Influencing Eternity...

We continue to travel this week throughout the middle part of the country to see individuals and congregations about the work of Extension Training. We pray the opportunity to share the work is an encouragement to those who learn about the extension program, but it always seems that we are the ones who walk away encouraged and edified by so many wonderful brethren. Their sacrifices are what make this work possible.

Sunday we visited with the Mountain Home and Cotter congregations. These two congregations have been instrumental in powerful ways through supporting the work financially. Several members from the Mountain Home congregation have also traveled to see the work in Ghana first hand. It is encouraging to see the involvement of such faithful brethren.

The week ahead will provide additional opportunities to share the program with others. As well we will be seeking financial assistance for various needed areas within a few of the schools. There are both one time and monthly needs we are praying we can secure over the weeks ahead. The economic challenges throughout the country make this more difficult, but as a friend of mine says, “God owns all the money.” We trust God will provide what is needed. We ask you to pray for us in this effort.

There are fewer reports this week, but they continue to be encouraging as they share growth in God’s kingdom. As we move throughout the summer all the extension schools continue to provide training for students preparing for ministry in various countries around the world. Their efforts have and will continue to influence eternity.

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/

Donnie Bates’ report is located here.

Josh Austin’s report is located here.

Extension Reports 

One Precious Soul: The power of the gospel in changing the lives of those who are seeking truth in Cameroon.

Graduation In One Month: The second year students are completing their last quarter of studies in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Studies In Chandigarh, India: Several are studying the word of God and are close to obeying. The news of growth is exciting in India.

Short Courses Begin In Uganda: Two short courses are about to begin at the Uganda School of Evangelism.

The Difference One Tanzanian Is Making: One man in the hands of God is making a powerful difference near Arusha, Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for all you continue to do in the work of extension training. You are blessing to so many lives around the world. I ask each of you, as you go throughout the week, to pause for a moment and pray about the specific requests above. Also, remember the overall work of training men to preach the gospel. It is exciting to read about the development of the program and the ways it is changing lives.

God bless
Bob

Studies In Chandigarh, India

Dear Brother,

Thank you very much for your daily messages and we are encouraged by the things we hear the Lord is doing everywhere. We are doing fine and just last week we completed the first semester of this year.

Our home Bible study program is also being blessed as more people are showing interest in the study. Presently, I have been studying with 5-6 people and some of them are almost ready to obey the Lord. One lady named Manju, telephoned me late one night that she did not take part in the communion where she goes in CNI (a denomination here, full form of it is Church of North India) and she was asked why she did not take part. I will try to clear them on these things this week, but basically I am focusing on their obedience. 

The Lord has provided us a new place to live. Even the rent is high, but it is as per the present market trend. Our rent has increase $160, but the good thing is that it is on the ground floor and I pray that if the owner agrees, I will try to build a baptistry on one side, because we desperately need this.

Our first Wednesday meeting each month is also helpful for the preachers to gather together and share their experiences with each other. The hall where we have meeting is a big one and needs PA system. We have seen a small portable system which can be used for about 150-200 people. It cost us here about $300.

We have lately helped brother Gurpreet, who hails from Ferozepur (Punjab), to buy a sewing machine (he is in a tailoring job) to earn his living and do the work for the Lord as well. 

Our SMS service is stopped for a while because of the high charges by the service provider companies.

BIBLE KI BAAT is being published in Hindi and, after being encouraged by the response, we have increased it to a 4 pages of A4 size. Out of that we keep one page for the English and 3 pages for Hindi. People are appreciative because we are sharing with them the basic Christian principles, which people think they believe, but they have no Biblical support for that. We are trying to share the gospel with as people as we can. 

Earnest

Graduation In One Month...

Dear brethren, 

Thank you for the opportunity to share in the work of Jesus Christ in this part of the world. Recently, we had many visitors from the states, who have an interest in the work here with the school and the orphanage, come by and visit and the one question they asked me was, "What's the biggest challenge in your ministry?" And over the years my answer has changed quite a bit. Of course, when I first got here, my answer was "adjusting to the food and culture." Then later on as I grew and gained experience, my answer would be "convincing the lost that they are lost, that they are sick spiritually and need an antidote that can only be found in Christ." 

After finding effective ways to evangelize to the locals and teaching them the truth, my challenge went from that to "growing leaders of the church to be good stewards of God, teaching them not to be dependent on foreign aid and to be self supportive." 

Now, as we've overcome those challenges, the biggest challenge for me personally in my ministry is "to fully trust in God and teach others to do the same," to be like Abraham and all those mentioned in Hebrews 11, to be able to fulfill 2 Cor. 5:7! I pray that you too learn to trust fully in God for all things in this life and the life after. I thank you for your support and for your prayers.

We are in the final quarter for our 2nd year students. They will graduate in less than a month! We are excited for them and ask that you keep them in your prayers! We are also looking forward to Wes Autrey arriving for our graduation!

Phanat

Short Courses Begin In Uganda...

July 2 report
Dear brethren,

It has been a good Sunday. We woke up and prepared to go to Nandwa church of Christ for today’s service. When I went to the truck of mine, it could not start. I tried all that I could, but it could not start. We later discovered that the terminals were loose. We tried to tighten them, but it could not. We decided to go Bukaliha church which is 15 kilometers from Busia toward the school side on a motor cycle. When we reached there the preacher who usually comes with the Lords table elements did not show up. We waited until we decided to come back home and just held worship at home as we usually have the Lord’s supper elements at home. 

Paul, Ema, Edith and children, went  to Namungodi church which is 10 kilometers from Busia towards Kampala. They were informed that there are people who want to take the land from the brother who allowed us to worship on his land. This problem have been going on, but now the case is in court. We need your prayers so that all can go on well. 

Susan, Paul’s wife, went to Jinja to live with his brother who is near Jinja Hospital. She is  expecting to give birth at any time. The expected date was the 26^th of June. Up to now she hasn’t  delivered. Please remember her in your prayers. 

Brother Oloo Daniel, a graduate of Uganda School of Evangelism, reported that about ten churches in his area are planning a big campaign for Christ in July. The old grass and mud church building of Junge congregation which is about 5 kilometers from Nandwa congregation has fallen down on one side. They are planning to make bricks for the new building, but they will need some financial help to purchase cement and iron sheets. These brethren are trying to do what they can but they would appreciate it if they can be helped with money for cement and forty iron sheets. We wish you well as you serve Him.

July 9 report

We thank each one of you for the support you are giving to us here in Uganda. The short course teachers are here. We thank God for the save trip He has given them. They have arrived in Busia this morning and straight away went to church. We went with them at Nandwa congregation. 

Brother Donnie taught during the Bible Class while brother Meadows preached during the service. We were very much built up from their lessons. We are very thankful to those who made it possible for them to come to teach our students. Brother Meadows will be teaching Christian Evidences to the Kiswahili class and Donnie will be teaching the book of Acts to the English class. 

Brother Donnie's luggage did not make it with him. He willing waiting for them. The airport people said that they will be sending them to him at his hotel in Busia according to what he was told. This will make a delay in handing the students their  handouts. Pray that his luggage makes it because he also brought some Bibles for our students. They are going to be with us for two weeks. We need your prayer. God bless you all.

Yours
Francis, Margaret, Paul, Edith Susan

The Difference One Tanzanian Is Making...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray His continued blessing be with you and that through your faithful Christian lives, He is being glorified and souls are being changed for the better. We are good on this side of the world, truly blessed beyond our deserving.

I want to relate a short conversation with a brother in Christ I had this past week that really helped me to see more clearly what God is doing through His mission work here in Tanzania.

I was visiting with Innocent Alfayo, one of our graduates from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching/Bear Vally Bible Institute, and discussing his future plans. Innocent serves as the full-time evangelist for the Monduli congregation, about 45 minutes west of Arusha town. Innocent helped plant this congregation during his Bible training.

Later Danny & Nancy Smelser would locate their medical clinic in this same area (Monduli) and Innocent would step up and serve as their chaplin and translator. Innocent, the Smelsers’ and others would go on to plant three additional congregations in addition to the Monduli Church. Through all these efforts, Innocent’s love for people and desire to serve to the fullest of his abilities, has applied and has been accepted into a three year medical program. When he completes his studies he will come back and continue his work at the congregation and clinic as a Clinical Officer.

He is one of many we have grown to love and admire here in East Africa. His sacrifice for the Gospel, his country men and for his family is one to be emulated as a true follower of Christ. He has accomplished more in his first 40 years of life than most could ever hope or dream of. Yes, the power of the Gospel is having its way in the lives of the good people of Tanzania through our prayers, support and kindness.

Jimmy Gee: Please remember him and his family as he prepares to return to Tanzania after a long four weeks of separation. After successfully defending his dissertation he is excited about being reunited with family and work here in TZ.

Christopher, Ahimidiwe, and Charles have been working with a Youth Conference in Mbeya for the past week. They will return to Arusha along with many of the young people, so please keep them in your prayers.

Gee/Hochdorf/Stafford Families: We ask that you continue to pray for each of us, pray that God will grant us the wisdom to say and do just that things that will glorify our God and build up our fellow Christian family. We thank you all for your service in the Kingdom. May your week be a rewarding one in your faithful service to all.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Caitlin

One Precious Soul...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation. I pray that this mail meets you all in the family and the church in good health and sound faith.

I am writing this report early in the morning on Sunday because I am about to travel and will not have access to internet until Monday. Thanks for your understanding.

Brother Eddie Samuel conducted a confession from the brother who was an usher in the Full gospel church, a strong denomination in Wotutu. He came to our Wednesday class to ask questions and he was so happy as he confessed that he listened to our BACK TO THE BIBLE program daily and he went to his pastor for proof from the Bible about what we are saying, and the pastor was not able to do that so he came to us and was clarified. He went back and discussed with them, but they could not help him, so early in the morning he came during our 4:30 am preaching and told us that he is ready to be baptized.

Brother Standly Yerima smiled after his baptism. He told us he has suffered in errors for a long time and he is praising God that he has found the truth. Keep him in your prayers so that many who are close to him will come to the truth and obey it. Just like the way his name is going, he is having some trace of a Moslem background. God is doing great things in the life of many here.

All is working well and God is blessing. Classes in CBIW went on well and the daily evangelism through our local radio program is still cutting across many souls who listen to the gospel as early as 4:30 am daily. Many will appreciate what we are doing, some will call to ask questions while others will call and say we are against other churches, that will also give us ample opportunity to study with them.

CBIW students sang songs of praises to rejoice with this new and precious brother whom the Lord has added into His kingdom here in Wotutu. The entire village of Wotutu came out to see what was happening that early morning as the students were singing from the river side to the campus about 800 miles from the school.

This week was characterized with power failure and that was another great opportunity for us to spread the gospel without any hindrance from some who will get up also and start playing music to disturb their neighbors from listening. We could do that because of the presence of our standby generator. Many thanks to all those who shared in our dreams to get this PA system it is a wonderful tool for evangelism.

Plans
1) We shall not go to Muyuka this month, as they called us to come and help because we don’t enough funds for that. We shall instead go to Mbanga village to establish a new congregation. Keep the plans in your prayers.

2) We shall do a study about the work in Batoke this month. We want to carry the gospel to virgin lands instead now.

3) New students will come for the entrance exams on the 28^th of July. Keep the prospect students who have applied in your prayers.

Appreciations
God bless you in all your efforts to help us spread the gospel here in Cameroon. Thank you for standing by us to train me to preach the gospel. Your labors is always in our hearts. We appreciate you for allowing the Lord to use you for His glory.

Keep the work in your prayers and share it with others who may love to come and be part.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Always Exciting To Report...

I keep thinking there is going to be a week when everything sort of hits a low point without much in the “exciting-to-report” department. However, it is not going to be this week. Even though there are only a few reports, each has powerful news about the work, God’s increase to the church and the growth in the students who are preparing themselves for greater work in the ministry of God’s kingdom.

No matter how short or long the report is each week, it is filled with wonderful news of how God is working in the lives of His faithful servants to reach out with the message of Jesus. The result of their efforts is changing the lives of people every week. I continue to be encouraged by the reports of various campaigns where God is giving the increase as the seed is being planted and watered. It is awesome to share in a small part of this work. Thank you!

On a brief side note, Sheryl and I enjoyed the celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary yesterday. She is a very special woman who is a faithful servant to our God. I appreciate her standing by me throughout several trials over the years. Her love and support in every phase of our life and work in ministry are unmatched and immeasurable. I know I am only one of many men who work in the extension program who can make the same claim. Our wives provide a backbone for which the structure of our service exists. I am thankful to God for blessing me with such a marvelous help meet, best friend and companion.

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 

Fruitful Campaign In Cameroon: The recent campaign work in Cameroon continues to demonstrate growth as God blesses the efforts of these students.

Chimala’s Most Wanted: We often take for granted the medical care in this country. The work that is part of the Chimala Mission desperately needs medical personnel. 

Honduras Student Report: The students in Honduras are involved in the growth of the church in Honduras. God is blessing their efforts in several ways.

Children Of Godly Parents Impact Tanzania: The work is growing in Arusha, Tanzania because of young people who are involved. Their parents are to be commended. 

Final Thoughts
Our travels this summer have been wonderful. We are sharing news about the work everywhere we go. I love seeing the excitement on the faces of our fellow workers in the church when they learn of the growth God is giving to the church around the world. Their support in this program is a great part of the fellowship we share as partners in the work of training men to preach the gospel. 

Thank you for your love for the Lord, His church and the nations of the world who need to hear about our Savior, Jesus. I pray for you each day and trust the God of heaven and all creation will bless you richly for your faithful service.

God bless
Bob

Children Of Godly Parents Impact Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers,

We hope and pray all is well and that this short report finds each of you blessed on all sides. Our God is truly an amazing God, provider and the power that makes all things possible.

The campaigns continue, Moshi completing Saturday with an all day seminar around “Spiritual Maturity.” It was such a joy to witness their planning and execution in this evangelistic effort.

On Thursday, I was in a study with a group of six, one being a very old Masai, another was a young man by the name of Joseph (also a Masai), two other men and two ladies. I directed most of my questions toward the older man beginning with the question; “do you believe in God”. I found his response very interesting; “well sure I believe in God, how could I be alive without God.” I then asked if he knew who Jesus is, he replied; “I have never heard of this Jesus”. So, “In the beginning” we began.

After two hours of study, Joseph had several questions, culminating in his obedience to the Gospel. So, down to the river we went, rejoicing in song and in heart.

With the addition of Joseph to the Church, the total during the Safari for Souls campaigns is now 72. And yes, the follow-up is on going in the various locations resulting thus far in 12 more souls obeying the Gospel. Yes, the work continues and God continues to bless our efforts by giving the increase.

Stephanie, Granny and I would like to thank all the faithful godly parents in the Church. Our lives have been blessed richly by young people coming and staying with us for several weeks during the summer each year. Caitlin Williams, the daughter of Ralph and Cindy Williams, spent the summer with us two years ago. Last year Jessica Galloway, the daughter of Jay and Renee Galloway, and this year our lives are being blessed by Caitlin Middleton, the daughter of Alan and Cindy Middleton. If the Lord wills, next year there is a young man from the Hoover congregation (AL) planning on spending the summer with us.

We see in these young Christians, a zeal and desire to be all God would have them to be. We learn a lot about their parents priorities in this life. We see a promising future for the Lord’s Church around the world, knowing there is a generation of young who love God, Love His Church, and are willing to put God and His will first in their lives. To all the faithful and godly parents we say, amen!

We close with hearts of gratitude. We thank God, we thank each of you and we thank our family and friends who make our lives possible. We are a blessed people, blessed beyond measure. May your week be a blessing to other as you strive to serve the Living God and your fellow man.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Caitlin.

Honduras Student Report...

I hope this finds you well together with your wife in your new home. To continue, I present to you the report of the work of the students: 

Porfirio Gonzales
The brother is visiting a town called “The 24th of December” with the purpose of establishing a congregation. This place is located in El Paraiso. Some brethren live there who have left the church. He, along with Yoni (his son and graduate of IBH) are visiting these brethren and 4 were reconciled this Sunday. All of them participated in the communion. There are at least 10 brethren more that are in the denominations and the brother is visiting them to get them to come back to the church. He has been distributing literature, giving classes and preaching house to house. 

Enrique Figueroa
The brother is collaborating in Coyolar together with the preacher. He is visiting a place where he is preaching the Gospel. He has studied with some sectarian pastors over the necessity of obeying the truth and to seek the restoration and unity of the church. Each Saturday and Sunday he collaborates in the preaching and classes in the church. They have realized two weddings and four baptisms.  

Jairo Irías
He is collaborating in El Zarzal in the preaching, evangelism, songs and direction of the Lord’s Supper. He continues attending on Wednesdays Los Robles to teach the Bible to people. Also, he has visited the brethren who have left (the church) and to encourage those who are discouraged.  

Jose Cruz Lopez
The brother is collaborating in El Zarzal. The past week he was collaborating in a campaign that was realized in La Villa de San Francisco where there were 10 baptisms and 4 restorations. I have contributed and one person was baptized. Also he is active in the work of evangelism, the songs and the preaching. For the moment he takes charge of the youth group of the church, together with Hector (another graduate).  

Jose Antonio Caceres
The brother is always helping brother Oscar each weekend in El Empalme de Trojes. This month a gentleman was baptized and they helped him since he has problems of paralysis. Brother Oscar is very satisfied by the work that Antonio does since he helps in every aspect of the work. 

Gustavo Reyes
The brother continues helping the church of Cuyali, El Paraiso. The preacher does not give him much participation in the services of the church. Each Saturday he leave together with another brother to give studies and encourage the brethren. The preacher feels jealousy toward Gustavo because the brethren like the way in which he teaches in the classes and sermons. Gustavo spoken to him about it, saying that all he is doing is so as to affirm the church and help in its spiritual growth.

We are preparing ourselves for the campaign that will begin July 8 to July 14 in Talanga.  Brother Donnie, I want you to please do me a favor and send me the program of studies of the Beta Class, since I did not make copies and one day cleaning the office with the students, I believe it was lost among the papers of the trash. I will appreciate it very much if you send it to me and I will make sure to make some copies.

With that relating to the wall, we still do not have an answer on the part of the authorities, only a backhoe came and deepened more the creek and I believe that that is not sufficient, but our authorities are negligent. I just hope to pay the taxes so that later, if possible, to interpose a demand for the possible damages that the creek causes to the property of the church.

God bless you and have a happy day!

Nery

Chimala's Most Wanted...

As you may know, we shipped over our books, furniture, etc. on a shipping container. It arrived at Dar es Salaam last week, but, because of one reason or another, the container has been delayed. Because of this delay, we are being charged $75/day for the container simply sitting there. Please pray for our container to be fully cleared and on it's way.

Our house on the mission is the Mays House. We are having it repainted for the last week and it should be ready soon. We hope to move back into the Mays House on Wednesday.

Bill Stinson, Don & Sue Logsdon, and myself, Chad, took a trip up the mountain to the original mission site. The Chimala Mission is working toward kicking off a cattle project on the mountain and we completed a survey of the mission site. All of the buildings are no longer in good condition, but some of the buildings can be rebuilt. The view on top of the mountain was fantastic!!

On Saturday, several of us took a trip to Kumani Falls. There was a good hike to and from the falls, but the view was well worth the effort.

American Doctor Needed
The Chimala Mission has a fully functioning hospital. Recently, three US doctors visited for 4 weeks and made a huge impact on the mission hospital. People in the community saw that the level of care increased, patient care improved, and a general morale boosting with the staff. The standard of care is in need of improvement and an American doctor can help with this need. If you or someone you know would like to do a three month, six month, or longer tour at the mission, let us know.  

Preaching the Gospel
We visited several congregations this week. We visited Lyambogo congregation on Wednesday evening, Chimala A congregation on Sunday AM, and Lyambogo congregation again Sunday PM. I preached at each congregation to full buildings. 

Support Level
We are still in need of support for our family. We came over to Chimala on faith that the LORD would provide. We pray that the LORD will work through you and your congregation to help us in our work.

Chad

To view Chad's report with pictures, please click here.

Fruitful Campaign In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation. We pray that this mail meets you all in good health and a sound faith. We appreciate God for all His care over us, most especially the students who went out for campaign and are all on campus safe and sound in Wotutu.

The students who went out to 17 different villages, went to campaign for the souls to turn away from their wicked ways and come to the Lord to drink from the river of life free of charge. One of the denominational pastor’s was baptized. He was in a group called DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH. Keep this work in your prayers that those brothers who are really young converts will be able to keep the church until December when a permanent preacher will go and take up the work after graduation full time. 

God bless you all for your fervent prayers that worked well in the lives of the students of CBIW and staff that went around to some locations to supervise and see how the students were faring.

This campaign was also spectacular as all married students went out with their wives to preach and teach. Reports reaching us from those congregations show many developments from the wives and the sisters in those congregations. Many appreciated the gestures and pray we continue that way to bring about positive changes in the brotherhood in Cameroon.

Brother Tobias went to Atongeh village about 400 miles from the school with his wife. This village is young and our first congregation established since the starting of the school. He preached house to house. Keep that work in your prayers.

Brother Tobias’ wife, sister Joyce Sakwe, taught the women of that congregation who enjoyed studying among the sisters for the very first time. They sent words of appreciation and requested that the wife of brother Tobias should come again and help them.

The sisters of the Atongeh congregation were smiling after their sister’s class. Oh how wonderful and pleasant is it for brethren to dwell together in unity…Keep this young congregation in your prayers because we see a lot of potential to take the entire village for Christ in the near future.

Brother Opel baptized sister Nelly in the Ekombe congregation. Keep the work in your prayers. God is doing something great in Cameroon, lives are being changed and many are getting the good news. From the mouths of the students and staff of CBIW, evangelism is at its peak now, and by His grace He will add more souls to His kingdom as we continue to plant and water. God will give us opening to rob from the strong man’s house.

Brother Sakwe Mulango was in Mondoni village with his wife and the Lord was working through them as the gospel reached many on their way. He baptized our new sister Njeni. The Lord blessed the work for one week as the students were out to preach and teach the gospel to as many as will open their doors for them to come in. A total of 32 new precious souls were added to congregations here while 40 souls who were out of the fold came back rejoicing. Please keep the work of here in your prayers and continue to be part of it. God is doing something great in the life of the church in Cameroon, the history of the church in Cameroon will change for good gradually.

Sister Joyce was on the road with her husband walking on foot long distances to get to the village where they were supposed to serve. When it rains too much, motor bikes will not plough the roads because it is more risky, but because the gospel is for all, they must go. The vision is to include married students with their wives for campaign is wonderful. It gets them involved into the work fully, even though it is expensive, to send them out but it is working well to God be the glory.

Plans
1) We shall go to Muyuka congregation for a two days evangelism as they are inviting the whole school to come over to their community and help them.

2) We shall also go to Mbanga  which is a mixed community, that is many speak French and English to established a new congregation by His grace this month end. Keep the work in your prayers.

Appreciations
We give thanks to God for all His great works in the life of the church in Cameroon. We also thank God for allowing you for Him to use you to accomplish His purpose here in Cameroon. We thank you for your prayers and support. Please share this report with others. God bless you and watch over you and your family. Greet the entire church for us. We love them. They are a strong pillar in our ministries.

Elangwe and family,

By His grace director CBIW

Extension Program Grows (17 & 18)

The Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver is excited to now be partnering with two new locations in the Extension Training program. Nothing is more thrilling than to announce the opportunities God has given us to share in the work of training men to preach around the world. 

The first location is in Ibadan, Nigeria. The Southwest School of Evangelism has been involved in training men to preach for several years. Under the direction of Makinde E. Olufemi, this school has provided a one year training program for men who desire to prepare themselves for ministry. Recently, Bear Valley was asked to partner with the work in providing additional training for the instructors and curriculum for a two year residential program. 

Presently, there are 25 men involved in the one year program with the capacity of several more who could be trained. We will have more about the work at the Southwest School of Evangelism in the weeks, months and years ahead. Please be praying for this work and our partnership in training men in Southwest Nigeria to preach the gospel.

The second location is in Monrovia, Liberia. There has been much turmoil with the development of this work. The school was established in 1986 with the help of the Rogersville church of Christ. The first class graduated in 1989. However, the school was shut down because of a Civil War that erupted in Liberia. The school restarted in 1993 and operated until 1995 when it was shut down again because of the intensity of the war. It remained closed until 1998. Classes began again and the school operated until 2008 when the government shut the school down until appropriate academic criteria could be met. A Saturday program started in 2011 with 18 men who wanted to learn more and prepare to preach the gospel.

The elders of the Smythe Road congregation in Monrovia discussed the potential of getting involved with the Bear Valley Bible Institute with Steven Ashcraft. After completing all the necessary arrangements, the partnership has been formed and the school is scheduled to begin in September with 20 students. Under the oversight of the Smythe Road elders, we are excited to be working together to help train men in Liberia. Again, we look forward to sharing how this work develops in the time God gives us into the future.

Beyond the excitement of partnering with two new locations, as you will see from the reports below, it has been an incredible week in the extension program. More than 75 were added to the kingdom and the news just keeps getting better around the world. 

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 

20 Souls Added In Cameroon: After a week in Southwest Cameroon, the evangelistic efforts of David Ballard provide a great example for the students at CBIW.

Implementing Evangelistic Plans: Bill Stinson shares information about new plans for evangelistic development in the work at Chimala.

Transition To Tanzania (Wagner Report): Chad Wagner and his family are adjusting to the transition to Chimala, Tanzania.

Working With Local Congregations: The development of the church in and around Busia, Uganda demonstrates growth in a very positive way.

One Year Celebration In San Cristobal: The first graduates from ITL have planted a congregation in San Cristobal and they recently celebrated one year. 

Jonathan Is Baptized At Linda Vista: One celebration in Guatemala joins another as Jonathan becomes a Christian and part of the congregation at Linda Vista.

54 Baptisms & 5 New Congregations: Awesome is the only way to describe the development of the work in Togo. The title speaks for itself.

Gratitude And Campaign Summary: The work in Arusha, Tanzania expresses gratitude for all the laborers in the kingdom, as well as provide a summary of the Safari for Souls. 

Final Thoughts
Sheryl and I are traveling throughout the state of Arkansas sharing the news about the work with a number of individuals and congregations who have been instrumental in helping us financially with the work at Bear Valley. These wonderful brethren, along with many others throughout the world are responsible for the success of Extension Training. To all of you, thank you. You are the heart and soul of the work. You are a blessing to so many. Lives are being touched and their eternity has been changed because of the partnership we have in working together in “teaching those who are faithful to teach others also.”

God bless
Bob

Transition To Tanzania (Wagner Report)...

House in Transition
When we arrived at the Chimala Mission, we moved into our house.  It is the Mays house.  We are currently having the ceilings, walls, and floors painted so we had to move everything out of the house so that it could get done.  We moved into the Guest house until our house gets finished.  So, even after being here for two weeks, we are still living out of our suitcases!!

We have received word that our shipping container has arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania off the ship and awaiting all of the final approval of paperwork.  We are hoping to have our container on Monday of next week. We are praying that our house gets finished painted before our furniture arrives. 

Chimala Bible Institute
The Chimala Bible Institute is the Chimala Mission's school of preaching for both English and Swahili speaking students.  Currently, we have about 25 students all together.  I will include some pictures of CBI so that you can see them.

We have been talking about the need for preaching in SW Tanzania.  I told the Bible faculty that a preacher can preach the Gospel using a pulpit and also the pen.  Preaching the Gospel with the pen enables the Gospel preacher to visit many more places at one time than he possibly can.  What is written with the pen can be read and re-read many times to teach the congregation and area preachers.  After discussing with Garry Hill, CBI Dean, we are going to start the "CBI Bible Digest."  This publication, written in Swahili, will help encourage the local preachers in the preaching effort and also help to fill the need for sound Swahili material.

Preaching the Gospel
We visited several congregations this week. We visited Chosi A congregation on Wednesday where Chad preached. We also visited the Itamboleo church of Christ this morning where Chad also preached. 

Support Level
We are still in need of support for our family.  We came over to Chimala on faith that the LORD would provide. We pray that the LORD will work through you and your congregation to help us in our work.

Chad Wagner and family

To see the full report with pictures, please click here.

One Year Celebration In San Cristobal...

The following links are to reports from Guatemala. The first (click here) shares the great news of Jonathan's baptism and the second (click here) involves the celebration at the San Cristobal congregation, planted from the graduates of ITL last year.

The work is powerful and the news is wonderful.

Gratitude And Campaign Summary...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has made our life worth living and has left us the PERFECT example to follow. We thank our God for each of you who pray, support and participate in this grand mission work of God.

We often reflect on our “groups” that join us, working hand in hand in the seeking and saving of the lost. We would be amiss in not mentioning the many individuals who also come and make an equally powerful impact on the lives of many.

To our dear sister Penny Cabler; we say thank you!

To our brother and sister Forest & Teresa Rachels; we say thank you!

To our brother and sisters Gary, Hannah and Rachel Box; we say thank you!

To our sister Caitlin Middleton, (Caitlin is spending the summer with us); we say thank you!

To each and every brother & sister in Christ who have made this mission work possible; we say thank you!

Most of all, we say thank you to our God, Who has blessed each and every good work along the way to the saving of countless souls. It takes one’s breath away to remember where we started; two small congregations with less than 20 in each congregation. Today we know of more than 150 Church plants in six different countries, thousands of souls worshiping God in Truth and in Spirit each and every week. Congregations planting sister congregations every month throughout the region. Wow! God is amazing! To see the Power of the Gospel working through and in the lives of so many is such a blessing.

I would encourage you to copy and past the link below for a good summary of this year’s campaign effort (The Hochdorf family’s report). 

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15151833/The%20Tanzania%20Chronicles%20-%20June%202012.pdf 

Please pray for our new brother in Christ, Gaudence Luka Kilewo and his family. Gaudence is the young preacher who obeyed the Gospel at Maji ya Chai. His brother was killed in a motor cycle accident and his sister-in-law was seriously injured.

We also solicit your prayers on the local congregations as they (we) engage in the follow-up work from the campaign efforts. To God’s glory and to the saving of souls we labor on with the help of God through your prayers.

Please remember the Kilimanjaro congregation as well. Their campaign begins tomorrow. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Caitlin

54 Baptisms & 5 New Congregations...

Doyle Kee Lectures at CBS
Twenty-nine men, including 15 students, were present for an Evangelism Class. Doyle Kee, a missionary in Geneva, Switzerland is the resource person. The class started on Monday the 17th of June and will end on Thursday the 21st. The class is being attended by CBS students, former students, preachers from the denominational churches in Kpalime and some members of the Nyiveme Church of Christ, as well as, instructors of CBS.

Mission Team baptizes 54 and plants Five new congregations in one week.
A group of men from US, Ghana and Togo converged at Bagbe in Togo to start a week long Church planting exercise. The towns targeted along the route from Kpalime to Lome included: Keve, Baja, Akepe,Noepe and Sanguera. I joined Cephas in Kpalime and we traveled to Bagbe to assist with the house to house evangelism. After a week, 54 souls were baptized and five new congregations planted.

Former CBS students to work with four new congregations
Moments after the campaign ended on Sunday, CBS received a letter requesting that we recommend three of our former students to be appointed as preachers to serve in three of the newly established congregations which are: Baja, Noepe and Akepe. I was also informed by a congregation in Lome that they have engaged the services of Kossi Gidigidi (a recent graduate) to work with the Sanguera Church of Christ near Lome. I am glad of all these developments because CBS students are being used in the service of the Lord.

CBS to close for the long vacation
Students will be completing their final exam next week and close at the end of the month. They will resume on the 3rd of September. Most of them will use the period to farm in order to leave enough food with the family when they return to school.

Nyiveme Church of Christ- Kpalime
The congregation continues to experience numerical growth. The attendance last Sunday was 52 (fifty-two), including children. I had the opportunity to continue my lesson on “overcoming unforgiveness” during the Bible class and Cephas preached the sermon.

The growth being experienced is creating a serious challenge. Very soon the congregation will not be able to occupy the living room where worship is conducted. We need help to purchase 50 plastic chairs at a cost of $350.00

As soon as we secure funding, we shall purchase the chairs and immediately start worshiping here. This classroom can take 70 worshippers. Our vision is to become the largest congregation of the Lord’s Church in Togo by 2015. You can help us to make this vision a reality. We need 50 brethren giving us $7.00 each.

I want to thank the Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ for its financial support. We attribute our success to your commitment and dedication to the work in Kpalime. God bless you!

Report by Willie Gley

To see the report with pictures, click here.

Working With Local Congregations...

June 18th report

Dear brethren,

Greetings from Uganda. The Lord is blessing his work here and every thing is going on well. Thank you for your support. We are doing what we are doing because of your support. Students of Uganda School of Evangelism are continuing with their village evangelism every Friday afternoon and Saturdays. 

On Sunday those who assigned churches to serve go to work with them. On the 16th Students and Nandwa Church of Christ members went to Buswale Church of Christ for the quarterly seminar for the churches of Christ in Samia area. The seminar was well attended and we enjoyed the fellowship. After the seminar they provided us with lunch. The churches which attended contributed funds to support the host church. The church leaders are now seeing the need for being self supporting. They are praying to God to help them with strength in reaching this goal. We are trying to show the church here that God planned that the church through her members support God 's Work not expecting anybody outside the congregation be the one supporting God's work on their behalf. This is still hard but pray for the churches here to find a way to start doing this.

June 25th report

Dear brethren,

We thank our Lord for the good work as He is blessing us here in Uganda. The gospel of our Lord is being preached. The students are on break for this quarter. Some are still doing their research and those who came late are catching up with what they did not learn and studying for the tests they missed. 

On June 19th myself, with Paul, took the six Congolese brethren and went to Kampala to their Embassy to get their full passport as they had come only with a temporary one which was for three months. We came back on June 22nd 2012. They will be going back after three weeks to collect their passport from Kinshasa. 

The congregations which were planted by the effort of our students and faculty members are doing well in spite of their lack of church buildings. They are trying to raise money for such work but it will take years to achieve their goal. If there is a way these congregation can be helped to raise the money we will appreciate it. These are the names of these congregations: (1)Bulangi  (2) Junge  (3)Bulukuyi (4) Budeecho  (5) Haabboomi  (6) Budala  (7) Sirere  (8)Nabwere (9) Bugatti (10)Genguluho (11)Namungodi  (12) Namafundu  (13) Bukalikha. All these brethren are meeting under a tree when it rains, so they squeeze in a member's house nearest to the tree. Brethren we have been having this problem since 2007 when the first congregations were planted. We  need your prayers so that these brethren may get places to meet. The devil is also using this weakness to deceive some weak brethren to leave the church. 

Whenever I visit these brethren I share with them lessons of encouragement so that they don't see this lack of church buildings as a problem to stop them from worshiping our God. Today myself, with Margaret, worshiped at Bukalikha church of Christ where my elder sister worships. God has restored her eyes which were going blind. We praise God for that. She can now see, though not as she used to see. She is still under medication. We wish well. 

Yours
Francis, Margaret, Paul, Susan and Edith Mawa Wechesa

Implementing Evangelistic Plans...

In January of this year, we had Howell Ferguson, along with his wife Mary, come to work at the school for eight weeks. Of course, Garry Hill was here also teaching in the school and Cyndi and I were here during January and February. During this time, Howell brought forth a new idea for evangelism. It was not something entirely new, but it did put more focus on a couple of things. It was designed to spend more time with each congregation that was visited and it did involve the students more in the program. Something that I want to mention up front is that the evangelism work is currently being headed up entirely by the Tanzanian faculty of the school. This is part of the long term plan to equip and empower the Tanzanians to take charge of this work. So, anytime there is a change like this, it comes as a suggestion, not an order.

Howell talked to me first about this idea and then we talked to Garry to get his opinion, which was favorable. I suggested that we attend the next evangelism committee meeting and Howell could present the idea to the staff and see what they thought. Here is what he suggested. They would divide up into four teams comprised of both teachers and students. Each team would have a series of lessons designed to build up and encourage the local congregations. Each team would spend three to four weeks teaching these lessons and the teams would rotate. This would mean that a congregation would receive about 16 weeks of good lessons and four congregations would be receiving this at the same time. Then after the 16 weeks was finished, we would move to four more congregations. This would do several things; it would give some of the congregations really strong lessons to help them mature and at the same time, give these men who are training to be preachers some hands-on opportunities to learn how to teach the word and encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ.

The committee liked the idea and it was implemented immediately. The results were seen quickly and the numbers of people being baptized and restored went up the first week. As I said, the Tanzanians are running the program and it did not take too long until they drifted away from some of the program’s ideas. They did not keep going to the same churches after the first month, but instead chose four more congregations. I was disappointed that they did this, but it is their program. I believe part of the problem is the many requests from the numerous churches we have here to come and visit; it was hard for them to just concentrate on four churches. The numbers are still good and it looks like our baptisms will be higher this year than they have been in a long time. Hopefully, over the next couple of years we can get more focus on maturing the churches. 

Chad is just getting started, but I am hoping that his long-term experience in the pulpit will enable him to help local churches understand what a mature church is. More importantly, and this is something that Garry and I have talked about on several occasions; we need to develop preachers who understand what a mature church is. Garry is working on some curriculum changes to help the program do a better job of doing just that. We that have had the opportunity to grow up in the church in the States have a hard time understanding that people here have never been in churches that have elders, deacons, and evangelists with a long history of knowing what true church leadership is. Another problem they often face here is very small churches. It is hard to develop leadership when there are only a few faithful members in a congregation. So, we still have a long way to go, but we are seeing progress every year. I am going on my sixth year here and I have seen a lot of progress in several of the local churches. I know of a couple of congregations in Tanzania that are in the process of appointing elders and that is exciting news. Progress is being made and we must keep praying and working.

Bill Stinson

20 Souls Added In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

We bring seasonal greetings from your brothers and sisters in Cameroon. God bless you as you read our report this day. The week was a wonderful one as the Lord was working in many ways to accomplished His purpose here on earth.

One lady, pictured on the right, who was an elder in the Presbyterian church, saw the truth and told the husband I will not wait any longer to embrace the truth. The husband also accepted. Wow husband and wife obeyed the gospel same day. Keep them in your prayers to grow to maturity.

All the students of CBIW finished their campaign well without any problem. We shall share their reports next week when they will return on campus. Keep them in your prayers as they stay with their families for a one week vacation.

As I write this mail to you, minister David Ballard, our visiting lecturer and evangelist, is checking in now at the Douala international airport heading back home. Keep him in your prayers. His extra one week, after lectures in class, to many villages was great as I will share some details with you.

Brother David Ballard and I worked under rain, because it is rainy season now in Cameroon, set to go from house to house preaching and teaching the truth. It was great.

We reasoned with a denominational pastor and his entire family from the truth which he has perverted for years. He admitted teaching false doctrines all these years, but promised to study more before making a decision. Keep him in your prayers.

Brother Ballard and I talked to some prospects in the Kwa-kwa congregation after worship service. Two of them obeyed the gospel at the end of our discussion. The minister of that congregation is conducted confession to the candidates while brother Ballard was waiting in the river to conduct the baptism.

One of my girls, Cheercy, accepted the gospel here in Wotutu alongside 7 others. That is why I am convinced to say the trip was a great one for brother Ballard, teaching in the school to prepare men to preach and also showing the students an example to do evangelism as our motto says EVANGELISM IS OUR MISSION AND OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM. A total of 20 souls have been added to 13 different congregations of the church here during this one week of intense evangelism with brother Ballard. Keep him in your prayers as he will fly out of Cameroon.

Another moment of joy in Mondoni village, a congregation we established in February, as brother Remy’s wife obeyed the gospel. Keep this family in your prayers so that growth will continue in that family.

Plans
1) We shall go to Muyuka congregation as they call us to come over and help them in July. Keep that work in your prayers.

2) We shall go to Mbanga village to establish a new congregation in July as we have the means. As we were driving pass this village we saw two little boys selling along the road. Because they saw church of Christ on our car they came closer and said we are members of this church but we are here for vacation and we don’t worship because the church is not in this village. Please, we shall make sure by our own ability to see that these young men and others in that village will hear the truth and God will help them obey it. Keep it in your prayers.

Appreciations
We thank God for using you to be part of this team to win souls for Christ. Continue, because God will not pass you by when He comes to reward His servants. God bless you as you share this report to others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Honoring Our Heavenly Father...

Throughout our country, the third Sunday of June each year is set aside in honor of fathers. We are all aware of the Biblical teaching concerning the role and responsibility of the father within the home. I am especially thankful for my father and the foundation he provided in Biblical teaching. I remember memorizing scripture and reading to him from God’s word while growing up. I heard him preach the truth each week as he ministered to congregations in several locations. His love and support in all of my activities shaped my understanding of what it meant to be a father. He truly stands as a great example, but above all, I am thankful for the ways he taught me to understand the relationship I now have with my heavenly Father.

The work we are privileged to share in is for honoring our God and Father. It is His grace and faithfulness that make it possible for us to share in the inheritance of the saints. I pray our efforts will glorify His name, and may this day and everyday serve to honor Him.

While the Bible Institute in Denver breaks for the summer, classes are still in session around the world. We are continuing to see news from each location of the Extension program about the work being done as men prepare themselves in the word of God. 

The break during the summer also affords Sheryl and me an opportunity to travel and see some of the greatest brethren who are involved in supporting the work. We will share with them news from the past year and plans for the year ahead. It is a very busy time with much traveling, but the time of sharing the work with others is so rewarding.

I ask you to be praying about the potential for the Bible Institute to partner with two new locations in Extension Training. The first is in Monrovia, Liberia and the second is in Ibadan, Nigeria. If we are able to get everything completed with both of these locations we will be privileged to work together with several wonderful men in training an additional 45-50 men in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Once approved we will have more information.

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/

To see Steven Ashcraft’s full report about the work in West Africa, click here.

Extension Reports 

Four Souls Added In Cameroon: Two visiting instructors to the work in Wotutu, Cameroon are seeing the fruit of their labors.

The Wagner’s Arrive In Chimala: After a long journey by plane and bus, the Wagner family has arrived on the mission in Chimala. 

A Double Dose From Cambodia: Both Phanat and Chann send greetings and wonderful news about the work in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The Value of 71 Souls: One of the most amazing accounts of how God is blessing the work in Arusha, Tanzania. Please take time to read this report. 

Final Thoughts
Sheryl and I will be on the road early Monday morning. We would appreciate your prayers as we travel for the next several weeks. I will keep everyone updated on our efforts and work over the days ahead. 

I am thankful to have the opportunity to be a small part of this effort. The work is incredible and growing very quickly. Each of you, in many ways, play a significant part in this work and I thank you. Your involvement is changing the lives of people in eternal ways. You are needed and greatly appreciated.

God bless
Bob