Tamale Makes Changes For The New Class...

Activities are going on as schedule at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies.

The courses being taught for this quarter are as follows:

Baah  Okyere Joseph          Worship

Daniel Agyei Mensah          New Testament Church      

Jaminja  Ndakar                 Old Testament

Steven Ashcraft                  Bible Geography

Steven Ashcraft                  James

Steven Ashcraft, Coordinator, arrived in Tamale on the 20^th January, 2012 to honor his part of the Institute’s schedule and completed on the 9^th February, 2012. During his presence in Tamale, he also held a meeting with the local Board of Directors to discuss matters of great importance to the development of the Institute. Prominent among the issues was the continuation of the Institute’s building which is in completion stage. Plans are set for plastering and fixing of window frames.

Another important issue discussed at the meeting was the inability of the Bomso Church of Christ Health Team to continue with the teaching of the Primary Health Care Course. The course was arranged for the students to offer them knowledge and skill in primary health care with which they could offer services to their communities for some financial gains to supplement their support.

This means this present batch of students would not have the privilege of acquiring knowledge in Primary Health Care. In place of the study in health care, management is working out for some other courses which could serve the same purpose of income generation. The courses being sought for include any of the vocational/technical courses or a course in community development. Efforts are being put up to obtain the needed financial and human resources for the implementation of the plan. It is our prayer and hope that Donors and Sponsors of Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies will consider this very important.

Hopefully in July, 2012 Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies will be blessed with the presence of brother Tony Johnson and other brethren from the States. Their presence in the Institute will definitely boost the morale of staff and also provide students with yet other seasoned teachers of the scripture to enhance their knowledge. Management and Staff of Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies therefore pray that Almighty God will protect and bless their efforts and wishes.

The Lord God was with two of the students, namely, Kwame Lot and Moses Anapak in their evangelistic campaign during the quarter. These student travelled to Kpatinga near Bimbilla  to preach the gospel. Through their effort twelve people offered themselves for baptism into the Lord’s Kingdom.

Those who baptized on that day are as follows:

1. Paul Seidu
2. Moses Bilur
3. Jacob Bilur
4. David Fugmanyu
5. Alex Lamandi
6. Julie N- Jiche
7. Comfort Jagri
8. Lydia Jagri
9. Sarah Monan
10. Esther Jobal
11. Elijah Bilur
12. Timothy Bilur

The Institute is making plans to send the entire student body to Kpatin.

Baah Okyere Joseph

A Busy Week In Extension Training...

This has been a very busy week. We have a number of great reports to share with all the activities within the various schools around the world. I love the way the reports come in and the edifying nature of the work being done by so many. The sacrifices continually being made by faithful men and women of God provides such a great example for all of us in our efforts to serve the Lord.

Sheryl and I are returning to Denver and should be home safely by the time you get this report, Lord willing. It has been a fruitful trip and one that allowed us to check on my dad, who recently had a heart procedure; visit with Sheryl’s mother, who recently had hip replacement surgery; and be with my brother, who also had hip replacement surgery. I am glad to report they are all doing well. My brother, whose surgery was Friday, will be recovering for several weeks ahead. I know he would appreciate your prayers.

Our God is truly amazing. The way He has kept us safe in our travels, blessed our family during several trials in their lives, and provided opportunity for us to speak about the work with several congregations, deserves our deepest gratitude.

I was also privileged to learn about a new book I am presently reading. Thus far, the book has provided some wonderful insight to how our efforts need to be evaluated in helping others. Once I have finished the book, I will pass along the title and, perhaps, a little more information. I want to make sure the application is going to measure up to the initial few chapters. I will say it has been worth the time and money to read so far.

Now on to the reports...

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

Wes Autrey, coordinator for the work in Cambodia, sent a report with a good summary of events surrounding the development of the church and school in Cambodia. Click here to view it.

Steven Ashcraft, who serves as coordinator for the schools in Ghana and Togo, provided the following report. Click here to view it.

Extension Reports 

Cameroon Celebrates 50 Years Independence: Recent opportunities at a 50 Year Celebration in Cameroon provided fruitful for the work of the Cameroon Bible Institute.

The Church Is Growing Strong: The report from Uganda shows the development of the Lord’s church. The work is growing.

Challenges Of Training In An IT World: The work in Northern India can be challenging, as the IT world influences the cities of India as well.

Teachers At IBISR: Visiting teachers for short courses at the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap are making a great different with students.

Developing Measures At CBS: At times, disciplinary actions must be taken to keep schools developing as needed. In Togo, these actions serve the right purpose.

Off The Map Centres: The Chimala Bible Institute is expanding in great ways to evangelize in southern Tanzania.

Go, And Don’t Come Back: Numerous challenges face those working in other countries. This account is a powerful story in one woman’s journey to Christianity.

The Pilot School At Chapel Hill: Bear Valley is privileged to work with a congregation in Cape Coast, Ghana in an effort to strengthen the church and train men to preach. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for your prayers while we were traveling, and for your prayers on behalf of our family. We are blessed to have you as part of our lives and family. God has blessed us far beyond what we deserve and we are thankful.

I pray you have a marvelous week. Until next time...

God bless
Bob

Cambodia Report...

Dear Supporters,

Greeting from cold Denver Colorado. Time continues to move along and souls continue to be saved in Cambodia! Much is being accomplished thanks to the hard working young brothers and sisters associated with the IBISR (International Bible Institute of Siem Reap) and your support.

IBISR (International Bible Institute of Siem Reap)
The students have just completed their finals and did well. After that they were encouraged to go back to their homes and villages and tell their families and village leaders how the Bible is changing their lives. Please pray for these young men and women as they will face obstruction and resistance to the “Christian Culture”. Many of the families will be shocked and surprised as to how their children, nephews, nieces have changed.  The gospel is having a tremendous effect on them and all of those they evangelize. The school added 8 new students so we have separated them from the first class of students creating a rotation of students now. That means we will have graduations of new preachers every year! It also means we have a good mentoring system in place with the more mature students to guide the newer ones.

Recent Activities
In January, Chann Lork (IBISR Faculty and Siem Reap preacher) had organized a local leadership meeting to come and discuss their experiences in their works in different parts of the country. They had teachers of bible schools, evangelists of local congregations, and children's home staff come and share about their work and how they can improve in serving our Lord. This is a very big step for all participating as it indicates their independence of foreign missionaries to organize such meetings.

We had another Christian wedding for two of our brothers and sisters! Sokchea (pronounced Soak-chia) Lork (the preacher at Leang Dai and IBISR graduate) married Pisey (Pi-say) who works at the nearby Christian Orphanage of Hannah’s Hope. We are also looking forward to perhaps 3 more Christian couples getting married this year. Dear supporters, please understand the magnitude of this development as they now have Christian mates and will raise Christian children and also have Christian couples to bond with as they continue to grow in number and faith. Their families see with their own eyes as to how serious they are about Christianity and that they have left all of Buddhism behind.

Churches of Christ in Cambodia
After only 3 full years of our school of preaching, we now have 4 congregations directly resulting from those students. The largest is the church at Siem Reap which continues to grow and show signs and desires of being autonomous of outside support. Although these poor and humble servants don’t make much they continue to increase in their giving and we hope that this continues.

The other congregations continue to be strong in faith. We are not seeing many fall away after being baptized into Christ. Takam village is the largest village congregation and they have a particularly good preacher in Chouey Choen. Chouey will marry Borey who is another Christian girl this year and they will be the cornerstone for that village.

The other two congregations of Leang Dai and Svey Ring are slower growing but faithful nonetheless. Sokchea is an incredibly hard worker and has built a very good reputation in that village as a trustworthy servant of God and servant of those people. News is less forthcoming out of Svey Reng because it is so far away from the others. I hope to visit their at some point to encourage and see first hand the faith in our God.

Please know how important you are to the Christian growth in Cambodia you all are. I cannot stress this enough as I have seen it first hand and know the people and their gratitude and excitement for what you do.

In Service to God,

Wes Autrey
Cambodian Coordinator

To read the report with pictures, click here.

The Pilot School At Chapel Hill...

A few months ago, the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver began working with the Chapel Hill School of Biblical Studies. There are several areas we are continuing to work out in the development of this relationship. The school was started a few years ago and is overseen by the elders of the Chapel Hill Church of Christ in Cape Coast, Ghana. This is a weekend school designed to strengthen the church and provide training for men to preach the gospel. The development of this school by the Chapel Hill congregation provides an alternative to the full-time residential program in most Extension locations. This will be a pilot school effort for Bear Valley in this alternative approach to training. We are honored to work with this wonderful congregation and join them in their efforts to provide this training. We appreciate and like what we have seen so far. We will keep you informed as this program develops. Below is a report from the director of the school and preacher for the Chapel Hill congregation. 

FOLLOW-UP
After ordaining four brothers as elders at Chapel Hill on January 1^st, 2012, I left Cape Coast in the afternoon for Agona Swedru. As Cape Coast and Agona Swedru are in the same region, Central, we started the planned work some preachers and I had planned for the Region. From January 23 – 29^th, 2012 we did a follow up with dawn, house to house and night street preaching at Atwaa a village nearer to Mankessim. This village church was established five years ago. Twelve (12) preachers met in this village to do this follow–up and as a result 42 people were baptized. We were able to give Bibles in the local language to those who are able to read. More of such programmes are plan for the year and would be done as we get the funds. 

MARRIAGES
As I am one of three preachers in the Region who are registered by the Government of Ghana as Marriage Officers, I do travel much to officiate marriages. In the month of January, I did two marriages in different directions. Sheriff and Eunice both are teachers at Mankessim and John and Grace at Breman Asikuma. Apart from John, all the rest are Christians. 

CAMPUS MINISTRY
I was able to meet and worship with two congregations in two high schools. Three (3) were baptized on the second visit. 42, of which 37 were students, attended the first Sunday and on the second Sunday of my visit, there were 26 in attendance, including 23 students. These students are between the ages of 14 – 18. The work in this ministry is to help in the worship, train the students to lead in the services, visit and encourage the weak and those who could not attend services and to study with prospects who are also students and some teachers. We need song books, Bibles, communion wares and T–Shirt with the inscription of the Church or church activities written in them. 

BIBLE SCHOOL
The third semester of the Bible School programme was started again on January 20, 2012 after the Christmas holidays. The current batch of students of 22 for certificate and 10 for diploma will graduate in December 2012.

Kojo Acquah Beenyi

To view the report, along with the pictures provided, click here.

Go, And Don't Come Back...

To Our Co-Workers, 

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. It is 5:51 pm and we just arrived home from church, eating out, a little grocery shopping and another Maasi circumcision celebration which involved one of our part-time guards, Edward. He is related to several people at church and attended this morning with two friends. With 108 people in attendance at the Kisongo congregation (including the new Swahili students), there was literally standing room only. Lindsey taught the ladies class and Jimmy taught the men plus preached a great sermon on “Can One Fall From Grace?”

DUST IN THE WIND. Most people are familiar with the song by “Kansas.” Boy, can we relate! Many times in the past several weeks we have had to close our eyes and windows due to dust storms. We’ve been thinking of re-writing that song to fit Africa…maybe in the next report. Please pray for rain.

BOY DAY. After the “Teen Girls Night” our boys asked for a day to invite some friends from church to study/discuss bugs and play games. Tanzania has some of the most amazing insects and strangest-looking spiders we have EVER seen. One intriguing insect is a brown praying mantis that looks EXACTLY like a dried up leaf. So, whenever the “Boys and Bugs” day happens we will tell you all about it. What a great opportunity to discuss our Amazingly Intelligent Creator!

DOCTOR STRIKE. We have heard news from Mwanza that is supposed to affect all of TZ. The government doctors are protesting their wages. Some government hospitals have already closed. The sad part is that a lot of Tanzanians use these government hospitals because they are so cheap, and therefore affordable to them. Please pray about this also.

“GO AND DO NOT COME BACK.” After visiting with a Maasi lady (member of the church) last week, we have some touching stories we are writing down but will share a little something today. At about age 16, she became the second wife of her Maasi husband (who later married four others). When she became a Christian (taught by her son, who is now a Gospel preacher, thanks to ACSOP), her husband packed up her few things, threw them on a tractor and said, “Go and don’t come back.” Her oldest son was willing for her to build a mud hut on his land and she has lived there for several years. With many teeth missing, she smiled a huge smile and added, “I am SO glad to be away from all that” (meaning being a part of the “six-wife” commune) and we believe, although not expressed in words, that she is happy to be a part of the Christian community.

MORE TO SAY… but time and energy won’t permit it. Our daughter, Lindsey, helped set up a blog several months ago but, for some reason, Trina has procrastinated concerning it. She supposes she is afraid that once she begins writing (mainly on culture, interesting events in Africa, family, etc) that it will become another “iron in the fire” to which she will be committed.  When you say “yes” to something you always say “no” to something else. We would love to tell you more about Tanzania and this would be a wonderful way. Maybe she can better organize her time and be able to do this. THANKS TO YOU ALL. 

In Christian Love,
Jimmy, Trina and Family

Off The Map Centres...

We had a busy last couple of weeks at the Chimala Bible Institute. After implementing our new evangelism program last weekend, 4 teams lead by Howell Ferguson,  Remmy Joseph and Joseph Haonga and myself,  went out in the area churches with our whole student body. Joseph went to Chang”ombe with six students and they had a seminar on church growth. One was baptized because of their efforts.

Howell went out to Chimala A with 6 students, his wife Mary, Upendo, Mary’s translator, and Menard Swilla. Howell did a powerful series on discipleship. Preaching three different times, he reported the outside yard was filled with children in class and the inside was packed in the stifling heat. The church was so encouraged that they asked Howell and his team to continue the series during the week. Howell received a chicken from one of the members for his efforts. 

Remmy Joseph went with 5 students to Isitu. He was helped by one of the outstanding workers on the mission, Hammise. Remmy preached a series of lessons on stewardship. They have asked the team back this Sunday for more classes and evangelistic work. Mary Ferguson and her outstanding translator, Upendo, have even been asked to return and do a series for the ladies also which begins also this Sunday.

I traveled with Ezekiel and 6 students to Chosi A where one of our instructors, Lai, preaches. We had a series of lessons on the “Fruit of the Spirit.” The students then stayed the rest of the day having Bible studies with some wayward members. Because of their efforts three souls were restored to Christ. After speaking there Sunday evening one of the members made the request that our team return this Sunday. Since this is all part of the training of our students, one of the students will teach the Bible class and, as requested, I will preach on “How to Do Evangelism” at the morning worship hour. Then the students will stay all day and conduct the evening worship service while Ezekiel and I will travel to Uturo and preach. 

Speaking of Ezekiel, he, after his Secondary School Bible class this past week, had a student that wanted to obey his Lord in baptism. Peter Kamatula has been conducting services there every Lord’s day and having Bible classes during the week. Peter is starting this week to spend Thursday through Sunday in Mbeya conducting classes for the Christians there and will be taking a few of our students every weekend with him for future training. 

Boaz has been doing an outstanding job working with the Christians up on the mountain. He is taking three students with him this weekend with one of our students who is from there.  We are planning, in the near future, to have one of our teams hold a seminar there.  

One of our students, William Tembo, wrote this note this week describing there activities in his own words.  “We had house to house preaching. The result, we had three restorations of brethren. (two were brothers and one sister). “The church members were very much pleased because of the cordial relationship between CBI students and Chosi  A congregation. In general, the community members were also glad for the generosity and good will of students for having evangelism in off map centres.”

Classes are winding down for the quarter. We finished Jeremiah this week and Monday are reviewing for the final in Genesis. Howell has reported his finishing the book of Job and getting ready to finish Acts this week. We have put up five new maps of the Bible lands in the Swahili-Chapel room for Boaz has all of his students finding the places where God’s great activities happened.  Remmy Joseph reports that he is finally getting through Proverbs while Menard is finishing up “Survey of the New Testament. Peter’s English classes are bearing fruit with the students better able to research and Joshua’s classes in Homiletics have the boys do an excellent job in learning to preach. Joshua evaluates the students after every chapel sermon and the students have all improved in their abilities to Proclaim the Word.  

We had a faculty meeting in which we are all working on various task to improve the school. Task like creating a more comprehensive entrance exam, plans for more recruiting of students in the larger cities of Tanzania and better care and organization in the library were discussed. Howell gave us all a pep talk in keeping at the task at hand in the meeting. He emphasized that we are all to be constantly about the task of training the leaders of the church for the future of East Africa in which we all heartily agreed 

Yes, it is hot here now, the afternoon classes are sweltering and we have had no rain. The students are finishing up sermons, papers, memorizing verses and studying there notes for finals this next week. On top of that they are going out on the weekend and teaching, holding Bible studies and directing services. We as teachers are finalizing our lectures, preparing finals, grading papers and preaching on Wednesday and every Lord’s day….Please keep all in mind and in your prayers as we work, worship, learn and serve in “Off the Map Centres” like here at the Chimala Bible Institute.

Garry L. Hill
Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver Extension Coordinator

Developing Measures At CBS...

On the 9th of February 2012, Steven Ashcraft and I traveled to Kpalime. We left Accra at about 2:00 pm and arrived in Kpalime at about 7:30 pm. The objective of this trip was to meet with students and staff of CBS and to visit with the church.

We were informed that disciplinary actions were taken that affected five students who have been asked to withdraw from CBS in the month of January.

1) Akanya -dismissed for the habit of always coming in late for classes.

2) Mawusi’s father died. He left and did not return.

3) Apetofia left because he could not support the wife and kids he left behind.

4) Pedaka sought permission to go and visit his wife and children who were sick. He over stayed and was asked not to return.

5) Joel’s sister took him out of school and traveled with him.

We have taken these disciplinary measures to deter other students from doing the same.

Steven Ashcraft, the staff and students of CBS also had a meeting regarding several issues facing the school. Issues discussed at the meeting included the following:

1) Steve’s role as coordinator.

2) Reviewed the curriculum to see if it met the Bear Valley Bible Institute’s standard.

3) Looked at the doctrinal statement document from Bear Valley Bible Institute and its possible translation into French.

4) Reviewed the grading system of CBS.

5) Certification issues were also discussed.

Sunday worship service was held at the NYIVEME church of Christ.
The Nyiveme Church of Christ is the largest congregation in the Kpalime area with an average attendance of fifty. Most of the CBS students attend worship service here on Sundays. Steve and I worshiped with the brethren and had the opportunity to teach and preach.

CBS students led singing, Steve preached & Willie interpreted. Steve later met with some recent graduates. 

Nyiveme Church of Christ Outgrows It’s Place of Worship
The Nyiveme Church of Christ was established in 2005 and until 2011 has served as the home for CBS. It now has a membership of over 60 but its average attendance is 50. The congregation has outgrown its present place of worship and plans to relocate, but needs more chairs. The congregation will move in to use the classroom at CBS. This new place should take no less than 80 worshippers. This decision to move into a larger place will also create more space and therefore the motivation to evangelize. We are confident that by the close of 2012 the attendance will double.

Each plastic chair will cost $7.00 and we shall need 60 pieces. This will amount to $420.00

Outreach
Our first outreach program for 2012 will take place in Aveho Tugbli where Clement, one of our recent graduates is preparing the ground for a three day campaign for Christ in March. By the time of this campaign, we should have saved CFA 120.00 for campaign expenses. Instead of the monthly campaign which were not adequately funded, we have decided to hold four campaigns this year, one every quarter.

Willie Gley

Teachers At IBISR...

After sending Joe back to America we had another brother in Christ from the states, Daniel Hamm, come to teach a short course on the book of Jude. He has taught here before in August of 2011 on the subject of Evangelism and was impressed with the school and work that he decided to come again for two weeks and share his bible knowledge with the staff and students of IBISR. We are always grateful to have volunteers to come and be a part of the work of Christ here. Of course, we don't just allow anybody to come and teach at the school. The Bible teaches us to tests every spirit to see whether they be of God (1 Jn 4:1) and I always encourage the students and staff to be like the brethren in Berea who searches the Scriptures daily to see whether the things being taught are according to word of God (Acts 17:11). We thank Daniel and his wife Kathy for sacrificing their time and money to sow and water God's crops in Cambodia! Please keep the work here in your prayers.

Phanat

Challenges Of Training In An IT World...

Brothers and Sisters, prayer companions and all our well wishers,

We are all ready to host the 6^th North India Preachers’ lectureship. With the coming of this week we are so much excited to have the wonderful fellowship of the preachers from almost all over India. Prior to this Lectureship we had no communication with each other and it seemed to many as if there is no congregation of the Lord's Church in the Northern India. Now we have people here from Chandigarh, Punjab, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Delhi, UP, MP, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chennai (10) states, 1 Union Territory and 3 Metros. It shows that taking from the national capital (Delhi), the financial capital (Mumbai), in the Northern parts of India the Church is showing its presence and it cannot be said that these are the neglected states now. Our Lord has died for the people of these states and He has entrusted us the burden to take his commission to the utmost parts of the world. 

From the States this time, we have brother Russell G. Bell, Topeka, KS. He has been with us from the beginning of this ministry. Brother Bobby Peyton, TN, has also been continuing for the several years and this year he is bringing his wife sister Ruth along with him. Brother Jerry Bates, MS and brother Dennis are also joining this time and we are grateful for them. 

We still miss many of our good brothers from various states. People of adjoining states viz., Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal are also in our prayers to join us so that they may also join us with in the mission field.

Last year we started a ladies' meeting in the Park outside the lecture (in Public place) hall, thinking that the Preachers' wives' should also be take benefit in this lectureship, be taught separately. This year we are being blessed to have sister Ruth Peyton to teach the ladies' class. Sister Benu will assist her in telling her experience with the truth and the joy of sharing it. 

This lectureship is a part of our training and helping to grow each other, sharing our experiences and encouraging one another this way. 

This lectureship will go for two days in which Indian and American preachers will be asked to speak. The Theme of this year is the 1 Epistle of John. Brother Earnest Gill, brother. Francis David, brother Vinay David, brother Peter Singh, brother Rajendra Chhappani, brother S. Sharnappa are the Indian speakers this year. American speakers: Brother Russell G. Bell, brother Bobby Peyton, brother Dennis, and brother Jerry Bates.

The more joyous and fruitful part is the graduation Ceremony of the North India Bible College. It gives us joy that we have been able to train these people for long 2 years. But at the same time it saddens us when we see the challenges they face in the field. The past few weeks were very tough as Small Pox had spread in the hostel. Brother Rajesh and brother Rinku were affected. Saturday evening Mahananda (students)'s purse was snatched as they were going from our house to the hostel, late evening. She lost her purse. 

It is a tough job to train a man for the service in this IT world. In the developing country like India (especially North), where the Church has its presence in very few places, the Bible College is doing what it can do in increasing the borders of the kingdom. The task of a preparing a preacher is hard, but the work of the School remains undone if that preacher is not used fully for that particular job. When he goes home, he does not find the Church established, rather faces many challenges from the denominations and sometimes are discouraged. They find it hard to find a job as they have spent 2 years of their time here and know the preaching but not the secular work. As Paul rightly said by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "How will they preach unless they are sent?" I believe that they must be sent. Once they go home and are indulged in the matters of the world, we find it difficult to locate them. I trust that we have trained many good people who are faithful to the Lord, but it becomes difficult for them to stand in the ministerial work because of their financial responsibilities at home. I pray that if they are helped by some congregation or some faithful brother with a small amount of about $50 per month it will be great boost for them as they can do some secular work also. 

This time we are graduating 5 students, viz., brother Rinku (Orissa), brother Baidyanath (Bihar), brother Naresh Marandi (Bihar), brother Kirtan Chhatria (Orissa), and Mahananda (Maharashtra).

At the same time we are also preparing ourselves for the next batch. We will continue from the first week of March the next session. 

Thank you for your prayers and support and we always lift you in our prayers to the throne of grace.

For Christ
Earnest

The Church Is Growing Strong...

Dear brethren,

It has been a good day today. We are doing fine here in Uganda. The churches of Christ in Busia, Namayingo and Bugiri Districts are growing strong in the Lord. They have seen the need to do things which leads them toward being independent.

Today we worshiped at Nandwa church. I was given a chance to preach and I preached about walking in the valleys of life. The brethren saw how the Lord can deliver those who fall into the valley. 

We are remaining with only two weeks until graduation. We are now waiting for the short course teachers who will teach and later we go to the graduation. We are praying for all of you who are planning to come for graduation. Come and be with us on that great day. May the Lord bless you as you plan your trip. I hope to read from you. 

Yours
Francis Wechesa

Cameroon Celebrates 50 Years Independence...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept warm greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation and many brethren in the body of Christ here in Cameroon. God is great as we have started having rains, meaning that we are drifting now toward the rainy season. Many of our members have started preparing their farms for the planting season that will soon start. Keep them in your prayers.

A cross section of our students marched pass the divisional officer of the Southwest region during the celebration ceremony of 50^th years of our independence. Our school was the lone Institution of higher learning that was there. We raised our Thompson chain reference Bibles thanks to the donation of Bible Literature Of Africa. Brother Emosby gave other good materials for the students individual development. We spent time after the march past to share the gospel to many in the ceremony. Many were happy to see us, as they only listen to us through the PA system far away in their villages.

I am sorry for the breakdown of internet last week in limbe city which made it impossible for me to share my normal report.

Both weeks were great as we continue the studying, planting and watering of seeds here in CBIW. God is blessing our efforts all to the glory to His name.

Our search for lost souls continues again as the two students, brother Innocent and brother Ngoe Nelson were assigned to go to Bakassi for revival of the congregation there. It was successful but more human resources are needed there. Keep the work in your prayers.

There was a good number present as the Bakassi congregation revived. Bakassi was the disputed area between Cameroon and Nigeria, but now peace has returned on the island and we are happy that we are set to go with the gospel of Christ to help many come over to the Lord and be savesd. The work is a great work. Keep it in your prayers.

Our Mondoni mission is growing well, as we continue to send two CBIW students on weekend evangelism. Brother Eddie Samuel baptized our new sister, Comfort, into to Christ. The brothers continue to appreciate the efforts of CBIW to continue to come and help them till December after graduation when a brother will go and remain permanently. Keep the work in your prayers.

A total of three new precious souls (pictured below right) worshipped today for their first time in the Mondoni congregation after their baptism. More human resources are still needed. Keep the work in your prayers.

The Tole , Nake  and Kwa-kwa villages were equally touched this weekend by our students. The wind of revival is blowing across Cameroon. CBIW has come to stay and will help accomplish God’s will.

The Batoke village mission work is still pending and we plan to make it this March for our next campaign. Many more letters of demands for students to come over are coming into my office daily. Some congregations have started applying for a permanent preacher to their congregations when we shall graduate our alpha batch come December 20th. Please keep our work in your prayers that all goes on well.

Keep all the students in your prayers as they shall commence their first quarter exams the 28th of February.

Keep all our endeavors in your prayers. We shall travel this 23rd to 26th of February to Malende village for another campaign with all the students and some members for the Wotutu congregation.Keep the work in your prayers that God’s will be done.

APPRECIATIONS
On behalf of all the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation, I say thank you for all your concern, deep love for the work here, your fervent prayers and your support.God alone will bless you and your entire family and the congregation in which you belong. Do us another favor by sharing this report with many around you who may love to be part of this soul winning team. As we continue to pray for a van to come our way for easy and convenient transportation to and from campaign sites. God bless and watch over you and all that you do.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Our God Is Great And Faithful...

The weeks are flying by so quickly. The time at the Freed-Hardeman Lectureship was wonderful. It was so good to see some good friends and make new ones. I had opportunity to speak with several individuals about the work of Bear Valley, both the work in Denver and the Extension Program around the world. I eagerly anticipate this event each year. It was and is an exciting time.

In addition, the last two Sundays I was given opportunity to speak about the work with two very special congregations. Sunday, February 5th, I was attended the annual Mission’s Day for the Greenbrier church of Christ. This congregation has been involved in supporting missions for many years. They have been involved in our personal support, but they also support several domestic works, as well as, a number of individual efforts around the world. For several years they were involved in supporting the Extension work of Nigeria. It was great to be with them and see so many special friends.

Yesterday, I had opportunity to visit with the congregation in Romance, Arkansas. This congregation has been helpful in our work since we first started at Bear Valley. They are a wonderful group of Christians. In addition, Sheryl and I witnessed the baptism of a young man who, to us, is known as C.J. The exciting part of this spiritual birth was the fact C.J. (who is 19) wanted to make sure he was ready to commit to following Christ before making the decision to be baptized. He was an impressive young man. We are thankful we were able to share in this special day for him and the congregation.

The news from the Extension program is exciting as the work grows through the planting and watering of the see. Even though this week’s report has just a few reports, they are worth reading all the same. Our God is great and He is always faithful.

Now on to the reports...

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

Extension Reports 

20 Plan For Graduation In Uganda: In just a few weeks another class of students will complete their studies at the Uganda School of Evangelism. They will enter a great work for the Lord.

Another Quarter Takes Flight: After a short break, classes resume for the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap, Cambodia.

A Time To Live, Work, And Die: The work is always changing and events take place that affect the direction on a daily basis. The Gee report this week shares some of these changes. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading this week’s report and every week. Thank you for being such a vital part of this effort. Your generosity is changing lives around the world, beginning with mine. I am always encouraged to visit with the great brethren who are instrumental in the financial support of training men to preach the gospel. 

Thank you for your love for the Lord, the lost, His church and for your confidence in Bear Valley to faithful teach others who will teach others.

God bless
Bob

Another Quarter Takes Flight...

The students of IBISR have had a one week break after their finals and have returned to begin the next quarter of school work. It's always good to have them return and share of their experiences (especially our first year students) when they go back home to their family. It is encouraging to see them realize how much their family and friends view them differently than before. They can already see the effects of the gospel in their lives and how much of a difference one quarter of Bible can make! Please pray that these students continue to live what they learn and teach what they've been taught so that others can find the way, the truth, and the life that leads to heaven!

A Time To Live, Work, And Die...

Dear Loyal Co-Workers,

A TIME TO LIVE AND WORK. If you are paying attention to the volume numbers of these reports you will notice that this one is Vol. 8 No. 1. Yes, we have completed seven years in Tanzania and are beginning the eighth. We did so on February 8. It has been a growing experience for all of us, as well as a humbling one. To be a part of such a great work (both in terms of the fact that it is God's work and the fact that it is an honor to work with the Stafford’s and others who have come our way) is a grand blessing indeed. We are committed to the work until 2018 but we are also considering what the future will hold. The bottom line is that we do not know, as yet, what the future holds, but we do know Who holds the future. And that is truly a comfort. Thank you for your faithful support over the last seven years. We pray God blesses you richly for it.

A TIME TO DIE. Twa, (of the Islamic faith), who was the husband of Margareth (Christian employee of ACSOP), died and was buried one week ago. Twa, a diabetic who contracted malaria while conducting a safari, died on a Friday evening and was buried the next day (Muslims bury quickly). The Muslims will stay at the deceased persons home and sing for 3 days. Margareth remained home today (instead of worshipping) because her late husbands’ family is meeting regarding HIS belongings. She has two children (ages 10 and 3) and as of Saturday, had not told them about their father’s death. We kindly encouraged her to do so (they lied to the older child telling him his father was on a “long journey.”) This child attended the funeral but did not see who was in the casket. Tanzanians mistakenly believe that keeping the truth from children is protecting them and that they should not be told about such issues until they are much older. I would surmise that there are not many, if any, Swahili books written on the best way to handle this situation. Americans have knowledge, good counsel, etc. at their fingertips…not so here. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Margaret needs prayers to grow in her faith and become strong.

HOT TAMALES! While visiting Margareth, tradition says you must serve “chai” (tea) to your guests. Tanzanians drink it VERY HOT. Just the heat of the cup was too much for Trina’s “tender” fingertips so someone quickly handed her a cloth. Her observation is that the women have had the nerve endings in their hands “seared with a hot iron” (or a hot coal) during their years of cooking over an open fire. We’ve always said, “The strongest woman in America is a wimp in Africa.”

OUR APPRECIATION and FAREWELL is extended to Ted Cherry, who diligently taught two Master’s Classes at the ACSOP. This week at ACSOP the four English classes taught will be: Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther (instructor Ahimidiwe Kimaro), I and II Thessalonians (Emmanuel Peter), Joshua, Judges, Ruth (Charles Heberth) and I and II Timothy and Titus (Jimmy Gee). Due to a miscommunication, the Swahili class will not begin until next week.  Abigail will be a student in three classes and Lindsey in two.

The Kisongo girls (ages 12-18) enjoyed a SPEND-THE-NIGHT PARTY at our house last Friday.  Thirteen girls played outside games, enjoyed food and snacks (of course!) and watched a movie.  Abigail also conducted a devotional on the “Good Samaritan” passage.  Abigail invited Grace (whose father would not consent to her baptism) to this event but her father would not allow her to come.

We were very encouraged by the confession of sin by one of our Christian brothers. He admitted to “walking in darkness” and truly wants to be able to overcome the temptations that were destroying his family. This brother realized that sin is “only pleasurable for a season” and now has to deal with the consequences. Prayers were answered and this family is now stronger and slowly working toward healing.

Rosemary will receive the results of her biopsy tomorrow. Rehema (Therasia’s sister) continues to attend the services at Kisongo. Her neighbor, Sophia, has been a very good influence and encourager to both Rehema and Therasia. Sophia didn’t feel knowledgeable enough to teach them but “hath done what she could.” Her efforts have resulted in Therasia’s conversion and Rehema’s desire to study. Never underestimate what a little effort can do.

Thank you for joining us in this work and helping us to teach East Africans God’s Word, giving them the hope of eternal life. 

Because He Died for All,
Jimmy, Trina and family

20 Plan For Graduation In Uganda...

Dear brethren,

The Lord is continuing to bless us here in Uganda. Reports from congregations where our students work are good. Gengulukho church of Christ, there was a death in that congregation. Our beloved sister Matirida Ajiambo passed away on the 2nd of February and was buried on the 4th of February 2012. She was the mother of our brother Dadira Wonyango. Dadira was the first convert of the school in 2007. His mother followed him. 

This Saturday, 12 congregations from Busia and Mayingo Districts came together in their quarterly fellowship. These congregation are 14 in number and their aim is to work together in helping each other in their problems. When they meet together three lessons are taught from different preachers. Each congregation contributes $10 dollars which is given to the hosting congregation to be used in solving whatever needs they might be having. Most congregations want funds to buy plots, building church buildings and others. These congregations also contribute $5 dollar each whenever there is death in any congregation to help in caring for the burial expenses. 

Today we worshipped at Nandwa church of Christ. After worship we sent different members to visit those who were reported to be sick. Myself, Margaret , Paul my son and Loyce, my mother, went to visit Okello Adaya who has been very sick after the death of his brother who passed away on the 10th February. Okello was complaining of stomach pain and headache. Today he had come from the hospital and he was at home. Another group visited Makoha Eridadi who is suffering from a stroke. The church always takes to him the Lord’s Supper every Sunday, as he cannot come to church. They reported that Eridadi today could not even wake up by himself as he usually does. Let us continue praying for brother Eridadi.

UGANDA SCHOOL OF EVANGELISM graduation is just at hand. On the 2nd of March 20 students will graduate. Two students will just go through the process, but they will continue for two more quarters in the new school year. We need your prayers as we plan this. 

Yours
Francis Wechesa

Freed Hardeman Lectureship...2012

We are attending the Freed Hardeman Lectureship this week. I love the opportunity to hear some great lessons, sing with a heavenly sounding congregation, visit with wonderful friends, and enjoy the fellowship of incredible coworkers in the faith. This is always an encouraging time of the year. If you receive this report and you are attending the lectureship, please stop by the Bear Valley booth, we would love to visit for a few minutes.

Building on last week’s exciting announcement of the establishment of a new school in Kenya, we are looking to make additional trips this year to consider possibilities in several other countries. In the next 18 months we are hoping to potentially have 4 more locations up and moving in the right direction of training men to preach the gospel.

Next month will bring our first staff meeting of the year. All the Extension staff will meet in Denver to discuss a number of areas to improve the overall work of the program. This opportunity makes it possible to dig into areas of the work where we need to make necessary adjustments to improve the operations, address student and administration needs, along with discussing future development.

Just the thought excites me because I know good always comes from working on both the positive and negative areas of this work.

Now on to the reports...

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

Extension Reports 

Cameroon Grows Spiritually And Numerically: Recent evangelism produces fruit in a needed area in a French speaking section of Cameroon.

Singing, New Students, And Reaching Out: The Chimala Bible Institute is working with an evangelism committee to plan outreach opportunities in the work.

Making Adjustments For Growth: As the school grows in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the staff make necessary adjustments to improve the program.

VVBC Annual Report: The report from the Visakha Valley Bible College expresses the progress made in the work in India over the past year.

Cold In Ukraine, But The Work Grows: Extreme cold conditions in Gorlovka, Ukraine have forced many businesses to close, but the church and school continue to grow.

Friends, Classes, And A Returning Family: It has been a busy week in Arusha, Tanzania and there is positive events planned with the return of the Hochdorf family.

Final Thoughts
As we are now fully committed to February, we are looking ahead to the activities of the year. Several trips will be made this year by various teachers and extension coordinators for teaching in the program. We will also make trips to look into possibilities for establishing new schools. It is going to be an exciting year for Extension Training.

All of this is possible because of your generosity. Thank you for trusting the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver in training men to preach the gospel. We look forward to bringing you powerful reports about the development of the work throughout the year. Thank you!

God bless
Bob

Friends, Classes And A Returning Family...

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:  “Life is an exciting business and most exciting when it is lived for others.”  - Helen Keller

FRIENDS. Friday evening Dr. Danny Smelser, Rick and Cynthia Nobles and Wendell and Kay Waites came to our home for a cookout. Dr. Smelser and his wife, Nancy, help to spread the good news of Christ through the ministry of their medical clinic in the nearby village of Monduli. Rick and Cynthia Nobles have been to Tanzania before to help with the clinic, conduct sewing and drip irrigation classes. This time, working along with Mr. and Mrs. Waites, the Nobles were here on “World Bible School” business. We enjoyed them all so much and the house was alive with excitement and laughter. Our younger children (Naomi and Elijah) took a special liking to Kay (they must have sensed she was a grandmother). We are looking forward to May when the Nobles are scheduled to return and hope to see the Waites again. 

OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY class is now history, but the students still have work to turn in later. The Leadership class began Saturday morning. Our thanks to Ted Cherry for his time and effort in teaching these two classes.

BIBLE STUDIES: Lindsey continues to teach Therasia (new Christian) concerning basic principles. They studied twice this week with the first lesson entitled “How God Has Dealt with Man” and began Genesis 1 for their second lesson. It made us very happy that Rehema, Therasia’s older sister, sat in on one of the studies and has requested a personal Bible study! Rehema was in both Bible class and worship today.

Our neighbor, Lucy, was sick so we did not study Saturday morning. Jimmy’s usual Saturday morning study with Ammon was also cancelled (by Ammon).

ACSOP. The new students (about 20) will arrive this week to begin their studies on Feb. 13 in the Swahili class. The second-year English students will also be back to start on the same day. Please pray for their safe travels and that they will dedicate themselves to learning God’s Word.

KISONGO BIBLE SCHOOL: The men of the Kisongo congregation have run into some “snags” concerning the beginning of the school and plan to meet this month to discuss ways to overcome the challenges so the classes may begin. Please pray that they will not let anything stand in the way of this good work.

RETURNING MISSIONARIES. Sean Hochdorf, along with his wife, Anita, daughter Maddie and Sean's parents will be arriving February 20th to re-join the TZ 2000 Mission Team. Sean and his family were here a few years ago but had to return to the states due to Anita’s severe back problems. They will be involved in many aspects of the work.

ON THE HOME FRONT: We’re all thankful to be in good health. The four older girls are both busy with school work (Abigail at the ACSOP this past week and next week, the rest with their “Gee Academy” studies). Heather and Candace are trying to get as much school finished as possible in order to be free during the 4 week-long stay of the Akins’ in May-June. They are just about to “burst at the seams” thinking of spending time with their cousins Steven, Garret and Olivia. Heather and Candace are also saving their money to travel with Jimmy to Nairobi to meet the cousins when they arrive.

AN APOLOGY. We’re sorry that there have not been any pictures in the last few reports. We’ll try to do better next week.

THANK YOU. Please accept our heart-felt thanks for your support. Please also accept our invitation to come for a visit…we would love for you to see the work first-hand! Jimmy is a terrific travel agent and can help you plan your trip. 

In Christian Love, 
Jimmy, Trina and Family

If you would like to see the report with pictures, please click here.

Cameroon Grows Spiritually And Numerically...

Dearest in Christ,

Calvary greetings from this part of the globe is our wish for you. The staff, students and the members of the Wotutu congregation sends their love to you, your family and the congregation of God’s people where you are. We pray that this mail finds you all in good health and a sound faith.

We give thanks to God for all we are doing that is going on smoothly. Everything went on well with our mid-week class in our congregation and our classes in CBIW. We thank God for bring all the lecturers from outside Wotutu village to teach and return them back to their various homes safe and sound. Our chapel topic for the week, and will continue throughout the month, is TRANSFORMATION. This is aimed at creating a deep consciousness to all in our family about our lives.

Brother Tobias baptized two souls in Bali village during his weekend evangelism. Brother Ashu went to Muea, a congregation that a minister abandoned for different involvements. We are sending our students there weekly for nurturing so that they will not be like orphans. Keep the work in your prayers. Brother Namina Bernard and Tabit Henry returned from Mondoni village to nurture and to preach and teach the young congregation we established few weeks ago.

As I write this mail to you we are just making our way back to the campus after spending four days with 3 students in a French community Nkongsamba about 170 kilometers from Wotutu. We are also answering a Macedonian call to come over and help. Some students went to other locations and all went on well.

Preaching from house to house in Nkongsamba city went well. The city has about 150,000 inhabitants, purely French speaking, with very few English speaking. People are thirsty for the truth as they listened to me keenly, but still need to check their denominational beliefs with the truth. Even in their fire side they will suspend their cooking process to listen to us.

There is a newly established congregation in Nkongsamba with four Christians. The worship hall was characterized with some visitors who came to see the New Testament worship for the first time. They expressed much satisfaction, but they will need follow up. Keep this work in your prayers.

Two of our students, who are French speaking, brother Norbert and brother Ititi Benedict, translated into English for others who are not French speaking so they can benefit. It was great and we will see an opening for the gospel to the French communities from now on more than ever before. We pray God will send some French speaking brothers to come over to CBIW to be trained as we shall start a French department during this intake. Some French speaking brothers have shown their interest and are applying. Keep our work in your prayers.

We met with the Nkongsamba church of Christ this morning. One of the brothers who met us there is a graduate from Nigeria. I met him during my last visit there and encouraged him to come over so that he can be part of our visions for the French communities. He will be the one to continue the work now. Keep him in your prayers and share this with those who will love to be involved in French mission here in Cameroon. We need French tracks, Bibles, and other French materials for this work. Minister Mukom Bernard needs your prayers and deep concern.

The new congregation in Nkongsamba is meeting in a rented house. The sign board is written up in French and English to suit both the French speaking and the English speaking because Cameroon is a bilingual country. Keep this work in your prayers so that God will continue to add more souls as the ministers preach and teach many that he will meet on his way.

PLANS
1) The students of CBIW will again go and do a match pass as Cameroon celebrates 50 years of independence. The government in our area is inviting all educational and youth organizations to take part. We shall use that event to make known the church of Christ to more in our area and also to preach and teach to many youths who are wallowing in youthfulness. The event will be on the 11^th February.

2) We plan to send some students and some members of the Wotutu congregation to one of our first newly established congregation and the lone congregation in the region of Lebialem which is having serious problem of leadership and can lead to splitting of the church if immediate visit is not organized there to restore unity.

3) As long as we have the means we shall continue with our weekly evangelism as more demands to come over and help keeps coming to my office.

APPRECIATIONS
Many thanks to God for all His doing in our ministry. He is helping us to continue to think souls and by so doing we go out to rob from the strong man’s house. It is a great commission and we are excited about it and we thank God for using us in this way to reach out to many souls. More is still to be done. Come and be with us as we continue in our visions. Share this with others who may also love to come and be part of this team. Thanks for all your prayers and support. You are always in our prayers may God continue to use you.

Elangwe and family by His grace
Director CBIW

Singing, New Students, And Reaching Out...

We have finished another week at the Chimala Bible Institute. In chapel this week Samuel spoke on the “Dangers of Looking Back.” Using Lot’s wife he compared her longing for the world with our desire to not look back, but look forward to Jesus  (Hebrews 12:1). Samuel is a fine young Tanzanian that is already preaching every Lord ’s Day and looking forward to serving God even better because of his studies. Joseph went out with three of our students to Tukuyu and they had 3 baptisms. Boaz had for the past few weeks been traveling to the “old mission” in the mountains and 5 Christians who had been out of service were restored. Wednesday, after teaching Jeremiah class, our students went to the mission church where I preached a sermon from Jeremiah calling us back to the “old paths” (Jeremiah 6). Ezekiel returned from Sumbawanga where they had 26 in attendance, two baptisms and a restoration.

The evangelism committee met with a plan presented by brother Howell Ferguson where we will start next week with further training of our students in evangelism. We have been invited to four churches where we will have a series of lessons with our students participating every other weekend. Remmy, our new director of the English program, Boaz, one of our long time instructors, Howell Ferguson and myself will be conducting these seminars. We believe it will strengthen the area churches and give our students valuable training. Speaking of training at chapel Friday, brother Howell led the students in learning some new songs. The devotion and joy evidenced in these young men praising God in our daily chapel services is truly inspiring. We now have two new students in school, one a Tanzanian Swahili student and one a Malawian English student. We now have a “full house.” We have enrolled 26 students studying, singing, and reaching out with the message of salvation Jesus came to provide. Please continue to pray for the students and staff at the Chimala Bible Institute.

Garry L. Hill
Extension Coordinator

Making Adjustments For Growth...

Joe Hickey has been with us the past 3 weeks teaching on evangelism at the school and helping with the work in the village of Takam. We appreciate brother Joe and his involvement with the local work here, especially with the villages. We thank him for his compassion and love that he exemplifies to the people of Cambodia. We also want to thank all those who support this work, demonstrating your love and compassion as well. Please continue to pray for us as continue to grow and strive to be the church that is found in the New Testament!

This is week 4 of the month of January and it has been a hectic week. We just finished our quarter for the 1st and 2nd year students and they did really well. The second year students are trying their best not to let the first year out shine them in their studies. It's healthy competition to learn God's word! I don’t know if I mentioned this, but after I came back from America in November, we had 8 new students enrolled, so instead of lumping them in with the second year students and confusing them, we created a first year class to ease them into studying God's word. It has been more work for the staff, yet there hasn’t been any complaints from them. That's why I love working with such men because they adapt to the situation in order to glorify God! Joe Hickey will be flying home on the 5th of February and might be back with us in April to finish his project in the Takam village. Please continue to pray for us as we strive to do God's work in Cambodia.

Phanat