BVBID Graduation Is This Week...

The Bear Valley Bible Institute will graduate another class of students in Denver. The men who have completed this program have exemplified the qualities necessary to prepare themselves for the ministry. As they leave the Denver location to go into their various areas of work, we ask that you pray for them and the work they will do in the Lord’s kingdom.

One of the beauties of seeing a group of men complete their studies and enter the work is that another class will begin in just a few months. Another class will come to Denver in August to begin their journey in preparation for ministry in the kingdom of our God. The August class is typically a large group of men. As such, there are challenges to getting the support needed to help them through the next two years. Again, we ask you to be praying for them as they plan to move to Denver and begin their studies.

Other locations are also preparing for graduation. The second class of men in Honduras are nearing their graduation the end of this month. We will have more information about the graduation and the areas of work where they will be involved in the weeks ahead. As we have mentioned before, this will be the last class for the school in Honduras. In the future, recruits will travel to Guatemala for training.

The development of each group of students around the world is exciting. The reports this week add credibility to the need for this work. I love reading how God is giving the increase and increasing the outreach to the lost.

Now on to the other 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/

Donnie Bates’ latest report can be read here.

Extension Reports 

Marriage Of Two Kinds In Cameroon: Cameroon shares news about a spiritual marriage to the Lord and another couple who marry each other.

Giant Simbas And Teaching Ministry: The story out of Chimala is exciting when learning about seeing lions while out preaching and teaching.

Classes Begin Monday At WCSOP: The West Coast School of Preaching continues to train men to preach the gospel, as a new quarter is beginning this week.

Meeting Produces Plans For The Future: The Southwest School of Evangelism in Nigeria is planning for the future growth of the church in Nigeria.

Ukrainian Church Is Spreading: Among the churches of Christ in Europe, the work of the church in Ukraine is showing the power of the gospel.

What A Joy It Is: The work in Arusha, Tanzania is showing the hand of God blessing the efforts of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.  

Final Thoughts
With each passing week, I grow more grateful for the opportunity to be involved with training preachers. I also know the reason this is possible is because of your generosity. Thank you for your trust and confidence in the Bear Valley Bible Institute in training men to preach the gospel. The Extension program is just a part of the whole in fulfilling the Great Commission. Thank you for all you do.

God bless
Bob

Preparing For A New Journey...

We are nearing the end of last quarter of studies in Denver and with it comes graduation. The students who are completing their journey at Bear Valley are simply taking a step into another journey. The new journey will be one of ministry in the Lord’s Kingdom. The fruit of their labor will save lost souls, strengthen the church, and encourage growth to maturity. We are all looking forward to hearing reports of their success in the future.

The reports from various locations within the extension program carries the same news. The excitement increases week after week in reading about the growth of God’s Kingdom as students continue to study and prepare for the work of ministry. The good being done around the world helps us see the bigger picture of God’s incredible power working through His people to fulfill His purpose.

Hearing reports about the nature of the economy in this country is just a reminder of how easily people become focused on the temporal things of this life. No matter what happens with the economy, the rise or fall of countries, or the leadership ushered into power, the task before the church is the same. We have a mission. It is not our mission, but God’s mission and when our focus is on carrying out this great task we can know our God is in control. He will always equips and provides His people with what is needed to succeed.

It is now up to us! Let us be busy about our Father’s business.

Now on to the other 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/

Howell Ferguson’s latest report can be viewed here.

Steven Ashcraft’s latest report about West Africa can be seen by clicking here.

Wes Autrey’s latest report about the work in Cambodia is here:

Extension Reports 

The Power Of The Gospel Changes The Most Unlikely: The report from Cameroon shows how the gospel has the power to change even the most unlikely.

Changing Hearts And Lives In Guatemala: The work in Guatemala is bringing lives together in marriage and souls to Christ in salvation.

The Program Expands In Uganda: Several wives in Uganda are receiving training in God’s word to help prepare them for training women in local congregations.

A Trip To The US And Back: After returning to Ghana, Tony Johnson is busy in the work of training leaders, establishing a new congregation, and helping children.

Events Center To Be Dedicated: The Southwest School of Evangelism in Nigeria is set to dedicate a new Events Center for the work of training preachers.

The Baptistry Is Ready: The work in Paraguay is growing. The Asunción Bible Academy is training students and the Sacramento Avenue congregation has a new baptistry.

Safari For Souls Is Underway In Tanzania: The first guests are set to arrive and participate in the annual Safari for Souls in Arusha, Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
I continue to receive notes of personal encouragement with the passing of my father. We are making adjustments to how we live on a daily basis, but I know that God is helping us through the challenges we face. Sheryl and I are very thankful to be working with the greatest people on earth. Thank you for your compassion and encouragement. We will never be able to express adequately how much you mean to us and all you have done to help us through this time of loss. We give thanks to our God for each of you.

God bless
Bob

With All My Heart, I Thank You...

Words cannot express how grateful I am for your words of encouragement since the passing of my father just over a week ago. Your words have been a great source of strength during a very difficult time. My mother continues to struggle with the loneliness of not having dad around and I am thankful to be able to be here with her. I know she would greatly appreciate your prayers as she learns how to move forward without the presence of her husband of 60 years.

I have been working to keep up with the development of the various locations of extension training for the past week. The reports contain wonderful news about the development in each location. Learning about the maturation of the students and their efforts to share the gospel within their countries is a constant source of encouragement. The increase God gives strengthens our faith in His power to work through the power of the Word.

I know you will be encouraged this week with the news from around the world. 

Now on to the other 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/

Extension Reports 

Souls Added In Cameroon: Recent mission work in several villages near Wotutu, Cameroon has brought forth fruit in several souls added to the kingdom.

Diary Of A Recent Trip In Nepal: Gajendra Deshar, along with a few others, visited graduates and was involved in recruiting future students for NCBS.

The Reward Of Preaching The Gospel: The Southwest School of Evangelism in Ibadan, Nigeria shares the rewards that come from preaching the gospel.

Life Is Always Good On The Mission: Chad Wagner’s report looks at the latest events around the Chimala Mission.

I Love Tanzania Because: The reasons for loving the work in Tanzania are many, but Cy Stafford shares a few of the wonderful reasons. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you again for all you do in support of the Extension program, your involvement in the overall development, and your prayers for my family. I am thankful to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and a spiritual family that continues to provide encouragement. You truly make it possible to survive even the darkest valley.

God bless
Bob

A Few Thoughts About A Godly Father...

A mixture of emotions surrounds this week’s report. Not because of the reports that have been given, but because of the passing of my father. There are moments I am sad and happy, at the same time; moments when I feel confused, yet knowing the great reward he enjoys. Everything he stood for, lived for, and awaited with great anticipation is now the reality he enjoys. I would like to take a moment and give a short tribute to him. 

I was blessed to have such a godly man as the major influence in my life growing up. I cannot remember a time when I did not see him with his Bible close at hand. If there was ever a man who lived in and by the Word of God, it was him. For the past 30+ years he has read the New Testament through once every month and the Old Testament through twice each year. He not only memorized the Bible, he knew it and lived it.

He was a preacher, teacher, the best one-on-one personal worker I have ever known, father, grandfather, husband and friend. I give thanks for the great victory he has achieved and look forward to being with him again one day. He left this world with the riches of family, friends, and loved ones too many to count. 

I do not know how many people will be in heaven because of the incredible personal work he has done, but it will be many. I know I am certainly who I am today because of him. I hope to pass along the same legacy to my children. Thank you for your prayers.

Now on to the other 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/

Extension Reports 

A Great Week In Cameroon: The work by students in Cameroon continues to show the power of God’s hand with the graduates and current students of CBIW.

Stewardship Seminar Brings Unity In Togo: A recent seminar in Togo helps develop unity among the congregations participating in this event.

Dedication Of Events Hall To Come: Thanks to the great work of Doug Wheeler in Nigeria, a new events hall in Southwest School of Evangelism will be dedicated to him.

Reports From Students Of USOE Show Growth: Graduates from the Uganda School of Evangelism show growth in the local congregations.

A Special Note Of Thanks: More news if forthcoming from Guatemala. This note is one of special gratitude.

Maturing The Lord’s Church In Tanzania: As the goals continue to be met in Arusha, the Lord’s church continues to mature.

This Won’t Be In The Report, Will It? The children in the Gee family have learned the importance of being careful of what they say. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for all you do for the extension work. As we close this week, it is exciting to know the work we are all involved with is making an eternal difference. You are all a blessing to the work of our Lord, and to me personally. Thank you.

God bless
Bob

Another Incredible Week In The Extension Program...

The reports this week are plentiful and they are rich with God’s hand giving the increase around the world. There is a great level of excitement in reading about the mission of God as it is being fulfilled week after week. The activities of the staff and students in various locations around the world continually demonstrates the presence of God in all places at the same time. Our God is active in providing the growth of the church through the proclamation of the gospel.

This week in Denver students are focusing on a time of research. They are given an opportunity to dig deeper into the assignments and prepare for the final thrust of the quarter leading up to graduation. Witnessing the excitement of the Seniors who are approaching the finish line of their training is such a blessing. We look forward to reporting more about their work in the future.

Since there are a number of reports this week, I encourage you to read about the work for yourself. I appreciate the time you take each week to read through the various works being done through Extension Training. Without your hand to provide what is needed for each of these areas, the work would not be possible. Thank you.

Now on to the other 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/

To read the latest report from Howell Ferguson, please click here.

To read the latest report from Gary Fallis, please click here.

Extension Reports 

Two Deaths: One Spiritual And One Physical: The work in Cameroon experienced the physical death of one member and the spiritual death and rebirth of a new member. 

Wives’ Seminar In Cameroon: The church in Wotutu, Cameroon is going to host a seminar for the wives in the church. The benefit to the work overall will be significant.

Campaign In Ghana Brings Souls To Christ: A recent campaign with the staff and students of the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi yields fruit.

Master’s Class Graduates In VVBC: The Visakha Valley Bible College hosted the first Master’s Class Graduation in Visakhapatnam, India.

A Peaceful Election In Kenya And Classes Begin: Kenya recently held presidential elections. Amidst the possibility of problems, everything was peaceful and classes have started.

Two Souls Added To The Church In Nigeria: As staff and students alike preach and teach the gospel, God is giving the increase as souls are obedient to the Word.

A Ladies Class Will Benefit Upcoming Lectureship: The ladies in Uganda have been asking to have classes for them and this year the annual lectureship will feature those classes.

Combination Campaign And Recruiting Tour In Nepal: Although the students are on a three week break, staff members are busy in a campaign and recruiting for the next class.

The Truth Will Set You Free: The words of Jesus are proving true as the church continues to grow, witnessing those in error changing their practices in Tanzania.

Hi-ho, Hi-ho...You Know The Rest: Or do you? The students are returning to school at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Another incredible week! The dedication of those who are working around the world makes the entire Extension Program worthwhile. The results are evident and the power of God’s hand continues to work in wonderful ways. It is an honor to stand beside these men and share in the work of training future leaders in the Lord’s kingdom. 

God bless
Bob