Churches Working In Cambodia...

Dear brethren,

Things are going alright with the church and school here in Siem Reap Cambodia.

We are about to harvest now, especially in the village congregations. Also, as the church at Takam now wtih Cheouy, who is the leader for the congregation, they are trying to run the registration to cover the church there and, soon or later, they will have their own permission that they will not worry any more with the denominations around.

Sokchea, who is the leader for the congregation at Leang Dai, will marry soon with Pisey. We are happy for them to marry so that they can help the work there more.

We as the staff plan to have the church leaders meeting in Janaury, as I reported earlier. Also, this coming December 15-18 we plan to have a camp for the school to visit the beach in Cambodia, and during that time, the staff will have five personal goals to share to one another.

The bridge is working good, but as it was built a little bit small, so that the van of our orphanage can't come through, I think if we have a better driver that he can make it.

All in all the works are doing ok and we are looking forward to making contact to a group of people down in the Battambang area trying to set up Bible studies with them as they are used to the members of the denomination.

That's what I have now to share with you all and I am looking to report more next time. 

In His service
Chann

God Is Good All The Time...

Even though December is just beginning and the year is quickly coming to an end, the work of Extension Training is making a powerful impact on the world. Sacrifices are being made, souls are being won for the Lord, lives are being changed and the church is growing numerically and spiritually.

Plans are moving forward for 2012. The potential is incredible as we look at several new locations to share in the work of training men to preach the gospel. God is opening a number of doors and we are excited about the possibilities. I look forward, with great anticipation, to sharing the news as it unfolds in the months ahead.

The Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver is also looking forward to a new class of students in January. At this time we will potentially have one of, if not, the largest January enrollments for the Denver campus. Everyone at the Bible Institute is encouraged by the increased interest of men who desire to prepare themselves for ministry. 

We ask you to join us in praying for the work of Extension Training as it expands in the new year. We also ask you to pray for the current and incoming students here in Denver. If everything unfolds accordingly, we could possibly be looking at nearly 400 students in the entire Bear Valley program of training men to preach the gospel. Now that is news to get excited about!

God is good all the time and all the time, God is good. I am sure you have heard this many times before. Yet, it seems as I read the reports received each week, I continue to see how true it is. God has been so good to me, personally. However, God is so good to this work. I believe you will see the same as you read through each of the reports below. Our God is so good.

The news speaks for itself...

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

Donnie Bates recently sent his monthly report about his work at the extension school in Chimala and upcoming plans in Honduras. Read more about his recent work here. You can also read more about his trip to Honduras over the last few days here.

Extension Reports 

Students Campaign In 18 Locations In Cameroon: After completing the first year of training in Cameroon, students for the next two weeks will be campaigning in 18 locations.

Phanat Visits The U.S. and Several Visit Cambodia: Two teams recently visited the work in Cambodia and Phanat was able to visit the U.S. and surprise his parents. This is a great report.

A Young Work With Great Potential: Even though the work in Ukraine is less than 20 years old, the potential from graduates in the Extension program will help change the future of the church.

AWESOME! This Is Great News: Cy Stafford’s report shares the incredible news of growth throughout Tanzania. The graduates from the ACSOP are making a difference.

Graduation And Other Great Work In Tanzania: The recent graduation of students from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, along with the evangelist efforts of Jimmy and Trina Gee’s work in Arusha, Tanzania is bring others to Christ. 

Final Thoughts
Each week we draw closer to the end of the year and it is approaching quickly. With each week I grow more thankful for each of you. I know that each day this work grows because of the tremendous generosity of wonderful brothers and sisters like you. The sacrifices you make on this side, combined with the sacrifices being made by brethren on the other side, bears fruit in great ways.

Thank you for your love for the Lord, for His church, and for the lost. Together, as fellow-workers in the kingdom, God is working through us and giving the increase to our efforts. To God be the glory.

God bless
Bob

AWESOME! This Is Great News...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We hope and pray all is well and that this note finds you all on the bright side of life, blessed beyond measure. We are well, blessed with good friends and wonderful fellowship in the Gospel. 

Sid Aultman and Jonathan Weimer have blessed us this week working with the Kwa Mrombo congregation. We are grateful for Sid’s leadership and love of the Gospel in leading the Hoover group each year working with us during the Safari for Souls campaign efforts here in the Arusha area. We thank God for men like these who sacrifice much for the cause of Christ.

Charles Ogutu (one of our ACSOP graduates) sent a report with the great news of a new Church plant, with twelve souls giving their lives to Christ. David Bayi (another graduate) phoned with the good news of a new brother in Christ at the new Meru congregation. Michel Mitalami (another graduate) working with a new Church plant at Monduli, reports two souls being baptized into Christ this week. What a joy it is to be a part of God’s work and to be in joint-fellowship with such godly men here in Tanzania.

Isaac Kusupa is here for a couple of weeks to help with our “Future Preacher’s Training Camp”, and our “Tanzania Christian Camp.” We visited a few minutes before Bible class this morning and he updated me on two new congregations he has helped plant in the western part of Tanzania. The Kabro congregation of twenty two souls (sixteen being baptized in the last month) and the Kumve congregation of thirty two souls (twenty seven obeying the Truth in the last month) are examples of what God is doing through the training of faithful Gospel preachers that they might teach the good people of their home lands (2 Tim. 2.2). 

“Marker” a term used to “judge” the success or lack there of is often asked for by many. This past weekend we witnessed such a “Marker.” The Monduli congregation planned and executed a four day evangelistic campaign effort. No “American Missionary” was involved directly. Yes, we have played a part in training these men and supported them in their lives and efforts, but this event was their’s totally. What a blessing it is to see these men take on the leadership responsibility we had hoped for and worked diligently toward for the past fourteen years.

We are indeed a blessed people of God to have the hope of Heaven God has promised. We are blessed to know our sins are covered by the blood of the Lamb through the Grace of God. We are blessed to have you as friends in this mission effort. We are blessed to have you all as faithful supporters in this work of God. Thank you, God bless you and may your holiday season be all you hope it to be. 

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Graduation And Other Great Work In Tanzania...

"Orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes." ~David Platt

Yes, everything  changes...one’s  eyes are opened and hearts are touched... This quote speaks to our awareness of needs around us...especially the needs of innocent babies who require love, physical care and spiritual guidance to grow into responsible adults. To the left is a picture of the the recently abandoned baby Jessica. Imagine what a difference a church-sponsored, long-term orphanage could make in spreading the Gospel in Tanzania.

Lindsey studied with Therasia three times this past week, focusing on the differences between the Pentecostal denomination and the Lord’s church.

Therasia’s friend (Jackie, age 17) was invited and stayed for one study and later studied alone with Lindsey. When asked why she wanted to learn more about the Bible, Jackie replied, “Because without God, life is nothing.” Both Therasia and Jackie attended our mid-week Bible study.

Last week, Margaret, a 23 year-old employee of the mosquito net factory, was mentioned as having a study scheduled with Lindsey. Although Margaret could not read well (translator read for her) and was nervous about answering some initial questions, the study went well.

Yesterday, the last child-training class for 2011 was conducted (for a total of 11). The mothers listened attentively as the basic Biblical principles of child-training were reviewed, emphasizing that, there is only ONE thing a parent should do: “Train your child to obey you... as you teach  and live by Bible principles.” That’s it in a nutshell! Practical examples were used showing the necessity of the parent being joyful, the need for consistency, how and when to use the rod, spending the majority of your time with your children (Deut. 6: 4-9), the importance of physical affection, and the power of prayer. The basis for any good thing you want to teach your child can be found in the Bible (spiritual growth, good work habits, kindness, respect, good health habits, obedience to the government, hospitality, etc). A recent quote from a sorrowful mother is a great  sobering reminder to us all: “If you lose your children, nothing else in life has any flavor or joy.” In addition to the Bible, Trina gained much insight from a book entitled “NO GREATER JOY” by Michael and Debi Pearl (not members of the church). Although we do not agree 100% with them, parents could greatly benefit from their books and dvd’s on practical, common-sense, Biblical child-training.

Sid Aultman and Jonathan Weimer (from Hoover, AL) have been busy doing evangelism and follow-up at Kwa Mrombo. They have also held studies with members in order to strengthen their faith. The dedication shown by these men to the work here is tremendous. We thank them and pray God blesses them for their sacrifices.

On the home front, Heather and Candace now have braces (Abigail should get hers off this  month) and Lindsey was “set free” 2 years ago. Thankfully, the cost of braces in Tanzania is about half of that in the states. Abigail has been doing a lot of sewing for Christmas gifts and made Naomi the cutest little green blouse and skirt. We’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of the TCC group, especially our oldest son and his friend, Lauren, to make this holiday season a time of family togetherness. May God bless you all as you have blessed us.

In His Service,
The Jimmy Gee family

To view the complete report with pictures from graduation, please click here.

A Young Work With Great Potential...

Dear brothers, families and churches,

I want to share with you some of the news about the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Ukraine. I don’t know many of you personally, but I hope that while reading my reports you will learn more about Ukraine, the church of Christ there and the work of the Bible institute.

Due to God’s help, your prayers and personal support, now we have an opportunity to teach 14 people in this Bible program. Some of them in half a year will graduate and will go on their way serving God and preaching His word in local churches.

November was full of interesting events. First of all, at the beginning of the month, students went on the evangelizing campaigns to 3 cities in Ukraine. Every year we plan 2 campaigns: one takes place in spring and the other takes place in fall. We divided students into 3 teams, as we’ve done it before, and they went to help local churches (Gorlovka, Illovays and Slavyansk). We are working with those churches for quite a while and try to support churches and their ministers there. Overall, the campaign went well, and in some cities the evangelizing brought some fruits, and new people started coming to Bible classes and Sunday services. Our goal is to preach Christ, and in this way we encourage churches to keep on evangelizing constantly. 

Second, we had an opportunity to visit a seminar in Kramatorsk that was taught by American brothers, whose leader was David Deffenbaugh. The topic of the seminar was “Fixing our eyes on Jesus.” There were several speakers who taught us, inspired, encouraged and shared their experience with us for several days.

In this month, there were only Ukrainian teachers teaching the classes: Vladimir Paziy, Vitaliy Rodichev (both of them work as preachers in Kramatorsk) and Victor Semikoz (a preacher from Krasnyy Liman). All of them are Bear Valley graduates. These brothers are constantly working with the Institute and helping it a lot. Due to their help, we have a good team of Ukrainian preachers who think alike and stand in the sound doctrine. 

Besides teaching at the Institute and coordinating its work, I try to visit local churches and look for the potential students. 

At the end of November, we were blessed by the arrival of Owen and Moonean Farley. They have been working in Ukraine for quite a long time, especially with Central Church of Christ in Gorlovka. Owen will teach at the Institute and conduct some classes and seminars for the church. We are thankful for this help and for their desire to serve God. 

As for the building and the process of registering the paperwork, I think that due to the prayers of so many people, we are close to the finish. In the summer, when this building was registered as the church property, we couldn’t know that there would be many difficulties we would have to face, which is signing new contracts with service and utility providers (such as electricity, water, phone companies, land rent, firefighters etc.) and officially discontinuing the old ones. However, the main part of work is already done. Now this three-month-race is almost over. Since we’ve registered the building as the church property, we are already saving 15% of our funds, even though the prices in the world increase annually. Thank you for showing patience and support when we needed it.

Students send you their greetings and gratitude for the opportunity they have to study God’s Word and for their financial support. They understand that if not for the support from American churches, they would have to work full time; therefore, they wouldn’t be able to dedicate that much time to learning Biblical disciplines.

God’s churches in Ukraine are not older than 20 years, and they aren’t still able to support financially this so expensive and yet such an important project as the Bible Institute, that trains and prepares news preacher of the Gospel every year. We need your financial support, and if you are willing to help us, please contact the coordinator of our Institute – Howell Ferguson (hferguson@bvbid.org).

I want to thank you for your help and trust to this extension school in Ukraine, and for showing persistence and effort while helping us. Ukraine is situated in the “heart of the Europe,” so maybe eventually this work that we are doing together will bring forth the big fruits. 

God bless you

Your coworker in serving the Lord
Dennis Sopelnik

To see the report with pictures, click here.

Phanat Visits The U.S. And Several Visit Cambodia...

Dear fellow inheritants of eternal life,

I am thankful for the opportunity to report of the work of Jesus Christ for the past two months. I apologize for not giving a report for the month of October because I was away in the states to meet with some of you! It was such a blessing and happened so fast and I am glad it did. After the "Siem Reap 6" (Wes, Kathy, Sheryl, Sharon, Rachel, and Dale) came to work with us in the month of October, (and did such a wonderful job) I decided to go back with them to meet with the elders of Bear Valley in Denver, Colorado and to do a report of the work here in Cambodia for the members there as well. 

It was my first time to go back to America since I left 4 years ago. I’m really glad that I got to meet such wonderful people while I was there. I thank God for allowing me to be part of His great family. I want to thank Wes and Teri Autrey for allowing me to be a part of their family for a week. They are such a good and godly family and a wonderful example to me. I've learned so many things from them. 

I am grateful for the men and the elders of Bear Valley for being on the same page and allowing me the flexibility to contribute to the work of Christ here in Cambodia. I also want to thank them for not only flying me to America to meet with them but also flying me to Austin, Texas so that I can see my family and supporters there as well. I appreciate their generosity, love, and thoughtfulness. I was able to surprise my parents when I showed up at midnight on their front door. The look and smile on my mothers face was priceless. Needless to say, she didn’t expect me to be there, but right away she asked about my daughter, Katesana (whom I left in Cambodia with her mother). The granddaughter trumps the son every time but it's ok. 

While I was there I got to eat some of my favorite food that I miss so much as well as meet some of my closest friends and personal supporters (Trent, Andy, and Justin). I am so thankful for them and they mean so much to me. It was really good to catch up and just hang out. Of course in four years, a lot of things have changed. Most of us are married with children and it was such a wonderful time for me to see their family and fellowship with them. 

I was also able to see my old school, Southwest School of Bible Studies and visited with some of my old instructors and secretaries there who still remembered me! I enjoyed it very much. I was able to meet with the brethren in Mathis and report to them as well as the brethren who meets in Odem, Texas. It was good getting to meet brother Patrick Hammock, the minister for the church in Odem, and his family as well. Of course, He, Justin, Rick and wife, Lieh Brumback flew to Cambodia to join in the work there a day after I flew back home to Siem Reap. I appreciate so much the work that they did while they were here for two weeks. The students and staff of IBISR and the children at Hannah's Hope really benefited from their teachings and generosity. 

I want to thank Justin Guess, minister for the Mathis church of Christ, for coordinating the group from Texas to come to Cambodia. I know its not easy getting people to volunteer their time to fly oversees to a third world country. I appreciate you so much brother. We also had Bob and Lorene Burright, who are board members and supporters of Hannah's Hope come to visit the work the same week. It's their second time coming and the children love them. We appreciate their love and sacrifice as well. All in all, these past two months have been very exhausting, yet meaningful and blessed. I truly thank God for overflowing me with such goodness. I thank all of you who I've met in person for encouraging me and supporting me to continue to serve God in Cambodia. I apologize to those who I couldn’t meet personally due to the short visit of mine. Lord willing, next time. If you want to see the report with pictures about the work, please click here.

Phanat

Students Campaign In 18 Locations In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from this end. It is good to say hello to you. I am here to appreciate you for all your prayers toward our students as they were traveling to different locations for campaign.

As I mail you now, all the students arrived at their destination safe and sound. I followed yesterday to some locations to meet with students and see their welfare. They are doing great and we give glory to God.

I was able to visit the worship hall of Nake church of Christ waiting for the members to come for worship service by 9 am.

Before they travel, we had a prayer and fasting session before they left campus. The students are in 18 locations for campaign, some to virgin lands, to fully establish new congregations, like Bali and Nkongsamba,

Brother Nicholas Etongwe and Nda worshipped with the Bole church of Christ. Please keep all the students in your prayers. Due to the demands from many congregations, our students will be staying in congregations two weeks for campaigns instead of one week as usual. Pray for them so that their efforts will be fruitful.

Minister Mathias Takoh came all the way from Widikum Central church of Christ in Diche 2. He came to visit the students and to appreciate CBIW for their great devotions they did last campaign there. He taught church music in the Wotutu congregation. Keep him in your prayers. 

Appreciations
I thank God for you, for all your concern and support of the work here. Your great love for the work here is seen and God is blessing it. Thanks very much for that. I shall send a detailed report to you when the students return with their reports. 

Appeal
1) Keep the students in your prayers as they finish their campaign and later go to their villages for vacation. Our second year will start on January 6th and classes will commence on the January 9th.

2) Keep our congregation in your prayers. Keep the young converts in prayer. Please, if you can, help us with some Bibles. It will serve a great purpose.

3) Keep me in your prayers as I travel to my former school of preaching, NCI, in Uyo, Nigeria. It will be a time for me to learn from others, reflect and refresh before I return home to start fresh for the work entrusted in my hands.

4) We still cry for a van that will help us break grounds as we plant and water to win more souls for His glory.

Please do your best to share this report with others. God bless you. 

Elangwe and Family
By His grace director CBIW

Praying For The Plans Of 2012...

We are approaching the last month of the year. As we move ahead in our planning for 2012, we ask each of you to be praying about several specific areas within the Extension Program.

Be praying for the necessary funding for the work. Several of the schools presently have and will begin the new year with financial needs. Some of these needs will be monthly and others are for one time donations.

Be praying for the staff of the Extension Program. There will always be financial needs for these men. We ask for your prayers for them, as well as, their safety in traveling. Remember their families while they are working with the various locations around the world.

Be praying for the teachers and students in each location. These men make tremendous sacrifices to prepare themselves with the word of God. Their efforts to learn and use their training to reach out to others with the gospel is making a difference.

Be praying for overseeing congregations. The challenging economic times of our country have created financial concerns on the part of many. Remember these congregations, along with other individuals and congregations who help contribute financially to the work. 

Be praying for the development of new schools in 2012. We have a number of potential locations we are looking at in the new year. It is exciting to consider the possibilities before us. As we move forward in discussions with congregations to oversee these works, getting the necessary funding in place, as well as, working out the details with the administration in each location, please pray we have the wisdom to make the right decisions.

Be praying we can all increase our faith in the working of God in our lives. There is so much work ahead and God has blessed us richly. Let us continue to grow in our relationship with Him and develop the kind of trust needed to see this program reach its potential in training men to preach the gospel around the world.

The news this week sheds more light on the power of this work...

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

Extension Reports 

25 Added To The Church In Mbalangi, Cameroon: Recent campaign efforts by the staff and students at CBIW are making a huge difference for the Lord’s kingdom.

Gospel Campaign And Preacher’s Fellowship: A recent campaign and preacher’s fellowship in India demonstrates the growth of the work in Visakhapatnam connected to the school.

Students From Congo Seek Training In Uganda: Several men desire to attend classes at the Uganda School of Evangelism. Funds are needed to make it possible.

30 Potential Students Need Your Help In Tanzania: The program is growing in Arusha as more than 150 applicants desire to study the Bible. Thirty will need your help. Please read more.

One Memorable Graduation At ACSOP: The recent graduation of students in the Swahili program of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching was an event worth reading about. 

Final Thoughts
While Thanksgiving is behind us, my gratitude for you continues to be in the forefront of my mind. The opportunities we have in working side by side, sharing in the spreading of the gospel throughout the world is the most exciting and powerful work we can do. Your investment in this effort is and will continue to produce great dividends.

Thank you for thinking about the Bear Valley work of Extension Training.

God bless
Bob

Students From Congo Seek Training In Uganda...

Dear brethren,

Last week I did not send my weekly report due to the blockage of my e-mail. It has taken several days to figure out what I need to verify my password as somebody was tampering with it. I have managed today to follow their instruction and they have advised me to change it. 

Last week we worshiped at the Nandwa church of Christ. I had an opportunity to preach and my lesson was on how God promises to give us through our asking (Matthew 7:7-8). All our students are still visiting the churches we have planted and some also ask to go back to their home congregations on Saturday and be with them on Sunday. We usually send them two and if one wants to visit his home congregation, there is still one to attend to these churches. 

Yesterday we worshiped at the Haboomi church of Christ where Akilimali, from the Congo, works with Mangeni from the Bugati church in Busia. There was a death in the village so we were just 11 people as most members had gone to the funeral. My lesson was "God has granted to us  everything pertaining to godliness" (2 Peter 1:3-7). Four people came forward to be prayed for so that God may help them to have those virtues.

I received a request from the Congo brethren asking to be helped with funds so that they can be able to join school next year. One brother from the Fizi Church, one from Lweba, one from Mboko, one from Baraka, two from the Uvira congregation and also one from the Beni church of Christ. We can get students from the Congo if funds will be available. Each one needs about $300 dollars for their passport and $150 dollars each for transport, when they are ready to come. The new class is to begin on the 16th of April 2012. Let us work together and train these men so that  they may go back and evangelize the Congo. Four will be graduating next year. One is from Uvira and three from the Beni team. I would also desire to visit these brethren after graduation in March. I would be going with Paul as my co-driver. The trip would cost us $1000 dollars, that is for fuel, meals and accommodations. I would do the servicing of the vehicle myself. May the Lord bless you as you serve Him. 

Yours 
Francis Wechesa

25 Added To The Church In Mbalangi, Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from your brothers and sisters in the Wotutu congregation and the students of CBIW. I do hope you had a wonderful time with family during the Thanksgiving celebration. My prayers for you are that God will give you more opportunities to thank Him.

Two brothers from BV came to teach short courses. We appreciated their courage and made them to be like Cameroon as we prepared for them Cameroonian fabrics as a tool for great remembrance. They arrived in the USA safe and sound and enjoyed Thanksgiving with their respective families. The foot prints will remain in the hearts of men here in Cameroon. In this picture is my son, Ray, who loves to follow me around. He meets me right at the pulpit as I preached. Please keep the young man in your prayers, Let me love the things of God as he grows up. He is one year and eight months now.

I am writing this mail with thanksgiving in my heart for a successful travel back to Wotutu with all the students and members of the Wotutu congregation who went for the Bible lectureship. Thank you for your prayers and your support.

Last week was historic in CBIW, because it marked the end of the first year of our existence and our joined efforts to train men to preach. I thank you for all you did to see us through this year. It was not easy but it was great and we give glory to our King for His great works that we saw and we have reasons to appreciate Him. Please, as we shall be sending our students for the last campaign for the year, we plead with you to keep us in your prayers for more successes.

After the short courses lecturers left our shores on the 22nd of November, the students rested for one day and we were on our way to Mbalangi Church of Christ, on their invitation for us to help spread the seed in their community. The location is about 75 kilometers from Wotutu. We arrived there safe and mounted all our tools for preaching right on time as the crowd of members of the church and the villagers of Mbalangi came out to listen and watch videos from the World Video Bible School through our projector. It was a great opportunity to scatter the Seed.

The preaching was done during the day and during the night, thanks to our powerful PA system and our power pack generator which will light the whole place and attract the crowd to come and see what is going on. I say thanks to the donor and God bless and replenish the source. The tools are of great help to the work here. God bless you. The gospel went out loud and clear and the preacher was able to see his Bible while his listeners were able to read and see the face of the preacher. The face of the church of Christ in Cameroon is changing daily thanks to the coming of CBIW. We are exposing many things for people to see the great family of the church of Christ.

I was able to teach this morning on the lectureship grounds to a crowd of 523 people who came en mass to worship the Lord, and some for their very first time to witness the worship of the New Testament Church. Great things are happening in Cameroon. Keep us in your prayers so that the work here will keep growing.

Our student, Tobias Sakwe, baptized our new sister, Lizet, yesterday during house to house evangelism. Remember our motto is, evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism. That sounds in the hearts of our students so they don’t misplace any opportunity to speak out the word to provoke thoughts in a prospect heart. We plant and water zealously so that God will help us rob from the strong man’s house.

Our student, Ngoe Nelson, baptized our new brother, Derick, to be added to the church in Mbalangi. Please join the host of heaven to rejoice for the 25 souls who were added into the body of Christ in Mbalangi within our four days evangelistic campaign in the village. Keep the struggling congregation in your prayers to take care of these babes, for them to grow to maturity. Keep us in your prayers to have the means to go back time and again to see how we can nurture the congregation.

The harvest is really ripe, but few laborers. I met with a sister who cried out to me to send our students to come over to Bali village where she stayed. There was a church in that village but all the brothers are backsliders, so she preaches to the rest of the sisters and follows all the items of worship. Wow, I will be sending a student there on the 2nd of December to go and help. Keep it in your prayers. 

PLANS
1) Next month we shall continue evangelism in Mile Four to fully establish a congregation there.

2) We shall move to Batoke village to fully establish a congregation there. 

APPEAL
We are still crying for a van for evangelism when we travel out for campaign. We spend too much because we rent a van to transport us. 

APPRECIATION
Thanks to God for the first year that has passed, even though with problems. Glory goes to God for all that we did throughout.

Thank you for your prayers and support to help us realize all this. You made our thoughts and dreams come to reality. Our prayers are that God bless and keep you as we continue to grow and work for Him.

Please do your best to share this report with others who may love to be part of our visions. Thanks for standing by us. I will love to welcome your thoughts and comments. 

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

One Memorable Graduation At ACSOP...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends: 

Our very busy week has ended and the new week has begun with a reminder from Earl Edwards that a Christian should focus on the “eternal” because the “temporal” will pass away (2 Cor. 4:18). Our appreciation is extended to this fellow worker for his efforts this week (preaching at Kisongo, teaching a one-week short course plus being the keynote speaker at the ACSOP graduation yesterday). Please pray for brother Edwards as he travels home tonight and tomorrow.

Many hours of planning and work went into making this graduation a memorable event. Christopher Mwakabanje, co-director of ACSOP (over the Ki-Swahili program), planned and orchestrated the ceremony, Stephanie Stafford and several TZ ladies decorated beautifully and also planned and cooked all the delicious food and refreshments. We were fortunate that the Ward Councilman accepted our invitation to speak. He remembered when the preaching school was first being built and expressed his appreciation to us. Because of the great needs that exist, he challenged us to build an orphanage, primary school and medical clinic. Jimmy encouraged the graduates with a lesson concerning “Jesus in Gethsemane” knowing that these evangelists will encounter many problems and challenges. There were other inspiring speeches also. We will try to have pictures in the next report.

This graduation day was extra special because this is the first graduating class of the Kiswahili program (instruction being in Kiswahili instead of English)! Now that there are qualified Tanzanian teachers, the ACSOP is able to accept students who only speak Ki-Swahili. These fifteen graduates, having studied the Scriptures for two years, are now equipped and trained to teach others. This class represents seven different regions throughout Tanzania, and one in Kenya. Some will establish new congregations and some will serve and strengthen the existing church in their home places. This graduating class brings the total number of ACSOP graduates to over ninety! We are confident that as they go forth, so will the Gospel! God promised that His Word would not return unto Him void. Please pray for them. Concerning the new year, the plans are to enroll 30 in the Ki-Swahili program (over 150 applications received).

Baby Jessica (abandoned in the ravine) is safe and sound at the Cradle of Love Baby Home. The relatives of the guard (whose children found Jessica) visited her and, to our knowledge, are no longer accusing the guard of selling the baby.

Please pray for Theresia (baptized after studying with Lindsey) because the Pentecostal denomination members took her to their house one night, spending much time in prayer hoping she would re-join them (especially the choir). They convinced her to attend their services this morning. Lindsey and her translator went to her house and talked with her today and are returning again tomorrow. Theresia’s mother is also a member of this Pentecostal group. 

Lindsey has a new study set up with Margaret (visited our services this morning) and Sid Aultman is due to arrive Tuesday night. Sid will continue evangelizing the Kwa Mrombo area. Some folks get this work “in their blood” and simply cannot stay away too long! We know the feeling and the excitement of being involved in such a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement and financial support! 

In Christian Love,
The Jimmy Gee family

30 Potential Students Need Your Help In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We thank our God for His great mercies and love for all mankind. We thank God for each of you and for the good you do in His Church where you serve and here, where you participate in the many ways you do. We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with those you love.

Today was a special day in the history of the Lord’s Church here in Tanzania. Fifteen of God’s finest graduated the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. We have been privileged to have trained and graduated just over 90 evangelists. This class represents seven different regions throughout Tanzania, and one in Kenya. They go with new found knowledge and with the heart of a servant. We pray God’s richest blessing on them, their family, and their labors in the Lord.

Christopher Mwakabanje did a masterful job with this years graduation. Christopher is Co-Director with Jimmy Gee, Christopher being over the Ki-Swahili part of the program. This is our first graduating class in this new aspect of the work, Ki-Swahili. If the Lord wills, we hope to enroll 30 in with the new intake in February 2012. We have over 150 applications with new ones coming in each week. The Lord continues to “grow His work” and we desperately need trained evangelist to meet all the needs and opportunities coming our way.

A very special thank you to our dear brother Earl Edwards for a great work. He taught the first year students the books of 1 & 2 Corinthians. He was also our Keynote speaker at graduation, with a masterpiece for a lesson for the graduates. He will leave Sunday night. Please remember him in your prayers.

We need your prayers and your help! We need ten congregations / individuals willing to help meet this need / opportunity. We need $200 per month times the 10 students in order to maximize our upcoming intake. Can you help with $25, $50, $100 or even the whole $200 a month for the two year program? We need Elders willing to challenge the Lord’s Church with a year end, one time offering to meet this need. Can you help?

Almost without exception, a new congregation of the Lord’s people is being planted somewhere in Tanzania/Kenya/Uganda, East Africa. The “door of opportunity” is open. The Lord is blessing His work and He will continue to do so! So, will we answer the need? Do our part? Truly make a difference? We know you will and we thank you for your continued partnership in the Kingdoms work.

Great News! We have received almost all the funds needed for the new generator for the school. We only lack $2,000 to make the purchase and have it installed. What say ye? 

The good news continues to come in from the field. Souls are being added to the Lord’s Church daily throughout East Africa We stand in awe as to the good being done and we are humbled by your thoughtfulness, love and support. May our God bless you all, in all the right ways. Come see us when you can. Stand with us in the True Gospel. 

We close with an offering: Stephanie and I will be in the States during the months of February and March of 2012. Our calendar is filling up fast. If you have a desire to have us come and report on the good being done, please drop us a note and we will do our best to make it happen. Until all have heard! 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie and Granny

Gospel Campaign And Preacher's Fellowship...

Greetings to you in Christ name. Things are going well at our end, pretty exciting as the Bible College program is playing a vital role in evangelism.

We had a wonderful two days Gospel Campaign program in Badam where one of our graduate is working as full time minister. 

Preachers’ Fellowship meeting: 

There are three main goals behind this program in various districts of the state of Andhra Pradesh. 

1.    Fellowship: As it is instructed through the Word to grow in the fellowship, this program focuses on establishing relationships with the fellow preachers in that area. Hosting preachers take the opportunity to invite the denominational preachers and teach them the truth. They usually remark highly about this program.  

2.    Teaching: For every Preachers’ Fellowship the host congregation selects a topic to be taught or discussed. This gives a great opportunity for preachers to explore and speak boldly. It also helps other preachers to learn extensively from the Bible.  

3.    Edification: In addition to the messages spoke in the morning, we also hold a gospel meeting in the evening. In this way the local congregation, as well as, the preachers attending would get a great detailed message on the particular subject. 

4.   Evangelism: Besides teaching throughout the day with the preachers and local congregation, in the evenings local congregations hold a gospel meeting too. This is a great time to reach the villagers with the good news. Distributing gospel tracts and holding personal Bible studies really works during this time.

We are really blessed to be part of what brother Rama Rao is doing in his village. He has good respect in the village. Of course he is well known as the minister. He has good reputation in his village and around. During the night they held the meeting just beside the Hindu temple. This helps us to understand how much people are receptive to the gospel, also the kind impact our students (preachers) have in their society. We were really impressed to see that taking place.  

During the public gospel meeting I was given with an opportunity to preach. I taught about ‘What is truth.’ You know India is basically a religious country. Almost everybody believes in God and those who believe in God believes in eternal life i.e. Heaven. So, in my lesson I discussed how can, with these different kind of religions and practices, we all inherit heaven. We worship different gods but we all look forward to go to one place that is heaven? I mentioned my further statements will be from the book of God that is Bible, which is written by the godly men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. We had so many people listening to us out in the street. Our students did a good job during this evangelism campaign.

On this occasion we took the advantage to distribute Bibles to our Graduates as well as faculty who are serving as ministers. As we mentioned earlier they are in desperate need of Bibles. Through the charity that is showed upon us through Jerry & Paula we were able to buy these Bibles and distribute them. Thank you very much Paula & Jerry for providing funds to buy Bibles to distribute in this area. 

It is really a God given opportunity for all of us to enjoy the fellowship, edify the congregation and evangelize the village. We praise God for this opportunity. 

We knocked almost all the doors in this village and distributed gospel tracts and held Bible studies. We invited those interested people to come and worship with the local congregation. We hope our efforts will help the local congregation to gain more souls as the local ministers do a follow up.  

Description of Photos: Clink here to see the pictures listed below.
1. L. Rama Rao, VVBC graduate the local preacher
2. Bibles Being distributed to the Graduates who are working as ministers in that area
3. Preachers in Vijayanagarm area receiving Bibles
4. Balaram, on of the faculty receiving Bibles, these will be distributed to those who were newly added to the Church
5. gospel 1,During the night gospel meeting
6. gospel 2, while going into the streets with good news
7. gospel 3, People who received the tracts they study them...
8. gospel 4, preaching out in the streets
9. gospel 5, gospel tracts being distributed door to door
10. John Dean preaching during the day.

Thank you very much for your kind cooperation in running this school successfully. Please convey our greetings to the Elders, also to the brethren at Bear Valley. 

Brotherly,

John Dean Muppidi
Skinner's Garden Bible School
Visakha Valley Bible College
Church of Christ
Andhra Pradesh,  INDIA
Cell: 091 - 9989922844

A Week Of Giving Thanks...

“I can put it in their head, but the national can put it their heart.” Mike Olson.

Mike delivered these words during chapel to the students at Bear Valley in Denver as he spoke about the work in Vanuatu. Mike is part of a team of graduates from the Bible Institute that began working in Vanuatu just over 6 years ago. One of the most powerful lessons he expressed involved the statement above.

It characterizes what the entire Extension Program is all about. The goal of this work is to train men in their own country, culture and language; to put the word of God into their heads so they will put it into the hearts of their own people. As you read through the reports this week, I believe you will have a better picture of what this means and how it works.

Thanksgiving is Thursday. I feel it is important to take a moment to share with you a few of the areas I am thankful for most in this work.

I am thankful for the generosity of both the congregations and individuals who so willing make the financial contribution necessary for this work to grow.

I am thankful for the incredible staff of coordinators who labor both stateside and abroad to develop this work. They work to raise money, travel countless miles, prepare classes, and work with the men “on the ground” to train faithful men to teach others.

I am thankful for the dedicated men who serve as directors and teachers in each location. These men are the real heart of success in the work. They labor diligently and sacrificially. They endure the challenges of keeping these students on task in preparing for the work.

I am thankful for the diligence of the students who leave their families to attend school. They are willing to survive on very little to gain much. Their love for the Lord, His church and the lost drives them to do whatever it takes to learn God’s word and share it with others.

I am thankful for our sacrificial love of our Savior. Because of His love for the world, He left the glory of heaven and came to this earth to offer Himself for our sins. He took upon Himself what we deserved. Without Him, we would have no hope or need for an Extension Program.

I am thankful for a faithful God who has given me the opportunity to be part of a work that involves the greatest men and women I have ever known. You are all a wonderful blessing in my life and I count it the highest privilege and honor to be working with you.

This is only a small portion of my heartfelt gratitude. The list truly goes on and on, as I am sure it does for every person who is involved in this work. We have many reasons to be thankful this time of year and every day of the year.

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

Keith Kasarjian and Mike Reese recently returned from Kenya. We are looking at the potential of establishing a school in Western Kenya. Read more in Keith’s report.

Extension Reports 

Reaching The End Of The First Year: Neal Pollard and Josh Austin are wrapping up short courses to complete the first year at the CBIW. This report shares news about their trip.

Graduation And Master’s Classes In Takoradi: The West Coast School of Preaching held graduation recently, combined with classes in the Master’s program with Gary Fallis.

Growth In The Church And School In Togo: The outreach of the current and former students at the Center for Biblical Studies is having an impact on the development of the church in Togo.

Cambodia Mission 2011: Wes Autrey shares news about a recent trip to Cambodia. Several from Bear Valley traveled to participate in the work of the church and school.

Classes Move Forward In Tamale: The work of training men to preach is not slowing down in Tamale. Brother Baah’s report this week talks about the upcoming classes.

Efforts To Be A Self-Supporting Congregation: This is the ultimate goal of any location. Seeing the efforts in Uganda to help congregations reach this goal is encouraging news this week.

Christianity At Its Best: Learning many of the basic, yet powerful, truths from God’s word are usually found in the most unusual places. Cy Stafford’s report shares an incredible account.

One More Soul Rescued From Satan’s Grip: The Gee report emphasizes the growth of the church in Arusha.  

Final Thoughts
Well, what do you think? It has been a pretty awesome week in the Extension Program. Let me just close by saying you are all appreciated far more than I tell you. Thank you for being involved in the work of training men to preach the gospel.

I pray you each have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. 

God bless
Bob

Reaching The End Of The First Year...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept our greetings in Jesus name. I pray this report meets you well and sound. We are excited that your worship of the Lord today was wonderful. It was great with us here. We give thanks to His name. Today in Wotutu was a sunny day from morning till now that I am writing this mail to you.

Thanks for all your prayers to us. Our programs for the week went on well, from our morning devotions, chapel, evening devotions and lectures. The short courses are going on well with the visiting lecturers from the USA.

Neal lectured in the school using a projection device, but if there are explanations that need more illustration, he will also use chalk board to transmit the knowledge into the students without any problem. He is doing a great job and the students are satisfied.

Minister Josh Austin, our coordinator, finished his lectures on the book of Galatians on Tuesday while that same day, minister Neal Pollard made his way to Cameroon safe and sound, to come and lecture on Leadership. His class is unfolding well with some members of our congregation attending. Keep these brothers in your prayers as they finish their lectures to return to the US on Tuesday night God’s willing.

Neal Pollard and our student, brother Ashu preached using our PA system that cut across the whole community of Wotutu and nearby villages. The PA system is doing greater work here in Wotutu every morning as the gospel goes into the house and hearts of people loud and clear before they enter into the day. Keep our program in your prayers.

After Josh taught Bible class this morning in Wotutu, Neal preached a sermon to a crowd of 145 people with 5 first time visitors to our congregation today. The children’s class is going on well with three teachers now, but no space again for the children in our main hall. The children demonstrated their knowledge of the Bible today in front of our congregation and our visitors to say all the 66 books of the Bible. Our worship hall is getting smaller and more sits are needed.

Today was also our fellowship meal for us to come together and appreciate God for His wonderful works and also for His help to the students in CBIW who have already stayed here for one year. Neal, Josh and myself also partook of the common meal. Oh what a family that the Lord has made for us?.

Today, after our fellowship meal, the students of CBIW were to play a soccer match with the men of our congregation. Our students were well dressed in their sporting attire. This also served as a sending forth ceremony as the students will leave for campaign and vacation on the 2 Dec 2011 to about 18 different congregations. Keep them in your prayers for God to make it fruitful.

That soccer match was interesting as many members of our congregation and many from the Wotutu village came to watch it. The local field does not have sits, so Neal and Josh sat on the green grass to watch the match in amusement. It is really great for all to see the reality of the gospel that WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST. A big lesson about the quality of Christians in the church of Christ is shown from all the short course lecturers that comes to CBIW. Minister David Ballard was in June and made great history and more fruits are being won till now. 

PLANS
Thursday 24^th of Nov will be the annual Bible lectureship of the churches of Christ in Cameroon. The Mbalangi church of Christ will be the host along Kumba high way. The program will start at 6 pm, but staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation will be there by 3 pm, by His grace, to sensitize the village with house to house evangelism so that many will know that something serious has come to their community.

The students will leave for campaign to 18 different congregations. Please keep them in your prayers for a successful campaign, so that souls will be rescue from bondage as we shall rob more souls from the strong man’s house. 

APPRECIATIONS
Many thanks to you for your prayers, deep love and support to see this work move in the speed in which it is moving. God will never pass you by when He comes with His reward. Please do not faint.

God bless you in all your endeavors. Do your best to share this report with others. God bless you. I wait to read your wonderful comments. Love is power. 

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Graduation And Master's Classes In Takoradi...

Dear brethren,

I am happy to write to tell you about some of the happenings here. We thank you for your support of our work here in Takoradi and pray God's blessing on you all.

In this report there will be many pictures which will update you on four recent events --our sister's funeral, the 11^th graduation, the sixth Men's Forum at Ituma and the Master's classes 
with brother Gary Fallis. Here are pictures of the event.

The funeral of our late sister Augustina Appiah Dadzie has been reported previously without pictures and we attach some pictures. The pictures attached include her grieving husband.

On Saturday, October 29 the Ituma church on campus of West Coast organized the sixth of the series of Men's Forum. Sixteen congregations were represented. We discussed the 5 decades of  restoration preaching in Ghana and current issues in the church. A paper was presented on 50  years of the church of Christ in Ghana and the celebration of the 50^th anniversary this year. This 
was followed by the discussion of matters and issues arising in three groups. 

The 11^th Graduation was held on Saturday, November 5 2011, for 11 men who completed their  studies in 2009. They were issued with Bear Valley certificates (the first time at West Coast), and the 
certificates were presented to them by brother Gary Fallis who represented Bear Valley Bible Institute of
Denver at the ceremony. Ten of the graduates were in attendance. The eleventh,  Musah Alhassan, could not make it to the graduation. Please, see attached pictures.

It is customary for the graduates to worship with the Ituma Church on Campus. They do all  officiating, and are given some money by the church for their transportation back home. Click here to pictures of this event. 

Brother Gary was here for both the graduation and the Master's classes as well. For the Week 
of November 7-11, he taught Christian Education, and for this week, November 14-18, he is teaching Church Planting (Missions-1). See pictures of the staff and students here.

Regular classes have ended for the first quarter of school. Our students are this week engaged in 
daily evangelism in the communities around the campus.

Please continue to pray for us at West Coast for these are trying times for us -- school, teacher and taught.

Thank you for enabling us to serve the Master this side of the Atlantic. 

Your servant for Jesus' sake,
Daniel K Ampadu-Asiamah

Christianity At Its Best...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

What a joy it is to be a part of God’s family and to be privileged to be a part of His evangelistic efforts here in Tanzania. We thank our God daily for you all, your continued prayers, notes of encouragement, visits and support of this mission effort. The good being done continues to awe me and those who come and see first hand the growth taking place day by day.

“Christianity At Its Best” - Day by day we march the road to be with our Heavenly Father for ever. Each and every day we are blessed with, by our God, is an opportunity to make a difference in the life of those we come in contact with. God is faithful in answering our prayers; prayers for opportunities to teach others about the Love of God and the hope found only in Christ. All to often, I am afraid we do not pray this prayer. I am afraid perhaps we do not “look” for opportunities to share the best News Ever, with our fellow man. I am afraid we might “miss” many opportunities to do the right thing at the right time, making a positive eternal difference in our “neighbors” life.

On a recent trip to Ushirombo we had the privileged of working with one our graduates from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, Yusuph Madaki. One morning Yusuph said to me; “we have a study with my neighbor.” On our way to the neighbors home Yusuph related what had happened the year before. He said that his neighbor had “wronged” him. He went on to say the penalty for his offense, he was to pay 100,000/- in damages. When my neighbor brought the money, I told him; “keep your money, I forgive you.”

What an example of “loving your neighbor as yourself.” I cannot help but believe this “turning the other check” that our good brother practiced on that faithful day; helped too leave an “open door” for teaching and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. Oh, that we as God’s children would more often; “suffer the wrong” even when we believe we are in the “right.” Oh, that we might live lives more like Stephen, like Christ, yes, like our good brother Yusuph!

I am asked the question often; “what are the people of Tanzania like? What are the preachers of Tanzania like?” My answer? Many are like Jesus! I am thankful for the honor of working with some of God’s “finest.” I am thankful to God for being a part of His family, some of the finest. I thank you, for being some of God’s finest!

May our week be one that glorifies God through the good you do in expressing your love for your neighbor! 

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

One More Soul Rescued From Satan's Grip...

To Our Co-Workers:

Greetings from Tanzania, East Africa, where one more soul has been rescued from Satan’s grip!  Sixteen-year-old Theresia obeyed the Gospel this past Thursday after approximately 11 studies with our daughter Lindsey. Thank you for your prayers!

We are thankful for some rain these past couple of days. Jimmy taught the Men’s Bible Class and preached on the “Love of God." Several asked for prayers including two who confessed sin. Lindsey taught the Ladies’ Class on Genesis 22 where God asks Abraham to offer Isaac. What hard thing does God ask of you (through the Scripture) and can you find an extra measure of faith in order to obey as Abraham did? Shortly before services ended, we drove a lady named Lydia to the clinic. She was having sharp pains in her back and was having trouble walking (maybe a pinched nerve or sciatic nerve problem). Please pray for her.

Jimmy continued his follow-up studies with Rosemary and Yusta on Saturday. Yusta, who has been a Christian for about four months, said she was approached by a man asking what she believed. She showed him, using a tract on how to become a Christian. Yusta gave him her own Bible to take and check to see if the tract agreed with the Bible. He came back to her admitting that what she said was true. They have studied further and were watching a religious channel on TV one day. After a while the man said "Let's turn this TV off, it is only confusing us and leading us away from the Bible." What a joy to see Yusta growing and teaching others even as a babe in Christ!

Visiting teacher, Earl Edwards, arrived safe and sound (although his flight was delayed). Besides teaching 1 and 2 Corinthians (a short course) he will speak on different nights to the students on “Using One Cup” and “Head Coverings.” His time and work in Tanzania is greatly appreciated!

It was great to see Lembris (one-year-old Christian) leading us in partaking of the Lord’s Supper.  This is a big step for him and he did just fine. The Kisongo church is growing both numerically and spiritually. The New Convert’s class continues every Sunday morning with Abraham Mrutu teaching on the basics of Christian living.

Since the Bible says to “render to all their due," we would like to “spot-light” one of our daughters who freely serves others without much recognition. Heather, 13 years old, absolutely adores babies, and takes every opportunity to help mothers. She enjoys keeping Nicodemus (almost 1 year old) while his mother goes to the clinic with her new baby. Heather also helps to watch two young children while their mom goes to the market every Wednesday. Women in the congregation often hand Heather their babies when they need a break. They trust her and have confidence in her.

The two missionary families will enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Stafford House on Thursday with turkey, ham and the “fixings.” On our list of blessings to be thankful for will, of course, be you, our loyal supporters who work with us to accomplish God’s Will in Tanzania. Thank you for all that you have done! It is our wish that you will enjoy time with your families and realize all of your blessings from the Great Giver who gave the Ultimate Gift, Jesus. 

In Christ,
The Gee's

Growth In The Church And School In Togo...

Dear brothers in Christ, 

We arrived again at the end of the month of October with good news. I often said that as long as we live in this flesh we can work only for God, even though we lack money. In my reports I never stop talking about the needs of our churches and what is necessary for the development and the growth of the local assemblies.

CHURCHES
For the church of NYIVEME, we restored a retrograde (backward) in NYIVEME and one baptized.

During the month, we recorded 15 visitors and among them 6 are liveliness to make the courses by correspondence and we study with nine others, each in their house.

First, the Center of Biblical Studies (CBS) is a powerful tool that GOD is liveliness use for the conversion of denominational churches and at the same time, the implantation of new congregations.

In August the students and some members of our local churches were in KELE-BEME for a campaign of evangelism of three days that ended with only one baptism. Today this congregation knows a light increase of members because of evangelism made there. 

On September 27th to 30th, evangelists, students and members were again at KUSUNTSU village for the campaign of evangelism of four days that ended with the baptisms of two women and one man. We made the projection of the movies such as “Jesus of Nazareth” and “Christ's Passion.” There are more than 500 people that during the four days attended to this campaign of the predication of the gospel. The theme is: The Redemption: 1. “The Plan of God's Redemption” and 2. “What must I do to be saved?” 

Sunday, after the worship, three people were baptized. A new congregation began with the evangelist, Megandjin Yaovi, and his wife and the three baptized. I will give you the continuation of the evolution of this church.

On November 24th - 27th we had in program a campaign of four days evangelism in AVEHO-TOUGBLI where the evangelist, Clement Ahanyaboe is liveliness to make something that so God wants it will become a church with baptized. We have needs of the women that must cook for all out for AVEHO-TOUGBLI because it is far from Kpalimé, to make pass the movies of “Jesus of Nazareth” and “Christ's passion” in the night and house to house in the day. As it is in a village we have need of a generator for the lighting and the projection of the movies.

The needs of the church. 

1.  The benches for places that we have just established new congregations.

2.  The hymnbooks and the Bibles.

3.  The tracts and the booklets.

Outside of these activities, there was in NOTSE-KPOTA evangelism of house to house where the brothers knocked the doors with the gospel. The evangelist, Gabriel Assogbavi, deposited the files of the church in the town hall following a call of the mayor of NOTSE October 21st. Let's pray for the registration of this church.

The eight Churches continue their daily evangelism and our only problem is the lack of the correspondence courses and Bible tracts for distribution.

CENTER FOR BIBLICAL STUDIES (CBS)
All goes well with the twenty (20) students. Two students have been baptized the beginning of October. A third has just been baptized this Sunday. His name’s Baka Joel. He came from the Baptist church.

Willie arrived the night of October 25th in Kpalime and October 26th in the CBS. Teacher Komlan Akalo had arrived to continue the survey of evangelism and he had to return after teaching in Tsevie at his home. Every student finds now that they have just understood on a lot of Biblical topics: Holy Spirit and song in the worship and especially they didn't know the difference between the covenants. Student Akanya’s wife was sick and student, Bedac, has three of his children sick. Since they live north of Togo, he was called by his wife to come because of the urgency of his baby hospitalized in the hospital of Bassar. On the weekends the students who come from afar and don't leave, go to house to house to preach the gospel. What makes us default that is we miss the booklets or tracts and the correspondence courses.

The former students always work for development and the establishment of new communities.

1.  Ahanyaboe Clement Afatsawo: began the church seven (7) members.

2.  Senyo Folly: He works in Klon with his former church.

3.  David Yamba Wama: He already directs a church that him convert when he was in CBS at KPADAPE   

4.  Kokou Toulassi helps his evangelist Agbodja Gbodja, and he come of begun a survey with a group in HOLOKOPE, an enclosed village.

5.  Edoh Abraham Koumakouwe directs a church of twenty and five members (25) in AVEKPO 

6.  Kossi Gidigidi is an evangelist of the church at KPELE-BEME.   

7.  Joseph Mindamou is a policeman (soldier). He cannot be each Sunday with the church. He works daily with the prisoners in the jails of Togo, and Sundays when he is not in service he comes to worship with us. He goes to prisoners in afternoon. He asks for a motorcycle to go far with the gospel to the close to the authorities.

8.  Yaovi Amegadjin is an evangelist of the church of KUSUNTU    

Your brother in Christ:

Nyemanta Essotena
Church of Christ-Nyivemé
BP: 565 Kpalimé -TOGO/ West Africa.
Phone: (00228) 9195 88 38/ 9962 02 21/99176878
E-mail: essotena@yahoo.fr 

Cambodia Mission 2011...

Dear Supporters: On Oct. 11th the “Siem Reap 6” team left Denver for Cambodia and returned on the 21st. I’m going to do my best to give you an overview of our trip. Suffice it to say that our journey was faith testing, rewarding, uplifting, and full of hope for the kingdom. Despite the worst flood in history (with one noted exception) and almost not getting the group in and out of Cambodia for passport reasons (another long story for another time), it was a tremendous trip for all of us. Anytime any of you would like your cups filled, then let me take you to meet our brothers and sisters in Cambodia. The hand they have been dealt in this world, coupled with the anti-Christian attitude of the prevailing Buddhist and Muslim religions in the land, makes me praise them ever more.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Takam Village: We were unable to get to the villages of Takam and Leang Dai where there are two established congregations because of the historical flooding that was taking place. We are excited to note that Chouey, our recent graduate, current staff member and preacher in his home village of Takam, is helping the church grow rapidly. On my first visit in the fall of ’09 there were approximately 13 members, all women. Now there are more than 45 members with two adult men serving the Lord (important to note as they now take on much responsibility and hardship because of their decision). This is an exceptional window of opportunity as this village has many children that attend regularly and the doors and hearts have been opened to The Word.

Leang Dai Village: Sokchea, another one of the recent graduates continues to work exceptionally hard at the work in Leang Dai. He ministers to the growing congregation their with love and devotion to the likes of which are way beyond just good servanthood. The small congregation has grown from around 9 or 10 in ’09 to about 25 or so currently with one male adult being saved. Sokchea is not a native of Leang Dai, so he chooses to work extremely hard for the Lord. He is doing a great job and he hopes to send young men from the village to school so that they can return to their home and teach the truth and show the change that can take effect in peoples lives.

Svey Ring Village: After graduating last year, the young Christian threesome of Saran, Ussa and Sophal returned to their home of Svey Ring near the Vietnam border. Ussa is the sister to Sophal and married to Saran. Ussa recently gave birth to a baby boy. I was concerned about new Christians going so far away from Siem Reap, to start a new congregation and take on the ridicule of their Buddhist families. However, In a little over a year, the church of Christ in Svey Ring has 13 members, most of whom are the family members that have actually witnessed the change in their lives! What a powerful message the Lord can bring! It is my hope that someday I might visit this group and be able to bring their encouraging news back to the states.

Overall News: Brothers and sisters, I could write you much more on all of the news but I understand limiting reports. Suffice it to say that the school is very challenged but we are confidently training young men to be preachers and teachers in their homeland. Young women are training as well to be teachers of the youth and to know their roles as Christians with much to offer as well.

The “Siem Reap 6” came back as the “Siem Reap 7” because Phanat agreed to fly back with us and meet the elders at Bear Valley, who are the sponsoring congregation of the school. I might also mention it was his first time back in over 4 years and he left his wife and 17 month old baby for the first time. He stayed with us for about 5 days and then was able to go visit his folks in Austin before returning home. Nowhere else on earth have I had my cup so filled as in Cambodia. I’m so grateful to my mother and daughter who also went and offered me support as it was my first time to lead a group. Kathy Pollard, her son Dale and Sheryl Turner also went to teach and encourage for long hours every day. But this is mostly a time to thank each of you for your continued prayers and financial support that makes all of this happen. God is using your talents to make the kingdom grow in Cambodia - I love my work and hope you will continue to support it and spread the good news about Cambodia.

Wes Autrey

If you would like to read the full report with pictures, then click here.