Second Greatest Work On Earth...

Training men to preach the gospel has to be the second greatest work on earth, second only to the actual preaching of the gospel. For the past two years I have been privileged to see the growth and development of the work in Extension Training. As students are being trained in the sound doctrine of the faith, they are extending the gospel to various villages and cities around the world. Souls are saved, wayward brethren restored, congregations edified, Christians around the world are encouraged, and God is glorified through the work.

The work involves many levels and faces numerous challenges. With each passing day, we continue to resolve various issues to help make the overall operation of the program better. In a few weeks the stateside staff of the Extension Program will meet to discuss ways we can help the program become more effective in training men to preach. I ask you to pray for us as we discuss these matters.

The reports this week continue to demonstrate the growth and success of the program. God is blessing our efforts and we give thanks. As the program develops in the years ahead we are going to face a number of challenges. This is where you come in. Please share the report each week with others. Send me their e-mail address and I will add them to the list to receive the report. 

Be praying about the need for overseeing congregations to get involved with additional schools. Please pray for the economy of our country so additional funds are available to develop the work in these new locations. If you would like to know more about these areas, please drop me an e-mail at bturner@bvbid.org.

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 recently returned from both Guatemala and Honduras. His report explains the details of these trips.

Extension Reports 

Writing Exams And Extending The Gospel In Cameroon: While the students finish another quarter of study, their efforts to preach the gospel continues to bear fruit.

Beta Class Prepares To Begin: A new class is set to begin their studies in Honduras. With this new class comes opportunities to reach more souls.

Center For Biblical Studies Is Changing Lives: The work of the students in converting entire denominations emphasizes the lives being changed with the preaching of the gospel in Togo.

House To House and Public Preaching In Uganda: Uganda was host of a gospel meeting last week and the work went from house to house and public. 

Final Thoughts
There are only a few months left in the year, or so it would seem. As quickly as the first eight months of the year have flown by, I know the remaining four months will go even more quickly. Nearing the end of the year will bring planning for the year ahead.

I pray you all know how vital you are to this work. You are needed. Thank you for being so supportive of our efforts. Thank you for being involved in training men to preach. 

God bless
Bob

Weekend In New England...

Over the past weekend I had opportunity to speak in a lectureship at the Northern Valley Church of Christ in Lancaster, New Hampshire. The lectureship was a great experience and success. I was encouraged with the organization and participation of all involved with this event. It was a true honor to share in this event. The church in the Northeast part of the country greatly needs sound men who are willing to work in teaching the gospel. 

The development of men throughout the Extension Program has been successful in spreading the news of Jesus in many countries around the world. Our efforts are desperately needed within the U.S. also. There are parts of this country with the same need for sound doctrine. The New England states certainly fall into this category.

I ask you to be praying with me for the needs of men to preach the gospel in this country, as well as, the countries where we are preparing men to preach. The reports this week relate the need for men to go with the gospel to places throughout their countries where people need to hear the message.

As the population of the world approaches seven billion people, the need will continue to grow. The time is now for us to step up to answer the commission of the Lord to go into all the world with the gospel. The need is great! Jesus said the laborers are few. His words are just as true today. You are needed to help meet the task at hand. If you would like to know more about how you can help meet the need, please contact me at bturner@bvbid.org.

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

Josh Austin shares news in his report about the work in Cameroon and the challenges of raising support for the work of a coordinator.

Extension Reports 

Focal Point In Cameroon Is Bearing Fruit: The focal point of the work in Cameroon continues to see souls added and restored to the kingdom.

50th Anniversary - John Oppon Gaidoo: 50 years ago, John Oppon Gaidoo began preaching the gospel in Ghana, West Africa. Daniel Asiamah from Takoradi was involved with this event.

2nd Graduation In Nigeria: The school in Abakaliki, Nigeria recently finished the second class of students. Chad Wagner was able to be there for the celebration.

Preparing For East Africa Gospel Meeting: The week ahead in Uganda will be focused on the East Africa Gospel Meeting. Brethren will be attending from all over the Eastern Region.

Living Examples In Arusha: Thanks to the efforts in Safari For Souls, Christians in Tanzania are proving to be living examples of the work. 

Final Thoughts
My final thoughts express the words of Paul. I give thanks upon my every remembrance of you. My heart is filled with joy when I consider all the ways each of you have chosen to be involved in this work. There will always be work ahead for us to do. I am thankful to know we are working together to accomplish this task.

I pray for you and ask you to pray with me for the future of the work in Extension Training. I know God will continue to bless our efforts to His glory.

Thank you for the kind and encouraging words, your prayers, financial support, and the sacrifices you make to keep the work progressing.

God bless
Bob

Challenges Of Raising Support For Coordinator...

Two-thirds of this month we were on the road trying to raise support. The Lord was good to us. We had safe travels and met friends, family and great brethren. The only real difficulty we had was the kids getting food poisoning for several days. Aaliyah also had a foot injury while playing with one of the kids we were staying with. That has been bruised and swollen for about a week, but thankfully a brother in Christ, who is a doctor, took some x-rays and said that there were no breaks. The children did great considering how long we were on the road and how many different places we stayed.

We went from Denver to Wichita, KS and stayed with my brother and his family. I was able to meet with two new congregations there. Then we went to Tulsa, OK and stayed with the Clayton family who has faithfully supported us for years. We were able to meet with the congregation they attend. While in Tulsa, the Comers, who are some good friends of ours from school, came from Arkansas to meet us. We then went to Oklahoma City to meet up with the Schinnerer’s, who are also good friends from school.

For the next two days we were in Stratford, OK. This is where I have a lot of family members. It was good to have time with them. The next leg took us to Dallas, TX. We worshipped with the Cold Springs congregation in the morning and the Waxahachie congregation in the evening. It was so good to see these familiar faces and then meet some new ones. The Dobson’s housed us on Sunday night and then we drove to Waco, TX to meet some generous brethren that have known us from the days of the Rez, but we really didn’t know them. Getting to know the Donaho family and sister Corley was such and encouragement to us.

Tuesday we made our way to Hico, TX. These brethren have supported us since Bear Valley. They had a special dinner where nearly 40 people were in attendance to have fellowship with our family. That really showed a lot of love; and once again we were encouraged.

Wednesday night we met with a new congregation in Lancaster, which showed a lot of love and generosity towards our family and the work we are now involved in. Thursday was wonderful as we spent the night with the Craytons. We met them at Polishing the Pulpit about 5 years ago. They are always uplifting to be with.

The next three days we stayed with the Stephens family. It was so good to get to know this family better and to see the good works they are doing in the Lord’s kingdom. It was a nice break before our long trip back home. Sunday we worshipped with the Decatur church and then on to Weatherford to worship with the North Main church. This is a very mission minded church. We appreciate all the McKay’s did to help us meet this church. We are thankful for their hospitality and generosity.

Monday we drove about 6 hours to visit some good friends from Bear Valley. The Roach’s are doing a good work near Farwell, TX. We valued our time there. Lots of catching up as our families continue to grow. The next day we drove long and hard to finally make it back to Denver.

The Lord blessed us richly on this trip. Relationships were renewed with so many loved ones and so many new relationships were forged. We praise God for this great opportunity. It was not the easiest trip, but it was a trip filled with so much giving, encouragement and love.

We want all of you who housed us, fed us, gave to us, taught us, prayed for us, encouraged us and loved us to know that you are in our prayers and we are putting these experiences on paper so we do not forget how the Lord works through His body the church.

As most of these congregations must meet with mission committees and elderships to decide budgets, we will not know the outcome of our support until the end of the year. We pray that we are able to become a part of these congregations. Our prayer is that God will place the right congregations together with us in this work of training preachers in their own countries to go into all the world.

PLEASE GO TO THE BEAR VALLEY WEBSITE AND READ MORE ABOUT TRAINING PREACHERS THROUGH EXTENSION SCHOOLS: http://www.wetrainpreachers.com/extension- news/tag/cameroon

You will also be able to read all of the past reports from Cameroon and any other school connected with Bear Valley.

Josh

What I Love About The Weekly Report...

Classes began today at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. BVBID is starting the 46th year of training men to preach. It is exciting to share in the opening chapel celebration as new students enter the program. Over the next few weeks several schools around the world will also begin the next class of students preparing themselves for the greatest work on earth, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There are several updates this week. A few are specifically from coordinators and the others are from the men who are serving on the ground in various locations. I know I have said it before, but it encourages and excites me to read about the work so many are involved with in the Lord’s kingdom. 

I love reading about the work of students who are evangelizing the various villages and communities near their school.

I love reading about the commitment and dedication of Christian men and women who work hard to share the gospel with others.

I love reading about the future plans for growth and development of new congregations where the students will be laboring.

I love reading about the cooperative efforts of Christians in the U.S. and in Africa who are able through e-mail to connect to strengthen the hands of others in fulfilling the Lord’s work.

I love reading about the efforts made to overcome a variety of challenges met on a week to week basis in the Extension Program.

I love reading about the grateful hearts of fellow-laborers who know the value of the sacrifices made by many of you to help make the work fruitful.

I love knowing we are working together with congregations throughout the U.S. and around the world in lifting up the hands of faithful men who will teach others the gospel.

I love sharing the reports with you and I believe you will love reading about this information and much more in this week’s report.

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 sent his monthly report about the work he has been doing with the school in Danli, Honduras.

Howell Ferguson reports on the work he has been involved with over the last month. His article can read by clicking here. 

Extension Reports 

My Life As A Mirror: The lessons in chapel are benefiting the students and the community as others are attending this time of worship in Cameroon.

Roll The Gospel Chariot: The work of preaching the gospel ties into a children’s song and the reality of the work in Chimala.

Updating The Work... The Ghanaian Way: Steven Ashcraft recaps the work in Tamale and in Togo in this month’s report.

A Successful First Year And Prospective Future: The recent graduation in Tamale is only the foundation for the work of the future in Ghana.

Limiting Electrical Power, But Not The Power Of God: While the government may limit the electrical power, the power of the gospel is still changing lives in Uganda.

Cooperation To Preach In A Refugee Camp: Working together with Christians in the U.S. and Tanzania is making a difference in preaching the gospel to a refugee camp in Tanzania.

New Converts, New Visitors, New Opportunities: Several areas in Arusha demonstrate the growth possibilities in the work in Tanzania.  

Final Thoughts
These are exciting times with the beginning of a new school year. It is hard to believe how quickly time passes before us. I am so thankful to be involved in this great work and I appreciate the efforts of all who make it possible.

I know I am very repetitive when it comes to expressing my gratitude. I hope you know this is more than just words on a monitor screen. With all of my heart I thank you. 

Thank you for your love for the Lord, the gospel, His church, the lost and for those who are willing to work diligently to most effectively carry out what God has instructed us to do through His word.

There will always be more to follow. I love you with the love of the Lord.

God bless
Bob

Back Home And Classes Ready To Begin At BVBID

Meanwhile, back at home...  Sheryl and I are back in Denver for the start of the 46th year of training men to preach at the Bear Valley Bible Institute. A strong class of men are preparing themselves for a two year journey to equip them for the work of preaching the gospel. With the beginning of the new year in Denver, the Extension Program is also preparing for new classes of incoming students.

With each incoming class of students, I am reminded of the graduates who are working in various locations around the world preaching the gospel. Cy Stafford’s report this week references the fact that more than 90 men have graduated from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Arusha, Tanzania. Think about the difference being made in just one school. 

If the efforts are then multiplied by 15 schools over the years ahead, we are talking 1,350 men preaching the gospel. The exciting part for me is the fact we are growing. We are working to see that more schools are added to the program in the years ahead. Our goal is 75 schools over 50 years. Do the math!

Extension Training is making a difference. As we continue to grow, more souls are being added to the kingdom. The reports below will demonstrate the effectiveness being seen by the men who are still enrolled in school. Our prayer and goal for the future is to maintain records on the work being done by those who graduate from the program and serve in the Lord’s kingdom.

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 

Birthday For One, New Birth For Three More: As brother Elangwe celebrates his birthday, the exciting news of three more souls added to the kingdom rings forth from Cameroon.

Fellowship And Family Demonstrate Growth In Nepal: As the work progresses in Nepal, greater fellowship is extending in God’s family. This is one of the great needs in the work.

Handcuffs, Tears And Joy: The work in Chimala demonstrates the dedication of students to endure even the most difficult of trials. Garry Hill reports on the challenges faced in Tanzania.

A Future Stable And Secure In Ukraine: With the transfer of the building to the church, the future of the work is stable and secure. Dennis reports about the changes with BVBIU.

Students Learn Ways To Provide Support: Francis Wechesa shares news about the students learning ways to provide their own support after graduating.

VBS In Cambodia: Two villages in Cambodia were blessed with good numbers for a recent Vacation Bible School. Chann’s report shares more.

Steps To Growing Autonomous In Cambodia: The contribution of the church toward the recent VBS in Siem Reap and Takam Village demonstrate growth on the part of this young church.

Here I am, Send me: The providential working of God is amazing. Cy Stafford reports on the development of the work in the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. This is an exciting read!

Is It Possible? YES: Jimmy Gee’s report shares how nationals continue to step up and take a leading role in the development of the church in Arusha. With God, all things are possible. 

Final Thoughts
As we move through another week, I search for adequate words to thank you for your support of the Extension Training effort. Without each of you being involved in the specific roles needed, this work would not be fruitful.

I hope you know how much your involvement is appreciated by all. Thank you for your love for the Lord, the lost souls around the world, and your desire to see the church of our Lord and Savior grow. I pray God will richly bless you in your service.

God bless
Bob