Fields White Unto Harvest...

5^th North India Preachers’ lectureship Chandigarh and the North India Bible College, graduation ceremony went very well. Prior to the Lectureship we had no fellowship with each other and it seemed as there were no work in the Northern part of India. Again 70+ people from 9 states Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, Bihar, UP, MP, Orissa, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand attended this lectureship. It shows that in the Northern India the Church is very much active and is growing strong.

We have graduated 42 people so far who are serving in these states. New works are established across Northern India.   

Few brothers could not attend this year because of their personal reasons, but overall the lectureship was rejuvenating. It was felt that the brethren now wait for this day each year. It has become an important event for a North Indian Preacher. Few preachers brought their wives also and Sister. Benu took them aside for a women’s fellowship. We had no room for them in the building, we hired, so they gathered in a nearby Park. I believe that a preacher is handicapped without the support of his wife and his wife is equally important for his work. Keeping this in mind we think we should have preachers’ wives’ lectureship in the near future or at least involve them in this great event. 

The day and the subject for next year are already fixed. NIPL Chandigarh-2012 will be on Feb. 16 and 17, 2012. And the book of 1 John will be studied. This way we can fix the things in advance as this time because of the late announcement we had trouble in finding suitable place for the lodging. Speakers this time included: Francis David (New Delhi), Amul Bansod (Aurangabad, Maharashtra), Ernest Singh (Agra, UP), Peter Singh (Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh), Julius Hembrom (Bhopal, MP), Vinay David (New Delhi), Russell Bell (Topeka), Bobby Peyton. Brother John O’ Neal could not attend the lectureship because of his ill health. He stayed in Chennai, but was missing this as he is present always. Brother Russell Bell presented 3 different lessons during the lectures and 1 in the graduation ceremony. 

With the closing of the ceremony we have announced the opening of new session. Students have started coming. 2 from Chhattisgarh have already reached and invitation to other places has also been sent.  

Names of those who could complete the course this time are:

               Pancha Nan Bag (Orissa)

               Rachel (Punjab)

               Love Mathew (Punjab)

               Sukh Mathew (Punjab)

               Lakhwinder Masih (Punjab) 

Field work
Apart from this our other efforts to enhance the work are continued. Every preacher of the Lord’s church is deeply involved in this great effort. Gandhi once said that India lives in Villages, and it is very much true. The real India lives in villages. Before graduation we took students to brother Salatial’s place, 250 kms. from here. It is near the Pakistan international Border. They visited houses and the villages, arranged a gospel meeting where I Preached.  They enjoyed in the village ministry. Met people, prayed with them and taught them. 

Daily outreach and cottage meetings
It is our daily routine to go to people and share with them the word of God. On Mondays Benu has ladies’ class in our home, on Wednesday we have Bible study. 

First Wednesday
Each month on the first Wednesday we invite people and preachers from the state to have fellowship and share their experience as they labor for the Lord. 

Free SMS Service
Sending a daily Bible verse was started in November last year with 200 SMS and has touched 1,000 marks in just a few months. This service was started keeping in view the people of unbelieving India. We thought to send each day one verse’ related to people and that way they will be allowed to know about the Bible. We get telephone calls from all over India. Some are interested in Bible study; some ask for prayer, some forward that massage and some give more contacts to reach the unreached. It has been a real blessing that we have been instrumental in feeding this much people are fed by the word of God daily.  

Bible Ki Baat
Recently we have started a new service called BIBLE KI BAAT (Let the Bible Say). In this service a brief, personal letter is planned to print with a Bible topic on an inland letter. This is cheaper than the regular letter. We send an inland letter and fix postal stamps on it and send each month to various people. This way we can send 12 different articles a year.

In the first step, we have already sent 1,000 letters in January and are planning to print 3,000 more. Presently we have 4,000 addresses in our list, nationwide. Understanding that we can reach more souls by this kind of tiny, simple and easy to digest weapon in lesser time. we want to fill the people’s mind with Apostles’ Doctrine.  A letter would cost us Rs. 6 (approx $0.14). For 4,000 letters at least we will need $600 each month. We want to involve people in that and ask your prayer for this ministry. 

Booklets and Tracts
We had translated and printed why I am a Member of the Church of Christ (Leroy Brownlow) and Some Things you Should Know in Hindi, Things Eternally Important (Charles F. Scott), Understanding New Testament Christianity (Charles F. Scott), 10 Simple Rules to Understand the Bible (Charles F. Scott) and Bridge of Life in Hindi and Punjabi languages. All these are helpful for the brothers in their evangelism work. We helped preachers with the Bibles, song books and these booklets, and the Truth for Today literature as well. Again this year 25,000 Hindi copies, and 3,000 Punjabi copies of the Indian version of Becoming a faithful Christ were distributed throughout India.

Brother Peter Singh from Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) telephoned that he needs 500 more copies of Understanding New Testament Christianity. 

World Video Bible School
We have English and Hindi video lessons from the WVBS. We show to the regular students. We have encouraged the local people to learn that but sometimes they discontinue after some time. I plan to offer them certificate of participation once they complete the course. Hopefully this will work well. We had started that a few years ago with an old TV. This TV is not working well. Sometimes the picture comes and sometimes the audio. We need a good TV with big screen where about 20 people can sit together and watch the classes. Please Pray for that.

More
Requests for Bibles, tracts from the brothers are received as they know that we help with this material. We get requests for the Bible correspondence course in Hindi language as well printed more that 5,000 request cards and sent to different people. The names of those who respond are forwarded to the local Church of Christ preachers for follow up. Voice of Truth International (Hindi) is proposed to start.

Earnest Gill and familyPlease pray that the Lord may provide a permanent place to operate these good works for His glory. We are facing problem where we have class rooms as well as with our living quarters. People have difficulty that we use residential accommodation for the church activities and our house owner wants us to vacate after February 28th. It is matter of real concern for us as we lose peace of mind with this kind of obstacles. It hurts Lord’s work.

Help for the work can be sent in the name of CHURCH OF CHRIST paid in Chandigarh and sent to Earnest Gill, 5721A, Sector 38-west, Chandigarh-160014, India 

Growing Through Studies In Arusha...

Dear Supporters, Family, and Friends,

One of the many blessings of living here is the constant beautiful weather.  You may doubt the word "constant" but truly, in my opinion, it is.  Most of the year consists of one warm, sunny day after another.  Any rainy days are wonderful and welcomed also (because we need it so badly).  In the "winter" here (May, June and July), it's a little cooler like Fall to Americans and guess what...we love it, too.

This morning, Trina woke up feeling dizzy due to some inner ear trouble. Since moving her head in any direction was beginning to make her nauseous, she took an allergy pill and stayed home.  

Studies with Katherine went well as usual.  Chapter 4 ("The Bible Predicts the Future") in How do You Know the Bible is from God  (by Apologetics Press) was the focus of our study.  When we arrived at the other study, Agness was not home (probably due to a mix-up about rescheduling).  So we visited with Therasia and she will resume studies this week.

All is well on the home-front.  The kids are super-excited that their cousin, Steven and their Grandpa are planning to visit in May...for a whole month!  They both will be involved in teaching, preaching, personal Bible studies, devotionals, handy-man work (Grandpa) and anything else we can find for them to do.

Jimmy will begin teaching the first-year students the subject of Genesis and Greek I this week. Lindsey and Abigail plan to attend the Genesis class. His study with Lembris and Rosemary continues. He was reminded in the last study of some very important things. In trying to help them grow as new Christians, he made an agreement with them that they would begin reading some portion of Scripture everyday and that they would hold each other accountable for doing so. Part of that agreement was that they write down any questions that they have and Jimmy would try to answer those questions at the next study. 

One of Lembris’ questions was along these lines. He had read in Matthew concerning the baptism of Jesus by John the baptizer. But, he also knew that John was one of the disciples of Jesus. His question was “How can John baptize Jesus and then become one of His disciples.” You probably already see Lembris’ problem. He was assuming that John the Baptizer and John the Apostle were one and the same person. Once it was explained to him that these were two different people he understood. 

This reminded Jimmy of two things. One, it is a wondrous thing to start teaching someone who is a “clean slate” so to speak, with very little knowledge of the Bible. Even the “little things” are new to them such as the very identity of the characters of the Bible. In that way they are like the small children in Bible class with minds just waiting to be filled with the Truths of Scripture. Lembris is always stating his thanks to Jimmy at the end of each study for his taking the time to help him to grow. Two, it reminded Jimmy of the blessing of having been “raised” in the Church with a Christian family to support him and help him become a Christian and grow as one. Without that start in life he would not be what and where he is today.

Lembris and Rosemary (as well as many millions in the world) never had that chance. We thank God Lembris and Rosemary can start afresh and that their children will know the blessing of being brought up in a Christian home. It is you, our supporters, who make this all possible for these good people.

We are thankful to have our brother Cy Stafford back safely with us after over two months of furlough and reporting. Please pray for his wife Stephanie and her mother Exel Aultman as Exel recovers from surgery with hopes of both of them coming to Tanzania in late March.

In Christ,

The Gee’s

The Joy Of The Mission Field...

Greetings Fellow Workers,

It is with great joy in my heart and with much thanksgiving that I write this Short Report. Having been on furlough for several weeks getting some much needed grand children bonding, presenting and reporting on the good work God is doing here in Tanzania, it is so good to be “home”. The only down side is my sweet bride is yet to follow. She has remained back to care for her mother who is recovering well from her last surgery. Thank you all for the many prayers, visits, cards and well wishes on Exel’s behalf. Prayers have been answered. 

Yesterday morning, having been up since 3:00 a.m. (you guessed it, jet lag), I was reminded of the great God and creator of this wonderful earth we are so privileged to be stewards of. I sat on the front porch and watched the sun rise over a blanket of clouds covering the eastern skies. I was also reminded of the fact it is indeed a privilege to be called a child of God and to be doing what we have been blessed to do, here in TZ among some of the most wonderful people I have ever known, anywhere. 

This morning I was again blessed beyond measure as I, along with the Kisongo congregation, was blessed in both the Bible class and in the worship hour by two fine lesson from two of our Andrew Connally School of Preaching students. The singing was so edifying! It was a joy to be a part of worship where “time” was not even a consideration. Three hours or so later more than 80 of God’s finest, exited the building, shacking the hand of each person. I guess you could say, Cy was really glad to be “home” (I know, I already said that). 

And just when I thought it could not get any better, I received a text from our brother Yusuph informing me of two new converts at Ushirombo. God has blessed his work here in East Africa on such a grand scale. Thank you all for making this work possible and for allowing God to work through you. To God be the glory, great things he continues to do! Be strong in the Lord and in His great might. 

In Him, Cy & Stephanie

Major Campaign Planned...

Dearest in Christ,

On the right is a family picture of the students and the director took with minister, Awum Nicholas. He visited them from Kumba, 80 kilometers away from Wotutu. He is also the adviser to the school as appointed by the director. He brought greetings from his local congregation and support to the students.

We send our love from Wotutu, the seat of the Cameroon Bible institute. We give many thanks to God for His love and protection over our lives here in Wotutu. I do hope you are also doing fine. We pray for you daily because of your commitment to the work of the Lord.

Let me bring before you what happened in Wotutu in CBIW in the cause of last week.

Monday was the beginning of long course exams for the students. All of them were present to take the exams. They have gone through three courses and the last one will be this 28th February and on the 1st of March they shall start the short courses where I and minister Abasiama will lecture with exams for 10 days and on the 11th of March the students will travel out of Wotutu for campaign. This first campaign is divided into two. Some students will go to other congregations to strengthen them while some, including me, will travel to an area far from Wotutu to plant a congregation in one of our student’s village. Many have been praying for that area to have a congregation, because it is a whole region without the church of Christ. So that will be our first campaign in view of planting a congregation there. Please remember us in your prayers for success and support.

The pics I will share with you show the great works the students are doing in Wotutu to houses close to the church hall and the residential home of the students. We are working on this slogan WOTUTU FOR JESUS. With boldness all homes are being visited by CBIW students every Saturday for visiting and evangelism. I arranged this so that the students will be friendly in this community and by doing so make converts for the Lord.

One denominational pastor who was the closest neighbor to the students left the apartment because he refuses to believe the truth from the students. His morning prayers SPEAKING IN TONGUES was the bone of contentions with the students, so he left untimely.

Brother Mbappe, a student preacher, administering baptism in Wotutu.Minister Awum Nicholas, who graduated from a Bible school in 1975, exhorts the students during chapel on the COST OF DISCIPLESHIP. He was most welcome to share his experiences since then till now in the ministry.

Below is brother Innocent baptizing another soul in Wotutu also. The church in Wotutu has started receiving the benefit of the school as the students visit them in their home on weekends and also others in the village. This is leading to the coming of first time visitors in our worship.

We are thankful to God for His grace. Please, we need to put more effort in Evangelism which is our goal in CBIW, but a lot needs to be put in place like the public address system to reach out to more people from a spot.

The picture below and right is of two sisters from the Wotutu congregation who came to the school from their farms with plantains, vegetables and tomatoes to give to the students.

Share this report with others. It may be God is preparing someone somewhere to use to accomplish some things in the mission efforts in Cameroon.

Our address remains in case you have some items to post to us. God will see you through. AMEN

Elangwe and Family.

By His grace, director CBIW

Walking The Talk...

We are familiar with the saying “talk the talk and walk the walk.” The idea reminds me of a quote from The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, “the video needs to match the audio.” Our actions need to measure up to our words.

As I read the reports each week from the various extension locations, I see application. The staff and students within the extension program are walking the talk. They practice what they preach and the Lord is giving the increase.

The reports this week share information regarding the very idea I am expressing. How encouraging it is to read about the campaigns shaking villages in Cameroon, appreciating and presenting students to the world for evangelism in India, and Bible studies growing in Arusha. This is what the work is all about.

It takes a few minutes to read through each of the reports, but the time is well worth it. Thank you for all you do for this work. I believe the results are obvious from the reports this week.

Coordinator Updates

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

Donnie Bates is in Honduras. You can read the final report from his trip at the following address: /donnie-bates-reports/2011/2/17/edmond-ok-february-17-2011.html

Extension Reports

Okay, This Is Worth The Read: The work in Cameroon gets more exciting as each week goes by. The report about the evangelistic efforts from the Cameroon Bible Institute in Wotutu are worth reading.

Graduation Is Upon Us: Exciting news comes from the Visakha Bible College in India. Read more about the graduation plans in this report.

Rainy Days And Mondays... And The Studies Continue: The weather can have an amazing impact on the work, but the work goes on. Read more about the Jimmy Gee family and their report on the work in Tanzania.

Final Thoughts

My gratitude to God is overflowing. I am not sure whether I love reading these reports more or sharing them with you. Either way, it is exciting and I hope you continue to enjoy them as much as I do.

This work moves ahead because of the vision, generosity, and involvement of everyone in this program. Contributors, teachers, coordinators, encouragers, prayer warriors all come together to help make this work successful. Above all, glory belongs to our God and Savior.

Thank you for making it possible. I look forward to sharing more with you next week.

God bless
Bob

Rainy Days And Mondays, And The Studies Continue...

Dear Co-Laborers:

THREE BLIND MICE. Relax, I'm not telling anymore rat stories.  Just get the tune of "Three Blind Mice" in your head as you sing these lyrics:  "One tiny snake, one tiny snake, see how he slithers, see how he slithers.  Trina cut off his head with a butcher knife, threw him in the toilet and flushed him twice, one tiny snake, one tiny snake."  Trina is just as scared of snakes as the next "daughter of Eve" (example: Denise Rice) but she is more scared to let the little rascal live (I've heard that baby snakes can be even more dangerous than the adults).

SLIP SLIDING AWAY.  Shortly after we arrived at Agness' house (actually a one-room mud hut connected to many others) on Saturday, it came a downpour and we could hardly hear ourselves speak due to the rain hitting her tin roof. Seraphim was also there and joined us in our study about the Old Law and how Christ "nailed it to the cross."  Agnes had to look for the study booklet because she said her husband, Burtwell, had been reading it. We were glad to hear that and spoke to one of the men at church this morning about studying with Burtwell.  When Paulina (the translator), and Trina left to go to the next study, the words of Paul Simon echoed in our heads as we maneuvered the car on the muddy, slippery back roads.  

"PLEASE, don't tire of studying with me."  These words from Katherine win her the prize of being the most grateful person with whom we have studied so far.  She said she wants to learn as much as possible.  She's a wonderful mother who takes excellent care of her little infant son.  Therasia wasn't there for the study but most likely it was due to the rain.  To get to the study would require her to walk up and down a fairly steep hill with her baby on her back and it would be easy to fall. Paulina, was feeling sick (and had been feeling bad for several days) but continued to translate.  Many years ago, Paulina was involved in a terrible car wreck and was in bed for 6 months.  She suffered a crushed hip and had surgery on her arm.  As she lay in bed she made a promise to God, that if he would only let her walk again (doctors said she wouldn't) she would dedicate her life to serving him and teaching others.  Needless to say, she has kept her promise. 

CONTINUING HIS STUDY with Lembris and Rosemary, Jimmy taught them on Saturday morning concerning "The Need to Grow as Christians."  Lembris's worship attendance has been sporadic in the past few weeks.  This morning, after Jimmy's sermon, Lembris asked for forgiveness for the sin in his life.

WE ARE ENJOYING our visitors, Chad and John Wagner.  Mr. John seems to be fully recovered from his illness. Our daughter, Lindsey, said she really enjoyed taking Mr. Chad's short course on "Church History" because it was so interesting!  Both Chad and John have preached and taught classes both at Kisongo and Usa River these past couple of weeks. Abigail has been busy cooking for our guests. They leave on Monday to return home. Please pray for their safe travels. We are thankful they have been able to be with us.

MANY LADIES WERE more punctual than normal concerning their arrival at our Genesis class this morning.  Chapter 7 was our topic of study, focusing on the faith of Noah and his family to get into the ark when it wasn't raining.  The practical application for us is to have faith and obey God's commandments even when we can't see the reasoning.

MAY THE LORD BLESS and keep you as you serve Him "with all your heart, soul, strength and mind."

In Christian Love,

Jimmy Gee Family

Graduation Is Upon Us...

Master's students with instructor Gary FallisGreetings to you from Visakha Valley Bible College. The director of our school, my father, Samuel Raju sends his greetings to you. We are grateful to you brethren for all your efforts to evangelize the world especially India. We firmly believe the Bible School Program is one of the very effective tools to evangelize the world. 

Brother, by the grace of God and your prayers we are all doing fine, do hope you are doing well too. We thank you so much for your prayers. We are excited about the upcoming graduation.

On Graduation day, the program will be like this:  Program begins at 10:30 am. We shall have guest coming from the congregations in the city also the invitees of the graduates. Our honored guests will be from Bear Valley, those brethren will present diplomas and honor the students with medals.

Later we announce the outstanding students in 5 different categories.

1.      Scholar Award
2.      All Rounder student
3.      Singing Award
4.      Evangelism Award
5.      Improvement Award

We take the privilege to honor these students who performed their excellence in various fields during their two year school. They deserve this honor for their sacrifice to be 2 year regular students; several of them dedicated their time besides financial difficulties to manage their families. These would receive some kind of special gifts like a Bible Dictionary, Concordance, Amplified Bible etc., We have to present an appreciation certificate to the faculty of the school as well, you know they are part of this success.  This is our usual pattern of conducting the Graduation exercises.

New Batch Students: We are excited as the requests for enrollment into the next batch is coming in. All our current students are going recommend at least one student to the School. Which means we shall have another 16 or more students enrolling for the course. We shall have the admission test and interview on the last week of March. From the first week of April will shall begin teaching the regular classes to the freshers.

On the right is Brother Jerry bates teaching the Undergrad class.

Below and on the left are two pictures showing a recent baptism we had by one of our Master class student.

Invitation: We cordially invite you as our honorable guest to come and attend this very special occasion in the history of Church in Visakha area. Our school is the only one so far offering a 2 years (full-time) Preacher Training program in this area. It is certainly a great blessing for the Church in this area as well. It is the time to celebrate. We insist on your presence on this very special day.  16 graduates will be leaving school with a strong desire to carry out the gospel to the perishing people in their villages. Some of our students are already serving as preachers. It is the time to appreciate them and present them to the world that they are graduates of Visakha Valley Bible College, an extension school of BVBID.  We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Please convey our heartfelt gratitude to the Elders of Bear Valley Church of Christ. We pray that our Lord would bless them with many more years of Leadership.

Your brothers in Christ,

John Dean and Samuel Raju Muppidi

Okay, This Is Worth The Read!

Dearest in Christ ,

We are excited that you are doing great with all that you do for the Lord. Here in the Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu (CBIW) we send wonderful love from this end. We are thankful to God for His grace and mercy upon us here. Many students were sick in the course of this week which even affected some from going for the campaign, but we appreciate God for taking care of His own (1 Pt. 5:7).

We also thank God for the daily activities in our campus that went on well as we are finishing all our courses and doing a lot of revision with the students before examination this week that commence on the 24-28 February.

CBIW students, with the director, went out to Munyenge Church of Christ for 3 days evangelism and strengthening. This congregation is being led by one of our students. We give the glory back to God because we recorded another success to the glory of our KING.

The village was shaking with the pure gospel of Christ. Many came to listen, asked questions and accepted the gospel as the truth which had been hidden from them many years ago. Brother Innocent baptized another soul bringing the number of souls to four throughout the campaign. Please remember this congregation and the souls in your prayers so that as the days are going by many more seeds sowed by these students will grow to the glory of our King.

Munyenge is not very close to Wotutu. It is above 120 kilometers, so the hired van (bus) that took the students faced a lot of difficulties on the way, as you can see students trekking on some parts of the road that the van cannot move with students, causing a lot of delay and stress for the students who just left class. The gospel is for all was one motivation that keeps pushing us ahead to reach our destination.

Finally the students arrived at Munyenge late in the evening and started with open air preaching with the population in attendance doubting what is happening in their village with men dressed with black suits moving from one house to another inviting them to come over to the church hall for a public preaching that led to the baptism of the first soul.

The next day students continue their mission from house to house studying with people in their homes. This picture shows some CBIW students studying with a prospect.

Afterwards they continue reaching out with the word to this rural farming population, a place characterized with a lot of denominations who have taken the land captive with false doctrine. More visits in this land are needed for breaking down this falsehood about God.

God blessed the efforts of the students and those with willing minds who saw the truth continue to embrace it, as you see brother Mbappe baptizing one of the souls here.  

The students, administration, Bear Valley and all others who are in support of this school were appreciated by the leaders of the Munyenge congregation, and the chief of the village who said he wish that “these students pastors” keep coming to the village which will influence the young men in the village to avoid crimes by the power of the gospel.

Wherever the students of CBIW passed, they created an impact in the lives of those around them. Many more brothers are interested to enroll in the school come 2013 because of what they saw in the lives of these student's devotion, zealous for the cause of Christ.  I can conclude without any doubt, that the more we go out on evangelism the more we expose the school to others in the brotherhood and by so doing we are securing the future student population.

NOTE

This week long courses will come to an end and long courses exams will start on the 24 to 28 of February. Please help the students in your prayers for wisdom and retentive memory over what they have been taught.

Next week short courses, PERSONAL AND EVANGELISM AND SCHEME OF REDEMPTION will start from the 1 to 11 of March and the students will travel for the end of first quarter campaign in 22 different congregations around Cameroon. Immediately after that they will go for vacation where they will spend one week with their families and return to school for the second semester on the 3^rd of April.

During the second semester we shall involve more in church planting. Please remember us in your prayers and the visions we have to reach out the gospel to all communities. Do your best to encourage someone to be part of this winning team for the Lord in Cameroon. Cameroon is fertile, but more needs to be done for the gospel to grow. You can encourage someone to be with you on this, share this report with others who may love to be part; we still need some basic things which will help add more force to our evangelistic efforts.

1) Public address system, which we can use them during open air preaching (public preaching) during our campaign and during our morning devotion to reach out to the Wotutu population by that from the church hall.

2) Generator for lighting the place, mostly in rural areas.

I really know things are hard but I am just praying for someone God can use to accomplish this for us.

Pray for us as we pray for you, God bless you in all that you do. You are very special in this work. I love the work and I am happy that God entrusted this for me to do for His glory.

I shall love to read from you.

Make a wonderful day.

Elangwe Esowe Greg

By His grace director CBIW

IBH Graduation...

IBH stands for the Bible Institute of Honduras. I had the privilege last Friday of attending the first graduation ceremony for IBH, one of the extension schools Bear Valley is working with around the world in Central America.

The alpha class for IBH consisted of three wonderful students, Oscar, Yoni, and Hector. These men have been dedicated to their studies for the past two years. It was a proud moment to see all three and their families gathered to celebrate the occasion.

To read about the activities see the report below. This past week has been another eventful week within the program. The reports are listed below. 

Coordinator Updates

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

Donnie Bates is in Honduras. You can read current information about his trip at the following address: /donnie-bates-reports/2011/2/13/danli-honduras-february-13-2011.html

Howell Ferguson’s report is located at the following address: /howell-ferguson-reports/

Extension Reports

Alpha Class Graduates in Honduras: The first class to graduate from IBH shows promise for the growth of the kingdom in Honduras. Read about these three men.

Jimmy and Tanzania: Cy Stafford's report is not what you might think from the title. This is an inspirational account of one man's life worth reading.

A Dead Bat or A Live Rat?? This is one you just have to read to appreciate from the Gee family in Arusha.

A Short Course To Graduation: John Dean reports about the recent short courses at Visaka Valley Bible College and their excitement for graduation in just a few months.

Another Soul Added: The reports from Nigeria continue to show growth from the CSMT in Abakaliki.

Ghana's Future Looks Strong: Looking over the past year and the vision for the year ahead shows the work in Ghana stronger than ever. This week's report from Steven Ashcraft shares the vision for 2011.      

An Amazing Step In Cameroon: Word of the school in Cameroon is spreading and recognized by the government. 

Sin In The School: There are always challenges facing each school. Problems arise and must be dealt with as the report from Nepal Bible Center shares with us this week.

Final Thoughts

I love this work. I get more and more excited about what I see and read in the Extension Program. The reports are rich with the Lord’s working. The impact is powerful.

At times there are struggles I want everyone to be aware of in the work. It can, and often is, challenging. Satan will continue to work at destroying the progress. Please know efforts are made to correct the various problems when they arise.

Thank you for all you do to help this work. I hope you know we are all sharing in the greatest work this side of heaven, regardless of the challenges. God has given us an opportunity to change the eternal situation of individuals in every country on every continent. 

How does it get any better? Thank you, thank you, thank you.

God bless

Bob

Another Soul Added...

We visited the new church today. We got there so early and went out for door-to-door evangelism before all the baptized members arrived. It was interesting to be there and we had a wonderful worship. One more baptism today after the worship. They need our constant prayers. Our faith in Christ is not easy for those who have been rooted in denominations. There were a lot of questions and answers during the Sunday school.

Reuben

Alpha Class Graduates In Honduras...

Excitement was at an all time high Friday night, February 11th, 2011 for the Bible Institute of Honduras (IBH). Three men walked to the stage to receive their certificate for completing two years of intense studies.

To read more about the Bible Institute of Honduras, please visit the following site: /honduras/. 

Donnie Bates, Coordinator for the IBH Extension in Honduras, Chase Turner, Harold and Alan Zeller, and myself, attended the celebration. All three will provide a tremendous asset to the work in Honduras.

Take a moment and read the plans these men have for the future. 

Oscar Morgan is the only student who is married. Oscar and his wife, Mirian, along with their three children (Karlina 14, Erlin Esau 11, & Alan 5), not only finished the curriculum for the school, but he also served as the caretaker and security guard for the past two years. His wife served as a cook for the students and staff during this time.

Oscar plans to help the church at El Zar Zal in Danli. He also plans to work with the church in Jicarito, a village 22 miles outside of Tegucigalpa. The distance away from Danli has made it difficult to do this work. Oscar has worked with this congregation over the past 18 months to help it grow from 1 member to 7. While he wants to continue to help in this work, he will also be trying to find a place to work with the church where he can support his family.

Yoni Gonzalez is the son of one of the local preachers from La Union, Honduras. Yoni has provided a great deal of help with the young people in the local area, especially the El Zar Zal congregation during his time at IBH. He will work with the congregation in La Union, specifically the young people and helping his father. Yoni will also help the El Carmen congregation near El Pariso. He is also enrolled and will continue to pursue his secular education.

Hector Viera will finish his secular education while continuing to work with the church in Danli, assisting his father, Nery Irias, Director of IBH. Hector has and will continue teaching the youth. He will also help with the church in Villa Santa (Holy Village). There is one sister in this village and when she is there, Hector conducts a worship service with her. He also spends time each Saturday evangelizing the village. He also wants to find a job where he can eventually get married and begin a family.

The work of these men is only the beginning for the church in this part of Honduras. We look forward to reporting more in the future about the activities of these men and future graduates from IBH. Your efforts over the past two years have born fruit that will continue to grow in the years ahead. Thank you for all you have and continue to do in support of this great work.

A Dead Bat or A Live Rat??

Dear Supporters, Family, and Friends,

A DEAD BAT OR A LIVE RAT? Which one is better? Both were found on Abigail’s balcony. The bat (just a tiny baby) was alive for a short while before he went over to the corner and died. The rat escaped unharmed via the gutter. Jimmy was on the balcony trying to find out why our internet at home has not been working for several days. It was just "reconnected" a few minutes ago which is the reason for this late report.

A DEAD RAT? Where? In our water tank! Trina just found out TODAY (moan) that last Saturday immediately before our clean water (from the water truck) was deposited into our tanks, a dead and very deteriorated "panya" (rat) was removed from one of the tanks. If we had only known, we could have disinfected the tank before the new water was put in. 

The particular guard on duty hasn't worked for us long. Needless to say, we told him that we need to be informed of things like this. All of this water comes through our faucets. If we need to use the water for drinking or cooking we run it through our Berkey water filter which is supposed to remove 99% of all germs plus things like fluoride, chlorine (no worry about that here), etc. We've warned the kids to always use filtered water or bottled water when brushing their teeth and to avoid getting water in their mouths when taking a shower or bath.  Sometimes we don't always follow our own advice and have used straight faucet water. After being informed of the rat, let’s just say, "never again." We said this when we got an amoeba a few years ago.  But, we "backslid" and occasionally, used the faucet water for brushing my teeth. Now, we’re thinking of the dysentery that sent Trina to the hospital in December (we wonder if the dead rat was in our sim tank then).  We have "repented" and will not be too lazy in the future to go get the good water. 

Seraphim?  Yes, a lady named Seraphim was visiting with Agnes when Trina arrived for the study.   After being asked, she stayed for the entire study.  When invited to worship service she said she "might be busy, looking for work” because she had been laid off from her job. Trina light-heartedly questioned her, "looking for work on a Sunday morning?" Then she reminded her that since she was unmarried, with no children that she was "free and had plenty of time." Surprisingly, she attended worship this morning. Chad Wagner preached a very powerful sermon entitled, "Why are you here?" and Jimmy taught Bible class on "Stewardship."         

After leaving Agnes’ house, we went to study with Therasia and Katherine. They both are happy to be learning more about "How Do We Know that the Bible is from God?" Afterwards, Katherine (who knows Agnes well) warned Trina that we might want to talk some with Agnes' husband Burtwell. We have not seen him since we began studying with Agnes. Katherine said he was Catholic (although he does not attend worship services) and said that he might refuse to let Agnes be baptized. So, one of the men will meet with him and maybe let him continue the study with both of them. That might “go over” better.

In the Ladies' Bible class, we studied the last half of Genesis chapter 6 concerning Noah and the importance of doing all that God commands. God warned Noah and gave him instructions for the salvation of him and his family. In like manner today, God has warned us of future events and has given us instructions for salvation.

Thank you for your support and prayers. The new ACSOP students have arrived and will begin their classes tomorrow. On February 8 we celebrated the beginning of our 7^th year of teaching the Gospel in Tanzania. May the Lord be with you all as you strive to walk daily with Jesus and be a shining light to those in darkness.

Because He Died for All,

The Jimmy Gee family

An Amazing Step In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this end of the globe. We are sure the blessings and care of God is with you and your family. We pray that continues in your life and the life of the church in your community.

Your family here in CBIW is doing fine even though some students were sick and are still taking their treatment. Please remember them in your prayers so that they will be ok as they prepare to take their first semester exams on the 24-29 Feb for the long courses.

The past week was a busy one for the CBIW family. The government of Cameroon recognized our existence and gave us assignments to carry out as a school in our community. We happily carried out those assignments to the glory of God.

We visited some clinics in our area to do human investment, which is to help clean up the place for three hours. This made us to change our morning schedule for classes to 3 pm for two days. Thanks to God that we have electricity in the lecture hall, so there was no problem.

All our academic schedule for the week went on smoothly and we thank God for that. Our students are growing daily and we are thankful to God for that growth. It is really needed because they will use it in their different ministries after graduation come 2013.

Let me share with you some pictures about our activities.

These are the 21 students. One was not part because of ill health. Standing in front of the DIVISIONER OFFICER and other dignitaries during choral singing which was to depict the benefit of the unity of our country Cameroon, a land of peace. We need to know that Cameroon is one of the most peaceful country in Africa and the only country in Africa whose official language is ENGLISH AND FRENCH. At CBIW we have French speaking students studying in English so we will be able to reach the whole of Cameroon and other countries in our sub regions. 

On the right, this pic shows the students of CBIW march pass the D.O.’s seating point raising their Bibles indicating the only foundation for the truth. They were admired by many during this NATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION in our community. 

The students at the celebration pose for a family picture.

The climax for the day, 11 of February, to CBIW students was evangelism, as our school motto stipulates, EVANGELISM IS OUR MISSION, AND OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM. The students remained around the ceremonial grounds for six hours sharing the saving message to many and tracks.

It was fantastic as they met with both secondary students and chiefs from different villages around our community; some of them had already given us the MACEDONIAN CALL to come over to their villages. At the level of our office we are looking upon the possibilities to reach out to those villages even though some are not accessible, but we shall still move because the gospel is for all. So when the students shall return from field work in different congregations in Cameroon for the brethren to start receiving the benefit of the school, we shall then start going to virgin lands to plant congregations which is the main goal of the school.

Many people saw the students handling the words and admired to become a preacher, but we shall not go away from our mission statement in 2 TIM 2:2.

I believe God that CBIW has come to do great things for the people of Cameroon both in the brotherhood and out.

Please remember us as we travel out again for our second outing to church of Christ Munyenge, for lectureship and evangelism. One of our students is a preacher in this congregation. So we are going there for total evangelism and revival as the student continues to study, so that when he graduates from CBIW the congregation will take a new face.

We do appreciate you for all your support and care for us. Please continue as we still need you besides as we continue to move ahead. Share this report with others we may love to be part of this soul saving mission in Cameroon.

NEEDS

1.  More tracks or funds to print tracks in Cameroon that we shall be using for evangelism.

2.  A VAN which can take us to different areas for evangelism. For example the students are doing wonders for their two days a week trip to Tole congregation for preaching and teaching. Growth in Tole is very clear, from 12 members to 25-27 on Sundays. This is done because at most three students seat on a motor bike at the same time to travel to Tole. Then what will happen if all 22 students storm Tole community for evangelism over the week ends greater work will be done. That is why we pray and cry to the Lord for this school van whether fairly used, it will serve us.

3.  Bible commentaries and other books if posted to us via air as: 

Elangwe Esowe Gregory
CBIW
P.O. Box 1195 Limbe
Cameroon.

Within 7 days we shall have all you posted to us and will really help our students and the Wotutu congregations. Any book that you know will be of help to us just post them whether used or not the knowledge is needed here for assignments and other research that will continue to help our students keep growing.

Accept love from the students, staff and brethren of the Wotutu congregation, the seat of CBIW. God will see you through.

Elangwe Esowe

By His grace director CBIW

Sin In The School...

Last month we had two visiting American teachers who gave lessons on THE CHURCH and also on WORSHIP. The classes were very good and the Nepali preachers and our students all were pleased with the classes. When the classes ended on Friday at lunch time [Americans were flying out that afternoon], I thought that it was a very good week for everyone who attended.

Just before I went to get a taxi on Friday I found out about one problem. This concerned 2-3 Nepali preachers being unhappy that another Nepali preacher came to attend the classes. On Saturday I was informed of another problem. This problem was with one of the students. On Monday I learned about a third problem. This was caused when some invited experienced Nepali preachers refused to participate in the evening devotional services. Their negative attitude caused an awkward environment that resulted in the devotion and fellowship time being cancelled. These problems are all new for the school, are certainly not the way Christians should behave, and need to be addressed in a loving and firm way according to Christian teachings and principles.

It is not surprising that I was the last person to learn of these problems. It seems that almost everyone attending this meeting  were well aware of these destructive attitudes and behaviors. Once I began to hear about them, the message was repeated by many Christians who were greatly saddened and discouraged to see these three examples of sinful behavior. We have had many similar classes for students plus invited experienced preachers, but this was the first time that 3-4 of the invited guests caused so much discouragement for the majority.

First I will address the problem with the student. Each married student receives a monthly money allowance for his wife. After four months of paying this money to him we learned that in reality his wife had left him some months before school began and was now living with her boyfriend. His DISHONESTY is SIN. He said that he was embarrassed to tell us, he repented, and we gave him another chance. None of us are perfect. His attitude, attention in class, and study outside of class was always the lowest of all the students. We had a firm talk with him and there was some improvement.  

About 6-8 weeks ago we learned that there was a new lady in his life. He said that they were serious about each other, he was studying the Bible with her, and that there was no sexual relationship. She was baptized 4-5 weeks ago. During our recent meeting the leaders from his congregation informed the Nepali brothers that the student and the lady were committing fornication. FORNICATION is SIN. He has been expelled from the school.  We hope his local congregation also takes appropriate disciplinary action. We will continue to pray for the souls of this young man and lady.

Another problem [#2] was that two preachers came for one purpose only. They said that they only came to hear the teaching of the American men. They did not want to fellowship and have devotional time with the students and other Nepali brothers. The American teachers were clear and firm that within THE CHURCH, part of our WORSHIP is from us to God and also from us to our Christian brothers and sisters. They discussed the benefits of Christians encouraging and building each other up in the faith. We also personally benefit spiritually by this time together. It strengthens the individual Christian and the body of Christ as a unit. One of the goals of the school is to develop closer unity, increased fellowship, and more cooperation of all the congregations in Nepal. This is all part of maturing and strengthening the Kingdom of God. Unfortunately these men did not listen and learn from the American teachers they came to hear. The message taught in our classes, and certainly the message that every preacher should know before he can honestly call himself a preacher, is one of fellowship, encouragement, edification, and peace among the children of God. Their negative behavior, and the discouraging effect it had on other Christians, should not be seen anywhere within the church. It will not be tolerated at the school where our goal is to teach, and hopefully practice, Christian character and conduct within the family of God [I Tim 3:15].

The third problem is a reflection on the attitudes that have caused divisions within the church for many years. DIVISION within the church is SIN. It is a spirit of criticism and being judgmental rather than being a peacemaker [Matt 5:9]. We know which spirit is pleasing to God and which behavior pleases Satan. Every mature CHRISTIAN LEADER and PREACHER should constantly be trying to tear down the walls of DIVISION and become PEACEMAKERS. We are separated from the denominations because of doctrinal differences.  We must always have a passion for sound teaching. However, within the church 95% of our divisions are caused by personality and pride. This SIN is not limited to Nepal. The foreign missionaries all claim to have a common purpose, yet they don’t communicate with one another or demonstrate a high priority to work together to support and compliment each other’s ministry. I also need to examine myself. This will be difficult to explain to Jesus when we see Him. 

One preacher came to the meeting late, possible on Tuesday or Wednesday. Immediately some other brother began to ask, “Why is he here?” and “Who invited him?” It became obvious to most of those attending that a small group of preachers were actively opposed to this one preacher coming to these Bible lessons. These opposing and criticizing men never said anything directly to this preacher. However, most of the other men were aware of the attitude of discrimination and partiality that was going on behind his back [Jas 2:1-9]. 

Friday afternoon, just before I went to get our taxi for the airport, this preacher being criticized said that he wanted to talk with me. The unfriendly gossip had been made known to him. I had not heard about it. He talked to me about what was being said and how almost all of the other Nepali preachers and students were aware of this ugly talk. I told him I was NOT surprised.

I already knew that 6-8 months ago a couple of brothers had visited his congregation and they were not happy about how they were received. Apparently they were given a distant and cold “handshake”, but were not extended “the right hand of fellowship”. During the service, as well as before and after, they felt that they had been ignored. Instead of being “welcomed”, they felt like they were intruding. I also mentioned to this preacher that he had worked for years with a foreign missionary. During that time neither he nor the American preacher, who came many times, ever invited me to any of their meetings. I went to one meeting and also felt like I was intruding. I told him to look at his part in this whole picture before he started to criticize others [John 7:1-5]. This type of behavior is so common among those claiming to be CHRISTIAN LEADERS that I am not surprised when it happens.  

What SINS do we see in this behavior? These CHRISTIAN LEADERS, these experienced PREACHERS, have unresolved complaints, bitterness, and bad feelings toward one another [Jas 4:1]. They have attended many classes, many as part of “the team” of a foreign missionary, yet they don’t handle these problems in a scriptural manner. None of them followed the clear instructions of Christ written in Matthew 18:15-17. Earlier in Matt. 18, Jesus talks about humility and also helping to restore your brother to the flock. We should not treat our enemies this way. Jesus gave a parable about this in Matt. 18:21-35. The teachings, example, and attitude of Jesus were ignored in this situation. To IGNORE JESUS is a SIN. Read Luke 6:36-37. Read James 5:19-20 to see how we should act if our brother is in sin. 

To GOSSIP is a SIN. To talk in an inflammatory way about others behind their back is GOSSIP. To CRITICISE OTHERS without talking to them directly in a spirit of reconciliation pleases SATAN. These are the methods of the TROUBLEMAKER who causes DIVISIONS. WHERE IS THE PEACEMAKER? The actions of the one PREACHER 5-8 months ago, and the words and behavior of the 2-3 CHRISTIAN LEADRERS at our meeting do not demonstrate that anyone was interested in peace, unity, and fellowship.  

“For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, ……..that there are quarrels among you…..each one saying , ‘I am of Paul’, and ‘I of Apollos’, and ‘I of Cephas’…….” [I Cor 1:11-12]. There was SIN in Corinth. It is the same today for Nepal. It is not unusual to hear comments like, “Who is your boss?”, “He is loyal to Preacher X.”, “Whose team are you on?”, “He only works with Missionary Z”, and other such statements. You can fill in the different American names …….. Jim Waldron, Jack Ray, Mike Brooks, Bob White, Randolph Gonce, and others, including my name. The concepts of “boss” and some being on a “team” loyal to one “owner and captain” are words and attitudes frequently used in Nepal. This usually is determined by the person who pays the preacher. No American or Nepali preacher will admit that they want to cause divisions, but that is what is happening. This seems to be a natural human weakness if it spans all this distance and 19 centuries with little change. However, it was SIN in Corinth 1,950 years ago and it is SIN in Nepal today. Numerous times in the last two years I have heard that “some brothers” are asking others, “Is your boss Mike or Jerry?”, or “Are you part of Mike’s team or Jerry’s team?” The CHRISTIAN PATTERN is to be a “bond-servant of Jesus Christ” working in harmony and unity with one another without divisions. Read I Cor 1:10; 11:18-19; 2 Cor 13:11; Phil 2:2-3; Col 3:1-3. The Bible pattern is to be a peacemaker that reconciles and edifies brothers and sisters. 

I want to confess my own sin [I Jn 1:8-10]. It is MY SIN that I have seen these attitudes and heard them expressed in words for over two years and I have not addressed them directly. I repent of those sins of neglect [Jas 4:17]. I also call attention to those misguided brothers who have these attitudes and spread division within the church. It is the duty of EVERY CHRISTIAN to rebuke this type of sinful talk whenever you hear it. I also encourage EVERY CHRISTIAN to “busy themselves in good works”. When any brother will not heed a warning, we are to “keep away from a factious man” [Tit 3:8-11; 3 John 9-11]. 

Jesus is very clear and very strong about the Christian’s responsibility for mercy and to forgive others. Read Matthew 6:9-15, and then read verses 12, 14-15 again. Read Mark 11:25-26.  Think about how Jesus has forgiven you.  Read Matt 5:7; James 2:8-9, 12-13; 4:17. Do these brothers NOT KNOW how to do right? Are these CHRISTIAN LEADERS following the leadership example of the world or the SERVANT LEADERSHIP example given by Christ and the apostles? [Heb 12:14; I Thes 5:13; Gal 5:22; 2 Thes 3:13-16; Mark 9:50]      Again I ask ………… WHERE IS THE PEACEMAKER?   

God has told us we will have differences. He also saw the importance to tell us how to talk and behave when these problems happen. To PREFER the way of our personal PRIDE is a SIN. Whenever we forget, “not my will, but Thy will be done”, we will always find SIN. Jesus will forgive each of us and show us mercy in the same way that we forgive and show mercy to others, especially those in the family of God.  

The first and primary goal of the Nepal Center For Biblical Studies is to teach the truth. We want to “speak the truth in love”. Another goal is to be a place that all Christians can come together to learn and mature through sound teaching and Christian example. Anyone with a sincere heart that wants to “draw near to God” is welcome. None of our staff, either invited foreigners or local Christians, are perfect. Our goal is to improve [mature] in heart, mind, and behavior.  

The school will NOT ignore hateful words and non-Christian conduct that can destroy the church, wither they are false teachings, gossip, or unloving attitudes and unforgiving behavior. Eph 4:29-32 is a verse that we use very often. It is obvious that these verses were not close to the hearts or on the minds of [a] any brother while committing immorality, or [b] those who prefer to ignore fellowship and devotion, or [c] those who participate in gossip with unforgiving hearts that causes division, if it is 7 months ago or recently. These actions will not be swept under the carpet and be ignored. Each of us needs to continually examine our words and behavior in an objective manner. Look at YOURSELF the way JESUS looks at you. Stand in front of the mirror and picture yourself facing Jesus. It’s better to do it now than to be surprised to hear his eternal rebuke at Judgment.

The school will continue to train all the faithful men we can find ….. and distance ourselves from those who are not committed to follow the words and example of Jesus. This is true for fulltime students and for those invited to special classes. All of us stumble. Let us also help to pick each other up and to walk side by side as we “press toward the goal, toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” [Phil 3:14]. We will continue to be “servants of Jesus Christ” and “fellow workers” with every Christian who wants to “busy themselves in good works”, “draw near to God”, and be a “peacemaker” while we build-up Christ’s church and evangelize the lost. 

This is written because of a love for God’s truth and pattern, Christ’s kingdom, and all of God’s children. The school is founded and operates on this love for seeking the lost, maturing Christ’s church, and building peace, unity, and fellowship among all Christians. We pray that you also share this attitude and purpose, and are willing to WORK for it within your LOCAL CONGREGATION as well as for the CHURCH IN NEPAL. We invite you to join us in this labor of love.  

Your brother in Christ ………… Jerry Golphenee

Ghana's Future Looks Strong...

Greetings to all of our brethren throughout the world who are anxiously awaiting the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While I spent the end of the year 2010 reporting throughout the U.S., the work was continuing in West Africa. My travels took me to congregations in Colorado, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oregon. I truly enjoyed the fellowship with our American brethren as I expounded upon all of the wonderful progress that has been made during 2010, and the plans we have for the future. In this report, we would like to highlight these accomplishments and then look forward to the hopes we have for the upcoming year. With your help we are moving forward! 

Looking Back at the Year 2010  

The year 2010 was filled with challenges and accomplishments as the Lord’s Kingdom is continuing to be edified and expanded throughout West Africa. Leaders were trained, Bibles were distributed, and the gospel was preached. With your help, the church is becoming stronger and stronger in northern Ghana and throughout West Africa. 

The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies (TIBS) completed their second year of operations during 2010. At the end of the year there were 15 students who had finished seven quarters of instruction. The school went through many growing pains during 2010 and has become a stronger institution as a result of these challenges. TIBS solidified their relationship with the Bear Valley Bible Institute through a visit from Bob Turner of Denver Colorado during the year, and the curriculum is being adapted to meet the needs of the congregations in northern Ghana.   

In addition to the teachers that reside in Tamale, the school has engaged numerous instructors from southern Ghana to teach various courses. This has allowed the school to draw upon the significant amount of Biblical knowledge and maturity of the church in southern Ghana.   

The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies continued their significant building plans with the raising of the foundation and walls for around 8,000 square feet of covered space for student lodging, classrooms, guest rooms, a library and computer room, and offices. This structure was ready to be roofed at the end of 2010.  

The congregations in Tamale continued to grow in maturity as some of the leaders in the church participated in the school of preaching as board members and instructors. The Tamale East congregation was able to complete the roof on their building and is now worshiping in the new structure. Members of the congregations in Tamale, and the students at the school of preaching continued to work with the village congregations in this predominantly Islamic area. They also participated in evangelistic campaigns to build up the church in Tamale, and other areas in northern Ghana during 2010. 

The church in northern Ghana has continued to strengthen the church in neighboring Togo and Burkina Faso through support of preachers, planning, and evangelistic campaigns and other assistance. They have also played a role in edifying the school of preaching in Kpalime, Togo through coordinating a relationship between that school and the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. 

There has been much assistance with physical needs in the area of distribution of Bibles, Bible literature and tracts, construction of church buildings, and assistance with other resources during 2010 that has strengthened the church throughout West Africa. With your help, the church in northern Ghana and throughout West Africa was edified and expanded during 2010!  

Looking Forward to 2011 

2010 was an exciting year for the growth of the work in northern Ghana and throughout West Africa! 2011 promises to be even more fruitful than before. Many plans are being made to continue and expand the work that has begun and we would like to look at some of those plans in this section. 

The first class of fifteen students at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies is scheduled to graduate on June 25 of 2011. In May of 2011, twenty four new students are scheduled to begin the two year course. The applications have already been received and the students interviewed and accepted. The training of these Christian leaders will greatly benefit the leadership of the church in northern Ghana. 

With your help, the building project at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies is scheduled to continue in 2011 with plans for roofing, plastering, painting and bringing in electricity and water to the structure. It is our prayer that by the end of 2011 the structure will be providing the necessary accommodations and classrooms to train preachers and leaders for the church in this part of the country.   

Additional programs are being planned at the school of preaching in Tamale not only for the training of preachers but also for the training of leaders in their indigenous languages. We hope to have these programs in place by the end of 2011. 

The Bear Valley Bible Institute is hoping to continue to expand their efforts throughout West Africa. Effort will be made so that the schools in Tamale and Takoradi in Ghana will be streamlined and become more effective and efficient. The schools in other areas of West Africa will also progress with a new coordinator and the implementation of planning in those areas. We plan to keep on expanding our vision throughout West Africa so we can continue to train leaders and preachers in this part of the world. 

Campaigns are being planned for 2011 to evangelize Tamale, other areas of northern Ghana, and northern Togo. At least three cities have been targeted for new church plantings where no church exists at the present time. Additional campaigns are being planned to edify and evangelize existing congregations in northern Ghana. Significant time will be spent over the next few months to strategize and implement these plans for the growth of the church in this part of the world. 

Other church leaders throughout the country of Ghana are also looking at ways that we can edify the church in this part of the world. The church is facing many challenges just as they did in the first century with many members failing to understand the truth about the Lord’s church as taught in the word of God. This lack of knowledge is causing some congregations to stray away from the truth. We are attempting to develop a plan of teaching through seminars, classes, distance education, radio work, publications and other means that will help to stop this movement away from the doctrine of the Bible. If members come to understand the unique and distinct characteristics of the church, and the need for Biblical authority in worship, church leadership, and other areas, then they should be able to stand firm against any teachings that are contrary to God’s inspired word. 

Financial Support 

We want to thank all of the supporters for their contributions to this exciting work in West Africa.  Without you, this effort would not be possible. All checks need to be made out to: 

Mountain Home church of Christ 
For: West Africa Mission 

And mailed to:  

Mountain Home church of Christ 
380 North College Street
Mountain Home, AR  72653 

(Please note this is a new mailing address) 

Any questions can be directed to the church office at 870-425-4330.

Or you can contact Steven at: 

Email:  samtnhome@yahoo.com  

Steven Ashcraft 
P.O. Box TL 925 
Tamale, Northern Region 
Ghana, West Africa   

Please email Steven if you would like to receive this newsletter by email.  

Thanks So Much,  

With Christian Love 

Steven Ashcraft

A Short Course To Graduation...

Greetings to you from Visakhapatnam in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Savior.  By the grace of God we are all doing well and hope the same with you.

Bob, hope you are good time traveling to Honduras, I bet it is really exciting to attend a graduation ceremony which is certainly an accomplishment.  

Short Courses:                                      

Our mission is to equip the next generation evangelists to seek and save the lost in India. This mission is also carried out by the students of the school. Certainly these two short courses equipped these evangelists with more courage and content which is very beneficial to accomplish their mission. Short courses we had scheduled from 24^th Jan till 4^th Feb went really well. In fact our brethren from Bear Valley left one day earlier which has given time for us to catch up with the due work and complete all the assignments on time. Brother Garry Fallis and Jerry Bates have done a marvelous job teaching two subjects each. Our undergraduate students have been really blessed to learn a lot from both the subjects brother Jerry has taught. One of them is ‘Leadership.’ Indeed it plays a very vital role in the growth of the Church in India, in fact it is a big time lack among Indian brotherhood. You believe it or not, our students have complimented this course and the way Jerry presented and the material as well. Second week class is about the ‘Preacher & his work’ We studied in great length about this subject especially emphasizing the practicality of preaching. We learned preachers’ main mission should be, just preaching. At the end of the class Jerry was asking the students how much beneficial is these two courses for their preaching profession. They marked it high. When he asked about how many people they brought to Christ in last 6 months, the total we had is 34. Jerry remarked at their evangelistic efforts being full time students. We had only 9 students out of the 10 regular students were present during this session. VJ's daughter is not feeling well. She had some problem in the eye for which she is taking doctor's treatment. They had spent good two weeks learning new subjects one of them is about 'Preacher' They truly learned something which would enhance their knowledge of preacher-hood.

God answers prayer

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” James 5:16-17

Rama Rao is one of our undergrad students who was married a year ago. Good news is his wife is pregnant. He was present during the two weeks of short courses we had recently. During the second week he had a call from his home town that his wife was expecting a child that day. So he rushed his home town and for the goodness sake we all heard from him the Lord blessed them with a baby girl. Couple of hours after that we had a shocking news that she is bleeding and it couldn’t be stopped. She started losing strength. Doctors in their home town recommended her to a doctor in the city which is about 80 kms far from their home town. So we all bow down and prayed to our God for His mercy. She was brought to the hospital in the town (Visakhapatnam), while they were on that way she said she doesn’t have any hope to live any longer, so he started crying. God has been good to her, as a result of our prayers doctors get hold on her condition and it took a complete day for her to overcome this life risk. We are thankful that our Lord answered our prayers and blessed her with good health and healthy child. 

Graduation Exercises: 

We are excited about the upcoming first graduation exercise ever we had since the establishment of the Bible school in Visakhapatnam. We are so excited and requesting you brethren to come and solicit your gracious presence during this most exciting event in the history of Churches of Christ in this area. There is never been a full time Bible school established in this eastern region of the state of Andhra Pradesh. If there is one it has never produced this number of graduates who have been trained for two complete years. It is truly a greatest accomplishment which we achieved together. It is time for us to celebrate and elevate the school program so that it will bring congregations together as a result we shall have more congregations involved in this Bible school program. Hub school concept will be more appealing and will be successful when we have more congregations getting to know about this program it will certainly makes them a part of the glorious Lord’s work. We request you to kindly consider blessing us with your gracious presence on this very special day in our lives. 

This is the last quarter for 16 students who will be completing their course. I am currently teaching Elementary Greek which will be completing by the end of March. 

We have the list of students with their names written as they wanted them to be printed on their certificates. I will mail them in my next email. We thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts which is giving some amazing results in the Lord's work here. Please convey our greetings to the supporting congregation and to the Elders at Bear Valley Church of Christ. We are thankful to brother Steve Wiseman & Ralph Williams who have done a great job, along with the Lake Houston Elders for continuing their monthly support to run this School. 

Talk to you later,

Your brother in Christ,

John Dean and Samuel Raju Muppidi

Jimmy and Tanzania?

Greetings Fellow Workers, 

We continue to remember you all in our prayers, thanking God for His Church and our salvation in Him. We thank you all for your part in God's mission work through the TZ2000 mission effort. We solicit your prayers as I make plans to return to TZ on the 22nd and for Stephanie and her mother. Exel will have surgery on the 16th and if the Lord wills, they will return to TZ sometime in March.

Below is a wonderful story of God's plan unfolding and changing the lives of many through His grace and mercy and by the obedience of His saints. 

“Jimmy And Tanzania” 

No, Jimmy’s not from Tanzania, he never traveled there but he did hear a lot about Tanzania.  And as I reflect on our time together and how I got to this moment in my life, Tanzania did play a huge role in Jimmy obeying the Gospel.  I always heard from those that went on mission trips that it would change your life and indeed every year I travel to Tanzania, something happens that indelibly changes my daily walk with God.  I could write a chapter or two on just those experiences but this story is about Jimmy.  We had just returned from our third trip to Tanzania and it had been a couple of months and I was literally having withdrawals from not having a bible study.  I talked with Rod Minor, our minister of evangelism, and he told me he had a study set up but at that time he was overwhelmed and if I could take it, it would certainly help him.  Little did I know how it would be a pivotal point in my life.  I began the study with Jimmy, his uncle, already a Christian and a cousin but from the first study, you could tell Jimmy was yearning for the truth.  After a few weeks of the Jewel Miller Video’s, Jimmy thought he was going to have his knees replaced.  Although he was only 51, Jimmy had already had a pretty rough life.  He told me he had served two stints in California Prisons for selling drugs, was a recovering alcoholic and after having been burned in a car accident that left him severely disabled, he was still addicted to prescription pain killers.  So we changed the study to one I had been using in Tanzania, “Back to the Bible” chain reference that was originated by the Northwest Church of Christ in Lawton, Oklahoma.  And here is my confession; I had fantastic bible teachers throughout my formative years, but the one thing I had never been taught was a method to actually teach the essentials of salvation, and for me, this one just hit home and was the method I needed to use.  Back to Jimmy; Jimmy was eager, after the first half and we finished with the need for baptism.  Jimmy wanted to put Christ on in baptism.  He did, week after week, as we continued to study, he would read his Bible all week and when we met, he wanted to read from his Bible and ask a number of questions.  Because of his disability, he couldn’t drive but he was regular in his attendance.  A couple from church would pick him up, several miles north of town, and bring him in for services.  It was the end of the year and we had missed a couple of weekly studies and the couple got the flu and Jimmy had missed a couple of weeks.  I don’t know why but I got up and was getting ready for church on January 10^th and I thought of Jimmy and wondered if he needed a ride.  I don’t know to this day why I thought of him but I did and after a simple call, I was off to pick him up.  From the minute he was in the car, I could tell he was agitated and throughout our conversation, Jimmy was struggling with a lot of issues in his personal life.  I assured him church was the best placed to be and he agreed.  I mentioned the fellowship meal was after services and he said on the way that he just wanted to go back home because he needed to make some important decisions.  As I was greeting people at the back after services, Jimmy caught me; you could tell he was different; calmer, more in control and a little at peace.  Worshiping God can do that for you.  Jimmy had decided to stay for dinner. During our conversations that morning, Jimmy told me he wanted to do two things; he wanted to learn the Bible well enough so he could teach others that had been in similar circumstances the love of God and he wanted to see his mother, who was very ill in California.  He just needed a little help to get to Missouri, where his daughter could drive him there.  The church paid the bus ticket and Jimmy was gone that night.  I’ll never see Jimmy again.  Jimmy never made it to California, he passed away during then night of February 5^th and coincidentally his mother passed away that same night.  Jimmy’s not with us on this earth but I am convinced he is with his Father in Heaven.  No struggles with drugs, no temptation to drink and he’s not fighting the constant infections and pain he lived with for so long.  It was Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s grace that saved Jimmy, but it was my experience in Tanzania that helped me share the love of God with him. We read the Great Commission in Matthew 28 and Mark 16 but are we acting on it?  Are we teaching our children and grandchildren how to live the Great Commission, Deut. 6:4-9.  For me, it took going to Tanzania to get enough confidence to teach it in my own backyard. So sad but yet so true.  But, as I reflect on that fateful Sunday, and that lone phone call that would give me my last few hours with my Christian Brother Jimmy, James 4:17 still floods my mind, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”  I wonder how many Jimmy’s will come into our life that we miss.  What will it take for you to share God’s love? (As reported by Brad Whinery, one of the Elders serving the Second & Adams Church in Elk City, OK).

To God be the glory, great things He continues to do! 

In Him,

Cy

INCREDIBLE...

This is the best word I know to use in describing the news about Extension Training. Each week the reports continue to arrive on my desktop about growth in the Lord’s kingdom. It is exciting to report and, frankly, it is incredible.

I will let the reports speak for themselves. I want to encourage you to take a few moments to read each report and the news from each location. As the Lord continues to bless this work, I know the reports will grow in enthusiasm. 

While there is always more to do than we have time to get done, we know the steps we have taken in the past year are the foundation for a powerful year ahead in 2011. Your help continues to make this work possible and for this reason we give thanks to our God for each of you.

Coordinator Updates

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

Gary Fallis and Jerry Bates have returned from Visakhapatnam, India where they have been working with the Visakha Valley Bible College, one of Bear Valley’s Extension Schools.

Donnie Bates is in Honduras. You can read current information about his trip at the following address: /donnie-bates-reports/2011/2/4/danli-honduras-february-4-2011.html

Howell Ferguson’s report is located at the following address: /howell-ferguson-reports/

Garry Hill, working with the Chimala Bible Institute, sent the following report for January.

Chimala Bible Institute opened its doors with 28 students on January 17. The Chimala School of Preaching and Chimala Bible College have been combined in partnership with the Chimala Mission and Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. We are now authorized to offer the Associate degree and the Bachelors degree for our hard working students.

The start of a new school year is always exciting and new students and old were greeted with the new opportunities to study God’s word with new curriculum and programs. I moved to the mission with Rebecca Benson to start the school year. Rebecca will be the Librarian and Dean of Women, teaching the research classes at the school and ladies classes in the villages. We immediately began preaching in the village churches on the Lord’s Day and are excited about working with many of the struggling congregations around the mission. We are looking forward to the many evangelistic opportunities this year.

Our students are receiving a well rounded education with opportunities for practical experience. This past weekend several teachers and students went on evangelistic campaigns. Also Ezekiel Harrison, one of the CBI instructors, and Rebecca taught two large children’s classes at area congregations. Brother Hill spoke in chapel twice and preached at the Mbeya, Uturu and Chimala A congregations.

Please pray for us as we continue the Lord’s work here in the southern region of Tanzania.

Garry Hill

Extension Reports

Planting The Seed In Arusha: This post contains two reports. One from Cy and Stephanie Staffort and from Jimmy Gee's family. It shows the progress of the work in Arusha.

Planning The Future Of BVBIU: The report from Ukraine explains the efforts being made for the future.

An Exciting Future For Cambodia: Phanat explains the events of the past month in view of the future ahead for the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap.

Cambodia Grows: Chann Lork reports on the growth in Cambodia.

The Church Storms A City In Nigeria: This is worth the read. Take my word for it.

CBIW Recognition: Cameroon continues to be a hot spot for news in the Lord's kingdom.  

Final Thoughts

What a great week! Nothing is more encouraging than to read reports of the work students are doing to bring about growth in the kingdom. God is truly blessing the work around the world.

Thank you for understanding and having the vision for this work. Your support financially, your prayers, and your ability through service keep this work growing and successful. I cannot express my appreciation enough for your diligence and dedication to training men to preach the gospel. I will have more next week. 

God bless

Bob

Cambodia Grows...

Greeting from the Siem Reap church of Christ.

It's my honor to share some news which happened recently for work in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Things are going well here including Takam, Leang Dai. We had one young lady baptized on Sunday last week and we have another one from Hannah's hope baptized this morning. Praise the Lord for two more souls being added into His church.

We also participated to help the brethren at Takam to rebuild the road up there since it was destroyed during the flood in rainy season.

All in all we are doing alright and we ask you to continue to pray for us and the work in Cambodia.

In His service

Chann

CBIW Recognition...

Dearest in Christ,

The students of CBIW records another baptism in Wotutu as the sister you see came for visit but was introduced the gospel and she embraced the gospel and was baptized.

It is another opportunity for us in CBIW to say hello and God’s blessings to you and your family .We strongly believe you are doing well in all that you do. Your family here in CBIW is doing great and we keep appreciating God for all that He is helping us through you to realize here.

The news in CBIW is making us to be happy daily. All the programs for the week including extra curricular activities went on well like the launching of the NATIONAL YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION In Cameroon was good and the students took part, they have been chosen to be part of the choral singing and match pass to commemorate the reunification and achievements in our country. CBIW is the only higher institution in our community and the only Bible training college, thus making headline news in the government.

The news from student’s performance for the first test is really great; we pray they continue in that manner for these two years of studies.

The students are doing well in health and other wise, they are developing as the weeks are unfolding, we are happy about their developments and we pray God help them through.

This week we had a number of visitors to visit the students. Unbelievers will pass around as they go to their farms, some will return with ripe bananas and fruits to help these young preachers.

Another happy moment took place on our campus as a sister came to visit the students and brought them food. She arrived our campus at exactly 3:09 with a flask of plantains and vegetable for the students. Many Cameroonians are excited about this training in Wotutu. That is why even though with hardship some still sacrifice time to come and encourage our students in any way. More will be seen when they will become mobile for evangelism in different congregations all over the country.

Shows the students this Sunday 6/2/11 eating one of Cameroonian dish call CORN CHAFFA sister traveled 75 kilometers away to visit the students in Wotutu and she brought food for them. You can see some of them raising their right tomb up which is one of our ideologies that  WE ARE NOT ALONE. They enjoyed and offer special prayers to the sister for her safe return. She will pass the night with the director’s family and continue her journey tomorrow.

VISIONS

The students will travel again out for another campaign to church of Christ Munyenge some 57 kilometers away from Wotutu. They are invited again for Bible lectureships, house to house evangelism for 3 days. Please commit them in your prayers for safety and success of that campaign.

Remember the students as they will start writing long courses exams for this first semester on the 24/2/11. The short  courses lecturers from the US will come and continue for two weeks and the first semester will draw to an  end. The students go for mission work to different congregations as for one week and the travel to their homes for one week for vacation. They will return on the 4^th of April for the second semester.

APPRECIATIONS

We appreciate God daily for the wonderful work He is doing for us here in CBIW. Both the staff, students and Wotutu congregation are doing great.

We thank you for your prayers and support to keep this vehicle (CBIW) which is a strong tool of evangelism moving. We pray that God continue His blessings in your life, that of the church where you worship and your family in Jesus name. AMEN.

We are still in need of materials for students research like BIBLE COMMENTARIES, ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND OTHER BOOKS TO HELP ALL OF US HERE.

Stay bless till next time. God directs you to the best directions.

Elangwe Esowe Greg

By His grace director CBIW