A Rooster, Shaving Cream, and A Dog...
Dear Co-Laborers,
IF YOU HAVE EVER said a prayer for this work, donated a dollar, participated in a campaign, sent us a card or email, allowed us to show a presentation of the TZ 2000 work, taught at the ACSOP or was involved in evangelism here (whether one-on-one, teaching a seminar or preaching) we consider you a co-laborer. Thank you for your efforts on the behalf of the Tanzanian people.
ARE YOU YOUR WORST ENEMY? This morning we worshipped at Monduli where our visiting teacher, Mike Reese, taught a great Bible class (Eph. 4 - Church Growth: What Makes a Good Team?") and preached a thought-provoking sermon on "The Marks of a Disciple." A man named Peniel (with whom Mr. Reese studied on Saturday evening) agreed to go with us to worship. While waiting for services to begin, we noticed a bird which continually flew up to the closed window to attack his own reflection. It reminded us that people who desire to attack others usually end up hurting themselves.
SINCE WE WORSHIPPED in Monduli, the Ladies' Bible class at Kisongo was taught by Loveness. She is a good Bible student and thanked Trina for the opportunity because "it would challenge her to study more."
COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO! On Friday, Agatha and Trina studied mainly about Jesus (because Trina was satisfied with her answers concerning her belief in the inspired Scriptures and in Jehovah God). Bible studies here can be a challenge. Out of curiosity her mother-in-law joined us, a rooster was crowing very loudly over and over outside the mud hut, a neighbor came in to talk for a few minutes, a nephew began to cry because he wanted Elijah's toy and then her husband came in. In spite of the interruptions, we looked at several Scriptures. Trina felt like she shouldn't leave without (if only briefly) explaining the plan of salvation. Baptized as an infant, she believes she is saved. Guess what our next lesson will center on?
"IN THE BEGINNING"...Lindsey and Abigail finished their Genesis class (taught by Jimmy at ACSOP) and did very well. Next week both girls will begin the Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy class which lasts for 6 weeks. Lindsey is also taking Greek and is tutoring some of the other students. She will be a student in the one-week short course (Christian Evidences) that Mike Reese begins tomorrow.
'TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO." Trina’s child-training class went very well this past Saturday as we studied the passage in Deut.6:1-9 the first half of class. These passages give us the WHO (should teach), the WHAT (should be taught), the WHEN (it should be taught), the HOW (to teach) and the WHY. It's all there in the passages. If you're up for a small challenge email Trina with your answers. After our break, she gave some practical advice and instruction concerning one area of child-training: "Training Your Child to Behave in Worship." It was fun using a large Pooh Bear as our little "trainee."
"HOLD THE...SHAVING CREAM?" Saturday evening Abigail cooked a delicious meal of catfish, hushpuppies and French fries for Mr. Reese and our family. For dessert, she served Apple Crisp with whipped cream. Our son, David, requested some Apple Crisp but without the... shaving cream.
"THE DOG ATE MY REPORT." Well, not exactly. Our report is late due to long services at Monduli, a trip to Arusha and a missionary-team devotional. Thank you for everything!
In Christ,
Jimmy and Trina Gee and Children
Still Growing In Cambodia...
Greetings from Cambodia! I hope you all had a wonderful month of March for the Lord. As for the church here in Cambodia, we have been blessed as always. We had baptisms in Takam Village, a successful lectureship, and an upcoming wedding for one of our staff at IBISR. Things are going wonderful here.
First lets talk about our new brothers and sisters in Christ that were added to the church in Takam Village. As you all may know, Choeuy, (one of our staff at IBISR), is also the local preacher for Takam. He's been laboring there part time due to his teaching responsibilities at the school and yet he is able to provide such an impact at Takam. Choeuy embodies 1 Cor 15:58! He is an encouragement to me and my work and I hope it encourages you as well.
The village doesn’t have a baptistry so they baptize with the use of well water and some plastic!
Because the plastic wasn’t doing too well, they decided to use the muddy waters from rain that they used to water the rice crops. And when that didn’t work too well, they went old school and the sinner! So you see, even when there's no baptistry, if baptism is essential to salvation, and it is, then you will find a way to be baptized!
Besides the wonderful news of souls being saved, the church in Siem Reap conducted its second annual lectureship with the theme coming from Ephesians 4:1-6. Here is the program for our lectureship:
SIEM REAP CHURCH OF CHRIST
2nd Annual Lectureship
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Eph 4:1-6
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Phanat Ouch
“Walking worthy of the vocation wherein ye were called”
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Kimchann Lork
“There is one body”
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Dennis Welch
“One Spirit”
12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. LUNCH BREAK Provided by the church
2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Darat Run
“One hope of your calling”
3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Savai Bun
“One Lord”
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. DINNER BREAK Provided by the church
6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Congregational Singing
7:15 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Rich Dolan
“One Faith”
Sunday March 27th, 2011
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Choeuy Choeun
“One Baptism”
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Tim Brumfield
“One God and Father of all”
We had about 80 plus in attendance. We had leaders from Takam, Leang Dia, and Svay Rieng come attend so that they can take what they learned back to their respective areas. Our brethren from Phnom Penh also came and participated. We invited the students from CBI to attend so that they can see what we are doing in Siem Reap. I believe it is important for the locals to work together in order to save more souls for Christ. We need to have more works like these in order to change the percentile of Christians in Cambodia!
Darat, one of the staff at IBISR, did a wonderful job with the one hope we have as Christians. He and Saray will get married in exactly 2 days! We are excited for this great couple!
Sophal, our leader from Svay Rieng helped out with the cooking. After our spiritual food, we had our physical food and it's always in that order! Matt 4:4
All in all, the lectureship was a success. I've seen such tremendous growth from our staff and their confidence has shown at this event. They've worked really hard and I could tell that they put in a lot of time in coming up with their lessons. They were a good example to our new students. Its works like these that give them the experience and confidence that they need in order to be an effective minister of the Lord. I asked that you continue to pray for us. We need more sound and faithful Christians serving our Lord. Please continue to support this work financially as well. Without your support, all these things will not be happening so I want to thank you for your monetary sacrifice. I pray that God will continue to bless each and everyone of you so that you can continue to bless others. Please visit us again next month to see about Christ in Cambodia!
Phanat
Exciting Times...
These are exciting times. We are living in a generation with the greatest opportunities. No other point in the history has offered so many ways to reach out with the gospel.
Think about the technological tools available. The ability to communicate has certainly changed in the last 2,000 years. We no longer face the challenges of writing a letter / message on parchment, leather, or papyrus and sending it at the hand of another individual.
The use of the Internet, video, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Instant Messaging, etc. keep us easily and quickly connected. In the blink of an eye we can send a message to any individual on the other side of the earth. With the use of Skype or video conferencing, classes can be taught 10,000 miles away in real time. These tools make it possible for the Extension program to work at a greater level.
Think about the means of travel. Imagine the difficulties of walking, riding a horse, or taking a ship in order to visit another congregation to preach. Coupled with the challenges of communicating in written form, the spread of the gospel took time.
However, we have the means of driving a car across the country in a matter of hours, rather than months. We can board a plane and within hours we can literally travel to the other side of the world.
These tools are blessings that have benefited the Extension work in powerful ways. Hundreds of men are being trained to preach the gospel. We are able to learn of their progress immediately and share it with thousands around the world. The encouragement spreads throughout the church and God is glorified by His people.
I pray we are faithful with the blessings provided and use these tools to further the cause of Christ. As the world approaches seven billion in population, let us continue to grow in our understanding and ability. Let us take advantage of God given opportunities to make a difference in the eternal destiny of these precious souls.
Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/
Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson while they are working in Gorlovka, Ukraine.
Extension Reports
God Gives The Increase In Cameroon: A recent campaign provides a great example of the power of God to give the increase through the preaching of the gospel. This is worth your time to read.
The Good Keeps Getting Better: The news from Arusha, Tanzania demonstrates the good being done with the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.
Short, Sweet, And So Encouraging: The mission effort connected to the work in Arusha continues to show the benefit of team work.
Cambodia Lectureship: The numbers speak volumes to the impact of the annual lectureship with the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap.
A Family Loses A Loved One: Trials face God's people in every location. In the midst of training to do the Lord's work two students lose a family member.
Final Thoughts
As I travel from one congregation to another and share the work of Extension training, I get excited to see the enthusiasm on the part of the church. The more people learn about the extent of this work the greater the more excited they become.
Please share the information with others and spread the encouragement of the growth in the Lord’s kingdom around the world. I am more and more convinced one of the greatest ways, if not the greatest way to fulfill the Great Commission is to train men to preach the gospel in their own country.
I believe the more you learn from the work of these men, you will see it the same way. Extension Training is awesome.
Thank you for your involvement in this work. I pray God will bless you richly in your service to Him. May He receive the glory.
God bless
Bob
A Family Loses A Loved One...
Chimala Bible Institute Students and Brent SmithA typical week at Chimala Bible Institute is full of activities. We are constantly aware of the important work this Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver extension school is involved in.
The chapel speaker this morning was our oldest faculty member, Bernard Kulanga. Mr. Kulanga spoke of the one church in the body of Christ. Our chapel everyday consists of either students or faculty preaching, heavenly singing (in both English and Swahili) and heartfelt prayers.
Every weekend, different groups of students go out preaching, singing, teaching, and directing the Lord’s Supper in various congregations. The dedication of our faculty in evangelism is always shown with every faculty member preaching the Word of God each weekend.
Our 26 students, along with several staff members joined together last Friday for a period of hard work and fellowship. They cut the grass and pulled weeds around the school buildings. After the hard work, the students engaged in a rousing game of football!
Rebecca Benson continues cleaning and cataloguing the library with the help of the students. Currently, she is taking two classes in addition to doing her administrative duties. On the weekends, she goes out to encourage the women and teach the children of various congregations. Rebecca is also planning two ladies’ seminars for June.
The importance of our work was shown in the past two weeks. Two of our students lost a family member, one a grandfather, and the other a father. One traveled to his home over 15 hours away. His village chief, officials, and family sent word back thanking us for training students in the Bible and for allowing the student to mourn for his grandfather. Moments of gratitude like this continue to fuel our enthusiasm for the work here in Chimala.
Garry L. Hill
Administrator
Cambodia Lectureship...
Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I am very greatful to share some information with all of you concerning the work in Siem Reap, Cambodia. As I report earlier about the work in different places, such as Leang Dai and Takam as well as in the town.
There were 11 souls added into the church at Takam by our Lord about three weeks ago and before last week there was another one added to numbers of the brethren at Takam.
I also reported earlier about our second annual lectureship that would take place at the school building, and yes there were about 80 people came to join the event. We have people from Phnom Penh, Takam, Leang Dai and Samroung and from around the city of Siem Reap and also from Svay Rieng (the border of Vietnam). The theme of our lectureship this year is quote from Eph. 4:1-6. The work was done very well and better compared to what we did last year. I am very grateful to Phanat who planned for this event, also our brothers and sisters as well.
We all very busy to hosting our guests who came from various places. We served them a place to stay and the food to eat.
Thanks for your pray for the work of our Lord in Cambodia.
In Him
Chann
The Good Keeps Getting Better...
Greetings Fellow Workers:
A wonderful week in the Lord, blessed with many answered prayers. Thank you for your prayers, support and involvement in God’s work here in Tanzania. The good keeps getting better as the Lord’s Church continues to grow on many levels.
Today I was blessed with an opportunity I have longed for. Many of your know Innocent, one of our graduates from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching and responsible in no small way for the Church plant at Monduli where he currently serves as their minister.
Innocent has also been a part of our “Future Preachers’ Training Camp” for the last several years. He has worked with a number of young men from Monduli Juu (up) for several years. These young men were introduced to the Lord’s Church by one Christian sister who would walk the six miles from Monduli Juu to worship at Monduli Chini (down). She would invite others to join her in worship and through this evangelistic effort, a number of these young men obeyed the Gospel.
These young men, having attended the FPTC for three years, decided on their own to begin a new Church plant at Monduli Juu. Danny and Nancy Smelser have worked hand in hand with them in this this effort. Today I was privileged to teach during the Bible class hour and to also worship with this group of 25 or so.
To see God’s hand in His work here in Tanzania and to see the good people of Tanzania step up and do the things God would expect, well, it simply reminds me that if we will do His will, He will do mighty things through us. Thank God for His love and grace bestowed upon His faithful and for the good being done.
Last Saturday three souls were added to the Monduli congregation. Today, two more gave their lives to God in obedience to the Gospel. Amen!
I personally want to thank all of you who have prayed on behalf of Stephanie’s mom, and for their safe travels. It is SO GOOD to have them here safe and sound. I thank God for answered prayers and for your partnership in the Gospel.
Our prayers are with each of you as you continue in the fight of faith and in your life in the Lord. May our God bless you all with the best week ever, in Him.
In Him,
Cy & Stephanie
Short, Sweet, And So Encouraging...
Dear Loyal Supporters, Family and Friends,
Hello! It's time to report on our past week's efforts to spread the Gospel in Tanzania, East Africa. We limit our reports to one page in length (short and sweet) so you will be more inclined to read them and not grow bored. Also, there are those who print them out for others. The one-page length helps those who do so.
First of all, we are very happy to have Cy, Stephanie and Mrs. Aultman (Stephanie's mom) back in Tanzania. We are excited that Mrs. Aultman will be living here and praise the Lord that she was baptized into Christ! May we say "Praise the Lord" without anyone thinking that we've gone "Pentecostal?" HA
Jimmy preached a powerful sermon on the "Kingdom of Heaven" while Amos Kinasi (a ACSOP Swahili student) taught Bible class concerning "Advice" from 1 Kings 12. In the ladies' Bible class we studied Genesis 9:20-28 discussing alcoholic beverages and respect. Yesterday, in the Galatians class 5 ladies attended. Their desire to know the Scriptures has really encouraged and helped us to study more.
Many may remember the study Trina was conducting with Agness (married to Burtwell). During our last study (lasting 2 hours) we discussed in-depth each necessary step for salvation. Agness is not yet ready for baptism. We are not sure why. She initiated our study (which we have been conducting for weeks) and has attended several worship services (including this morning). Since many Tanzanians are scared of water, she was assured that baptism was not dangerous (plus she has witnessed a baptism before). Without pressuring her, it was made clear that she is in a lost condition because she is not "in Christ." We talked about baptism being such an important decision and talked about the blessings, responsibilities, challenges and sacrifices that may be required of her so she is able to "count the cost." She has Trina’s phone number and was told that God's invitation is open 24/7. She wants to continue to study.
Our guard, Deo, informed us that a female neighbor desires to study the Bible. Hopefully this week we can begin our lessons. Lord willing, next week, we will up-date you on the Maasi woman that Loshea agreed to study with and on Seraphim (who joined Agness in some of our studies).
Jimmy's study with Rosemary and Lembris continues. Each week they are scheduled to study two days. One day they study a particular subject and one day they have a question and answer session.
Concerning the ACSOP, we are expecting Mike Reese to arrive from the U.S. on Wednesday night. He will be here for about 10 days and will teach the first-year students Christian Evidences. He will then leave for Kenya where he will be holding a youth camp and then return here to fly out. Please pray for safe travels for Mike and that his efforts will being much glory to God.
Concerning the home front, we have been blessed with good health. During a breakfast prayer, Elijah "informed" God that Todd was in the states so He could take care of him. Then he sweetly added "...because I miss him so much" which echoes the sentiments of us all. But, we are comforted in that he is "walking in Truth" and doing so well in his school work and in his life (3 John 4).
Much love to you all and we hope you are taking advantage of your numerous opportunities to share the Good News. Sometimes a person's interest in spiritual matters begins with a simple question about their beliefs. Start small and go from there...and pray fervently. Thank you for joining hands with us in this work.
Because He is Coming Again,
Jimmy, Trina and Family
God Gives The Increase In Cameroon...
Dearest in Christ,
Amazing grace is what we wish you as you read through this report. We are convinced from the bottom of our hearts that you are doing quite great. We glorify God for you and all your efforts towards the great commission. We are glad in our hearts to relate to you, that by His grace we are doing fine in all that we do here in Cameroon.
I am happy to bring before you this good news about the work. I thank you for your prayers on all our travels for the cause of Christ. The students and I travel out of Wotutu for our campaign without any major problem, even though we had a lot of struggles for transportation to our different destination because of lack of money, but we manage and got to where we were to go and to reach out with the gospel.
The students travel to 13 different congregations all over Cameroon, that is both in French speaking areas and English speaking communities. Two students and I were destined to a virgin land which is a village of one of our students Norbert, who really wanted people there to hear the gospel, but no means for him to do that alone. The director of CBIW decided to go to that area as a Macedonian call. The area is a strong hold for the Roman catholic church.
In Nyandong, brother Manfree student preacher baptized two souls. It was not easy here because of the amount of false doctrine, but the truth must prevail to those who have simple hearts.
This campaign is the first since we started CBIW. The campaign was successful as the director and all members of staff encouraged the students to be real ambassadors for Christ, Family and CBIW. Our school motto was resounded in their ears again before they left the campus. OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM, AND EVANGELISM IS OUR MISSION. They went out with that banner. They left with the intention to DEPOPULATE HELL AND POPULATE HEAVEN.
The students faced a lot of persecution from staunch denominational followers who consider them a serious threat to demolish their false doctrine and to take people to awareness of the truth (Jn 8:32). One of our students Muofo Bernard sustained injuries on his leg as he was beaten mercilessly by a man who met him sharing the good news to his family as he return from the farm in Kwa-kwa village. His Bible was thrown into the bush. We thank God that the student continued his stay in the village teaching and baptizing others with a pure hearts. He is on vacation now and called me that he is getting better.
The students went through difficult moments but never gave up the fight because God was with them supporting them and fulfilling His promises and purpose for this school in Cameroon.
The students touch all angles of the communities they were serving and the Lord blessed their efforts by adding 54 souls and 81 restoration in His vineyard. 13 out of the 54 souls were pioneer Christians in the church of Christ, Aton-geh in Libialem village of brother Norbert. The congregation has been established, more is needed to send students to nurture the congregation because it is far from Wotutu. The brothers there need Bibles to study so that after some months we can raise a leader who will be leading till when we graduate students in 2013. Please come to our aid to conserve these souls.
In the campaign, more souls were restored than those baptized. This is an indication of high level of backsliding in the country, why there are many congregations without a preacher and many more with untrained preacher. It is to this effect that we are pleading with you to stand with us to save many souls in this country which had been abandoned for years. Your support will give hope to a soul, someone without hope. People are thirsty over righteousness. Who will go for us? (Rom. 10:13-15) CBIW students are being trained to go to any where. They are ready. Please come and join this team to the glory of our King.
Since the history of this country this is the first congregation to be established in this area. More work is needed to reach out to other communities in the area, BUT THE HARVEST IS PLENTY BUT FEW LABORERS. (Matt 9:35-38)
The picture on the left shows the director in Nyandong reasoning from the scripture with this man. The director struggled to move around to meet with some students to see how they are going about their work. His hand was not full enough to go to all locations where students were serving.
The picture below and right shows the first time in the history of this congregation to worship with such a population. We thank God for CBIW and BV for this opportunity to train men who will carry the gospel to all corners so that no one will make any excuse on that day.
Cameroonians are calling me to express their satisfactions for the work the students are doing, mostly those in which congregations the students passed through during this campaign. Please we pray you continue your effort for this work, because in the nearest future Cameroon will not be the same. The country has been lacking behind for years, but God is raising us to change a lot of things, wrong ideologies, false doctrines and spiritual empowerment to all in the brotherhood and to save that which was lost and under the captive of the evil one in Cameroon.
Appeal
1) Pray for students as they resume on the 3rd of April for the second semester.
2) Pray for their trip to Kumba for mission on the 7th of April. There they will expose CBIW to the youth in the church. Please help support us with transportation to that community for evangelism for 4 days.
NEEDS
1) Public address system as we shall go to different locations to establish new congregations. It will help us a lot.
2) School bus for transportation
3) Projector
4) Generator to rural evangelism
I am saying all this for the work, but when I think of the economic situation of the world I feel bad about it, but we are praying that God should use someone with sacrificial hearts to solve this problem here in CBIW so that we shall not have any excuse and those in areas where they have not heard the gospel will not make any excuse because we shall reach them by God’s grace.
Do your best to share this report with others in your area who may be of help in any of our needs.
APPRECIATIONS
We do appreciate you for all that the Lord used you to accomplish in CBIW for the past three months. You have done well for us here. It is because you accepted God to use you before we could do what we have done for His glory. We pray God to stay with in all that you do, so that your love and concern for the work here in Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu will keep moving from one height to another for many to come to know Him and make Him known to others.
God bless all you plan to do and keep you in good health. Thanks for all.
Elangwe and Family
By His grace Director (CBIW)
One Incredible Team...
On Monday and Tuesday last week all of the Extension Staff came together to discuss various matters within the program. We looked at the past year, discussed the present situation, and planned for the future within each school location.
Howell Ferguson was able to join in the meeting via the video conference system. As a result, every staff member was able to be involved in this meeting. It is powerful to see the use of technology to make it possible to join all of these men for this meeting. I am more convinced than ever this is one incredible team of men who demonstrate a Christlike spirit, godly attitudes, and a desire for training men to preach the gospel.
While I enjoyed the opportunity of having time to meet about the extension program, there was a stronger underlying benefit. I believe this time together helped build a stronger bond of fellowship in this team. I am thankful to be working with these men and glean from their wisdom to help improve the working of Bear Valley’s Extension Training program.
The men who comprise the Extension staff are from all walks of ministry, but they share one common purpose. I want to express my gratitude to each of them for their dedication to the work of our Lord and their willingness to make great sacrifices for the growth of the kingdom.
Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/
Remember Howell and Mary Ferguson while they are working in Gorlovka, Ukraine.
The monthly report from Jerry Bates has been posted and talks about his most recent trips. Jerry and Paula are now in Burma and then on to India. Remember them in your prayers.
Extension Reports
26 Students Preparing: One of the largest classes in the Extension Program is found in Chimala, Tanzania. Garry Hill reports about the progress of this work.
Public Radio Proves Successful: The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies sees success with the use of public radio in the Northern Region of Ghana.
50 Years of the Lord's Church in Ghana: Daniel Asiamah reports about the activities surrounding a great milestone in the work in Ghana.
Persecution of David Wama Continues: The report from Togo shows the struggles some students endure for the cause of the kingdom. David Wama continues to be persecuted because of his stand for the truth.
The Good Stuff... Tanzania: The work continues to grow and the work is exciting in Tanzania as Cy Stafford reports.
The Most Dedicated Christian Award: The Jimmy Gee family reports on activities in Arusha and one particular story worth reading.
Honduran Campaign Produces Fruit: Hector Viera, a graduate from the Honduras Bible Institute provides the results of a recent campaign.
Final Thoughts
With a dedicated staff, the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver is moving forward in the Extension work. There is one constant I noticed from all of the staff, and that is gratitude.
Every member on staff knows this work is only possible because of the generosity demonstrated by so many wonderful individuals and congregations. The sacrifices you continually make to help this work do not go unnoticed.
Thank you. I pray God will bless you richly for your love for the Lord and dedication to the work.
God bless
Bob
Honduran Campaign Produces Fruit...
The date of the campaign was March 13-17. There were 15 Hondurans, 6 Nicaraguans, 12 Salvadorans and about 100 North Americans; I do not remember the exact number, but yes I believe that was the number. There were 15 baptisms, 10 restorations, 320 studies. All three graduates and all the teachers of the Institute. Your servant (Hector) worked as a translator and my brethren in evangelism. It was a week full of work and, thanks to God we had success, although there were some health problems, but with the work of God, this does not matter. I will upload more photos, brother, so that you can see them also. God bless you all there and from here the students send you greetings.
Hector
The Most Dedicated Christian Award...
Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,
BY LAND OR BY SEA? Yes, it has rained A LOT for several days and we are so thankful. We haven't had to buy water in almost two weeks and our yard is nice and green. This morning we continued to get more rain and basically just slid down our winding muddy drive in our van on the way to services. Many low areas were simply lakes of water. Near the Kisongo church building, some children (with flip-flops and shoes made of tire tread) were having a good time running on the smooth areas of thick mud and then sliding as they came to a stop. During the closing prayer, it is common practice for the Tanzanians to ask God to protect people as they travel home, usually adding the words, "whether they came by foot, bicycle or car." Today I understood the translator to say "whether they came by land or sea." I just had to smile...I had never heard that before here.
WITH ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT of classroom instruction, both the Swahili and English stream of instruction continue going well. Joseph Ngoma, a second year Swahili student, taught Bible class this morning and Abraham Mrutu, ACSOP staff supervisor, preached the sermon. The ladies joined the men's class due to the "classroom" being so muddy (the chairs would sink). Two classrooms are in the process of being built so that the kids and ladies will have a place to meet out of the weather.
"MOST DEDICATED CHRISTIAN-OF-THE-MONTH" AWARD. Trina’s first class in Galatians went "well" except that only one person came. While rain might not hinder someone in the states (with a garage, a car and paved roads) it does tend to discourage women here. Rosemary, a new Christian, walked down a muddy steep hill (about 1/4 mile) in the rain AND with a two-year old strapped to her back. When told that Christians in the states were praying for her, she smiled and said that she appreciated it.
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS! Obviously Christians should be happy, but we have an especially good reason today. Yesterday, Ikande, the wife of a Tanzanian evangelist, Emmanuel Peter, was baptized. This wonderful day was preceded by many years of prayer and patience. Needless to say, Emmanuel should be even more effective and fruitful because now he has her support and help. Please pray for her growth.
PRAYER REQUEST. We ask you to pray for John Rice and his family. John lost his father, Brinton Rice, just a few days ago. Bro. Brinton was a faithful Christian. No greater thing can be said than that. He will be sorely missed by many people but we look forward to seeing him again on the other side.
"HOW WILL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?" Thank you for your interest in our work, your financial support and for encouraging notes. You all are the "backbone" of this work. Generations of people here will be changed because you cared enough to support us. Won't it be absolutely wonderful when you meet some of the Tanzanian Christians in Heaven and know that you had a part in their salvation?
In Christian Love,
The Jimmy Gee family
The Good Stuff... Tanzania
Greetings Fellow Workers;
It is with much joy that I write, thanking God for you, your love of the Gospel and for the care and compassion you so often demonstrate toward us here in Tanzania. Our lives have been touched in so many ways through you and your prayers. We give God the glory and we thank Him for each of you.
We have been blessed by the rains, a bit late, but they are here! I woke this morning with plans to go to Monduli Juu, where I was invited to teach Bible class. I received a phone call saying the roads up the mountain where not safe because of the rains and that I should not try and make the journey. Therefore, I attended the Bible class and worship at Kisongo, and was I ever blessed!
Joseph Ngoma, a second year student at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching taught a class on “Patience and Prayer”. Mostly on patience, but in his conclusion he brought prayer into the equation. One of the best classes I personally have ever heard on this subject, but a small testimony of the quality of students we have.
He illustrated the need for each of us to have patience, just as God is patient with us. He went on to use the example of our brother Wilfred Massawe, the evangelist for the Mororogoro congregation. Though he has suffered much, loosing his wife and being left with a new born and two other children, he was patient and God blessed him and his work.
He told the story of Wilfred studying with a man by the name of Joseph, his wife and three children. It was during the time of the death of Wilfred’s wife that this study was being conducted. Wilfred persevered and Joseph obeyed the Gospel. He went on with the story and talked of the struggles Joseph endured trying to teach his wife and children. It took the better part of three years, but in the end, through much patience, Joseph’s wife and three children all became New Testament Christians.
God has also blessed Wilfred with a new wife and mother to the children!
The Good News: Yesterday I received a phone call from Emmanuel Peter (one of our graduates, now an instructor at the ACSOP and part of the translation team translating the Greek N.T. text into Ki-Swahili). I could tell he was excited and then he told me, “we are at the Arusha building baptizing my wife, Ikande.” This has been a process that has taken more than five years, thanks be to God, for He has added to His Church our new sister.
The Good News: Raymond Mwero, another of our ACSOP graduates from Uganda reported four souls being added to the Church this Lord’s Day.
The Good News: Fariji Paul, yes, another of our ACSOP graduates and current evangelist from the Usa River congregation reported two souls being added to the Kingdom last month.
What a blessing it is to be a part of the family of God! What joy there is in knowing we serve the God of Heaven and a living and risen Savior! To Him be the glory, great things He continues to do through His faithful.
Prayer Request: Our dear brother, John Rice lost his father this past week, please remember him and his family in your prayers this week. My sweet bride and her mother Exel, will be leaving the States on Wednesday of this week headed this way. I solicit your prayers on their behalf, that God might grant them safe travels, thank you.
In Him,
Cy & Stephanie
Persecution Continues Of David Wama...
Students activities
For several years, it has been my dream to plant a vibrant and growing church in Kpalime to win the Kloto Region for Christ. After the church was planted, I saw the need to add a preacher training school that will produce qualified preachers to manage the affairs of congregations that would be planted. The first graduates of the Center for Biblical Studies were only three men who had come from the denominational churches to study the Bible. They were converted, and today they work with the Church of Christ.
Selom – works with the Nyiveme Church of Christ
Jean – works with the newly planted church at Hanyigba Duga
Gabriel – works with the church Church of Christ at Notse Kpota.
In 2009, twelve students also started a two year program at CBS. Today, 9 of them have remained and are looking forward to their graduation in June, 2011.
As part of the program at CBS, students are assigned to congregations in the villages where they work during the weekends – teaching and preaching.
Kossi – works with Kpele Beme congregation on weekends. This congregation has a membership of 12 and presently has 4 prospects he is studying with. A public preaching is scheduled for April 22-24 in Beme.
David Wama- Works with the Kpadape church of Christ. This congregation came out of a denomination in Kpadape. It has a membership of 12. He is still studying with members of the denomination he came out of.
Clement – currently assists David at Kpadape as he prepares the ground in his village for the establishment of the church. He lives in a village called Aveho- Tugbli. He is engaged in a serious evangelism , meeting with a group on weekly basis. Public preaching will soon be organized in the village.
Senyo Folli- He works with the Kloh church of Christ with a membership of 22. He is currently studying with 7 regular visitors. This congregation also came out of a denomination.
Abraham – Preaches for the Avekpo church of Christ. The congregation has a membership of 16 but is blessed with about 9 visitors each Sunday. Personal work is seriously going on now.
Messan- Works with the Nyiveme Church of Christ home of CBS. This congregation has a membership of 35 with some visitors each Sunday as a result of the radio program. Messan plans to plant a congregation in a Kousuntu a town near Kpalime.
Kokou Toulassi- is a son of a preacher who passed away about 4 years ago. He works with the Detideke church of Christ near Kpalime. This congregation has a membership of 25. Toulassi is involved in outreach in the surrounding villages.
Joseph and Yawo Akogo both worship with the church in Kloh.
Campaign For Christ At Hanyigba, Duga
Jean Akli, with support from CBS, organized a two day public preaching in Hanyigba Duga. Date 18th -19th February 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm each night. 85 persons were present on the 18th and 120 present on the 19th. As a result of the campaign, two people from the village came to visit the church.
The first preachers’ wives seminar was organized at the Nyiveme church of Christ. The seminar brought together ten (10) women. The theme was, “Preachers wive’s co-laborers in the Lord.”
Topics included:
1. Contributions of women in the development of the church
2. Women in evangelism
3. Women’s education in the church
4. Women’s responsibility in the home
5. The role of women in the church
The resource persons were:
1. Gabriel
2. Selom
3. Rodriguez
4. Jean Akli
The Nyiveme Church in Kpalime this month is studying benefits of being a Christian at the Sunday morning bible class. There is also a special evening class for the women each Sunday evening at 3:00 pm. They are studying personal evangelism. This class is preparing the women for the Tuesday morning personal work in Kpalime.
The church is studying “True Worship” in the mid week class. The goal of this class is to help people read the bible in the local dialect – Ewe. The church is using. The Hanyigba Church of Christ is organizing Ewe language class for 21 non -members in the village. This approach is to evangelize the lost by using the Bible as the text book for the class.
Radio Program
The world radio sponsored program aired from Radio Planet in Kpalime is making so much impact. Several calls are received each month inviting the speaker to plant the church of Christ in their village. Listeners are receiving directions to the meeting places in their localities. Some listeners are also calling to make enquiries about Centre For Biblical Studies (CBS).
Nyiveme Congregation Needs A Larger Place Of Worship
The Nyiveme church in Kpalime is outgrowing it current place of worship. The attendance is over 35 on Sundays and this is making it extremely uncomfortable for the church. The leadership is considering erecting a shed on the premises that will take not less than 60 worshippers. As soon as the estimate for the construction is complete we shall let you know.
Needs:
1. Lap top for Cephas- principal of CBS
2. Digital Camera
Sad News: Preacher before the law
Just as I was preparing to send this report, I got a call from Cephas the principal of CBS in Kpalime. The statement was short: David Wama was taken to court yesterday and the judge remanded him in police cell till he pays his former employer five hundred thousand CFA). The treasurer and the secretary of his former church were at the court to prove that the funds realized through church collection was used by the church under the care of David Wama when he was the preacher, and that he did not use the funds on himself.
I understand the judge refused to verify what the men were saying. He ordered that David be placed in police cell till at least half of the money is paid and arrangement made for the payment of the rest. (NOTE: The amount of money needed in full, has been provided for David to be released from jail.)
Brethren, this is another attempt by his former boss to frustrate him since he took some members with him to start the Church of Christ. It is my humble appeal that we help David out of this trouble- this is modern day persecution.
Serving Him,
Willie
(NOTE: The money has been raised and provided to get David released from jail. Please continue to remember him in prayer)
50 Years Of The Lord's Church...
This year marks the 50th year (Golden Jubilee) of the church of Christ in Ghana. Several lectureships, conferences, seminars have been scheduled by various congregations and schools throughout the year to educate and motivate brethren to remain faithful to Christ and His doctrines as pertains to the church, salvation, Christian living, evangelism and unity among brethren.
Many have come into the church who know nothing about the restoration. They see the church as just one of the denominations. A lot of education needs to be done. Since there are only a few of us from the early days, the mantle falls on us to do most of the teaching and seminars. I have had only three weekends to spend at home this year. For now I have all of my weekends in April taken through the second weekend of May. There is a documentation committee set up by the Bomso church in Kumasi I am working on. The aim is to collect and put together the bits and pieces of information we can get --written, vocal, visual to help write the history of the church in Ghana.
Please, extend my regards to great brethren at Bear Valley. May God continue bless your efforts as you fulfil your mission to train preachers.
Thank you and bye for now.
DANIEL
Public Radio Proves Successful...
By the grace of the Lord, activities at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies are ongoing and the entire brethren here in Tamale are grateful to all who are involved in making this successful. This has been the general expression of all who visit the Institute.
Women from the two congregations paid a visit to the Institute to encourage the Students. During the visit, they presented some soap and food items to the students. The women interacted with the students to know their needs and promised to do their best to offer their widow's mite. Receiving the items on behalf of the students, the dean of students, brother Daniel Agyei Mensah, thanked the women and urged them to continue with the good works.
Another event during this reporting period was the visit of Steven Ashcraft. This was his maiden visit to the Institute as the Coordinator for Bear Valley Bible Institute. The local Board of Directors took advantage of his presence to discuss new guidelines for the smooth running of the Institute. This included streamlining of many administrative functions for the school. Prominent among the guidelines is a doctrinal position statement for the Institute. This is a document indicating the stance of the Institute on various doctrinal issues. This document is to be sent to all Instructors to read, and if in agreement with the contents, sign and return the document to the Institute.
BUILDING FOR TAMALE INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES AT ROOFING STAGE
By the grace of God and the financial support from brethren in America, the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies plans to soon be accommodated in this new structure. Currently, an order has been made for the supply of roofing sheets. Additional funds need to be raised for plastering, painting, and other finishing touches. It is hoped that the second batch of students would be accommodated in this structure.
With this in place, brethren in and around Tamale would be blessed with a facility to enhance their knowledge in the scripture. Several programs would be designed not only for preachers but the youth, women, and leaders of the various congregations and even the general public.
Steadily teaching and learning is going on. All instructors scheduled for the quarter have honored their invitation except one whose topic was taught by the local Instructors. Daniel Kyereh Mensah from Sunyani taught I,II, and III John, Joshua Aidoo from West Coast School of Preaching – Takoradi, taught Church History and local instructors handled the Books of Job and Ecclesiastes while presently, brother Gyan – Kesse is taking them through the topic: The Church, Beginning, Apostasy, Reformation and Restoration. The students are coping up with the studies and there is all indication that the vast knowledge acquired will impact greatly on the growth of the congregations in the three northern regions of Ghana. The Institute needs a photo-copier to cut down the cost of photocopying from the public printing houses.
Brother Mensah on the radio programThe Church of Christ in Tamale in collaboration with the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies have embarked on preaching on Public FM Radio on every Friday from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm. This activity has caught the interest of the public. It has increased the number of Bible prospects and it is hoped that most of those who study with brethren, by the grace of God, will become Christians. In order to do this activity at a very minimal cost and continuously, the Institute and Church in Tamale seek for our own private FM Radio Transmitter and appeal to all who can assist to support this Godly activity. Souls must be won for Christ. Radio and Television broadcast has become the most popular and most far reaching means of propagating the gospel and with our own equipment in place, it would be an enhancement to the spreading of the gospel. All who are interested in supporting should contact the coordinator.
The congregations in Tamale have for some time now enjoyed powerful sermons and great teachings from 
Brother Gyan-Kesse preaching at Tamale Eastvisiting instructors. The most recent is brother Gyan- Kesse who spoke on the topic- The Need to Maintain the Identity of the Church. In his presentatation a lot was learned. He explained that the Church had an identity of growth and urged all to take preaching of the gospel seriously since that is a means of attaining the promise of God. The Institute is poised to bring about a positive growth in the congregations and therefore will continue to share the knowledge and wisdom of the visiting instructors with the congregations.
Plans are being made for the graduation of the first batch of 15 students. This activity is tied to the Institutes annual seminar starting from June 23rd 2011 to June 26th 2011. It is expected that all stakeholders would attend to grace this great day and wish to invite all who have the Lords work at heart to attend and support the Institute.
Joseph Baah
Director: Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies
26 Students Preparing
To our brethren in Christ,
Things are going well here at the Chimala Bible Institute. The students and faculty are all working hard to make the school the best in the Bear Valley system.
We are constantly reminded as we work in this extension school of the good work the Bear Valley system accomplishes in foreign countries. For example, this quarter the two departments, Swahili and English, are learning together in the Church History class with the aid of a translator. It is a joy to see the students begin to understand the history of the Lord’s church and how various denominations have developed over the centuries.
In addition to this, the importance of the American short course teachers was illustrated during Brent Smith’s short classes. Brent taught John and Christian Evidences while I taught I, II Timothy and Titus and Christian Ethics. The students enjoyed his classes and his company. On the Thursday before he left, Brent sponsored a pig cookout for the students and faculty. We all thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship.
I’m continually amazed at the improvement of the students’ research and writing efforts. This is because of the many hours Rebecca Benson, our librarian and administrative assistant, has put in tutoring the students in essay writing and research.
As the weather continues to be cool and the rains fall and everything is blooming with at least 30 varieties of plants on the campus, our students have a beautiful place to prepare themselves to be well-trained evangelists and teachers of God’s word. Interest continues to be high for those former graduates as we start the Master’s program in a little over a month. This will further train teachers and evangelists to train others in the countries of Tanzania, Malawi, and the Congo.
As all 26 students gather for a group picture with their new Bear Valley t-shirts, we exemplify the spirit of unity and joy at the Chimala Bible Institute.
God bless,
Garry L. Hill
Administrator
Chimala Bible Institute
Progress...
Progress... Every congregation and mission point wants to see progress. The same is true with the Extension program.
This progress is seen when men like Desdery (picture left) fills the role of training men to preach, just as he was taught years before. This is what the work is all about. Read more in Cy Stafford's report.
Monday and Tuesday of this week, the Extension staff will be meeting to discuss various issues about the work. We plan to examine the progress and problems of the past year and discuss the plans of how we will progress in the years ahead. We have identified a number of challenges. Addressing these challenges and working through them will help us reach greater levels of success.
This meeting is significant to the development of Extension Training. If we are going to improve communication, standardize curriculum, strengthen resources, and expand our vision, then we must work together to accomplish progress.
As each phase of the work is considered, staff members will be able to discuss ways to improve the development in each location. Through these meetings we pray we will be able to help the overall program continue to move forward.
Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/
Howell and Mary Ferguson are now in Gorlovka, Ukraine. They will be working with the school over the next few months. Please pray for them.
Donnie Bates recently returned from teaching at ITL in Guatemala. You can read about his week and work in Donnie’s final report from Guatemala.
Extension Reports
Think Souls... Cambodia Style: The report from Cambodia shows the growth in the church at Takam Village.
A Preacher Goes A Preaching: In Arusha, the work of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching is seeing the fruit of their labor.
Have You Been To Loliondo? This question has a powerful meaning when you read the article from Jimmy Gee about their work.
Final Thoughts
As several schools finish their quarter of study, they are working in campaigns or taking a short break before continuing in their preparation to preach the gospel.
The report is a little shorter this week, but the information is just as powerful. I want to leave you with a thought about how important you are to the development of Extension Training. Your contribution to this work, whether in prayer, financial support, encouragement, teaching, directing, coordinating, or any other area is vital.
Paul said it best when he wrote to the church in Corinth, “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all.” 2 Cor. 9:12-13.
Thank you all. Make a great day.
God bless
Bob
Think Souls... Cambodia Style
Hello everyone,
I have some news concerning the work in Siem Reap Cambodia.
Leang Dai
The work is doing alright for the church at Leang Dai and now Sokchea and Ravy are trying to help people up there with spiritual and also physical as well, but more importantly is the spiritual side.
Sokchea went to get engaged to his girlfriend last week on Saturday and he expects to marry next year, that's his plan. Please keep him in your prayers for his leadership as a local preacher to the church at Leang Dai.
Takam
The church is doing okay, and Choeuy and Borey, along with some more students keep going there to strengthen the faith of the members every week. On Saturday before last week I took my family and two mores student went there to visit the church and they seem to be happy to see us. Yesterday (Sunday) just after the worship there were 11 more souls added to the church by the Lord for the church at Takam.
I would like to ask you all to pray for Choeuy and Borey as they are now devoting themselves to work for the church at Takam and moreover they also plan to marry sometime.
Siem Reap
The church is doing okay. We prepare ourselves for the annual of lectureship that will come in two more weeks and now I have arranged some plan for the work evangelism. We've have some new people come to join with us on Wednesday and Sunday to study and worship with us.
I have two families that I have been working with now and Lord willing, sooner or later, they will become a Christian and our staff is also encouraged to setup Bible studies with more and more people especially around the church building.
Please also pray for Darat, one of our staff, who plans to marry this coming 1st of April with his girlfriend, Saray.
All in all, we thank you so much for supporting the work and the school in Siem Reap. God be with you and protect you always. Please say hello to the brethren in your congregation for us.
Chann
A Preacher Goes A Preaching...
Greetings Fellow Workers:
The picture to the left is Desdery Masawe, a graduate and now teacher at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, Tanzania, East Africa! In this picture, he is teaching the Ki-Swahili students.
Stephanie and I stand in awe of the love of God and the love and compassion of so many of our fellow saints. Your prayers, visits, cards, calls, e-mails, and your generosity over the past few weeks and months has reminded both of use of the great privilege and joy it is to be a part of God’s family. Stephanie’s mother grows stronger day by day thanks to your many prayers and God’s wonderful provisions. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Today was a reminder of the need for commitment to God, His work and being a part of a Biblical plan that has a sustainable, future looking purposed mission. The Arusha congregation invited one of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching students to come and preach.
His name is Lucas Jangandu. He obeyed the Gospel in 1989 in his village of Mombo. He moved to Arusha shortly after that where he influenced some of his family, who also became New Testament Christians. In 1992 the Arusha congregation selected and sent him to Chimala Mission’s preacher training school.
During Lucas’s introduction remarks before he began preaching his (God’s) lesson, he mentioned to Arusha (us) this was not his first time to stand before the local congregation and preach God’s Word. He mentioned the fact that he had sat at the feet of Eddy Gilpin and Cy Stafford at the school of preaching in 1992-1993, in Chimala. He was so delighted to be one of the first to study at the Andrew Connally School Preaching (Ki-Swahili program), that he might increase his knowledge of God’s Word and Will.
When Lucas graduated in 1993, we (Eddy and I) sent him and a co-worker to the town of Tanga (on the cost of Tanzania, just south of the Kenya/Tanzania border). They planted the Lord’s Church there (the first in this region) and it continues to this day.
It is such a privilege to be a small part of God’s eternal purpose. To “go” and “preach” the Gospel and “teach” all things to the good people of Tanzania, is such a blessing. To see God working in the lives of His people here in Tanzania, to witness their maturing in the Faith, and to see them actively propagating the Church throughout East Africa and beyond, is an amazing thing to behold.
This story illustrates in a grand way the providence of God in the lives of His faithful, and how it can change lives eternally. When we trust Him in all our ways, He is faithful to bless our efforts. He gives the increase, we are simply commanded to go, preach and teach!
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6.9 - NASV)
We pray that God will bless all who love Him, His work in Tanzania, and especially all who love and support His mission work through the Tanzania 2000 mission effort.
Please keep the Kambarage family in your prayers. He lost his 40 year old nephew last week. They made a 23 hour journey to Musoma to carry the body to be buried.
In Him,
Cy & Stephanie
Have You Been To Loliondo?
Dear Supporters, Family, and Friends,
"LITTLE BOY BLUE COME BLOW YOUR HORN. THE SHEEP'S IN THE MEADOW AND THE COW'S ARE IN THE..." road. All over the village of Kisongo, goats, sheep and cows are herded to anywhere grass can be found. Trina was driving along a main highway and two young shepherd boys were resting on the bank while their cows grazed near the road. One cow wandered onto the highway almost causing a wreck. Trina "blew her horn" near the boys alerting them to the danger.
"HAVE YOU BEEN TO LOLIONDO?" was the question asked of Lembris after his friends noticed the change in him (since he became a Christian). Lembris no longer smokes marijuana or tobacco and no longer drinks alcohol. Recently, the village of Loliondo (near the Kenyan border) has been the focus of much interest due to a so-called healer / medicine man there. You can go there and pay about 30 cents to drink a liquid which the maker claims will cure cancer, AIDS, diabetes, hypertension and other things. It is estimated that as many as 50,000 people at a time are waiting to pay and get their “cure.” Since Lembris had repented of the sin in his life his friend asked “Have you been to Loliondo?” Lembris' response? "I have my own "Loliondo"...at the church of Christ."
Lembris has also left the bad company he used to keep. Recently his former "wild group" invited him to be a part of their activities one night. Lembris refused and later learned that one of the group had killed another member that night. Who knows what would have happened to him that night had he joined them. He might have been killed or implicated in the other members' murder. Again, we are reminded of the power of the Gospel to change lives. Who, and how many, are you helping to change this week?
Trina was so excited that Agnes attended the worship services this morning. I preached on "Going to The Great Physician," teaching in great detail concerning the steps of salvation and explaining how baptism is a watery burial. I was hoping that the sermon would prompt Agnes to obey the Gospel. Trina’s next study with her is tomorrow evening.
Genesis chapter 9 ("God's Promises" and "Humans - One Race") was the focus of the Ladies' Bible class this morning. Beginning this Saturday evening, Trina will begin teaching a class (at our home) on the book of Galatians to our new Christians (Katherine and Theresia) and to anyone else interested.
My Genesis and Greek classes at the ACSOP are going well. Lindsey and Abigail are both taking Genesis and Lindsey is taking Greek. Both are doing very well.
As always, we are thankful for the opportunity to serve here and for the fact that each one of you makes it possible through your prayers and financial support. In closing, this past week my mother had a birthday. We won’t get into telling her age and such because we want to be left in the will! Happy Birthday Mom!
In Christ,
Jimmy, Trina, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace, Stuart. David, Naomi, Elijah and Matthew