We have entered the month of Thanksgiving. Perhaps the most significant holiday celebrated in the U.S. is Thanksgiving. I hear it every year, but it is always worth repeating. As Christians, we do not need to celebrate one day a year for Thanksgiving, rather we should give thanks everyday. As we go through the weeks ahead leading up to the celebration of this holiday, I will be focusing on several areas for which I am thankful.
This week, I want to express my gratitude to God for the providential ways He has and continues to bless the work of training men to preach the gospel. Fifteen years ago when the Extension Program had its beginning, my family and I moved to Greenbrier, Arkansas to assume the responsibilities of pulpit work with the Greenbrier Church of Christ. I had no idea at the time of what was taking place in the area of Extension training, or the magnitude it would grow to in the years ahead. I certainly could not foresee my involvement.
To reflect on the years that have gone by provides such a beautiful perspective to the overall work. I think about God’s working to connect all the various individuals involved in the program, from supporters and staff to the locations where we are partnering around the world. My limited time in the Extension Program has been filled with stories I will carry for the rest of my life because of how God’s hand has worked to develop this program.
I realize that everything we do is to the glory of God. He is worthy to be praised because of who He is and all He has and continues to do. The opportunity to be a part of His kingdom and share in the work of His kingdom is humbling. Our heavenly Father deserves our praise and thanksgiving for how He works to bless us as His children, strengthen us for His work, guide us in the paths leading to eternal life, and provide opportunities to share hope with others.
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 is in Chimala, Tanzania. His latest report is located here.
Steven Ashcraft’s report about the work in West Africa is located here.
Extension Reports
The Truth Is Changing Lives In Cameroon: As students return from weekend evangelism, the gospel continues to change lives.
Growth In The Church And Bible Institute Of Ukraine: Recent opportunities have provided growth within the church that is also helping grow the Bible Institute in Gorlovka.
Rich History Of The West Coast School Of Preaching: Several men who have attended and graduated from the West Coast School of Preaching are working in Ghana.
Growth To Independence: The steps may be small, but Christians in Cambodia are working to take steps toward removing dependence on U.S. support.
Tanzania Chronicles: Sean Hochdorf sends word about the past and current events shaping the past month in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Heart Of The People: From around the world, the heart of people is seen in the compassion toward others who are suffering on the East coast of the U.S.
Final Thoughts
While we started the report with an area of thanksgiving, we shall also close the report with the same. However, this section is always reserved for you. Thank you for the time you take to read the reports, keep up with the work that is taking place, pray for the efforts being put forth, and participate in the fellowship of kingdom activity. I pray God will bless you richly for your love for Him, His church, and the lost.
God bless
Bob