A Teacher / Student Perspective...

One of the students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, Tony Johnson, continues his work with the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies. His most recent report about the work is posted below. If you would like to see more of Tony’s posts with pictures, you can visit his blog site.

Sunday – May 29

I made my first trip to the villages outside Tamale this morning.  If you look on Google Map you can follow the Tamale-Yendi Road east out of Tamale until you come to the town of Jimle, where a congregation of the church meets.  We stopped long enough to tell them we would be back after visiting some of the other brethren in the villages.  Steven and I had originally planned to divide up and go to separate congregations, but after hearing that some of the groups were struggling, it was determined that it would be more encouraging if we all went to visit each group.  So we headed north, leaving the nice paved highway for the much more common dirt road.  We passed a number of villages, most too small to get a mention on the map as we headed first to Tijo, where we dropped a brother off who had travelled with us from Tamale, and the on to Bah, which is also too small to show up on the map, but is about halfway between Tijo and Gariwe.

Once we arrived in Bah we found the local congregation in the house they use to meet, but they had just finished their worship service. The congregation only has a few members, and some of them were missing the morning we visited, but there were two adults and a number of children present.  The leader of the congregation is a man named John who faithfully attends with his two children, arriving every week on his bicycle with one child sitting on the back and the other on the front.  Even though they had finished services John asked if we would come in and say a few “words of encouragement,” which is their way of saying “preach.”  If we all looked at sermons as “words of encouragement,” which is what they really are, maybe fewer people would be worried about how long they were!  Since they had already meet when we got there we kept it pretty short, singing a couple of songs, and I gave a short devotional from 1 John 4.  Since none of the people in the village speak English the songs were in Dagbani, and Alhassan translated the lesson for me. After a prayer we stayed and answered some questions John had concerning what the Bible teaches about marriage between Christians and non-Christians (a question that comes up anywhere you go) and what the Bible teaches about Christians and animal sacrifices (a question that I have never had to deal with before!)

After leaving Bah we headed back to Tijo where the brother we had dropped off, Jaminja, had conducted worship services with the saints there.  That morning there were 5 adults and a handful of children who meet to worship on a couple of benches under a tree.  We spent a few minutes visiting with them before heading back to Jimle.

Once we arrived back in Jimle we were surprised that the congregation, consisting of 2 men and one young lady (with her baby), had waited many hours for us to return to have their service!  The worship service consisted of prayer, singing songs, a “word of encouragement”, the Lord’s Supper, and giving – just like at home. When people follow only the Bible it will not matter where you are, you will worship God in the same manner.  I was asked to give the “word of encouragement”, and the material I had prepared on being a servant just did not seem to fit.  How do you preach to people who give up everything to become Christians in a Muslim dominated area that they need to be servants?  They should preach to me!  So I made up a lesson as we sat there from Matthew 5, and talked about the blessings God has in store for His faithful people, and the important role they play as the salt and the light in their village. I hope it was as encouraging for them as they were to me. 

Monday – May 30

Today began my teaching career.  Boy, do I have a lot to learn!  But that is okay, I will learn, and thankfully the students showed great patience with me.  The biggest thing I have to learn is how to talk slower.  Much slower!  English is a second language for all the students, and why they speak and understand it well, their tone and diction is very different from what we Arkansans call English.  I am pretty sure that no one understood anything I said today because I was speaking to fast for them to hear me!  They were too kind to tell me though,, so I did not find out until after the class.  We will see tomorrow just how much they heard when they take their first test over what was covered today (we may have to use a big curve on this one!)

My class goes from 8 AM to noon each day. We started today with “How We Got the Bible”, then we will be taking a survey look at all the books in the Old Testament, followed by all the books in the New Testament.  During the afternoon, from 1 to 5 PM, the students are taking a short course on the life of Christ being taught by the schools director, Joseph Baah.  Next week they will begin taking a writing skills class and Faithful Christian Living class during the afternoons.

Tuesday – May 31

Last night it rained hard again here, which is good news for the farmers.  A friend commented that it looked a lot greener than he thought it would be, and that is because the rainy season has begun a little earlier than normal and had produced more rain than normal.  I am told that once it stops raining completely in October that all the vegetation turns brown and looks dead by January.

I should mention that there are 10 students in the class right now.  The school had accepted 24 students in this class, but for various reasons many of them have not made it to the school yet.  We are going ahead with teaching the 10, and thanking God for their decision to put aside all the things of the world in order to gain a better understanding of God’s word.  There are plans underway to bring in additional students that will catch up by taking classes in July, when this class returns home for a month to be able to plant the crops their families will need to survive.  Then the two classes will join together for the rest of the two year commitment the school requires.

The verdict on whether I talk to fast is in, and the answer was a resounding yes!  However the tests were not too bad, not because of my teaching, but because the one student that could understand me formed a study group at 7AM this morning and was helping the other students who had no idea what I had said.  Pretty cool!

Today I did much better – still need to slow down a little more I think, but the students are opening up more and letting me know if I get excited.  We started on the Old Testament survey this morning, going through the book of Numbers.  The students are quite sharp and know most of the stories in the Bible, so it is very encouraging to me.  Tomorrow’s test should let me know if I have slowed down enough to be more effective as a teacher here.

Wednesday – June 1

Today’s test went much better!  Either I made it to easy or they are beginning to be able to hear me better.  Today we covered Deuteronomy through 1 Sam 8.  I will have to make tomorrow’s test a little tougher to see what happens.

I am slowly learning the students names, but have a tough time with pronouncing them in a way that they understand who I’m calling on!  The class includes Telinyi Johnson, Joseph Miatib, Donker Mathew, Kwame Lot, Loti Nlakidi, Bilam Philip, Timothy Niligrini. Fobil Joseph, Lanyon Solomon and Bentime Godwin.   I will have to continue working on this!

This evening we ran out of water in the tank that feeds the bathrooms to both mine and Steven’s apartments.  It is attached to the city water supply so no one can figure out why it is not filling up, as the tanks in the courtyard that the students use are full.  Anyway, tomorrow morning I will get to experience bucket bathing for the first time.

That’s all for now.  Thanks again for your continued prayers.  I am privileged in that I get to see the results of the money you give and the prayers you offer that make this work possible.  I can tell you that it is a very good work, one that is offering sound teaching to men who want to take the message back to their villages and tribes.  You are helping to take the gospel message to places most of us have never dreamed of.  God bless you!

Tony

Charges Acquitted In Honduras...

Thanks, brother, for your concern and for all the brethren who have been praying for me. I give thanks to God that I presented myself to the court and the charges of “kidnapping” that had been against me were removed because brother Nasario appeared and was to withdraw the complaint. But, I am very disappointed that brother Nasario, since he is influenced by his mother and declared that, in effect, my brother and I kidnapped him with firearms and threatened him that we were going to kill him. The judge did not believe them, their version “lies” and for lack of sufficient elements of merit to adjudicate any responsibility they closed the case. I have in my power a copy of the dismissal; when you come you will be able to read it. In my neighborhood all the persons believe my brother Jairo and I are kidnappers, especially the sectarians with those we have studied the Bible.

We always continue with the selection of future students. Today I have the visit of brother Cesar and we are discussing when we could go to Olancho to confirm the spirit of the students, but he commented to me that the son of brother Enrique of Catacamas, who is our contact, was shot. A group of drug dealers clashed in a shootout, and the son of our brother was walking to his house when the shooting happened resulting in his injury, but it was not serious. For that reason we decided to postpone our trip until the second week of June.

We have a new prospect by the name of Cristobal. He is single and is very excited to study. I sent the money to brother Enrique, and he said that this week he is to move his family. I, for the moment, continue living in the church building. The rainy season has begun and I have to be watchful for the small river or creek since the infrastructure of the building can be seen to be at risk.

Pray that the building is capable of supporting this winter.

Nery

Safari For Souls In Arusha, TZ...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We rejoice in the Lord, know our God is able and that His Saints are praying and supporting His work in Tanzania. We are a blessed people for sure and we praise His High and Holy name. We think of you often knowing it is only possible to be here, doing what we love to do so dearly, because you care and you sacrifice in your giving making all this possible. We say, thank you and may God bless you all richly. 

As mentioned before, we are now in full swing with our Safari for Souls campaigns. Our friends and co-workers from Hoover, AL are here along with a small group from GA. Sid Aultman, Chuck Webster, and Neil Richie are leading 23 others in two campaigns, one at Njiro and the other at Kwa Mrombo. 

A lot of “pre-campaign” effort has gone into making these campaigns as effective as possible. In just the pre-campaign efforts there have already been eleven souls added to the Kingdom, nine of those from Kwa Mrombo. Today in worship at Kwa Mrombo there were 21 souls present for worship, 100% of all the new converts present! God is so good!

Today  all our visitors from AL/GA worshiped at Arusha, a grand day of worship it was. After services Elly was making the announcements. As I listened I was once again reminded of the good and of the influence the Arusha congregation is having in the country of Tanzania. 

Today From Arusha: Isaac and his wife Makunde went to Kwa Mrombo. They have both helped in evangelistic effort for this work and have led many to the Lord. Desdery Massawe has traveled to Bukoba to preach a meeting for their campaign. Anthony Freedo and his family worshiped with the Njiro congregation. They have been working with this young Church helping them grow in the Lord. Others could be mentioned, but space does not allow. Suffice it to say, God is doing good things through His children at Arusha. 

Two souls added to the Church this week, our new sister, Loveness and our new brother Jonah. Please remember them in your prayers this week as they begin their new lives in Christ.

We solicit your prayers for all our campaigners and for open doors and open hearts. We thank you and we pray God will bless you that you might continue blessing others. Until next time, may our God be with us all as we faithfully serve. 

In Him, Cy, Stephanie and Exel

One Powerful Example...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

Wow, another Sunday is here. We've just finished eating burritos for lunch and are working on preparing vegetable soup and potato soup for 35 people. We're very excited that the Hoover (AL) group arrived Friday night and will be working in the Kwa Mrombo area where the church was established last year. Our nephew, Steven, visitor Penny Cabler and several Tanzanians have already "set the stage" conducting Bible studies these past two weeks (resulting several baptisms!). Penny, a third-time visitor, studied with new Christian Agness, helping her to understand the importance of worship and other basic principles. Because of the study, Agness agreed to start coming to worship (even though it is against culture because her baby is not yet 3 months old) and was there today. Penny also studied with Momma Michael's two daughters, Einote and Betha.

Steven preached a most excellent sermon on 2 Cor. 5:17 concerning our newness in Christ and how to get into Christ. We were thrilled that he spoke on these topics due to new Christians being in the audience and several visitors. It was also a good reminder to us older Christians that we are to "put off our old self." The church needs more preachers like Steven who can preach the truth with such clarity.

J.W. (Jimmy's father) has been a huge help to us repairing everything from water pipes to the kitchen sink (literally). He did not solicit funds from churches to do evangelism but came to accompany Steven on the long trip, to help us with many projects and visit with grandkids. But, in helping us, we feel that he is definitely contributing to the spread of the Gospel. Tanzanians have been impressed with his work ethic (a good example is a mighty good sermon!).

We were finally able to study with Agatha again! Our study went great as we read Scriptures about the church for which Christ died and established. She is understanding more and beginning to "see the light." We wanted to study every day this week but, due to her business, it will probably only be 4 days.

To all who prayed for Helen this week, we owe a huge debt of gratitude. Many wrote to assure me they were praying. Thank you so very much! She, her brother and another relative made it safely to Dar es Salaam. However, when she arrived at the hospital (Ocean Road) they refused her admittance because the hospital in Arusha did not send all the proper documentation for her transfer! Seems to us, they could've called and spoke to the proper personnel to get the specific information they needed. So, she was required to go to another hospital (her 5th in about 3 weeks) to be subjected to the tests again. Helen was discharged (staying with relatives in Dar) for two weeks until test results return.

Initially, we were disappointed that more time will be wasted (while she waits for results) before treatment can begin. However, we know that God heard our prayers! Perhaps, this two-week period will provide enough time for her to learn the Gospel BEFORE her treatment begins. As we get information on the status of her Bible study, we will report it. Please keep praying. Two of her children attended Bible class and worship and Steven studied with her husband this past week.

Would you love to teach God's Word to someone eager to learn? Opportunities abound in Tanzania where "the fields are white unto harvest" and you can wear yourself out in God's service! The rewards are great! Thank you for your continued support and prayers! 

In Christian Love,
The Jimmy Gee family

Remembering The Bond Holding Us Together...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless
Bob

A Different Perspective In Tamale...

One of the students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, Tony Johnson, is spending most of the summer break in Tamale, Ghana. Tony will be working with the school and the local congregations. He will also spend time in the villages working to share the gospel of Christ. I wanted to include his latest post about his perspective of the last few days since arriving in Ghana. If you would like to read additional posts in the week ahead, you can go to his blog site and subscribe. His latest report is below for you to read.

I know I normally post on Wednesday, but for the first couple of weeks at least I will try to post twice a week in order to share what it going on in Ghana.

Thursday, May 26th

During the morning we went out to see the new school location. One thing that becomes immediately clear is the vision for the future that Steven has. The site is a total of 4 acres and initial building includes a school office, living space for visiting teachers, 6 dorm rooms for students that will house 8 students each, bathrooms and showers, and a large classroom. The 48 students will double the current capacity of the school while still being much more comfortable than the current space allows. Even with these improvements, that is just the beginning of what Steven has envisioned as he has already laid the foundation for the next set of dormitories, and the building is set up for an additional wing to be added for classrooms at a later date. The school and dormitories are contained in a walled area of three acres (more about the wall in a minute), with the remaining acre outside the wall being set aside for a worship center to be built for the local community as well as the students. The posts have been set for this building and Steven hopes to be able to lay at least a foundation soon. Even though the land has been purchased it is important to build on it as soon as possible in order to keep someone else from making a claim on it, or even having the tribal chief sell the land again to another person. This week we hope to see the roof put on the new building and hopefully the remaining carpentry work completed (door and window frames.) There is still much work to be done, but you can see the great opportunities the site will make possible. There is room to build a house at a later date on the property for whoever is overseeing the work here as well as a place to put in a garden that will allow us to teach the students how to install and manage drip irrigation (and thus give them a means to sustain themselves once they return to their villages) and provide food for the students.

Now, about that wall. It is actually quite safe here in Tamale, but walls around the compound are a good idea because of the possibility of tribal violence. The school here is unique in it has students from many different tribes living and working together. In the class of 15 that is graduating next month there are nine different tribal languages represented, and most of the students are not from the tribe that is local to Tamale. So when tribal issues do arise, as they will from time to time, the wall, which will be topped with razor wire at a later date, gives the students some level of protection and comfort until the dispute gets settled.

Later we went to town to do some grocery shopping. Never have I missed Wal-Mart so much! You go to one store to buy your household supplies (laundry soap, etc.), another to buy your basic food supplies, and another for frozen meat, another for bread, and your fruits and vegetables from the street corner vendors. Very interesting experience.

You can buy most everything on the street, which is good, because the closest Wal-Mart is a couple thousand miles away.

During the afternoon we met with the leaders of the school to discuss budget items and the upcoming graduation and lectureship. It is important to get the leaders from the local congregations to come to the lectureship and graduation to see the school in action, but it isn’t as easy as just sending an invitation. Because most people in Northern Ghana barely make enough to feed their families it is necessary for the school to provide a place to stay and meals each day for those coming, so the invitation is limited to 4 from each congregation in addition to the student’s family and guests. While it only costs 3 Cedis for space in the local hostel (about $2 US) and about 2 Cedis each day for traditional Ghanaian meals cooked by the women of the local congregations, the budget for a three day lectureship is huge by Ghanaian standards. During the meeting the rainy season officially began in Tamale. The rainy season lasts from late March to the end of September here. It doesn’t mean it rains that much though, not like in Southern Ghana, it just means it rains occasionally. During the months of October through February, the hottest time of the year, it does not rain at all here. When it does rain in the rainy season though, it really rains. Power went out about an hour before the storm got here and we got to enjoy a beautiful electrical storm light up the sky. Then the winds and rains came and lasted for a couple hours. The electricity came back on after the storm cleared the area and this morning everything is a little cleaner and the plants a little greener.

Friday – May 27th

This morning we spent working on getting supplies for the new building, something that is a little more difficult than calling your supplier and having him drop off 400 sheets of plywood. After much discussion we all headed over to the local shop to see what was available. After much waiting around the carpenter who is doing the work showed up to inspect the wood, and while I’m not 100% sure (since the carpenter doesn’t speak much English and I speak none of his tribal language), I believe we got what we came for. And it only took 4 hours to take care of!

One thing that has quickly become obvious to me is that the culture is one where much talk precedes any action, even one where the decision has previously been made and all that is necessary is taking care of business. Of course, with my Americanized “let’s make a decision and get going” way of thinking, this is quite a change. One of the things that Steven has done well here is help balance the “let’s see what happens” culture with a little “let’s make it happen” attitude.

During the afternoon I worked on my class material for a while. It will be interesting teaching here as I try to figure out what level to teach the classes at. I don’t want to make it too easy as it is a Bible College, but at the same time I don’t want to assume they know something that they might not have been exposed to in the past.

I capped my day off by taking a walk up to Tamale Polytech, the local university. Tamale is a large town by any standard, and I have seen a number of white people so far, but the little children still like to call out and get a big smile when the white guy waves to them.

During the evening Alhassan a young man who graduated from the West Coast School of preaching in Takoradi and now assists the Director of the school, set up the projector and screen outside of the school compound and showed a movie on the life of Jesus (based on the book of Luke). The students came out to watch and a pretty good crowd from the local area came to watch as well. The film was in English so Alhassan translated it into Dagbani, which is the language of the Dagomba tribe which is prominent in this area. Showing movies like this gives the students a chance to interact with the local community, and hopefully opens some doors to preach the gospel as most of those who come to watch are Muslim. It was a fun evening for the students and for those who came to watch.

Saturday – May 28th

Today is an off day for the students here in Tamale and most are taking advantage of it by doing their laundry, cutting one another’s hair, or just sitting outside and visiting. I took my first attempt at laundry this morning and what is called “bucket washing.” Never again will anybody with a washer and dryer available to them be able to elicit any sympathy from me because they have “all this laundry to do!”

After laundry I went exploring the neighborhood by walking to the construction site of the new school, which is about a mile from here. It is interesting getting directions from place to place as there are no street signs and most of the roads are just paths that have been created by people over time. The people are very friendly and almost everyone greets you as you walk through their neighborhood. I stopped to help a young lady and her daughter who were trying to level a 55 gallon drum of water on some rocks and as we talked it was obvious that she was concerned that I was trying to walk too far. She kept telling me the next village was too far to go by walking. I don’t know that I ever convinced her I was just going for a walk up the road a little way. Later in the evening I road back up to the site with Steven on his motorcycle and was able to wave to her, so she knows the crazy white guy didn’t try to walk across Ghana after all.

The afternoon was filled with a meeting of the Bible School staff and the leaders from the local congregations. It appears that there will be many such meetings in the coming weeks as preparations for the graduation continue as well as working out all the little details for the class that has just begun. I will begin teaching this Monday morning for 4 hours each day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for the next 5 weeks. I was only planning on having 30 hours for each class, and it looks like I picked up an extra 10 for each one. Good thing I have lots of extra material, so I will be able to extend the “How We Got the Bible” segment in the Old Testament Survey class and devote more time to each of the books in the New Testament Survey class.

This evening Steven’s wife Karen made chicken tacos for dinner. I have really been spoiled with her being here and cooking every night so far! The students generally eat local fare each night, banku (corn mush) and boiled yams seem to be the staples. There are plenty of local food options as you walk down the street, but I’ll be sticking to either Karen’s great cooking or my own efforts outside of a few restaurants that Steven has pointed out as safe for us out of towners.

Tomorrow we head out early to a couple of the villages to worship with the saints. Steven will drop Alhassan and I off at one and then He and Karen will visit at another. I am looking forward to speaking to the church for the first time here in Ghana! Thanks for your continued prayers!

Tony

Cameroon Campaign To 14 Congregations...

Dearest soldiers in Christ,

I bring sincere greetings from CBIW. I am just excited to share with you what made news on our campus. On behalf of the staff, students and brethren of the Wotutu congregation I am saying thank you for all your efforts towards us to train men to preach the gospel. I am saying this because we have gone through our second quarter without any major problems.

For the past week all went on well in CBIW even though the atmosphere was darkened because I lost my younger brother. The incident was suppose to affect the smooth running of my activities but I give glory to God who is ready at all time to encourage and comfort His people.

All students took their exams without any problem. They left the campus on Thursday 26^th May to 14 different congregations for their second ever campaign.

Thanks be to our King that all arrived at their destinations and were highly received by brethren. This campaign took our students to both French and English speaking areas. I am appealing for your prayers so that they will do great work that will depopulate hell so that heaven will be populated.

For the week, sister Ernestine Owi was baptized in Tole congregation. Our students go to this congregation every Tuesday for their Bible studies and worship services.

Brother Shey Sheriff was equally added in Wotutu congregation. Shey is a young man who had the opportunity to be part of the funeral service of my younger brother and listened to message, that death or Christ can come at any time, just as my younger brother died without sickness. So he was pricked in his heart and decided to give his life to Christ. Keep him in your prayers as he worshipped today for the very first time with the Church of Christ.

CBIW students will transit their campaign to vacation and will return to school on the 15^th of June to commence with their short courses, “THE GODHEAD” AND “THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH.” Brother David is set for the course. We keep praying and waiting his arrival on our campus.

VISION
1) I shall move around to three communities to see the possibilities of planting a congregation there when the students return.

2) The public address system will be a powerful tool to help us accomplish this.

3) Transportation to and from from this mission. Pray for us.

With much joy and satisfaction we thank you for your support for this past two quarters. Please, I am soliciting for your steadfast efforts towards the work for the other quarters in the future so that all will be in accordance with His will.

Do your best to share this report with others. I am sorry the pictures are not ready as of the time I am writing this report.

Please do have a great time. I will not send weekly report again until after 15^th June when the students must have return from campaign.

Stay bless and continue to pray for us .

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

The School And Church Working Together...

Greeting from Siem Reap Church of Christ
I would love to share some information concerning of the work in Siem Reap, Cambodia. All things are going well here, and on behalf of the church and the school in Siem Reap I would like to report you all the following: 

School
The work of the school is doing alright, as now we are at the first year and fourth quarter of our two years courses. Scheduled to teach:

Cheuy is teaching in book of I and II kings

Savai is teaching in book of I and II Samuel

Darat is teaching in the book of Ezra, Neh/Esther

Phanat is teaching in book of I and II Thess/ Jude

Chann is teaching in English and computer 

Church
The work of the church has some progress of spreading the gospel to many people in villages at country side (Takam, Leang Dai and Soroung). Why are we not doing evangelism in the city? This is an evangelism work, so we want to see the good influence of our students to the people in the country side at first because most of people at the country side are uneducated. After we do that for two weeks then we will move to do more evangelism in the city. That would be a benefit to the church in country side and also to our students and as well as to the church in the city. The focus point one is the church in the city.

They have done a great job of contacting people even though it is the first time for them to teach and make a contact.

All in all we will do our best as we can to preach and save more people’s souls in our country.

We have one idiom saying, “try to make contact with people from friendship to be a membership and brotherhood.” 

In His service
Chann

Blessed Are You..."And Falsely Say All Kinds Of Evil Against You"

The following report was sent from Nery Irias, who is director of the Honduras Bible Institute. Donnie Bates translated the report as it is written below.

Thanks, beloved brother, for you communication. I also have failed and have not been able to communicate with you for some problems that I have with the justice (authorities - djb) which now is accusing me of “kidnapping” a brother of the church. He already appeared but, with the complicity of his mother, assures that I kidnapped him just so that he not hurt his mother. I believe that it was a plot of theirs to ask me for 200,000 Lempiras. The brother disappeared the day that you accompanied us to the football game in Jacaleapa (that was on January 31 - djb) and until this week he appeared, blaming me. I have confidence in God that the truth will come to light.

With respect to my father, I have to travel with him two and up to three times a week to Tegucigalpa. He suffers from renal failure. He had an auto accident and fractured his vertebrae column with a flattening of the L2. He has a hernia in his spine and has arthritis. Well, he is very complicated. Today we went to Tegucigalpa so he could receive some rehabilitation.

With respect to the mother of Luis David, his mother suffers from diabetes and now they detected problems in her kidneys. Pray for them, please.

Well, we are still in the expectation with reference to the masters classes and we are only waiting for you all to come to an agreement. What we want is to continue growing in knowledge.

I appreciate the information over the problems that are affecting the city of Joplin. We are praying for its inhabitants and in particular for our brethren. Whenever these tragedies of nature happen the children of God are always affected. We only hope that their faith is capable of supporting them in this test. We lament the loss of life of the people, especially those that have not obeyed the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Brother Yoni always visits us and is like another son in our family. Each week he accompanies us in evangelism, also practicing English with the course given to us by brother Lindell. Now more brethren have joined in studying English. Please communicate this to brother Lindell. 

Ocsar is preaching in a place called Empalme de Trojes. Several brothers and I went on an evangelistic campaign of two days and one woman was baptized, but he (Oscar) has had problems with a sect in that the place of worship is near that of theirs. I entered that sect where there were some 80 people and I preached to them the Gospel of Christ. The lady “pastor” almost died because the sect divided and for that reason they have been threatening Oscar to the extent that he is looking for another place. I told him not to fear them, that I would return and that now he has to take the honey even with the wasp stings. 

Hector continues studying and helping me with the congregation. He still has not been able to find a job. He and Yoni want to work to pay the cost of their studies and help in the economy of the home, but it is not easy to find work here.

Brother Enrique Figueroa visited me and says that if, please, you all could help move his things from the city of La Ceiba to Cuyali, he had said that a truck from La Ceiba to Progreso cost 5,000 Lempiras, but if you could help with 3,000 and he puts up the rest. He already spoke to the lady of the house in which he is going to live and the lady rents for 500 Lempiras for the whole house or 300 if they permit two young men to live in one of the rooms. The brother told her that he has daughters and that it was not possible such a proposition; that it would be better to rent the whole house and that he would be disposed to pay the 500 monthly. The brother wishes to speak personally with you.

Upon solving the problems that I have with the justice (authorities - djb), we will be traveling with Cesar to confirm the spirits of the future students of the cities of Catacamas and Marcala la Paz. Pray that their spirits are firm.

Whatever news, I will keep you abreast, although I am not much for being on the computer.

Brother, I cannot take any type of action without your authorization.  Brother Enrique wishes to move this month of June with his family. In La Ceiba his wife worked and helped to pay the rent and the expenses of food, but I do not know if here she would work. I believe that with the help that you all give him, it will be sufficient for the expenses and pay of the house. Also, he has been planting a little of beans and corn so as to be able in this way to help and that their expenses be less. If you authorize it, we are able to give him Lempiras that he asked for and the rest he could put up to move them. I await your confirmation.

Nery

Four Baptisms, A Working Mzee, And New Studies...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

Last Sunday, we spent an hour and a half pouring out our “heart and soul” to write the report. After pressing the “SEND” button, my wonderful report disappeared because the laptop was not connected to the internet. Since we were just about “brain-dead” at that point we did not re-write.

Okay, we are “connected” now so where do we start? Jimmy’s father, J.W. Gee, and nephew, Steven Akin, arrived a week ago Friday and have been busy ever since. To date, Steven has conducted 14 Bible studies (resulting in 4 baptisms) and has preached twice. Tanzanians are amazed that a 17-year-old young man can proclaim God’s Word in such an excellent way. I knew he would do a good job but even I was “surprised” at how comfortable he is speaking before others and how well he can deliver a sermon. Steven, a recent high school graduate, has plans to attend UT at Chattanooga (majoring in Biology and Spanish) then on to medical school and preaching school (is interested in medical missions).

If you know Jimmy’s father, you know what a hard worker he is…even at age 68. This is another thing Tanzanians are “amazed” at…that an “mzee” (an old man…sorry J.W.) has the strength to dig up the ground and lay 100 feet of pipe at our house. In the Maasai tribe, most men stop working at age 25! Their wives and children do the work.

Jimmy continues his weekly studies “grounding” Lembris and Rosemary in the truth. Please pray for Lembris’ sister (Helen) who is suffering complications after a c-section. We believe she will be very open to a study and have visited her 3 times (once in hospital). We would have already studied with her but time has been a factor for both Trina and her translator (she picked up two other studies this past week). Helen is in a lot of pain right now and can’t concentrate on anything for long. She is in a third hospital and we hope this one will find and treat her problem.

Trina’s new studies are the daughters of a faithful Christian named “Momma Michael.” Oenita (misspelled but close) is 24 years old and Bertha is about 18. Both seem very interested. The study (Seeking God) went very well although there were some interruptions. Trina gave out chewing gum to persuade eight neighborhood children to stay outside.

A very sweet friend of Heather’s, Hope Walker, sent a care package with J.W. and Steven. It contained lots of goodies including jump ropes, play-dough, school supplies (pencils, pens, colored pencils), candy, etc. Also, Jimmy’s mom and the Akin family sent a lot of food items, gifts and enough candy for our dentist to be able to retire (ha/ha). We thank you all for your generosity and kindness. A happy birthday to Trina’s sweet Mother who turned…another year older…(scared you for a minute didn’t we, mother?) on May 23rd.

Trina and her translator visited Agness, a new Christian with a newborn, to encourage her to attend church services. An “old wives’ tale” from the Maasai culture says this: If a Maasai person with bad eyes looks at your young baby (less than 3 months old) then your baby will become sick. Agness is trying to keep her baby well by following the tradition of staying at home 3 months after giving birth. The peer pressure here is great but we are gently trying to encourage her to “seek to please God rather than men.” Agness is interested in learning more and may study with visitor Penny Cabler (who arrived last night). 

Thanking you for your support!
The Jimmy Gee family

Prayer And Fasting For All God Is Doing In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We rejoice in the Lord for the good He continues to do through you all here in Tanzania. Thank you for the genuine care, love and concern you show toward us and the task at hand. We remember you in our prayers as we move about day by day. 

Our first campaigner, Jessica Galloway has departed and our next one, Penny Cabler has arrived. We will have campaigners working with us through the 28th of July, over lapping one another. We thank God for each co-worker and for the good they do when here. Their work continues long after they have returned to their respective homes. 

The Arusha congregation stands as a beacon of hope, a light in a city/country of darkness, and as an example of the importance of “long-term” mission work. Thirteen years ago we began a work here in Arusha with a congregation of 15 souls. Today, this family of God has grown to more than one hundred having planted five city-wide sister congregations. 

As impressive as that might be, the most amazing aspect of the growth in Arusha is seen in Her attitudes, actions and attributes. The congregation recently appointed a local evangelist, Christopher Mwakabanje. They decided to make the month of May a month of prayer and fasting, for the good people of the Arusha Church and the good God would have them to be/do. They chose Saturday, the 28th, as a day of prayer, praise, and fellowship. After a three day fast, 40 individuals came together to sing, pray, meditate, and contemplate on the good God has and is doing through the Arusha Church.  

To meet the great need of the growing work, new Church plants, etc. the Andrew Connally School of Preaching continues to meet the need for Gospel Preachers. One such example is our brother Innocent, evangelist serving at Monduli. During his two years of study at the school, he expressed his desire to return to his home to preach the good news of the Gospel. He has done just that.

Today was  a special day. Having been invited to come teach and preach, I stood before God’s family amazed at the work God is doing through this good man. In worship forty souls joined in paying homage to our God with thankful hearts. As we sang to our God I thought of the two congregations planted by the Monduli Church (with the help of God’s servants, Danny and Nancy Smelser). 

Yes, God’s work continues down the right path and with your continued prayers and support, many, many more souls are yet to be added to His Kingdom.

Safari for Souls continues, Bible classes are being set up, conducted and souls are being added to the Church. Last week three more souls obeyed the Gospel. A number of our graduates are joining hands, helping one another in doing some pre-campaign work and the Lord is truly blessing the effort. 

Much to write and report but we will close with thanksgivings to God and His goodness and for your continued support allowing us to be here and to be a part of God’s great work. 

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Exel

The Rapture Didn't Come, We Didn't Miss It, And There Is Work To Do!

I know you are all aware of the recent failed predictions of the return of Christ and the end of the world. What saddens me is the fact the world around us is now mocking the whole of Christianity because of these false teachers who twist and distort the scripture. Regardless of the false teachers, or the mockers of our generation, we all know our Lord is going to return one day. While no one knows when He will return, scripture teaches us of the great need to be prepared. This is why we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is why we train preachers. 

Another class of students has completed their studies at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. These students have received their diplomas and will now take the next step in their journey to full-time ministry. It is exciting to learn of the various areas of work they are now participating in around this country and the world. We ask you to pray for each of these men and their families as they serve the Lord.

I also ask you to be praying for our brother Elangwe Esowe Gregory in Cameroon. This past week his brother collapsed and died on the way to the hospital. He was only 27 years old. It is a very difficult time for the Elangwe family and the church. I know they would appreciate your prayers in remembrance of their family during this time.

News from the work around the world in the Extension Program continues to express growth and development within the Lord’s kingdom. While one child of God leaves this life to move on to his reward, more lost souls are added to the Lord’s church. This is why we are involved in this work. I am thankful God has given us the opportunity to share in this effort together. I hope you know how much your involvement is appreciated.

Reports from various locations of the Extension Schools are located below.

Coordinator Updates

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

Extension Reports 

A Physical and Spiritual Brother Passes On To Glory: Remember to pray for the Elangwe family as they mourn the loss of a family member and celebrate his reward in glory.

Joint Worship At CBS Brings 140: The outreach from the school to the various congregations in Togo is helping produce growth and unity.   

Uganda And The Congo Are Growing: Francis Wechesa reports about the work in Uganda and the Congo as a result of the staff and students from the Uganda School of Evangelism. 

Final Thoughts

Even though several of the schools will be on a short break between quarters, the work continues to grow. I will soon be traveling to participate in two different graduations for schools in West Africa. I look forward to reporting about these special days and the future of the work these men will be entering.

Thank you for your support of this work. I appreciate the fact you are willing to be a tool in the hands of the Almighty God. I pray His richest blessings on you. 

God bless
Bob

Uganda And The Congo Are Growing...

The short course instructors from U.S.A., brother Ben Wright and his Christian brother and friend Brandon Rader, arrived on Sunday at 3:00 a.m in their Busia Hotel and just rested for only three hours and were at the school by 9:00 a.m. They are teaching Bible Geography and humanism. Brother Brandon started teaching in Kiswahili class with Paul Odaka as his translator from Monday to Thursday. On Friday they had a little rest. On Saturday they went to Buhatuba/Bukalikha Church of Christ to teach in a one day seminar. One man was baptized. From Monday 11th brother Ben will be teaching in Kiswahili class and on Thursday they leave for the States.  We have very much enjoyed their stay with us here in Uganda may God Bless their effort. We  appreciate also very much for the good work brother Donnie is doing. He is making sure that we get the seasoned teachers. Uganda School of Evangelism is very much proud for this wonderful opportunity to get these learned men to come and teach our students. This being the first time for these batch of students. I had some saying that they were very much privileged to be taught by teachers from U.S.A. Our long course will reopen again on 25th April. The students will be given one week to finish their assignments from the short course teachers.

On 2nd April 2011, Ruffino Muruka, from English class and Oloo Daniel and  Akilimali, from Kiswahili class, went to Buhatuba church of Christ for Evangelism. They taught five people. On the same day I went to Bubo, where Dickson Ouma preaches for a seminar. We taught few people on that day. On 9th April, Ruffino Muruka and Oloo went back to Buhatuba this time they were accompanied by Kambare Munduwabu from Kiswahili class. They went early and walked house to house. Brother Ben Wright, together with Brandon Rader, and myself joined them. When we arrived we found that they had already gone house to house. We found a man called Christopher Ngolobe whom Brandon and Ben studied with for about an hour. He was ready to be baptized in obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the other group came back from house to house evangelism we had two classes taught by Ben and Brandon. After the two good lessons, we got some lunch and after lunch we went to baptize the man who was ready to be baptized. 

Christopher Ngolobe is from an Anglican faith family. He has been studying the gospel with brother Julius Wandera our former student. Wandera is moving from Lumino near the school to  Buhatuba village where his family lives. Now he will be working with brother Morris Wanyama, also a graduate of Uganda School of Evangelism. 

Reports From Congo Workers:

Baraka: 
During the month of April the church here in Baraka did not baptize any person. We are studying with some people. I went to Uvira to visit brother Theophile Mukota Songie who wanted me to help him settle some problems with other brethren in Uvira congregation. We had our discussion well. Mtendjwa also reported to me by phone that his 10 year boy died. 

Kikwena: 
Massembe said that the congregation is going on well.  

Lweba: 
Brother Auci Ngolo who is now the one serving the congregation of Lweba reported that his wife lost her relative in Tanzania and she was requesting $100 for transport to Tanzania. 

Mhoko: 
The congregation in Mboko is not faring well. The brethren from Baraka are the ones who have been going there, but they are in need of a bike so that they could be going on Sunday morning. 

Uvira: 
The Uvira congregation is now going on well after some misunderstanding that was caused by a member who wanted to be leader of the congregation as opposed to the New Testament pattern. They are also planning to have another congregation about five kilometers from where they are meeting now. A group who has been meeting in Uvira town centre has moved in this area and it is becoming very hard for them to be walking to the old congregation. 

Thako: 
I have not received any report the Beni congregation. 

Land Needs: 
Bulukuyi Church of Christ– Uganda 
Buwero church of Christ—Uganda 
Buchawulo church of Christ– Uganda 
Bugatti Church of Christ– Uganda 
Bubo Church of Christ– Uganda 
Namafundu church of Christ– Uganda 
Nabyunyu church of Christ– Uganda 
Sirere Church of /Christ– Uganda 
Budala Church of  Christ– Uganda 
Dhohwe Church of Christ– Uganda 
Haabbomi church of Christ– Uganda 
Kitoma Church of Christ —Uganda 
Omenya (Lake View) church of Christ– Uganda. 
Mulokoni church of  Christ– Uganda 
Uvira Church of Christ—Congo 
Baraka church of Christ—Congo 
Fizi church of Christ—Congo 
Mboko Church of Christ—Congo 
Beni Church of Christ—Congo  

Erecting church Structure (building): 
All the above congregations, after getting their land, will also need church buildings.  

Congregations which  need only building: 
Buhatuba church of Christ– Uganda 
Junge church of Christ– Uganda 
Bulang’I  church of Christ—Uganda  

These congregations have a grass roof which leaks from time to time and the grass is also becoming scarce. Those churches in Uganda are meeting under a tree or under cloth cover. 

Our churches in Uganda are in the village and the cost of land (plot) is not expensive as in Congo. In Uganda  we can get at $1,000 and build a small structure with $5,000 in most areas. In Congo the land is $3,000 and above, depending of the area. 

We are talking of 100 x 100 ft plot in most areas. The brethren here can make their own bricks. These congregations in Uganda have been planted by the faculty and students of the Uganda School of Evangelism.

The Uganda School of Evangelism and Farming Institute is teaching the Bible and “how to make tents” as these men preach the gospel through farming.

Samia Mission
Uganda School of Evangelism puts an emphasis in Evangelism. Most schools of preaching in the brotherhood prepare pulpit preachers who always need a church to serve as ministers. But the Uganda School of Evangelism is mostly interested in producing evangelists, people who would be farmers, carpenters, mechanics, tailors and teachers in secular schools and still be serving Our God in the field of evangelism. In Uganda we need such people with an income who would be of great help to the church financially. The people we are reaching with the gospel are used to get handout from NGO’s, so whenever they see someone with the Bible the first thing that comes to their mind is some handouts from that preacher. But, when they see some one who is doing his own work or business for a living they will also think of doing the same for a living.   

If you would like to support this work here is our contact: 

Paul Giden
paul_gidden@kindermorgan.com 

Bob Burright 
Robert.burright@gmail.com 

+256-752-951896  or  +256-785-272549 
wechesaf@gmail.com 
P.O. Box 403 Busia - Uganda 

Francis Wechesa

Joint Worship At CBS Brings 140...

CBS:  APRIL, 2011  KPALIME ‐ TOGO 

Ten congregations in the Kpalime area organized a joint service on the 24th of April during 
the recent holidays. 140 worshippers attended. Congregations were represented from the
following locations:

1) Nyiveme  
2) Detsideke                                                         
3) Avekpo                                                              
4) Kpele‐ Beme
5) Avetonu                                                             
6) Notse Kpota
7) Ali Kpodzi
8) Kpadape
9) Kloh
10) Hanyigba 

Lectureship Theme: Vision for the Lord’s Work  
The following were speakers and topics for the lectureship:  

1) Bearnard Agbodza ‐ Unity in the Church  
2) Gabriel - Brotherly love  
3) Cephas - Should Christians celebrate “Easter”?

Radio Program  
Two listeners visited the Hanyigba church and are now seriously studying with Jean Akli, 
minister. Other congregations do have listeners visit, ask questions, collect tracts and enroll 
in Bible correspondence courses. Radio is making a lot of impact; the message is reaching 
the lost. Some denominational pastors have expressed interest in CBS as a result of the radio 
program. 

The Nyiveme congregation will soon outgrow its place of worship. 

CBS completes class session
CBS ends its class session on the 20th of May. They would have taken 38 courses by then. 
The rest of the month and part of next month would be used in preparation for the Graduation 
on the 18th of June, 2011. 

The planning committee spent three hours it the first meeting to discuss pertinent issues and 
assigned each person with an area of responsibility to report back at the next meeting. 

The Planning committee members included:  

1) Willie ‐ Director  
2) Cephas ‐ Principal and Instuctor  
3) Esperance ‐ Instructor  
4) Rodrigue ‐ Instructor  
5) Senghor ‐ Instructor  
6) Akalo ‐ Instructor  
7) Jean - Preacher and former student  
8) Gabriel‐ Preacher and former student  
9) Selorm‐ Preacher and former student  

We recently found a building being rented out. It is located not far from CBS. It has 5
bedrooms, a large living room and a rooftop. It is ideal for school and in a quiet area of
town. It costs $185.00 per month which is below the $250.00 budgeted for housing per
month. 

Thank you for all you do to help the work of CBS.

Willie Gley  

A Physical And Spiritual Brother Passes On To Glory...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept warmth greetings from this end. It is always my joy to say hello and to relate to you all what transpired during the week in CBIW.

As a result of classes offered, the assistant full gospel pastor, Mella Roger, who came to build himself more to help his denomination grow, came to the lime light of the PURE gospel and was led through the truth by CBIW. After the classes, he kept coming to the students to learn many things about the church of Christ and their ways towards heaven. He was exposed to the truth and God helped him this morning after our morning worship. He accepted Christ and was baptized into Christ. Please remember him in your prayers as he confessed that the wife too needs this salvation.

The week with its activities went on well from Monday to Thursday where my younger brother passed on to glory with our king.

CBIW students are busy with preparations as we shall start our second semester exams on tomorrow. Remember them in your prayers.

All arrangements had been made for the students to go for campaign to 14 different congregations for nurturing and evangelism.

The picture to the left shows me and sister Tamu, a U.S. based missionary, who came to Cameroon and was so impressed with the work of CBIW, even though she has not come to the campus, but she organized a workshop on BELIEF THERAPY, through the director and minister of Wotutu congregation. Both believers and unbelievers attended and were enriched concerning their belief systems.

You can see the preacher teaching the class with the attendance of 39 people. It was really wonderful and we are soliciting for more opportunity to move around from one congregation to another to teach and God will help change people’s belief system.

In this picture is the Tole church in worship this day as CBIW students went there with the director for worship. It was wonderful. Please always remember this young congregation in your prayers and also the efforts the students are doing to provoke growth.

The church in Wotutu is promoting fellowship as you can see. Because of the forth coming campaign and the workshop, the congregation organized prayers and fasting for God’s intervention to all dimension to help His will be done in the life of the students and the church in Wotutu and others, mostly those who are standing beside to support CBIW achieve it goals.

Appreciations 

I am appreciating you for your prayers and financial support to this work. Please keep going because your labor will never be in vain.

Continue to pray for the Director’s family in this moment of deep sorrow where the younger brother, Emmanuel Mokube Esowe, passed on on the 19^th of May 2011. Burial will take place on Wednesday, 25 May. It is not easy with me and the entire family, and the church, as many today in worship shed tears because of this great song leader in Wotutu congregation. A big vacuum is created in our lives and the life of the church. We are at rest with the words of God, Rev. 14:13.

Stay bless in all your endeavors. Do your best to share this report with others.

Thanks very much for your concern.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinator Updates

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

Extension Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

God bless

Bob

Preparation For Graduation In Togo

I have been wondering whether David would have left his former Church if he knew that decision would land him in jail. David came to CBS, as a denominational preacher only to increase his knowledge in the Word of God. Little did he know that after a year’s study, he would be convicted so much that he would be converted? David, after his conversion, converted some members of the church he used to preach for. Word got to his boss that he was preaching a different doctrine and was gaining followers. 

A powerful delegation was sent from Lome to kick him out of the church and the rented apartment. Later, his boss went to a judge and the chief to ask him to kick David out of the town. As if that was not enough, David was summoned to meet the church council of elders in Lome for a deliverance service, since they were convinced that an evil spirit had taken over David in his decision to leave the church. In all this David was resolved never to return to his former church. 

We found another apartment for David and his wife and also a meeting place for the new congregation. I thought everything was quiet. I was called one evening from Kpalime only to be informed that a Judge in Kpalime found David guilty and asked him to refund $1,150.00 equivalent to CFA 508.00 which they claim was the collection realized during the nine years David had been preaching for the church. Though there were documents covering how the fund was spent by the church, the judge ignored it and sentenced David to a serve a prison term. David was immediately transferred from Kpalime to Lome. This was the handy work of his boss. 

Today, by the Grace of God, some brethren have taken care of the amount involved and David was released on Monday the 20th of March. Thanks to all who provided the money for David’s freedom?  

Visit to Golokwati Church
I spent the recent holidays with the Golokwati Church of Christ. The Golokwati Church was planted about 25 years ago and has produced four preachers who are currently preaching in different parts of the Volta Region. For the past eight years I have spent the “Easter” holidays with my mother in Golokwati, and on such occasions, I always have the opportunity to either teach the Bible class or preach the sermon. This year my lesson was based on Romans 12:5 – “members one of another.” I used the lesson to encourage the congregation to remain united and caring for one another. 

After the service, I met with the leadership and discussed the possibility of starting a pre-school in the church building to help families who cannot afford to send their kids to some private schools in town. We felt starting a school will promote the image of the Church in the town.  

11 Baptized After Relief Program   

Torkor church of Christ 
In February, relief items were dispatched from Accra to be distributed among flood victims at Torkor in the Volta region. The first group to benefit from the items were the ten whose properties were severely destroyed and later the entire church was given some of the items left over. 

Immediately after the exercise, report reaching me indicated that, attendance almost doubled. Members who for some reason had become delinquent all of sudden started attending services of the church. 

A young school girl’s mother who before the distribution of relief items was not a member of the church later was baptized and is now worshipping faithfully with the Church of Christ. I understand several have continued to visit each service. We thank God that He has used this unfortunate situation and the demonstration of love by church of Christ to touch the heart of eleven (11) souls who have given their lives to Him.  

CBS (Center for Biblical Studies) NEWS  
I was recently in Kpalime to visit with the students and David in particular after his release from prison. As a way of welcoming David, a thanksgiving service was organized in his honor with students and the principal gracing the occasion. The worship service was conducted at Akpadape where David preaches. David taught the class and Yaovi preached the sermon. There was a special benevolence for David and the wife. We were provided with lunch after the worship service.    

Lessons taught during the month of March 

1) Christian evidence 
2) Church history 
3) Major cults 

The instructors were Esperence from Lome, Akalo from Tsevie, and Cephas from Kpalime 

Students have continued to work with the following congregations: Avekpo, Detideke, Beme, Nyiveme, and Kloh.  

Graduation 
CBS plans to hold its second graduation on June 18th, 2011. Nine (9) students who have successfully completed the requirements will graduate.  We are expecting about 1,000 guests at the ceremony.  

New Enrollment 
A number of men from the church and the denominational churches have expressed interest in attending CBS during the next academic year which starts in September 2011.  

Each of the following congregations is sending two men to be trained. Azanu, Aveho, Kuve, Tsevie, Avetonu, Tokoin, Hadzranawe, and Nukafu. A few men from some of the denominational churches in the Kpalime area have expressed interest in attending CBS. Two men will come from Assemblies of God, one from miracle of God church, and one from a church claiming they don’t offer prayers. In all we are expecting 24 men. However, we are making provision for only 20. All admission forms are to be submitted by the close of May.  

Preachers’ Appreciation Month 
The month of March has come to stay on our Church calendar as preachers’ appreciation month. The items above were brought by members of the Nsawam Road church to express their gratitude in sharing material things with preachers while enjoying the spiritual from them. The items were distributed among the five preachers. This was the first of its kind at the Nsawam Road Church of Christ.  

Medical Items Presented to the Church at Kpala  
About 13 years ago, I was part of a team that planted the Church of Christ on the Kpala Island. Kpala is situated in the Volta Lake about 45 minutes boat ride from Torkor which is on the main land. The Island is made up of seven villages, and is entirely fishing and farming community. The Church started a school there a couple of years ago with about a 100 kids now. 

During the recent flood, the Island was almost swept away but by the grace of God nothing serious happened. However, the islanders were struck with several water borne diseases which needed to be taken care of. It therefore became necessary to provide money from the relief fund provided by Whites Ferry road relief Ministries to purchase drugs and other medical products to open a little health post in one of the villages where the school and the Church are located. We were very fortunate to have a retired nurse who had just moved into the village to administer the drugs to the inhabitants of the Island. We are very confident that God will use this to win the hearts of many.  

15,000 Pieces of Tracts Distributed
One of the duties performed at the WBS is to supervise the distribution of tracts provided by Mission Printing. Several congregations in Ghana are beneficiaries of the kind gesture of Mission Printing. This is the second time that a 20 foot container of tracts has been sent. These tracts are making so much impact to the extent that we have received several requests from denominational churches for tracts. It is my prayer that funds would be provided for the printing of literature to proclaim the saving message of Christ.    

Former Elder Goes Home
Owusu Kankam was one of the elders at the Nsawam Road for a couple of years, but became sick suddenly and had to relinguish the office of an elder. After seven years he passed away when the sickness became more severe. His funeral was attended by several hundreds who had come from sister congregations in and outside Accra. May his soul rest in peace.

Willie Gley

45 Baptisms And 4 Restorations: The Church Grows In Ghana

School was back in session April 18, 2011 for the fourth and final quarter of the 2010/2011 academic year. Teachers, students and our cooks are all doing their best to make for another successful school quarter.  

Teachers and courses for the quarter are as follows:

Matthew Ackah – 1, 2 Peter and Jude
Charles Arthur – The Book of Job
Joshua Aidoo – 1, 2 Thessalonians
Charles Mensah – Worship

I will not teach, but will be engaged during the quarter in setting in place the documentation and students’ records in accordance with Bear Valley requirements.

The picture to the left is of the oldest (Augustine 71) and the youngest (Nestor 23) enrolled in the program this year.

Evangelism
During the recess between the third and fourth quarters, our staff and students were engaged in soul winning and other activities in local congregations.

One student (Appiah-Kubi) joined the Vertical Centre church (Tema) to conduct a 4-day campaign at Gomoa Brofo in the Central Region. There were 63 who went. They studied with 160 people resulting in the baptism of 9 precious souls. The local church had a membership if 21 and now have 30.

Seven students worked in the town of Ponparan, near Adjoa (Western Region) April 13-17 and converted 9 people. The Team: Simon Ashalley, Joseph Eshun, Ransford Essien, Joseph Yankey, Philip Nyan, Isaac Quainoo, Onah Eliseh. 

In the town of Agogo in the Ashanti Region the evangelistic efforts of five students April 25-May 1, resulted in 14 baptisms and the restoration of 4 backsliders. The Team: Simon Ashalley, Joseph Eshun, Ransford Essien, Isaac Quainoo, Samuel Baffoe.

Brother Charles Mensah reports, “For the month of April, I led the congregation at Effiakuma, where I preach, to evangelize in the area where the church meets. After the period, 8 souls were baptized. One notable conversion was that of a 65 years old man, Frank Morgan. In less than one month after we happily received him into our fellowship, he passed on to his Maker. Pray for us.”

There was a 3-day seminar for the married in the Volta region at Ho Central Church, April 14-16.  I was in attendance to present a paper on “Should polygamists be baptized and received into the fellowship of the church?” to help answer questions, and to preach Sunday morning, April 17.

The Bomso church in Kumasi conducted its 31st Annual Life Improvement Seminar, April 21-24. In light of the fiftieth anniversary of the church, the theme was: CHURCH OF CHRIST – 50 YEARS IN GHANA, RESTRATEGIZING FOR THE NEXT FIFTY YEARS.” I spoke on strategies that were adopted for the growth of the church, 1962-1990. There were daily panel discussions on which I sat with others and preached the sermon on Sunday morning at the closing session. Five were baptized.

On Monday April 25, I attended a 6-hour meeting with the Bomso elders and others with whom I am working on documentation of the church’s fifty years in Ghana. We reviewed what had been collected and discussed what to do till out next meeting.

April 28-May 1 was the 26^th Annual Women’s Lectureship at Akropong Akuapem (Eastern Region). This brings together women from churches in all ten regions of Ghana. I presented some lessons and preached the Sunday sermon at the closing session. There were over 2,000 in attendance. The picture to the left is where women were sitting under a canopy outside the main auditorium. 

This week, I am headed to Tamale to present a short course on Current Issues in the Church at the Tamale Bible School.

The picture to the left is of the man through whom the church came to Ghana and the first Ghanaian evangelist and his wife -- John Oppon Gaidoo and Sophia.

The picture to the right is of a home with a green door that opens into the room in which the first congregation in Ghana met. It was a room in brother Gaidoo's own house. He had a congregation of about sixty members.

The picture below and left is the final resting place of brother Gaidoo.  

We solicit your prayers for the work here and for peace in our dear nation. We have seen the damage done to some States in the U.S. and I have written to brethren I know in some of the affected areas. We continue to pray for America.

Thank you and bye for now.
Daniel K Ampadu-Asiamah

Sacrificial Commitment To A Powerful Work

Dearest in Christ,

I bring to you Calvary greetings from CBIW. I do hope you are doing great and all that you planned to do during the week goes well. We praise God for you and your efforts towards the cause of Christ.

We are thankful to God as we join the host of heaven to rejoice with brother Jean accepting Christ in Wotutu on Saturday during door to door Evangelism by CBIW students. To the right is a picture of French student preacher, Mbappe Guy, who led this French speaking brother to Christ. We pray for God to continue to help the French students under going training now in CBIW so that our school will be able to meet up with both the English speaking world and French speaking world. Come and be part of this great vision to reach the lost on all angles.

In CBIW all went on well on our weekly agenda. Studies which were characterized by revision as we prepare for the second semester exams was really great . Six students who had carry over courses successfully had their re-sit this Saturday. We pray they make it.

We had a staff meeting yesterday. All the four lecturers came and we had successful deliberations on how to better improve on the welfare of our students and what has been entrusted in our hands by God which is transfer of knowledge. We all make promises to invest our all for the success of the school so that the church of Christ in Cameroon will never be the same after we shall graduate our first batch of students come 2013. The difference is already clear now as our students are zealous and devoted to serve the Lord. In all places that we have visited appreciations keep coming to the school office concerning the efforts of the students. God always blesses our effort by adding souls to His kingdom.

Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism. This statement is strong among us in CBIW because it is our driving force to go far and near if need and means be. This weekend five students accompanied by the director sat on these two bikes as you can see to help the young church in Tole which was revived by the preacher of Wotutu some years ago when he graduated from NCI School of Preaching in Nigeria. Please commit us into your prayers for something better than a bike, because during rainy season and rainy days we will not be able to travel like this.

Brother Tobias and brother Manfree arrived at the Tole congregation about 45 minutes ride from Wotutu, and they were set to reach out to souls for door to door evangelism. You can see them sitting on a stone when a family does not have a seat for them. All this is to make sure that souls are brought very close to Christ nor matter the condition.

This morning in Tole congregation, under the watchful eyes of the director, brother Tobias taught the church on a wonderful topic about CHRISTIAN GROWTH. The church was highly edified by this, because this type of lesson is needed there to help this church remain focused. Two souls were restored this morning in Tole due to visitation by students on Saturday night.

The students, with me, posed for a family picture with the Tole Christians this morning. As you can see, the church is growing but just for the fact that a preacher is needed to stay there and to nurture this congregation. There are many congregations in Cameroon which are not existing again because after an effort like this no one will stay to help. Please, we are praying for God to open doors for us so that students can be going there weekly to help the church to mature. Will you love to be part of this plea? May God help us.

VISION
1) Our students will travel for their second Campaign to 14 different congregations on the 26^th of May to help in Evangelism and nurturing. Please, I solicit for your support in any way for their transportation.

2) The director will spend his break moving from villages to make arrangements with chiefs because next semester CBIW students will be involved in planting churches to those villages.

3) Students in CBIW, and the entire Wotutu congregation, will enter into serious prayers and fasting for a number of issues: students campaign, short course lecturer, visions of the Wotutu congregations, good health and open doors.

APPRECIATIONS
Many thanks I offer to God for you. I am happy and happy for all that you are doing for the work here in Wotutu. I am assuring you that your efforts will never be forgotten because future generations will come and see your names in bold ink in the history books of our congregation and the preaching school. Many are coming to know and make a closer relationship with Christ now because of this school. Lives are changing daily because of this school. Congregations are been revived because of this school. Please do your best to tell someone about this work. Maybe he or she will love to be part of it. We shall sincerely appreciate such gestures. 

More is needed here which are all good tools to help us evangelize our communities for Jesus to be known so that many will abandon their fetish practices. Things like Public address system, generator and a van are the most pressing. Please, may God help you as you think about any way you can be of help to this vision.

Accept love from my family. My wife sends her special love to all of you as she is soliciting for something that will touch the lives of our sisters too. Pray for us we pray for you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

10 Souls Added, Safari For Souls To Begin And The Good Gets Better

Greetings Fellow Workers; 

We hope and we pray all is well in your life, your life of service and your week to come. We thank you all for your prayers for God’s work here in Tanzania. He hears you and is answering in grand fashion. 

Safari for Souls campaign time is here. Our first campaigner arrived last week, Jessica Galloway, the daughter of Jay and Renee. She is helping Stephanie on Bible studies, spent a day at the clinic at Monduli, taught a lesson at our home yesterday for a group of young ladies (teens, 26 in number) from Aruaha and Kisongo, and she taught the children (a group of 21) at Moshi today during the Bible class hour. The energy and zeal the young bring to the mission field is amazing. We thank God for Jessica and the other headed this way to participate in the work of the Kingdom. 

We have begun our Pre-campaign efforts in and around Arusha for the last couple of weeks. Several studies have been established and are on going. Friday, Stephanie, Jessica and Mukunde went on a study with one of our Arusha member’s mother. She is 92 years old and really loves the Lord. She has attended services for several months. Her son, Makuti ask if we would study with her. 

While they were on this study, Isaac and I were on a study at Kwa Mrombo (Arusha area). After our study, Meshach said he wanted to obey the Gospel. We had studied with him several times over the last couple of months. We made our way to the building and were met by the ladies. Mama Mkuti also wanted to obey the Gospel. While these two were putting on Christ in baptism, the guard’s son, 18 year old Saruni, said he too was ready to become a New Testament Christian. 

Saturday Isaac and I were back at Kwa Mrombo on some studies. We studied with a family, and at the end of the study, the husband, wife and 25 year old daughter said they wanted to be added to the Lord’s Church through obedience to the Gospel. 

We received a report from the Church at Monduli Juu, four souls have been added to the Lord’s Church this weekend. 

When I survey the good being done, the many blessings of God, and seeing the growth of the Lord’s Church, I simply stand in awe as to the power of the Gospel! Through God’s grace, our many supporters, at the hands of our graduates (from the ACSOP, ABS & the MBS), and the mission team (short term campaigners included), and our Short Course teachers, souls are being saved, God is being glorified and that my friends is what its all about. 

We thank you, we love you and we pray for you often. Please know that your prayers, support and visits are not in vain. They are having an eternal impact on countless souls.   

To God be all the glory, great things He continues to do in our lives.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Exel