Home At Last...

I arrived home late last night from several weeks of traveling to share the news about the Extension Program with several individuals and congregations. Sheryl remains with our daughter and son-in-law until the birth of our next grandson, Titus. You may recall a few months ago I shared news of possible birth defects with Titus and asked you to be praying for him. You will also remember how great our God was in answering our prayers. Titus is healthy, there are no problems and he is due to arrive later this week. As you can imagine, Sheryl wants to be there when this young man enters the world. So she will be joining me in Denver in a few weeks.

We are preparing for the next class of students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver. A number of men are ready to begin classes next Monday morning in their journey to prepare themselves for the greatest work on earth as proclaimers of God’s word. The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time and the staff is looking forward to how we can equip these men for the ways God will use them to His glory.

We would ask you to be praying for these men as they begin their journey, but also for the other students around the world who are doing the same in the Extension Program. In the next few months we will be partnering with three new locations in the Extension Program. Classes will soon begin in Kisumu, Kenya; Ibadan, Nigeria; and Monrovia, Liberia. Each of these locations have been mentioned before and the brethren involved in these areas are doing a great work. We are privileged to be working with them to further the kingdom of our God.

We have also shared news about partnering with the Sacramento Avenue congregation in Asunción, Paraguay. This school will begin in March 2013. We will have more to share about its beginning in the months ahead. Partnering with these locations will increase the number of extension schools to 18. We are thankful for God’s blessing in the work at Bear Valley and we are privileged to share in the work of others around the world. Please pray for unity and growth as we move ahead in training wonderful Christian brethren to be greater servants of the Lord.

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 

Preparing For A New Class: The Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu is preparing for a new class of students to begin the first of the year as new souls are added to the Kingdom.

Tony Johnson Arrives In Tamale: The newest addition to the work of the Tamale Bible Institute in Ghana, Tony Johnson, has arrived and started teaching.

Busy In Uganda: As short courses end in Uganda, teachers are preparing for the long courses to begin. As well, the church is growing and building.

Wealth Of Great News In Cambodia: As the school prepares to graduate 8 students, the growth of the church in Siem Reap is encouraging.

Honduras Campaigns Bear Fruit: The number of people who have come to Christ is growing as the campaigns in Honduras is converting souls.

Look At What Is Happening In Arusha: The evangelistic efforts of even the young people in Tanzania are changing lives. This is a great report on the work. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for your prayers as we traveled the last six weeks. It is good to be home and get ready to be in the classroom again. We ask for your prayers for all the schools around the world where the work continues to grow. It is a privilege to share in the Kingdom work with these wonderful men and women of God. It is also a privilege to share in this work with you. I am grateful for the opportunities God has given and I pray we will be united in our efforts to glorify our God who makes all things possible.

God bless
Bob

Look At What Is Happening In Arusha...

Dear Co-Workers:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Much of what we see depends on what we are looking for." Phil Calloway

Well, folks, there is so much to write about this week! The greatest news of all is that after about 10 studies, Rehema (early 20's) decided to be baptized into Christ last Sunday evening! The issue holding her back for a couple of weeks was the "sinner's prayer." Lindsey (if we do say so) used such good logic and handled the Scripture so well in her study with Rehema (the sister of Teresia). Rehema's mom said she would like to attend services next Sunday. If you remember, Teresia (Rehema's sister) suffered some slight persecution from the Pentecostal denomination when she became a N.T. Christian, obeying the words of Christ and not the teaching of men. We’re just wondering how they will react now.

Nice, Teresia's friend, and also a member of the same Pentecostal congregation, sat in on two studies that Lindsey conducted with Rehema and wanted to be baptized the same day as Rehema. However, after some questions Nice decided she needed more study and Lindsey has studied twice with her since. Beth Akin, Jimmy's sister, actually began the studies, laying the foundation with Nice while she was here (had about 4 studies with her).  

While Abigail was studying with Grace last Sunday evening, her father (who refused to let her be baptized several months ago but agreed that she could continue studying) brought out an English Bible in hopes that she could learn English at the same time she is learning God's Word.

It is very encouraging to simply walk around our neighborhood and see many houses where Tanzanian Christians live because many neighbors have been converted over the last few years. As we walk out of my gate turning to the right, we pass the mud home of Ruth and David.  Across the road is Peter and Teresia.  If we keep walking, we'll cross over another road and up towards the left is the orange-painted home of Isaiah and Usta, and then next-door is Lembris and Rosemary. On the same property is David and Mama Stevin, and across another road is Job and Joyce. Not too far away (down the hill) is Lucy, and then continuing straight ahead will lead you to Paulina and Elibariki's.  Near the highway is a bar called "Tembo Club" and Teresia and Rehema live up on the hill. Going back up the road and to the left is Deo and Janet, Abbas and wife, daughter-in-law Lydia, and on around the neighborhood, near to the Mosquito Net factory is Monica and family, Loshea and Neema, and Thomas and Jane. Other members of "Kanisa La Kristo" (Kisongo Church of Christ) live in Kisongo town and Ngaramtoni ya Chini. 

In last weeks' report, we spoke of our many trips to the dentist office in the past several weeks. Our wonderful dentist, of the Catholic faith, has allowed me to place copies of Reason & Revelation and the Discovery magazine for children (produced by Apologetics Press) in her waiting room.  

Todd Storks (along with his wife Susan, daughter Haley, son Wesley and friend, Brian) arrived in TZ very early Saturday morning. The Storks are state-side missionaries in Georgia. After only 3 hours of sleep, Susan and Haley taught/attended a "Teacher's Seminar" at Kwa Mrombo while the guys also did some evangelism. We are so happy they are here and will keep you posted on their activities!

INTERESTING: Statistics show that 5% of the preachers are proclaiming the Gospel to 95% of the population and 95% of preachers are preaching to 5% of the world's population (the U.S.). Something seems unbalanced in that equation. 

SWAHILI LANGUAGE: The Swahili word "lala" means "sleep." It is interesting that we have the English phrase "lala land." As we all know, many words from different languages found their way into the English language due to the immigrants who chose America as their new home (such as the French word, "bouquet"). While African slaves did not choose to come to America, we suspect that their presence there is the reason this Swahili word came to be a part of the English language.  

ACSOP NEWS: Thirteen Masters' Students have arrived to take the class being taught by Jimmy ("The Spiritual Development of the Preacher"). We enjoyed them being in our home for a spaghetti dinner last Wednesday evening (cooked by our 14-year-old daughter, Heather). Lindsey has been tasked with the job of interviewing them so we may learn more and share that information with you. 

Today the "spotlight" will be on Pius Bwile, a Christian of over 20 years, and the father of five. Although Pius was not raised in a Christian home, his mother taught him the Gospel after she learned the Truth as an older adult. Fifteen members of his family are Christians and Pius speaks five different languages (I'm still struggling with my second one). When a former ACSOP student told him about the school, Pius said he was very excited about the opportunity to become a Gospel preacher. He says the best thing he has learned at ACSOP was Greek but his favorite class was the Leadership Class taught by Bob Turner (Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, CO).  

Time is flying and, in 9 months, Lord willing, we leave our TZ home for a furlough that we take every 2 1/2 years. There is a LOT of preparation in order to leave the house and get "all of our ducks in a row" so to speak. Before leaving, one major task is to prepare a new presentation of the work, showing how it has grown, changed, new aspects of the work, etc. 

Furloughs are important in order to speak with people face-to-face about the work, visit our supporters and family. However, we don't like the "uprooting" for three months or more, the initial 24 hours of travel, the almost-claustrophobic feeling on the airplane, airplane food, lack of sleep, jet lag, traveling in the states every weekend and sometimes on Wednesday nights, fast food, gaining 30 lbs (did it our other two 2 furloughs, so why should this one be any different?) getting to hotels at 1 am or later...dragging sleeping kids out of the van, and then getting up at 6 am to get ready for church services (many times to drive another hour to get to the building depending on the location of the hotel). We used to think that staying in hotels and eating out was fun!  ha/ha  We spent so much time on the roads that some of our older children said once they sat down on the bench at church they began looking for their seat belt!

In Trina's opinion, furloughs help keep missionaries in the field (but not for the reasons you may think). There are times when the "grass seems greener" in America when we lose our focus and see only the congested traffic, the inefficiency and corruption in TZ government offices, experience culture issues, language issues, instability of electrical power and insufficient water supply, see a lack of beauty in many places (trash everywhere in the city), street teenagers demanding money, observe the sadness and poverty sin has brought and witness young children unsupervised, uncared for and unloved.   

However, a month of furlough is enough to rid us of any desire for the comforts and convenience of the U.S. and to cause us to ache to return to the mission field. American food doesn't taste quite as good as remembered, we tire of being the visitor at every congregation with few opportunities to teach and become frustrated at not having much of a purpose. Listening to the same presentation (ours) every week gets old and the singing at most congregations is not quite as good as we longed for (all of a sudden we realize we are singing the loudest and wonder why no one else is thrilled to sing these English songs?). We sometimes see furloughs as a "necessary evil" because, for the most part,  we'd rather stay here on the African continent and skip the time in America.

We believe missionaries should be more "transparent" in reporting the good AND the bad, the rewarding AND the challenging, the successes AND the disappointments. So before you write us off as a "Negative Nellie," we will also say that furloughs are beneficial in a positive way because so many of you treat us royally, having us in your homes, feeding us, planning special occasions, and encouraging us by expressing your appreciation through words and generosity. Going to Backwoods Christian Camp is another grand benefit of furlough. Our spirits get refreshed and renewed by reconnecting with many Christian friends.  

Last, but not LEAST, we will enjoy time with our oldest son, Todd (and girlfriend, Lauren Kelly), our parents, siblings and extended families, and grandchildren get to visit grandparents. Then, soon, we return to the mission field, back to familiarity for the past 8 years, back to our TZ friends and to people hungry to learn the truth, back to our own house and our normal routine.

Today, the services of the church were moved to the ACSOP building due to some race cars practicing in the field right next to the church building (lots of dust and lots of noise). The ladies and Trina completed Genesis chapter 27 discussing deception, consequences of sin, and the principles of reaping and sowing. Abigail taught the children's class. Jimmy preached a great sermon on Col. 3:1-3 on "Seeking Things Above." One visitor, Alex, worshipped with us today. Ahimidiwe and others have been studying with him for about two months.

Thank you for the opportunity of working here. Please remember our new sister Rehema as she begins her new life and pray for her faithfulness. Pray that Nice will come to the knowledge of the Truth and understand fully concerning a commitment to Christ and will obey. Both attended worship today.

May your day be filled with warmth, love and appreciation for all of your blessings! We count you as one of ours. Thank you for joining hands with us in teaching the Gospel in East Africa. We love you all!  

Priviledged to Serve in Tanzania,
Jimmy, Trina, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace, Stuart, David, Naomi, Elijah and Matthew

Honduras Campaigns Bear Fruit...

Good evening, brother,

I hope this finds you well with your wife. During this week of the month of July the students have been helping the congregations, and they have also been involved in different evangelistic campaigns. Their presence has been of much help, since there have been positive results.

In the campaign in La Villa de San Francisco there were 18 baptisms and one restoration. In the campaign in Talango there were 14 baptisms. All of the students put into practice the knowledge acquired and achieved as seen through the people who were baptized. At this moment brother Jose Cruz and I are in La Esperanza Intibuca in a campaign. We hope for the same results of the previous campaign.

Upon my return to Danlí, I will send you a personal report for the month of July for each student.  For the moment all are well. We are looking for new prospects for the next years. Here in Intibuca, brother Carlos Herandez has a group of 4 prospects to whom he is sending the books:  What Does the Bible Say? and Biblical Fundamentals.  We hope to have a major group for the next promotion.

Have a good night!

Nery Irías

Wealth Of Great News In Cambodia...

Two reports from Cambodia are below. The first is from Phanat.

Dear Brethren, 

What a joy it is to report about the work of Christ here in Cambodia. Once again, I thank you for your steadfastness in your support and prayers. The church here and my family really appreciate all that you do for us. I am honored to be able to say that we added 3 new souls to the church in Siem Reap and 4 other souls in Leang Dai for the month of July! 

Sokchea is doing a wonderful job in the village of Leang Dai and have been very active in helping the poor villagers there see God. The 3 new souls in Siem Reap excites me because these individuals have studied a long period of time before submitting their lives to Christ. One of them studied and wrestled for almost 2 years before she decided to be baptized for the remission of her sins. This shows me that we are truly converting souls to the Lord and not just baptizing for the sake of baptizing. 

In other news, the school will be graduating 8 students in the month of August. All 8 graduates have places to go and tell others of God. We ask that you keep the work and the graduates in your prayer as they serve God faithfully!

Tuk, one of our first year student who after 7 months of studying the Bible, came to the knowledge of the truth on his own and made the right decision to be baptized for the remission of his sins.

Srey Ney, studied for almost two years with Chouey, one of our staff, and decided it was time to forsake all others and follow after Christ!

Phanat

To see the report with pictures of the baptisms, click here.

Chann’s report is below

Dear beloved brethren,

When I write this letter, it makes me feel that I have a great privilege to know you, and more than that I can call you as my brother and sister. That makes me feel as we are in one family that our Lord Jesus Christ made this possible thing for us.

I have some news want to share with you all about the work that we are doing in Siem Reap, Cambodia as following.

We have four congregations that we've been establishing. The first one is the church in Siem Reap (Siem Reap Church Of Christ). The second one is the Leang Dai Church Of Christ. The third one is the Takam Church Of Christ and the fourth one is the Svay Rieng Church Of Christ.  

The Siem Reap Church
For the Siem Reap Church Of Christ I, myself (Kimchann Lork), preach for this

congregation. I am very happy to see some growth among our brethren in our church. In my purpose about the work in Siem Reap we will build up our faith among us so that we can reach out to other people through our good example. As you all may know, most of us are young people so we need to take time in order for us to grow in the faith and share with others. 

Mt. 5:13-15, I Timothy 4:11-16.

We are now doing our evangelism in some villages around the church, both at Takam and Leang Dai, so our students will get some idea before we evangelize in the city. Also now we are trying to reach out to one more area call Tek Klieng, where we plan to have another congregation near in the future that two our students plan to preach there. 

Takam Church
Recently, the church at Takam obtained a property; the building for the church to meet, bathroom, well, baptistry and the pond. All of these will help the church be stable at first, we hope. Now the church that meet there is between 20 to 35 people. Cheouy and Vanra work for the church there right now. 

Lean Dai Church
The work in Leang Dai is doing well, as yesterday Sokchea and Ravy baptized four more people after they studied with those people for a couple of months.

Sokchea asked us to bring our students over to help evangelize over the weekend at another village called Trapang Svay, and we have been studying with them for a month and half already. We ask you to pray for this village so that they will obey the gospel very soon.  

Svay Rieng Church
This congregation has preaching by our two brothers, Saran and Sophal. There is also one more sister Ussa that is now married to Saran and they a son.

The work there is doing all right, and the church that meets there have from 8-10. I just called a preacher there to see how they are because they are a way from us and he said they are doing okay. 

All in all this is brief news. I am looking to write you more later. Thanks for your love and kindness, that support for the work in Cambodia. 

God bless you all and we love you.
Chann

Busy In Uganda...

Dear brethren,

The last week went well here in Busia. Our short course teachers are back home and our long course teachers are now here. Brother Peter Ambaka from Lumakanda church of Christ in Western Kenya has come and he is one of our instructors this quarter again. Brother Ambaka is a graduate of  Botswana School of Biblical Studies which moved to Zambia and is called Zambia School of Biblical Studies. He is teaching the One True Church. Brother Raymond Bwambale from Maliba church of Christ in Kasese Western Uganda is teaching Leviticus to Deuteronomy. Samson Omutele is teaching the book of Matthew and brother Ouma Christopher from Bwoya church of Christ in Namayingo District in Uganda here is teaching Joshua Judges and Ruth. 

I am very busy with the administration and we are also working the water harvest system at the school and moving the bee hives from its place to a better place where we are building brick stands. The metal ones which we had prepared are getting broken because of rusting. I have also enrolled with International College of the Bible in the Master’s program which is also keeping me very busy as the lessons are taught over the internet. 

The churches of Christ here are doing fine so far. Bulukuyi is building their temporary building. They still need something like $150 for grass and doors and windows. Junge are still making their bricks. Their building is almost falling. They will be in need of $300 dollars for the iron sheets. They will be building as they have some masons in the congregation. The remaining congregations are still in their needs which I informed you about. We wish you well in the Lord. 

Yours
Francis, Margaret, Paul, Edith Mawa Wechesa

Tony Johnson Arrives In Tamale...

Greetings from Tamale! Here is the latest news from the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies.  

Class Schedule
The summer term at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies began on July 10^th with five classes on the schedule for the returning students. The summer term marks the beginning of the students second year at the institute for the twelve students. Classes and instructors for this term are:

1^st Corinthians, 2^nd Corinthians, taught by Jack Dodgen

Church History, two sessions on Romans, taught by Tony Johnson.

The Institutes regular teachers, Baah Okyere Joseph, Daniel Agyei Mensah, and Jaminja Ndakar will return to their teaching duties during the fall term beginning in September. 

Guest Instructor 
The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies was blessed to have Jack Dodgen join the staff as a guest instructor for the summer term. Jack is a member of the North MacArthur church of Christ in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and student at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver where he is scheduled to graduate in December of this year. 

Jack had a busy schedule, teaching 22 class sessions (a total of 82.5 classroom hours) in a three week period. During his stay Jack has also been involved with teaching at the Tamale West congregation, and with preaching in the villages of Tijo and Jimla. The Institute would like to thank Jack for his willingness to raise the necessary funds to travel to Tamale and for all of his work while here, and encourage any other teachers who are interested in serving to contact Tony Johnson at anthonyjohnson2010@gmail.com.  

New Staff Member
Tony Johnson has joined the staff at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies and will assist the school as the Bear Valley coordinator and as a classroom instructor. Tony had previously worked at the Institute for six weeks in June and July 2011 as a guest instructor. 

Tony is a member of the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, Arkansas, and works under the oversight of the elders of that congregation. He is a graduate of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver and has also assisted in short term mission works in Matamoros, Mexico, and Iringa, Tanzania.  

Building Update
Work continues on the new home for the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies with plumbing work and concrete plastering scheduled to be done during the last weeks of July, followed by installation of doors and louvers (windows) in August. Current plans are to have the facility ready for students to occupy the dormitory rooms and classroom when they return from their Christmas break in January 2013, but there is much work that must be completed prior to then, including the running of both electricity and water lines to the property. The move will also require a great deal of logistical planning since all of the equipment in use at the current leased school location will have to be moved to the new location, including student and staff furniture, classroom equipment, and water storage tanks. It will be a busy fall as we plan and execute the move. 

Evangelism
Plans are currently being made for two evangelistic campaigns in the coming months. During the last week of August members of the Tamale staff along with some current students will be conducting a campaign in the Sinkasse area, which is located on the border area where Ghana, Togo, and Burkina Faso meet. The purpose of this campaign will be to encourage the Ghanaian Christians in evangelizing and growing the church in Togo. The second campaign is being planned for October and will be for the purpose of planting a church in the Bimbila area of Ghana. This campaign will make use of current students, graduates, and staff members. Look for more information about these campaigns in the coming weeks and months as plans are finalized.

In closing the staff at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies wishes to thank all of those who are supporting the Institute through your prayers and with your financial support. You are making a difference in Northern Ghana and the surrounding countries.

In His service,
Tony Johnson
Coordinator 

To view Tony’s report with pictures, click here.

Preparing For A New Class...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from the staff, students and the members of the Wotutu congregation. We praise God for all that He is doing to us to go about our work.

We do hope this report finds you all in good health and sound faith as usual. The work here in Wotutu, in particular, and Cameroon, in general, is moving ahead well. The week in CBIW went on well and all the students are okay except for few students who are sick, but we have some medicine in the school to handle small situations.

The week was also busy as we welcomed 25 new prospective students who came to Wotutu for the entrance exams. Many others who were on their way to Wotutu could not make it because of the severe down pour of rain. Because of that we have given them another day of grace to come over to Wotutu, Tuesday the 31st of July, and then we shall release their results thereafter.

I supervised the entrance exams for our prospective students. Keep them all in your prayers, and us so that God will help us to select those He has already selected. We need 20 students for the next batch.

The exercise took the whole day, as leaders of the Wotutu congregation were there to see it to the end. They were also part of the face to face interviews with all the prospective students.

Because of the length of the program, we were bound to serve lunch to the prospective students to refresh them as they were supposed to leave Wotutu back to their destination. We thank God, for as many of them who made it back have called to tell us about their safe arrival.

Some students went out to Mbanga again to continue to evangelize and to nurture the newly established congregation, which is one week old now. Brother Norbert went there this weekend and came back with great news of two precious souls that were added into the body there. Keep this work in your prayers because God is doing something new in that community.

Plans
1) We look for means to move to other communities for the church to be planted.

2) My trip to ACAC conference is ready.

Appreciations
We appreciate God for you allowing yourself to be used by God. We praise God for all that He is doing in our ministry. Please share it with others, so that they may love to come and be part of this soul winning team. God bless you. I am sorry that we don’t have pictures for the students weekend evangelism because, they went without a camera. God bless you for being there for the Lord.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director CBIW

Opportunities Are Unending...

As we draw near to the end of the month, Sheryl and I are nearing the end of our travels to see current and potential supporters for the work. It has been a very encouraging month as we share the news from the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, as well as, the development of the Extension program around the world.

This week we had opportunity to visit with one new congregation, the Crossroads church of Christ just outside of Enola, Arkansas. This congregation may be small in number, but they are large in spirit and their generosity is encouraging. I am always amazed how sacrificial the giving is with congregations that would be considered small in number. 

We also had opportunity to visit with the Enola church of Christ. This congregation has been instrumental in financially supporting us personally for several years. We are grateful for their sacrificial generosity as well. They have been a consistent light in helping provide support for our work in Denver, as well as, our endeavors to travel in the Extension program.

Sheryl and I give thanks to God for these two congregations and all the individuals and congregations who share in the development of our efforts and the various schools around the world where men are being trained to preach the gospel.

The reports each week continue to bring exciting news in the development of men who are preparing themselves for ministry. Their efforts are what this work is really all about. The strength of their labors is what needs to be lifted up. They need to be encouraged for their diligent and sacrificial work as they share the good news of Jesus.

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/

Wes Autrey prepares for his trip to Cambodia for the second graduation ceremony of IBISR. His report can be ready by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

Return From Nigeria: After returning from Nigeria, brother Elangwe shares news from activities in the work of Cameroon.

Gospel Chariot Headed For Chimala: One of the wonderful tools used to reach out with the gospel is headed for Chimala, Tanzania.

Reaching Out To Denominations: At the request of several in the denominational groups in Kpalime, Togo, plans are made for classes to teach the gospel.

An Exceptional Day In Arusha: After a beautiful week, the work of the church continues to see the hand of God at work.

The Church Grows In Tanzania: God has given the increase as the church continues to see souls added in Arusha, Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking time to read the report each week. The news is so encouraging and I pray you are edified by the reports. Thank you for your prayers for those who are laboring so diligently and sacrificially in sharing the news of Jesus. We need to continually lift them up. Thank you for your support. Your generosity and sacrifice cannot be measured. I look forward to heaven when we will all have opportunity to meet one another from every nation, tribe, tongue, and language.

God bless
Bob

Graduation Is A Week Away...

I wanted to send you a quick report regarding Cambodia before I take my trip there next week. After my visit, I will be sending a more full report and am anxious to get back with you and all the news.

The IBISR (International Bible Institute at Siem Reap) is graduating 7 young men and women this month. The men will continue on to preach and teach the word. The women will also continue in evangelizing and teaching women and children the word of God. Each graduating student has now been studying in school for an average of 6 hours per day, 5 days a week (not including homework, tests and field work) for the 2 years. The students also have been evangelizing and teaching almost every Saturday. They travel long distances to bring the word to those of their native country who have never heard about Jesus, God or even the Bible. They have spent countless Saturdays encouraging the brethren in the small villages around by visiting, working in the rice fields, aiding in medical needs or transportation to larger towns for various reasons.

Two of the young men will be living on a boat on Ton Le Sap Lake and making it their home and church building. They will travel up and down the lake while evangelizing mostly to the poorest of the poor who need Christ. These are largely Vietnamese refugees that have no where to go and live in extreme poverty, even by Cambodian standards. 

Three of the men were originally from the village of Takam where the church is bursting with growth. They wish to continue preaching and teaching in and around their home village and continue the great works that are already established while expanding into nearby areas. These young men show leadership skills that have me excited about the church’s future in that part of the country.

We have added more to the Lords church, but I hope to have a more accurate account after my visit.

We also have 8 new students confirmed for the new school year that begins in September. Please remember all of these young men and women as they often are giving up much in the way of families and friends to follow Jesus.

In short you can be proud of your young brothers and sisters in Christ that are graduating in 2012. They love the Lord and express that love to their native countrymen with zeal and sound doctrine.

Please pray for me as I am making my first trip alone. I am very grateful to you for your vision and faith in the work being done there. May the Lord bless you for all the good that you do for His kingdom.

Peace in Christ, 

Wes Autrey
Cambodia Coordinator

The Church Grows In Tanzania...

Dear Faithful Supporters,

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:  "The best time to do something significant is between yesterday and tomorrow."   

CHURCH GROWTH. We rejoice this week over the baptisms of Bertha, Hosanna and Elizabeth. Chris Akin and Israel taught Bertha while the Akins were here. Then, Ahimidiwe and Israel continued the studies and Bertha was baptized this week. Our long-term visitor, Caitlyn Middleton, (and translator, Paulina) taught Hosanna. Hosanna, who is visiting from Moshi, is the niece of Ahimidiwe. Twenty-year-old Caitlyn (daughter of Alan and Cindy Middleton of Northport, AL)  has been conducting many studies and is spending her entire summer (plus some) helping the church in Tanzania grow. Then, Elizabeth was studied with by Suzanna (with the Hoover group) and Paulina. Caitlyn and Jane (Massawe) continued the studies and she obeyed yesterday. Please pray for these new Christians.

NEW CONVERT'S CLASS. Approximately fifteen students were in Jimmy's class this morning where Christian growth was the topic of study. Among these students were three people who stated that they could not read. This shows the need for at least basic adult education classes where these good people could be taught to read and write. To use the words of the Ethiopian eunuch, "How can I learn God's Word fully if I cannot read?" Maybe that is something we need to consider. Please pray about it that God may open the doors for this need. 

Jimmy begins teaching "The Spiritual Development of the Preacher" to the Master's students this week. There were supposed to be three weeks of Master's classes but the scheduled teacher, Roger Shepherd, was diagnosed with blockage in two arteries (40% and 50%) in his heart. Therefore, he will not be coming, but will be providing assignments for an in-ministry course for the students. Please pray for Roger as he faces possible surgery, whether it be stints or otherwise.

HARE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW. Unfortunately, the class on raising rabbits and tilapia had to be rescheduled. Prayerfully they will take place in late January / early February. Lindsey is disappointed because she's already purchased part of her supplies and we were all licking our lips thinking about rabbit stew, rabbit steak, and looking forward to those soft little slippers we could wear. :) 

The EAST AFRICAN GOSPEL MEETING is scheduled for August in Mwanza, which is in northwest Tanzania. As we have said before, this is an annual meeting that is planned, executed, and paid for by the brethren of East Africa. Each year the meeting is in a different place. Last year, as you may recall, it was in Uganda, where Cy and Jimmy went and Jimmy preached the meeting. Each day there is evangelism in the morning and lessons for the evangelists in the afternoon, then outdoor preaching at 4 PM. Please pray that the meeting in Mwanza will be a great success and the church there strengthened.

BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH. The past several weeks we have spent a lot of time in the dentist office.  It began with routine cleanings/exams, then Elijah collided with our solid-wood coffee table (mouth first) which loosened a front primary tooth (which had to be removed), cut his gums and broke off a piece of bone that we first thought was the exposed secondary tooth.  Then while flossing a small white filling fell out of Trina’s tooth.  Then Stuart broke off part of a back tooth (probably while eating popcorn). Never a dull moment in the Gee household! 

"We ought always to GIVE THANKS to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting..." (II Thess. 1:3) for all you have done and for your faith in us and the work going on here. "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified..." (II Thess. 3:1). 

In His Service, 
Jimmy, Trina and Children

An Exceptional Day In Arusha...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We rejoice in the Lord in knowing we have fellowship one with another through Jesus Christ. We are mindful of the fact we are here, able to do God’s will, because you care, you pray and you support this good effort. Thank you!

Today has been an exceptional day for a number of reasons. It was so good to be in worship with Elizabeth our new sister in Christ who obeyed the Gospel yesterday. The new birth of this good sister was made possible by the love of God, sacrifice our our Lord Jesus, Suzanna Weimer and her team from Hoover, Al, the follow up efforts of Stephanie, Jane, Paulina, and Caitlin. Thank you all for a job well done!

Caitlin and Paulina also had a study Fri. afternoon with Hosianna who also repented and was baptized into Christ.

After a great sermon by Christopher two souls repented of sin in their lives and Rosa came forward to be added to the Church through her obedience to the Gospel.

As I began to write this Short Report Jimmy called and said Rahema was being baptized. Abigail and Lindsey had been studying with her for several weeks. God is good all the time! He continues to give the increase and continues to bless the efforts of His faithful.

Our graduate students are arriving and preparing for classes that begin tomorrow. Jimmy will be teaching this week on “The Spiritual Development of the Preacher.” We are so very grateful for the good being done through the Andrew Connally School of Preacher and all who work and support her.

Please keep the East Africa Gospel meeting in your prayers as evangelist from all over East Africa come together to teach and preach God’s Word. This year the meeting will be conducted in Mwanza where our brother Isaac Kusupa currently serves as the local evangelist.

Please also remember Innocent, and his family, the local preacher from Monduli, lost his older brother this past week.

May our God bless each of you as you serve Him faithfully through service to others.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Caitlin

Reaching Out To Denominations...

Nyiveme Church Moves To New Location
A brother donated funds to purchase chairs for Nyiveme congregation. 

On my recent trip to Kpalime, Jean Akli a former student of CBS invited me to see where he is rearing goats and sheep. It had been our plan at CBS to start training the students in vegetable production and animal rearing. The rational behind this idea is to find a source of income for them after they graduate. We shall be appealing to you later for funding to start this project.

Evangelism Seminar Results In One Baptism
I met a new face in service on Sunday, and when I inquired about him, I was told that Daniel was baptized during the recent evangelism seminar held by at CBS.

Two Preaches Left For Noepe and Akepe 
Two of our former students have been asked to handle two of the five new congregations planted recently at Akepe and Noepe. Plans in advance are to have their families join them soon.

Budget
Due to increase in electricity tariff, we have increased the allocation for utility from CFA 27.00 to CFA 40.00.

Office Equipment
The photocopy machine at CBS needs to be replaced before the new school year begins on the 20th of August. It is beginning to malfunction, and as a result so much money is being used for its maintenance. I understand several parts have been changed but it is still the same.

Seminar For Denominational Preachers
A group of preachers from the denominational churches in Kpalime have come to request CBS to organize a seminar on any topic for them. They are very curious about how their members were converted when they enrolled at CBS. They want to have a taste of what we fed their boys. We have accepted the request, and as soon as soon school reopens we shall be ready for them.

Reopening Date Rescheduled
The new school year will now begin on 20th August instead of 3rd September.

Willie Gley

To see the report with pictures, click here.

Gospel Chariot Headed For Chimala...

Wagner Family Tidbits
We have received word that our shipping container is still in Dar es Salaam. There are several steps which must take place for the container to be shipped out of port. One of the steps was completed this last week and now we are facing a month of port charges at $150/day. Please pray that the port authorities will be gracious toward our plight.

The girls are adjusting well to life on the mission. They certainly are not afraid to get out and about! They are able to ride their bikes all over the mission and they have done a lot of exploring.  One of the things the kids have lately been doing is getting busy on the local basketball court. There are usually several locals on the court and my girls wanted to play.   

We also ventured out to the Chimala market. It is a large open area with various booths and spots to sell anything and everything. We saw fabric, clothing, tools, toys, movies, electronics, food, kitchen goods, bicycles, an auction, etc.  We purchased some material for making curtains as well as some oranges.

Housing on the Mission
The Chimala Mission has several houses where missionaries live. In fact, it is more like a small neighborhood than an African village. The mission itself is fairly secure with guards all over the mission. The kids ride their bikes all over the mission with no trouble.  

Here are some pictures of our house here in Chimala. It is the Mays house. It was build several years ago (and added onto several times). We have recently had it painted inside and out. We were able to move back into the house this week and Rena is busy trying to get the bags/boxes unpacked.   

Preaching the Gospel
At the Chimala Mission, we are actively working toward and getting excited about the Gospel Chariot coming in a few weeks. You can visit their blog here. The Gospel Chariot is a truck with all the equipment for a successful Gospel Meeting in just about any village or town. The Gospel Chariot travels to 11 different African countries. We are blessed to have them come every year to SW Tanzania. We have several villages scheduled in the area where the Gospel Chariot will be at and we plan to do all that we can to help them spread the Gospel. Pictures and reports are forthcoming. 

Closing Thoughts
The work here at the Chimala Mission is challenging but also rewarding. We are all finding ways we can get involved in the overall work of the mission to make a difference in the lives of people. We are grateful to all of you who contribute to this work and this family and for partnering with us.  

Of course, you could always come see yourself. . . :) 

Chad

To see the report, complete with pictures, click here.

Return From Nigeria...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation. We pray God will bless you all as you read this report. I am sorry that last week I was unable to get the report to you all because I was in Nigeria and there was no access to the internet for me.

Sister Prudence Orume benefited from that and obeyed the gospel in Wotutu. Keep her in your prayers so that she will grow to make others come to the Lord. She is the 4th convert in their family as of now.

My stay in Nigeria was great as I had time to rest and also to share the gospel with some people around the area of the Kado church of Christ in Abuja. The Lord blessed my trip as I made it home safe and sound to continue from where I stopped before traveling.

The work of CBIW and the Wotutu congregation continues smoothly. The morning radio program keeps cutting across the communities as many are still eager to know the truth as they call to ask questions concerning their denominational belief. Some will call to call us different kinds of names but many are appreciative to what the BACK TO THE BIBLE PROGRAM is doing in Wotutu and 6 other different villages. The Prince of Wotutu village came to me personally to appreciate the church of Christ for all their prayers and teaching to the community. We plan to visit him soon to sympathize with him for the passing away of his father last year. That will be an ample opportunity for us to share the gospel face to face with the royal family. Keep that in your prayers.

Join me to praise God for the safe arrival of 10 students who went out to 10 different villages to preach and teach. They came back with wonderful news of growth and a new congregation has been established in Mbanga village. This is the place we drove past in the village last month. We saw two young boys who came close to our car and said we are members of the church of Christ but we don’t worship here as we are spending our vacation with our senior brother because the church is not there. I gave them my number to give to their brother, that was all. Today a new congregation is born there over this weekend as the Lord added 2 souls and 5 prospects came to worship with the New Testament for their first time. They expressed satisfaction about what they heard, but the brother faced problems with the landlord because he allowed the church to worship in his corridor. Please keep this work in your prayers as we plan to go again next weekend. This brings a total of 3 new congregations already this year, 2012. Many more appeals are coming to my office for our students to come over to congregations and help. Oh, oh the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. Please come and stand with us, so that the prayer for more laborers will be accomplished soon.

I was able to stand at the church sign board in Kado Abuja ,Nigeria. I worshipped there last Sunday. It was sound and I met people who share just what I believe. The congregation has 5 elders and 10 deacons, and they gave me the opportunity to teach during their zonal prayers meeting. Keep them in your prayers.

The worship hall was packed with people who came to worship. It was a wonderful worship service as 500 members were in attendance. The Lord added 3 souls into His body that same day.

You may be surprised, but I was able to have my picture taken with some security guards before worship. The government of Nigeria is cautious with the level of insecurity. This is why they will send police and other security agents to take guard over the church as people worship because of the threat of Boko Haram who always strike during Christian worship. Thanks for your prayers. I came back home safe.

House to house evangelism continued in Wotutu and everywhere we send our students to go because our passion is to continue to rob from the strong man’s house.

Plans
1) We shall organize the next intake entrance exams this weekend in Wotutu to start selecting freshmen for CBIW. Keep us in your prayers that God will help us select those He has already selected that He will use for His services.

2) More plans are getting on now for us to move to Batoke village to establish a new congregation. Please keep our plans in your prayers.

Appreciations
We praise God for using us to do His will for the world in our communities. We also praise you and your family for all your prayers and the support to see that things are going the way they are going for His glory. Thank you for availing yourself for God to use you to accomplish all that is happening in CBIW and Cameroon as a whole.

Do your best to share this with others who may love to come and be part of this. God bless you as you continue to do more for the glory of God.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

A Reason For Excitement And Thanks...

One of the greatest parts of the Extension Training program is sharing the news with individuals and congregations who have the vision to see the benefit of training students in their own countries and in their own languages, so they can teach their own people. 

This program of work does not remove the need or benefit of the traditional mindset of mission work, but rather builds upon it. There is always a need for Christians who desire to go to all nations preaching and teaching about our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I love seeing the heart of missions in the lives of those who are willing to travel to some adverse areas of the world to share the message of Jesus. The challenges are too numerous to list, but suffice it to say, it takes a great deal of sacrifice to leave the comforts and conveniences of what many consider home to give themselves to serve our God and others in all countries.

Sheryl and I had the privilege of visiting with two wonderful and loving congregations yesterday to share the news of the four new locations where Bear Valley will be partnering with others in preacher training. I have really enjoyed sharing the news of growth in the program. It is such an honor to have the kind of fellowship where we can work together for the glory of our God.

It is for this reason I give thanks. I am thankful to God for the opportunity to be involved in the Extension Training program. I am thankful to each of individual and congregation who provides the needed funds to keep the work growing. I am thankful to the teachers, coordinators and various directors who give so diligently of their time and ability to prepare students for helping the church grow. I am thankful to the elders of the Bear Valley Church of Christ for their vision for this work. I am also thankful to the staff of the Bear Valley Bible Institute for their encouragement, support and guidance as I continue to learn how best to serve. 

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 Ferguson sent his recent report. To read his report, click here.

Extension Reports 

Practice During Summer Break: While the students in Gorlovka, Ukraine take a break during the summer, they are putting into practice what they have learned.

Taking The Reins: As Bill Stinson returns to the U.S., Chad Wagner is now taking the reigns of administration on the Chimala Mission.

Encouraging News In Paraguay: Even in the midst of the political turmoil in Paraguay, the news continues to be encouraging as the church grows.

God’s Way In Tanzania: God continues to work through and bless the efforts of several Christians to expand the kingdom. 

Playing “Catch-Up” Back In Arusha: Jimmy Gee has returned from successfully defending his dissertation. His now back in Arusha getting caught up. 

Final Thoughts
My prayer this week is for all of you. I pray God will continue to bless you richly for your dedication to serve. Through serving God and others we are fulfilling the relationship God intended for His church, enjoying true Christian fellowship.

Thank you for all you do. 

God bless
Bob

Encouraging News In Paraguay...

The news in Paraguay continues to be encouraging. You can read the latest report from Troy Spradlin regarding news from the past mont by clicking here.

Playing "Catch-Up" Back In Arusha...

I (Jimmy) have safely returned home. I appreciate all who helped make my trip successful. Thanks to Ralph and Mimi Samples, the Rivergate (Nashville, TN) congregation, my family in Cleveland, TN, Dupree and Soniea Galloway, and the congregations at Capitol Heights and University (both in Montgomery), Dr. Rodney Cloud, and my son Todd. It was great to be with everyone and I appreciate the help that each gave. Over the last two Sundays Trina has sent me a report for each week. However, I was so busy I did not get a chance to send them. So, this week we will play “catch-up” and send the reports for those two weeks (July 1 and July 8). 

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends, 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:  "If you have a dream, wake up and pursue it." --- author unknown 

What a wonderful day! Stuart counted 113 in attendance at the Kisongo congregation as we all shook hands outside (normal procedure after services end...everyone shakes everyone's hand forming a circle)! We had three visitors and a great sermon by Ahimidiwe entitled "Who Will You Serve?" One visitor was a former ACSOP student named Elijah (whose last name I can neither pronounce nor spell) who has moved to Kisongo to help evangelize the Kisongo area. I (Trina enjoyed teaching Genesis 26 to the Ladies.

Tomorrow, Teresia (from Kisongo) will join the youth from surrounding congregations and travel a long way to Mbeya, arriving about midnight for an annual Youth Conference. What a great opportunity for the youth to hear many speakers, increase their Bible knowledge and fellowship with other Christians!

Yesterday, about 30 ladies from the Kisongo congregation met at my house to formally welcome the new converts worshipping at Kisongo (whose conversions were made possible mainly due to recent visitors). While drinking our morning chai (hot tea), each lady introduced herself, telling the circumstances of their conversion, how long they had been a Christian, etc. Teresia (named above) said, "I was a member of the Pentecostal denomination and wanted to know more about the Bible. My pastor said he would find someone to teach me but never did. One day my neighbor, Sophia, had a guest (Edith Kincaid) teaching her and I sat in on several studies. When Edith left, Lindsey (Gee) continued teaching me. After I was baptized, many in the Pentecostal church talked behind my back and were angry with me." So while the Pentecostal preacher did not find someone to teach her, God did! After a lesson on the importance of Bible reading and assembling with the saints, we sang one of my favorite songs in Swahili ("God is Love"). Afterwards, we enjoyed a "get-to-know-each-other" game and had a fun time watching women (blind-folded) apply make-up to others!  Our lunch was rice, beans, mango and sodas. The purpose of the day was to encourage the new Christians and to strengthen the bond among the ladies. Also in attendance were two non-Christians who accompanied their friends. 

Lindsey continues her studies with non-Christians Rehema (Teresia's older sister) and Nice (Teresia's friend) and conducting follow-up studies with Teresia and Mary (new Christians). Abigail continues to study with 15-year-old Grace, who also attended worship today. In Tanzania, there is NEVER a shortage of people to teach! Tomorrow, several young ladies from the Kisongo congregation have been invited to spend the night at our house to have a devo and watch a movie.

On the home front, a great therapy program for disabled children was located only about 30 minutes from us. Although Matthew has a daily therapist (Lucy) who comes to the house, this new half-day program (M-F) will give her more training and experience as local and foreign therapists (physical, occupational and speech) offer additional instruction and continuing education. Either myself or one of the older girls will always be with him (and Lucy) when he attends. At the pediatric assessment, I was highly encouraged by the doctor. He commented that among all the CP patients he has seen, Matthew was "among those in the best condition." Although Matthew's cerebral palsy has been diagnosed as "moderate," the doctor thinks he will be able to walk one day. Matthew is almost 6 now.  Please pray for Matthew's progress.

Lindsey and Abigail are staying busy trying to finish up their high school work and plan to take several more classes at ACSOP this year. Lindsey is looking forward to  a 2-week short course on raising rabbits and tilapia (fish). This training will help the ACSOP students support themselves while they preach. Other news: our daughter, Heather, turned 14 in June and Lindsey and Abigail will turn 17 this month. We miss (very much) our oldest son, Todd, who is a student at Faulkner University. We are thankful to God for all of our children who bring much joy to our lives. 

Speaking of thankfulness, we are always grateful to you all, the back-bone of this work, the unsung heroes. Have a blessed day, knowing that you are a part of something big, something that will have far-reaching results in the salvation of the lost.  Thank you for giving us this opportunity to be here. 

In Christian Love,
Jimmy & Trina and Family

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters, 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34. 

Greetings from Kisongo, Tanzania, East Africa! It's a beautiful, sunny day with just a "nip" of coolness in the air (similar to autumn in the states). We are looking forward to Jimmy returning to Tanzania at the end of this week. 

As I type, a car race is "gearing up" behind the Kisongo church building where there is quite a bit of undeveloped land. This event seems to happen at least twice a year. Speaking of the church building, a good crowd listened as Cy Stafford preached this morning (in the absence of the regular preacher, Ahimidiwe Kamaro, who is in Mbeya with the area youth). The Ladies continued learning in Genesis, finishing up chapter 26. One of our topics was "mother-in-law and daughter-in-law" conflicts as referenced in the last verse. One lady spoke of a barren daughter-in-law and how the mother-in-law would speak badly about her behind her back. This bit of culture seems very strange to us Americans who would be sympathetic towards a woman who wanted children but unable to conceive or carry. This problem also leads to another in which a man fathers a child before he ever thinks of marrying someone to prove he is fertile (so his future wife will be blamed if no children are produced and he can retain his honor). This information comes from the Tanzanians themselves and not just an observation from foreigners.

Both Lindsey and Abigail (turning 17 tomorrow, July 9) are conducting Bible studies at this moment (one of their students is only off from work on Sundays). Concerning the rest of the family, we are fine. At a Fourth of July celebration (hamburgers and hotdogs) at the Stafford's house, Naomi made a funny statement. Lindsey was talking about the upcoming class at ACSOP (raising rabbits and tilapia) and 6-year-old Naomi said, "I don't like to kill animals just to eat!" Of course, she wasn't thinking about the meat she would soon be eating. As we walked around our neighborhood last week, David noticed a cow's skull up in a tree and replied, "The cow jumped over the moon and landed in a tree!" We are thrilled to have found a speech therapist (volunteering at a local school, but wanting to establish her own practice here) who will hopefully be able to work with Matthew a long time. (None of the sentences above have any connection except they are all about our children...family news.) 

Thank you for giving so generously to this work. We appreciate all that you have done for the cause of Christ. 

In Christian Love,
The Jimmy Gee family

God's Way In Tanzania

Greetings Fellow Workers,

We thank you all for all you do in His Kingdom. We thank our God for the many answered prayers. We are grateful that the Hochdorf’s container finally arrived. Living for the better part of a year “out of your suitcase” has it challenges. Our dear brother Elly spent the better part of a week and a half in Dar to make all this possible. For those of you that know Elly, you know how indispensable he is to the Lord’s work here in Tanzania.

The Safari for Souls campaign efforts continue. One new sister added to the Lord’s Church here in Arusha and another at Kioga. We also received a grand report from Amos, one of our recent Andrew Connally School of Preaching. He is working with Yusuph (another of our ACSOP graduates). He is working with the Lulembela congregation, a church plant from the Ushirombo congregation. Here is a portion of his report:

“I give thanks to God for the many things He has done for me, my family and the Church. In the past four months eleven souls have been added to the Church. All these are from the Lulembela congregation. We also continue to study with some people from one village known as Nyamigota and we hope in the future we will have another congregation in this village.

I continue to teach Christians on Saturday and Sunday here at Lulembela. I also teach on Sunday at Ibamblula who are currently meeting in one primary school, this is becoming a problem.

At Lulembela we have already made 3,000 bricks for the church building, but they are not yet burned. If God wishes, we hope to burn in September or October before the rains start and become a big problem. We really need stones for the foundation because in our area there are no stones. At Ibambula we need to start to prepare the bricks but the challenge is to get the land or place which have good soil for bricks.

I give my salute and thanks to my supporters and I believe God will continue to bless them in the Good work." 

In Christ, Amos

Yes God is having his way here in TZ. The Church is growing wide and deep. Jimmy is back, the Hochdorf family have their things and will be able to “settle-in”. God is blessing our family in all the right ways and with friends and supporters, we truly believe the best is yet to come.

May your week be all you hoped it could be and may our God bless each of your beyond measure. Thank you for being YOU!

In Him, Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Caitlin

Taking The Reins...

Bill and Cyndi Stinson have been the mission administrators for the last 5 1/2 years here in Chimala, Tanzania. As you know, I have moved here to take their role as mission administrator. They departed on Monday, July 9 for Texas to begin their role as the state-side coordinator for the Chimala Mission. They will be missed here at the Chimala Mission. Traveling with them is Corrine Fannaeus and Lacee Sewell from Alabama. They are two nurses who worked at the hospital for two weeks. We bid them all safe journey.

We are continuing to prep the Mays House for us to move in. We are currently staying in the Guest House. We have moved several pieces of furniture back into the Mays House, but are not going to fully move in until we get our container this week (or so they say!!). 

Chimala Mission Primary School
I visited with the primary school headmaster this week and gained a greater perpective and understanding of the strengths and needs of the primary school. You can see more information at the Chimala Mission website. The Chimala Mission Primary School has about 600 students from Nursery to 7th grade. They are currently having to turn kids away due to space issues at the school.  

The Primary School has several challenges, however, due to their space requirements. Many of the children travel quite a distance to go to the Chimala Mission Primary School and they stay on campus. This has presented a housing issue that needs to be addressed. We are currently housing the primary school students with secondary school students, but this has been an issue -- especially since the dorm fire in May. The top priority for the Primary School is to build a girl's dorm to house these students. Below is a picture of the boy's dormitory for the Primary School.  

Preaching the Gospel
We visited several congregations this week. We had quite an adventure going to one congregation at Isitu. It is a small congregation in the bush and I seemed to have taken a wrong turn.

We visited the Chosi B church of Christ. I preached on a Wednesday afternoon to a fairly small crowd. The preacher said that most of the congregation was off playing football and games. During the sermon while I was preaching, I felt something crawling on my neck. I felt my neck to knock it off, but I didn't find anything -- so, I preached on. Following the sermon sitting beside my wife, I felt something crawling on my neck again and I went to knock it off. This time, however, instead of knocking it off my neck, whatever it was fell down my shirt. Then, it began crawling around on my stomach!!! As quietly as I could, I began to swat my stomach to kill whatever it was that was crawling around under my shirt. The more it crawled around, the louder I swatted!! At one point, I was loudly hitting my stomach in my attempts to stop the invasion when I noticed that half of the congregation was looking at me instead of singing!! I quickly went outside to take care of the matter. 

Prayer Support
We ask for your prayers as we continue to work at the Chimala Mission. It is quite a big job and your prayers of support are much needed. Also, we are in need of more missionaries to come and work. We are in need of some 'farm hands' to help out the cattle project (more info later) with Don Logsdon. We also need mission evangelists, medical professionals, teachers, etc. We would LOVE for you to come on a short-term or long-term basis. Please, contact us if you are interested.

Chad

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

Practice During Summer Break...

Dear brothers, families and churches.

I want to share with you some news about our Bible Institute and some churches of Christ in Ukraine. 

It's summer vacation time at the Institute, and students are at their home towns and serve at their local congregations. They have a wonderful opportunity to minister and get the precious experience. They are supposed to send reports to the Institute about their ministry every month, and I think that this practice will help them to be more responsible and disciplined in the future. 

At the beginning of June we had Master's program courses at the Institute. We are in a great need of qualified teachers of God's Word. New denominations appear in Ukraine every year, and they call themselves "Christians," but in reality many of them do not know the Bible at all. 

Three weeks ago, we had a School of a Young Preacher at our Institute for the first time. We invited young men (ages 13 to 17) from the churches of Christ all over Ukraine.  This time we had nine students, and during these three days they have studied about the personality of a preacher, the necessity of good knowledge of God's Word, the skills needed for preparation of a sermon and its presentation. Those were easy and adapted lessons, but after this short seminar almost half of the young men expressed willingness to become preachers. They may change their mind later, but it's their goal for now. 

Also I have to preach in Illovaysk, since there is no preacher at this town, and we take turns preaching there. It's not a big city, but the church there is ten years old, and it consists of 20 members. Please pray with me for finding a suitable preacher for this congregation. 

In July, I plan to visit several churches in Western Ukraine. I hope that these plans will be accomplished with God's help. First, I wanted to meet preachers and members of those churches, and I think it's a good opportunity to recruit new students. Besides, the church of Christ in Ternopil asked me to teach a seminar there.

Right now we have several potential students: 4 men and 2 girls. But we are still looking for more students. 

Students of our Institute and Central Church of Christ in Gorlovka send you their greetings. They appreciate your care and support. 

My family and I thank you for your active participation in our work. Thank you for spiritual and financial support. The apostle Paul often thanked churches for their participation in helping the needy, and I think that by saying that he pointed to the fact that by helping others they helped themselves. Being ready to sacrifice is the indication of spiritual growth.

Your brother in Christ,

Dennis