We taught “Hermeneutics” and the teachers this time were Emmanuael Mawa and Christopher  Ouma. On the 19th of January, after the short course, was when the ladies came in for another one week course. Our students from Congo missed the short-course, hoping that they will be coming during the long course, but to our surprise none came back. From what we are hearing from some people from Congo, they are saying that the support they were getting  was not enough to send to their families back home. Let us hope that they might change their heart and come to school. 

Three students from Kenya have also not reported. These are Silas Onyango, Benard Kioko, and Micheal Otieno. They told us that they will be coming, but as of now, they are still looking for school fees for their children. One student from Uganda has not reported. He has not told us the reason why, but from what we are hearing, he has gone to dig for gold. He was called Godfrey Byamungu. Last month, gold was discovered in their village and everybody in that village is in the gold business. I will inform with more details in my next report. We have two more students from Kenya who have come and one from Uganda.

Land at the School
I tried to follow up on this land. There were some forms which were missing and I will need to buy them and fill them, after which the sub county Land board will come and see the land and then resume from there to Mbale.

Change of Names at the Bank
When we went to the Bank to change the account name, they asked me money for “Search” but later they wanted us to give them form nine which we did not have. This form nine is only given to the firm that have been sending returns to the registrar  of Companies which we haven’t been doing since the 2009 when we registered “CHURCH OF CHRIST-UGANDA SCHOOL OF PREACHING LTD.”  

Last week, I was in Kampala at the registrar’s office. They told me that I have to buy  three return forms for every year at a cost of 1,000 shillings per form, that is 15 forms. When I go back they will need 50,000/= for each year, that is 250,000/=. What I heard was that the year we failed to submit our returns, there will a penalty of 200,000 per year. This I am not yet sure, because I have not taken back the form. The way I go through these forms I might need some help from an advocate who will also need some money. I will be up dating you. I wish you the best in your daily work.

Yours
Francis and Margaret Wechesa

To see Francis’ report with pictures, please click here.