It Is About Making A Difference...

Sharing the news about Extension Training with others keeps me excited about the work. I love seeing the encouragement it brings to others and I am encouraged by the willingness of so many great people to get involved in the future of the work.

So far, during July, I have been given opportunity to visit with several congregations about the work we are doing through Extension Training. I cannot put into words how edifying it has been for Sheryl and me to be with those of like mind. 

Please consider how you can be involved in making a difference by fulfilling the Great Commission through Extension Training. There are a number of levels where you are needed. First, we need your prayers. I do not want this idea to ever seem trite, or as if it is the “least” we can do. It is the most important step needed in the success of this work. I thank you for your prayers and plead with you to be praying everyday. Pray for the students, instructors, coordinators, and the various needs within each location.

Second, we need teachers. Every year there are numerous classes being taught around the world as “short courses.” These classes go for two weeks, one class each week. We have a number of subjects and 15 locations to choose from. If you are interested in helping out in this way, please send me an e-mail and we can begin discussing the possibilities.

Third, we need promoters. Each of you receiving this letter can forward it to others. Please share the news about the Extension Training program with others you know. I have seen the way God can powerful work through someone else, once they were informed to the need. God works providentially in ways we cannot imagine and sometimes it was by simply forwarding an e-mail.

Fourth, we need financial assistance. It is the most challenging part of this work. There are monthly and one time needs. If you are interested in supporting a student or helping buy any of the various “one-time” needs within a school, again, drop me a line and I will be glad to give you some of the specific items needed.

Thank you for your consideration of the various ways you can help in this program. If you would like to know more about any one of these areas, please contact me at bturner@bvbid.org. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing how you can get involved in making the difference in the lives of others.

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

Gary and Sarah Fallis recently returned from Cambodia. They were involved in the work of the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap, as well as, working with the local congregations. Gary’s report includes an article from Phanat Ouch (director of the IBISR) and his wife, Sarah, about the work she did with the women.

Extension Reports 

Making Your Calling Sure: The work in Cameroon focuses on helping the students have reassurance, but it also involves continually evangelizing others with the message of Jesus.

Plans For Growth In Takoradi: Steps are being taken to help the West Coast School of Preaching with physical needs of the school and the development of the students.

Numerical Growth Through Campaigns: Cesar shares great news about the recent increase God provided in two campaigns.

Visitors In Nepal: July saw a few visitors from Texas working with the school in Nepal and helping in the work.

Successful Program In Togo Graduation: Willie Gley provided us with a report about the recent graduation in Togo.

Developments In Uganda: Several areas continue to develop with the work in Busia, Uganda. Francis Wechesa shares the events from the past week.

Thank You For Making A Difference In Tanzania: The Safari for Souls Campaign in Arusha is yielding fruit for the Lord. 

Exciting News In Arusha, Tanzania: The Gee report talks about the growth of the church in Arusha. It is worth reading. 

Final Thoughts
Each report this week continues to demonstrate the difference being made around the world through the Extension Program. The reports are exciting and God is being glorified through the work. I am constantly amazed at the growth God is giving to efforts of so many.

I hope you all know how important your role is in the development and growth of this work. Cy Stafford said it best when he wrote; “thank you for making a difference.” You truly are making an eternal difference in the lives of so many folks around the world. Thank you.

God bless
Bob

Messages Worth Sharing...

Although we are moving into the summer throughout the U.S. there continues to be growth and progress in the work throughout many parts of the world. It is encouraging to read about the work among the schools where men are training to preach, as well as, the campaigns where many are teaching the gospel and God is giving the increase.

I continue to be encouraged by the dedication of these men who study all week and then spend their weekends evangelizing areas around the school, or in villages where they live. Our God is blessing those who are serving in His kingdom. I have heard it presented that we may not see the magnitude of our labors are in this life. This could very well be true. However, God seems to know how to keep us encouraged by allowing us to share in the fruit that is being born through the work of Extension Training.

We had opportunity to visit a congregation in Branson, Missouri yesterday. The preacher, Tim Kidwell, referenced business cards for the congregation and asked all who were visiting to take these cards with them. The purpose was to encourage the large number of visitors who were visiting various areas of Branson to take cards and hand them out to everyone. To date they have distributed over 8,000 cards. I was impressed, took a stack of cards and thought, this is exactly what we need to do with the weekly Extension report. So, I am encouraging each of you to share the report with everyone you know.

As I visit with various congregation about the work of the Extension program, I love adding more people to the list who want to read about this work. I urge you to share the report with others and if you know of anyone who would like to receive the report, please send me their e-mail address and I will see they receive it each week.

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 reports about the work and need in Chimala. Please take time read about the Chimala Mission and the Bible Institute working in the southern part of Tanzania.

Donnie Bates recently returned from Honduras. His report shares information about the situation in Danli.

Extension Reports 

The Lord Adds To The Church In Cameroon: Even though the students have returned home for a short break, the work continues and God adds to the church through the evangelistic efforts in Cameroon.

Fruit Born In Honduran Campaign: This may be a short report, but the news is long on greatness concerning the growth in a recent campaign.

Returning Home: The students are returning to their homes to plant crops in Tamale, Ghana and Tony Johnson prepares to return to the U.S. 

Reaching The Lost In East Africa: The work continues to grow in East Africa as several prepare to participate in a large lectureship.

Planting, Watering, And God Gives The Increase: The more I read about the work in Arusha, Tanzania, the more encouraging the information is about the work. Take time to read this powerful report.

Training Africans To Teach Africans: In the midst of this report, the Gee family speaks about the growth in the Arusha congregation taking responsibility in the work. 

A New Class Prepares To Begin: With graduation behind them, the Visakha Valley Bible College prepares students who are beginning the second class of students. 

Final Thoughts
I simply want to close with saying thank you. A common thread throughout the reports each week, and all of these today, is the gratitude expressed by everyone involved in this work. I do not know of anyone involved who takes for granted the value of your sacrifice to make this work possible.

Your sacrifice to help us in the Extension Program is producing fruit around the world. The reports included today show the kind of growth God is supplying through the preaching of the gospel. The men who are going out to preach and teach are equipping themselves adequately to do the work when they finish school.

Please remember them in your prayers. Again, your sacrifice is noticed and appreciated. I pray God will bless you all richly for the gift you have supplied.

God bless
Bob

A Wonderful Week In Extension Training...

Graduation has been completed in most of the schools for this year, except for one in Nigeria, scheduled next month. June was an eventful month as you have read in previous reports. I have since returned home and set out on a month long trip to see personal supporters and talk to others about the work of extension training. I am thankful for the safety of my travels and I am glad to be home. Thank you for your prayers.

After leaving the work in Tamale last Monday, I received an e-mail from Steven Ashcraft and Tony Johnson about the tragic news of a dear sister in Christ who passed away Monday evening. Tony’s report below references this incident. I know they would appreciate your prayers on behalf of the family during this time. Sister Avril was well known and respected for the work she has done throughout Ghana and especially the benefit she brought to the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies.

We are reminded of how brief life is throughout scripture. Times like this remind us further of how quickly life can be taken from us. This is not an isolated situation. There are many around the world who are facing the same challenges. The purpose of the work we are doing in training men to preach the good news of Jesus Christ is helping others learn how to prepare for the time when they leave this earth and stand before our God.

The magnitude of this work cannot be measured by the number of students, classes taken, souls who are added to the kingdom, or any other physical method. Only God is able to measure the benefit of the work around the world where the gospel is being preached and the lives it will touch in the years ahead. I hope you know how much you are sharing in this effort. The support you provide, prayers offered, encouragement given, teaching, and campaigns, all add bricks into this spiritual house being built around the world. Thank you. 

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 reports about his recent trip to Honduras, as they prepare for the next class of students in Danli. 

Extension Reports 

God Gives The Increase Again In Cameroon: David Ballard, who has been teaching two short courses in Cameroon, was instrumental in evangelizing and seeing the fruit of his labors.

Fruitful Labor In Nepal: The work of the students in the Kathmandu area continues to show the fruit of their training. Gajendra reports on the work in Nepal.

Building Registration, Baptism, And Prospective Students: June brought positive results to the work in Gorlovka, Ukraine. Dennis reports about the news at BVBIU.

Triumph And Tragedy In Tamale, Ghana: Tony Johnson shares news of the past week in Ghana. The triumph of graduation and the tragedy of the sudden loss of a sister in Christ.

Progress And Development In Uganda: As the school moves forward with training preachers, the church continues to develop throughout Uganda. Francis Wechesa talks about the needs.

True Heart Of The Tanzanian People...A Must Read: Cy Stafford shares news about the Safari For Souls campaign in Arusha and then a special story of a baptism. I urge you to read this one.

Studies / Campaign Organized And Planned: The Gee Report provides information about the development of more studies and a campaign by the Kisongo congregation.

Long Term Plans In Cambodia: The commitment of leadership in Siem Reap demonstrates what is needed to help the church and school grow into the future. 

Final Thoughts
I was privileged to speak yesterday for a congregation in Jerusalem, Arkansas. All I can say is wow! I have been encouraged in many ways over the years, but this stop has been one of the most encouraging. I love seeing the response when sharing the work of extension training. The interesting part is I feel this way every week when I read these reports.

From one part of the world to another, the reports demonstrate the sacrifice people are willing to make to obey and follow our Savior. The reports share the dedication of the Lord’s people who serve throughout the world. As well, the love for the Lord, the church, and the lost, from those who are doing this work continues to overwhelm me.

I am humbled. Our God is a great God. In the limited years of my life I have been blessed and privileged to read about the way God has demonstrated His power in the lives of so many. I am thankful to share in a small part of this work. Thank you for making this work possible and giving me the opportunity to serve. I love you and pray for you every day.

God bless
Bob

First Graduation Of TIBS (Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies)

“It is not enough just to belong to a church. Let us again proclaim from the housetops the message of the restoration, and lead a crusade of believers back to Christ and to the church of which He is the Builder, Foundation, Head Purchaser and Savior.” These are the words of Daniel Ampidu Asiamah, Director of the West Coast School of Preaching. Brother Asiamah was a keynote speaker in the 2nd Annual Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies Lectureship. His lesson was a look at the past and the need for us to return to the paths that made the church what Christ intended.

The lectureship was just the first day of a weekend full of wonderful activities. Saturday was a day of celebration as the first class in the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies was honored with a graduation ceremony. Fifteen men completed their work over the last two years to reach this special occasion and people from the northern, eastern, western and southern regions of Ghana all came together to honor these men.

The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies began under the direction of the Tamale East and Tamale West congregations, along with Steven Ashcraft, who has served as a missionary / evangelist for the past 6 years in Ghana. Steven now serves as the coordinator for the school in Tamale, as well as, the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi, Ghana. Three men serve as full-time instructors for the school, as well as, the administration for the program. Joseph Okyere Baah serves as the Director of TIBS, Daniel Adjei Mensah serves as the Dean of Students, and Ndakar Jaminja serves as an instructor. These men, along with several short course instructors, have done a great work in training these men for the past two years. 

Four of the students were honored with a special gift for outstanding achievement in specific areas over the last two years. The first was Stephen Abugbilla who received the “Best Servant” award. This award was a special award to the student who demonstrated the most servant like character during his time in school. What a great honor to be recognized for such a Christlike attitude and example to his fellow students.

Stephen Abugbilla also received the “Most Enterprising” award. It was encouraging to listen to the explanation of this award. Stephen came into the program without the greatest skills needed to complete the program. His reading level and skill set were not at the same level as the other students. However, he demonstrated his desire to grow and be a part of this class, even if it meant learning to study in the most “private” of places. This brother finished ahead of several other students because of his enterprising spirit.

Christian Somiretey received the “Best Behaved” award. This award was also a special award for the student who demonstrated the type of behavior that excelled above the other students in this class. To receive such an award speaks highly of the consistency of character recognized by the staff over two years of leaving in the same complex with 14 other men studying together. 

Godfrey Nathan Cann received the “Most Determined” award. Brother Cann was the oldest student in the class. It was noted how he was able to get along so well with the younger students and has always demonstrated the proper respect for the older generation in Ghana. Brother Cann entered the school at an age most would consider too old to be able to carry the work load required and brother Baah stated his concern when brother Cann first applied to the school. He was not sure if he would be able to keep up with the class load. However, he has exemplified the kind of personality and strength of character determined to achieve the goal. His work ethic and persistence paid off. 

Adjei Jacob Yeboah received the “Best Student” award. Jacob was the Prefect (valedictorian) of the class because of his academic achievement over the last two years. He stood out above the other students as a result of his academic level. Jacob was one of the younger students in the class and he was kidded as being single and the women present were told they could apply at the office. All joking aside, this good brother excelled in many ways during the last two years. His academic achievement was just one of those areas. 

Fifteen men who are prepared to enter into the work of the Lord’s kingdom will now begin their efforts to help the church grow. Their diligence and hard work for the last two years is only the beginning. We ask each of you to be praying for these men as they embark upon the task of preaching the gospel in the Northern Region of Ghana. They will face many challenges and will need encouragement and strength from the Lord. I know they would appreciate your prayers.

Sunday was also a special day as the congregations in Tamale and all who had traveled for the lectureship and graduation came together for a united worship of God. It was a time where God was honored and praised. It was also a day of great thanksgiving. More than 200 Christians came together for this time of fellowship and worship. I was honored and privileged to share in this special occasion and look forward to the growth and development of the work in Tamale, as well as, throughout Ghana.

The future of the school looks just as promising. The picture to the right is part of the next group of students entering the program in Tamale. In this picture is Steven Ashcraft (coordinator) and Tony Johnson who has been in Ghana since May 23rd. Tony is teaching a short course this summer for the school and planning to return here next year to work full-time with TIBS. As well, 10 of the 14 students presently enrolled are pictured here.

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 

David Ballard Visits Cameroon: David Ballard has been in Cameroon teaching two short courses for the Bible Institute. Brother Elangwe shares the news and pictures of David’s visit.

Malaria...Reality In The Mission Field: Tony Johnson’s report talks about the realities of dealing with malaria in Tamale. He also shares more of the great work in Ghana.

More Arrive In Arusha And The Work Grows: The Gee Report shares more the great news about the work of those who arrive and participate in the Safari For Souls campaign in Arusha, Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Most of you will receive this as I am flying back to the United States. The past few weeks have been exciting and profitable in continuing to make the necessary adjustments in several locations for future growth.

I am constantly amazed at the sacrifices men around the world are willing to make to prepare themselves for preaching the gospel. I am also encouraged by the administration and staff in each location as they also make great sacrifices to prepare these men. They work diligently and the fruit of their labor is being seen with each class entering the work.

As each of you read the report, I pray you are encouraged and edified by the results of this work. Thank you for your willingness to provide what is necessary to make the extension program successful. In the months ahead I will be writing more about various needs to help upgrade a number of areas within the program. Thank you again.

God bless
Bob

One Great Graduation In Togo

The weekend held one special event as the second class of the Center for Biblical Studies in Kpalime, Togo held their commencement exercises. The class originally began with twelve men, but due to the lack of initial funding, several had to leave. The class of eight men were able to complete the program of study and were honored on Saturday.

Over 400 people assembled, including a number of local officials to share in the excitement of this day. The singing was incredible, the commencement lesson (at least what I could understand from the translation) was inspiring, and the encouragement given from those families who had traveled so far to share in this day made the event exceptional.

I was privileged to hand out the certificates to these eight men who have endured many challenges, worked diligently, and overcome a number of obstacles to complete the courses of the past two years. It was an honor to hand the certificate to David Wama. Brother Wama was converted from a denomination where he was preaching. He was able to convert about half of the congregation where he served previously before the denomination stepped in and evicted him from his home, sued him for past salary and put him in jail until it could be paid. This man is a great example of the dedication to the Lord demonstrated in Togo.

It was interested to be asked why I was doing this work, traveling through the rough / brush area (where were traveling at the time) to Togo when I could be back home in the U.S. All I could think to say was “I just keep thinking about David Wama." After his experience to prepare himself to preach the gospel, how could I not make the journey to share this special day of achievement with him. It was worth the trip!

The picture on the right is one of the students being surrounding by over 20 local preachers in Togo (many who traveled great distances). We were led in prayer by one of these men on behalf of these graduates and the work they were about to begin for the Lord. The excitement of eight new men entering the work of preaching the gospel will have a great impact for the Kingdom.

The school was established by Willie Gley, who actually lives in Accra, Ghana. Willie was instrumental in helping this school get started and grow to where it is today. CBS is under the direction of Cephas Nyemanta. Cephas has been an incredible instrument in the hands of God to convert all eight of these men and assisted four of them in reaching a number of souls who were a part of a denomination in this area. 

Bear Valley was asked to get involved with the work in Togo last year. After visiting the work and seeing what had been accomplished and the plans for the future we were excited and thankful to be involved. The work is under the oversight of the Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ and they have done a wonderful job in helping with the great financial need, as well as, direction for the program.

I am excited to know the future of the school is in very capable hands as the future class (beginning in September) is looking to host 20 students. I ask you to pray about this work and the future of training men to preach the gospel in Togo.

The reports from other locations in the Extension Program are listed below. The news continues to shine as men are being trained, the gospel is being preached, and souls are being saved around the world.

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

Please pray for Gary and Sarah Fallis while they are in Cambodia to work with the school and local congregations. 

Extension Reports 

Campaign To 14+ Villages Produces Fruit: The recent news from Cameroon continues to demonstrate the great work of these students in reaching souls for Christ.

Diary Of The Work In Tamale: Tony Johnson demonstrates his growth and the development of the work in Tamale as he continues to teach and serve in Tamale, Ghana.

Thieves In Uganda: While the Wechesa family was at worship Sunday, thieves broke into their home. Francis tells about the situation in Uganda.

Grand-Slam Week In Arusha Safari For Souls: The work in Arusha is incredible. Not only is God giving the increase, there is a little extra news near the end. Take time to read Cy’s report.

Impressive Work Of A 17 Year Old Preacher: The Gee report gives information about the work of a 17 year old young man who is doing a great work for the Lord. 

Final Thoughts

I think you would agree the material in this week’s report continues to be uplifting as the work grows. Everything we do is possible because of you. In all the ways you support this work, it keeps us moving forward and we thank you.

I will have more to report next week about the graduation in Tamale, Ghana, as the first class to complete the program will be honored.

Thank you all for all you do to help.

God bless
Bob