Student Studies With Parents...

Dear brethren,

Greetings to you in the precious name of Lord Jesus Christ our savior. By the grace of God we are all doing fine. Hope all is well with you. We are thankful to our God who is enabling us to continue doing his ministry in our part of India. We have 15 students who are regular to the school. We are happy to say that they will be completing this course study by April 2013. All of our students are uplifted in their faith so much through the teaching of various subjects by our faculty. Our students are so blessed to be in this school, of course they remark our school very highly too.

Short Course: Brother Chuck Ramseur visited with us for a week. During his visit he taught the ‘Epistle to the Hebrews’ to the undergraduate students. As usual, this trip has been very productive than previous one. His first trip had been quite bit of learning since everything was new and it was his first visit to teach at an extension school of BVBID.

We were excited about Chuck coming to Visakha for the second time which really helped us to work together for the betterment of the school. He is very mindful of the school in Visakha, we appreciate him for that. Our students had a good time of learning Hebrews from the audience perspective. Chuck has a done a marvelous job of teaching the Epistle to the Hebrews in this perspective so that the students would get the exact message from the epistle. He spent lot of time in explaining the text rather than applying it to the present audience. It was a different learning experience for me as well. Chuck has done a review before the start of every class that helped the students to stay on the same page along with the instructor. Regular memory work and the quizzes have helped the students to learn more from the epistle. It is very important to any student to rightly understand the text before he applies it to himself or teach it to somebody so that they would apply it to themselves. Understanding the epistle to the Hebrews is just like any other book in the Bible. Chuck’s way to teaching it by emphasizing the key words and their connection & relation between them throughout the epistle was marvelous. Especially he mentioned the text coded from Psalms to show how much more blessed we are through Jesus Christ who is superior above all in this universe. He affirmed to the students about the greatest salvation we have in Jesus Christ and the great hope receiving the heavenly Jerusalem.  He did a great job compared to his first visit & teaching. Students have learned so much. They did a good job in writing their final exams; most of them have good grades. We pray that his regular visits would be a blessing to the school and to all of us.

Zeal for towards his loved ones: David Raju, He is one of our diligent students in the current batch. He lives in a village which is 40 kms from Visakhapatnam. He was a Hindu believer. He heard about Jesus and obeyed him by being baptized into Christ. After he became a Christian he wanted his parents to learn about God and obey the Lord. Since they are very old he really wanted them to obey the truth before it is too late. While his curiosity of saving his parents was growing wild, he could not resist himself from teaching them about the plan of salvation and about their need to repent of their sins and becoming children of God. His regular teachings finally motivated them to repent of their sins and come forward to be washed themselves in the blood of Jesus Christ. This wonderful event has taken place at VVBC during the first week of this month. Brother Eric Ramseur witnessed this overwhelming event. After they confessed that Jesus Christ is the son of God, they were baptized by John Dean for the remission of their sins. David Raju has the happiest moment in his life. Tears ran out of David Raju’s eyes during the baptism of his parents really denoting the joy he had from the fulfillment of his long waited desire.

We have scheduled a weekend gospel campaign during the end of the first of May. We are very much looking forward to spending some study time with those who are learning about God. We hope the word of God will be received in gladness and souls will be added to the Church. Certainly there is a great future for the Lord’s church in this village. This only possible through some enthusiastic preachers like David Raju, who is very zealous for the Lord. We have few other men who are very eager to proclaim the word and are strong to live according to it.

Needs: Dear brethren please be mindful of the needs for the preachers in this area, especially to those who are going to school and soon will be full time preachers. A bicycle & lantern with some Bibles at the time of graduation is a wonderful gift that we can offer to them to help with their mission to preach the word.

Summer: Here the weather is getting heated up. Right now the temperatures in some areas are over 95 F. We do not have rains from last 6 months. Due to that, ground water levels are going down and down, with the relative affect on the prices of electricity and vegetables which has been a burden to the common man. Of course the hike of the prices is an uprising problem in the world over, but for a common man like a preacher who doesn’t make so much from very poor congregations it is really struggle. Kindly pray for the preachers in that area who are honestly serving the Lord besides the difficulties.

Future Preachers’ Training Camp: While I was at Bear Valley during my visit in 2010, I was blessed to be at the Church who hosted the FPTC. I was really impressed with that program and wanted to try that in India too. When Dr. Dennis Jones, president of HCU, visited Skinner’s Garden on the 9th of February, he inaugurated the program. We have scheduled this week long FPTC program starting from the 4th of June till the 10th. Since this is our first effort, we would like to invite the preachers’ sons who are over the age of 13. This program would certainly help them to become leaders in the future. Kindly pray for the success of this camp.

Thank you note: Dear brethren we are thankful to the brethren at Strickland Church of Christ, especially to the elders for their trust and charity with which we are able to run the school successfully. We continue to remember them in our daily prayers and thank our heavenly God for their great role in seeking and saving the lost in India. Yes, India is a growing wild in religious perspective with the TV media well spread. Everywhere the entire denominational groups in India, especially in the state of Andhra Pradesh, have been spreading the man made doctrines. These situations need well trained young man who teach the only doctrine which was once for all delivered. We pray that our combined efforts produce more effective preachers to spread good news & the right doctrine to the lost millions in India. 

Work Report: 
Number of people baptized in this month through our ministry: 6
Denominational preachers restored: 1
Gospel meetings conducted – 6
Weekend Campaign – 1
Gospel tracts distributed - 1200
Doors Knocked - 135
Held the Bible Studies - 21

We thank you all so much for your concern for the Lord's work in India. Our calender year has been so busy, kindly pray for our travelling to various places. We thank you all so much for being a part of this great Lord's work in India. 

Samuel Raju & John Dean Muppidi
Visakha Valley Bible College
Church of Christ
Andhra Pradesh,  INDIA

Evangelism Is Our Mission...

Dearest in Christ,

Calvary greetings from this end to you and your entire family and the family of God where you worship. It is amazing again for us to enjoy God’s grace throughout the week without any major problem, from our classes that went on well and our midweek activities in Wotutu congregation.

Brother Innocent baptized brother John Ako into Christ at the church in Mondoni village. Keep the work in your prayers. The Lord added two souls through brother Ititi Benedict in Matoh village. The kingdom of God is being expanded.

We do hope God is showing His grace and love over you too in all that you do for His glory. We wish you just the best in life as we all partner to save souls that are perishing in sin.

Let me share with you some of the other events concerning our weekend evangelism. This week four students accompanied me to Mondoni village for a campaign. I also sent brother Ititi Benedict to Matoh village for weekend evangelism while brother Awatt Manfree and Namina Bernard  went to Tole.

Brother Opel, in Mondoni village, preached the gospel from house to house. As we think souls and pity the souls of many, some will welcome you to listen the gospel while others from their posture will discourage you. We cannot be discouraged because God is giving us encouragement.

I also did the same job. Evangelism is our mission. We don’t just point the way for our students. We show them the way to see the passion we have from souls in bondage. We are standing with courage to rob from the strong man’s house.

I had the opportunity to preach open air with our powerful PA system with our generator. The  little children in that village clustered around me to admire the electricity being produced from the generator set. I preached on New Testament worship. It was great to expose denominational errors (Matt 22:29) Many came around to listen and asked lots of questions. Keep this village in your prayers as the church of Christ which was established two months keeps growing.

Plans
1) We still plan to travel to Batoke to establish a new congregation there.

2) The church of Christ in Wotutu will host the first preacher’s wife forum next month. It will be the first of its kind.

3) My trip to Zambia for the conference is still pending. That will only be possible if you decide to help me financially.

Appreciations
Many thanks to God for His care over us and many thanks to you and your family and the church there to avail yourself to God for Him to use you in this capacity. Stay strong and continue in this service to save souls.

Do your best to share this report with others who may be interested to be part of this soul saving ministry. God bless and watch over you all.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director of CBIW

The 16th Extension School - Paraguay!

We are excited to announce that the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver will be working with the Sacramento Avenue Church of Christ in training men to preach the gospel. The leadership of the Sacramento Avenue congregation made a decision this week to begin a school in Asunción, Paraguay. The elders of the Bear Valley congregation whole heartedly agreed that we should work together in getting this school off the ground.

The plans are to spend the rest of this year putting the final pieces in place with the sponsoring congregation and getting students enrolled to begin classes in March 2013. This is the same time when the local universities and schools in Paraguay begin classes, so it seemed natural to set up the extension school on the same schedule. This also allows plenty of time to work out the remaining details.

As we have mentioned in the past, the Sacramento Avenue congregation is one of two congregations in the entire country of Paraguay. Both of these congregations are located in Asunción. The missionary team consists of four amazing couples / families involved in working with the congregation and reaching out to the people who live in the capital city of Paraguay.

The Academy of Theology - Paraguay will make the 16th school we are privileged to be working with in the Extension Program. The potential of the work to establish congregations and evangelize all of Paraguay is incredible. It is a great venture and responsibility the Sacramento Avenue congregation has assumed. We look forward to the opportunity of working together to accomplish the task before us as fellow-workers in the kingdom of our God. We ask for your prayers in the months ahead.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Extension Reports 

Preacher’s Forum And Evangelism: A recent preacher’s forum, connected to evangelism, was held in Cameroon. The results are encouraging.

Visiting Instructors And New Opportunities: The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies is seeing new opportunities on the horizon.

Another Student Added To The Kingdom: The outreach to the students in the Center for Biblical Studies is changing many lives.

Giving A Little Something Back: The suggestion of a Maasai woman to have members collect money to give something back to visiting teachers is a powerful story. 

Final Thoughts
I will be taking classes all this week and next week in Colorado Springs. I will be able to stay connected to the various activities through e-mail in the mornings and evenings. It is exciting to see the growth and planning for future involvement in training preachers around the world. 

Thank you for your vision in the program of Extension Training. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support. You are making a difference in the eternal destiny of souls around the world. Heaven will be incredible to see. I will also be excited to meet all of those who will be there because of the gospel preached by those who have been involved in the Extension program.

I pray for you everyday.

God bless
Bob

Preacher's Forum And Evangelism...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from this end. It is well with us and we send our love to you. Our worship in Wotutu congregation today was great. In my absence we continued to examine the question,  Why I Am A Member Of The Church Of Christ. I went for a four days preacher’s meeting in Etam congregation where one of our lecturers is serving as the evangelist, Itali Ignatius.

A preacher’s forum in Cameroon is not only to come and talk about those things that preachers are facing, but it is a moment to evangelize the area.

In the same manner preaching from house to house led us to meet a young man, Daniel Tikum, who took time to ask all kinds of questions about his conviction that there are many ways that lead to heaven. The scriptures helped him and finally he demanded baptism. He worshipped today and was satisfied to see the New Testament worship without instrumental music. Keep him in your prayers that many will come to obey the truth in their family. The Lord added five souls in total in that local congregation and two restorations. Keep this growing congregation in your prayers to expand the gospel to the entire community and those close to them.

I assigned one student to go and preach and teach in the Mondoni congregation while two other students went to Tole congregation for weekend evangelism. They all returned safe with good reports about steadfastness to the brethren there, but no soul was added this weekend.

I worked with a prospect in sharing the gospel in Etam village. She saw the truth and promised to study more before making a decision.

Where we worshipped today, with the entire Etam congregation, there were 120 in number.

Plans
1) I shall send one of our students this weekend to Matoh village to help in evangelism. This is a demand from the preacher there. Keep him in your prayers. More students will travel to Mondoni village again for another big campaign to help the congregation and also to nurture the men on how to lead. Please pray for the Mondoni congregation. It is young and was established few months ago. I want us to do this so that in case we are not sending a student there because of any unforeseen thing, they will still worship.

2) August will be around soon. My willingness to attend the African Claiming Africa for Christ conference is still pending financially. Please think about it and help me in prayers if I can secure finances to attend. It will help me much with the work here.

3) We are planning for a one day preacher’s wife forum in Wotutu on the 31^st of May 2012. We are calling this with my wife to teach all our married students with their wives the responsibilities in the field. Preacher’s wives who have been in the field will also add some advice to help these young ones on what to do as a preacher’s wife. Please keep this vision in your prayers as we shall be expecting over 75 preacher’s wives and this will be the first of its kind in Cameroon.

4) During the short courses in June we shall call for a one day study seminar on Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage. It is a serious problem in Cameroon. So I called the seminar at that time so that our visiting lecturers who will be here at that time to also throw some light to the study directly from the Bible.

Appreciations
Many thanks to God for His care over us. God is great and He is the reason why we are here and what we are doing. Thank you for being part of the work here.Your prayers are a strong force for us to move ahead and your support is a pillar. God bless you and your entire family and the church for being who you are. With your prayers and support we shall continue to rob from the strong man’s house because we think about the souls that are perishing in sin. God bless you as you share this with others who may love to be part of the soul saving team.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Giving A Little Something Back...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

Quote of the Week: "Tact is the art of building a fire under people without making their blood boil." Zig Ziglar

Jimmy preached to a crowd of 99 people this morning. The sermon, "Elijah's Miscalculation" included a fact that you cannot separate politics and religion because people express themselves in the laws they pass. For example, it has come to our attention that in Alberta, Canada it may soon be considered against the law to teach your children that homosexuality is wrong. Hard to believe that in a country close to the U.S. that the government is now dictating what parents can and cannot teach. Something to think about, isn't it?

The ladies' Bible class continued reviewing Genesis (ch. 19 today). At the end of class, Momma Michael (a Maasai lady whose husband made her leave once she became a Christian) requested that the ladies begin putting back a little money in order to buy gifts for the lady visitors who will come this summer. She encouraged the ladies to "give a little something back" to others who spend so much time, money and effort to come and teach them. This lady lives in a mud hut and has no job. She might get money from selling some vegetables, milk or by selling a goat. She mentioned that she learned so much from the "old lady" who taught the seminar last year. By "old lady" I believe she was speaking of Edith Samples Kincaid (Jimmy's great aunt) because she was the oldest who came last year and also taught at two seminars. By referring to her as the "old lady" she was actually speaking of her with respect because age is honored here. Edith is 80 years old and is an example to all for the personal evangelism she has done. In Joshua 14:10-11, Caleb, age 85, says he is strong and wants to "take a mountain." This brings us to thinking about Cotton Box who arrived in Kisongo yesterday. Along with his wife, Beluah, and Dupree and Soneia Gallaway, he is here to evangelize! Speaking of "taking a mountain" this is something he will do tomorrow and has done on most of his trips over here. He goes up (way up) the mountain to a place called Kioga. We've heard many "interesting" stories about "adventures" on this mountain especially during the rainy season. So...Senior folks...it's no time for retirement in the Lord's kingdom. We need you...we need your guidance, your wisdom gained from the Scriptures and from life experience, your vision and your leadership. We appreciate all the older people who have contributed to the TZ 2000 Mission Work in such a vital way. 

Lindsey studied Genesis 5 with Teresia (new Christian) and separately with her sister, Rehema, a non-Christian. The study with Rehema centered around facts/information about the Bible. Sophia (a Christian and neighbor of Teresia's) also sat in on the study. Abigail has studied with Grace twice since our last report. Grace was the 15 year-old who Abigail taught and who wanted to become a Christian but her father would not allow it. The good news is that he is allowing Abigail to continue studying with her. Hopefully, when Grace is out of her Dad's household, she will become a Christian due to the good foundation she is receiving.

Trina was finally able to get an update on Rosemary. In order to talk with her she had to have a translator and due to the sensitive nature of the conversation, she could only speak with her through Paulina. Sadly, Trina learned that she still (after many, many weeks) does not have an answer concerning whether or not she has cancer. The clinic she went to has been very slow in getting her lab results. Then, she missed an appointment to discuss the results because she was scared the treatment they might suggest (or force upon her if her husband gave permission) might endanger her unborn baby (she is 5 months pregnant). When she goes back for a prenatal appointment this week, she promises me she will ask about the results of her lab work.

It's been said that "laughter is good for the soul." We agree. Our daughter, Candace, age 12, has given her permission to write about what she said about certain chores we offered to pay her for. Before we do, let’s just say that she is a hard worker and nearly always has a good attitude when asked to help with the 101 jobs we do everyday (for no pay). However, concerning more difficult jobs she had this to say one day: "I can't keep a job, have no motivation, but I'm broke and desperate for money!" She is saving money for a trip to Nairobi to meet her cousins in May. What made it so funny was that we thought of those words being written on a piece of cardboard being held by someone standing at an intersection. Of course, we know that some holding a sign saying, "will work for food" may truly have fallen on hard times and in need. But sometimes we wonder if the words of Candace would also be true for others.

The new quarter begins this week with Jimmy teaching Hebrews, Christopher Mwakabanje teaching Marriage and Family, Cy Stafford teaching the book of Job, Sean Hochdorf teaching Philippians and Philemon, and Anita Hochdorf teaching English and Writing. Lindsey plans to take Philippians and Philemon. Abigail and I are taking Hebrews. We said farewell to Gary Fallis this past Wednesday night. We are happy to report he made it home safely and we are thankful he came our way to teach a short course.

Thank you so very much for your continued and faithful support of our work. May God bless you for your sacrifices! 

Because He Lives,
The Jimmy Gee family

Another Student Added To The Kingdom...

Another CBS student baptized
AGNALA Essodiname was baptized on the 19th of March. This makes 12 out of the 15 students currently enrolled. We are confident that by the close of this year we shall have all the students as members of the Lord’s church.

CBS on vacation
Students of CBS started their Easter holidays on the 2nd of April and will resume classes on the 16th.

Student and staff assignment to local congregations
Dossa- Kpele beme
Cephas- Pentecost church now turned to the church of Christ: Daniel Abotsi-Kpadafe

The idea is to get these students to start a practical work in some of the local congregations assisting the preachers. 

Notse church needs help
Gabriel, one of the first graduates of CBS started a congregation in Notse where he has been working for the past three years. The congregation has an average attendance of 33 with more than half baptized. Gabriel has decided to return to Kpalime due to financial constraint. There is no trained person to handle this congregation in his absence. We need some help to sustain this work.

Doyle Kee plans to visit CBS
Doyle Kee is a missionary in Switzerland. He works among the French Speaking countries all over the world. He is going to be in Ghana in June working among the French people in the North Of Dzodze in the Volta Region. After the campaign he plans to teach for a week at CBS. We have decided to assign him to teach Teaching Methods.

CBS schedule from April 16th - June 30th subjects
1. Mark and Luke
2. General Epistle
3. Galatians - 2 Thessalonians 
4. Matthew
5. Teaching methods
6. Homiletics 2

Rent
Rent at the center has been paid up to date. It all came up to CFA 560.00 representing seven months. Now, we shall make a monthly payment of CFA 80.00 starting this April.

Nyiveme Church of Christ outgrows 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 not 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

Willie Gley

Visiting Instructors And New Opportunities...

By the grace of the good Lord Christ Jesus, the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies is faring well with its daily activities.

This quarter, which was to start from the 19^th March, 2012, was re-scheduled for the 26^th March, 2012. This was to offer students the opportunity to be part of the biometric registration of voters for the presidential and parliamentary election activity.

The quarter virtually started on the 26^th March 2012 with Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi teaching a short course on Homiletics. After the completion of the topic, Brother Alex, Preacher-Chamba continued with a topic on the book of Colossians, another short course.

Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, while at Tamale, had mild malaria but this did not affect his activity. He mentioned to me, that apart from the malaria, he enjoyed his stay in Tamale. Both brother Kojo and brother Alex have been actively involved in the teaching of courses since the inception of the Institute. They have always been loyal to calls made by Institution.

The Institution seeks to call on similar teachers of sound doctrine to beef-up its Instructor list. In the same vein, the Institution is planning to establish another program to replace the Primary Health Care program which had to be cancelled because of the sudden death of Sister Avril the main Instructor of the program.

The Institute would be glad if volunteers and sponsors could consider this very idea which is to offer student knowledge and skills needed to earn some income as they are to preach in communities with extremely low income. 

This quarter also offered brother Baah Okyere travel to Bawku to assist in a seminar which was organized by two past students, preacher Stephen Abugbilla and preacher John Avoka who are currently preaching in congregations near Bawku in the Upper East Regions of Ghana. Several other Preachers were present at the seminar and all who attended had a great time of fellowship. At the end of the three day seminar a total of twenty-six souls were added to the Lord’s Church. 

Management has assured other past students who are preaching in congregations in the regions of support of human resource and equipment encouraging them to organize seminars and workshops, in the view of management. This is to boost the capacity of the young preachers to increase the numerical strength and spiritual growth of their congregations.

Through the support of brethren from USA, the Institution has equipment for evangelism and arrangement is being made to avail the resource for the work in the three northern regions.

In all our prayers we wish that the Almighty God will continue to bless our sponsors bountifully.

The Church of Christ Campus Ministry at University for Development Studies is to collaborate with the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies to evangelize the Nyankpala Campus. According to the students at the University, the necessary arrangements are being made to conduct this evangelistic exercise to win souls at University.

Baah Okyere Joseph

A Great Boost From A Great God...

Since last week was the first full week of April, many of the monthly reports came across the electronic desk. Let me say, it was a great week. Reading through each of the reports provides a great boost to see how great our God is in the development of His kingdom. He continues to give the increase with the men who are spreading the good news of Jesus around the world.

In just over a month, we will see another class complete their courses and graduate from the Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Denver. It is always a sad time to see these men leave school. There is a very special attachment that exists when you spend two years together studying from the word of God. However, we know they are prepared and set to go forth proclaiming the gospel. I also enjoy hearing from these men concerning the work they are able to do once they begin working in various locations around the country.

There is much to read this week from the staff of the program and the directors in the extension locations. Thank you for taking time to read them and praying for these men.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Howell and Mary Ferguson are now back from their trip to Chimala. If you would like to see the report, click here.

Extension Reports 

Plans For A Church In Mbu Bakundu: Staff and students in Cameroon are looking to plant a congregation in a new village.

Growth In The Midst Of Sorrow: Although recent deaths in Guatemala have challenged the church, God is giving the increase as the work progresses.

New Sister In Cambodia: The gospel continues to touch the lives of students who are beginning the program in Cambodia.

Travel Held Due To Fighting In Congo: Francis Wechesa was not able to attend a lecture because of the increased fighting problems in Congo.

Three Souls Added In Ukraine: The Lord is giving the increase as three souls were added to the kingdom near Gorlovka, Ukraine.

Multiple Methods Of Spreading The Gospel: The North India Bible College is using several different methods of sharing the gospel with others in Northern India.

Safari For Souls Is About To Begin: The Stafford’s returned from furlough and the campaigns begin next week.

Fighting The Fungus Amungus: Respiratory problems continue to be a problem for the Gee family while they labor in Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
You are appreciated and your efforts to help support this work do not go unnoticed. At every level, your involvement is a blessing. I am not trying to speak on behalf of everyone else, but I continue to hear the gratitude expressed by the men who are laboring in the field for all you do to help make their efforts possible.

Thank you for being a friend to the Extension training program and the work being done by the brethren who are laboring diligently around the world.

God bless
Bob

Growth In The Midst Of Sorrow...

Although recent deaths in Guatemala have challenged the church, God is giving the increase as the work progresses. Click here to read the full report.

Plans For A Church In Mbu Bakundu...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation here in Cameroon. We praise God for His great care over us all. We do hope you are enjoying that same care from the Lord where you are.

The picture to the right is sister Celestine obeyed the gospel. She lives not too far from the church hall, meaning that she listened to our morning program from our program Back to the Bible. This program is doing great things in Wotutu. While many will call my phone to say we criticize other denominations in our preaching, many also call to appreciate the work we are doing and give us the go ahead. Sister Celestine obeyed the gospel because of our program. Keep her in your prayers to grow so that even her husband and other family members will obey in the future.

Brother Ititi, sister Codeline, brother Namina, brother Nsong Nelson and brother Mulango Theophile were witnesses to our sister’s baptism.

The first week in this second quarter started well with all the students proving to do better in their studies. Some of them are not reporting well in health but God is in control. One of our student’s wife, who is staying here in Wotutu as the husband studies in CBIW, is sick and she is pregnant. Keep her in your prayers, brother Nicholas’ wife’s sister, Barbara.

Thanks for your prayers as I left the campus for four days to do some findings about the possibilities of establishing a new congregation inside the village of Mbu Bakundu.

Brother Maurice and I went inside the thick rain forest of Mbu bakundu village after staying there for four days sharing the gospel with many who are still backward in education. Some of the villagers carry food stuff on their heads to help us trace our way back. The gospel is for all, that is my belief and I am trying to see that happen in my ministry. Where motor bike and cars cannot penetrate, our legs can take us, trekking up and down the hills and going across rivers is what happened to us over the weekend. Keep the work in your prayers.

The villagers don’t have access to education and any social amenities light electricity, roads, hospital nor clinics. It is really a backward society, children who don’t even have cloths to keep warm, homes with no toilets, etc. you can name it. Oh, oh come and join us. Let us take the gospel to the community that will allow light to shine for many to see. No soul was added during the trip but it is a great and fertile land for the gospel if we follow up.

Thank you for the growth of the church here in Wotutu and other parts of Cameroon. You are doing your best to help us propagate the gospel to all. God bless you.

Plans
1) We plan to go to Mondoni village on the 19th to the 21st of April for a campaign, the entire staff and students of CBIW. Please keep this in your prayers.

2) Our program for a campaign to Batoke village is still pending.

3) My  plans to travel to the African claiming Africa for Christ conference in Zambia in August is still pending. If you can be of financial support to me then you will make my trip there possible.

Appreciations
Thanks for your prayers and support. Your actions keep the work going. Thanks and may God bless you. Do your best to share this report with others who may love to be part of this soul saving team. Thanks for helping us to keep robbing from the strong man’s house. Think souls.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Safari For Souls Is About To Begin...

We hope and pray all is well with each of you. We continue to thank God for you and all you mean to His Church where you serve and for all you do around the world. We are a blessed people to be able to call you brothers, sisters, friends, and yes co-laborers in the work of the Kingdom.

What a furlough! We are back and so thankful for all the good that was accomplished while we were in the States presenting and reporting on God’s mission efforts here in Tanzania. We set out with four major objectives, all were met with a spirit of Love and a willingness to help. We thank each of you we met with and who hosted us in a way most undeserving. 

Stephanie, Granny and I were blessed to worship with the family of God at Arusha. Gary Fallis, who has been teaching at the ACSOP, was our guest teacher/preacher. He indeed blessed and encouraged God’s people with two powerful lessons. We were so encouraged to meet two new brothers in Chirst who obeyed the Gospel just last week. We regret we missed our brother Keith Kasarjian and his daughter who left a couple of days ahead of our return. Thank you Keith, , and Gary for joining us in the labor of love.

We are thankful for the return of the Hochdorf family who are staying with us while they wait on their container to arrive. We are blessed beyond measure in having them to return and join the team.

Prayers needed: We ask that you join us in praying for the family of Paul Ndwani who passed away a couple of weeks ago. Paul served as the Director of the Arusha Bible School for several years. He leaves behind two grown children, two small (elementary age) children, and his beloved wife.

We also ask for your prayers as we move toward the Safari for Souls campaigns. We anticipate a very busy year this year. We hope to conduct 10 or more different campaigns. We hope to distribute 1,000 Bibles to those we study with during these campaigns. Our first guests arrive next week, others in May, June, July through August. 

We close with a heart of gratitude for the life we live in Christ. We thank our God for each of you and invite you to join us here in Tanzania when you can.  

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Fighting The Fungus Amungus...

To Our Dear Supporters, Family, and Friends,

It is our wish that you all are well and you are enjoying life. Normally during the week we make notes of things to include in our report, because, like today, when we sit down to write, our minds go blank. We like to write a little more than “just the facts, m’am.” (Dragnet TV show).  Unfortunately, this week, we failed to jot down any thoughts!

We are thankful to have survived the “upper respiratory bacterial infection.” EVERYONE in the family became sick except for our resident “germ-a-phobic”, Lindsey, who stayed as far away from us as possible. It paid off for her this time! We are still “fighting the fungus-amungus” and seem to be winning the battle slowly. Otherwise, we are doing just fine. Our thanks to those who have sent cards lately. One in particular, from Sheila Milligan, was a real day-brightener (had a bright yellow sun on the front)!

Our appreciation is extended to Gary Fallis, director/instructor of Bear Valley Bible Institute Graduate Studies, for his efforts and time spent teaching “Denominational Doctrines and Islam” to the ACSOP students. In addition, he preached at both the Kisongo and Arusha congregations. Pray for his safe travel when he leaves Tanzania on Wednesday night. We are also thankful for the work of Keith and Molly Kisarjian and thankful for their safe arrival home.

The ladies at Kisongo continued reviewing Genesis (chapters 17 & 18), Peter Angatta (ACSOP Master’s student from Uganda) taught the Men’s class, Jimmy taught the New Converts’ class and preached on “The Final Judgement.” A young lady (maybe 14 years old) visited the services today. Her name is Mary and she is the house-girl for Matthew’s therapist (Lucy). Speaking of Matthew, if anyone knows of any dvds/video tapes demonstrating physical therapy or occupational therapy exercises for a cerebral palsy patient, we would like to purchase some. Also, we really need books/tapes/dvds concerning speech therapy for a CP child.

At a rummage sale yesterday, Abigail noticed a book entitled, “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist.” We think that is definitely true! How much “faith” does it take to believe that something came from nothing and that this world, in all its’ splendor and glory, just “popped” into being or that every creature we see simply slowly, ever-so slowly, evolved into its’ present state? To believe something without a thread of evidence certainly takes a “leap of faith!”

This week we welcomed back to Tanzania our director, (Cy Stafford), his wife (Stephanie) and mother-in-law (Exel Aultman, affectionately called “Granny” by all here) who have returned after their reporting tour and furlough. In perfect TZ tradition, soon after arriving, they were hit in the face with their freezer going out and the repairman having to come out three times. This is not a problem you want shortly after getting off the plane (trying to save food from ruining, cleaning out spoiled food, transferring food to the school freezer, etc). The Hochdorfs (having been here about a month) are still waiting for their container to arrive and are still living out of suitcases at the Stafford’s house. They have secured a house just up the hill from us but, without a stove, refrigerator, beds, etc there is no reason for them to move in as yet. Some of the Hochdorf family have been sick with seemingly the same respiratory infection we had.

We are anticipating the arrival of Dupree and Soneia Galloway and Cotton and Beulah Box this week. Due to their numerous trips and heavy involvement with the TZ 2000 Work, we don’t dare call them “visitors.” They are family! Thanks to ALL of you for your interest in this work and for reading our newsletters! You are making a difference in the world and especially in Tanzania. 

Because He Lives, 
The Jimmy Gee family

Multiple Methods Of Spreading The Gospel...

Dear Brothers 

We had a very busy weekend as we had to go for a gospel meeting arranged by brother Salatial Masih, a preacher of Kohala Church of Christ (Ferozepur). About 100 people had gathered in one place from other villages. This place is about 230 kms. from here. We took the students along with us. We used hired loud speakers and I was told by someone who came from another place, that the voice could reach about 5 kms away. I preached the message of Jesus. 3 souls obeyed this week and some more are being prepared. The work in Northern part of India is still in its initial stage and it needs a lot of efforts. 

OLD STUDENTS' GOOD REPORT
We hear encouraging reports from the brothers gone after the course in their respective areas. Brother Rinku, and Kirtan are in regular touch with us. They telephone almost every week. They are in the new area and they have a lot of challenges for them. There are challenges from the denominational people who propagate that they have got the wrong kind of teaching, and sometimes the enticement that you work with us. We will pay you. There is family pressure as to why you don't join them. There are reports of the other brothers also.  

Free SMS
We had started the Free SMS service to send a Bible Verse relating interesting points of nature to the people in my phone book. Now the demand has been increased and we have 1,600 contacts nationwide. But we are restricted to a daily limit of sending 100 SMS from 1 number. Earlier we tried to send through way2sms (a free internet service) but later the government made a limit on that too. Although it is meant for daily Bible verse, due to lack of time and money, we fail to send many. Even the contact numbers with us are increasing day by day.

I was told that we can send through corporate SMS service, but their condition is to send minimum 100,000 @ Re. 0.05 (or Re 0.10). That way it would cost us more (approximately Rs 5000 i.e., $100 for about a100,000 SMS package). Now we are praying that we should have at least 12-15 different telephone numbers (otherwise we have to pay a huge amount of money, per SMS Re 1 for local and Re 1.5 for national). But we cannot afford that.  

BIBLE KI BAAT (A postal service)
We thought to send it monthly as an inland letter with the view to send the basic knowledge of Christian faith in the National language to the remotest areas. From January 2012 we have improved it to an A4, four page paper by adding new features. We print a small article in Hindi, a short poem to attract people (I have written a few lines on the books of Old Testament and the Books of New Testament in Hindi. And I plan to write or find something from the Christian poems to encourage the people in Hindi language). A short article in English is added. Sometimes it would be on the apologetics or a few lines for the defense of the faith. We have been using it here also as a tract to contact with the people.  

First Wednesday
We are hiring a meeting hall and inviting people for a couple of hours to study with us. People are appreciating this and we trust more and more people in the city will come to the knowledge of truth. Last month we had it on the 7th and this week we will be having it on 4th of April.  

Daily outreach 
We go out on the week days to the people and invite them to have a study with us.  

Literature Service
Perhaps, we are reaching the maximum people and covering most of the Northern part of India. We print and distribute Truth for Today's 6 books (Hindi and Punjabi) every alternate month. 3,000 Hindi books and 2,500 books are sent to various people. 2,000 copies of our own (Tract type) leaflet is being printed every other month. 5,000 copies of Voice of Truth is being printed and distributed throughout India. Song books are also being printed and sent to several Hindi speaking states. Hindi and Punjabi Bibles are also being sent to the preachers on request as and when needed.  

New Students 
New students are coming and some have not yet finished their exams. Thank you for your prayers and support and we always lift you in our prayers to the throne of grace.  

For Christ 
Earnest Gill 

Three Souls Added In Ukraine...

Dear brothers, families and churches,

I want to share with you some news of events that happened at the Bible Institute and in church of Christ in Ukraine in March. 

When we read the parable of the soil, we understand how important is the work and the patience of the sower. He understands that his work during bad weather conditions won’t be able to pay off. But still the fields are being worked on and the harvest is getting ready, and every time the sower hopes for the best result. As ministers of God, we shouldn’t lose heart but be constant in our mission. In Slavyansk where our brothers Albert and Stas preach, God added three souls to the church. It’s a joyful and exciting news, because for about two years there were no baptisms in the church in Slavyansk, but now the sowers received the harvest of their work. 

Click here to see the pictures.

During last week we have held the planned evangelizing campaigns in 5 different cities with our student being active participants. By this we try to support the church and encourage its members to keep sharing the Good News. I’m sure that this is what the Great Commission is all about. The methods of evangelizing were quite different. In some cities students used tables with free Christian literature, and spreading it they invited citizens to come to church and study God’s Word.  In other cities student were walking and spreading leaflets and calendars and also invited people to church. Experience in these campaigns shows that almost all people have heard about Christ and that is good, but what is sad is their lack of desire to get to know the true Jesus and follow the sound doctrine. Some people don’t want to have anything in common with Him. But we shouldn’t give up and should keep looking for those who are in need of salvation. 

At the beginning of the month we had two teachers from the US: Garth Hilton and Johnny Mack Young. It’s been a really big blessing, that we have brothers who are willing to work and share their experience. We are grateful for their work and are looking forward to their visits in future. Together with them the first-year students studied the book of Job and the Wisdom Literature, and the second-year students studied Contemporary Religious Thought and the Personal Evangelism. Students were very glad, and it has been a good inspiration before the evangelizing campaign. Also we have not so pleasant news; we had to expel one of the students Sergey, who is a good brother from the Church of Christ in Gorlovka. And the reason for that was his low grades and inability to follow up with the program. We do understand that this Institute trains the preachers and there are certain rules and requirements.  

In one of my previous reports I wrote that I care for the future of students and their ministry. We keep praying for that and God is showing to some of them His will. Dennis Yampolets, who is a second-year student, has started preaching in his hometown Nikolayevka, Donetsk region. At the moment the church consists of two people, but that is a good start. I keep asking you to pray for the church in Ukraine and for its future. Since many churches do not have elders, they are not standing firm in God’s teachings. We know that devil doesn’t stop his work for a minute, and we will support and encourage one another as long as we have strength. We thank you for financial support. With its help we do this work for God, plant the Word and train the ministers for the God’s church. Recently I have read a saying in one book: “If one generation in the whole world stops evangelizing, than the next generation will not know Christ”. I don’t know how true that is, but it is better we don’t experiment with that. Ukraine needs God’s sound doctrine, qualified ministers and your help. 

We send you our greetings and keep praying for you and your families.

We are confident in the Lord and His protection. 

Your brother and coworker,
Dennis

Travel Held Due To Fighting In Congo...

Dear brethren,

We are doing fine here in Uganda. I was supposed to be in D.R.C. this Sunday and hold a whole day seminar but I did not go due the fighting which was there. There was a group men who had deserted the army and went into the region I was visiting that is Baraka and Uvira. When I was planning to leave the brethren informed me and advised me to hold on.

On April 12th we are going to interview our prospects for the third intake. Four students are ready to come to school from Baraka and Uvira D.R.C. We are still lacking proper arrangements for them to come. Each one of them needs $50 dollars to get a three month visa plus $100 dollars each for their bus fare from D.R.C. to the school. 

Today Margaret, Paul, and I went to worship at the Nandwa Church of Christ. Susan, Paul's wife, was vomiting because of malaria, so she stayed at home. Edith, and his husband, Emma, went to Namugodi. a new congregation 10 klm on Busia to Kampala road. Mangeni Edwin, a member of Nandwa congregation, is now going to Nahayaka church of Christ where two of graduates were going. Things are going on well here in Uganda. We need your continuous prayers.

Yours
Francis Wechesa

New Sister In Cambodia...

Greetings family and friends abroad! It is with great joy that I report of the good news that's happening with God's work these past few weeks.  First and foremost we want to welcome another soul to the body of Christ by the name of Rotana! She is a first year student and after two quarters of attending IBISR, she knew what she needed to do in order to be pleasing to God. We ask that you keep her in your prayers as she continues to live a faithful and obedient life unto the Lord. 

Also, the staff of IBISR and local leadership met to discuss future plans and improvements that we need to make in order to thrive in the Khmer culture. We brain stormed various ideas on how we could cut back on support coming from America and what the local church can do to help in this matter. It was a very fruitful meeting and I've heard some really wonderful ideas as to how we can get started. It's amazing how intelligent and capable these men are. They just needed to be heard and given the opportunity to lead. I am grateful for Chann, Darat, Piseth, Hout, Sokchea, Chouey, Savai, Ravy, and Vanra for the job that they do for the Lord. 

Please keep us and the work here in your prayers as we strive to please God in this part of the world. We pray the same for you on your end!

Phanat

To see the report with a picture of our new sister in Christ, please click here.

Schools On The Grow...

Settling back into the routine can be challenging at times, especially after returning from an overseas trip. There has been so much developing within the Extension Program it is hard to keep up with who is going where and what is unfolding in development. Let me share a few new possibilities and provide a reminder of areas previous mentioned.

We continue to look at connecting with a number of congregations around the world in the fellowship of training men to preach. In the weeks and months ahead we are going to be discussing possibilities with a congregation in Monrovia, Liberia, along with several congregations in Nigeria. The plans are still being established and there are details that will need to be worked out, but the development of these areas looks very promising.

We are moving full speed ahead with the plans to work with the Ahono congregation in training men to preach in western Kenya. The eldership at Ahono, who oversee this congregation, will also oversee the preacher training program. The Bible Institute at Bear Valley, along side of the Charlotte Avenue Church of Christ in Rock Hill, North Carolina will be partnering with the Ahono congregation to prepare men for the great work of preaching the gospel.

We continue to pray for the work of the Sacramento congregation in Asunción, Paraguay. As we mentioned last week, these men are working out the details of everything involved to host a preacher training program. We are looking forward to the possibilities of such a program in South America.

There are always a few areas, a little more distant in the future, we are praying about and hope the Lord will open doors to make these opportunities a reality. We ask for you to keep praying for us to have the wisdom to know when to take the necessary steps to move in keeping with the will of our God.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Josh Austin’s monthly report can be read by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

Campaign Yields Much Fruit In Cameroon: Students returning from their campaigns in Cameroon bring reports of God giving the increase in great ways.

Preparations For The Third Class: The Uganda School of Evangelism is making preparations for the next enrollment.

VVBC Activities Show Growth: The report from the Visakha Valley Bible College shows the growth of the students and work in India.

Challenges In Honduras: The work of extension training has its challenges. This week’s report from Danli explains some of these challenges. 

Final Thoughts
Training men to preach is one exciting work. To see the powerful ways God is giving the increase to the kingdom efforts of so many around the world makes this even more exciting to report. What a blessing to work together as fellow laborers in our Lord’s kingdom.

Thank you for all you do to share in this effort. You are blessing. I pray you know how beneficial you are to the this effort and how much you are appreciated. We could not do it without you. Thanks!

God bless
Bob

Challenges In Honduras...

Report from Danlí, Honduras 

What follows is an edited excerpt of a report received from brother Nery Irías, who is the director of the Bible Institute of Honduras (IBH).  Porfirio and Enrique are our two oldest students and while they struggle with their studies a bit more than their younger classmates “they are punctual and the brethren that they help have nothing but good things to say about them; such as their cooperation with the church with studies, preaching and evangelism.”

“Antonio, Jose Cruz and Jairo work together on Wednesdays and visit a colony called Los Robles to meet for studies of God’s word.  Gustavo married and he works in the evenings at the congregation since Saturday and Sunday he is studying at a secular automotive institute.  He requested that I give him the opportunity to finish and that this would not affect his Biblical studies."

We are sad to report that three of our students have chosen not to continue in their studies, and to make matters worse, their parting was not on good terms.  While we are saddened by the events that transpired, we believe that the six men who remain will continue to do well with their studies and the work they are already doing in the churches in this area.

God bless you all! 

Donnie Bates
Latin American Coordinator
Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver
www.WeTrainPreachers.com
www.Donniebates.com

Campaign Yields Much Fruit In Cameroon...

Dearest beloved in Christ,

Accept greetings from the entire Wotutu congregation and the students of CBIW. We are thankful to God for the opportunity to enter a new month. We do hope you are equally happy to see the a new month, April. Our prayers are that God continues His great work in our lives as we make Christ known to many on our way.

God added a soul in Nake village. God blessed the effort of our student who went there to help revive the dying congregation, some sheep without a shepherd. He organized a film show to attract the entire village to come and watch. The DVD from WVBS attracted many to come and relax in the evening and by so doing he preached the word. The Lord added two souls in that village while the Lord was also working through other students in different locations. For one week the Lord added 32 souls to His body and 44 fallen away Christians came back to the Lord rejoicing. Keep this work in your prayers. Cameroon is coming into the lime light of the gospel. Many lips are talking about the work of CBIW. 

The Wotutu congregation was in joy again today as all the students made it back to school safe and sound after their campaigns to different villages and one week to rest with their families, and also to be of help to their local congregation. Keep them in your prayers as they are ready to continue studies tomorrow morning. The leadership of the Wotutu congregation has scheduled a meeting with the students in the next two weeks to address them on issues concerning their calling to preach the serving message.

Brother Norbert one of our students went to the Nake village sharing the gospel with prospects and some members of the dying Nake congregation, before he could go there.

Oh Lord, I thank you for all the great men and women you are using to make things happen here. Bless them more… I pray for you. Please you are always remembered in our prayers. You are a pillar here. Keep us in your prayers as great things will continue to happen. The people of Bafia now can hear the truth as the church of Christ in that village was fully established. Two of our students work there to help establish a new congregation there. Praise God, the field is really ripe but few laborers.

Today is April and we were all glad to start another month. I taught in Wotutu today on Bible studies, Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ. It is a theme that we shall use throughout the month to help our members stand firm with the doctrine of Christ. A total of 102 worshippers listened to the message, along with those in our community through our P A system that is creating much impact in the lives of the resident of Wotutu and other nearby villages. Keep the work in your prayers. It is working well to the Glory of God.

This is Wotutu congregation today after worship. Wow the Lord is great. We are done with our worship. I know many around the world are still going to worship now. Ours was wonderful as we have two first time visitors. You can see how the members of Wotutu move from one person to another to say hello and to embrace one another. We had great fellowship in the midst of His children.

A young girl was one of our visitors today. I took a picture with her because of the story behind her coming to the church of Christ today. She lives in mile four near to Wotutu and she is a bank attendant. Brother Gage Coldwater and I met with her when they were here and we shared the gospel with her. She decided to come and see the reality of the New Testament church. She confessed her satisfaction with the amount of truth that is being propagated in the Church of Christ and promised to share this message with her mom who is a staunch full gospel church, a denomination in Cameroon. She promised to study more as she took from my office many tracks. Keep her in your prayers for the gospel to keep entering her.

Visions
1) Our mission to plant a congregation in Batoke village is still pending. We shall try and do something now that the students are back.

2) Many more demands for our students to come over to different villages keeps coming to my office.

3) Please think about my trip to Zambia and see how you can be of help to me (check on Google AFRICANS CLAIMING AFRICA FOR CHRIST CONFERENCE) to see the great things that will take place there. This is why I am struggling to go and benefit from it so that others will benefit from me upon my return.

Appreciations
Many thanks to our God for all His providence to us and the work we are doing. Many thanks to you for standing by us in this great work. You are a pillar.

Do your best to share this report with others. God bless you and your entire family. You are always in our prayers.

On this sad note, one of our students, Bea Shadrack, came back to school with sadness as he returned from his campaign in Bali village, one of those young congregation that we established. He met many in their compound mourning for the dead of his mother. Keep him in your prayers as burial will be this week end.

Elangwe and family
By His grace, Director CBIW

Preparations For The Third Class...

Dear brethren,

It has been a busy Sunday. Today we worshiped at the Nandwa Church of Christ. The service was good. After the service we went to bury our brother Eridadi Makokha who passed away on Friday Morning. This brother was baptized last year in April while he was sick. He had a stroke which weakened his right hand side. He tried to walk two kilometers from his home to the church building in Nandwa Village for about eight months. He was too weak to walk to the service for about three months. The church has been sending a group of Christians every Sunday to worship with him. These past two weeks he was too weak even to partake the Lord's supper due to some sores which were in his mouth. We hope that the Lord will put him in the right place he deserves. Pray for his family. 

We remain with about 16 days to the opening of our third intake. The interviews will be on 12th of April 2012. The number we have is more than what we need for this intake. The brethren from Congo and Burundi still want to come, but as per now we have not received funds to bring them to school and help them get proper documents to stay in the Uganda. We still also need some funds to purchase mosquito nets, bedsheets and blankets and some new mattresses. May the Lord bless you all as you serve Him. 

Yours
Francis Wechesa