New Coordinator - Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinator Updates

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

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

Extension Reports

Siem Reap, Cambodia

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

Greetings,

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the love of our God.

Chann

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

CSMT, Nigeria

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

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

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

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

Accept my regards, please.

Reuben

Chandigarh, India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ

Earnest Gill

Wotutu, Cameroon

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

Arusha, Tanzania

Greetings Fellow Workers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Him,

Cy & Stephanie

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

Bob

Report from Kathmandu

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

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

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

God bless,

Donnie Bates

Honduras Report

News of the Work 

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

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

School News 

Honduras 

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

Travel Plans 

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

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

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

http://extensiontraining.wordpress.com.   

You may contact me at:   

2013 Rushing Meadows 
Edmond, OK 73013 

Cell Phone:  (580) 326-1914 

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

Thank you and God bless you all. 

Donnie Bates 

A New Coordinator Joins the Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinator Updates

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

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

Extension Reports

Center For Biblical Studies: Kpalime, Togo

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

Bear Valley Bible Institute Ukraine

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

God bless

Bob

45th Year in Denver, 14th Worldwide

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinator Updates

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

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

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

Extension Reports

Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies: Ghana

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless

Bob

TOGO: Extension #14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinator Updates

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

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

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

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

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

Extension Reports

Siem Reap, Cambodia

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

God bless

Bob

From Ukraine to Tanzania

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Howell Ferguson

Off and Running...

Another year of training men to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ is off and running. The new class of students in Denver has already proven to be a quality group of men. It is humbling to hear of the secure jobs they left behind, the educational background they have already achieved before attending the Bible Institute, and their dedication to learn to share the gospel more powerfully.

This trend is not unique to Denver. With each extension location I visit, where men are preparing to preach the gospel, the stories are very similar. In fact, to add to the list above, many of the men who are enrolled within the extension program also left family. I find it difficult to think of the struggles faced by so many men who are away from their wives and children for months at a time while they learn to be greater servants in the Lord’s kingdom.

The report information below provides a summary to the activity in a few locations where Bear Valley is privileged to share in the work of training men to preach.

As well, there are updates on recent and upcoming travels of coordinators who are involved in teaching short courses within the program. They are also assisting each location to operate more efficiently.

Coordinator Updates

Howell and Mary Ferguson will be leaving this week for Gorlovka, Ukraine. They will be in Ukraine for just over 3 weeks and then traveling to Chimala, Tanzania to work. Remember them in prayer.

Garry Hill is in Chimala, Tanzania to work the next three months with the school. Remember Garry in prayer also.

Ralph Williams and myself will be traveling in September to Ghana, Togo and Cameroon. We would appreciate your prayers for our travels.

The following address is a link to a report from Gary Fallis about the recent work in India, but also the overall graduate work within the extension program: http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/Fallis8_10.pdf

Donnie Bates is in Honduras this week teaching in the school in Danli. Please remember the work in Honduras in your prayers. Recent flooding has taken at least 23 lives and is devastating the country. Read more about the flooding at the following address: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27280639/

Donnie’s monthly report can also be read at the following address:http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/Bates8_10.pdf

Donnie also wrote a brief note about arriving in Honduras for classes this week.

Greetings everyone.

Because of limited access to the internet, I will not be posting my reports as usual, but I am writing them every day and when I get home, I´ll catch everyone up.  We had a good worship service today with the brethren at El Zarzal. I was blessed to be asked to preach. I took lots of pictures of the damage caused to the creek bank near the building and will be sharing those later on facebook.  This is a serious situation and I ask for your prayers on behalf of the brethren here.  The good news is that none of the brethren have been directly affected by the flooding, i.e. none of them have suffered harm or damage to their homes. However, many have family who have, so this too needs to be part of our prayers. I anticipate a good week of class, but ask you to pray that we are all safe through the week. Of course, I´m the only one here who will be leaving at the end of the week (Lord willing) so continue to keep the Lord´s church in Danlí in your prayers.

Thank you and God bless

Donnie

Extension Reports

The following reports are from Gajendra (Nepal) and Chann (Cambodia).

Kathmandu, Nepal

Dear brothers in Christ,

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

This week my health is not getting well. Due to regular rain in Kathmandu, we are getting fever, headache, and sore throat. I am also getting fever and same sore throat. I am using medicine. It is working. So, I am a little better. I am sorry for getting late on writing letter to you all.

We, the students and classes are going well. In absence of Brother Jerry, we, brother Deepak, Kirash and Gajendra are taking classes. We are doing our level best on teaching. Our students are doing better in classes as well as in surrounding congregations. They are involved in teaching and preaching.  As a result, last Sunday 8^th August, Sister Rohana Tamang was baptized and added in to the Kingdom of God. She was our cook’s helper during brother Don’s classes. She is studying at class Seven in Government school. Please pray for her in your personal prayer.

We do need your regular prayer and guidance to do better labor in the kingdom of God in Nepal.

Thanks you.

Servant in Christ

Gajendra

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hello everyone.

Good morning from Cambodia. I would like to share some work we have done recently in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Things are going well here, and we keep working hard together. I’m very proud of our two young men and a young girl who live at Svay Rieng, at the border of Vietnam. Recently they have converted two people into Christ which are their mother and brother.

Now through the work of the school and the church in Siem Reap, we can reach to more people at other locations as well. Please keep the new brethren and the new location in your prayer.

We really need transportation as soon as we can so we can reach more people at other areas in Siem Reap.

We love you all and we are looking forward to seeing you sometimes if Lord’s willing.

Chann

Final Thoughts

Each week brings wonderful news, opportunities and experiences. I am fully aware of how vital this work is to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. I am also aware of the necessity of your help in the development and success of this work. Thank you for your desire to work, provide financial support, prayer and encouragement for every need in this work. I pray for you daily and I hope these reports will help you stay informed with the overall program.

God bless

Bob

An Average Week??

On the surface, this was just an average week. Several men began their training and have completed their first week at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver. Others came back to start their final year of preparation for ministry.

Classes also continue in all of the locations around the globe as men are studying to become more effective in preaching the gospel of Jesus. Only in eternity will we truly know the impact made by those who will take the message of Jesus to their friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.

Beyond the surface of an average week of men studying to preach the gospel, a number of interesting activities took place. More souls were added to the church through the work in Cambodia (information below). A new congregation now meets near the Vietnam border because of two men who recently completed their training in Siem Reap.

There have also been souls added because of the work in Danli, Honduras and surrounding areas. Brother Nery sent his report as is listed below.

As well, we have a report about the work in Chandigarh. The North India Bible College is doing very well and Earnest Gill provided a report which can be found below.

Then…just a brief report from Nigeria, but it gives us great news about the growth taking place. The report is below.

An average week? Maybe in some places, but as you read these reports, I believe you will see just how extraordinary this week has been within the extension program. Awesome!!!

Coordinator Update

Donnie Bates and Gary Fallis recently returned from their trip to Visakhapatnam, India, teaching in the extension program. You can read all of the reports, including the most recent sent by Donnie at the following address.http://dnbates4.wordpress.com

Jerry Bates recently went to Takoradi, Ghana to teach in the West Coast School of Preaching. His report is at this address:http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/JerryBates8_10.pdf

Extension Reports

Chandigarh, India

Earnest Gill recently sent a report about the work of the North India Bible College in Chandigarh. The report can be found at the following address:http://www.bvbid.org/PDFs/ExtensionReports/NIBC8_10.pdf

Siem Reap, Cambodia

The growth continues in the Lord’s kingdom. It is exciting to read Chann Lork’s report below.

Dear all,

Good morning from Cambodia. I hope you all are doing fine. I have some news I want to share with all of you about the work which occurred recently in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Svay Rieng province

Before last week Phanat, Joe Hickey, Piseth and I went down to Svay Rieng (one of the provinces in Cambodia located south east of Phnom Penh next to Vietnam border) to visit three of our former students who just graduated recently. They moved when they graduated and they want to start the congregation at their hometown as well.

So we went to visit their home and to encourage them. Also we bought some teaching materials such as white board, marker and some children stuff.

They are doing some evangelism around their village and they are now raising chickens in their home. Lord’s willing they will start the congregation in their home very soon. Please also keep them in your prayer.

Takam Village, Siem Reap

Last week, on Saturday, there were about fifteen of us went down to Takam village. We have some members of the church up there we helped plant rice. That’s a funny one for Phanat, as it was his first time to plant rice and also for Joe Hickey. After planting rice for about one and half hours we had lunch with some members over there to fellowship and we also encouraged them to be faithful to God. Right now we have three of our young men going down there to teach and preach every weekend and on Lord’s day.

Dom Dek

After helping to plant rice at Takam, then Joe Hickey and I, along with four more young men went down to Dom Dek trying to teach and establish the congregation up there as we can. We taught about ten adults and about seventeen children about God and evidences to prove our God. As of now, the people almost everywhere in Cambodia are so busy with the work of farming, but we thank God that they can take their time to listen the word of God that we preached.

Siem Reap Church

After teaching at Dom Dek, we headed back to the town. There a young man of our Bible students was baptized into Christ. This is very encouraging to me as I’ve seen the growth of our young men who are involved with the teaching and preaching the word of truth which brings salvation to people.

Leang Dai

We have Sokchea and Ravy working in Leang Dai trying to help the church up there both in spiritual and physical as well. Since the tractor has been moved to keep at the church building, Sokchea has been working with the tractor to help the members of the church plant their crops. Through this work Sokchea and Ravy have more and more chances to preach the gospel to more and more people in Leang Dai village and Somroung.

Request for the need of the work

As I used to inform all of you about the transportation for the work, we need two more motor bikes for the work to evangelize. Since the work is growing, and this time is rainy season, we need motor bikes to work very much. At the church in Siem Reap now, we can support such as gas for motor bike to run for the work of preaching but we can’t afford to buy motor bike yet. So if you can help with this, it would be a blessing and very appreciated.

May God bless you richly and the church in Cambodia sends the word hello to all brethren in your local church. We love you all and please keep us in your prayer.

God be with you all. Your brother in Christ,

Chann

CSMT, Abakaliki, Nigeria

The work of the school in Nigeria is busy reaching many people through several avenues. Reuben sent the following information about a recent seminar and the growth God has given.

“The seminar started on 12th and ended on 14th August, 2010. It was interesting. About 400 sisters attended and the seminar resulted in one baptism. Today, two more baptisms (sisters) were added to the church by Christ. To God be the glory.”

Reuben in His Service.

Final Thoughts

I love reading about the growth occurring as a result of the work of so many throughout the world. I am thankful to have the opportunity of sharing in this work and sharing the information with all of you. I hope you understand and are grateful for the role you have in this work as well. Without you, this work would struggle at best, if it existed at all. Please know you are making a difference in the lives of people everywhere the gospel is being preached through extension training.

May God bless you richly in all things.

Bob