Exciting Times...

These are exciting times. We are living in a generation with the greatest opportunities. No other point in the history has offered so many ways to reach out with the gospel. 

Think about the technological tools available. The ability to communicate has certainly changed in the last 2,000 years. We no longer face the challenges of writing a letter / message on parchment, leather, or papyrus and sending it at the hand of another individual. 

The use of the Internet, video, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Instant Messaging, etc. keep us easily and quickly connected. In the blink of an eye we can send a message to any individual on the other side of the earth. With the use of Skype or video conferencing, classes can be taught 10,000 miles away in real time. These tools make it possible for the Extension program to work at a greater level.

Think about the means of travel. Imagine the difficulties of walking, riding a horse, or taking a ship in order to visit another congregation to preach. Coupled with the challenges of communicating in written form, the spread of the gospel took time.

However, we have the means of driving a car across the country in a matter of hours, rather than months. We can board a plane and within hours we can literally travel to the other side of the world.

These tools are blessings that have benefited the Extension work in powerful ways. Hundreds of men are being trained to preach the gospel. We are able to learn of their progress immediately and share it with thousands around the world. The encouragement spreads throughout the church and God is glorified by His people.

I pray we are faithful with the blessings provided and use these tools to further the cause of Christ. As the world approaches seven billion in population, let us continue to grow in our understanding and ability. Let us take advantage of God given opportunities to make a difference in the eternal destiny of these precious souls.

Coordinator Updates

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

Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson while they are working in Gorlovka, Ukraine. 

Extension Reports

God Gives The Increase In Cameroon: A recent campaign provides a great example of the power of God to give the increase through the preaching of the gospel. This is worth your time to read.

The Good Keeps Getting Better: The news from Arusha, Tanzania demonstrates the good being done with the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.

Short, Sweet, And So Encouraging: The mission effort connected to the work in Arusha continues to show the benefit of team work.

Cambodia Lectureship: The numbers speak volumes to the impact of the annual lectureship with the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap.

A Family Loses A Loved One: Trials face God's people in every location. In the midst of training to do the Lord's work two students lose a family member.

Final Thoughts
As I travel from one congregation to another and share the work of Extension training, I get excited to see the enthusiasm on the part of the church. The more people learn about the extent of this work the greater the more excited they become.

Please share the information with others and spread the encouragement of the growth in the Lord’s kingdom around the world. I am more and more convinced one of the greatest ways, if not the greatest way to fulfill the Great Commission is to train men to preach the gospel in their own country. 

I believe the more you learn from the work of these men, you will see it the same way. Extension Training is awesome.

Thank you for your involvement in this work. I pray God will bless you richly in your service to Him. May He receive the glory.

God bless
Bob

One Incredible Team...

On Monday and Tuesday last week all of the Extension Staff came together to discuss various matters within the program. We looked at the past year, discussed the present situation, and planned for the future within each school location.

Howell Ferguson was able to join in the meeting via the video conference system. As a result, every staff member was able to be involved in this meeting. It is powerful to see the use of technology to make it possible to join all of these men for this meeting. I am more convinced than ever this is one incredible team of men who demonstrate a Christlike spirit, godly attitudes, and a desire for training men to preach the gospel.

While I enjoyed the opportunity of having time to meet about the extension program, there was a stronger underlying benefit. I believe this time together helped build a stronger bond of fellowship in this team. I am thankful to be working with these men and glean from their wisdom to help improve the working of Bear Valley’s Extension Training program. 

The men who comprise the Extension staff are from all walks of ministry, but they share one common purpose. I want to express my gratitude to each of them for their dedication to the work of our Lord and their willingness to make great sacrifices for the growth of the 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/

Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson while they are working in Gorlovka, Ukraine.

The monthly report from Jerry Bates has been posted and talks about his most recent trips. Jerry and Paula are now in Burma and then on to India. Remember them in your prayers. 

Extension Reports

26 Students Preparing: One of the largest classes in the Extension Program is found in Chimala, Tanzania. Garry Hill reports about the progress of this work.

Public Radio Proves Successful: The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies sees success with the use of public radio in the Northern Region of Ghana.

50 Years of the Lord's Church in Ghana: Daniel Asiamah reports about the activities surrounding a great milestone in the work in Ghana.

Persecution of David Wama Continues: The report from Togo shows the struggles some students endure for the cause of the kingdom. David Wama continues to be persecuted because of his stand for the truth.

The Good Stuff... Tanzania: The work continues to grow and the work is exciting in Tanzania as Cy Stafford reports.

The Most Dedicated Christian Award: The Jimmy Gee family reports on activities in Arusha and one particular story worth reading.

Honduran Campaign Produces Fruit: Hector Viera, a graduate from the Honduras Bible Institute provides the results of a recent campaign.

Final Thoughts

With a dedicated staff, the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver is moving forward in the Extension work. There is one constant I noticed from all of the staff, and that is gratitude.

Every member on staff knows this work is only possible because of the generosity demonstrated by so many wonderful individuals and congregations. The sacrifices you continually make to help this work do not go unnoticed.

Thank you. I pray God will bless you richly for your love for the Lord and dedication to the work.

God bless
Bob

Progress...

Progress... Every congregation and mission point wants to see progress. The same is true with the Extension program. 

This progress is seen when men like Desdery (picture left) fills the role of training men to preach, just as he was taught years before. This is what the work is all about. Read more in Cy Stafford's report.

Monday and Tuesday of this week, the Extension staff will be meeting to discuss various issues about the work. We plan to examine the progress and problems of the past year and discuss the plans of how we will progress in the years ahead. We have identified a number of challenges. Addressing these challenges and working through them will help us reach greater levels of success.

This meeting is significant to the development of Extension Training. If we are going to improve communication, standardize curriculum, strengthen resources, and expand our vision, then we must work together to accomplish progress. 

As each phase of the work is considered, staff members will be able to discuss ways to improve the development in each location. Through these meetings we pray we will be able to help the overall program continue to move forward.

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 are now in Gorlovka, Ukraine. They will be working with the school over the next few months. Please pray for them.

Donnie Bates recently returned from teaching at ITL in Guatemala. You can read about his week and work in Donnie’s final report from Guatemala.

Extension Reports

Think Souls... Cambodia Style: The report from Cambodia shows the growth in the church at Takam Village.

A Preacher Goes A Preaching: In Arusha, the work of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching is seeing the fruit of their labor.

Have You Been To Loliondo? This question has a powerful meaning when you read the article from Jimmy Gee about their work.

Final Thoughts

As several schools finish their quarter of study, they are working in campaigns or taking a short break before continuing in their preparation to preach the gospel.

The report is a little shorter this week, but the information is just as powerful. I want to leave you with a thought about how important you are to the development of Extension Training. Your contribution to this work, whether in prayer, financial support, encouragement, teaching, directing, coordinating, or any other area is vital.

Paul said it best when he wrote to the church in Corinth, “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all.” 2 Cor. 9:12-13.

Thank you all. Make a great day. 

God bless

Bob

While We Were Sleeping...

The reports each week continue to overwhelm me with the true magnitude of the Extension work. At times, it is difficult for me to wrap my mind around the growth in the Lord’s church on the other side of the world. Personally, it is easy to view the church only from the small corner where I live and attend.

However, while we are sleeping each night, souls are being added to the Lord’s kingdom in Tanzania, Cameroon, Ukraine, Cambodia, Nigeria, Nepal, and other locations. As I read the reports, it reminds me of how great our God is and the work He makes happen, even when I am unaware. 

While we are sleeping, men continue diligently in their studies to prepare themselves to serve in the Lord’s kingdom, preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus. They understand the value of each soul.

While we are sleeping, new congregations are being planted as God’s word is taught in at least 11 different languages. These students teach the gospel in their own language to their own people and the kingdom of God grows.

While we are sleeping, the sun shines on another part of the world, opening new doors of opportunity to share hope. While we are sleeping, The Son is changing lives around the world. Read more 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 are now in Gorlovka, Ukraine. They will be working with the school over the next few months. Please pray for them.

Donnie Bates is teaching a short course at ITL in Guatemala. You can read more about his work in Donnie’s report.

Gary Fallis recently returned from teaching in Nepal and India. His report shares his thoughts and those of others in the work. 

Extension Reports

Growth And Planting A New Congregation In Cameroon: Brother Elangwe is actively training men to do the work. His report shares a piece of the efforts being made in the Lord's Kingdom.

God's Increase To Chimala Evangelism: The news in Chimala is awesome. The students are reaching many lives with the gospel.

Nepali Campaign: The Nepal Center for Biblical Studies is ready for their first major campaign. Read Gajendra's report to learn more about the school's efforts.

Hard Work, Sacrifice, Weddings... Just Cambodia: Phanat shares the news of growth from the sacrificial efforts of the men serving in Cambodia. 

Nigerian Growth Through Suffering: Reuben shares insight to the struggles often faced in the work and the growth that results.

Cold Weather, Baptisms and Birthdays: The news in Ukraine continues to show the determination on the part of the staff and students at BVBIU to prepare themselves for the Lord's work.

The Joy Of Growth... God Is Blessing Tanzania: Cy Stafford shares the news of growth in the Lord's church in Tanzania.

The Power Of Love: Jimmy Gee's weekly report gives us a glimpse of love's power to touch the lives of so many around the world.

Final Thoughts

What a way to begin each week. I know it takes time to read through all of the reports. However, when I am finished reading them, I am rejuvenated with the importance and necessity of the Extension Program.

I thank God everyday for the opportunity He has provided me. Sharing in the work with the incredible men and women who make such great sacrifices to help others know Christ, is humbling.

I also thank God everyday for each of you who have also made the financial sacrifices to help keep this work moving forward. With the economic downturns we are experiencing in this country, you always find a way to come through. Thank you! Keep praying. God is answering in awesome ways.

Make a great day.
God bless
Bob

News Worthy...

Each week the news continues to pour in and it is worthy of our time to read. I appreciate all of those who send reports during the month to keep us informed concerning the work. This week is no exception to the news around the world.

The North India Bible College in Chandigarh held graduation just over a week ago. Studies continue to bear fruit with the work being done by the students in Cameroon. The works in Arusha, Tanzania and Siem Reap, Cambodia are proving beneficial to the growth of the Lord’s church. The news is all below.

Take a few minutes to read through the reports from the schools listed below. Also, take a moment to read the updates from the coordinators. The work of the past, present and future makes it more and more exciting to share in this marvelous effort.  

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 are preparing to return to the work in Gorlovka, Ukraine this week. The following address is a link to Howell’s latest report: lhttp://www.wetrainpreachers.com/howell-ferguson-reports/

Donnie Bates report about Honduras and Guatemala can be read at the following address: http://www.wetrainpreachers.com/donnie-bates-reports/

Extension Reports

Major Campaign Planned: The news from Cameroon on the involvement of the students in reaching out to the people in the Southwest Region of Cameroon emphasizes the power of the good news. Read more.

Fields White Unto Harvest: Earnest Gill's report about the Lectureship and Graduation show potential for the church in the Northern Region of India.

Three Congregations, One Country...Cambodia: The work is growing in Cambodia. Chann's report brings encouragement to the growth in three congregations in Cambodia.

The Joy Of The Mission Field: At times the perspective of men on the field identifies the joy of mission work. Cy Stafford shares news from Arusha.

Growing Through Studies In Arusha: Jimmy Gee's report continues to show the progress of the work in Arusha.

Final Thoughts

I hope you will take a moment to pray each day for the work in the extension program. The work is exciting. It is growing. Perhaps above all, it glorifies our God. 

Thank you for your diligence in making sure the Lord’s kingdom continues to grow. Thank you for your vision of training men to preach. I believe, with all my heart, this is the most powerful way to fulfill the Great Commission.

You make it possible, and I know I can speak on behalf of everyone in the program when I say your effort is making a difference. Please know I pray for you everyday. I love you. I love this work and I love reporting to you about it.

God bless
Bob