Short Courses Grow in Nepal

Brothers in Christ………………………..

Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the grace of God, love and peace be with you all.

Classes:

After having a long 5 weeks of holidays in October, now we are running classes in November. It is going well. We had two guest teachers from the States, Donnie Bates and Rusty Dawson, who taught us on 'prayer' and 'I & II Timothy and Titus' in two different weeks. After that, we studied the Scheme of Redemption and Christian Evidences. Next week we are going to study "How to Teach," "How to Prepare Lessons," and "How to Present Them." We will review some of our previous good lessons from Brothers Don Prather, Donnie Bates and Rusty Dawson. We are preparing for that.

Quarterly meeting:

27^th of November 2010, we had a quarterly fellowship meeting at the school building. We had a total number of participants at 85-90, including children. That was amazing fellowship for us. Different Nepali preachers had presented their lessons on Mt. 5:3-9. Two of our school students, Dev and Surya, had presented their lesson from them. We had women classes, Children Bible classes and men's classes after having lunch. Sister Judy Golphenee led the women's classes.  Two of our students, brother Sonam and Nir, led children’s classes. Brother Parsuram, Deepak and Ravi led men's classes. Our participants were from only Kathmandu Valley. It was encouraging to the congregations through our school. We will continue to do better for the Lord's congregation in coming days. We must thank our brother Jerry Golphenee, who is always involved in teaching and guiding us in a right path. 

Finally, we would like to thank all brothers and sisters from the United State who are always supporting us. Please remember us in your daily prayers. Thank you all.

Servant of Christ

Gajendra Deshar

Preacher's Fellowship in India

VVBC  Report – Fall – 2010 

Evangelism & Edification is the primary concern while holding a preachers’ fellowship meeting. This program is truly bringing up awareness in the preachers about working together or team work. False doctrine with a cream layer of N.T church doctrine is intruding the Christian world resulting in stunning damage among the brotherhood, by which Christians are accepting or favorable to denominations, assuming that they are also of the same faith. It is truly unfortunate to witness this situation among the Church with a history of only 35-40 yrs. However, some wise preachers are responding to this kind of delicate situation with an enthusiastic spirit by holding Bible Classes and gospel meetings to defend the truth and build up the congregations in truth and faith. We were blessed to be invited by some congregations and be a part of this encouraging program. Surely this has given good results. We were able to hold gospel meetings & Bible Classes. As a result, 16 people have been added to the Church, with many contacts for local preachers to do the follow up. Our Bible College students & faculty are very blessed to be part of this. 

Special Bible Classes for Men Preachers &Teachers

 “All Scripture is  inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for  training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 

2 Tim 3:16-17

These special Bible classes have been meant for encouraging the preachers to carry on their learning attitude. Now a days teachers & preachers are in need of these classes to help them enhance their knowledge source. Brother Louis Rushmore from World Evangelism has done a remarkable job of teaching about parables. Brother Therman Hodge focused on reviving the preachers about the mission we are called for. Our students and the preachers from Visakha benefited so much through these classes. Louis Rushmore’s wife, Bonnie, has taught the women separately, and did a remarkable job too. Classes like this are really beneficial for the preachers to build up their knowledge source. Brother Rushmore has given us opportunity to translate 3 of his gospel pamphlets into our mother tongue ‘Telugu’.  It is in the process we shall be publishing them by the early next year. We publish now...

We had an attendance of 72 preachers for these two days classes. We presented them with Bibles and Hymn Books

One-on-One study

These studies always give amazing results. Our Bible College has become a place for this. Srinu, is a young man who has spent a couple of weeks studying the N.T Doctrine with the Director and faculty, finally obeying the truth 

    Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him  the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:26-27

It is certainly a joyous occasion to witness the believers being added to the Church. Brother Satyam, who is one of our students (auditing), has learned about the True Church and obeyed the truth, after an extensive study into the New Testament Doctrine. His conversion has lead to a problem of finding a Church to worship our God in truth & spirit, and also to break the bread. He was traveling a long distance to gather with a Church to fulfill this New Testament pattern. However, when this seems to be difficult, also anxious about worshiping in his native place, he waited no time to begin studying with his wife and teach her about the New Testament Church. After a week long study she realized the truth and wanted to be baptized immediately. However her husband, Satyam, wanted to spend more days explaining the pattern of New Testament worship, clarifying her questions. During the Two days of Bible classes for Women at Skinner’s Garden, she came forward and obeyed the truth. They both went back to their village rejoicing. A couple of weeks after her baptism we heard about them breaking bread together. Interesting thing is, within those two weeks they were working closely with others who are following the same denominational pattern like they were. Now a few of their friends attend their worship service. The most exciting news is a denominational preacher who wants to come and join in the Bible College in Visakha. To us they both are working as Aquila & Priscilla, helping their denominational friends to understand the True Doctrine. We are excited about our upcoming visit to their place to hold a gospel campaign. They are going to be some very effective tools for the extension of Lord’s kingdom in their area. Kindly pray for them.

Our loving God blessed us with another successful Youth Rally with an attendance of 680; resulting in the addition of 14 young souls to the Church. Speakers for this Rally gave a wonderful presentation about God’s plan & purpose for mankind. Through this program we were able to encourage several teenagers and also the preachers who are striving to encourage the youth in their congregations. A country like India, which has millions of young people, needs such programs to bring them to Christ 

· Master Classes from 24 Jan – 4 Feb 2011, Instructor: Garry Fallis, BVBID.

· Short course classes for Under Grad student from 24 Jan – 4 Feb 2011,  Instructor : Jerry Bates, Coordinator BVBID.

· Graduation Exercises—April 14 2011, at VVBC facility, Visakhapatnam

Future Preacher's Training Camp in Arusha

Greetings Fellow Workers, 

We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with eternal life in Him. We are indeed a blessed people. The hope and promise we all share in the life to come, is worth everything this life might throw our way. Thank God for each of you who genuinely care through your sharing of what God has blessed you with. We hope and we pray a double blessing in your life for the good you do in His Kingdom. 

We have had a somewhat quite week. Classes have been dismissed until February at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. Christopher and his team of workers are ready for the upcoming “Future Preacher’s Training Camp” to begin tomorrow (12-6-10). The Samford family is due to return tonight, after a couple of “weather delays”. If all goes to plan, and if the Lord wills, I will be leaving TZ for furlough a week from Tuesday, Dec. 14th, arriving in MS on the 15th, to see my lovely bride, faithful help mate, and best friend who I dearly miss. 

Isaac Kusupa will return from a week of evangelistic efforts to Mwanza, the second largest city in TZ with more than one million population. This young and struggling congregation continues in their faithful service to the Lord and has invited Isaac out to preach and teach the saving message of the Gospel. Due to the wonderful generosity of a brother in Christ in MS, land was purchased some time back. The land is “very rocky” and over the last couple of years, the congregation has manually broken these large boulders and leveled the site. Funds were donated by a good family in AL recently to build a temporary building for the family of God to meet. Please keep Isaac and the congregation in your prayers. 

David Bayi sent a message informing me that the daughter of brother Wilson and his wife obeyed the Gospel this past week and was added to the fellowship of believers that meets at Kioga. Cotton Box and (Gene or Dupree, David could not remember) studied with the Wilson family last year. The husband and wife obeyed and have been faithful since. Their daughter, a single mother, was taught this year and is now our sister in Christ. Please remember her in your prayers as she begins her new journey in Christ. 

The evangelist for the Maji ya Chai congregation (William) sent a report recently. He says every Saturday members of the congregation meet in one of their homes for Bible study and singing. He said; “....this has brought much love and great joy to all the Christians. We have some to visit us during the month and one has obeyed the Gospel.” He also sends his thanks and greetings to the brothers and sisters in OK who pray and support him and the congregation.

Thank you all for your continued prayers on behalf of Stephanie’s mother. She improves day by day and hopefully will get to go home later this week. 

Prayer request: Rene Galloway was recently diagnosed with cancer. Please pray to our God that her treatment will be completely successful. God is able, the prayers of the righteous avail much! Also remember Ken Upchurch who is at home recovering from back surgery. May our God bless each of us beyond measure as we walk in the light of the Gospel. Amen! 

In Him, Cy & Stephanie

Ferguson Report

Wrapping-up CBC 2010

Looking back at last month’s newsletter I realize I need to give a little summary of our last week at Chimala not only because of the graduation, but also because the 2010 CBC school year has officially come to an end. I know you don’t want to hear about our 13-hour road trip to Dar, or our flights back to the States. Nothing significant about any of those items except to say: “Thank-you Lord for getting us back home alive and in one piece!”

But we’re not the only ones thankful for bringing closure to a small chapter  in our  lives.  After 2010 CBC graduates left-to-right: Clergynton Harawa, Askiwe Kayela, Felix Khozomba, Shadrick Lora, Francisco Phiri, and Hellings Mkhala. Spending two years at the Chimala Mission away from home and family, you can begin to see the wear on the CBC graduates’ faces. These guys have studied hard and endured living together in close and frequently-hot quarters day-after-day. They have eaten as their regular staple food a corn-mush substance called “ugali” that they roll up in a ball and pop inside their mouths. Mix that with a few vegetables and an occasional piece or two of tough beef, and you have the basic CBC student diet. [For a vivid demonstration of eating ugali, see the video on my Facebook page]    

Needless to say, the graduates were anxious to complete their studies and return to their loved ones back home. That was the circumstances of our final week in Tanzania. But each of the six graduates completed the requirements for their final course; and by Friday, they were excited about the events of the graduation that evening. The line-up of the program of events included words of encouragement from CBC director, Peter Kamatula; a special guest speaker, Lenkosi Mkwama—the first director of the very first school of preaching at the Chimala Mission; and the valedictorian address from one of our graduates, Francisco Phiri of Malawi. Following the presentation of diplomas and graduate gifts, a traditional Tanzanian feast was offered for all who attended the celebration.

There have been four graduations now in the history of CBC, and I have attended three of them; but every one of them encourages me that there is another group of men who are better equipped and motivated to do effective service for the church of our Lord in East Africa. That is both exciting and frightening. Exciting because I know the possibilities of godly men in God’s hands are endless for the good that can be done. Frightening because I know Satan never rests in devising ways to discourage and destroy what we have struggled to build in the hearts and minds of these men. That’s why we continually ask for your prayers that all of the hours of teaching, studying, and dreaming would effectively “take root downward, and bear fruit upward.”                                             Howell

Does it Really Matter?

It is all too easy to become comfortable with one’s life and seeing things always from one’s own perspective. That’s why it’s time well spent for individuals, organizations and businesses to ask people on the outside what they see. Applying this self-evaluation to the BVBID extension program and foreign mission work in general is equally profitable. After all, churches and individuals faithfully contribute hard-earned money to support works overseas that they may personally never see. Instead, they rely upon the credibility of the mission workers and the reports they write.

Obviously, I am one of those people who have been entrusted with a great amount of confidence by faithful brethren to make sure the works and programs that I am associated with accomplish what they are asked to do. A couple of days ago, I pulled out my old King James Bible looking for a marginal note I remember making years ago. I found the marginal note, but also tucked inside an outside pocket of the Bible cover, I found a hand-written letter that was given to us when we lived in Arusha, Tanzania dated the 7^th of September, 2001 – two days before “9-11”. I now remember the letter, but had forgotten all about it. It was written by Selina Bayi, a young lady we studied the Bible with who eventually obeyed the gospel of Christ. She was the sister of one of our close friends and co-workers in Arusha, David Bayi; and she is today married to Julius Gasper, a faithful gospel preacher in Tanzania, and they have a daughter named Agatha. Here are her own unedited words:

Mr and Mrs Furgusson,

I hope you are doing well. I have very glad to express my gratitude to you both for making me pass in a proper path. I now realize that I wasn’t aware of Bible, I was in a total dark. You have helped highly to make my mind understand the actual meaning of the word of the Lord. I still believe you will continue make me learn further.

I have very elated that you had never showed to despair even when I was absolutely reluctant to join this reasonable church. You came frequently where I settle to make sure that I understand the genuine way of Jesus Christ.

I thank you highly from the bottom of my heart to bear the situation with patience. I haven’t something worth enough to pay you for such a precious task you have done for me. You have showed me a wonderful kindness that lastly, I say thank God to enable all that.

I real appreciate what you have done for me in Jesus name we pray to you. Amen. Selina Bayi

No, Selina is wrong about one thing. She did have something to pay us—not anything material, but much more than that. Her sweet and touching letter of gratitude says more than I could explain to you in a report. Her life now consists of not just being a little more than a servant girl working seven days a week for a woman who would never allow her off to worship on Sundays. She has now been a Christian for nine years serving the Lord alongside her husband.

Finding people like Selina is why we keep going back. The gospel of Christ is the only thing that can change people’s lives to give them true joy and genuine contentment. We go because you send. You send, and people hear. People hear, and Jesus saves. What we do together really does matter.           Howell

Ferguson Sponsoring Congregation

Please send all contributions to:

WESTSIDE CHURCH OF CHRIST
3235 HWY 54 WEST
BROWNSVILLE, TN 38012
(731) 772-3810

“Ferguson Mission”

Monthly commitments and one-time donations are still needed.

Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver

A work of the Bear Valley Church of Christ, 2707 S. Lamar St, Denver, CO 80227  (303) 986-5800
http://www.bvbid.org

One Productive Week

A number of reports were turned in this week. The news continues to be impressive, as the program grows in productivity around the world. Not only are current students involved in the work after graduation, but men are being recruited to be a part of the program in the next class of students for 2011.

As we continue to work at finalizing plans for the upcoming start of the Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu, excitement fills the air. Classes are scheduled to begin January 3rd 2011. Please remember to pray for the incoming students and the staff of the program in Cameroon.

I will limit any comments on the front end to allow everyone to spend their time reading the reports at length. Thank you for all you do to help with the advancement of the gospel throughout the world in training men to teach the gospel to their own people.

Coordinator Updates

At this point, I am not aware of anyone traveling among the men who are coordinating the various schools. Most of the men involved have returned home safely and are working to plan the year ahead. It would be greatly appreciated if you would remember to pray for the decisions being made in the plans for 2011. There is much work ahead. 

Extension Reports

North India Bible College: Chandigarh, India

The church is growing in Northern India, as well as, the school in Chandigarh. Read more here.

CSMT - Nigeria

The prison ministry in Abakaliki, Nigeria continues to be productive. Read more here.  

Chimala Bible College: Chimala, Tanzania

One class graduates in Chimala and another is about to begin. Read Garry Hill's report.

Andrew Connally School of Preaching

Eight students graduate in Arusha, Tanzania. Read more of Cy Stafford's report.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Chann Lork's daughter has arrived. Read more about this and the work.  

Final Thoughts

I believe everyone has a better picture now of just how incredible the work has been and continues to be in extension training. I am constantly amazed at the level of sacrifice so many make to keep the work strong and fruitful.

I know I expressed my gratitude last week for each of you and the support you are providing at every level. There is not a day that goes by when I do not express thanksgiving to our God for you. Your efforts are what aid in the development of the greatest work on earth... preaching the gospel.

God bless

Bob

Church Growth In Northern India

This month started with the challenge to make alterations in the things. On October 31^st we changed the place of worship to an auditorium. It is a costly venture but we have no other way. But on Nov. 1, I got the good news from Brother Sonu, who works in Gangoh (Saharanpur District of U.P. state), over the phone that 7 people obeyed the Lord on Sunday. It was an encouraging thing for us that the Lord gives us hope whenever we are discouraged with the things we face.

In September we started our Daily Bible verse Service that has crossed 300 contacts. Across the country through SMS, daily at 6 a.m. - 7 a.m., we send God’s word to the people. Out of this some are believers and some who have never read the Bible are given a chance to know God’s will for them.  

Students in the NIBC faced trouble most of the time because they were asked not to sing in daily morning and evening devotions. Singing is a necessary tool for their spiritual growth, but we seek God’s providence in this matter. 

Brother Subodh Gual from Balco town ship, Chhattisgarh, told that yesterday (i.e., on November 13^th) 3 more souls obeyed the Lord from Mahant family and some others also were being prepared. This has counted 20 baptisms at his place in this year and a total of 80 baptized people in their congregation now worship every Lord’s Day. They are growing in number and the need of the space for gathering increases day by day. With their limited resources they are planning to buy a piece of land for worship.  

In Nanded, Maharashtra state (1900+ kilometers from here. 32 hrs journey by train), Brother S. Sheranappa arranged 2 days class for me. He spoke along with Brother Amul Bansod and Brother Barnabas from Aurangabad for a short time, but I was the main teacher there. I had few hours and thought to stop at Aurangabad and met with Brother Amul Bansod’s family. I talked with the students and staff of the Aurangabad Bible College and some of the local preachers. I should not forget to mention here that Brother Sheranappa came in contact with me through the TFT books. After getting our books he tried to contact me and during these years the relationship has grown to this level that he wanted me to preach in the meeting he arranged. He, among many, never forget to tell that these books are a great blessing for the Indian people. Never before were India people so privileged to have such study. He says that in his 40 years’ of preaching he is more impressed with the style of translation and the language used. He has made a library at his house of the TFT books and encourages people to learn the truth. 

In Nanded about 150 people heard the gospel. People appreciated the study and were glad that they were hearing this kind of teaching for the first time in their life. A good thing that came out from the meeting was that, some people asked me to come again when they have such meetings in other places. Some young people even wanted to be our students and, Lord willing, they will be enrolled for the next session.

While I was there, I received good reports over the phone of the gospel being taken to the other areas as well. Brother Ritesh James who works in Satna, MP state, told me over the phone that they have distributed 400 BC Hindi to various people and they want to invite me for a gospel meeting in Satna very soon. He also asked about 40 Hindi Bibles to be given to the people he has been in touch.

For Christ

Earnest Gill

Productive Prison Ministry

Beloved Brethren,

It will interest you to know that CSMT has been able to roof her big blocks. I will send the pictures when the pictures are ready. The last floor ( very furnished) of the biggest blocks, where the ministerial students take their classes, was dedicated to God for His services last Sunday. It was an interesting service.

Prison ministry is on as we always take trips to reach the inmates with the gospel of Christ. We need Bibles for the inmates. We have enough tracts from the mission printing for them. Two of the inmates we converted, who are out of the prison yard, are in our constant contacts. Please pray for our efforts. The work is very demanding.

Greetings to all that contribute to the success of Bear Valley Extension programs in which CSMT, Abakaliki, Nigeria is one.

Reuben in His Service

One Ends And Another Begins

Greetings,

I just returned home from East Africa where, since August, I have been teaching at the Chimala Bible College. We spent the last two months with Howell and Mary Ferguson. We taught three days a week, worked with the students on their work, made plans on improving the school, traveled to recruit students and preached every weekend. 

We ended our time there with the graduation of the class of 2010. The young men were eagerly awaiting this big day in their lives. After teaching them World Religions, Minor Prophets, Marriage in the Home and 1 and 2 Kings and Chronicles we came to understand and appreciate their strong desire and interest in training to be preachers. 

We were able to travel with Howell Ferguson to Malawi, where most of the class was from, to interview students for next year. What a beautiful and majestic country, which will be richly blessed to have these young evangelist return to preach the gospel.

It has been a blessing to teach long term in the Chimala Bible College. Serving now as the Academic Dean of the College will enable me to teach and plan for more intense classes, and with the graduate program beginning in May, further train the next generation of preachers for East Africa. 

We are planning for all the Chimala Bible College students to work with us this summer in the villages, when the "Gospel Chariot" comes. This is a truck with speakers and equipment that travels out to the remote villages and evangelizes for weeks at a time. This training will be a part of their education.

Graduation was a thrill also because one of the oldest preachers and one of the original teachers, brother Linkos, who was converted by Andrew Connally, spoke words of wisdom and faith to the graduates. His challenge to the graduates was stirring and motivational.

Next year we will be returning in January to begin the school year and work extensively with the students and faculty of the college. We will be joined by Rebecca Benson, a Bear Valley student, who will work as school secretary and librarian. Many new books and magazines and journals will be added to the library because of many generous donations. 

I will also be working with Denton Landon in starting the graduate program which will hold 2 two week sessions next year. The experience in learning and teaching for this historic and important school in the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver system is rewarding.  We are looking forward to continuing the work in 2011.

God bless

Garry Hill

8 Graduate in Arusha, Tanzania

Greetings Fellow Workers; 

We continue to give thanks to our God for your love, prayers and support of His work and His workers here in Tanzania. We are indeed a blessed people to be God’s people and to have you as our friends. Summer is here and the weather is getting hotter with little rain. 

Roger Shepherd and I shared a great Thanksgiving dinner together. We indeed missed our wives dearly, but all in all we are both thankful to share this time together in the work of our Lord. Roger taught our second year students their last class before graduating. Graduation followed this past Saturday, Nov. 27th. We are so blessed to have many highly qualified Short Course teachers come our way, adding tremendously to the quality of education in God’s Word our students are privileged to receive.  

The Tanzania 2000 mission effort is the recipients of many blessings, our association with the Bear Valley Bible Institute extension program be one. The quality of instruction they bring to this program at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching is on par with any brotherhood school, bar none! Thank you Denny, Bob and the many other teachers who have and will come our way. 

Our eight graduates, six from Kenya and two from Tanzania, leave with much knowledge of God’s Word and Will. They leave with two years of edification and encouragement to a life of service in the Lord. All eight men say they desire to preach God’s Word, do the work of an evangelist, and live lives worthy of the grace of God, the sacrifice our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We commend them for their discipline and zeal, and wish them a long and productive life of service to our God.

We would be  amiss if we neglected in offering our gratitude for the job Jimmy Gee is doing as the director of the program. Thank you brother for a job well done! Also, to Carey and George for their contributions to the school program, we say thank you! 

A special thank you to the KW Elders, all our friends and supporters, making this work possible. Our hope and our prayer for each of you, is that God will bless you all for your faithful service, sacrifice and continued efforts here in TZ. 

We close with a request for prayers on behalf of each of these men. Please pray for their fellow (first year) students, as they travel home. Please pray God blesses them with long life in His service and with much growth from the preaching of His Word! 

P.S. Stephanie’s mother, Exel, continues to improve. She had surgery last last week on her broken ankle and also had a pace maker put in. She is now in rehabilitation and if all goes to plan, she should leave the hospital in one or two weeks. We thank God and we thank you for your prayers! 

In Him, 

Cy & Stephanie

Chann's Daughter Arrives

Greetings from Cambodia   

It’s been a long long time that I have not reported to you all with the work in Cambodia.

Today I would like you to read some work and information that we have done recently. We are now have our brothers and sisters working with the church in different places. We have three people working and encouraging the church at Takam, Leang Dai, and Somroung every Sunday.

I myself have six people that I have to follow up and study with two days in a week. I have set up the time to study with a young faithful Christian man on Tuesday and Thursday every week, with the purpose of starting up another congregation at the suburb of the town.

I have studied with two young people at one place and I expect to have five more people to study with. Besides this area I also have to encourage and study with seven more members who are very busy with their jobs.

Please pray for my family, as my wife she just bore a baby last week on Wednesday and they are just out from the hospital today.

We deeply appreciate you all for your support and your love to us and the work of God in Cambodia.

In His service

Chann   

A Week To Give Thanks...

I know this week, in the U.S., is one where families are taking time to express gratitude. I also know we are all aware of how important it is to be thankful beyond one day each year, but everyday. For this reason, I want to take a few moments of your time to express, on behalf of the everyone at Bear Valley, our gratitude. Specifically, I want to list a few of the areas for which we are thankful.

First, we express thanks to our God for His Son, and our Savior, Jesus. Because of Him, through Him, and in Him, this work exists and grows.

Second, we give thanks for the opportunities our God has provided to be involved in taking the gospel to the world through the avenue of Extension Training.

Third, we give thanks for the men who sacrifice so much of their time and energy to keep the program growing. The hours in travel, time in preparing and teaching, as well as, away from family is greatly appreciated.

Fourth, we give thanks for the wives and children who keep the home strong while their husbands and fathers are away. They continue to provide encouragement for the work. Without your support, it would not be possible to continue to serve.

Fifth, we give thanks for the wonderful men and women who continue to labor in each of the extension school locations. They are the real heart of why this work is so vital and successful. The diligence demonstrated to maintain, recruit, educate, organize and provide necessary information is what reminds us all of the need and sacrifice we should make to serve our God.

Six, we give thanks for you, the supporters of the work. The sacrifices you are willing to make are the backbone of why the work continues to see success in saving souls around the world. I do not want to think of what we would do without your help. 

In the midst of such economic difficulties in this country, it is fitting for us to pause and remember the growth of the program and give thanks. We serve a great and awesome God. I am thankful to see His power working within each of us. 

The future of Extension Training holds wonderful promise. As the new year begins, Bear Valley will be working hand in hand within 15 locations around the world in preparing men to preach the gospel. I get goose bumps when I consider where we have come from and where we are going... and we are just beginning.

Coordinator Updates

Gary Fallis and Fred Cabler are now home from teaching in Ghana. We will have an update on their efforts in the near future.

Howell and Mary Ferguson are home from their work in both Ukraine and Chimala.

Extension Reports

Andrew Connally School of Preaching

The news from Arusha, Tanzania continues to be exciting as the program of work grows. Cy Stafford sends the following report.

Greetings Fellow Workers

We hope and pray this note finds you blessed by our God in all the right ways. We thank you all who have been praying for Stephanie's mother, Exel. She continues to improve and if all goes to plan she will have surgery on her ankle Monday and go to a rehab ward for a week or two. It even gets better, she has decided to obey the Gospel and wants to put Christ on in baptism as soon as possible. To God be the glory for answered prayers! Amen! 

We had a wonderful week of service in the Kingdom this week. We have finished our courses at the ACSOP for the year. I picked up Roger Shepherd at the airport Friday night. He will teach the second year students their final course before they graduate on Saturday, Nov. 27th. Yesterday (Sat.), the Arusha ladies hosted a youth day for the young girls here at our home. Lisa Holiday really helped in hosting the event due to Stephanie being out of Country. There were around 25 young ladies plus the speakers, Lisa, Nancy Smelser, Agnes, Makunde, Carolyn, Jane. We are so thankful for our Christian sisters, their continued spiritual growth in the Lord and their willingness to plan and carry out such edifying events.  

"I can't shut up.....about the Gospel", said Isaac when I asked him how he had met Judith. On Monday, Judith was baptized into Christ. On Tuesday when Isaac and I were headed to her home for a follow-up study I asked him how he had met Judith. He said she was his neighbor and when he passed by her house he "could not shut up about the Gospel." Oh what a lesson for each of us. During our study with Judith we were blessed with three other ladies, friends of Judith's. One was a wayward Christian who, during our study, repented and was restored. We went back on Saturday afternoon for our continued follow-up studies, resulting in one of Judith's friends, Sia, obeying the Truth and being baptized. Roger led this study, "watering the planted Seed, resulting in God giving the increase." Amen.

Isaac and Sadick studied with a group of ladies at the new Church plant, Kwamrombo (SW part of Arusha) on Friday. Saturday morning we went and picked up two sisters in Christ and Grace. Grace has been part of our follow-up studies with this group of Christians for the past couple of weeks. Grace was baptized and added to the Lord's Church! Amen! Yes, a great week in the Kingdom of God here in Arusha. 

I also received a note from Gasper saying two sisters in Christ at Mto wa Mbu were restored last Sunday. The work of God continues, and to say any more would only lessen the report of the Good News mentioned above. To God be the glory. Great things He is doing.

May our God bless your lives richly this week as you continue to grow in Him, serve Him, and teach others the saving message of the Gospel. 

In Him, Cy & Stephanie

Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies

Brother Joseph Baah sent a report about the activities of the students with the Tamale Institute in Ghana. He includes a list of the names for men applying for the next class scheduled to begin in May 2011. The address for the report is /extension-news/2010/11/22/tamale-institute-of-biblical-studies.html

Final Thoughts

The news is awesome. I am thankful to read the reports each week of all the work around the world. I pray your lives are blessed in reading the news as well. 

The week ahead will only continue to provide more. I guess that is why it is so exciting to share the reports with you each week. Thank you for taking the time to read them. I urge you to share them with others.

God bless

Bob

Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies

REPORT FROM TAMALE INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES-GHANA

We send greetings from the capital town of the Northern Region of Ghana to the entire brethren who are in His vineyard. Tamale is calm and activities of the Institute are going on as planned. It has been all joy hearing that Brother Steven Ashcraft has been appointed Coordinator for the two Institutions in Ghana, which are Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies and West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi. We congratulate him on his appointment and pray that God Almighty would continue to guide and guard him. 

Students have started arriving from their various towns, after a short break from 6^th November 2010 to 15^th November 2010. By His grace all are looking refreshed. 

During their stay the following activities took place:

The Preacher and His work -   Baah Joseph Okyere

Homiletics -                        Alexander Jabado 

GodHead -                        Adjei Mensah

Old Testament -                   Jaminja Ndakar

The Medical team from Bomso – Kumasi, led by Sister Avril, held a one week class session for the students. It is hoped that this Primary Health Care activity would go a long way to make students self-supporting after their graduation.

This would be the activities for the next session starting from 16^th November 2010 to 12^th December 2010 when the Institute would go on a long break:

ACTIVITY                                                                 INSTRUCTOR

2^nd Corinthians                                             Roger Akumsi

Maturing & Planting Local Congregation           Gabriel Oppong       (Elder -Bomso Church)   

Revelation                                                     Instructor from Bear- Valley Bible Institute

Christian Evidences                                         Instructor from Bear- Valley Bible Institute

It is hoped that all concerned will honour the invitation in order to have a successful session.

Students have started personal evangelism, preaching to win souls for Christ. This activity takes place during the weekends. We are of the hope that this activity would offer the needed experience to the students and if it is the will of God, enable the establishment of a congregation in the comminity where the Institute is located.

Plans toward offering admission to prospective students is on going and so far (19) nineteen out of (22) twenty-two applicants have been interviewed. There is therefore great hope of training the next batch of preachers, if the Lord permits, to extend the kingdom of the Lord. 

LIST OF APPLICANTS

NAME OF APPLICANT HOME -TOWN AGE

1. JOE ABEDUMAH BAWKU - 31 YEARS

2. NLAKIDII  LOT NAKPAH-BIMBILLA - 31 YEARS

3. GIDEON NAKOJAH KETEJELI- KPANDAI - 29 YEARS

4. WAJAH NIMOARE FRANCIS BAKPARA-YENDI - 25 YEARS

5. MOAKPEN BABA YAN MATHEW BAKPARA-YENDI - 25 YEARS

6. BIMOBI KOJO JOSEPH KANIMO-YENDI - 28 YEARS

7. PETER OBIRI KPANDAI - 25 YEARS

8. AGAMBIRE RAYMOND ATIAH BONGO-BOLGATANGA - 24 YEARS

9. JOSEPH FOBIL SIBI-DAMANKO - 24 YEARS

10. TIBURM ABRAHAM GBANLI-SABOBA - 38 YEARS

11. GMACHEI NKUMUYE LOT KPALBA-BIMBILLA - 36 YEARS

12. TIMOTHY NILIGRINI YANYANCHUN JAGRIDO - YENDI - 35 YEARS

13. GABRIEL KWAME KESSE AMPABAME OFFINSO - 35 YEARS

14. MAKINAN FRANCIS SUUK GBETMUUPAAK-BUNKPURUGU - 31 YEARS

15. PHILIP BILAM SIBI- DAMANKO - 29 YEARS

16. JOSEPH KONLAN MIATIB JIMBALE - BIMBILLA - 53 YEARS

17. LANDAKJOW AMOS GBALA-SABOBA - 35 YEARS

18. KULMA NDIBICHE ALEX DUUNI-BAKPABA - 33 YEARS

19. JACHAN N-NYUBI DANIEL D.C KURA-KANIMO - 27 YEARS

20. ALHASSAN AZINDOW STEPHEN GBUNGBALGA-YENDI - 21 YEARS

21. KUMASI MINTEMA JOHN GBETMANPUUK-SABOBA - 35 YEARS

22. SOLOMON LANYAN TANADO-SIBI - 21 YEARS

Bear Valley begins 15th Foreign Extension in Cameroon

The news continues to be exciting within the Extension Program. The Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver will be working together with a staff of men in the Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu (CBIW) as the 15th Extension of the Bear Valley Bible Institute.

After much prayer, a successful survey trip, and a tremendous amount of labor on the part of the leadership in Cameroon, we are thankful to say the CBIW will open its doors in January 2011. The interest level for the school has been overwhelming.

In recent months I referenced our trip to Wotutu, Cameroon. The purpose for our trip involved meeting with potential leaders for the school. In addition, we wanted to meet with congregations in the area to see if there was enough interest and a good student base to begin. Our efforts were to determine if an Extension School in the Southwest Region of Cameroon was a possibility.

More than 50 Christians were present from 19 congregations. At last count, 26 men have expressed their desire to be a part of the first class of students. These men are from several congregations in the surrounding area of Wotutu / Limbe, Cameroon. Our time together with these men was encouraging. The interest level was very high.

Due to the amount of space and funding, only 15 students are able to participate in this first class. The staff will begin administering entrance exams and doing student evaluations this week. The process will help determine which students will be involved.

The school will open under the leadership of Elangwe Esowe Gregory. Brother Elangwe will serve as the director of the school. He and three other men, Obed Anthony, Abasiama John, and Itali Ignatius Aghen, will serve as instructors for the program. These men are all well qualified to serve as the staff for the school.

We are confident, under their leadership, men will be well equipped to preach the gospel throughout the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Plans have already been made to strengthen the church in this area, along with reaching out to others who have never heard and obeyed the gospel.

There is still work to be done to complete each step of the process between now and January. However, much work has already been completed. As we near the starting date in January, we ask you to be praying about the work of preparing men to preach through extension training. We especially ask you to pray about the work in Cameroon.

Coordinator Updates

Gary Fallis and Fred Cabler are now in Ghana, West Africa. Both of these men will begin teaching today in the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi. They will finish up their classes on Friday, November 19th and return home. Please be praying for them while they are in Africa.

Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson as they finish up their work in Chimala, Tanzania with Garry Hill. They will return to the U.S. some time next week.

Donnie Bates will be finishing up his classes in Nepal later this week. You can read his reports at the following address:http://donniebatesreports.wordpress.com/ 

Final Thoughts

There were no reports turned in this past week. I know several will be coming in the days ahead and we will provide them in next week’s extension report.

We continue to move ahead with the work in Denver and around the world. Thank you for taking time to read about the work of training men to preach the gospel. Our God is so great. I am thankful for the opportunity to do this work and I thank you for helping make this work successful.

More next Monday.

God bless

Bob

New Coordinator - Part 2

The news continues to be exciting as the program in Extension Training expands. Last week, Steven Ashcraft was introduced as a new coordinator for the work in Ghana. This week I want to introduce an additional coordinator to the program.

Josh Austin will be joining the team of coordinators in Bear Valley’s Extension Program. Josh graduated from the BVBID in 2002. Josh, his wife, Divine, and their four children (Aaliyah, Alyssa, Alayna, Josiah) have been working in Kayenta, Arizona on the Navajo Reservation since their graduation.

With eight years of experience on the Reservation, Josh will provide a great asset to the program. His work ethic, Biblical knowledge and people skills will   help strengthen the extension program in every area.

The growth of the work in Kayenta is a testimony to the ability Josh has demonstrated over the past 8 years. His willingness to join the staff of coordinators will aid the development of the work in several countries and in the program overall.

Josh will be working in two countries in Africa. With the assistance of Steven Ashcraft, Josh will work with the Center for Biblical Studies in Kpalime, Togo. He will also coordinate the work of the Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu.

Josh will continue to have an element of influence in helping the work on the Reservation. There are classes each month he will continue to help coordinate with various instructors in order to aid in the growth of the church on the Reservation. He will also have an active part in assisting the various men who are laboring with the church.

Josh and his family are planning to move to the Denver area in April or May. During the interim, he will begin acclimating himself in various areas of the work. He will also be active in raising the necessary support for his family in this work.

It is exciting to see the growth in our staff. Please pray for Josh and his family during this time of transition. There is so much ahead as the program of Extension Training continues to grow.

Coordinator Updates

Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson as they work in Chimala, Tanzania. They will be at the Chimala Bible College working with Garry Hill for the next few weeks.

Donnie Bates is in Nepal. You can read his report is located at the following address: http://donniebatesreports.wordpress.com/

Extension Reports

Siem Reap, Cambodia

The following report is from Chann about the work of the church and school in and around Siem Reap.

Greetings,

Recently, we cut off the internet at the school for a while because of changing to a new system so we can save some money and use for the other items. That’s why I am rarely using the internet for a while and also missed to update you all about the latest work.

Things are going well here with the church and also school. Last week on Saturday we had a medical team from Taiwan who volunteered to help the people in Leang Dai and Somroung, also the other villages around as well.

My family had a week off during a national holiday, and we went to visit my family at my hometown. We took our time to worship together with my brothers and sisters, also some relatives and friends. There were 32 of us who worshipped and studied the bible together there. I was very happy to see my brethren studying with us with their attention.

We have contacted another place recently to set up a Bible study every Sunday afternoon. There were 8 to 10 people who studied with us on Sunday.

We are working to make a contact at two different places to have a Bible study and try our best to convert them. We want to establish the congregation as well at Tropeang Seh and another one is Vat Jork village.

Keep your prayer for us and I have some pictures want you to see what we’ve done recently.  I have tried to attach some pictures but I wondered what’s wrong with it yet. I promise to send them to you later.

In the love of our God.

Chann

Phanat also sends a link to view the work taking place in Cambodia. Go to the address below to get the latest report on the missionary activity:http://siemreapchurchofchrist.webs.com/apps/blog/

CSMT, Nigeria

The following report was sent from Reuben Egwu with the Comprehensive School of Management and Technology. The evangelistic efforts of the students is expanding and it is exciting to read about the work they are doing in Nigeria.

It is interesting to write you. God has opened another way of reaching the perishing. We are also now into prison ministry. For the past two sundays, one of our graduates (Ubi Okoi), some current ministerial students and I  have been working with the prison inmates.

Four souls which were converted by the brethren from Akanu Ibiam Polytechnic, Unwana. Afikpo- Campus church have been increased by 12 baptisms through my team’s efforts. We went there as the brethren who started the work went on holidays. We went with the words, tracts sent by Mission Printing and Bibles. On 27th October 2010, the prison authority at Afikpo allowed us to baptize the inmates who indicated interests. This was done in batches with armed security to guard the inmates. To God be the glory. The catholics were putting stumbling blocks to the decision of the inmates. Please, pray for the inmates and the ministry. It is demanding as even the warders are  giving us attention.

One of them that was baptized got there because of his inability to pay about $50 after the court judgement. We are making efforts to get him released and direct him to the nearest congregation in his town in Ebonyi state.

Accept my regards, please.

Reuben

Chandigarh, India

The following report is from Earnest Gill, working with the North India Bible College in Chanidgarh. There are plenty of challenges to this work and we ask you to be praying for his efforts and ours as we seek to find ways to help the financial needs.

Dear Brothers, by your prayers and support we have been doing well and are growing in the work of the Lord. We are also encouraged by the good reports from the brothers working in the Northern part of India. Reports of people obeying the Lord are received. Brother Subodh Gual reported that 7 people were baptized and 20 more were ready to obey. He told me that place for worship in Balco, Chhattisgarh is becoming short now.

We had good gospel meetings in Verka (Amritsar), Dhariwal and Ludhiana (all Punjab state). Our daily outreach and other activities are going well. Some students in the 2nd year batch are doing an extraordinary job. I can say that we feel proud to produce such preachers. We gave out 217 Hindi, Punjabi, English Bibles, distributed tracts on Salvation (Bridge of LIFE), Things Eternally Important, Understanding New Testament Christianity, and several Truth for Today books in Hindi and Punjabi languages.

Brother Jerry taught for a week in the NIBC. He taught on Leadership. I was invited by brother Shernappa in Maharashtra state to speak in 2 days Seminar (Nov. 22-23) in Nanded, a Sikh holy place in Maharashtra.

This month a young boy in our congregation who had his heart valve closed, died. We had prayed much and were trying to raise funds for his treatment but perhaps it was not God’s will for him.

This month we faced an expected threat on our work. As the prices everywhere are increasing, especially in Chandigarh where the people have highest per capita income, highest per capita vehicle, highest percentage tax payers in India and more and more Nonresident Indian (NRI) belong to the North and they wish to have a place for them near in or Chandigarh, we had been put in trouble. For the past few years we had been using a commercial place for the classes and the worship services. But since July this year, because of our inability to pay the increased rent, we moved to a residential area. This month the RWS (Resident welfare Society) complained against us to the police that they are using that building illegally. Because we are in Hindu dominated area, we urged them to give us some time to find a new place. But I was again called in the police station yesterday to give the update. I asked for more time.

We have shifted the place of worship in a new place at the additional cost of about $250 per month, but for the classroom we have not been able to find yet where we can accommodate students also. To get a place for about 20 people after few months has been a headache.

Presently we are in the building crisis and I urge you to pray for this great ministry that has a vision to strengthen the local church and spread the Churches of Christ in the Northern part of India.

I know that this is not an easy job that is given to us but we are serving the LIVING GOD and we trust in him. It is often said that North India is a hard ground, but together we put our efforts, we can make it a fruit giving country.

In Christ

Earnest Gill

Wotutu, Cameroon

The following report is from Elangwe Esowe about the work of the church in Cameroon. We will have much more exciting news about this work next week. Read more athttp://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/Cameroon10_10.pdf

Arusha, Tanzania

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We hope and pray all is well in your life and service in the Lord. We are indeed a blessed people to be able to call you brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow workers in the Kingdom of God. Thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement and support. God’s work here in Tanzania continues to grow; and maturing on many levels.

Let me introduce you to Joshua. Joshua is a waiter at a new restaurant/coffee shop here in Arusha. Recently we had a number of short term co-workers here to teach and preach. One morning a number of us stopped by for breakfast before we started our day. While sitting there I asked one Isaac (a local brother and evangelist) to ask Joshua if he would like to study God’s Word. So, the seed was planted, the study set up. Terry & Roger went with Isaac and they studied with Joshua and his wife Happy. After several studies (watering) both Joshua and Happy obeyed the Gospel (God gave the increase). Roger and Terry have gone home, back to their families in America. But the work continues……

The ladies at the Arusha Church have gone to visit Happy and the family. Stephanie and Jane continue studying with Happy. Isaac and I continue studying with Joshua. Joshua has joined us in our New Converts class each Sunday morning. Their baby, Ashley, has been sick, in the hospital, but is doing much better. Many of the Church family at Arusha went to the hospital to visit the family when they were at the hospital. TodayJoshua our new brother, his seven year old daughter, Annett, were in Bible class and worship.

Let me introduce you to Faraja, he was “visiting” today here at Arusha. Isaac and I introduced ourselves and asked him a few questions. Come to find out he was taught the Gospel several years ago by Charles Creel (a former missionary and team member working in Moshi). This was the second week he had come to worship at Arusha. He road a bicycle (borrowed bicycle) over 15 miles one way to come to Bible class and worship. He participated in our new converts class today. Isaac and I have a follow-up Bible class at his home tomorrow afternoon.

I relate the above stories to illustrate what God is doing through the Arusha Church, through our short term workers, mission team, etc. The maturing of the Lord’s Church here in Tanzania is an amazing thing to witness. Having worked with the Lord’s Church here in the Northern part of Tanzania for the past twelve plus years, has brought a great blessing to see real growth. To see the twenty year mission plan unfold, materialize, and on target is a blessing for sure.

As we move forward in God’s service we all need to be reminded of God’s words: “And let us not be weary in well doing; For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Amen!

In Him,

Cy & Stephanie

Final Thoughts

I have heard and used the phrase “the best is yet to come” several times through the years. This is exactly how I feel with each step forward into the future of this work. I am thankful for the progress that has been made, but I know the future holds so much more. Truly, the best is yet to come.

Thank you to all of you who are so involved in assisting in this work. Thank you for your interest and the prayers you continually offer on behalf of this entire program.

My prayer for you all is God’s richest blessings.

Bob

Report from Kathmandu

I did not sleep quite as well last night as the night before, but only in the sense that I awoke during the night more often, which is not that unusual for me.  I woke up at 4:30 still feeling fairly well rested.  I was happy to see I still had an Internet connection and got to visit with Noma some and Jessica for just a bit.  Another happy change from the day before was I had hot water.  Actually, I guess I had it before but didn’t fully understand how to access it.  I learned that the hot water heater is about 50-60 yards away.  The hotel owner said, “Just turn on the left faucet and wait.”  So, that’s what I did this morning; I turned on the water and then returned to the computer until I could see steam.  When I got out of the shower, the whole hotel room looked like a dense fog had moved in.  There’s no heat in my room, so the hot shower was an extra good bonus.  The temperature gets down into the low 50s here at night right now, which is not too cold, but with no heat in the room, it’s almost that inside and that IS cold to me.

I met missionary Mike Brooks who is staying at the hotel right next door to me, for breakfast this morning.  He just finished a class here Saturday and will be leaving later this morning.  His hotel has a nice breakfast buffet (I will be back to eat there, believe me).  The taxi was here to pick me up at 8:15 and off we went to collect Jerry and head to the school.  The class today went very well.  The students did well and were attentive and asked good questions.  After class this afternoon, we spent a little time (while one student went to get us another taxi) getting to know one another.  One of the students comes from a congregation that is about 4 days travel away.  I told him he lived farther away than I.  Gajendra (the director of the school and my translator) told me that it was 4 days because you ride on a bus for one day and then you walk up into the mountains for 3 days.  Jerry commented, “Do you remember the climb yesterday to worship?  Well, imagine doing that for 3 days.”  I have no plans to visit that congregation.

Tonight, the Golphenees will pick me up here at the hotel and we’ll eat dinner somewhere in this neighborhood (lots of good restaurants close by).  It’s been a good day and I thank God for allowing me to do this job and be here right now.  And I thank you for your support in helping me to come and your prayers that help me stay safe.

God bless,

Donnie Bates

Honduras Report

News of the Work 

Greetings in the beloved Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  The last month has been a busy one, but they all seem to be that way, these days. In the last newsletter, I failed to mention that I traveled to Denver for the Bear Valley Homecoming Lectures, September 24-26.  It was an outstanding lectureship, filled with powerful lessons.  It was also great to see so many old friends. 

Much of the month of October has been used in preparation for my upcoming trip which I will describe below.  I have also preached two Gospel Meetings.  The first was in Topeka, Kansas working with the Quivira Heights congregation, who help support us in our work.  Those dates were October 10-13.  The congregation has grown since I was there last and the meeting was well attended and I enjoyed my time with these great brethren very much.  The next week, I traveled to Memphis, Texas for the second meeting, October 17-20.  Again, the meeting was well attended and received and my time with the brethren was very much a blessing to me.  On Sunday evening, October 24, I traveled to Neosho, Missouri to give a report on the work in Danlí, Honduras to the Hillcrest congregation which serves as the sponsoring congregation for that school. 

School News 

Honduras 

The latest report from Honduras is that the students are faithfully engaged in their studies and putting into practice what they are learning in the classroom.  Brother Nery Irias (our director) informs me that Oscar Morgan continues to work with the congregation of Jicarito and has built that small congregation up from one brother to seven.  Brethren Yoni Gonzalez and Hector Viera continue working with the congregation in Villa Santa.  Quoting Nery:  they have “entered into the synagogues of the sectarians to debate the Scriptures with them and for that reason are hated, but well respected in the community.” 

Travel Plans 

I am currently trying to complete preparations for the class I will be teaching in Kathmandu, Nepal.  I leave on that trip Thursday, October 28.  I plan to return home on November 6.  I covet your prayers. 

If you would like any further information about our work, I encourage you to contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  Also, you can visit our website at:  www.WeTrainPreachers.com.   

You may also find information specifically dealing with the extension program is a new blog:  

http://extensiontraining.wordpress.com.   

You may contact me at:   

2013 Rushing Meadows 
Edmond, OK 73013 

Cell Phone:  (580) 326-1914 

...praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ... (Colossians 4:3).   

Thank you and God bless you all. 

Donnie Bates 

A New Coordinator Joins the Staff

I am always excited to see the program growing. It is even more exciting to introduce a new member of the team within the Extension Program. This is the case with today’s report.

Steven Ashcraft is now serving in the Extension Program as a full-time coordinator. Extension training is not new to Steven. He was instrumental in helping establish the work of the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies in Ghana, West Africa.

Steven began working in Ghana after graduating from the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver in 2005. His choice of Ghana was connected to the long term work of the Mountain Home Church of Christ in West Africa. The Mountain Home congregation is located in North-Central Arkansas, where Steven was converted. He began working as an evangelist in the Northern Region of Ghana in the city of Tamale.

His work has been very fruitful. The growth of the work would take a step to a new level when he was approached by the leadership of the two congregations in Tamale about having a school to train men to preach the gospel.

It would not be for another year before the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies would begin with sixteen students. The first class started in the fall of 2009 and will graduate next June 2011. Recruitment for the next class is already under way.

We are thankful to be working with the staff and students of the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies as an extension of the Bear Valley program. Having known Steven for several years, and working with him in connection to the extension program, I am excited to announce him as one of the extension coordinators for the Bible Institute.

Steven will be actively involved in coordinating the work in Tamale. He will also coordinate the work of the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi, Ghana. Steven’s ability, along with his experience, provide a skill set that will continue to have a great impact on the direction of the work in Ghana.

In addition, his vision of the extension work in all of West Africa will provide an element to aid in the growth of the program. As additional contacts are made and plans unfold, we look forward to seeing more men throughout all of West Africa have the opportunity to prepare for the greatest work.

It is a privilege to introduce Steven as a coordinator for the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. The good news of Steven is just the beginning. There is more to be announced next week.

Coordinator Updates

Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson as they work in Chimala, Tanzania. They will be at the Chimala Bible College working with Garry Hill for the next few months.

Denton Landon left yesterday for a trip to Tanzania to teach in the Chimala Bible College. Please be praying for his travels.

Extension Reports

Center For Biblical Studies: Kpalime, Togo

The Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver recently connected with the work of the Center for Biblical Studies in Kpalime, Togo. We are excited about the progress of the work for the past few years and we are looking forward to a fruitful future. The following address is a link to the latest report from Willie Gley who was instrumental in the establishment of the school:http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/Togo10_10.pdf

Bear Valley Bible Institute Ukraine

The latest report from the Bear Valley Bible Institute Ukraine is located at the following address:http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/Ukraine10_18.pdf The report from Denis continues to help us see both the challenges and the joy of the work. I know he would appreciate your prayers.

Final Thoughts

Over the last few weeks I have heard the statement, “it is a great time to be a Christian, to be a part of the Lord’s church.” When we consider the progress of the gospel throughout the world, it truly is a great time. I am so thankful each of you believe the same.

The work continues to be exciting and growing. I am thankful you have chosen to allow God to work through you to share in this work. I pray for you everyday.

God bless

Bob

45th Year in Denver, 14th Worldwide

Today the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver began the second quarter of the 45th year of training men to preach the gospel. Hundreds of men who have completed the program in Denver have been involved in doing the Lord’s work around the world and in every State of the U.S.

The Extension program will soon enter the 14th year of preparing men with the same purpose, now in 14 locations around the world. I am thankful to see how the program has and continues to grow. Several strides have been made over the past year to bring better communication to the program, as well as, a standardized approach to the work.

One of the most exciting aspects of Extension training is the fact that several hundred men can now be trained all at the same time. The number of students being trained to preach the gospel is over 200 and there is room for growth.

While the reports are encouraging and exciting, there are challenges to the work. Perhaps the greatest challenge is learning how to address the issue of dependency. One of the goals of Bear Valley is to provide the training in each extension to help men understand how to develop leadership within the church and self-supporting congregations.

The issue is not new. The problems experienced from dependency have existed for years. However, beginning in the classroom, we hope to provide a foundation in one of the fundamental teachings of scripture, stewardship. Students must learn to be good stewards and how to teach stewardship.

It may not be the only answer, but we are certain this fundamental element can be taught and practiced to help the work grow. As students learn about personal stewardship, a new mindset should begin to influence the direction of church growth and development. In the years to come we look forward to seeing and reporting on the growth of our efforts.

Coordinator Updates

Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson as they work in Chimala, Tanzania. They will be at the Chimala Bible College working with Garry Hill for the next few months.

Jerry and Paula Bates have returned from their latest trip to India. We are all thankful for their safe return and the success of their trip. We will have a full report for everyone soon.

Denton Landon will be leaving later this week for a trip to Tanzania to teach in the Chimala Bible College. Please be praying for his travels.

Extension Reports

Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies: Ghana

The following address is a link to the latest report from the director of the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies, brother Joseph Baah:http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/Ghana10_10.pdf

Final Thoughts

I want to plant a seed for you to consider. As the program of extension training grows, please consider how you can be more involved in the work. Recently, we discussed with several men the opportunity of serving as a coordinator for the work. They will need support.

We have also talked with a number of men regarding the possibility of teaching short courses in the schools. They will need to raise travel expenses. These areas are needed for men who are currently serving in these positions as well.

We are also looking at the possibilities of adding schools in other locations as opportunities open up. You can help in one or all of several ways.

1. Please continue to pray for this work. I appreciate your prayers more than I can express. I believe prayer is the most powerful way anyone can help.

2. Please tell others about the work. Share the news, the reports, and all the information you can with everyone you know. The more others know about extension training, the greater the opportunity for more to get involved.

3. Think about taking a trip to see the work first hand. There is nothing more powerful than having a “bird’s eye” view. The needs become so real when seen from the mission point.

4. Consider how to help financially. No amount is too small or too large. Every dollar coming into this program is beneficial in helping train men to preach. It may be a one time donation or monthly support, but there is always a need.

5. With the right qualifications, you might consider how to get involved in teaching a short course, or becoming a coordinator. As the program grows, so will the need for more men who are willing to fill positions in the program.

Now you have much to think about. Opportunities are unlimited. If you would like to discuss these areas further, please send me an e-mail at bturner@bvbid.org. You can also reach me by phone at 303-986-5800. I would love to talk with you.

Let me close by saying thank you. Thank you for giving consideration to the needs and opportunities. Also, thank you for what you have already done and continue to do on behalf of extension training. You are awesome and I pray for you daily.

God bless

Bob

TOGO: Extension #14

The Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver is officially connected with the work in Kpalime, Togo. Togo is located on the eastern border of Ghana. However, the journey between Ghana and Togo is far from an easy one. We traveled approximately 22 miles from Ho, Ghana to Kpalime, Togo and it only took about 3 hours. Not even pictures could describe the conditions of the roads we traveled.

However, the journey does not compare to the powerful opportunity afforded us when we arrived to meet the director and students of the Center for Biblical Studies (CBS). The time we shared in answering questions and discussing matters surrounding the school were uplifting and insightful.

Ten men are beginning their second year of classes at CBS. Nine of these men entered the program as members of a denomination and six of the nine were preaching for denominations. While this is not Bear Valley’s approach in training men to preach, we were impressed with the news to follow.

All of these men have been converted to Christ and four of the six men have been involved in converting  the entire congregation where they were working. Additional teaching is being done with the other denominations. Several hundred new brothers and sisters now exist as a result of the work being done.

We are excited to be connected with the work of training these men to preach in Kpalime. We are also excited about the potential for the future. Future students will be produced from these congregations that now belong to Christ.

The vision for the school in Togo is the result of a man by the name of Willie Gley. Brother Willie was converted after picking up a World Bible School brochure sticking up out of the dirt. He began searching for the truth and found the answers in God’s word via World Bible School correspondence.

Several years later, after receiving an education in Bible through the Brown Trail School of Preaching, he returned to work in his native country of Ghana. Willie’s vision has expanded to train other men in preaching the gospel. The school was born out of this vision a few years back with three men who are now working in the field. One year ago, the number of students increased to twelve, however, two were not able to stay in the program for various reasons.

The future of this work is very promising. In the months ahead, they will recruit for the next class of students for the summer of 2011. We pray, and ask you to pray, for the development of this program as Bear Valley joins hands with the tremendous work of training men to preach in Kpalime, Togo.

Coordinator Updates

Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson as they work in Chimala, Tanzania. They will be at the Chimala Bible College working with Garry Hill for the next few months.

Jerry and Paula Bates are in southern India working with various congregations. They will be in India for two more weeks. We will have a full report on their work upon returning to the U.S.

Denton Landon returned this past week from teaching in Takoradi, Ghana at the West Coast School of Preaching.

The following report is from Gary Fallis about his work in the extension program over the last month. The address is http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/Fallis9_10.pdf

Donnie Bates’ monthly report regarding the work in Honduras and Guatemala is located at the following address: http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/Bates9_10.pdf

Extension Reports

Siem Reap, Cambodia

The International Bible Institute of Siem Reap and the work of the local congregation continues to grow. The news is always exciting from Phanat Ouch who serves as the director of the Bible Institute. You can read more at the following address: http://siemreapchurchofchrist.webs.com/apps/blog/

Final Thoughts

There are never enough words to describe how thankful I am for the opportunity to see and share in this work. I am constantly amazed at God’s guidance and faithful hand to work in so many ways to take the gospel throughout the world.

I truly believe the answer to world evangelism is based in training men in their own country to preach the gospel to their own people. As we continue to develop the extension program, I thank you for seeing and sharing in the same vision.

Without your help, we would not be able to do what is needed to develop and complete the task before us. Thank you for your labor and generosity to the work of training men to preach the gospel. I hope you know how thrilling it is for me to report the news weekly connected to the extension work.

God bless

Bob

From Ukraine to Tanzania

Those of you who are on my daily devotional email list already know that we completed our three weeks in Ukraine and have now been in Tanzania for two weeks. Overall, everything has gone basically as planned without a major hitch.

Shortly after arriving in Ukraine, I participated in the welcoming and orientation of the students to the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Ukraine. We began with nine new first-year students and six existing second-year students for a total of fifteen students. Reflecting back at a very difficult time a little over a year ago when BVBIU was down to only four students, we were very pleased to start the new Sept. 2010 school year with fifteen students.

My original purpose for going to Ukraine at this time was to welcome the new students. However, because of circumstances with Andrew, Terry and Marina Harmon’s younger two-year-old son, I decided to extend my stay to also assist teaching in Terry’s absence. As you may know, little Andrew was diagnosed with Histiocytosis, a rare disease in children in which immune cells mistakenly attack the body instead of fighting infections. Because of the serious nature of the disease and the need for the best treatment available, the Harmons made the difficult decision to conclude their successful work in Ukraine.  

Fortunately for BVBIU, Terry had been mentoring one of the teachers, Denis Sopelnik to one day take over the directorship. And even while the new position is weighing heavy on his shoulders right now, Denis immediately and smoothly assumed the directorship. That’s not to say there are no new challenges. Having more students means more money is required to house, feed and teach. I’m not a prophet, but I don’t foresee things getting any cheaper. That means an increased budget and the need for more support. On top of this, cold weather is already on its way in Ukraine.

However, a project was already underway when I left to install four 1,000-liter hot water reservoir tanks enabling BVBIU to heat water when electricity is at its lowest cost (between midnight and 6:00 am). This will enable the building to be heated during the day from the boiler reservoir tanks without heating water during peak daytime hours. We believe the savings will be significant especially when the weather becomes bitter cold for long periods.

But cold weather wasn’t an issue during the three weeks Mary and I were there. I completed my class on Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther, and enjoyed the other times of Bible study and fellowship while we were there. Denis, Natasha (BVBIU secretary) and I had a meeting the day before we left to tie up loose ends and discuss other matters. Mary transcribed the meeting notes.

With all that we could do in Ukraine behind us, we began the second objective of our trip—to spend time in Tanzania working with the Chimala Bible College. While the cultures are completely different, we love  the people just  the same. Once we  landed in Dar-es-Salaam, we had to wait an additional day for our luggage to arrive from Nairobi. It was so good to see Bill and Cyndi Stinson at the airport; and once we finally made the 11-hour road trip, to see the familiar faces on the Chimala Mission.

There were some logistic issues we had to address: exchange money, get cell phone and internet/email SIM cards, get my resident permit stamped in my and Mary’s passports, and renew my TZ driver’s license. Of course, the most important issue was getting some good Rift Valley coffee! 

Monday after we got to the mission, I received my class schedule teaching the book of Isaiah to the first-year students on Mondays, and teaching Church Planting and Development to the second-year students on Thursdays. The other six courses during the six-week fourth quarter are being taught by Garry Hill, Peter Kamatula, and Joshua Mwakyasima. Afterwards, Garry and I will teach the last four courses in the two-week short courses.

This visit to Chimala is unique in several ways. One, this is the longest visit to the mission we have ever spent—nearly two months; two, Bill Stinson—the Chimala Mission administrator, and his wife, Cyndi have left for the states for a few months to take care of matters at home leaving the mission without an administrator; and three, Garry Hill has now “moved-in” to the Chimala Mission as a permanent CBC teacher/missionary. So we have been left here also serving as the “eyes and ears” of the mission in Bill’s absence. However, Bill has left a system of responsibility in place for the heads of the different departments. I agreed to use our SKYPE every first Saturday afternoon at 4:00 for the department heads to communicate with the elders of the New York Ave. congregation. Probably by the time you read this report, we will have already had our first SKYPE meeting.

Here at the Chimala Mission there are a number of small matters we hope to address. One of the areas is to improve the library. A container is planned to be  shipped after the first of the year which will contain some books for the library; but in the meantime we want to implement some policy changes so the library doesn’t continue to shrink. We’re relocating the CBC/CSOP secretary’s office in the entrance so no one can enter or leave without her knowledge. We’ve also made a new break room for the students so they can have their ten o’clock tea or coffee. Other administrative matters will be worked on such as updating our student handbook and permanent student records. There are also plans to be made in preparation for our CBC 2010 graduation in November. Lord willing, I’ll update you on these things and other matters in next month’s newsletter. Until then we ask for your continued prayers

- Howell Ferguson