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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nery

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

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanking you for your support!
The Jimmy Gee family

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

Greetings Fellow Workers;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Exel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinator Updates

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

Extension Reports 

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

God bless
Bob

Uganda And The Congo Are Growing...

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

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

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

Reports From Congo Workers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Giden
paul_gidden@kindermorgan.com 

Bob Burright 
Robert.burright@gmail.com 

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

Francis Wechesa

Joint Worship At CBS Brings 140...

CBS:  APRIL, 2011  KPALIME ‐ TOGO 

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

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

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

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

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

The Nyiveme congregation will soon outgrow its place of worship. 

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

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

The Planning committee members included:  

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

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

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

Willie Gley  

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

Dearest in Christ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appreciations 

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

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

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

Thanks very much for your concern.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coordinator Updates

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

Extension Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

God bless

Bob

Preparation For Graduation In Togo

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 Baptized After Relief Program   

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

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

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

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

Lessons taught during the month of March 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Willie Gley

45 Baptisms And 4 Restorations: The Church Grows In Ghana

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

Teachers and courses for the quarter are as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sacrificial Commitment To A Powerful Work

Dearest in Christ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

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

Greetings Fellow Workers; 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Exel

In The Midst Of Discouragement, There Is Hope...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

We have watched with amazement the damage being done by the flooding of the Mississippi River and very sorry for all the losses. It seems that the destruction continues throughout the southeast. But, "we know Whom we have believed and we are convinced that He is able to guard what we have entrusted to Him until that day." May God comfort and help those who have lost so much.

Jimmy continues his Bible study class on the Gospel of John and Trina teaches the Ladies class (continuing with Genesis). Our last two classes were cancelled due to the rain (the classroom is almost finished but still lacking a roof). It is Trina’s intention to encourage a few of the ladies to begin teaching short lessons within hers’ until they are comfortable doing the entire lesson. It is time that some (who have been in the church for 3-7 years) become teachers.

There has been disappointment in that many things have prevented Agatha and Trina from studying this past week. Lord willing, our next study will be on Thursday to continue reading scriptures on the church. Katherine, who was baptized about 3 months ago, has been discouraged lately (due to economic reasons I believe). Please pray for both her and Agatha. Agness and her baby are doing fine. However, the culture here says that a mother should stay home about 3 months before getting out with her newborn. While that may be difficult for us to understand, most people here walk to church or take a crowded dala-dalas (public transportation). We are assuming that maybe the doctors here have advised them not to get the baby out to reduce the chance of germs, sickness, etc. Of course, in our minds, three months is too long to miss worship.

On Saturday, the unmarried girls (ages 12-25) enjoyed a full-day seminar at Stephanie Stafford's house, listening to four different speakers which included visitor Jessica Galloway. We are very thankful that she has traveled such a long way to help spread the good news of Jesus and look forward to getting to know her better.

The Kisongo congregation is gearing up for the up-coming campaign this summer. A group from Hoover, AL will be here in June. Then a group from Elk City, OK will be here in July. Several others will come as individuals or two or three. This would include Jimmy's father, James W. Gee, as well as Jimmy's nephew, Steven Akin. Lord willing they will arrive this Friday, May 20. We are eagerly awaiting their arrival. They will be staying a whole month. Please pray for their safe travel. 

Thank you for your continuing support, prayers and concern for this work and for us. We are truly grateful and thank God for you. 

In Christian Love,
The Jimmy Gee family

Moses Sent Us Down From The Mountain...

The title of this report may seem a bit strange until you read two specific reports from Tanzania. Cy Stafford’s report, along with Jimmy Gee’s report, focus on a very special man who made a powerful impact in the Lord’s kingdom in and around Arusha. 

I urge you to read both reports, even though both are focused on the same man. The perspective of both reports have minor differences, but a wonderful picture of how a man named Moses was able to come to Christ and bring others to our Lord. Moses passed away last week and his funeral service was Sunday afternoon.

Both reports share a story relating to the title of this week’s report. Two men who were taught by brother Moses and when they came down from Mt. Meru to Arusha, they said, “Moses has sent us down from the mountain to be baptized.” I love it and you will to when you read these reports.

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

Howell and Mary Ferguson continue to work in Gorlovka, Ukraine. They are working with the local congregations and Howell teaches in the Bible Institute. Take time to read his April report here.

Extension Reports

Preparing To Nurture 14 Congregations: The efforts of the Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu involve plans to reach out to help 14 congregations in the area to strengthen and encourage their faithfulness.

Here We Grow Again... Guatemala: The news at the Linda Vista congregation in Guatemala City continues to see growth. Exiting news to read.

Bear Valley Students Visit ITL, Guatemala: On the last campaign out of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, several students traveled to Guatemala to assist in the work.

A Spiritual Father Visits His Son In Guatemala: This is one of those stories that is touching and powerful. Take time to read about this spiritual reunion.

A Growing Body Of Students: Word from the Chimala Bible Institute shares the news of growth in the number of men who prepare themselves to serve.

Good And Sad News... Reality In Ukraine: I always appreciate the balance of realizing the good, but also the sadness in the work. Dennis Sopinik shares the latest information about the work in Ukraine.

Preparing For A New Class At Visakha Valley: With graduation behind them, interviews are taking place to get the next class of students together in Visakhapatnam, India.

A Spiritual Giant, Moses Of Kiogo, Goes To His Reward: Cy Stafford shares the sadness of losing a great man in the work of the Lord, but also the celebration of knowing he has gone to a great reward.

The Story And Impact Of Blind Man Moses: Jimmy Gee provides information about this great man, his story and impact on the work in Arusha.

Final Thoughts
I am always humbled to read the reports of those who are laboring so diligently around the world to take the gospel to others. I am so thankful to our God for making this work possible and granting me the opportunity to share in it.

I thank each of you for your part in this work. Without your continued prayers, work and financial help we would not be able to read reports like these. You are all greatly appreciated and I pray God will continue to work through you to His glory in training men to preach.

God bless
Bob

Preparing To Nurture 14 Congregations...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this end. Your brothers and sisters in Wotutu send their love to you. The students of CBIW send their love as well and we continue to pray for your safety in all that you do. Please always remember us in your prayers.

I am here to feed you with what happened in your family here so that we shall all join together to give glory to God. The fruits of every Saturday evangelism in Wotutu is seen. Yesterday sister Anette Boyaki accepted Jesus and was baptized by student preacher Ngoe Nelson with the witness of some sisters in Wotutu congregation watching and jubilating for the soul that repented to escape damnation as you can see them off the river bank. Please pray for this sister to remain with the Lord and serve Him all the days of her life.

Sunday in our worship we had a special prayer offered to mothers in our congregation and mothers all over the world, for today is mother’s day, even though the day is not really having a strong significant in our country but we are aware of its existence and we turn to use it to appreciate our mothers verbally for what they have done to us children. We pray mothers all over the world have done great things, because till today some are active in the support of preachers, some others have produced ministers of the gospel, elders, deacons etc. So I emphasize on their importance which is neglected in our society to start seeing the need to do so.

This week was cool in CBIW as all our programs went on well. Our normal outing to Tole congregation on Tuesday and our theoretical Vocational training on Friday the use of computer was a success. Most of the long course lecturers have gone far with their notes and they will  start  doing revisions with the students before our second semester exams on the 23^rd of May.

Immediately after our exams on the 26^th, students will travel by the grace of God to 14 different villages to nurture existing congregations. Those congregations are dying so we are going for total revival, we are paying attention to these areas now because people there still involve themselves to paganism. It is our cry to help them come out from such practices. Please we solicit your support to achieve this goal.

    Let me share some pics with you about the happening of this week.

You can see food being shared by one student. This food came through a sister all the way from Kumba 75 kilometers from Wotutu. She came in appreciation for the last campaign that the students did in their congregation. ”Silver and gold we don’t have “ she said that but garri and fresh vegetable soup she gave to the students. She also appeal to the director to send two more students to come again to their village to help the church. I appreciated the gesture and pray God open doors for us to touch the lives of many.

The leaders in Wotutu again this Sunday assigned students from CBIW to officiate on items in Wotutu congregation. This morning, young brother Manfree Awatt taught on the topic A GIVING THAT COST ME (2 Sam 24:24). This was really thrilling to help the church improve on their giving situation and to continuously be of help to the student preachers as they are helping not financially, but with food and other moral support.

This is the cross section of our worship this morning. We are appreciating every one who is doing something for CBIW because it is helping the growth of congregations in this country. Christians in Cameroon are seeing great changes on how to increase their relationship with Christ and the Church as these young ambassadors of Christ moves around both to unbelievers to help them from this corrupt generation. Wotutu congregation is gaining in this so much as we have 3 first time visitors in our worship who asked questions about the New Testament church.

We are planning to travel to Batoke village to plant a congregation. The plans are still on. We are looking for a possible means to carry it out.

Appeals

1) Please we are also soliciting for Bibles before the students travel for campaign, because I am sending some students to our young established congregation in the hills of Lebialem. After this we shall be sending students on weekends to help nurture the young congregation. It is not near to Wotutu, but the Lord will open doors for His will to be done. That is our cry.

2) Please do your best to help us have some tools for evangelism, like the public address system, Projector and a generator for our village evangelism.

Appreciations

I thank God for you and those you are discussing about the work in Wotutu, Cameroon. Thank you for standing by us. I am assuring you that your efforts will never be in vain. God is blessing the work and He will continue to use us and the students to accomplished a lot in this country. Please tell others or plan to visit first hand yourself. You will be highly welcome in our loving country and you will enjoy you did. Stay blessed and say hello to your family. You are always in our prayers. My family sends their love hoping to meet with you one day.

Elangwe and family serving in Wotutu in particular, and Cameroon at large.
By His grace Director CBIW

The Story And Impact Of Blind Man Moses...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends, 

It has been a sad but victorious week here in Tanzania. On May 4, the people of God lost a valiant soldier of the cross. He was known to us as Blind Man Moses. He gradually went blind in the mid-1980's, probably due to diabetes. Then, in 1998 he was taught the Gospel and obeyed it. Moses began attending the services of the Church in Arusha. But that meant riding each Lord's day down off the mountain on the back of a motorcycle that belonged to Francis Wechesa. He also, even though blind, began teaching people the Gospel. 

Sometime after this, two young men by the name of Iyubu and William showed up at the Arusha building and said "Moses has sent us down from the mountain to be baptized" (Not Mt. Sinai, but Mt. Meru! Ha ha) Both are still faithful and strong Christians. In fact, William went on to attend and graduate from the ACSOP and is now the preacher for the Maji ya Chai congregation. In addition, he taught his older brother and he, along with his wife, are now Christians. Thus, Moses, being dead, yet speaks through his labors. 

But, I am getting ahead of myself. Those motorcycle trips down the mountain were not without accident. In the words of Cy Stafford, there were some Sunday mornings when both Francis and Moses would arrive at the Arusha building muddy and skinned up from having taken a fall. It did not take long for them to figure out that a congregation needed to be established on the side of the mountain. It started out small; so small they could all fit inside a room in Moses' house which also housed the goats and cows when worship and Bible study were not taking place. I sat inside that goat pen a few times myself and preached sitting down with the smell of "the farm" wafting through the breeze (In truth, it brought back memories of my early years of being on the farm which are still very fond to me). But, eventually the congregation grew, through the efforts of many, but also from the very strong and faithful dedication of Moses. They outgrew that goat shed and now have a very nice block building with a tin roof (In fact, Moses donated the land). The building is a testimony to many who contributed their time and their money, but most of all it is a testimony to the life of a man who, though blind, "saw" the truly important things in this life and lived his life accordingly.

I began by saying that it has been a sad but victorious week. It has been sad because we have lost a friend and brother. It has been victorious because a saint has gone to be with Abraham and Lazarus. And, now that he is in that perfect place, he is no longer blind and he no longer suffers from diabetes.

I was privileged to be asked to lead the closing prayer at the funeral. In that prayer I said "We do not say 'Goodbye' to Moses today, we say 'We will see you later.'" May we live in such a way as to make those words come true.

Moses, until next time.... 

In Christ,
The Gees

Good and Sad News... Reality In Ukraine

Dear brothers and families. 

We thank God that spring came to Ukraine without any catastrophes and changes in climate. We saw on TV and read the news on internet about tornados and storms hitting America. We pray for those who suffered from them. Moreover, we pray for those who are still spiritually lost.  

For our institute the month of April was full of different events, some of them were good and some were sad. 

Life of the institute
At the beginning of April, Denton Landon came to teach a two-week course on Jeremiah and Lamentation. Our Institute is always glad when brothers, who can share their wisdom and experience of serving God, visit us.  

At the moment, Albert Bagdasaryan and I teach Daniel and Luke to the first-year students, and Howell Ferguson and Victor Semikoz teach James and Revelation to the second-year students.

On April 23, we had a youth conference at the building of our Institute. It was aimed at young people from local churches of Christ. Its topic was “Pass a test for eternity”. Bible classes were taught by Howell Ferguson and me. We had some good time together, enjoying games and friendly atmosphere. 

During this year and until now, we are trying to visit different congregations and look for new students. We receive a great deal of help from Howell. At the moment, we have 7-8 prospective students who want to enter the Bible program at the Institute. Please pray that we would find some more students and that they would make the right choice that will influence their life. 

We have some sad news: our second-year student, Roman Demchenko, decided to take an academic leave. He wants to finish his studies next year. He didn’t pass several courses, and he became less zealous in studying and serving God. Maybe after some time he will understand that studying and contemplating about the Word of God is the most pleasant activity. Please pray for him and his ministry. 

Life of the church in Ukraine
On April 24, there was a joint worship service of churches of Christ held in Kramatorsk. Our group which consisted of 12 people attended the service. Vitaliy Rodichev had a sermon that day. The aim of such services is to encourage brothers and sisters and show them that we are not alone in our decision to follow Christ. There were representatives from Slavyansk, Druzhkovka, Konstantinovka and Zugres. 

As for the Central church of Christ in Gorlovka, it’s been doing quite well. They have very interesting youth group meetings. Andrew takes a good care of the church. An average attendance of the Sunday service is about 33-38 people. 

Maintenance questions and their solutions 
First, we could fix our heating system and started it for a check-up. As a result, it worked well. I hope that we can change some paperwork on the building during this year. That would reduce the bills on heating in winter period.    

Second, after the winter and spring thaw, the ground water came up, and we had a lot of water at the basement of the building. So we bought the pump to take out the water. Right now we are thinking about the ways to solve this problem. 

We are looking forward to seeing brother Terry Harmon and his family and also Jim Sherman. They’ve done a lot of work to establish and develop the churches of Christ in Ukraine. We respect them deeply and pray for their safe flight. 

We are grateful for your prayers and support. Even though there is a big distance between us, we are always with you in the spirit. 

Best regards, 
Dennis.

Preparing For A New Class At Visakha Valley...

Greetings to you in HIS precious name. We are all doing fine. The hot weather is picking up. The last couple of days it was 110F, especially in Visakhapatnam due to the industries we feel like it is more than the actual temperature. However, the cold breeze in the evenings makes the environment cool, since we are on the eastern coast.

Hope you have received the pictures of the Graduation exercises.

Interviews:
Right now interviews for the new students are going on. We are looking for very interested students who would continue their school for 2 years without any interruption. We are thinking about having same number of students to run the school program without any financial problems. We shall have the fresh batch taking regular classes from the last week of this month. After the graduation ceremony several preachers came forward and enquired about the Master Classes. Looks like we have to have another Master Class batch after this current batch finishes school.

Besides that, we are having special meetings with our staff members to discuss several things about the upcoming batch. There are certain things we would like to do in a different way. We need the cooperation of the staff in order to accomplish this. Actually we had a meeting on the 3rd, that is last week. It went well. We shall be sitting for a final meeting on the 10th to make some resolutions about our activities and responsibilities. Since one batch of students are gone into the field our responsibility is grown to the extent of encouraging them to keep on doing the Lord's work without ceasing.

Gospel Meetings:
One of our graduates is holding gospel meetings on the 27,28,29 of this month. He is planning them as a Big event. We are excited about that. The director and one of our faculty members, brother Vamsee, along with other invited preachers will be preaching during those days. It is going to be a great opportunity to spread the word and also to advertise our school. We really had a good recognition in the local churches after the 1st Graduation Ceremony. During those three days, our students, faculty and staff had planned to reach every door in that area with gospel tracts. We praise God for giving us the opportunity to reach several thousands of homes with good news. On the last week of April on the 23rd we had a gospel campaign at one our local brother's congregations. We had the opportunity to preach the good news at every center of the street and distribute gospel tracts to thousands of people.

Please convey our greetings to your families and to the brethren at Bear Valley & Lake Houston Church of Christ. Our prayers continue for the victims of the recent tornado havoc in the Southern USA. If you meet with any of the victims please tell them around 274 congregations are praying for them. God is going to bless them.

in Christ,
John Dean & Samuel Raju Muppidi

A Spiritual Giant, Moses From Kiogo, Goes To His Reward...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our hearts and our prayers are being offered up to our Lord for all those suffering the recent losses caused by the severe weather in the Southeast. As most of you know, we too recently suffered a loss. Our dear brother and servant of God, Moses from Kioga has passed from this life to the next.

We first came to know Moses when Aubu and William came down Mt. Meru, meeting Francis Wechesa saying; “Moses has sent us down from the mountain to be baptized” (just sounds so Biblical). These two young men informed Francis who was, at that time, new to the Arusha area, that Moses had taught them the Gospel. Upon future investigation it was learned that Moses had gone blind (most likely due to his diabetes) and was not able to make the three mile journey down the mountain for worship.

After some time it was decided that it would be best to start a new congregation at Kiogo so our brother would not have to ride on the back of Francis’s motor cycle each week, up and down the mountain. The Church began meeting in Moses’s goat shed, a space six feet wide, seven feet long. Each Sunday morning, brother Moses would sweep out the small mud and stick building. After several months the congregation began to grow and the last time I personally worshipped there we had twenty three people in that very small room.

Men like Cotton Box, Gene Davis and Dupree Galloway working with Moses and David Bayi (one of our ACSOP graduates) and with the monthly support from the West Side Church of Christ, Salem, VA and so many others, the congregation now numbers in the eighties. Because the Church cared, the Kisonga congregation has a meeting house.

Last year our brother Moses asked if we could help him by building three small rooms so his family would have a place to live. He knew his health was not good and was concerned about his wife and four small children. Through the wonderful generosity of the Lord's Saints in America and through the efforts of the men who can and constructed the rooms, his widow and children have a place to live.

Stephanie and I have been blessed in many ways as missionaries here in TZ. One of the greatest blessings was the privilege of knowing and working with this spiritual giant. His humble spirit has inspired many. His zeal for teaching the lost, preaching the Gospel and his commitment to the truth of God’s Word will forever stand as a living testimony as to what Christianity is really all about. Moses was blind, but now he sees. He sees what God has promised all who obey! Thanks be to God!

Tomorrow (Sunday May 8th) will be a long day. We will begin by worshiping with our Church family at Kioga. The funeral will follow in the afternoon, at 2:00. We solicit your prayers on behalf of all the family and friends who will mourn this great loss. A special thank you to everyone who made it possible for Moses and so many others to be blessed by the Good News, the Family of God and the Hope (and now reality for Moses) of Heaven.

In Him,

Cy, Stephanie & Exel

April News For BVBIU

Another month has passed very quickly for us here in Ukraine as we continue to work with the BVBIU. During the month of April I had occasions to visit several churches including Krasny Luch, Konstantinovka, and Kramatorsk. When we’re not out of town visiting, we worship with the Central congregation and enjoy the fellowship of the brethren who meet together at the BVBIU facility. Andrew Zhuravlev continues to deliver consistently sound and encouraging gospel lessons. On Thursday mornings we meet together at the BVBIU facility for Bible study which would be the equivalent of our Wednesday night Bible study time in the States.

Admittedly, the work in Ukraine is slow and difficult and requires a great deal of patience. The influence of western and European culture has significantly slowed-down the receptiveness of the people and their interest in the gospel of Christ. I wouldn’t say that it is the same as the rest of Europe and the U.S, but it is undoubtedly leaning in that direction. Generally speaking, however, the BVBIU students are remaining positive about the future of the church and their involvement in helping God’s kingdom grow and spread.

The Russian language classes Mary and I were taking two days per week have come to an end after five weeks. At this point it’s hard for me to say we made a lot of progress. We were exposed to a lot of material, but we need a little “soak” time to fit the pieces of the puzzle together. Learning a language is a slow and tedious process. Besides, I needed to stop the lessons in order to focus attention on teaching the book of James to the second-year BVBIU students.

There are several new events here in our last month in Ukraine. Terry and Marina Harmon arrived back to Ukraine May 3^rd to spend about three and a half weeks visiting family, taking care of some unfinished business, and he will teach a Greek class to our first-year students. We haven’t seen Marina yet, but Terry and the boys looked great. Andrew, who you may remember had been treated for Histiocytosis, seems to have made a full recovery and was his usual energetic self. And Timothy is growing up and to me looked like he has grown about a foot taller! It is good to see Terry’s face again here at BVBIU even if it will only be for a few weeks.

There is also graduation coming up on Saturday, the 28^th of May for our second-year students. We will have five students receiving their BA degree in Biblical Studies. Most of these graduates also want to begin the Master’s program which will resume this fall. Denton Landon, who was here a few weeks ago to teach Jeremiah and Lamentations, will return at that time to start the Master’s program. Until then, the preacher students will be seeking out places to begin preaching and teaching. Because of the weak financial status of most Ukrainian churches, it is highly unlikely that the guys will be able to be supported by the local brethren. Any assistance would be much welcomed. However, finances are certainly not the only issue.

Every mission field has its own unique challenges, and the country of Ukraine surely has its own share of them. But from my own perception and from conversations I’ve had with both Ukrainians and missionaries who’ve worked in Ukraine, perhaps the most difficult and controversial subject is marriage. Ukrainians, like most everyone else in the world, recognize marriage as a positive and desirable social structure. The problem lies in understanding and accepting God’s boundaries for acceptable marriage. This can be divided into two parts: 1) Christians marrying non-Christians; and 2) unscripturally-divorced non-Christians who later become Christians and marry Christians.

I have addressed the issue of young Ukrainians leaving Ukraine for the “greener” pastures of the west in some of my past devotional articles. And nothing much anyone can say will stop this “exodus”. All of the reasons given for it can become somewhat complicated; but the conclusion is rather simple: the “carnal” (fleshly) mind (Rom. 8:5-9; 1 Cor. 3:1-3). The allurement of the west for either prosperity or excitement is simply too appealing to be resisted by many of the younger generation who place the flesh over the spirit (cf. Gal. 5:19-26).

The connection of marriage with fleeing young Ukrainians becomes obvious. Prosperous foreigners are sought-out for marriage partners; and unfortunately for the young Christian seeking marriage, a Christian mate is not the priority. This concerns me for two reasons: 1) all that I learned in marriage and counseling college classes consistently warned of the dangers of mixed-marriages; and 2) marrying non-Christians in a secular and materialistic world (such as much of Europe, U.S., etc.) is much like pitching your tent toward Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 13:12, 13). There are little chances that a godly soul can survive long in such an environment.

The second issue is really worse because it actually involves sin. Marrying a non-Christian is at-best unwise, if not downright foolish. But forming a marriage with an unscripturally-divorced person goes beyond foolishness, it is adultery. Let me give you the scenario. A non-Christian forms a marriage, assumedly scriptural, i.e. they are both single and eligible. For some reason (not adultery) the couple divorces. Later, however, one of the non-Christians learns the gospel and becomes a Christian. This new Christian meets another Christian (never-before married) and they marry. They may be married for a number of years and even have children.

What is their spiritual situation now between them and God? The popular view being advocated by many in Ukraine is that such marriages are sanctioned by God. And when the position is challenged by an appeal to Scripture, some will quickly reply, “But that position is too hard for Ukraine.”

Is any command of God “too hard”? God said “the way of transgressors is hard”, not the way of the righteous (Prov. 13:15). It is hard because of sin, not because of anything God said. And why did God put such a prohibition on marriage as is recorded in Matthew 19:9? “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery.” Could it not be a strong warning to the liberally-minded world of the sanctity of marriage, and even to serve as a model of the relationship of Christ to His church? (cf. Eph. 5:22-27; Rev. 21:2, 9). Only God can authorize the “exception” given in marriage. To create another exception is to usurp God’s authority and place oneself upon His throne!

Pardon me for sounding a little “preachery” in a newsletter, but these are real issues that threaten not only the sanctity of marriage and the home but also the purity of the Lord’s church in Ukraine. That’s why I believe so strongly in the existence of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Ukraine. We are the minority voice on these issues, but a voice that desperately needs to be heard. I have found it to be the exception to find brethren who hold firmly to God’s precepts in these matters. As with many subjects, many people rely upon their emotions rather than upon a “thus said the Lord.” If we don’t hold firm to God’s law in matters of marriage, who will? --Howell