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

One Special Day In Uganda...

Today was one special day in Uganda. I had opportunity today (Uganda time) to meet up with one of the graduates from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Arusha, Tanzania. Mwero Raymond who is working in the Congo and Uganda made the trip to Busia, Uganda to visit with me about his work. I was encouraged with Raymond when I had opportunity to teach him at the ACSOP in November 2009. Since that time we have visited by e-mail on numerous occasions. It was such a great privilege to visit with him today. I learned he has been instrumental in converting an entire Pentcostal congregation. Now the Lord’s church, this group of Christians is growing. This is one of several stories Raymond shared about the work he is doing. I urge you to be praying for this strong young man and his family as they are evangelizing for the Lord.

As you have probably determined, I am writing this report while visiting the work in Busia, Uganda for the first time. The Uganda School of Evangelism operates under the oversight of the Woodland Oaks Church of Christ. Francis Wechesa is the director of the school and has done a wonderful job in training men to teach the gospel. Presently, there are 20 men who are enrolled in the program of study. This is the second class to prepare themselves to evangelize various parts of Uganda and neighboring Kenya.

Later this week I will travel to Togo for graduation. This will be the first graduation Bear Valley is privileged to share in with the Center for Biblical Studies in Kpalime, Togo. The school is under the oversight of the Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ. Willie Gley works as the director, along with Cephas Essotena Nyemanta. This is the second class to complete their studies at CBS. Eight men will receive their certificate this week and will continue to work in various areas they have already been serving the Lord in Togo.

Next week I will travel to Ghana to participate in the first graduation ceremony for the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies. The first class to complete their studies consists of 15 men. Their efforts to complete the studies at TIBS will be rewarded next week. The work of TIBS is part of the mission work of the Mountain Home Church of Christ. Steven Ashcraft was instrumental in establishing this school and has helped develop the work over the past two years. Steven is now working as the coordinator for both the school in Tamale and the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi. Joseph Baah serves as the school’s director in Tamale.

The next few weeks will be full of great activities. I will have more to report about the two graduation ceremonies in the reports to come. The growth of the work of Extension Training continues to shine in various parts of the world where we are privileged to share in this effort. The reports are listed below.

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 and Mary Ferguson recently returned from a three month trip to work with the BVBIU in Gorlovka, Ukraine. Howell’s latest report speaks of the success of the recent class graduating from the school.

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

Extension Reports
Challenges In Nepal: As the work continues to grow, Jerry Gophenee explains some of the leadership challenges facing the school.

Rainy Season Causes Great Damage At WCSOP: The school in Takoradi, Ghana has received great damage due to the seasonal weather, from the heat to rain. 

CSMT Reaches Another Great Step: The second graduation at CSMT brings a step of independence in the work of Nigeria.

A New Week In Tamale, Ghana: Again this week, Tony Johnson provides a report about his work in the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies.

Nepal Could Criminalize Conversion To Christianity: Several changes in the government bring the possible threat of persecution. Jerry Gophenee shares the latest information in this report.

News On Graduates Of BVBIU: Howell Ferguson shares a report about the plans for the recent graduates in Gorlovka, Ukraine. 

More Souls Added In Tanzania: Cy Stafford continues to share the great news coming out of the Safari For Souls Campaign in Arusha. 

One Exciting Report From The Gee Family: Jimmy and Trina Gee report on one powerful conversion and the timing is awesome.

Final Thoughts
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work in this program. The men who make up the staff of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver and the Extension Program are dedicated men who are diligent in preparing men to preach the gospel. I know of no finer men.

It is exciting to serve side by side with these men and I look forward to the future development of this work. Entering into my third full year in the Extension Program will bring many opportunities. The next six months should allow us to tie up some of the loose ends and begin to focus on developing new areas of the world.

We are praying 2012 will allow us opportunity to look at a couple of areas where schools can develop to train men to preach the gospel. We invite you to pray with us as we move ahead. Let me thank each of you for your support of this great work. Your vision for reaching the lost through training men to preach the gospel is the backbone of this work. We could not do this without you. Thank you!

God bless

Bob

Graduation At BVBIU And More Great News...

News of another graduation reminds us of more men who are entering the field to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Recently, the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Ukraine completed another class of students and they are looking forward to the beginning of a new class in just a few months. More on this report is located below.

Over the next few weeks, the Center for Biblical Studies in Kpalime, Togo, along with the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies in Tamale, Ghana, will graduate a combined 23 men who will also enter the work of preaching and teaching the gospel. These two schools are planning to begin new classes with a total of 44 students. The more graduates who enter the work the more growth we will see in the number of students entering future classes to prepare themselves for preaching the gospel.

When I read this kind of information it excites me to know we are participating in the most effective way of fulfilling the Great Commission. The work of training men in their own country and in their own language, to take the gospel to their own cities and villages around the world, is certainly worth getting excited about. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to work with the greatest people on earth in Denver and 15 locations around the world. 

I ask you to share the news of this work with others. Encourage others to get involved in helping train men to preach the gospel.

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 and Mary Ferguson recently returned from a three month trip to work with the BVBIU in Gorlovka, Ukraine. Howell’s latest report speaks of the success of the recent class graduating from the school.

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

Extension Reports 
Persecution In Chandigarh, India: Earnest Gill shares the news of recent graduates who are preaching the gospel and suffering for doing so.

Evangelism In Cambodia: Chann Lork reports on the recent work in several villages surrounding Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Graduation In Ukraine... Bitter and Sweet: Another class completed their studies at the BVBIU. Read more from Dennis’ report.

A Teacher / Student Perspective: As Tony Johnson begins teaching in the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies, his perspective grows of the work. 

Work In Ghana Grows: Steven Ashcraft reports on the growth of the church in Ghana as a result of the work students are doing in both Tamale and Takoradi.

Charges Acquitted In Honduras: The charges of kidnapping against Nery Irias have been acquitted. Read more about this situation in Nery’s recent report.

Safari For Souls In Arusha, TZ: Cy Stafford writes about the development and work of the Safari for Souls campaign in Arusha.

One Powerful Example: It is always encouraging when Christians travel to see the work. It is even more encouraging when they set such a powerful example through their work ethic. Read more about Jimmy Gee’s father in Arusha. 

Final Thoughts
I want to close with a word of thanks. I know I say it every week and I hope you realize it is as sincere this week as it has been from the very first day. I do not take for granted the grace of our God who works through each of you to provide for this work. I know you are making great sacrifices in order to support the work of Extension Training. Everyone in this program is thankful for your gracious giving.

I will be traveling for the rest of the month of June to Uganda, Togo and Ghana. I am looking forward to being a part of the graduation ceremony at Togo and Ghana. As well, it will be my first time to visit the work in Uganda and I am excited to meet the staff and students of the Uganda School of Evangelism. I ask your prayers on my behalf as I travel.

Please know I pray for you everyday and give thanks to our awesome God upon my every remembrance of you.

God bless
Bob

Remembering The Bond Holding Us Together...

While many throughout the United States observe a day of Remembrance (Memorial Day), we also reflect on the work being done around the world for the cause of Christ. We all appreciate the men and women who have served so diligently to protect the freedoms we enjoy. We know their dedication and sacrifice have made so much of what we enjoy possible.

Even more so, we remember the sacrifice of our Savior to provide the greatest freedom. The love demonstrated at the cross can never be adequately described in words. His love for us was motivation to die on our behalf. Jesus literally took upon Himself what we deserved to receive. His sacrifice paid the price required for our sins. He now lives to serve us.

The act of love on the part of our God and Savior is the bond holding us together around the world. In each of the 15 locations where men are preparing to preach the gospel, we have fellow-workers in the Lord. We are bound by more than just blood flowing through our veins, but rather the blood of Jesus that covers our sins.

I love the fact we have the opportunity to share in this work. Every time I read a report about the evangelistic efforts of students. Every time I learn about souls who are being added to the kingdom. Every time I learn about the plans for future growth. Every time I learn about the struggles and persecution often faced. Every time... I give thanks to our God. He is all powerful, wise and present. We know He is in control and will use each of us to His glory.

I love the news this week and I believe you will too. Thank you for reading. 

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' report for May shares information about his activities and plans for the work ahead. Please take a moment to read more about his work.

Please pray for Gary and Sarah Fallis as they travel to Cambodia and work with the school and local congregations.

Extension Reports 
Cameroon Campaign To 14 Congregations: With the completion of the second quarter in Wotutu, students are now working with 14 different congregations on their second campaign.

Beta Class Begins At ITL: Donnie Bates is presently in Guatemala. His report gives information about the new class and his visit. Also, there are pictures of the new students located here.

A Different Perspective In Tamale: Tony Johnson is spending the summer working with the school in Tamale. This report shares his perspective of the first few days in Ghana.

The School And Church Working Together: Chann Lork reports about the progress of the students from school working to help the village congregations.

Blessed Are You..."And Falsely Say All Kinds Of Evil Against You:" Nery Irias, director of the school in Honduras reports on some of the challenges faced when others make false accusations. 

Prayer And Fasting For All God Is Doing In Tanzania: The dedication of the Lord's people in Tanzania continues to bring glory to God. Cy Stafford's report shares how God is working and blessing the church.

Four Baptisms, A Working Mzee, And New Studies: The Gee report this week deals with the great work in Arusha. The growth and the future are encouraging.

Final Thoughts
As we begin another week and close another report, we give thanks to God upon every remembrance of you all. Your involvement in this work is appreciated in every way. 

The summer reports will continue to be filled with news about the progress of the schools. A few will graduate one class and begin a new class. Others are pressing on in their diligence to provide training for these men who are dedicated to prepare themselves for the work.

We ask for your prayers on behalf of all that is being done.

God bless
Bob

The Kingdom Is Expanding... This Is One Awesome Report!

This has been on extraordinary week. There is no way to put it into words. The reports this week provide information explaining incredible growth in the kingdom. An estimated 82 souls were added to the Lord's family and 10 were restored. In the words of Cy Stafford, "this is what it is all about." I encourage you to read every report and give praise to our God for the ways He has blessed this work.

Next Sunday morning, May 22nd, is the day 12 men at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver have been working diligently to achieve... graduation. This graduation will complete the 45th year of training men to preach at the Bible Institute in Denver. The feelings associated with accomplishing the goal these students have been so focused on for 2 years can be overwhelming and exciting.

The graduation ceremony in Denver is only part of the equation for 2011. We have already discussed and seen pictures of students from around the world who have achieved this same goal. The month of June will bring two more graduations, one at the Center for Biblical Studies in Kpalime, Togo and the other at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies in Tamale, Ghana.

The men who have dedicated themselves to diligently prepare for the work know the joy of completing this task. They also understand the responsibility before them as they enter into full-time ministry. Not every student who completes the program in Denver, or in the Extension Program, will fill a pulpit. However, they are entering various areas of ministry where they will fill pulpits, encourage and strengthen congregations, reach out to the lost, teach Bible classes, and assist in the development of the Lord's Kingdom around the world.

Thank you to all of the congregations and individuals who know the value of training men to preach and have helped provide support for these men. Thank you for your prayers in the development of this work. Thank you for the vision you have for the Lord's work. May our God be glorified by your generosity and the program of work in training men to preach.

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

Sacrificial Commitment To A Powerful Work: The work with the school in Wotutu, Cameroon continues to see the increase given by God.

Preparation For Graduation In Togo: The report this week from Togo talks about David Wama's release, the upcoming graduation, and the new class to begin.

45 Baptisms And 4 Restorations: The Church Grows In Ghana: The development of the work in Takoradi is proving to have a great impact on the country of Ghana. This is worth reading.

15 Souls Were Added In Ghana Campaign: This campaign connected to the Tamale Institute Of Biblical studies also experienced growth. This report also shares news about the growth taking place with the students.

10 Souls Added, Safari For Souls To Begin And The Good Gets Better: The news in Arusha is exciting as the Lord keeps adding to His Kingdom.

In The Midst Of Discouragement, There Is Hope: Mission work always presents challenges. Jimmy Gee's report shares some of the challenges, yet with the power of hope with the future of the work.

Final Thoughts

As I near the end of my third year with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, and my second year working with the Extension Program, I continue to grow in my love for this work. There would never be enough space to explain all of the reasons why I love the work of the Bear Valley Bible Institute and the Extension Program.

I appreciate each of you taking time to read the reports every week. The reports are filled with the reasons why I believe we all love this work. It does not take long to read about the growth of the program and see the benefits of training men to preach the gospel. The joy of this work is seen in this country and every country around the world where we are privileged to share in the same task.

Thank you for your efforts to make it possible. We need you and the Lord will continue to bless you through your dedication to His cause. I pray for you everyday.

God bless

Bob