Wagner Report - December 2016

Wagner Family Settling In
On October 14, 2015, we boarded a plane in Memphis, TN and headed toward Tanzania. In fact, this is the 2nd time during October that my wife and I flew to Tanzania. We left the first week of October to fly to Dar es Salaam to go and help Cheryl Bode. She is a fellow missionary at Chimala. She fell at her home in Chimala and fractured her L1 vertebrae. So, we flew to Dar es Salaam to help her. We took her to a special hospital in Kijabe, Kenya before returning back to the US. We then turned around a few days later and flew back to Tanzania, this time along with the family.  

After returning, we have been quite busy getting settled back into life in Tanzania. We quickly had to buy some food for the house, clean up/air out the house from being shut up for so long, and repair some issues regarding the house that occurred while we were away.  

The kids have already started in their studies for the new school year. Rena is spending a lot of time studying with the kids in their home-school material.  

Of course, being away for so long, many people wanted to come and greet us upon our return to Chimala. One of those was Situmai. If you remember, she was the girl who escaped forced labor and we were able to help her get into our school. 

Situmai continues to need help. She will start back to school in January and will need $600 for the entire year of school fees.

We will also need assistance with Amani's school fees. Amani is an orphan child that we have been helping with your support for the past two years, as both of his parents are dead. His sister is helping all she can but can barely provide for herself. Amani will be starting back to school in January and needs $800 for the year. If you can help any of these, please let me know. We thank you for helping Isaiah the last few years with student support. He has now graduated. He wants to attend medical school and is now awaiting his test results. Thank you for all of you who contributed towards his education.

Visiting the Church At Mengele
We were able to visit the small church near a corn field in western Chimala called the Mengele Church of Christ. We were able to help the congregation with windows and a door for the building to provide some security. It was good to see that the church has finished the windows and door.

CBI 2015 Graduation Ceremony
On November 6, 2015, the Chimala Bible Institute celebrated it's 2015 graduation ceremony with seven graduates. We are grateful for this hard work at the school and pray for their future success working and serving the Lord's church.

Starting in January 2016, we are going to have around 35+ students at the preacher school. We are busy doing some clean-up work around the school in preparation for the upcoming school year.  

Starting in the new school year, I will be teaching Jeremiah and Lamentations. It is shaping up to be a great year as we train me to teach other also (2 Timothy 2:2).

Thank You
We are grateful to God for allowing us to live and serve at the Chimala Mission in Tanzania. We have lived here since 2012 and we could not be here without your prayers and financial support. I echo the words of Paul in Phlippians 1:8-11: "For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Our goals for this next year are to visit and encourage more congregations and reaching out to a much wider area. The Chimala Mission works with over 100 churches of Christ in SW Tanzania and we will do our level best to visit and encourage as many of those as we can.

Thank you for partnering with us in this work.

Chad Wagner

A Year-End Greeting To Everyone From BVBIN-Ibadan...

Beloved in Christ,

Good morning from Nigeria! Our end of the year program that commenced on December 12 resulted in the conversion of fifteen souls and restoration of twelve so far. To God be the glory!

Brethren, all year long you inspired me, my ministries, and co-workers in Nigeria to stay ahead because you believed in us. Now, we wish you the the very best this season and always. Thanks and God bless!

May the good Lord, Jesus Christ, continue to strengthen you and your associates with wisdom to lead, knowledge to teach, and good health to live a fulfilled life.

Compliments of the season and a prosperous New Year in advance. Our regards to all the saints there.

Brother Makinde Ebenezer & family

The Year Ahead Holds A Few Changes For The Work At CBI...

Classroom Roof Repair
Due to the generosity of brethren in America, we have been able to do some much needed roof repair to our buildings at CBI. We had several problems with leaky roofs which was causing our ceilings to fall in. However, now we have been able to patch up our tin roof, fix the ceilings inside the classrooms and get the tin painted which will not only help it look better, but help to seal any other holes in the tin. 

Staff Changes
CBI will be going through some staff changes for the 2016 school year. For several years, Remmy Mfaume has faithfully served as the director of the English program at CBI. He has also been preaching for a growing congregation at Chang’ombe. He will be shifting to our Herring Christian Secondary School in January to head up the Bible Knowledge program. In Tanzania, we are blessed with the opportunity to teach the Bible in high schools. Students at this age are very receptive to the Gospel and we are hoping to capitalize on this opportunity. He will be replacing Ezekiel Mwambogolo who will be moving back to CBI in January. Ezekiel will become Dean of Students at CBI. Both men are very eager for their new positions as they both strive to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Large Class in 2016
Classes start on January 18 and we are looking forward to a great year. We have a large incoming Swahili class this year. In fact, we are going to have a total of 30 students. We had to put a limit on our number of students due to a lack of student support. 

We are blessed to have the ability to purchase new mattresses and mosquito nets for our students. It is due to the generous Christian spirit of people like you that we have these abilities. May God continue to bless you in 2016.

World Bible School
Lord Willing, we will be blessed with a visit from Philip Palmer of World Bible School. He will be coming to tour Tanzania promoting and launching WBS’s new program called “God Bless East Africa.” He will be visiting several churches throughout Tanzania. We are excited about partnering with WBS in this new program.

We will also be launching a new program alongside WBS’s “God Bless East Africa” where we will be inviting new students to study through WBS lessons starting in the larger cities of Tanzania. In many of these larger cities, we have little to no presence of New Testament Christianity. We find that starting with WBS lessons, we will be able to build a student base in these cities. Then, later, we will be able to hold seminars to reach these students. God is doing great things in Tanzania!

Chad Wagner

Preparing For The End Of The Year...

Students in Denver completed a week of finals and now enjoy a break from their studies to enjoy the holidays. Most of the students travel home to be with family for the next few weeks before returning to Denver to begin the third quarter of studies. Additionally, when everyone returns to Denver a new class of students will begin their two-year journey. Please pray for the upcoming new class and the returning students.

Most of the schools in the extension program also enjoy an end-of-the-year break. As you read through the reports below, we pray you continue to be encouraged with the great news of all that happened over the last week. Over the next few days the compilation of year-end results come together to make for a powerful report. We look forward to sharing the news of what God has done through these men over the last twelve months.

This Friday is a time celebrated by most of the world as Christmas. We always enjoy this time with family and friends. Our prayer for you as we near the end of this year is that you reflect on the ways God blessed this year for you and that you consider the incredible ways He will work through you in the year ahead. As long as we allow God to fill our lives with the purpose of His will, we become a tool for advancing the greatness of His Kingdom.

Merry Christmas to you all.

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 Steven Ashcraft can be read by clicking here.

Extension Reports

Year-End Results From Mbanga, And Prison Ministry Grows: The report speaks for itself as to the increase God gave in 2015, and the prison ministry in Mbanga continues to grow.

Preparing For The Upcoming Year And Preaching About Man’s Journey: The local school closes until the first of the year and the staff at BVBI-Nigeria focuses on eternity.

Reflecting On The Success Of 2015 And Looking To A Great Year Ahead: The work in India demonstrates proven success over the past year and the future looks to be fruitful.

TCC And FPTC At The ACSOP In Arusha, Tanzania: If these initials do not strike a cord with you, we suggest taking a moment to read about the success of these programs in Tanzania.

Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading the report each week and for all you do to help this program continue. The success God provides in this work is directly related to the generosity you demonstrate. Our appreciation cannot be overstated. You are a blessing to all of us. Thank you. We pray God’s richest blessing for your 2016.

God bless
Bob

Year-End Results From Mbanga, And Prison Ministry Grows...

Dearest beloved, accept our warm salutation as we round out the school activities for the year 2015. The grace of God has been with us throughout 2015, but in some a days to come, we shall close up the doors of this year by His love and mercy upon us.

Truly this year has been a wonderful one with the young dynamic school that opened her doors last April 4th (Bear Valley Bible Institute Cameroon - Mbanga). The institution is just 8 months old and has as record the following:

1) The school started with about 10 students (6 married and 4 single), but we are left today with 5 married and 1 single, making all together 6 that are on field work or third quarter campaign and we pray for their return on January 3rd.

2) Our staff is made up of 5 permanent (local) instructors, including the Director. The coordinator and many others that come are responsible for the short courses, if need be.

3) The students are still on the field for their third quarter campaign that ends on the 20th. With the students, we have attended 1 annual lectureship were we had 9 baptisms and 2 restorations, two gospel meetings where we recorded 5 baptisms and 3 restorations, one youth retreat with 14 baptisms.

4) So far my beloved, with the students during field work and weekend evangelism, we recorded 22 baptisms so far and about 30 restorations with what was started above.

5) One new congregation was created and permanently worships at Peage Mujuka, with another one in the making at Sancho where we have studies with 2 other instructors. Presently, 2 students are there for the campaign and one soul has already been added to the Lord, but still they have nowhere to worship for now, so they still move up to Dschang. No congregation was restored for now, but we visited an area where we have a few Christians who were worshiping. They closed their doors because they do not have a place to worship, so we are still working on that come 2016, by His grace.

May the grace of God be with all our support team congregations (Frisco, Pattonville, Bear Valley, etc.). Never to give up. We pray for you and we love you. Have a splendid 2016. Please, if something is missing just let me know.

Brother Ititi

Christian greetings to you all. 

I wish you a Merry Christmas (as you people look forward to share gifts), and a Happy New Year in advance. Within the last week the Lord added 9 souls in Mbanga Principal Prison. Keep these brethren in your prayers. Brother Brandon Watson donated 26 New Testaments to the brethren in Mbanga prison. 

Last week, while we were in Bible study, one corner of the house where we meet in worship collapsed. Keep praying for the church in Kombe village. The difficulties we face involve locating permanent land and a building, so that we will come together and serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 

God bless you.
​Brother Nicholas

Preparing For The Upcoming Year And Preaching About Man's Journey...

Beloved in Christ,

Greetings from the students and staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria-Ibadan, the staff of the Southwest Institute, and my fellow WBSFUW in Oyo, Ogun, Oshun, and Lagos state.

Southwest Kiddies Academy Butubutu-Ibadan closed for the remember of the year on December 18 and will reopen, Lord willing, on January 11, 2016 for second term classes.

Twenty-six students are enrolled from Kindergarten 1 to Basic 4. Most of these students are a ward/child of less privileged people in Butubutu, Akinwande, Elesu, Panu, and Eletu villages.

Our school and exam fees for Kindergarten and Nursery are N2,500, while that of Basic class is N3,500 per term. My primary aim is to give hope to the hopeless and to catch them young for the Lord.

Registration of the Kiddies Academy just commenced and will hopefully complete before June 2016 due to the sum of Naira involved.

I taught on “Man's Journey from Earth to Heaven” (Ex. 25-30) on December 6 at the Onikokoro /Gbongudu congregation and at Bale Ayo, Asejire in Osun state on December 13 and Sunday evening, December 20, at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan.

The students and staff of BVBIN and my co-WBSFUW in the Western state of Nigeria and staff of SWI teamed up with brother Dele Shotola, and these few brethren evangelized Parainuewe near the Ibadan airport on December 6. The Felele  brethren evangelized Felele area of Ibadan yesterday. I also served as one of the guest speakers in Saturday evenings Open-Air Bible lectureship, while brother Kayode Eniafe was the second speaker, and two souls were reported to be converted to the Lord’s church by brother Dele Shotola as the result of the mass evangelism at the Felele area of Ibadan on December 20.

Brethren, success is to be measured not by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he overcomes while trying to succeed! When our school van broke down several months ago, we taught that is the end of our evangelism trip for year 2015, but as the Lord will have His way, as the old truck is back to the road for the Lord’s use!

A few students were recruited for WBS correspondences courses. Those willing to speed the truth through the WBS correspondence course should please contact brother Joel Coppinger of WBSTC, California or brother Ron Pottberg of WBS Texas, USA.

Brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji just reported the conversion of four souls at the Oke-Odo area of Lagos state as the result of the efforts of students and staff of our Lagos campus together with that of Lagos WBSFUW team and brethren in the Saturday mass evangelism.

Brethren, we thank you all for your partnership and great contribution toward the spread of the gospel of Christ in Africa. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint effort in Christ’s name, Amen.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Yours in His grace as a servant,
Brother Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi ( Minister)

Reflecting On The Success Of 2015 And Looking To A Great Year Ahead...

Dear Brethren in Christ,

We bring greetings to you in the name of Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. This has been another busy year as the Lord’s work continues to increase. We went to several remote places and hill areas where our graduates recently began preaching. It is very encouraging to see most of our students working at various places preaching the word of God.

Preacher Training work is keeping us so busy...this is 9:42 pm and I just got to the school campus in Visakha after attending the Preacher’s Fellowship Meeting at one of our graduate’s village. His name is ‘Hebel.’ We were able to take him Bibles. He was a denominational pastor when he heard about the true church and being converted to the true doctrine faced a lot of problems in the community. However, with the help of our Lord he began to teach the truth to his villagers. They are about 20 people gathering every Sunday. So, our meeting today was to help the congregation understand the New Testament church and its pattern. Our time was well, spent around six preachers who preached from morning until evening. Three people came forward to obey the truth. We were uplifted by the encouragement of his batch of mates in holding this meeting and also helping him time to time in sharing the Gospel in this year. Through this meeting we had the opportunity not only to meet some denominational pastors, but also to teach them from the Bible about the New Testament church.  

We thank the Bear Valley Bible Institute for the mission and vision of establishing extension schools across the world. We appreciate the elders at Bear Valley who make this possible. We are privileged to be called aa Bear Valley Bible Institute International school. Thank you for keeping our reports on the website up to date. We appreciate the concern.  

Year 2015: It started with great enthusiasm and a plan to reach out more than usual. Through the blessing of God we were able to complete this year with great results. Results included the establishing of churches in the remotest places of our state. We were blessed to have new curriculum and printed material, a building expansion, campaign week program, gospel meetings, and preacher’s fellowship meetings.  

We praise God who enabled us to spread the wings of His ministry through various programs such as gospel meetings, Bible classes, campaign week program, preacher’s fellowship meetings, and preacher’s seminars. Our students received hands-on experience about how to hold and organize the above programs. By attending these programs they are understanding the great need of doing such programs to carry out the gospel to the lost millions in our nation. An earlier batch of students learned the same evangelical concept and now they are implementing it, which has given us an opportunity to participate and encourage them.

Another blessing this year was that our faculty and students: Yeah, new curriculum that was introduced this year has brought a phenomenal change in our teaching system. Both students and faculty are enjoying the new material that was supplied to us on various subjects. It is also a great opportunity to enhance our biblical knowledge. So, this year can be said as a year of blessing.

New Projector: This has provided a great opportunity for our students to learn so many other subjects and topics that was provided by our brethren from World Video Bible School and  Apologetics Press.

Air Conditioning Library Extension: This was another blessing to help preserve the books in the library and also to have more books in our library. Our guest room is ready with air condition for visiting brethren, this will help them relax in-between classes. They certainly need that break in a hot weather country like India.

Brethren, we are thoroughly blessed with the great encouragement we received from the Lake Houston Church of Christ and Strickland Church of Christ. We are grateful to God for their continued trust and confidence, which is a great blessing. Thank you brethren for being part of these results. We convey our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of our students, faculty, staff and preachers working in Visakhapatnam area. They were encouraged by our school program so much, we pray that our Lord will bless us to do more continually. As we continue to spread the word there are some results we witness, but some we may not. When we do hear about them we praise God for such results of saving souls.

Here are Some Results of our efforts:

Number of Graduates sent out this year - 12
Villages visited – 127
Bible Classes & Gospel Meetings conducted – 148
Preachers Seminars – 2
Leadership Workshop – 1
Preachers Fellowship Meetings Conducted – 28
People obeyed the Gospel – 452
New congregations Established – 8
​Church Meeting Places Dedicated – 6

In Christ & His service,

Samuel Raju & John Dean Muppidi
Visakha Valley Bible College
Church of Christ
Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

TCC And FPTC At The ACSOP In Arusha, Tanzania...

It has been a great pleasure to write to you about the great things that God did in His kingdom here in this part of the world. There are a lot of them, but just to highlight a few: Tanzania Christian Camp started immediately after Future Preacher Training Camp ends. 

One reason for putting FPTC ahead of TCC is to increase the number of young men attending this second camp. When FPTC is over, the young men can stay at their Christian friend’s homes (without going home for the weekend, since many came from far away) and have another great week of "spiritual training."  

We eagerly anticipated the arrival of John Rice, sister Bethany McGill and her two children. They, along with Ben Thompson, his family, and others, conducted Tanzania Christian Camp (TCC). This is a "much-looked-forward-to" yearly event where young folks are saturated with Bible teaching, inspired by spiritual songs, and greatly encouraged by the fellowship of other Christians.

This year a total number of 136 boys and girls attended the camp leading to an addition of 18 more souls into Christ through baptism. God made it possible, the glory is to Him. Amen. Thanks for making all this possible!

Every child of God is very important in the kingdom, but there are some who really need to be appreciated, for they sacrificed their whole life in service to the Lord. One who can be mentioned is Cy Stafford and his family. Please remember this fellow in your daily prayers as he is now undergoing various treatments for the sake of his physical health.        

We wish you a wonderful holiday season in which to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Time spent with family is worth more than all the gifts money can buy.

With love from East Africa,

Losotwa Michael
ACSOP Dean of Academics

Preparing For The New Year...

Students in Denver focus on finals in the week ahead. This is the last week of classes in the second quarter. After finals, students enjoy a short, but well deserved, break. Reflecting on the the last two quarters of studies brings a light of encouragement for these men who diligently worked to complete all their assignments while balancing family and personal obligations. 

Once the Christmas break is behind us, a new group of students will begin their journey at Bear Valley the first week of January. Although the number of students beginning in January is usually a lower number than the August intake, they are quality men all the same. We are encouraged by men who leave their jobs and the “normal” way of life to prepare themselves for a greater task - preaching the gospel.

The same is true for each of the men who train throughout the world. The extension program continues to be a beacon in eighteen locations where we work alongside the greatest people on earth. The year ahead promises to be an exciting and encouraging year as two new schools begin in February. Additionally, the potential exists for starting several more schools before the end of 2016. Please join us in praying about these opportunities.

We are only a few weeks away from seeing the year-end numbers provided by each school in the extension program. The work completed by staff and students in these locations provides a strong boost to the morale of everyone involved in this work. We eagerly anticipate sharing the information with you.

Prayer Request: We ask each of you to take time to pray for Cy Stafford. Cy returned to the states from Tanzania suffering with an illness that is still unidentified. Doctors are running tests to determine what exactly is wrong and the cause. Cy is currently in the hospital and the latest update points out there are tests still pending. We all, especially Cy and Stephanie, appreciate your prayers on his behalf.

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 Jerry Bates can be read by clicking here.

Extension Reports

10,000 WBS Lessons And Tracts Used In Nigeria: In addition to the ways God gave the increase in Nigeria, the word is planted through the use of WBS lessons and tracts.

All That Is Done By The Mighty Hand Of God: True to his character, Cy Stafford focuses on the powerful ways God continues to bless the work in Tanzania.

Registering New Students For The Swahili Intake In 2016: After a successful graduation at the ACSOP, the staff prepare for a strong intake of students for the next class to begin in 2016.

Final Thoughts
As we close out another weekly report, please know how much we appreciate each of you. All you do to make this program successful cannot be overstated. You are a blessing to the lives of thousands, if not millions, of people around the world. We value your love for God, His church, the lost, and the trust you place in us to train preachers.

God bless
Bob

All That Is Done By The Mighty Hand Of God...

Greetings Fellow Servants, 

It is our hope and prayer that our great God is blessing you all in all the right ways. The good that has been done, is being done, and that will continue to be done is by the mighty hand of God and through your prayers and support. Thank you!

So many good things are currently going on in East Africa. It thrills the soul to see God working through His faithful to the saving of countless souls. Examples:

Presently we have the Storks family: Todd, Susan, their son Wesley, daughter Haley and her fiancé Mason. They are on a survey trip, hopefully to return in 2016 as missionaries to Tanzania.

Ben and Elizabeth Thompson and their 2 children are in Tanzania to conduct the Tanzania Christian camp, along with their friend Bethany and her children.

Neil Richey and his son Peyton have been in Tanzania helping with the Future Preacher’s Training camp where 40 plus young men gathered to sharpen their skills in preaching and leading in the worship service.

A great success this past weekend at the second Children & Ladies Seminar held in Karatu  being conducted by Desdery and Jane, along with Justin, Anna and Samantha. They were pleasantly surprised to have 120 children and 6 baptisms among the adults that were studied with.

Charles Ogutu and David Wasonga traveled to the costal city of Mombasa to follow up on some Bibles that were requested and delivered earlier in the year. Here is his short note: “I and David Wasonga are in Mombasa to visit the Christians there and conduct Bible studies. We thank God for the four souls who obeyed the gospel. We still hope for more souls as we continue to study. Thanks for the trust and confidence you have in me to preach the gospel to the lost souls and edify the saved. Thanks for supporting our trip fully. Blessings to you and your family. His servant Charles.” 

David Bayi reports: “The following is a short report for the Kioga Church of Christ: Baptisms this month are three, two last Sunday and one mid-week, so God is working within and we have to return glory to Him. Attendance last Sunday was 105 includingkids. The class was 40 women and girls were 45, men were 20. Your Faithful Brother in Christ, David Bayi.”

Yusuph Mdaki reports: “Hello we are doing well. The Bible tracts were spread throughout the month of November with amazing results. Sixteen souls obeyed the gospel; seven at Ibambula and nine at Kazibizyo. Yesterday my wife and I spread 300 tracts at the Kahama hospital and bus station. Many workers of the hospital received tracts. In His service, Yusuph.”

Prayer requests: Please remember the Michael Whitworth family, minister at the Keller congregation, Keller, TX. They lost their two year old son, Daniel, this past week. We express our love and send our prayers for them during this most trying time.  

Please continue to remember little Quin who continues with his chemo treatments. His parents, Paul and Tara Merryman are in need of our love, prayers, and support. 

Cy’s update: First of all, if you have written me in the last week or so and have not received a reply, I apologize. Stephanie and I left Tanzania early due to some health issues I am experiencing. I have been in the hospital for almost a week now and we have more questions than answers. We hope to see the doctors tomorrow and prayerful get some answers. As soon as I can I will reply to your emails, notes, etc. Your prayers are most welcomed. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Registering New Students For The Swahili Intake In 2016...

It’s my hope that you have a great moment of serving our Lord Jesus Christ. At the end of this year we see God working with his people here.  The ACSOP is doing well in its plans and current activities that are looking to glorify our most awesome God. We are doing whatever possible to please our God and to help the school remain the best. 

The school is now in the process of registering new students. Next February we are going to have a new intake, and this is going to be a Swahili steam. When we register the Swahili intake the number is high because there are many Swahili speakers that need to join the school. So far, over twenty students have registered and fifteen others are still pending completion of their required documents for registration. We hope that we are going to have a big and exciting class.

Also as Paul said to Timothy, “the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” We are in the middle of the one week youth camp. In this camp we have 42 young men that need to be preachers one day in their life. The Future Preachers Training Camp is one of the most effective camps in Tanzania. For a one week period we are teaching them how to lead and teach others. We thank all the brethren who work with this camp and direct it. This is a big step for church growth. Some congregations are lacking strong leadership, but by teaching and encouraging young people, one day the church here will have elders and deacons through the help of these young men. We have noted most of the campers from previous years are preachers now and some are leaders in various congregations. We have six chancellors in the camp and they are doing an amazing job of leading others who were the first campers when this camp started nine years ago. 

We thank you very much for the efforts and the prayers which have made all this to be possible.  

In His service,

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

10,000 WBS Lessons And Tracts Used In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Complements of the season! We just printed ten thousand WBS lessons and tracts for our end of the years program that, by God's grace, will commence on December 19, 2015 through January 9, 2016 in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Taraba states.The printed tracts will be used with other Mission Printing tracts during this exercise.

Both the students and staff of the preaching school (BVBIN-Ibadan) are all set for the end of the year exercise and our old wagon (school van) is also in better shape for this western trip.

I will speak on “The Ancient Landmark” on December 19, 2015 at the Felele congregation where brother Dele Shotola is ministering in the evening open-air, while all of us will be busy seeking for lost souls in the morning time. On December 24-26, I will serve as one of the speakers at our Youth Retreat where I will speak on “Determine What To Become In Life,” on December 26 at 10:00 am, while speaking on “The Authority of The Bible” during our open-air Bible Lectureship of December 25, 2015. On January 4-8, 2016 I will work with brother Doug Wheeler in Oyo and Ondo states conducting WBS seminars.

Brethren, I taught on the “Secret of Security” (Psalm 112:7 cf. Dan. 3) on November 29 at the campus church in Butubutu and at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation on December 6 on “The Battlefield,” while I will teach on “Man's Journey From This World To Heaven” (Exodus 25-30) on the coming Lord's day of December 13 and 20, 2015 at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation - Ibadan.

We evangelized the Asejire congregation in Osun state on December 5 and two souls were reported to be converted by brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe on Sunday of December 6. Lord willing, we shall evangelize the Parainuewe area of Ibadan on Saturday, December 12, 2015.

Brother Abiola Joseph reported the conversion of a soul and restoration of two at the Agege congregation in Lagos state where he is ministering as one of their evangelists on December 6. He will team up with brother Joseph Abiodun Dairo, brother Ezekiel Okorougo, brother Mfon Etim,brother Okoro Chinyere, brother Matthew Odey, and our Lagos campus students to evangelize Ipaja, Baruwa, Okeodo, Maryland, and Ikorodu town of Lagos state and Sango/Ota in Ogun state in this month of December 2015.

Classes continue as usual at BVBIN-Ibadan main campus until December 23 when we hope to break for an intensive end-of-the-year program and we re-open Lord willing on January 4, 2016.

Reports from brother Isaac Olaniyan show that he is still working actively with the preacher of the Iyana Ilogbo congregation in Ogun state to nurture that congregation into maturity. Brother Ezekiel Okorougo is still using the Mission Printing tracts / booklets and WBS lessons in reaching the lost in Ipaja town and environ, Lagos state, while brother Matthew Rowland is not left out in his campaign for Christ at Akure,Ondo state.

We thank you our esteemed partners for your wonderful support and patronage in the past years. With God working through you we succeeded beyond our expectation in year 2015. Together, we have assurance of a better and blossoming relationship in year 2016 and beyond. Happy New Year in advance!

Yours, in His grace, as a servant,
​Brother Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Minister)

Opportunities Continue To Make An Exciting Program...

Students returned to classes over the past week in Denver after a time of research and celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. These men now finish up the last two weeks of the quarter before the end of the year. The quarter went by quickly, and these men are ready for a brief end-of-the-year break before hitting it hard for another quarter of studies in January. The first week of January will introduce several new students to the Bear Valley program. We ask you to pray for those who are headed this way to begin their two-year journey.

Reports below indicate another powerful week for extension training. From Africa and Ukraine to Paraguay, South America, staff and students alike are affecting souls for eternity. Among all the areas of training and outreach around the world, we are thankful to partner with these men in the development of training preachers. The opportunities God continues to provide make for an exciting program.

As we close out the last few weeks of the year, we anticipate the exciting news of a year-end report that shares news about all that was accomplished in 2015. We also look forward to the continued development of the extension program in the year ahead. With the development of new schools in 2016, the program is taking shape in reaching our goals for training men to preach the gospel on a global scale.

We appreciate your prayers and support of this work. We pray you are encouraged by all we do together for the cause of our Lord.

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 by clicking here.

Extension Reports

Completing Their First Year Of Studies, Student Go For A Three-Week Campaign: After a short-course with Randy Martin, students begin a major evangelistic push in Cameroon.

Preparing For The End-Of-The-Year Campaign In Mbanga: Staff and students get ready for an evangelistic effort in French-speaking Cameroon to share the gospel of Christ.

Three Graduate From The Master’s Program In Ukraine: While facing challenges in the Ukrainian work, three graduated from the Master’s program and one will assist BVBIU.

Another Batch Of Students Enter The Journey Of Training In Togo: Twelve men recently began their training, and the largest number of Christians make up this class.

Students In Paraguay Begin Their Fourth Quarter Of Studies: The morale of staff and students in Asunción, Paraguay is high as students near the end of their first year of studies.

ACSOP Graduates Fifteen Faithful Evangelists The Last Of November: Another group of men completed the program in Arusha, Tanzania and now begin the task of evangelizing the lost.

Planting The Seed Of God’s Word To Kateshi People: As graduates from ACSOP in Tanzania enter the ministry, it is exciting to see the receptivity of the people they teach.

Final Thoughts
Thank you for all you do for the Bear Valley Bible Institute, especially the emphasis you share in the extension work of BVBI. Your contributions to the development of training men to preach the gospel are impacting the world. Without you, the success of this program would fall short on every level. Thank you for trusting in Bear Valley.

God bless
Bob

Planting The Seed Of God's Word To The Kateshi People...

As we were doing it, the words of Paul came on my mind “I planted, Appollos watered, but God gave the increase” 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV). Me and my coworker, Michael Lesotwa, had a wonderful opportunity this week to visit one of our graduates, Emmanuel Dagati, who is now a preacher at Kateshi. His family, relatives, and village people prepared a party just to congratulate him for his completion of his studies at ACSOP.  

We had an opportunity to preach to these 250 souls who attended the party. I was asked to preach about the One True Church of the Bible, and my brother Michael had to answer a very important question which was asked as I was ending my sermon -“what must I do to be saved?” I thank brother Michael who handled that question very well, telling them how to be added to the one true church. So we emphasized to the people the need to go back to the Bible and search the truth. I had carried over 500 Bible tracts of different topics and I am telling you they were not enough at all. These people are thirsty to hear the truth and to obey it. We prayed for our brother Emmanuel for his new work of winning more souls to the Kingdom and handed him to the community to hear him preach it from the Bible.

Kateshi is a big district in the Manyara region and has a population of about 600,000 people with many different belief systems. The church has been in existence in that area since 2007 with a total of 35 adults and 7 children attending worship service every first day of the week. But the uniqueness of this people is that they are ready to hear it being preached. Let us continue to pray for Emmanuel and other graduate students as they fight the devil in their local community. Pray for two camps (FPTC & TCC) which will begin next week back to back. More than 150 kids are going to attend and learn.

Thank you again to the sponsors of these students who made it possible for these students to receive the training they need to win more souls to the Lord.

In Him,

Godfrey Mngoma
Dean of Students, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute International Extension School
Arusha, Tanzania

ACSOP Graduates Fifteen Faithful Evangelists The Last Of November...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

Stephanie and I would like to thank you for your prayers of late. We thank you for all your prayers and support for us, the Lord’s work here in TZ, and for your part in the gospel. 

November was a very busy time. Fifteen faithful evangelist graduated on the 28th, closing one chapter and opening another in their lives. What a joy it is to see the growth of these men over the last two years. We have great hopes and expectations for each of them, their families, and the works they will be a part of in the Kingdom. Please pray for them and the first year student body as they arrive back to their homes.

Recently, the Kioga congregation hosted a Children’s and Ladies Bible Seminar. Jane and Desdery Massawe have begun this new ministry and hope to do this on a regular basis with the many congregations throughout Tanzania. Anna and Samantha partnered with them in teaching around 150 children and 50 or so ladies. We are in awe of the maturing and spiritual development of both Desdery and Jane. They are but two examples of the growth of the Lord’s church here in Tanzania. 

Renee Galloway taught over one hundred Christian ladies yesterday, our largest ever ladies gathering. The lessons were well received and the day simply could not have gone better. Jay Galloway taught our first year students on Leadership, taught Bible class, and preached each week, while Renee taught the children’s classes as well. We are grateful for all who come and join us in the work of the Lord here in TZ. This week Jay and Renee will return home so pray for their safe arrival on Wednesday evening.

December is always a busy time for us. The first week in December we host the Future Preacher’s Training Camp, directed by Micheal Losotwa (our Dean of Academics). Ben Thompson and John Rice will join us again for the Tanzania Christian Camp the week following. Please pray for those coming, including Neal Richey and his son. Also please pray for the Storks family who are coming for a survey trip in hopes of joining the TZ team in 2016. 

One last prayer request. I have been dealing with some health issues for several weeks. After several treatments the two doctors I have seen here in Tanzania agree it is time to come to America for further treatment. Stephanie and I will be flying out tonight arriving late on Monday. 

We thank you all for all you do in the Kingdom of God!

In Him
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Students In Paraguay Begin Their Fourth Quarter Of Studies...

Andrea and I would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season! We pray this finds you all doing well and blessed in His kingdom as we gather together with our families and friends. This time of year is always special, even if we are thousands of miles from home. We have so many things for which to thank our Lord that occurred this past year, but above all, we praise God for the blessing and opportunity to serve here in Paraguay. We love you and miss you all!

Developments at the Avenida Sacramento Iglesia de Cristo
It has been rather quiet around here this past month, but that does not mean there were no activities. For one, our interns, Pablo Yuri and Italo Rocha, have been very involved with our adolescent youth group with various classes and activities. The group is growing in both numbers and spirituality. They also organize a “Men’s Soccer Night” every Monday evening. Plus, they are active in our Young Adults group meetings and events. They do a great job!

The men of the congregation have been teaching our Sunday morning classes on “The Christian Home,” which is going very well and they, too, have been doing an outstanding job!

The Asuncion Bible Academy students have begun their fourth quarter of studies! They are all doing very well with their assignments and each one has received good grades for the past three quarters. The first few months of this quarter has them studying 1 and 2 Kings, Galatians and Ephesians, Church History, and Church Planting. I am teaching three of the classes and brother Eliezer Perez is teaching a fourth class. The Church Planting class has them preparing a special group project for a survey trip to the city of Hernandarias where we will be gathering information with the hope planting a new church there within the next couple of years. After the holidays, they will then have several short courses taught by our brethren Luis Camacho, Osvaldo Rodriguez, and Ike Yegros. We ask that you please keep the students in your prayers.

Developments at the Iglesia de Cristo of Ñemby
The brethren at Ñemby have decided to look for a place to rent in the city of San Lorenzo as a place for worship and study. After much consideration and searching for a place in downtown Ñemby, they have decided that perhaps San Lorenzo would be a better choice for them. The city is very close to Ñemby and there are several members who live there already. There are also members that live in Capiata who attend, so this option would be better for all of the members. They plan to find something on the main route of traffic and with easy access from the bus routes.

Our missionary to Ñemby is making plans to get married this next month to our sister in Christ, Raquel Franco. We are excited for them!    

Personal Developments and Activities
Andrea was really busy this past month with lots of activities with the Las Amigas Club. November is always a busy month for them because of the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon, one of their biggest fundraising events of the year.

ACE Hardware recently opened a store in Paraguay and has chosen the Las Amigas Club as their local charity. They wanted to put on a big, in-store event to promote their new relationship and asked Andrea and Kim to host a cooking demonstration on how to prepare a traditional American Thanksgiving Dinner. They did a great job and it was a big success! Watch out, Martha Stewart!

Andrea was once again invited back to the U.S. Embassy to participate in their annual Artisan Craft Fair with her business, Más Que Dulces. Andrea sold out of everything she had made for the day, made many new contacts, and took several orders. Along with all the other regular orders, MQD has done quite well this month!

This year we spent our Thanksgiving Dinner in Paraguay with a group of our American friends and their families.... at a Brazilian Steakhouse. It lacked the traditional Thanksgiving flair, but the important thing was spending special time with special friends.

It was great to have David, Lisa, and Michael Carter come visit and worship with us one Sunday this past month. Michael is currently serving in Paraguay with the Peace Corps. David and Lisa are missionaries in El Valle, Panama, and had made a trip to come visit their son. We know them from having visited Panama and also through their family in Milton, FL. After services, we had a nice lunch together and thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting with them.

“THANK YOU!” to all of our generous supporters!

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

To see the report with pictures, please click here.

Another Batch Of Students Enter The Journey Of Training In Togo...

Just after the graduation, another batch of 12 men started a journey that will take them between 2 and 3 years. There are plans to enroll this batch of students in an apprenticeship program to acquire some skill before they graduate. Should this plan work, we shall extend the duration of academic work to three years instead of the regular two years. The interesting thing about this group is that out of the twelve men, only two are not members of Church of Christ. However, it may interest you to know that one student was baptized after one week of classes. Komou Tchaa- came from the Baptist Church but converted after one week in School. There is power in the Gospel. Hovi K. Enyonam came from Hosanna Prayer Center. He remains a prospect of eleven students.

BVBI Starts a School Farm
On the October 15 and 16, the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Kpalime, Togo was blessed with the presence of Ebenezer Udofia from Healing Hands International. He was the facilitator 

in a two day workshop organized for BVBI students, past and present selected church members members, government officials from the ministry of Agriculture, and some farmers from the Kpalime area. We had over seventy participants during the workshop. 

The objective of the work shop dubbed, “FOOD SECURITY WORKSHOP,” is to assist participants in new ways of producing food for their family and neighbors and sell what they cannot use to support families financially. 

Some of the topics discussed included: preparing compost manure, raising beds for planting, drip irrigation, and farm management techniques. 

Ebenezer demonstrated how the irrigation kit works. Participants were fed with lunch each day. Activities during the workshop included: devotion each morning, a couple of hours in a class session, and then practicals on the BVBI land, etc. On the final day we planted six different vegetables on the raised beds. 

This workshop marks the beginning of what has become the BVBI school farm. Each of the students will have a raised bed and grow their choice of vegetable on it. They will manage that bed for the period they will be in school. The students will use some of the crops grown and the rest will be sold to the public. 

Chariot Mission is Making Impact: 15 Baptisms Recorded in October. 
Efforts with the Chariot over the months are yielding great results now. A lot of people we approached with the gospel are making the decision to follow Christ. It may interest you to know that people are now coming to ask us to baptize them. We have some who made contacts through our resource center where we give out tracts and conduct Bible studies. Others are calling preachers on the phone and a lot more are visiting on Sundays. 

In order to facilitate baptism, we have constructed a baptistery on campus so that we can have easy access to water at all times. This accounts for several baptisms in October. 

Ladies of Nyiveme Church of Christ Meet
The Nyiveme Church of Christ has remained the largest congregation of the Lord’s Church in Kpalime. The ladies are more organized and are contributing to the growth of the church in Kpalime area. They meet quite often to discuss pertinent issues concerning the church. They sometimes organize visitation programs and personal work. 

Willie Gley

Three Graduate From The Master's Program In Ukraine...

Hello brothers, families and churches,

In my November report I want to share with you some news about events and activities at the Institute and some local congregations.

In November I managed to travel to Russia and to visit annual lectureship for Church of Christ preachers and leaders. The theme was “Waiting For the Coming of the Lord.” It happened that I was one of the main speakers for the lectureship. It was a great blessing to participate in such an event. There were about 20 preachers from all over Russia attending the lectureship. There were representatives from churches in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and many other major cities. There are no Bible schools in Russia that would train preachers with an in-class program. Russian brothers and I discussed different ways to open a new school in the territory of Russia. Some of them were interested in this idea. I ask you to pray for God to open a door for us where we need them. 

Also, last month we had festive event at the building at the Bila Tserkva Church of Christ. On November 12 we had a graduation ceremony for Masters Program. This year we had three graduates. Ivan Skoleba is a preacher in Ivano-Frankivsk. Stanislav Kuropiatnikov is preaching in Lviv. Vadym Tymchenko is a preacher in Mariupol. Thus we have an addition to our teaching staff and faithful brothers who are willing to help the work of the Institute. 

We are still actively looking for the future students for the new school year. There are 5 men who are willing to study in our program. Last month we visited another congregation in Kyiv, and we plan to visit another two congregations in December. Also while being in Russia, I tried to encourage those who are willing to study Bible to come to Ukraine and study at our institute. However, due to the military conflict, it doesn’t seem possible right now. 

At the end of November, we had a youth conference with the theme “Moses’ Line.” It was a first youth conference at the new place. We tried to encourage local congregations and their young people to serve the Lord. The attendance was rather low. Yet it was just the beginning, and we’ll be working in this area. 

Also we plan to have a one-day meeting for the preachers. There are about 15 preachers and leaders of the churches who signed up to attend this event. The theme will be “The Unity Based On the Word Of God.” The speakers will be teachers of the Institute and preachers with big experience in ministry. The Institute has been in this part of Ukraine for a short time, and we want to meet with local preachers and leaders of the churches. We are trying to cover all congregations in Central Ukraine. I hope this event goes well, and it will help us have a good standing among local congregations. 

Life is stable in Bila Tserkva Church of Christ. I preach and teach Bible classes occasionally. We also evangelize on the streets of the town. It’s a good opportunity for both students and members of the church to get practical experience in serving the Lord. An elderly lady started coming to Bible classes after another evangelizing effort we made. 

Thank you for your help and constant prayers. We still believe in the power of the gospel and its action. Thank you for your patience and financial support of our ministry. Students and staff of the Institute send you their greetings. 

Your brother and coworker,
Dennis Sopelnik

Preparing For The End-Of-The-Year Campaign in Mbanga...

Dear support team, 

Greetings my beloved in the Lord. We are nearing the end of the third quarter in Mbanga and preparing for the end of the year campaign with the high rate of congregational demand for field work, but we are going to serve in those that are really in need. The laborers are few, it is just the beginning.

Still in the domain of evangelism, we all traveled with the students to the Southwest Region for an annual lectureship. To easily get to the Southwest Region you can use our local train, but this time around our locomotive was bad and we had to pass through the river Moungo with the Ferry. We finally went through a local engine boot. After our four days with other members of the Churches of Christ nationwide, God blessed the mission with 9 precious souls, with two restorations. Over 170 congregations were present and so many invitees.

Because our presence in French-speaking Cameroon is to transform the French-speaking world into a world of Christianity, with no rest after coming back from the annual lectureship, we traveled immediately to a town called Sancho around the West Region for a visibility study of the terrain to see how we can start a new congregation in this area (virgin land). We spent the night there with two other instructors, but we are back safely and our beloved one will be on his way back to Bertoua after a long voyage.   

Brother Ititi

Completing Their First Year Of Studies, Students Go For A Three-Week Campaign...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the globe. We are doing great and by the special grace of God we rounded out the first year of studies with the Gamma batch today. It was time for us to lift our hands to say, “Thank you, God for your protection and a safe year without any major problem with our students, staff, and families.”

We do hope you are doing great. We wish you the compliments of the season.

I am writing this report because I am traveling to Nigeria now, and I may not have access to the internet while there to send my report.

The year was a huge success to us. God used us to accomplish His mission here in Cameroon. We thank you for all that you do to make the things that happen, to happen in Cameroon.

Elder Randy, one of the elders from the overseeing congregation, was in Cameroon to teach 1 Corinthians, and his wife was here also. It was a blessing for the Gamma students to sit and study with him, a great teacher. The students appreciated their studies with him.

Sister Robin Martin was also in Cameroon: Wotutu alongside her husband to teach a course to the current students wives, “The Home, God’s Way.” It was great for all our students wives to benefit, both them and their families and the family of God where they will serve.

The number of sisters who came for the course from different villages were impressed to study with the sister, even though some of them have not gone to a former school. It was great. That is why we are struggling in Brightland Christian Academy to go ahead with the adult literacy classes that will help many women learn how to read and write.

The students took their exams Saturday, which mark the end of their first year. We were able to take pictures of the ladies, current students, and the general family.

It was time to have fellowship with the wives of some students who were visiting Limbe for the very first time. We took them beside the ocean and enjoyed fellowship.

It was a time to make speeches, a time to appreciate God, and also to sing to His name. It was a deep time for devotion and fellowship in prayers and songs.

We held our hands, which was a sign of our unity. We prayed  to our God from whom all blessings flow.

Plans
We shall start the new year with many calls to come over and help.

Appreciations
God bless you. We are thankful to God for all your efforts, prayers, and support to us to end up the year with 21 students, staff, and families without any problem. Thank you very much. Please keep us in your prayers as our students will be in 21 different locations for 3 weeks extra for house to house and then transit to holiday. It is only on January 2 that we shall welcome them back as we start the journey for the last year of their studies. Keep us in your prayers as you share this report with others.

I will not share report again until I return from Nigeria.

God bless you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director of BVBIC- Wotutu