Evangelism Is A Family Ordeal In The Gee Family...

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters,

“BE DILIGENT to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of Truth” (II Timothy 2:15). Edith Kincaid sure left a lot of follow-up work to do! :) Loveness (a Personal Evangelism graduate) will continue teaching Rose with whom Edith began lessons. It’s great to see the fruit from this seminar!

NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE the ability of young people. Lindsey is continuing to teach two young ladies (ages 21 and 16) named Neema and Theresia (not the same Theresia mentioned before) with whom Edith studied. Theresia’s father was killed a few months ago while guarding a jewelry wholesaler. Lindsey studied with the girls four afternoons this past week.

YESTERDAY, Abigail had two separate Bible studies with Grace, age 15 ( Lutheran) and Jane, age 13, whose family is Catholic. The topics taught were the Existence of God and the Authority of the Bible. 

ROSEMARY, (a Christian of 10 months) taught our mid-week Ladies Bible class on Proverbs 7. Beginning this week, our Bible study will be on Thursday evenings instead of Wednesday due to some work schedules.

IT WAS OUR PRIVILEGE to have Bob Turner (Bear Valley Extension Coordinator) visit to meet with Cy Stafford, Jimmy and the entire ACSOP faculty to discuss the curriculum and possible future vocational projects (aimed at helping graduates become self-supporting). The students were also blessed to hear Bob speak on “Leadership.” Bob has left and we are thankful he had returned home safely.

DRESSED IN THEIR SPIRITUAL OVERALLS with their sleeves rolled up, Cotton Box and Gene Davis usually “hit the ground running,” ready to labor in the Lord’s vineyard in Tanzania. After arriving on October 25th, they will be working with David Bayi in Kioga for several days before traveling to Ushirombo to help Yusuph Mdaki with evangelism in that area.

“NEVER A DULL MOMENT.”  Due to our large family, people often smile and say the afore-mentioned phrase. Yesterday, five-year-old Elijah was tipping the water filter over to get some water (in his mouth and not in a cup!) when the entire top and bottom fell, spilling water into the dining room and in the living room under my computer desk.

YOU CERTAINLY CAME THROUGH! We express our sincere gratitude to all who contributed to a new generator for the ACSOP. Since our electricity is not always reliable, a generator is a necessity in order to run the school. One man, who wishes to remain anonymous, contributed HALF the purchase price. Contributions total $20,950 leaving a balance of only $2,050! As soon as we get that amount we will make the purchase and get it installed.

“WE GIVE THANKS to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ…”(II Thess. 1:2-3).   

In Christian Love, 
The Jimmy Gee family

East Africa Schools Complete The Journey...

As I write this week’s report, I am completing my trip in East Africa. Over the past week I have been privileged to visit two locations in Tanzania where the Bible Institute shares in the work of training men to preach the gospel: Chimala and Arusha.

The Chimala Bible Institute (CBI) is part of the Chimala Mission under the oversight of the New York Avenue congregation in Arlington, Texas. The Mission also hosts a hospital, along with a primary and secondary education program. CBI (formerly the Chimala Bible College and the Chimala School of Preaching) became the umbrella of both schools that were involved in training men to preach in Swahili and English.

The school has 26 men enrolled who are preparing themselves for the great work of teaching others about Jesus. In just a few weeks the Chimala Bible Institute will graduate 12 of these men, seven from the Swahili program and five from the English. The staff of the Bible Institute is continuing their efforts to recruit students for the next class which promises to be even larger. You can read more about the Chimala Bible Institute and watch some video footage on their web-page.

It was a great blessing to be in Chimala. I was encouraged to meet the staff and students. We met several times to visit about the work and ways we can improve the overall program in the months and years ahead.

The last part of the trip was spent at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Arusha (ACSOP), Tanzania. The ACSOP is a work of the Kensington Woods congregation in Hattiesburg, MS. The TZ2000 work is under the direction of Cy Stafford. Cy and the staff of the school have been preparing men to preach the gospel in the northern section of Tanzania for the past 14 years. 

The Andrew Connally School is only part of the TZ2000 work. The efforts to help the kingdom grow are also connected to the Moshi Bible School and the Arusha Bible School. Both of these efforts are connected to congregations planted by the work several years back. These schools have also been instrumental in providing students for the school of preaching. The development of the work in the ACSOP has played a significant role in the planting and growth of more than 100 congregations in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

I urge you to look at the depth of information about the ACSOP on their web-page. Having opportunity to meet with the staff and students these past few days continues to strengthen the bond we share in this work. I have admired the work of the Stafford’s and the TZ2000 team for several years. I look forward to the years ahead. 

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

Extension Reports 

Opportunities Grow In Cameroon: A new PA system, transportation and growth in the congregation increase the opportunities in Cameroon.

Graduation And New Class Begins At WCSOP: Graduation is quickly approaching in Takoradi, Ghana. As well, a new class begins in training men to preach in West Africa.

English And Kiswahili Classes In Uganda: Francis Wechesa shares the latest information about the two programs training men to preach at the Uganda School of Evangelism.

A Tribute In Ghana: A beautiful tribute in Ghana provides a beautiful backdrop to the description of the work in West Africa.

Flight To Mbeya Aids The Work In Chimala: Garry Hill’s report about the work in Chimala shows the benefit of flying into Mbeyha for those traveling to the Mission.

Twenty New Students Begin In Togo: The program continues to grow and show great progress at the Center For Biblical Studies in Kpalime, Togo.

The Joy And Blessing Of God’s Kingdom: This week’s report from Cy Stafford highlights the joy and blessing of being a part of God’s kingdom.

Two In One And Even More From Arusha: Jimmy Gee combines two reports in one and a whole lot more about the work in Arusha. 

Final Thoughts

It has been one incredible week. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be involved in this work. I am encouraged by the sacrifices made by so many to train men to preach the gospel. I have now had opportunity to see each of the 15 locations where Bear Valley is able to share in the work of Extension Training.

I know this is possible because of so many of you. Thank you for your love of the Lord, your desire to see the kingdom grow, and understanding the urgency of reaching the lost with the gospel of Christ.

I pray you know those who are involved in this work are serving faithfully in this task.

God bless
Bob

Opportunities Grow In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

I bring greetings from the staff, students and the entire Wotutu congregation. I do hope you are doing great in your endeavors, mostly in the line of nurturing and saving souls. It is 6: 45 pm here in Cameroon and our worship was great. We give glory to God for all that we do.

Many thanks to God for Sister Miriam Ike as she accepted the gospel in the cause of the week. She came to my office and told me I am ready to be baptized after two years of worshipping with the Wotutu congregation but refused to be baptize, claiming her sprinkling stuff that she took in Presbyterian was correct. I encouraged her not to worry much but let her continue to worship and study. So finally our student preacher, Nsong Eddie Nelson, baptized her to put on Christ. Join us with the host of angels to rejoice with us. We are thankful to God for the ability He gave us to steal from the strong man’s house. Keep her in your prayers so that most of her family members will follow her footsteps. She is the first to get baptize in a family of 8.

The week was a great one as usual in CBIW. All of our school programs went on well. Our weekly theme was BE TRANSFORMED (ROM 12:1-2). This was aimed at helping both the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation to know that as they eat food to grow in size physically they too need to grow spiritually, and to keep themselves from anything that will disturb their spirituality. Let people see Christ in us in all locations.

Evangelism remains top on our agenda in the week because we think souls and we are always ready to rob from the strong man’s house. Our students went to Tole village in a tea farm with house to house evangelism. They don’t allow any stone upturned with the gospel. We shall invest more time in Tole now as our tools for evangelism are here, like a powerful PA system generator etc. Keep our vision in your prayers to breakthrough and rescue perishing souls.

The Wotutu congregation held Bible studies this morning. We had a wonderful time with one another. We had 6 first time visitors in our worship who expressed great insight on the New Testament way of worship away from Pentecostalism. The total population in worship this day was 114 in attendance. I appreciate God for all He is doing in our congregation here in Wotutu. We shall install our PA system and we shall be broadcasting our worship, devotions and Bible studies which will allow our voices far from our church hall. Many that we cannot see when we our out for evangelism will be able to hear the saving message loud and clear in their homes. Keep this plan in your prayers.

As the Lord is adding souls in His vine yard He is also blessing families in His body with children. Three consecutive times my report has always carried pictures of a new born baby in the family of the church. Sister Mercy brought her new born baby girl into the church today for prayers. She had a safe delivery. Keep them with the falling brother in your prayers.

I exhorted the church about her life and her devotions to the Lord that many should emulate. I exhorted the church from the book of 1 Samuel 1:10-11, that we should remain steadfast in our doing. It is a problem in Africa if a sister is married and cannot conceive a child, It leads to many problems. That is why if God blesses a sister there is great joy in the family and in the family of God. The church contributed soap and gave it to the family.

PLANS
Our mission campaign to Batoke village is in progress as we are almost done with all the planning.

We are still studying the invitation given to us by Muyuka church of Christ to come over and help for 4 days. We pray to God for the means to go so that we can go and help the church there from the 27^th -30^th . The same invitation awaits us in November 24^th -27^th  to Mbalangi church of Christ for our annual Bible lectureship for the churches of Christ in Cameroon. It is always a big event and we pray by His grace to be part of it to help and also expose our school and what we are doing. Our presence will be great and our students too will benefit from the gathering.

APPRECIATION
Many thanks to you, your family and the entire family of God where you worship for all your  prayers and support to keep our dreams going. Our prayer for you is that God will replenish and continue His wonderful blessings in your life and the lives of those close to you. Keep this work in your prayers and continue to stand by us it is bearing fruits, to God be the glory.

Pray the more:
Brother Ayaubo is still sick. We are still there for him but it is not easy with the means.

One of our students, a French speaking brother Mbappe Guy Ekoulle, was dismissed from CBIW because he was unable to uphold the standards of the Bible and the rules of the school. We pray he will repent fully and later on think about his preaching calling.

Thanks very much and may God bless you as you share this report with others to know what is happening here in CBIW and Cameroon as a whole. Stay strong in the Lord.

Evangelist Elangwe and family
By His grace and Director CBIW

The Joy And Blessing Of God's Kingdom...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

What a joy it is to be part of God’s family and to know we will be with one another forever in the life to come. What a promise from our Lord, that He has gone to prepare a place for us. Heaven should be on our hearts and minds often, giving us the hope and faith to overcome the trials and tribulations of this life. We take great comfort knowing we have friends and family like you, praying and supporting God’s work here in Tanzania. Thank you all so very much!

Today was a very special day in Arusha. We were blessed with a great lesson in Bible class on the topic of God, His names and what they mean to Christians, followed by a most powerful sermon on Heaven. Bob Turner, Director of the Bear Valley Bible Institute Extension program was God’s evangelist who blessed us this day. Seven responded to the invitation asking for prayers for stronger faith, help on ones journey to Heaven, etc. Thank you Bob Turner, may our God continue to bless you in your life and work.

We are so excited about the upcoming graduation at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching on November 26th. This year we are thankful to have Dr. Earl Edwards from Freed Hardeman University coming to teach 1 & 2 Corinthians the week before graduation. He will also be our guest speaker during the graduation of 15 evangelist. Yes, we are indeed a blessed people.

Please remember in your prayers Edith Kinkaid (Jimmy’s great aunt) and Trina’s mother Rita who will be flying out tonight heading back to the States. Edith has been conducting 3 or 4 personal Bible Studies almost every day for the past two weeks. Souls have obeyed the Gospel, many have been encouraged and the Church has grown because our dear sister in Christ, a great lady of faith who cared! What an example of faith and putting God first in ones life (Matthew 6.33). 

Also, remember Cotton Box and Gene Davis as they make their way over on the 24th of this month. They will engage in personal Bible studies with David Bayi at Kioga and also will make the long trip to Ushirombo (100 miles south of Lake Victoria) to work with Yusuph Madaki and the Lord’s Church in that area. We thank Cotton and Gene for their continued support and involvement in God’s mission work through “Tanzania 2000 missions”. They, and many others, who have joined us over the years making God’s mission work what it is today.

UPDATE: We have received $5,950 toward the much needed generator for the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, $17,705 remaining. A very special thank you to all who have donated for this need.

We wish you all a great week of service to Him and His. We continue to offer up prayers on your behalf, knowing God is able.  

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Twenty New Students Begin In Togo...

We have twenty students in the new class. The classes began on September 12. The students are very regular to the course. The courses begin during the mornings about 8 am to 12:30 pm and in the evening about 3 pm and ending at 5:15 pm Monday to Friday, except Wednesday evening doesn't have class. Every morning an early devotion is done by the students about 7:30 am to 7:50 am. The are six teachers, three teachers come from afar: Lome, Tsevie, Avetonou, and the other three are in Kpalime.  

The new place where we make the courses is a quiet place. A big number of the students are lodged there, and some live with me in the former place. Our device for the photocopy has serious problems. Every time one makes the maintenance so that the copies improve. The number of the students is raised and the courses are big volumes. Some time I miss to make the copies to the students, or I must wait until the arrival of Willie Gley to make the copies of the lessons for the teachers and for the students, and of other things again.

The Center misses the kitchen where the students should prepare their food. They buy every day food that sells near the road to eat. In the first month, the half of the students suffered from some illnesses. They have been treated at the hospital.

The program of evangelism:
Evangelism to establish the new congregations continues. After evangelizing Kpadape and Kpele-beme we programmed to continue evangelism in Kusuntsu in September since Willie had not come in Togo, and we reported evangelism on the 27^th to October 30^th. The eight evangelists work hard for the development of the church in the region. A new congregation is to begin in Aveho-toughbli with seven members and their evangelist is Ahanyaboe Afatawo Clement.

Concerning the evangelists, the major problem that I have is the help that was given them every month until now didn't come anymore in this month of September, and this help was twenty five thousand francs and some cannot pay their expenses of renting.

For the first part of the first year, I planned ten subjects for the bases for the beginning. A teacher has 40 hours to teach a subject.

Cephas