3rd Annual Leadership Conference In Tanzania...

Spanning three days, the 3rd Annual Leadership Conference in Arusha, Tanzania was filled with uplifting singing, powerful prayers and lessons that strengthened our faith in the Lord. The future of the Lord’s work in Tanzania, as well as, surrounding countries is secure. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this year’s event. Denny Petrillo, Michael Hite, Neal Pollard, and myself were able to share in this year’s event as representatives of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver.

Others from several countries, Uganda, Kenya, and several other teachers from the U.S. were able to enjoy the benefits of this great program (please see Cy Stafford’s report below for a list of those involved). The TZ2000 team has been instrumental in putting together a lectureship to help leaders grow and fulfill their role in the Lord’s kingdom. Each year the program has grown and this year was no exception. More than 130 people came together, many who traveled long and hard distances, to learn leadership lessons from 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings.

Representatives from the Uganda School of Evangelism, Francis and Margaret Wechesa, were involved in teaching at the lectureship. Also, Charles Ogutu, who represented the Kenya School of Preaching, was able to speak at this year’s event. The challenges presented during this time motivated everyone to examine how we can help the church grow into the future.

Sunday allowed everyone the opportunity to visit numerous congregations in the Arusha area to preach and teach. On Monday morning I was privileged to sit in on a meeting of local leaders discussing plans for growth in the Arusha area. I was encouraged to hear two specific leaders talk about the need for African leaders and congregations to step up and take a greater role in working to become free from the dependency on financial support from the U.S. Their understanding of the situation and assessment of the need was exciting to hear. I look forward to the unfolding of such plans for the maturity of the church in East Africa.

Tuesday morning, Cy Stafford and I will be traveling to Kisumu, Kenya to visit the Kenya School of Preaching, one of the newest schools Bear Valley is partnering with in training men to preach. The KSOP has 20 students who began their studies the first week of October. I am excited to have the opportunity to visit and teach in the program this next week.

Well, there is much more going on around the world, and I know you are interested in reading about the great work God is doing through so many wonderful brethren.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Howell Ferguson’s report with pictures is located on the website. Please click here to see the full report.

Extension Reports 

Needs For Sister Mercy: The students have returned from weekend evangelism in Cameroon and Mercy is a sister who has needs, as she recently gave birth to triplets.

God Is Giving The Increase In Guatemala: The news is exciting as five precious souls were added to the Lord’s kingdom in Guatemala.

Moving Toward Dependence On God: As the work in Cambodia works to move away from dependence on U.S. support, they move to greater dependence on God.

Personal Evangelism And Preaching Making A Difference: With all the administrative duties involved, the local work proves to be a blessing making a difference.

Guest Teachers Help The Work In Nepal: Two teachers visiting from the U.S. were involved in teaching at the Nepal Center for Biblical Studies.

Voice Of Truth Distributed In Northern India: Staff and students at the North India Bible College are spreading the news of the gospel.

Seven Souls Added To The Kingdom: Amidst the news of a successful Leadership Conference, the greatest report came Sunday night as souls were added to the church. 

Final Thoughts
I always gain a new perspective when I have opportunity to visit the various locations of the schools we are able to work with in Extension Training. This trip was no exception. I love seeing the work grow and continue to influence souls around the world. Thank you for making this entire work possible. Everyone knows the tremendous generosity that is demonstrated by you to help this work continue. Thank you.

God bless
Bob

Posted on October 15, 2012 .