Heading Home...

After 18 days overseas and more than a month on the road visiting congregations, Sheryl and I will be heading home this week. We have one last stop in Oklahoma City to speak at a Future Preacher’s Training Camp at the North MacArthur congregation. We have covered thousands of miles. We are ready to get back to Denver and begin another school year with the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver.

A new class of students is set to begin classes in Denver, as well as, several locations within the Extension Program. A new class of students also brings new opportunities to prepare men to be set for the defense of the gospel. Only God knows the ways these men will be used to fulfill His will to the building up of the body of Christ in the future. To God be the glory!

The beginning of another class reminds me of how quickly time flies. Sheryl and I are beginning our fourth year with the Bear Valley Bible Institute. It is hard to believe, yet we are more excited than ever with the potential for the future. More men are becoming interested in the work of preaching the gospel and with each class more souls will have an opportunity to hear the saving message of Jesus.

Several reports this week indicate the interest and growth of the Lord’s kingdom. I know your time in reading these reports will be a blessing to you.

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

Extension Reports 

Attitude Makes A Difference: As the training continues in Cameroon, the growth in attitude and evangelism continues as well. 

Challenges In Cambodia: Chann’s report shares some of the challenges facing the church in Takam Village, as well as, plans for VBS in Cambodia.

Opportunity And New Class Potential: The work in Honduras offers new opportunities for preaching. Also, the potential of new students is increasing.

One Great Tool...Safari For Souls: If you have not been keeping up with the Safari For Souls campaign reports, you need to read this one. The work is incredible and worth reading.

Can We Ride The Cannibals? If this title gets your attention, you will love the story. The work in Arusha continues to show the power of God working through His people. 

Final Thoughts

I often think about the power of prayer and how it affects the work of the Lord’s church around the world. I pray for each of the schools, the men and their families who are working in the extension program everyday. When I read the reports each week, it reminds me of how God is answering my prayers and I am sure the prayers of many.

I also pray for you because I know your involvement in this work is vital to its success. Thank you for making the Bear Valley work a part of your daily prayers. Thank you for reading the reports and keeping the work of the Lord a priority in your life.

Greater activities are just about to begin as classes resume in most of the schools. The reports continue to grow. 

God bless
Bob

Attitude Makes A Difference...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from this end. I do hope you are doing well in all that you do. We are also doing great here in CBIW and God is doing great things in His vineyard. Do your best to extend our greetings to your family and the church.

This week was a busy one for all of us in CBIW. Brother Hilman Orume, who lives close to the school here in Wotutu, finally accepted the gospel after 7 months of study with the students. He accepted the gospel and smiled coming out of the water for a new life to start after this exercise. Please keep him in your prayers to walk worthy of his calling.

The students keep growing in their devotional and the chapel them was “An Attitude That Makes A Difference.” The theme was to help our students know that they are supposed to be transformed in all their ways to make way for the gospel they preach.

I, and one lecturer left the school over the weekend to attend a study workshop on the book of 1 Corinthians under the them, God’s Solution To A Problem Church,” organized by the Batibo Church of Christ in the Northwest Region about 300 miles from Wotutu. It was the first of its kind in Cameroon and I was assigned 1 Corinthians 1 and 2. The workshop went on well.

I left the workshop to a struggling congregation in a village where I was assigned to teach on Sunday. I had to cross a big river with a cane bridge. Souls are everywhere to rescue. Thank you for your prayers, for I returned to school yesterday evening safe and sound to continue the work to train men to preach and also to help the Wotutu and Tole congregations move ahead.

I am crossing a traditional bridge to another village over the weekend to preach and teach. It was wonderful. They need our students during the next campaign. It will really help the villagers to see the light of the gospel and escape from their wicked traditions and practices.

Brother Tobias, over the weekend, visited a village far from the school on personal evangelism to one of his childhood friends. There is no church in that village. His report gives us insight about the possibilities to extend our work there. Keep us in your prayers to meet up with all of the challenges. 

PLANS
Some students will be going to the Tole congregation this weekend for weekend evangelism. Please keep them in your prayers.

We shall move to a new virgin land next month to establish a congregation. Please keep us in your prayers. 

APPEAL
A public address system, and transportation remain a stumbling block to most of our visions.

Thank you very much for being a part of this soul winning team. We think souls! Please do your best to think in our direction so that the work and the vision we have will keep going to the glory of our King.

Do your best to share this report with others. 

God bless you and watch over you.
Elangwe and family.
By His grace, director of CBIW

Challenges in Cambodia...

Greeting in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ from Siem Reap, Cambodia.

I am very honored to report to you all with some information concerning the work in Siem Reap.

We are now in a challenge with a denomination at Takam village, as the church there and a denomination there don't have a registration yet, so we have to have a registration before them to cover the work and the church there. Now we got a form to run that registration already but we need to prove by the head of commune, head of district, department of cults and religions office, and come to department of cults and religions, then come to the head of province and the last one we have to go to the ministry of cults and religions in Phom Penh.

In running the register we have to spend some money to them, so we ask you to pray for us as we will need the register as soon as possible for the church at Takam, before a denomination have it. 

We also planned for our VBS 2011 that will take place on Friday and Saturday next week 29-30 July 2011 and our Theme is JESUS LOVES CHILDREN, Mat. 19:13-16.

As now we have a vacation for our school, our students went out to visit their friends and families, and they will be back for their two year program. Things are doing alright.

I will report you more about our VBS next week. Thanks for your support for the work in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

God bless you all with strength and soul

In the love of Christ
Chann

Opportunity And New Class Potential...

Thank you, brother. My mother has been left very affected with the loss of her mother. I took advantage to preach the Gospel to all the people that had come together, all my mother’s family are sectarian and they gave me the opportunity to speak, so that without losing time I spoke the truth of the Gospel to more than 60 people united, including 20 “pastors” who only bowed their heads before the truth.

We have a total of 8 students, 3 married and 5 single. I still do not have confirmation of the two in Olancho but this week I will have their confirmation. If they confirm there will be 10 in total. I don’t know if I have overlooked anything, but I will keep you informed.

Well, with respect to the vocational training; there has always been the idea. The problem is that we do not have teachers in Danli that impart those classes, since there is much pride in the people and they do not want to teach because they say that they would have less work there being more competition. I had been speaking with the brethren of Hillcrest if it was possible that brethren who are experts in those areas such as welding, electricity or small engine repair could come to teach during some period, but there was no confirmation with respect to that. It was just a talk that we had. I don’t know what you think.

We are praying that you will be successful in gathering all the funds necessary and have an abundance. 

God bless you for your effort.
Nery

Can We Ride The Cannibals?

Dear Co-laborers, 

Our campaign in Kisongo has come to a close. Brian Horner preached to a full house (full of visitors, new converts and regular members) on the subject of "Why We Believe in Jesus." After services, a man named Jakata was baptized. The Kisongo campaign (all organized and planned by the Tanzanian brethren) was a success due to many factors. Number one being "the people had a mind to work." Many (Tanzanians and Americans) were involved in door knocking, Bible studies, cooking, clean-up, setting up the tent, yard work, teaching, preaching. Some began early and stayed late. One dedicated woman worked continuously although she was "on vacation" from her regular job. The Lord blessed our efforts with so many good contacts with whom we will continue to study.

Jimmy's nephew, Steven, will be glad to hear that the work he did while here is STILL producing results. Hendrick (new Christian) has been encouraging Alexander, with whom Steven studied but has not yet converted. Alexander, his wife and little girl Rosie, attended our services today and have requested more study!

It was thrilling to see our new Christians (Jane, Jessica and Dorisi) plus two visitors in the ladies Bible class. One visitor was there as a direct result of the campaign workers. Our text, Genesis 14, where Abraham rescues Lot from captivity, was a perfect opportunity to make the analogy of how we should rescue those in spiritual captivity and should put forth the time, effort and expense (as Abraham did) to help our Christian brothers and sisters to remain faithful. Please pray that the church at Kisongo will take the time to visit, encourage and strengthen these new brethren so none will "fall through the cracks."

Remember Joyce (Janet's sister) who said her father didn't want her to be baptized because her baby was so young? After several more studies by different people, she obeyed the gospel! Of course, you know Lembris because his name is usually in the report every week. Another brother was baptized this past week!

Tom Watkins and Terry Wall have returned to Longido this weekend (after working with and preaching in the Kisongo campaign). Those from the Zachary, LA congregation should get ready to hear about all their adventures. If you need some excitement, a sense of fulfillment, purpose and satisfaction, then come to Tanzania to teach the Gospel. There's rarely a dull moment and your days will pass faster than a "weaver's shuttle."

"Can we ride the cannibals?" Elijah asked Jimmy this as they were leaving to go to Snake Park. Elijah is always good for a laugh...he meant the camels. Speaking of snakes, one was killed (15 feet from Trina’s chair) shortly before services began the first night of the meeting.

Tanzania is still plagued with water and electricity problems (probably due to the lack of rain but also, according to the Tanzanians, due to government corruption). We went 3 days last week without enough water to wash clothes (just had enough to drink, wash dishes, take sponge baths and occasionally flush toilets). We are low again but the water truck cannot come again until tomorrow (and we're not holding our breath that they will arrive then). We are only able to write this report because our generator is on (and it's having problems from being on so much!)

Non-Christian Agatha (been mentioned many times) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl (Catherine) last week. The Oklahoma group left brand-new baby clothes and I delivered some to Agatha. She was very thankful and, since it is a tradition that new mothers here stay confined to their house (and bed) for months, this will provide the perfect opportunity for us to continue our study!

Our appreciation is extended to you for your kindness and support of us and this work. We also extend our thanks to all that Brian Horner, Jessica Smith, Austin Horne, Tom Watkins and Terry Wall have done while they have been here. They all leave this week (Monday and Thursday). Please pray for their safe travel back home. My friend Helen is not improving on her "herbal medicine," is still weak and in pain due to her cancer. Trina hopes to visit her this week (two of her children were in services today). Have a blessed week! 

In Christian Love,
Jimmy, Trina, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace, Stuart, David, Naomi, Elijah and Matthew Gee

One Great Tool...Safari For Souls: Read On

Greetings Fellow Workers; 

We continue in the Lord, praying all is well and that the Lord is blessing you in such a way that it lead you to greater works to His glory. We never take for granted the many blessings we have from Him, through you. We are a blessed people to be sure, and we know the best is yet to come.

Safari for Souls - what comes to your mind when you read these words; “Safari for Souls”? Andrew Connally shared this idea with me many years ago. Based on what he said, the good seen from such efforts, and knowing this was God’s will, I too believed and have supported such efforts for the past eighteen years. 

Safari for Souls - has been a major part of the Tanzania 2000 mission effort from the beginning. We know this is God’s will because He said; “go into all the world” and He has said the purpose of the “Church” was to seek and save the lost. We know it is God’s will because it is through the “preaching of the Gospel” that we are to know God, His will and know of the salvation that comes only through Christ.

Safari for Souls - is but one tool the Lord uses to edify the Saints. Volumes could be written as to the lives that have been changed by those who have had enough faith to “step out” in faith, and often stepping out of their “comfort zone” to do God’s will. We have been privileged to witness first hand many lives changed for the good, because they came and through making a difference in the lives of countless souls here in Tanzania, their lives have been changed.

Safari for Souls - Kisongo ends today with one more soul being added to the Kingdom. The follow-up continues with the other congregations and as of this writing 65 souls have given their lives to Christ through God’s Safari for Souls efforts this year. Say what you might, think as you will, but the results simply speak for themselves. 

Safari for Souls - campaigners, congregations and God, we say thank you! Thank you all for the difference you have made, continue making and to God be the glory. 

East Africa Gospel Meeting - will be conducted at Busia, Uganda. This effort is a direct result of the example set by the Safari for Souls efforts. Each year they rotate between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. This is planned, supported and executed by the congregations in East Africa. Yet another example of the true Church growth we have experienced through the TZ2000 mission effort. Jimmy has been invited to speak this year on the subject of; “Marriage and Divorce” and I have been invited to speak on the subject of “The Power of the Cross.” We are both honored and excited about the opportunity and will be traveling to Uganda in three weeks to support this evangelistic effort.

We close with grateful hearts and prayers for each of you. We thank you for joining hands with us in the simple, yet profound goal, seeking and saving the lost by glorifying God by caring out His great commission. 

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

It Is About Making A Difference...

Sharing the news about Extension Training with others keeps me excited about the work. I love seeing the encouragement it brings to others and I am encouraged by the willingness of so many great people to get involved in the future of the work.

So far, during July, I have been given opportunity to visit with several congregations about the work we are doing through Extension Training. I cannot put into words how edifying it has been for Sheryl and me to be with those of like mind. 

Please consider how you can be involved in making a difference by fulfilling the Great Commission through Extension Training. There are a number of levels where you are needed. First, we need your prayers. I do not want this idea to ever seem trite, or as if it is the “least” we can do. It is the most important step needed in the success of this work. I thank you for your prayers and plead with you to be praying everyday. Pray for the students, instructors, coordinators, and the various needs within each location.

Second, we need teachers. Every year there are numerous classes being taught around the world as “short courses.” These classes go for two weeks, one class each week. We have a number of subjects and 15 locations to choose from. If you are interested in helping out in this way, please send me an e-mail and we can begin discussing the possibilities.

Third, we need promoters. Each of you receiving this letter can forward it to others. Please share the news about the Extension Training program with others you know. I have seen the way God can powerful work through someone else, once they were informed to the need. God works providentially in ways we cannot imagine and sometimes it was by simply forwarding an e-mail.

Fourth, we need financial assistance. It is the most challenging part of this work. There are monthly and one time needs. If you are interested in supporting a student or helping buy any of the various “one-time” needs within a school, again, drop me a line and I will be glad to give you some of the specific items needed.

Thank you for your consideration of the various ways you can help in this program. If you would like to know more about any one of these areas, please contact me at bturner@bvbid.org. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing how you can get involved in making the difference in the lives of others.

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

Gary and Sarah Fallis recently returned from Cambodia. They were involved in the work of the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap, as well as, working with the local congregations. Gary’s report includes an article from Phanat Ouch (director of the IBISR) and his wife, Sarah, about the work she did with the women.

Extension Reports 

Making Your Calling Sure: The work in Cameroon focuses on helping the students have reassurance, but it also involves continually evangelizing others with the message of Jesus.

Plans For Growth In Takoradi: Steps are being taken to help the West Coast School of Preaching with physical needs of the school and the development of the students.

Numerical Growth Through Campaigns: Cesar shares great news about the recent increase God provided in two campaigns.

Visitors In Nepal: July saw a few visitors from Texas working with the school in Nepal and helping in the work.

Successful Program In Togo Graduation: Willie Gley provided us with a report about the recent graduation in Togo.

Developments In Uganda: Several areas continue to develop with the work in Busia, Uganda. Francis Wechesa shares the events from the past week.

Thank You For Making A Difference In Tanzania: The Safari for Souls Campaign in Arusha is yielding fruit for the Lord. 

Exciting News In Arusha, Tanzania: The Gee report talks about the growth of the church in Arusha. It is worth reading. 

Final Thoughts
Each report this week continues to demonstrate the difference being made around the world through the Extension Program. The reports are exciting and God is being glorified through the work. I am constantly amazed at the growth God is giving to efforts of so many.

I hope you all know how important your role is in the development and growth of this work. Cy Stafford said it best when he wrote; “thank you for making a difference.” You truly are making an eternal difference in the lives of so many folks around the world. Thank you.

God bless
Bob

Thank You For Making A Difference In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

What a week the Lord has blessed us with. We pray all is well in your life of service to the Lord and in His Kingdom. Our prayers of thanksgiving are offered up on your behalf daily. We realize it is through you the Lord is allowing such grand efforts and success here in Tanzania and throughout all East Africa to be what is has been.

We are about to engage in our fifth Safari for souls campaigns of the year. The Kisongo campaign will begin tomorrow (Tuesday). This is one of many congregations the Arusha Church has planted. The Andrew Connally School of Preaching students attend and support this congregation when they are in session.

This year we went the extra mile with our supporting short term campaigners from OK, TN, AL, MS, GA and LA in making sure the pre-campaign efforts and follow-up efforts were in place and as affective as possible. The results are coming in and the numbers are reflecting a marvelous increase from our Lord. The support of our local congregations has been all we could have hoped for and even more.

To illustrate; this past week two souls were added to the Kingdom as a result of the follow up efforts at Manyire. Six souls were baptized into Christ at Kwa Mrombo. Three souls obeyed the Gospel at Kisongo as a result of the pre-campaign efforts. Tom Watkins and Terry Hall from LA worked with a new Church plant at Longido, working among the Massia people and one souls gave his life to the Lord yesterday (Sunday). On Saturday alone seven souls obeyed the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

To see all the Lord is doing through the ACSOP graduates, new Church plants, our dedicated co-laborers from the U.S. and the faithful commitment to the cause of Christ from the local Christians is all inspiring. The wonderful cooperation from Jimmy and his family as genuine team players has made all the difference in the world.

When one considers all the above, this has been truly the best of the best when is comes to summer (winter here) campaign efforts. With one campaign yet to complete, we glorify our God for the 56 souls who have already been added to the Kingdom of His dearly beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

Stephanie and I consider it a joy, a blessing, and a privilege to be serving here in TZ. We thank you and we thank our God for this blessing. To all our short term workers who have come, are here and are yet to arrive, we say thank you! Thanks for making a difference in the lives of countless souls and for the positive impact you have had on the Lord Church and work in Tanzania. May our God bless you beyond measure. 

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Making Your Calling Sure...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from CBIW. We are doing great in all that we have planned to do for this third quarter. I do hope your family and the church are doing great. I am always very happy to share with you what is making news in our campus. God is doing great things to accomplish His work in our lives.

In the picture to the right, preacher Eddie Samuel performs the baptism of this new sister. Please keep her in your prayers so she will continue in the faith.

All students are doing fine after a short break. They went to their villages and some went to where they served during campaign and God used them again.

All the programs for this week went on well, from morning devotions to evening devotions. The theme for chapel for this month is MAKING YOUR CALLING SURE. Students and lecturerers are encouraging one another in our calling and to perfect it in any giving opportunity.

Our student, Etongwe Nicholas, worked in a village where the church existed in the 70’s but was dead. He succeeded in seeking these Christians and one new Christian was added into their body during the student’s stay in Nyassoso. Please commit this young congregation in the hands of God as they are pleading for the school to be sending students to nurture and evangelize their community which is characterized by Presbyterianism.

Etongwe Nicholas worked in the Ngusi congregation with the family there.This is a congregation that had problems that led to severe division and backsliding. When our students arrived at the village, he did his best to win back many who were fallen and they came back rejoicing, serving their God. Please from about 10 members who remain to this number now, the number of Christians that returned to the faith during his stay there. More will come as long as we continue to send students to this congregation. Remember this work in your prayers and support us to go where the gospel is calling.

The Negusi congregation had a great day during worship. Some of them who have stayed above 10 years without worshipping. We glorify God’s name for the creation of CBIW. Many thanks to the Bear Valley Bible Institute for coming to us and many of you who stand by us to see the realization of our dream. Many more things will be done as long as this school remains in this land for the glorification of God through His works.

The CBIW students endured heavy rains on their way to baptize Linda Pempeh, our new sister who accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior being baptized into Christ.  Her father is a pastor in the United Pentecostal Church. Since her baptism we have not had any problems from her family members, glory be to God. Because most of the time, people from such backgrounds will bring problems to the preacher and the church and at times, it will end up to be a police case.

I just returned from a mission trip making arrangements for our next campaign. Thanks for your prayers through my travel. We shall, by next month, involve in the virgin lands, a campaign to establish congregations in communities where there is no church of Christ. I pray God will open the way for us to have means to meet up with this campaign.

We have a projection device and DVD from WVBS that we can play to attract the community to come and watch and at the end we shall preach the saving message, but we are still in need for a public address system so that we shall use it to preach and people will hear us from a distance. We are also in need of a generator so that when we go to villages without power, as most villages are without power, it shall not hinder the gospel to go forth. Think about this and help us, as we prepare the living bread for those who are hungry. We shall give it freely, but come and be with us in the bakery to produce this bread.

Transportation to mission areas and back to the campus is another problem we are crying about.

Thanks very much for being there for us. Thanks for your prayers, support and concern. Do your best to share this news with others. God bless you. 

Elangwe and family
By His grace, director CBIW

Plans For Growth In Takoradi...

Dear Brethren, we bring you greetings from Takoradi, Ghana. We are grateful for the privilege to serve and to report on our work for June, 2011.

We sent an SOS concerning our leaking roofs in last report. Brothers Robert Turner and Steven Ashcraft visited the school June 20 2011 to see the damage and to discuss with us some requirements of the Bear Valley program.  On their departure the next day, brother Ashcraft left money to buy needed roofing sheets, wood and nails to repair the damage. We are grateful.

The school year ended June 18 2011. Our students are now on vacation and will be returning August 5 for the short courses which begin August 8. The instructors completed their Master’s classes with brother Ted Cherry June 17 (incidentally, my birthday). There are assignments to be completed through October 2011. We are using the vacation to enroll students for the new class to begin in September.

The school was invited to attend the lectureship and graduation of the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies. All the instructors and three students (the maximum our van could take) left Takoradi for Tamale Thursday, June 23 and returned to Takoradi Monday, June 27, 2011.  The lectureship was on Friday, June 24 and I presented a message on AN APPRECIATION OF THE PAST. The graduation on Saturday, June 25 saw 15 men who had completed the two-year program of studies awarded their certificates by brother Robert Turner. On Sunday, June 26 all the graduates and most of the invited guests and brethren from the two congregations in Tamale worshipped together to offer thanks to God.

We have provisionally planned our next graduation for November 2011. There will be a Bear Valley representative to award the certificates.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Daniel k Ampadu-Asiamah

Numerical Growth Through Evangelistic Campaigns...

The following note was sent from Cesar Tabora who works as an instructor with the school in Danli, Honduras.

Hello brother Bates: I was in Costa Rica. I spoke with a preacher there, looking at the possibility of, in the future, sending students to Danlí to the institute, God willing. This brother was a teacher one time in his country. His name is Ricardo Alvarez, preacher in Liberia, Costa Rica. This brother is interested in sending from his congregation brethren who would come to prepare themselves here. I was in two evangelistic campaigns; 11 were baptized in one, and 4 in the other. 

God bless you
Cesar Tabora

Visitors In Nepal...

Respected brothers in Christ...

Holy greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May the grace of God, love and peace always be with you.

We have good brothers visit us from Texas in the month of July (3rd to 15th, 2011). We had Don Prather, sister Janie Prather, and Art Gibson. Brother Don took five days for special classes on the first week for our students on “Work of Evangelism” and “Personal Work of an Evangelist.” We have invited thirty guest preachers from out of Kathmandu Valley to participate on Don’s classes for the second week. His topic was “How To Study The Bible.” He used a general method of study by reading scriptures, then talking with others and again reading with a loud voice and making a list of the statements and derive main points for practical lessons. Our guest preachers were amazed with his new method of Bible Study. All participants were nourished and encouraged by his teaching. His lessons were very much useful and practical. We would like to see him next year.

Thanks

Servant of Christ... Gajendra Deshar

Nepal Center for Biblical Studies

Successful Program In Togo Graduation...

OVER 400 ATTEND GRADUATION PROGRAM 

After two trips to Kpalime and several hours of planning, the day finally came, 18^th June 2011. It had rained at dawn at about 2:30 am. I remembered waking up because of a loud thundering sound indicating beginning of rainfall and I was lamenting whether the program would come on. I was up at about 5 am to join the brethren at the center where the program would take place. Final preparations were made and all was set for the program to start at 9 am. However, due to the rain that night, guests were late in arriving. 

The program started at about 10.00 am. Some of the guests included all the congregations in the Kpalime area, brethren from Lome who came along with a singing group to grace the occasion, chiefs and elders of the Kpalime and surrounding villages, Police chief, army boss, Stephen Ashcraft and wife, most of the preachers of the church in Togo, brethren from Ho in the Volta Region and family and friends of graduating class and well-wishers. The guest speaker was Bro. Sammy Dzamesi a preacher, principal of the Sonrise school, WBS worker and an elder from Ho church of Christ, Ghana. I also spent some time to give the background of CBS, our achievements, challenges and our plans for the future. Certificates were awarded to eight (8) who had completed 38 courses. Bob Turner, director of extension program at the Bear Valley Bible Institute also delivered a special message from Bear Valley and awarded the certificates and portfolios to the students and instructors. All the preachers present laid hands on the graduating students while a preacher from Ho offered a special prayer. A student representative delivered a special message from the student body and the first part of the program for the day came to an end.

We moved to the venue for the reception where guests were served food specially prepared for the occasion. It was an exciting moment because several preachers were together and spent some time discussing the welfare of the church in Togo. The graduation program brought unity through fellowship.

The third and final part of the program was the church service organized by the graduates. The eight preachers took control of all the activities of the service demonstrating their leadership abilities. 

Finally, on Monday, I had a meeting with all the preachers and thanked all who in diverse ways helped to make the program a success. I facilitated the assessment of the entire program and accepted comments which would help in organizing future programs.

In spite of a successful program, I had to spend three days taking treatment for exhaustion and had to rest for two days before returning to Accra. We wish to thank Gabriel Oaks, Stephen Ashcraft and Bob Turner for the financial contributions.

Willie Gley

Developments in Uganda...

Dear brethren,

It was a good Sunday. I worshiped with the Bukalikha church of Christ. The worship was good. I was given a chance to teach during the class time. I taught them the book of Joshua chapter one. They have started clearing the area where they are going to start making raw bricks. My wife, Margaret, has lost her cousin back in Kenya. She left this afternoon for a funeral, they will be  burying tomorrow. 

Brother Samson Omutele has gone to Nairobi for his final arrangements for the fund raising for the school fees of his son. The total funds targeted at is $2,000 dollars for the first year. He has invited me to be the guest of honor during the occasion. As a guest of honor, I need to go with a deep pocket so that others should follow. The fund raising will be held on 3rd September 2011.  

We need your prayers. Emma Mawa, the husband of my daughter, worshiped at Namungodi church of Christ. He was their preacher today. Ema joined Uganda School of Evangelism this year and he is doing fine although he came when we had finished teaching Homiletics. As a degree holder he can learn on his own many things which was taught before he joined the school. May the Lord bless you as you serve Him.

Yours
Francis Wechesa

Exciting News In Arusha, Tanzania...

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters,

We rejoice this week because so many were baptized into Christ…and we don’t think we know about everyone! However, we will tell you what we know. First of all, a lady named Dorisi visited the Ladies’ Wednesday night Bible class. She was not a friend or relative of any members but attended out of curiosity (she had noticed many neighbors coming to services). After studying with Brian Horner on Thursday, she became a New Testament Christian. You should have seen her big smile this morning when she joined the ladies class. Jane’s (new Christian from last week) neighbor, Miriam, also became a Christian. Among the visitors in class was the niece of new sister Helen (too weak to attend). “Thankfulness’ was our topic of study this morning.

We are super-excited that Lembris’ brother (Isaac) and sister-in-law (next-door neighbors) were taught and baptized! To appreciate their conversion more, some background information is necessary. Shortly after Lembris and wife, Rosemary, became Christians, Rosemary spent time in jail due to an argument between her and the sister-in-law concerning the ownership of a cow. Out of anger, Rosemary had struck her sister-in-law and injured her. Since then, Rosemary would tell the Bible class of the problems continuing between them. We would then pray for peace between them. Once, when Ahimidiwe went to Rosemary’s house for a follow-up study, the sister-in-law said that we were bad people because they studied with Rosemary but not with her and her family. So now you know “the rest of the story.” Lembris asked for prayers that his family could have peace and not quarrel.

Last week 3 ladies volunteered to continue studying with some ladies Trina had begun teaching but was unable to finish (due to not having a translator). We received a report back from Ludevica (Ahimidiwe’s wife) who studied with Joyce (Janet’s sister). Joyce (married with a one-month old) says she is ready to be baptized but, when she asked her father, he said he would not allow it due to her baby’s young age. Joyce says she will be baptized in about 9 months. We know this makes no sense to you (and not to us either). We do know that for some reason, even after a woman is married, that her father still seems to have undue power and influence over her. It is possible that she is using this as an excuse but we hear similar reasons quite often. We suggested that Ludevica continue to teach her about heaven, hell and the uncertainty of life.

This week begins the campaign at Kisongo (also sister congregations are coming to help). The women will be cooking three meals a day for all the workers (setting up/conducting Bible studies and spreading the news about the evening services each night). A Children’s Seminar (similar to VBS) will be conducted on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings by Kisongo ladies, Jessica Smith (visitor), Trina and Abigail.

Tom Watkins and Terry Wall arrived this past week to work in the Longido area. We are very happy to have these two men from Zachary, LA where we spent 2 years with the church there and formed close friendships with many. PLEASE remember the people listed in this report in prayer. We truly believe that the conversion of Lembris’ brother and sister-in-law was the direct result of so many prayers. Thank you for everything! 

Until All Have Heard,  
Jimmy, Trina and family

New class starting

Dear Brethren,
Greetings to you from Visakha Valley Bible College in the precious name of Lord Jesus Christ, We are grateful to God for His kindness. Hope all is well with you, and you had a safe return to Denver. I bet you have been busy, spending every minute wisely for the benefit of the extension schools across the world. It is really wonderful to see the brethren at Bear Valley operating Extension school all across the world. We are privileged to be part of their team of producing effective communicators of the gospel. 
 
Fresh Batch:
 
It is our esteemed joy to celebrate the first graduation exercises of our 16 graduates of the Class of 2011. Now, we are geared up for equipping another batch of Bible Students. Actually, we have received so many applications, from which we finalized 14 so far. We shall be limiting our student number to 16, like we did with the previous batch. We have news that other students will be regular students from next onwards. Now days denominational Bible colleges are offering several packages to the enrolled students. So, it is taking some time for the people who are applying for admission into our college. However, we have given opportunity for all the applicants to come and spend some days to understand how the training system is like. This has given very good results, because of that we have 14 students enrolled. Some of these students have come from a denominational back ground.
 
Entrance Exam:
 
An Entrance exam/test and an interview after the exam is something the enrolling students have to go through. It gives us an idea for the instructors about the student’s level in Bible knowledge. This test also contains some general knowledge question, which would help us to understand the student’s social awareness. After the exam is over when we go through their answers, it clearly discloses the student’s Bible knowledge. We have some students coming from a denominational background; with the help of test in the future we would correct the students during the class, of course we do not have to particularly spare time for that, since everything will be covered during the classes. We noticed several who do not know about Divinity/Godhead, Baptism is a must for salvation, Jesus our mediator so our prayers should go through him etc., the denominational world in India teaches false doctrine about the mentioned issues, which drives away the listeners to the farthest extent from truth. It is really a tough task for the preachers of sound doctrine to correct it and get it accepted. 
 
Faculty Meeting:
 
We had couple of Director& Faculty meetings during the last two months. We thought about meeting twice as we had to discuss several things and plan for the future school year.  With the experience we acquired, we have come up with a approach to implement for providing more enhanced education/training to the students. We had exchanged our ideas/suggestion, of course advises have been exchanged too. Finally, we all agreed to work together as a team with newer ideas to train these men as effective communicators of the gospel. When I mentioned about Chuck’s mission to enlarge the Library, they were all thrilled, especially when they heard about the number of books he gathered for the school.
 
Financial Statement:
 
Attached are the financial statements of for the month of May and June. We are thankful to the brethren at Bear Valley and also to the brethren at Lake Huston Church of Christ. Indeed we are thankful to brother Steve Wiseman and Ralph Williams who highly recommended our school.
We bought a Spiral binding machine, this will be used to spiral bind the notes that we give to the students. So far we do not have this facility, preserving the material and keeping it in order was a problem.
 
 Campaign Week:
 
We had the final campaign week with the previous batch of students. Besides the participation of the students, faculty of the Bible school under the guidance of our Bible College Director, we held 3 Gospel campaigns in three different places. We had the opportunity to study with several individuals and families; we also conducted 8 gospel meetings during this time. Through our efforts there are 18 people were added to the Church during last two months. During the month of June we had a Preachers’ Fellowship meeting in Srikakulum District, which is about 120 kms from Visakhapatnam. We had a thrilling experience when we held this meeting under the shadow of trees. Two people were added to the church on this day.
 
 Short course:
 
We are looking forward for the upcoming visit of Chuck Ramseur. He shall be teaching ‘Christian Evidences.’ I am in regular correspondence with him. We made the necessary arrangements for his arrival. He sent us the material that he will be using while teaching the class. He is way in advanced prepared with the Test questions as well. We are excited about his visit to India.
 
 Master Classes:
 
Jerry Bates and another teacher Greg Hamlin will be coming in the month of September. I learned from him only yesterday that Greg will be teaching two short courses (Scheme of Redemption, The book of Acts), while Jerry teaches two Master Class subjects. Things are coming pretty hand in hand as we communicate regularly.
Brother Gary Fallis is suppose to come in the month of Jan’12, due to his busy schedule Denton Landon will be coming in his place. Both of them will be coming in the month of July’12 for the first graduation exercises program of the Master’s Class.
 
Thank you note:
 
Dear brethren we thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to evangelize India, we pray that our combined efforts would bring many to Christ and New Testament Churches be established, and the established congregation may be edified.
 
All of us at Visakha Valley Bible College are thanking you for your kindness to help run the school to evangelize our countrymen. We continue to extend our efforts beside any kind of difficulties, to reach our mission of evangelizing India and edifying the local congregations. 
 

Messages Worth Sharing...

Although we are moving into the summer throughout the U.S. there continues to be growth and progress in the work throughout many parts of the world. It is encouraging to read about the work among the schools where men are training to preach, as well as, the campaigns where many are teaching the gospel and God is giving the increase.

I continue to be encouraged by the dedication of these men who study all week and then spend their weekends evangelizing areas around the school, or in villages where they live. Our God is blessing those who are serving in His kingdom. I have heard it presented that we may not see the magnitude of our labors are in this life. This could very well be true. However, God seems to know how to keep us encouraged by allowing us to share in the fruit that is being born through the work of Extension Training.

We had opportunity to visit a congregation in Branson, Missouri yesterday. The preacher, Tim Kidwell, referenced business cards for the congregation and asked all who were visiting to take these cards with them. The purpose was to encourage the large number of visitors who were visiting various areas of Branson to take cards and hand them out to everyone. To date they have distributed over 8,000 cards. I was impressed, took a stack of cards and thought, this is exactly what we need to do with the weekly Extension report. So, I am encouraging each of you to share the report with everyone you know.

As I visit with various congregation about the work of the Extension program, I love adding more people to the list who want to read about this work. I urge you to share the report with others and if you know of anyone who would like to receive the report, please send me their e-mail address and I will see they receive it each week.

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

Howell Ferguson reports about the work and need in Chimala. Please take time read about the Chimala Mission and the Bible Institute working in the southern part of Tanzania.

Donnie Bates recently returned from Honduras. His report shares information about the situation in Danli.

Extension Reports 

The Lord Adds To The Church In Cameroon: Even though the students have returned home for a short break, the work continues and God adds to the church through the evangelistic efforts in Cameroon.

Fruit Born In Honduran Campaign: This may be a short report, but the news is long on greatness concerning the growth in a recent campaign.

Returning Home: The students are returning to their homes to plant crops in Tamale, Ghana and Tony Johnson prepares to return to the U.S. 

Reaching The Lost In East Africa: The work continues to grow in East Africa as several prepare to participate in a large lectureship.

Planting, Watering, And God Gives The Increase: The more I read about the work in Arusha, Tanzania, the more encouraging the information is about the work. Take time to read this powerful report.

Training Africans To Teach Africans: In the midst of this report, the Gee family speaks about the growth in the Arusha congregation taking responsibility in the work. 

A New Class Prepares To Begin: With graduation behind them, the Visakha Valley Bible College prepares students who are beginning the second class of students. 

Final Thoughts
I simply want to close with saying thank you. A common thread throughout the reports each week, and all of these today, is the gratitude expressed by everyone involved in this work. I do not know of anyone involved who takes for granted the value of your sacrifice to make this work possible.

Your sacrifice to help us in the Extension Program is producing fruit around the world. The reports included today show the kind of growth God is supplying through the preaching of the gospel. The men who are going out to preach and teach are equipping themselves adequately to do the work when they finish school.

Please remember them in your prayers. Again, your sacrifice is noticed and appreciated. I pray God will bless you all richly for the gift you have supplied.

God bless
Bob

The Lord Adds To The Church In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from CBIW. I do hope you are doing great in all that you do for the Lord and your family. I am here to share with you last minute news about the work in CBIW.

The Lord added sister Eposi Hannah into His body in Wotutu through the evangelistic efforts of those few students who remain on campus in order to start preparing for the courses for the next semester. This picture shows Eposi Hannah being immersed.

The report will be short because most of the students travel to their villages for a short break after the short courses. We thank God that all of them travelled safe and got to their destinations without any problems. They were encouraged to rest with their families while they get involved in local church work.

Because of the zeal and the motto of our school, wherever the students go they keep sharing the saving message. We are aware of many Cameroonians need to eat bread so we have the courage to hawk the free bread from Jesus bakery, a bakery which is always available with bread as we call those who are wallowing in need of bread.

I am thankful to god for you as you stand to support the bakery that produces bread for the hungry population God will bless you in all that you do to sustain this effort in Cameroon.

Shows the director, brother Elangwe Esowe, brother David Ballard, sister Rebecca Boluma, brother Ademe Obase and our driver, Itoe Maurice, at the airport to say thank you for coming to help train men to preach the gospel and goodbye for a work well done. The memories of brother David is still fresh in our congregation in Wotut as it was announced this morning that he arrived safe, sound, strong and healthy. We pray God to be with him and if is God’s will to come back next summer in CBIW.

Thanks very much for loving us and your suport for the school to train men to preach the gospel. Do your best to share our reports with others who will share with others.

Pray for us as we start long courses this week. We start with the Old Testament 2, Life of Christ 2, The Book of Job and Advanced English and Writing Skills. 

Stay blessed and God be with you again. Our plea for a public address system is still our cry as we get involved in church planting this semester in new communities.

Elangwe and family

Fruit Born In Honduran Campaign...

Recent campaign news from Danli, Honduras:

The campaign of the village of San Francisco was on the dates of June 18-23 and there were 10 baptisms and 5 restorations. A group of approximately 35 North Americans and about 15 Latins worked in the campaign. Your servant was helping translate and evangelize. After that campaign we went to the glen of Valley of Angels. We had 5 baptisms with 2 restorations. Your servant was working as evangelist and translator also. Brethren Yoni and Oscar were not able to come on this campaign.

Hector Viera

Returning Home...

One of the students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, Tony Johnson, continues his work with the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies. His most recent report about the work is posted below. If you would like to see more of Tony’s posts with pictures, you can visit his blog site.

This will be my last update from Ghana. By this time next week I will be in Accra and my computer will be in Tamale where I am leaving it for the school. I plan on spending a few days in Accra before heading back to Denver on Saturday the 16^th.

This week we saw the students complete their final exams for the first quarter classes, which were Survey of the Bible, Life of Christ 1, Becoming a Faithful Christian, and Writing Skills 1. After finishing their classes they all headed home for a two month break in order to complete their planting. Every student this year is a sustenance farmer, growing primarily yams, and count on their small fields to provide both food and money for their families during the coming year. With the rainy season beginning a little earlier than usual this year they have been anxious to get home and get started. They will come back on August 29^th for their second quarter before taking another break for harvesting. Then back for the third, fourth and fifth quarters before next planting season. It has certainly been quiet here at the school since they left!

Sunday I went to teach at Tamale West church of Christ. The car that was supposed to pick me up broke down coming to get me, so I decided to ride the motorcycle over with one of the members who lives near the school on the back to give me directions. This was my first visit with this congregation, which is significantly smaller than the Tamale East congregation I had previously visited. They meet in a school room they rent for the day, and we had 60 in attendance which filled the room completely. Services were great up to the point that a storm blew in and the rain on the sheet metal roof made it impossible to hear. So we just waited it out for about 45 minutes, and when the rain let up enough that we could hear we completed our worship. I couldn’t help but wonder if we had a 45 minute delay in the middle of our worship service back home, would everyone just sit patiently and wait for it to resume? We got a little wet riding home afterwards, but all in all it was a great day. I was invited to return next Sunday to preach, so I will be looking forward to that.

The rest of the weekend was spent waiting for the power to come back on, which went out on Saturday night and finally returned late Monday afternoon. The biggest problem with not having power is trying to sleep without a fan. I finally put up a mosquito net so I can open the windows a little at night to hopefully get a cool breeze now and then. I have also learned that one of the problems with sleeping under a mosquito net is forgetting you are sleeping under it when you attempt to get up in the dark.

Tuesday I took a road trip to Yendi with the hope of meeting some others who are involved with church of Christ mission work in Northern Ghana.  American missionary Steve Taylor operates a well-baby clinic called the Good News Child Development Center there, and a group from Searcy Arkansas, called the Rural Water Development Project, is involved with well drilling in the villages. Unfortunately the Taylors where back in the States and I could find no-one from Arkansas at the well drilling headquarters, so I left a message and will try to greet them the next time I am in the area. There is also a Mission Clinic at the site that is run by Ghanaians that offers basic medical services.

Once I return to the US I will have three weeks before classes begin again. I will be traveling to Arkansas to give a report to the Greenbrier church of Christ on Sunday morning, July 24^th and at the Colony church of Christ on Wednesday the 27^th. Then I will be in Mesa Arizona on July 31^st to give a presentation at the Mesa church of Christ. If there are any other congregations that would like to hear more about the work in Ghana please send me an e-mail and I will make arrangements to visit. I am looking forward to getting to visit with many of you who have made it possible for me to be here. Thanks again to all of you who have made this work possible through your support. God bless you for all you do!

Tony