Here We Grow Again... Guatemala

The year 2011 is turning out to be a much better year than 2010. We are happy to report that we have been witnesses to another spiritual birth. This past Wednesday, April 27, 2011, after Bible class, Julissa Ordoñez expressed her desire to be baptized for the forgiveness of her sins because she wanted to become a Christian. Upon hearing these good news, those who were still standing around the building enjoying fellowship and conversations immediately assembled toward the front of the building. Francisco Ramos was already talking to Julissa after he was told that she wanted him to baptize her.  

Julissa is the second daughter of Carlos and Patricia Ordoñez. Her father first started bringing her and her older sister, Karla, since Julissa was about 2 years old, and even before Patricia became a Christian. Since then, her little sister Paola has been born, and her mother Patricia has become a Christian and has remained actively involved ever since. We are thankful that Carlos and Patricia are putting the Lord first in their family and we pray that all of them will continue to be tools of righteousness in God’s hands.  

Keep Julissa in your prayers and she grows in her faith and as she matures into a Christian young lady. Pray, too, for her family, that they might continue faithfully in their walk with the Lord.  

For the Master,   

Byron 
Hawatthia 

Bear Valley Students Visit Guatemala...

Greetings from the Land of Eternal Spring! 

A few weeks ago, we had the blessing of having four special visitors in Guatemala. They were David Malley, Jared Kyle, Jordan Wise, and Anthony Johnson, current students at Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver (BVBID). They were in Guatemala from Saturday, March 12 until Monday, the 21st. 

It is common for BVBID students to travel twice a year to different places on campaigns. This group of students accepted the challenge of coming to Guatemala for their campaign week. We are glad they did because it was a blessing to have them, and we believe that it was a very good experience for them, as well.  

These brothers arrived on a Saturday afternoon. Hi was out of town at the time, so Byron and Darvin Alvarez, the minister in Coban, picked them up at the airport. Together, they were to go to Coban to work for a few days with the church there. After a quick stop to see the facility for ITL’s Saturday program, they stopped briefly at the full-time campus to pick up some items. Shortly there after, they were on their way to Coban.  

The drive to Coban was pleasant. Byron found it interesting to see Guatemala from a first time visitor’s perspective. The visitor usually notices something that we take for granted after living here a while. Thankfully they arrived to Coban safely.  

On Sunday, they assembled with the church in Coban. David Malley delivered the sermon and Byron taught the Bible class. From Monday through Thursday, the four students went door knocking and visiting during the day in the neighborhood with Darvin and Byron. They divided into two teams. One team had David as their translator and the other had Byron. Darvin accompanied us each day as we went from house to house. Several good contacts were made. It was interesting to hear from Jared that there were more positive responses and opportunities to speak with people about Christ in one day than there usually is in one week of campaigning in New Zealand (Jared is from that country). Overall, people in Coban are very friendly and willing to listen to you.

On Monday night through Wednesday night, the students continued the topic that was started on Sunday, the “Armor of God” from Ephesians 6. Each of them spoke on a different aspect of God’s armor. They did a fine job! There were several visitors each night. Byron noticed on Tuesday night that of all the visitors and members present, without counting Darvin, Byron and the BV students, there was only one other male Christian. The rest of the Christians and all the visitors were women. Praise God for women of faith! Thank you ladies for your example! 

Probably the most productive visits were with those that Darvin knew. For example, we stopped in a small diner to visit a woman and her daughter, Martha and Betty. They treated us very kindly giving us something cool to drink and crackers with jelly. We had a pleasant conversation with them and saw them at the study that night. Another good visit occurred when we stopped by the store near Darvin’s son’s school. The lady, Minta de Villalobos, lost her son about a year ago and was very appreciative of our visit and prayers for her. While we walked up the hill to pick up Daniel, Darvin’s son, from his school, the BV students talked to a women, Enma Chiquin, and her daughter who were waiting for the woman’s younger daughter to get out of school. After a few minutes of talking and sharing the gospel with her, she asked if we were the group that did not use the instrument in our worship. We said yes, then, a smile came upon her face and she informed us that she was a member of the church of Christ, too. She had been in Coban about four years and had been baptized in the capital city. When she moved to Coban she was unable to find the church, so she had not been able to assemble. She was so happy to meet us. She and her daughters were at the study that night, and she responded to the invitation, asked to be restored and placed her membership with the church in Coban. It was great to see God’s providence work in this situation!

Thursday was a day of recreation for the students. Darvin took them to Semuc Champey, which means “sacred water” in the Mayan Kekchi language. It is a scenic place with natural freshwater pools. Byron did not go with the group so he could catch up on some work. The BV students enjoyed their visit to this beautiful place in Guatemala, one of many in this country. Because Byron did not go, we do not have pictures from our own camera, but we hope that the ones we found online will help you appreciate what the students saw. One funny thing that occurred while they were out and about with Darvin is that they had to get out to push the van out of a ditch. When Darvin found himself unable to move forward in a narrow road because of another vehicle, he tried to back down the hill, but did not notice there was a ditch. He apparently swerved too far to the right. The van got stuck. It took quite a bit of muscle and work to get the van out.

On Friday, Byron and the students returned to the capital city. The students got checked in to the hotel that evening. The next day, Hi took the students to do some shopping at the central market in the capital city, then to visit the city of Antigua. That evening, Byron met them in San Lucas, where they all enjoyed a great dinner in a “hole in the wall” type restaurant that we sometimes visit when we have guests. They serve great “flautas” and “longanizas.”  

On Sunday, the students were with the Linda Vista family. They enjoyed their visit with the brethren. That morning, Jordan preached the sermon. Jared taught the teens and Tony taught the adult Bible class. That night, David preached the sermon. All the students did a great job.  

We were so glad to have these students for the time that they were here. They worked very hard, were easy-going, maintained a good attitude about being in a foreign country, and were ready to serve at any moment. We pray that God will use these brothers greatly as they prepare themselves for the ministry, and especially once they enter it. 

Thank you, brothers, for coming to Guatemala to bless our lives and the lives of those in Coban and Linda Vista. Our hope is that this will only be the first of many such campaigns that Bear Valley students will have in Guatemala.   

For the Master,   

Byron E. Benitez
Hawatthia “Hi” Jones 

A Spiritual Father Visits His Son...

Greetings from the Land of Eternal Spring!  

We hope and pray that this message finds you enjoying good health.  

Paul often referred to those with whom he shared the gospel as his sons in the faith (1 Timothy 1:18; 1 Peter 5:13). There is special joy that one has when he sees those with whom he has shared the gospel prospering in their faith. This is exactly what took place a few days ago when Josh Allen from Pikeville, Kentucky, had the opportunity to visit with Darvin Alvarez here in Guatemala. 

Some of you might remember the story of Darvin. While illegally in the U.S., Darvin accepted an invitation from Jim Dempster to attend Bible class at the church of Christ in Morristown, Tennessee. Jim is an elder at that congregation. Once he visited, Darvin was offered the opportunity to study English and to study God’s word with Josh. At that time Josh served as the minister with the Lord’s church in Morristown (he currently serves the church in Pikeville, Kentucky). After some studies, Darvin realized his condition before God Almighty. He made the decision to have his sins washed away by being immersed into Christ there in Morristown. After making this decision, Darvin also realized that as a Christian he could not live day to day disobeying the laws of the land. With the help of the brethren Darvin returned to Guatemala.  

Thankfully, Darvin returned a changed man with a mission; there were two things he wanted to do. Darvin made his marital relationship with Lili a correct one in the sight of the Lord. He also began to share his new found faith with her. Since there was not a congregation in Coban, they and their children drove 4 hours to the capital city every weekend to worship God and to study his precious word with the church at Linda Vista. Linda Vista adopted this family helping them with their fuel expenses each week. As a result of their studies, Lili became a Christian.   

When looking for a contact for Darvin, Josh and the brethren at Morristown had heard about our work. What a blessing we received when they chose to send Darvin our way. He and his family became faithful members a Linda Vista. Then Darvin decided that it would be good to have the church located in Coban. And as things were getting into motion to plant a congregation there, he decided to really complicate things; he wanted to preach. :-) Seriously, we were amazed at the rapid growth that we were seeing in this brother and his family. But, at the time, we did not have ITL (our local preaching school). So, Darvin and his family decided to go to a school in Panama to receive his studies. Thankfully, the Morristown congregation became his supporters so that he could study God’s word.  

To make a long story short, here is the Darvin life story in a nutshell. Darvin was converted after studying with Josh Allen. He made his spiritual situation, his legal situation and his marital situation right with God. Before leaving for preaching school, Darvin gave the keys to his house in Coban to the congregation in Linda Vista to use to plant the church there; today there is a thriving work in Coban. After preaching school Darvin returned to serve as a full-time instructor at ITL. Now, not only does he serve as an instructor with ITL, he also serves as the full-time minister with the work in Coban. Now you can imagine how Josh felt coming to see “his son” and the work that he is doing.  

It was our privilege to have Josh Allen, one of his elders, Thaniel Thacker, and Jeff Holbrook, a brother from the congregation, here with us. During their short visit, they were able to preach and teach at Linda Vista. In addition, we traveled to Coban where they were able to see the work that God is blessing under Darvin’s leadership. We also took advantage of the time and went to see San Cristobal, a city about 30 minutes south of Coban where the ITL graduates will be starting a new church. And, we even found a few minutes for them to see a little of Guatemala City.   

It is our prayer that these brothers, along with others from Pikeville, will be able to return to Guatemala and share in the work once again with us. We believe that they left with a sense of pride after seeing first hand how Darvin is holding faithful to that which he has been taught from God’s word. We also look forward to the day when the brothers from the church at Morristown can visit us as these brothers did.  

We will close for now. We just wanted to share this story with you. Please keep Darvin and his family in your prayers as they continue to be God’s servants with ITL and in the city of Coban.    

Sharing the Good News,    

Hawatthia  
Byron 

A Growing Body Of Students...

Our week began with the bittersweet news of the death of Osama Bin Laden. Although his death brings a sort of closure to the tragic events of 9/11, we are sharply reminded of those millions of people worldwide lost in the false religion of Islam and that the only path to true peace lies in the preaching and teaching of the gospel of Christ. Tanzania is at least 30% Muslim and we are constantly appreciative of the daily opportunities we have to share the gospel in this country.

Towards that end, we are grateful for the amazing success of our new Masters program. We ended up with a total of 17 students. Last week Denton Landon taught Introduction to Graduate Research and teaches Apologetics this week. Yesterday I had the privilege of teaching the Apologetics of Archaeology in the graduate class.

Jonathan Jenkins, our short course teacher for the undergrad program, taught the first years on James, I & II Peter and Jude last week. This week, he is teaching the second years about the Godhead. I am teaching the first three historical books to the first years and the last three historical books to the second years during this short course period.

Many different students, both from the Bachelors and Masters programs, have thanked me for this great opportunity to study God’s word. As the Bear Valley motto teaches, our students are very grateful for the training they receive here at the Chimala Bible Institute so they can go teach others also (II Timothy 2:2). These young men and women are very excited about the opportunities for evangelism they will have as they go home for the summer.

There is an American doctor living on the mission for the next three months. He recently worked with Doctors Without Borders in China and travels frequently. When he is in the States, he works in New York in an AIDS clinic. He is not a Christian, but we have had some very interesting discussions. Please be prayerful of this opportunity to spread the word of the Lord.

This past weekend, we traveled to a congregation in Mbeya called Simike. Denton taught a class on the resurrection of Christ and Jonathan preached on the power of Christ as seen in Matthew 8 and 9. Rebecca taught her last children’s class with the help of her translator, Upendo. There were many kids present and they even sat through the service afterwards when Rebecca promised them more candy. There were not enough benches, so one of the sisters brought a mat for the many children and Rebecca to sit on during the service. To our great surprise and joy, the sisters in the congregation had prepared a wonderful fellowship meal of typical Tanzanian fare for us to enjoy afterwards. It was a wonderful way to spend our last Sunday here in Tanzania.

Our young men and women have, in these last two weeks, been studying Christian worldviews, the Godhead, and the great work of Bible characters such as Nehemiah and Joshua. Certainly we have been thrilled with Ezra’s admonition to seek, practice, and teach the word of the Lord (Ezra 7:10). We are looking forward to sharing the exciting work that is going on here at the Chimala Bible Institute as we travel the States this summer. Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts as we travel 9,000 miles this weekend to return to the States.

God bless, 

Garry L. Hill
Administrator

8th Minnesota Bible Lectureship

The best little lectureship in the mid-north. These are the words used to describe the 8th Annual Minnesota Bible Lectureship. Sheryl and I had the great pleasure of attending this year's lectureship at the South Twin Cities congregation. This one day lectureship is a power packed day of one speaker after another providing lessons that are sound and practical in application.

The opportunity to visit the lectureship was only a small part of the value of this past weekend. The STC congregation is one of the great lights for the Lord in Minnesota. The work being done in this area continues to be an encouragement. We hope to make this an active part of our spring travels each year.

In addition to being encouraged and edified in the time we were able to be with our brothers and sisters, this past week in the Extension Program is exciting. The work and the increase God is giving to the outreach of these students should motivate us all to follow their example. Think Souls, Our Mission Is Evangelism and Evangelism Is Our Mission, are two phrases that remind us of the need to be focused on the very purpose God has given us. May we all be faithful to our calling.

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

Donnie Bates's latest report shares news about his activities for the month of April. Read more here.

Extension Reports

Commitment Brings Greater Vision And Growth: Each outreach effort in Cameroon demonstrates the vision and growth in this work. 

Visakha Valley Bible College - 1st Graduation: The events of graduation provide great encouragement to the future of the work in India.

Old Class Shines And New Class Begins In Chandigarh: The work of the North India Bible College is making a difference in Chandigarh and a new class begins their training.

Committed To The Mission: Phanat's report this month ties in his commitment to the work along with note about a special wedding. 

Blessed Beyond Measure: I am constantly encouraged by the development of the work spreading out of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. Cy Stafford's report provides powerful reasons for this growth.

A New Study Begins: Jimmy Gee's report continues to show the growth of the work in Arusha, Tanzania.

Final Thoughts
A final note of thanks to all of you for your efforts to keep this work moving forward. Your love for the Lord and His church could not be more seen than through your willingness to support this work. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. Thank you for your financial commitment to the work. Thank you for trusting Bear Valley to fulfill this great task of training men to preach the gospel.
I look forward to reporting more each week.

God bless
Bob

Committed To The Mission...

Greetings brothers and sisters,

It is truly a blessing and a privilege to be able to report of the work of Jesus Christ in this part of the world. I thank God on a consistent basis for giving me the opportunity to serve him here in Cambodia. Most of you have received an email from me recently announcing my commitment to Christ in this country for at least 20 more years. It wasn’t an easy decision as the head of my family but definitely a necessary one. In this month’s blog, I want to do something different. I want to share some thoughts with you that helped me be the missionary that I am today and the decisions that I‘ve made in my life. These thoughts did not originate with me, but by a brother in Christ who is a missionary in France. His name is Charles O. White and in his book, “The Missionary Myth--A Realistic Look at Mission Work” put out by J.C. Choate Publications, chapter five talks about the missionary’s spirituality. I recommend this book to all who wants to be a missionary and to all who wants to support missionaries. I will be quoting word for word an excerpt of chapter five.

“While no missionary would tell you that his original decision to do mission work was inspired primarily by his own spiritual depth, every missionary will tell you that the experience has indeed expanded his spiritual dimensions. The daily putting of his faith on the line, the repeated defending of his convictions against sizeable opposing forces, the constant emotional, social (and geographical) isolation from his committed supporters-- all of this in a foreign cultural setting-- leaves little choice: blossom or wilt. New missionaries discover quickly that they are not as mature as they thought before coming. Some find the going to rough. Most, however, when confronted by the hard reality of mission life, place their hearts in the Lord’s hands, lean full on him, and learn the hard lesson of humility and trust, often with spectacular results, both in their lives and in their work. Brethren tend to overdo the images they project of mission workers to the point of triteness. They see the missionary as a “soldier of the cross,” as an “embattled warrior” for the Lord; they consider him a tireless worker, a master thinker, often an accomplished orator, always a profoundly spiritual person, one whose every attitude is to be imitated, whose every word is to be weighed as rising from the depths of a heart steeped in wisdom. There is a certain amount of truth in all of this. But images, even those constructed on truth, can soon turn to caricature. The definite tendency is to idealize the missionary, to see him not as he really is, but as he is imagined. Is this because of the spiritual commitment that leads him to place his life in the hands of God for the expansion of his kingdom? Is it because of the financial sacrifice he bears in order to preach the gospel? Those who exhibit such qualities certainly deserve our respect and esteem. They do not deserve, nor do they want, to be idealized. For in truth every Christian is called to do the things I have just mentioned. The missionary is nothing more than a “normal” Christian doing what a normal Christian should do, with the exception that he does it in a foreign culture, with all of the challenges and dangers that such supposes. He could well do without the “image” he bears and the enormous public relations aspect the brethren have imposed on his work. If he could only get on the task of teaching the lost, without all of the fuss and bother, he would feel so much better about it all. Instead, he must advertise, convince, pitch, and sell in order to keep himself and his work afloat. The brethren seem to need all of this fanfare. Indeed they even require it. I suspect that underlying our idealizing of mission workers is an undercurrent, if not of shame, at least of disappointment at one’s not having directly participated in a mission effort of one kind or another. This shame/disappointment factor seems to play a role in the way brethren view those who actually do go. They often look at them with wonder and awe, even with envy. I have heard good people who need not feel guilty about not being foreign missionaries declare: “If only I could have been a missionary! Some day, I’ll come over there and join you on the field!” They know good and well they will never be able to do that; but they wish they had been able, and the impossibility of it all gnaws at them needlessly. And what is it they secretly seek? Probably to be admired as missionaries are admired. Let me say here, parenthetically, that this admiration of missionaries has another, less pleasant, side, for it is coupled with a dangerous and perplexing (for the missionary: the brethren do not seem to notice this) reluctance to commit funds to their work for any length of time, with the resulting paradox that admired, adulated workers are forced to beg and plead to find and keep adequate funding for their work. This is an interesting situation indeed. Could it be that real appreciation of the mission worker stems from a respect for his willingness to submit to financial sacrifice? Could this, then, be the reason why, when the missionary is obviously hurting financially, supporters remain strangely unmoved? “After all,” the thinking seems to be, “that’s part of being a missionary, isn’t it?” Let me put it another way: You who are reading this, could you still admire and appreciate a man who, while doing mission work, is not only not having to face financial deprivation but indeed is living well, financially (like most of his located colleagues in the States)? Think about it. On the basis of their lives and work, missionaries are indeed deserving of a special hearing from their brethren; they should be respected for the Lord who dwells in them and for the way they have allowed him to use them to his glory. But the image most brethren have of the missionary’s spirituality is a false one. Real missionary spiritual depth is not necessarily demonstrated by eloquent prayers, impressive preaching, or masterful money-raising, but is rather of a nature that no worker ever really expects to find, the kind that is in the end, more profound, more meaningful than he could ever have imagined before entering the field. At the same time, this deep growth toward God leads him along a road of suffering that few Christians experience.

“Could I have known the path ahead,
Could I have seen that I’d be led,
To mountains such as these,
Forgive me, Lord: I would have fled
Could I have known the weariness,
Could I have seen the tearful stress
Of climbing to this height…
Forgive me, Lord, my stubbornness.
But now I stand upon the crest,
And now I view the Holiest
To which, by pain, I’m led.
O thank you, Lord: your way is best.

I hope that you’ve gained a little insight of what real mission work entails just by reading the excerpt of brother White’s book. The whole book goes into further details of what real mission work is about. In my estimation, it's one of the best books I've read on mission work and would recommend it to anybody who has a serious interest in mission work. I am grateful for such books that help aid us in our ministry and if you have any good literature that you can recommend and share with me, I’d love to read them and expand my knowledge to the glory of God.

This month was very special for me personally in that I was able to perform my very first wedding ceremony as a gospel preacher. It was such a joyful occasian and I am truly blessed to be able to take part in bringing two faithful Christians together in Holy matrimony. I asked that you keep our brother Darat and sister Saray in your prayers and that they will continue to be faithful to God and to each other. This month, the school began it's last quarter for the first year. We are excited for the students in their accomplishing a very demanding first year of intensive Bible study. We ask that you continue to keep them and the work here in your prayers as well.

Phanat

Visakha Valley Bible College - 1st Graduation

Dear brethren at BVBID

We are so delighted to share news about the 1st graduation exercises at Visakha Valley Bible College. It is truly a blessing of our good Lord to successfully send a batch of 16 graduates from our school. We thank each one of you for your part in this accomplishment. There is a lot we can accomplish for the Lord in this pagan land. We are looking forward for the graduation of the Master Class students, which would be in the spring next year. We are excited about that.

You can view all of the pictures in the Graduation album.

Dear brethren, once again we are so thankful to each of you for your part in this accomplishment. We look forward to celebrate many more in the days to come. We are excited about seeing these graduates going out and proclaiming the word of God, may our Lord watch over and protect them and bless them in the Lord's ministry.

We are grateful to God and thankful the brethren at Bear Valley Church of Christ and also Lake Houston Church of Christ.

In Christ
Samuel Raju
John Dean Muppidi

A New Study Begins...

Dear Co-Laborers,

Our hearts and prayers go out to all who have suffered from the tornados and storm damage in the Southeast. We have read of homes and church buildings destroyed or damaged, but we have yet to hear of a single Christian killed. We pray that this reflects reality and we are thankful if that is indeed the case.

Jimmy began a 14-week series teaching the Gospel of John to the Sunday morning Bible class, giving an over-all introduction concerning all four Gospel accounts. An ACSOP student, Timothy Anthony, preached a sermon on "The Love of God." We have been thrilled to see some mothers putting into practice things learned in the child-training class. Our worship services are much quieter, most children are sitting with their parent(s) and there is less "traffic" coming and going.

Sunday most of our family and the Stafford family traveled to Monduli to eat lunch with Rick and Cynthia Nobels (visitors of Danny and Nancy Smelser, staying in their house helping out while the Smelsers are in the states). Cynthia has been teaching Heather and Candace to sew (along with several Tanzanian ladies) and is giving our girls a brand-new electric sewing machine that was donated to her project (several of the pedal-operated types were given to the Tanzanian ladies due to the fact that most do not have power in their homes). Heather and Candace have learned a lot, making two blouses and a dress.

The baby shower for Agness was a great success! Ten ladies attended and we had a hilarious time playing, of all things, musical chairs (a game easy to explain and play). Rehema (winner of the first game) asked if we could play again. After winning the second game, she requested to play a third time! Agness' gifts included: a baby blanket, baby clothes, a bag of rice, potatoes, a lot of soap (including dish washing soap and clothes washing soap), and a jar of jelly. The custom here is to sing a song about a "zawadi" (gift) as the gifts are brought to the guest of honor. However, when the woman receives her gift, she sets it aside immediately. Only upon Trina's humble request did they decide to open the gifts as they were received. But it wasn't Agness who opened her gifts...another lady did it for her! It appears that, as the guest of honor, she does nothing for herself (similar to the custom here in which a bride has people attending to her every need at the ceremony...including wiping the sweat off her brow.) This baby shower was a wonderful opportunity for Agness and the ladies to get better acquainted. As we ate refreshments, we listened to a DVD of lullabies. Our four older girls did most of the cake-baking, decorating and house-cleaning (thankfully!) and helped care for the young children who accompanied their mom's.

Every Bible study with Agatha (don't confuse with Agness, the new Christian above) just gets better. Our lesson last Thursday focused on requirements for membership in the Church, studying scripture on how one must understand what the Gospel is and what it means to "obey the Gospel." The rest of the study on the church will probably take 2 more lessons. With Agatha, Trina initially spent a lot of time answering her questions instead of following the lesson plan (maybe a mistake but we don't know if she would have kept up her interest if we had not).

Next week, we hope to report on the upcoming Teen Girls Seminar, the Arusha Youth Seminar, the new mentoring program, and a few details about a blog Trina intends to write. Our heart-felt gratitude goes out to you for your loyal support and interest.

In Christian Love,
Jimmy, Trina and children

Commitment Brings Greater Vision And Growth

Dearest in Christ,

I call heaven to pour peace and love to you over there fellow laborers for Christ. I am sure you are doing just fine with the work entrusted in your hands.

I am always happy to share with you what made news in CBIW and Wotutu congregation. As I am writing this mail to you, I just returned from mission work for four days with the students of CBIW.

We had a Macedonian call to church of Christ, Dibanda about 40 kilometers from Wotutu, to involve in house to house evangelism and revival to this dying congregation. We all returned on campus safe and sound with great successes from that campaign. You will see in the information I shall share with you.

The whole week ran on well except for our vocational training class on Friday. The use of computer was interrupted by our trip to Dibanda congregation for the campaign.

Through out the month of April our chapel theme was COMMITMENT. This went on well to help the students know the importance of their studies and to be committed to it and also to the staff to continue their great sacrifice to see the school keep moving from one stage to another.

This picture shows brother Ashu finally baptized brother Wilson to put on Christ. Today was his first worship with the saints’. Keep him in your prayers.

Brother Norbert baptized sister Florence about 10 pm on Thursday night after the public lecture by me on the topic WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SALVATION AND THE CHURCH? This topic helped the sister to embrace Jesus after hearing that salvation is for all.

Our French student Mbappe Guy baptized brother Lawrence after house to house evangelism the next day. Remember them all in your prayers for them to keep up with Christ, a total of seven souls were baptized in this village to escape the damnation of those who refused to believe the gospel when the Lord will come.

Shows brother Muofo Bernard teaching in an indoor class during the Bible lectureship. This shows that other congregations can testify to the fact that our students are growing, but they must only do that under the watchful eyes of me the director of the school, as you can see me listening keenly.

Fellow laborers of the Lord, CBIW is just four months and the Lord is using us to accomplish a lot. Please I am saying this that you should never forget us in your fervent prayers because this school will do a lot in this country if only we shall have you stand by us. Villages without congregations need us so that we shall preach the pure gospel to them and help many escape from paganism. We can only do this if the means to travel, feed students for four days in these virgin lands are available.

VISIONS
1) Please pray for the staff and students as we are on the last month now for long courses in our second semester. They shall begin writing exams on the the 23rd of May and the second semester campaign will start on the 26th in some 13 different village congregations. I am sending them to village congregations because that is where the greater need is found as those in the villages are still entangled with all kinds of ritualistic practices. Please support us in accomplishing this.

2) Plans are still on to establish our second congregation this month if all things are equal in Batoke village.

3) Bibles are needed as two students will travel to our first established congregation for nurturing during the next campaign.

APPRECIATION
I am thankful to you for all that you have done to see this school get to this level. Thanks for your prayers and your support to see us go places. Please continue, because your effort is not in vain. God will never pass you by when He comes to reward His servants.

I am extending the love of my family, Magdalene, my wife, Ray, my son, and two young girls that live with me, Loveling and Cheercy. We are in good health. We thank God. The Wotutu congregation is doing well. All the brothers and sisters send their greetings from this end we shall be blessed to have fellowship with you soon, physically.

Please, we shall continue to pray for you. Please do same for us. Do your best to tell someone about what is going on in Wotutu village here in Cameroon. Wotutu is just like Nazareth, but God has laid a foundation for His church here. Come and be a part of this team to see how far we can spread the gospel to help many come out from this corrupt generation before He returns.

Your brother, Elangwe and family. Happy slaves serving the King in Cameroon.
By His grace director CBIW

Blessed Beyond Measure...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the Southeast part of the U.S. during this time of grief, sorrow and loss. We pray God will grant all a measure of peace and understanding during these dark days. Our hope is that the Lord’s people will “step up” and be counted! That their good deeds might glorify our God and other might come to know Him through all this.

We are good here in Tanzania, truly blessed beyond measure. I would like to simply share two reports I received in the last few days, examples of the good being done through your prayers, the work of the over all Tanzania 2000 mission team, through two of our graduates, and by the grace of God:

First Report: “Four Baptisms and a new Church plant.” (April 28th, 2011)
“Dear Brethren, I am very happy to let you know that in the last week I together with two others, camped in Kisii town (Western Kenya) for five days teaching the gospel, and through God's grace four souls were baptized. Of interest was the baptism of one man who leads a denominational church, we look forward to having him teach his members on how to become Bible Christians. The challenge now is how to go back again and teach them on the Bible worship. We gave out tracts and english bibles but majority requested bibles in Kisii language, we could not provide this but we too agree it is necessary. May I take this opportunity to thank you all for your prayers, assistance and study materials which makes our going/work easier. God bless you!” Charles Ogutu:

Second Report: “We thank our God for adding seven new souls to His Church today (Sat. April 30).” (the very next day), “Thank your for your prayers, God has has blessed us with three more Christians today (Sun. May 1st, 2011). Yusuph Madaki, Ushirombo Church of Christ

To God be the glory, great is our God! May the Lord bless everyone with just what they/we need, to mold us to Who He would have us to be. May our God bless you all with the best week every.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Exel

Old Class Shines & New Class Begins In Chandigarh

Dear Brother, Greetings in Jesus’ holy name.

We are doing great and are encouraged to face challenges before us. We have started the new session and good reports from the old students thrill us. Brother Lakhwinder in Amritsar (Punjab) is working in Verka, a suburb of Amritsar city, the Jerusalem of Sikhs. Brother Sunil is doing tremendous job in Orissa state. He was a very bright student while he was here and I feel proud to produce such a student. He has started worship in his place and going to 3-4 villages nearby. The Bicycles given by Brother Russel Bell help them a lot. He has been raising funds for a young man suffering from cancer from the brethren here in India. That shows a spirit in him to work for Christ. I have had brothers sending him money to buy medicine.

While Brother Sunil was here he had some kind of infection in his mouth and initially he thought that it may be cancer and cannot be treated. But after I encouraged him to go to the Doctor and told him that we will try to do whatever we can, he had his proper treatment. He took medicine for a few months and was alright. May be that has put in his mind to serve people of God in every way we can.

The classes are on and we are still hunting for a place that can be used for God’s glory. The reason behind this is that we are not able to use the present premises because of the threat from the local police that people object to the commercial use of the housing unit allotted by the Chandigarh Administration. This naturally affects the input of the students, as the news goes out that we have the problem of space. We think to go out of the city, but again people don’t give here the house on rent to the Church. Majority of the people are non believers, not even the denominational, who own the property. We have to go to the Hindus or Sikhs. Sikhs are not that much opposed but Hindus are, because of the fundamentalists. Also, our present deed is only up to May. We ourselves also feel not satisfied with the arrangement at present. It is matter of great concern for me to have a place which we can use with free mind.

I have been trying to find such a place but when we see the price we feel helpless. But the next moment we think that our God is Living God and we must EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM THE LORD. Last week somebody showed me a piece of land that is not yet developed and was going very cheap comparative to the present market price. I calculated that we cannot but that 1800 sq ft and construct that. I told brother Jerry who was here in South India. He said that the need is genuine and price as well, but presently it is not possible to pay this much. I could understand that and don’t know to whom I should talk as I am not asking 100%. At least 10-15% we can arrange here. If we don’t shift, we will have to pay about $750 as monthly rent. And if a little more is given as the EMI, even then the deal is not bad. Because purchasing power of money is decreasing day by day, but the value of the property in is increasing at very high rate.

I know you are praying for us and know our situation. I was reading a prayer from some one, that even we know God has his own answer, we should not quit praying. He will do, definitely in his own time.

Yours For the Cause of Christ

Earnest

Past, Present, and Future in Honduras...

I want to inform you what has happened with the graduates of IBH.  Brother Oscar moved Monday, April 11 to a place called El Empalme de Trojes, some 25 kilometers outside of Danli. He with his family is being supported by a congregation in the U.S. to preach full time. Hector is helping with the church of El Zarzal, especially with the youth. He is organizing and preparing for evangelism; he continues with his secular studies. Yoni Gonzalez is helping the El Carmen church and the La Union congregation, also helping with the evangelism Saturdays at El Zarzal. In the church at La Union he had his first baptism. Yesterday (Thursday, April 21) both Hector and Yoni were evangelizing in Danli having studies with a Catholic family.

With respect to the new prospects for students, we continue encouraging them to study, but not having an exact date of the beginning of classes makes things complicated since the economic situation of the country affects so much and some have to work to help their families. With brother Cesar we wish to visit these brothers to encourage them personally so that they see that things are serious, but the money we were going to use in these trips was spent in the graduation and for that reason we have not been able to visit the brethren. Brothers Enrique, Gustavo, Jairo and another brother from El Paraiso are disposed; I have also a brother of Marcala la Paz. His name is Santiago Asael Mejia; he has completed his secular education, is 18 years old. There are other prospects in Olancho.

With respect to the funds we continue to receive each month, there is a total of 49,850 Lempiras. We bought two books for the library that will be very useful for the future students. The cost was 800 Lempiras for both. Also sister Mirian was paid the last 15 days that she cooked; the amount was 1,400 Lempiras. The costs of lights, and the internet are monthly.

With respect to using the building of the congregations El Zarzal and Jacaleapa are willing; in the other buildings live the preachers. One brother offered brother Enrique and his family to live in a home in Cuyali, 15 kilometers from Danli. The only cost would be his transportation to travel to the institute, the same as from Jacaleapa. I, for the moment, am living in the building of El Zarzal to take care of the equipment and furnishings of the church. If I decide to live in the building, I will be happy to lend my home so that a brother could live in it.

With reference to the masters classes, I spoke with the congregation at El Zarzal. They are in agreement in providing me the passage so as to be able to receive the classes since that will benefit them also. I do not know if on the date June 13-23 there will be campaigns, but I will inform you with anticipation if we can go or not. I hope that all goes well and that the date does not continue to change for the masters classes so we can go if that is will of God.

Brother Jesus will send you some photos of the studies he is conducting with the book Searching for Truth.  I would send some but I have no digital camera.

I hope to hear more news from you.

Nery

The Thrill Of Extension Training...

Well, this has been another incredible week in the extension program. I am so excited to provide these reports each week and learn about the work of the Lord around the world. Thank you for making it all possible for me to be a part of such a great work.

I know I speak for all of the staff, both domestically and internationally, when I express our gratitude for your efforts. Thank you for affording us the privilege of participating in Extension Training. As the months continue to go by we are approaching more graduations. More students are finishing classes and will soon begin full-time work in taking the gospel to others.

It thrills me, and I hope it does you as well, to know we are part of a team that is touching the lives of people around the world. Our God has been so good to us in this effort and I look forward to the growth of this work in the years ahead. 

The reports this week provides information about the individual works and growth of the church in several different locations. Please take a few moments to read about the work and then pray for these men and the effort they are putting forth in the cause of Christ. 

Coordinator Updates

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

Extension Reports

No Down Time In Cameroon: The work of the students in school and the community continues to show the diligence to the work.

Persecution Strengthens Students In Cambodia: As hard as it can be to read, I am encouraged by the strength of the students preparing for a work in evangelizing Cambodia.

Educational Opportunities Improve Chimala: The Chimala Bible Institute is beginning classes for Master's students. These educational opportunities will continue to bless the church in southern Tanzania and Malawi.

Home Congregations See The Growth: When students from the Nepal Center for Biblical Studies visited their home congregations, their influence is powerful.

Perspective Both Humbling and Worth Reading: I hope you will take time to read this powerful letter about Jerry and Gajendra's visit to villages in Nepal.

Power of Prayer In Arusha, Tanzania: I am constantly amazed to see God answering prayers for growth and development of students in Arusha. Cy Stafford's report shares the impact on the church.

Studies Grow In Tanzania: Jimmy Gee's report continues to show the growth of Bible studies conducted in Arusha.

Past, Present and Future in Honduras: Recent graduates are now involved in the work and students are preparing for the next class. The work in Honduras continues to show promise.

Final Thoughts
The idea of having a final thought can almost be overwhelming. The work speaks for itself and I appreciate your willingness to help make it a reality. There will always be room to grow and we are working to fulfill God's plan in taking the gospel to the lost of the world.

As we move ahead, I ask you to pray for the development of this work. Pray for additional opportunities to begin new programs of Extension Training. Pray for the souls who have not heard the gospel. Pray we will be able to find more men who are interested in preparing themselves for this great task. Pray for individuals and congregations to see the value and benefit of training men in their own country to preach the gospel. Please pray for the financial needs of this work. 

Thank you for your help in making it all come together in such a great way. Please share this report with others you know who may not receive it. If you ever have any questions, please contact me at bturner@bvbid.org. I would love to hear from you and help in any way possible.

God bless
Bob

Perspective Both Humbling And Worth Reading...

Makwanpur is a district in south Nepal that has lots of steep hills and many rivers.  During the monsoon season [June 15-Sept 30] it is hills of mud and flooding rivers.  Three of our students live in this district.  Gajendra [school director] and I visited their three villages recently.  There is no way to properly convey the experience.  If you ever need to count your blessings and gain some humility, visit Makwanpur.

Over a period of five days, visiting 8-10 homes, in 3 villages I never saw one piece of furniture, except for some rough wood frame beds with wood slats.   The quilts and pillows, the beds, and the straw mats that we sat on were all home made.  The very few toys for the children were all home made.  The homes are made with local rocks that are “cemented” together and then finished with a mixture of dirt, sand, cow dung, and water.   Everything is home made except for the nails, hinges, windows, tin for the roof, and some tools and cooking pots/utensils. 

Silinge has a government school.  Jeet lives in Silinge so his children don’t have far to go.  Suka’s children have to walk a total of 2 ½  hours every day to and from school.   Dev Kumar’s children walk 3 ½ hours each day.   

They have chickens, goats, pigs, and grow their own food.  They will make the 3-5 hours hike down the hills, crossing the rivers, and sell their animals and vegetables for spending money, and make the return hike.   Many do this 3-4 times a week.  Each of us have a pair of shoes or a jacket that costs more than all their clothes.

They are poor by worldly standards …… BUT …… they are rich in friendship and hospitality.   The church is growing in these hills.  With 3 very fine Christian men  ready to graduate it should mature and grow for years to come.

The trip begins early Thursday with a four-hour ride in an Indian made four-wheel drive regular size vehicle with ten passengers and the driver.  Cozy!  Then you have a 45 minute ride in a van that I call a “sardine can”.   We had 19 people “stacked” in a gutted out van the size of a passenger sedan.  The people were delightful.  

Now you begin the 4-5 hour walk.  You begin in the riverbed of the Rapti River.  Walking the riverbed means that you wade across the river 11 times over about 1 ½  hours.  This time of year the river is ankle to knee deep.  In July it will be waist deep, and shoulder deep in September.   Next, and last for the day, is the 3 hour trek [hike] up, down, and up the hills.  You reach Maishirang, which is where Dev Kumar lives with his wife, three children, parents, and much family and friends.   His six year old daughter, Premika, came with him to meet us before the river crossings.  She gives new meaning to “cute”.   The rivers and the hills were her territory.  I was sweating,  huffing and puffing the last hour [or more] going up [2,500 feet elevation gain] while she was prancing like a mountain goat.  Gajendra asked her if she was tired and she replied, “Only a little.  It is our habit”.  We provided the money for a church building here about 7 years ago.

Friday it was back down to the river, cross it 11 more times going back, another ride in a sardine can” [14 passengers], and begin the trek up the Lother River.   This was shorter, but we still crossed the river 7 times and had to climb over some extended rock piles [land slides].  This time it was only 45 minutes up the hills to Suka’s home.   He and his wife have two children.  We hiked back down to the river to take a bath, wash clothes, and refresh ourselves.  “It is our habit”.  Then back to Suka’s.  Each evening was a devotional  in a different home.

The next day we began our  climb at 6:00 AM and reached Silinge two hours later.  Breakfast [hardboiled egg, beans, and tea] and the Bible classes began at 9:00 AM.  Classes all day Saturday.  We provided the materials for a church building here about 5 years ago.  Sunday we had worship service in Silinge, had lunch, and began the 2 hour trek [downhill and no rivers] to Khankhare.   A 15 minute trip to a river to get refreshed was fantastic.  We had evening worship in Khankhare.  They desperately need a building here.

Monday was going home day.  We crossed one river one time and hiked 1.5 hours to where we could catch the “bus”.  The “bus” turned out to be a tractor pulling a metal two-wheel trailer half full of bags of rice and corn.  It was a very bumpy two hour ride.  My tailbone is still tender a week later.  Then we had the five-hour ride in a minivan, which took us home by a different route.  

My sore muscles and a couple of blisters [sandals crossing rivers] made it home in one piece.  I am very happy I went.  I am equally ashamed that it was the first time I have been there.  Each day was a blessing for me.  I also believe the time of Gajendra, Jeet, Dev, Suka, and me working together was a benefit for the churches in Makwanpur.  Please know that your prayers, your support, and you personally are also part of that spiritual benefit and encouragement.

Jerry

Home Congregations See The Growth...

April 14 was the Nepali New Year.  It is also the occasion for a 2-3 week holiday for all the schools.  Our six students at the Nepal Center For Biblical Studies went home for a three-week holiday to be with their families and to work with their local congregations.  This was only the second holiday for the students since they began on Jan. 4, 2010.   April 14 was also the day that Gajendra and I left Kathmandu to visit three of the students in their villages ……. more in separate letter.

Last week when we returned to the school, I asked some questions about their home visiting experiences. These centered on differences that others saw in them and what they saw in themselves after being serious students of the Bible for a little more than one year. The answers were very insightful.

What observations and comments were made about you compared to before you came to the school?

The students were enthusiastically received. The members saw tremendous progress in their Bible knowledge, understanding, and preaching/teaching ability. One student said the members were “impressed” with the difference. One old leader seemed to be a little jealous and threatened. Even non-members saw maturity, joy, and patience. Every local congregation was encouraged.

What changes did you see in yourself?

Each student commented on their increased confidence and enjoyment in working with their brothers and sisters. They also saw needs and ways to meet these needs that they had not seen before. Many of the concepts and applications from our lessons began to take on new meaning. Their eyes were opened to things they never saw before and they felt good about making improvements.

What suggestions and ideas can you share with each other about working to mature the church after graduation in September?

Teach the truth in love while we guide and lead by example and service. Set up programs for home Bible study that includes class discussion on Sat. Special classes for the youth. Build on their enthusiasm and ability to learn. Invite non-members and denominations to study and classes.  

We also discussed how to best use our remaining five months at the school to teach and train them for the task ahead. They had some suggestions that Gajendra and I had not thought of, plus they were open to our suggestions. In Feb-Mar 2010 of last year, I would not have thought this conversation would have been possible. Their progress is evident to the members who know them, to church leaders, to themselves, and to Gajendra and me.  

One need that every student agreed was top priority was the need for good study materials. This includes all that goes along with compiling and writing, distilling it down to their literacy level, plus translation into the Nepali language, and then printing. The students need this as preachers/teachers/leaders.  The congregations need it for classes and personal study. The church needs it to grow.  We need the tools to do the work. Then I got a brilliant idea ……… which involves you.

We can prioritize the subjects and issues. The brothers and sisters in America can be involved in writing the study material, both in narrative form and in questions/answers with appropriate scriptures. Some of you will already have some great study guides, lesson books, and fundamental teachings on basic Christian subjects and doctrine. If you can help get these much needed materials to us, then we can get them translated, printed, and distributed throughout Nepal.

The staff and students at the  school, as well as those who are learning and growing in the congregations, thank you for your love and assistance.  May God continue to bless all of you.

Jerry

No Down Time In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Evangelism remains our strong force to reach souls that are in danger, because we know the gospel is for all. Every Saturday students with some members of Wotutu congregation spend 3 hours house to house teaching the gospel. Brother Bea was preaching the word.

Great love we express to you from this part of the world, Wotutu in Cameroon. We continue to appreciate God for His Divine care over us here in CBIW in particular, and Cameroon as a whole  at this time in Africa where peace has been taken away from many, but Cameroon still remains a peaceful island in a turbulent water.

Great is this opportunity given to me to serve the Lord as a slave, but not just a slave but a very happy slave. To God be the glory.

I and the other staff of CBIW are doing great just for the fact that some students are sick. I am sure you are doing just fine in all that you do, mostly for your involvements to accomplish the will of our God.

This week was really busy for all of us here in CBIW. Our lectures become more interesting to our students as the time of lectures keep increasing from 3 pm closing time to 4 pm without us knowing. Hermeneutics, Homiletics, Acts 1 and Life of Christ 1 are the courses we are doing now. It is exposing a lot to our students who are zealous and ready to acquire this precious knowledge to help souls in this country and beyond.

This week the students stay only in Wotutu. There was no outreach because there was no means. 

God continues to bless the efforts of these students every week as He keeps adding souls in to His kingdom in Wotutu congregation. News about souls being added in different congregations where we have worked keep coming to us, visitors continue to study with students. Brother Innocent baptized brother Martin.

This is the cross section of our worship today. We thank God as more and more people in Wotutu are desiring to know more from the scriptures which had been hiding from them by denominational dogma for long. Keep this congregation in your prayers for them to stand firm to see the students grow in the grace and knowledge of the truth.

Brother Opel, is a student teaching Sunday morning, after the Wotutu leadership has authorized them to start handling items in congregational worship. Opel today taught on CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES IN OUR COMMUNITIES. It was really wonderful and it gave opportunity for individual Christians to check and see if they are really the light where they lived to win unbelieving believers to Christ who is ready to cleanse them.

“Learning without play makes Jake a dull boy.” This is a common saying in our time. We are really cautious with this and to stay safe from ill health. I, Elangwe always organize sports to all the students to keep fit. I enjoy joking with the students from a near by village on Saturday only. This is done whenever we are spending the weekend on campus. 1 Tim. 4:8 is guiding us.

VISIONS
1) This Thursday, students may go to a revival mission to a small congregation about 12 kilometers from Wotutu if means be. They will be there with me for fours days to preach, teach, visit backsliders and also to revive this congregation. 

2) Next month we are to go to Batoke village to plant a congregation, if means be. Please, I appeal to you to stand by us and help us realize this dream before the students go for their second 11 days campaign to some congregations.

3) Your prayers are needed for all our visions to be attained.

APPRECIATIONS
If you never allowed yourself for God to use, it would have been impossible for us to reach the level we are now. This is just the beginning. We still have a long way to go, but these few steps are very fruitful. I am saying all this not to be proud or provoke you to be proud, but that you and I should join together to say OH LORD YOU ARE WORTHY TO RECEIVE OUR PRAISES. 

Continue your good work in caring for this work. In less than no time you will see how far we have gone rescuing souls who are lost to have hope again. Share this news with others. Go to our previous reports and see how you can be of help to some of our dreams, they are really needed and very important for what we are still to accomplish.

My lovely family send their love to you. Please accept it in JESUS great NAME.

Elangwe and family, serving our King with joy.

Educational Opportunities Improve Chimala...

As the second semester of the new Chimala Bible Institute draws to a close, I reflect back on the past quarter.

I was proud of our student body who, under the leadership of Boaz, spent hours cleaning the grounds and school buildings, creating new walkways, and fellowshipping in preparation for the Masters program. The two teachers, Denton Landon and Jonathon Jenkins, arrived safely with Menard Swila, one of our instructors, and the Masters students have been pouring in from Malawi and Tanzania.

It was a peaceful Saturday and I was sitting on my porch enjoying the warm morning air. Navie Theu, a second year English student, and Clergyton, a 2010 graduate, walked up to the porch. I had not seen Clergyton since his graduation last November. He had just arrived for the start of the new Masters program. He expressed his, his family’s, his village’s, and his congregation’s gratitude for his acceptance into the Masters program. It is times like these I really appreciate the tremendous opportunity we are blessed to give those men and women striving to improve their education and be better servants of God.

As I taught my last lecture in Church History and stressed the Restoration Plea, one of the students raised his hand. He requested the information from the class be translated into Swahili and bound in a book for use in congregations across Tanzania and Malawi. Rebecca Benson, our Administrative Assistant and Librarian, has already printed the notes for our instructors to translate into Swahili.

One of the great training opportunities of our school is the weekly evangelism trips our students make to different places. We were reminded of that this weekend, when two of our translators, who are also instructors at the school, were out in the bush with the students preaching the gospel. We had to call in another translator for Denton. He preached on the resurrection at Mahango, the first time any of us had attended there. Jonathon presided over the Lord’s Supper. Rebecca taught the children out of the back of our car because there was no where to sit outside. They were so excited to climb into the trunk!

Students traveling from afar, preaching in the bush, finishing term papers, taking finals, and preparing for the next phase in the new and improved Chimala Bible Institute: all these are snapshots of the end of this second quarter and the beginning of the second short course. The students will then return to their homes for the summer where they will apply the things they have learned for the furthering of God’s kingdom.

Thank you to all our supporters for your thoughts and prayers.

God bless, 

Garry L. Hill
Administrator

Power Of Prayer In Arusha, Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We thank God for you, we pray for you often, and we thank you for your labor of love. We are a blessed people to be able to call on our God in times of joy, times of sorrow, times of celebration, times of bereavement, yes, at all times. God continues to answer your many prayers, we are good, blessed in all the right ways. 

Jesus said on one occasion; “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” (John 13.15). Our Lord has given us a “perfect” example, one that we are to follow. The Apostle Paul instructed the young evangelist Timothy; “...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (manner of life), in charity (love), in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4.12). Yes, we are “examples” to those our lives cross paths with, for good or for bad! The choice is one of our choosing, but God desires that; “.... all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2.4).

Today as we finished our worship to God, Christopher stood before God’s Church in Arusha having received twelve (12) request to God’s invitation. Some were thanksgivings for answered prayers, others for needed prayers for illness, others for help with their schooling, one restoration, but it was two requests that really “grabbed me” in a special way.

One was from our bother in Christ, Wilfred Massawe. He and his wife are now the parents of a new little girl. They sent a note to the Arusha Church, through Christopher, for the prayers of the Saints that meet at Arusha on behalf of their new gift from God. The second was from our brother Edwin Tusegalege, the evangelist serving the Forrest congregation at Mbeya. Edwin was asking for the prayers of the Arusha congregation regarding his health. 

The thing that came to mind was the fact that the Arusha Church has, is, and will continue to be an example to all the congregations throughout Tanzania and beyond. As is the case with “all” congregations, the Arusha Church has had its ups and downs over the last few years. Year after year, more and more, God’s family that meets and works together in Arusha are being called upon with the many needs of the Lord’s people throughout East Africa, as is the case with the 37 million lost souls of TZ. 

This is a very humbling thing to consider and to know. We are thankful God has blessed the Arusha Church, that She is “coming into Her own” and that She is willing to serve. I thank God for allowing Stephanie and I to be a small part of this wonderful aspect of His work.

“The end of Learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love Him and to imitate Him.” (Book: “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life”, Donald S. Whitney). Let each know God, His will and "do" what is right in His eyes, to His Glory.

May our God bless each of you with a week of faithful service in Him! To His glory! As One in Christ. Thank you all for your fellowship in the Gospel and in the work of God here in Tanzania.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie and Exel

Studies Grow in Tanzania...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

 

We hope you had a great Sunday! Chapter 11 was the focus of study in Genesis class and the topics discussed were "Pride" and "Working Together". Next week we will continue discussing chapter 11 in order to learn about "Including God in Your Plans." Before our actual lesson, Trina told the story about the six blind men who examined different parts of the elephant and all came up with six different ideas. This story was used to illustrate that the Bible must be viewed in its' entirety to understand the complete truth of the nature of God, the way of Salvation, etc.

 

Faustin, an ASCOP student, taught the Bible class concerning the pressing need to train young men to become elders. Ahimidiwe (A-HE-ME-DEE-WAY), the preacher of the Kisongo congregation, taught a powerful lesson entitled, "Are You Lame in the Faith?"

 

Jimmy met with new Christians, Lembris and Rosemary, on Saturday to have a "Question and Answer" session on any Bible subject. The questions asked involved I Cor. 15 (the resurrection of Christ), Moses and John the Baptist. Rosemary is more faithful in her attendance than many of our older (in the faith) Christians.

 

Hosea 4:6 states, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." Last Thursday, Trina's study with Agatha was somewhat of a history lesson concerning the beginning of the Catholic church and information about Martin Luther. She was interested in what secular history had to say. In Tanzania, there are few libraries and FEW books written in Swahili concerning world history, medicine, science, etc. Tanzanians are at a huge disadvantage in that so much information is simply not available (unless they understand the English language and have internet access). Many here do not know basic medical information that is common knowledge to us. It is difficult for Americans (to whom knowledge is as accessible as ever on almost any subject) to imagine that others in foreign lands are deprived of knowledge. Trina brought a history book to show her that she wasn't making things up (not that you can believe everything that's written in a book). We had a great study and our next study will center on the Church of the Bible.

 

The Galatians class on Wednesday night was well attended. Afterwards, we discussed planning a baby shower for Agness and her new little boy, Joshua. At the Gee's house, this coming Saturday, the Kisongo ladies will celebrate his arrival. Trina plans to include a short lesson on "Motherhood."

 

Yesterday, we celebrated our youngest daughter's (Naomi) 5th birthday. It was a small party, having only invited two sets of children. One set (our guards' little girls ages 1 and 3) showed up with their mother an hour and a half late. "No hurry in Africa" we always say, but I felt badly because they missed the activities. Thankfully there was a little cake left to send home with them.

 

Thanks to Mike Reese for teaching a short course in the ACSOP. After doing so he went to Ahono, Kenya for a week to hold the first annual Kenya Christian Camp. He took several members from here to help with the camp. There were over 200 in attendance and 25 baptisms. Hopefully, he will come back next year with some of his family to do the same thing. We appreciate his great work. He is a great teacher and it is obvious that he loves spreading the word.

 

Our deepest thanks to you who are loyal to the TZ 2000 mission work and sincerely care about the lost souls in Tanzania. Thank you for your love and prayers for the greatest work on earth...sowing the seed of the Kingdom.

 

Love in Christ,

The Jimmy Gee family

Persecution Strenthens Students In Cambodia...

Happy Khmer new year

It’s actually done for a few days ago for Khmer New year which took place on 14-16 of April 2011.

During the Khmer New year, students were allowed to take a rest for about two weeks as a public holiday in Cambodia. During that time we all went to visit family and friends. Most of the people in Cambodia go to pagoda to worship their gods and to pray to their ancestors, but we as Christian not to practice as they do.

Of course while we were at home with families and friends who are not Christian, we faced different things such as friends tempting us to drink with them and families persecuting us when we not go to worship the statues with them.

After we all came back from holiday, students and staffs were allowed to speak for ten minutes of what they experienced of temptations and persecutions. By doing this it helped us to grow and learn how to deal with those who want to tempt us and persecute us.

We as the church also struggle with some denominations when we tried to preach the word of God to people around the church building. Most of the people asked us what will we gain after we study and worship with you? And when we said you will gain the word of salvation and also through the word of God will help you to live in a better life. Then they said, “oh! I thought you will give us something such as materials and money, because there is one of the denominations which is not very far from us they like to give things to people who come to join them.

The church in different areas around Siem Reap is doing alright and we keep doing evangelism. Even some denominations they have lots of funds, but that will not hurt us at all because we know that they want only the number of people, but they don’t care about the truth.

School came back to our fourth quarter. Things are doing ok.

In addition, Cambodia now has a fight again with Thailand. Please join with us in prayer for both countries to be reconciled. 

In His service
Chann