Lord, Give Us Beautiful Feet...

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things, of those who preach the gospel of Jesus” (Romans 10:15). I know you have heard or read this verse before, but the application throughout the Extension Program takes on a powerful meaning. As I read through the reports this week I was constantly reminded of the beautiful feet of the men and women of the Lord’s church who are sharing the good news of Jesus. I think you will agree as you read through these wonderful reports as well.

The students in Denver will be finishing the first quarter of the school year this week. It has been a joy working with these men, watching them grow through the knowledge they are gaining, and preparing themselves with enthusiasm as they travel for campaign. Several groups will be traveling around the country to four areas sharing the gospel. I look forward to hearing the reports about the work they are able to accomplish and the congregations they encourage.

Next week several of the staff in Denver will be traveling to Tanzania to participate in the annual Leadership Conference hosted by the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. While there, I am looking forward to visiting the location of a new school in Kisumu, Kenya. The school will begin classes the first week of October, so it will be a wonderful opportunity to see the school for the first time, welcome the students, and encourage the staff in the work before them.

The news elsewhere around the world grows with excitement. There are several schools involved in sharing good news this week and the growth of the Lord’s kingdom continues to provide encouragement. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I have this week.

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 

God Abundantly Blessed The Campaign In Cameroon: After working in 17 villages, students return for classes at CBIW and their campaign work was fruitful.

Threefold Recording Of Mission Guatemala: The work in Guatemala continues to demonstrate the planning and work of Byron and Hawatthia. Please take time to read these three reports.

A Birthday, A New Brother, And Two Baptisms At Hidden Valley: The development of the North India Bible College is bringing souls to Christ.

Schools, Mountains, And 30 Prospective Students: The future of the work in training men to preach in Chimala, Tanzania looks brighter each day.

Taking On Greater Responsibility In Cambodia: The church in Siem Reap is taking on more responsibility with the outreach of graduates from IBISR in spreading the gospel.

Denominational Preacher Forced To Resign: In Kpalime, Togo, the outreach of the Cephas, the director of the Center for Biblical Studies, is changing the lives of man, including Pierre.

Work Accomplished By TIBS Students And Graduates: Current and former students in Tamale are changing the lives of many in Northern Ghana.

To Grow, Strengthen, And Unite The Church: Recent campaign work in India and Nepal is helping the church become stronger and united.

Kisongo Bible School Is Bearing Fruit: The efforts of reaching out with the gospel is adding souls to the kingdom in Arusha, Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for the diligent effort you put into the training of men to preach the gospel. From the work in Denver to each location where Bear Valley is privileged to assist in the training of preachers, it is special to have the opportunity to be coworkers with our God and each other. 

God bless
Bob

Denominational Preacher Forced To Resign...

Steve and Willie visit Kpalime
We left Accra on Saturday the 11th of August and returned on Tuesday the 14th of August. The objective of the trip was to deliver a new copier to CBS, worship with the Nyiveme church of Christ and to discuss the needs of CBS. During our visit we had the opportunity to teach the Bible class and preach.

Denominational Preacher forced to resign
Piere, a couple of weeks ago was preaching for a denominational church in Avetonu near Kpalime. He heard of the teachings of the Church of Christ and decided to investigate. Upon visiting the church, he was handed a tract which addressed the issue of the differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament. After carefully studying the tract, he decided to teach his congregation, and this was the beginning of his predicament. He was accused of teaching a false doctrine and subsequently summoned to appear before the council of elders and the founder of the Church. As a result of the incident, he was asked stop preaching. On my recent trip, I met Piere when he came to worship with the Nyiveme congregation. Cephas is seriously teaching him the way more perfectly. Lets continue to pray for Piere Kanyika.

Willie Gley

To see the report with pictures, please click here.

Threefold Recording Of Mission Guatemala...

Byron Benitez and Hawatthia Jones, along with the staff of ITL and the leaders of the Linda Vista Church of Christ in Guatemala City send their greetings along three wonderful reports about the work. It is worth your time to read about the great work these men are doing in Central America.

Read the report about the World English Institute by clicking here.
Read the June Guatemala mission report by here.
Read the July Guatemala mission report by clicking here.

Thank you for reading...

Bryon & Hawatthia

Kisongo Bible School Is Bearing Fruit...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,    

Our visitors (short-term workers) have been very busy this week and eight precious souls were added to the kingdom! Your new sisters and brothers are: Adena, Alphayo, Allen, Lowden, Stanley, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Francis. (These last four young men are all students at the Kisongo Bible School. This school has been in existence less than a year and it is already bearing fruit, with the help of our guests). The total number of studies was 38 with 30 people. Thank you very much to Paul Richey, Lance Leavens, and Lindsey Whitehead for all they did in leading these souls to Christ. Thanks also to Neil Richey for teaching Romans and Galatians to the second-year class of the ACSOP. He is already scheduled to come back next year to teach another class. Paul left Friday night and the rest of the group leaves tonight. Please pray for their safe travel.

While Jimmy, Cy, Sean, and Elly were on their trip through southern TZ they had an opportunity to visit with the brethren at Chimala. Chad Wagner is the new administrator there and he has been having the typical "African Experience," getting broke in just right. Sorry, Chad, but we had to laugh when we read in your report back in June that you all were expecting the container in "just a few weeks."  It was a "when donkey's fly" sort of laugh, knowing that nothing short of a miracle would allow you to receive your container "on time." They finally received their container at the beginning of September. In addition, they have had two fires in the school dorms. Please pray for him and his family and the huge responsibility he has undertaken there. We hope to see Chad at the Tanzania Leadership Conference in October as well as he and his family at Tanzania Christian Camp this December. 

Tuesday, Lindsey Whitehead, some of the children, and Trina walked our neighborhood for about two and a half hours handing out tracts and visiting members of the church. We set up one Bible study and met some new people. This trip to Tanzania is Lindsey's second one and we hope it won't be her last. She has a bubbly personality, didn't complain about anything (although she was sick for a few days) and just fit right in.

Tuesday evening, Raul, the owner of Big Bites Indian Restaurant in Arusha, and his mother Sheila, joined us for supper. We really enjoyed our time and conversation and plan to invite them again for Thanksgiving Dinner. 

Our daughter, Candace, turns 13 years old on Tuesday...bringing the total number of teenage girls in our home to four! When our girls were little, people would say, "oh, they are sweet now, but JUST WAIT until they are teenagers!" The time has come and we feel blessed beyond measure to have four wonderful older girls who are so trustworthy and capable, helping to run this household, cook, do laundry and help care for the younger children and teach Bible classes. On Friday, Candace's friends are coming over to celebrate and spend the night. Candace continues to babysit two young children at our house while their mother attends the Kisongo Bible School in the evening.    

Congratulations to Mary and Miriam Martin (Elly Martins' daughters) who recently graduated from school and to Happiness Elibariki (daughter of Paulina) who graduates this coming Saturday! We've known Mary and Miriam for about 11 years now and Happiness for about 6 years. All three girls have a foundation in the Word, know English well, have had experience translating for English speakers and are already an asset to the church! 

Yesterday, eight teenage girls enjoyed a devotional and picnic held right below our house. Lindsey Whitehead spoke on the importance of kindness...a much needed topic anywhere in the world! Their picnic consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chocolate cake, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and sodas...in other words, enough sugar to throw a Tanzanian into a diabetic coma!  

Lindsey (Gee) studied with Nice, Rehema and Grace yesterday (Nice and Rehema have returned but only temporarily, I believe...difficult to get the facts straight here sometimes).

Last week, we mentioned Hilda and her one-year-old son, Bless. Sadly, Bless tripped near the charcoal stove on the floor. His hand was badly burned when it landed in the hot oil on the little stove. When I was told about the accident the next day, I came to visit. His hand was extremely swollen, and the skin on the inside palm and wrist was peeled off. Because the local clinic did not clean it well, were not using the best burn cream and had not bandaged it, Bless and his mom were driven to the Tanzanian Christian Clinic in Monduli (operated by Danny and Nancy Smelser) for him to receive better treatment. Stephanie Stafford is going to continue the on-going care of changing the bandages at her home until his hand heals properly. In Tanzania, where most people place their "stove" on the floor or cook over an open fire, "burns" and "children" are almost synonymous. A simple wooden or metal table would have prevented this accident but Hilda doesn't own one.

WHATEVER IS MINE.. IS MINE AND WHATEVER IS YOURS IS MINE. This statement is said somewhat "tongue-in-cheek" but as you know, most humor contains a bit of truth...that's what makes it so funny! Please read the following without thinking we are "against" Tanzanian males (we love three of them dearly...our sons... and have respect and admiration for many here).  With that in mind, allow us to share a little Tanzanian culture we observed. One of the women here (along with several others) received a pretty Bible cover for her participation in a ladies' seminar. The next Sunday, her sweet husband had HIS Bible in it and was using it. On more than one occasion, we have given ladies' shoes to women... only to see their husbands wearing them the next day! It doesn't matter if the husband has to cram his feet into them and the shoes are bulging at the seams...he's wearing them! At the market, Trina bought Naomi some new shoes. Shortly after arriving home and giving them to her, we noticed Elijah wearing them. Shaking our heads and smiling, our thoughts were, "typical Tanzanian male!"  (To all the TZ men reading this: You know it is true! ha/ha)    

While visiting last week, Paulina and Trina stopped at the home of Jaffey and Yomyake. Paulina directed her attention to Mary, their five-year-old. A small bone was poking up near her skinny little elbow. We learned that Mary broke her arm three months ago and they didn't have the money to get it set (and didn't want to ask anyone for money). Hopefully, with help from the missionaries, Mary will get her arm set properly. 

As always we are grateful for all you do to make our stay here possible. May God bless you all for the sacrifices you make! 

In Christ,
Jimmy, Trina, and the kids

A Birthday, A New Brother, And Two Baptisms At Hidden Valley...

Dear brothers,

It is great to tell you that these 2 weeks have been a great blessing for all of us here. Brother Jerry and sister Paula Bates were here in Chandigarh and left to visit other places on Friday. 

Brother Rodney has been teaching and he has started teaching from the book of Corinthians after completing his studies on the Prison Epistles. We had arranged last week a gospel meeting especially for them and brother Jerry preached there. He also preached in Ludhiana, 100 kms from here (where Noble lives). We had a good gathering there too. On Friday, after brother and sister Bates' left we had the regular Bible class in PGI at 7 pm. 

We have been very busy and enjoying the fellowship of each other. Today was brother Rodney's 39th Birthday. It was a joyful day as one of our students insisted us to baptize him and we took the opportunity. We took all the students to the Hidden Valley, where 2 precious souls were added to the church according to the promise. 

Brother Rodney will be 3 more days with us and will teach till Friday morning and also preach in the Wednesday class. But today was a memorable day as we witnessed 2 souls obeying the Lord. 

Earnest Gill

Taking On Greater Responsibility In Cambodia...

Dear brethren,

What an honor it is for me to report to fellow workers in Christ who support this work! I appreciate you all very much and am very thankful for your prayers. Five years ago, on the 25th day of this month, I left America to come and serve God in this part of the world. What a blessing it has been! I look forward to continuing to serve God here until He tells me it's time to go elsewhere. I will continue to solicit your prayers and support. 

The church in Siem Reap has grown to the point that we are able to partially support our local preacher and send men to evangelize in the surrounding areas. She has also been helping with Hannah's Hope and now is undertaking a major project in helping support one of our graduates settle in a new village to raise pigs and eventually evangelizing that village. To see the initiatives that she's taking on is such a wonderful and pleasing sight. I can’t wait to see how much she grows in the next 5 years. I ask that you continue to pray for the work here. Below are some pictures of some of our members helping getting our brother situated in his new mission field. Please keep Sam in your prayers.

Phanat

To see the report with pictures of the work, please click here.

Work Accomplished By TIBS Students And Graduates...

Greetings from Tamale! This report will focus on some of the work being accomplished by the graduates and students of the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies (TIBS). 

Work in the Salaga Area
Current TIBS student Matthew Donker comes from the village of Mbauwndo, located near the city of Salaga, here in the Northern Region. During the break between terms in August Matthew returned to Mbauwndo to do personal evangelism work in the village. Matthew reports that four souls were taught the gospel and added to the church through baptism for the remission of sins. Matthew will be returning to Mbauwndo after he graduates to continue teaching the gospel in the Salaga area. 

Work in the Saboba Area
TIBS graduate Bisaan Tibei Richard visited the Institute this past week with a report on the work that is going on in the Saboba area. We were extremely happy to see Richard as the school had been expecting to hear from him for some time. Richard’s report reads as follows:

I am very sorry for delaying in giving my report to you. It is not because I have had a chance but did not come, but because of sickness and other problems. This sickness and problems did not mean that I forgot the school or that I am putting aside God’s work which had been given to me by His grace. I am very seriously working, and others as well. On 9^th June 2011 by God’s grace I have been able to establish one church at Buegmal, which now has 29 members. I was also able to renew the congregation at Tunbu in November of 2011. This year I baptized four additional people in Tunbu, raising their number from 32 to 36 members. 

We are especially thankful to hear about the renewal of the church in Tunbu. Throughout the Northern region there are a great number of villages where the church had been planted by short term missionary workers, but the members stopped meeting because there were no leaders or teachers once the mission team left. Villages like Tunbu are one of the main reasons for TIBS to continue training local men to become the leaders and teachers these congregations need. 

This year, in addition to his work in Buegmal and Tunbu, Richard also reported that he has been working with the church that meets in Sanguli, a village near Saboba of about 1000 people. He reports that the church there has 81 members and is involved with house to house evangelism work in order to continue growing the church.  

Work in the Bimbila Area
The TIBS student body will be headed to the town of Bimbila for a school campaign during the last week of October. In preparation for the campaign one of our current students from that area, Kwame Lot, went to Bimbila last weekend to make arrangements for sleeping rooms and a meeting place. 

To make a long story short, Lot was two days late returning from his trip. While looking for rooms Lot made a number of contacts with people who were interested in learning more about the church. The two extra days Lot stayed in Bimbila teaching resulted in a total of 10 baptisms! Arrangements are being made to have a teacher who will work in Bimbila until Lot graduates and can return to work there full time. With this type of initial response we are excited to return in October with all of our students.  

Closing Thoughts
This is just some of the work being done by the students and graduates of TIBS. However, there are many more villages which need preachers and leaders. That’s why the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies is here. Your support is making a difference in northern Ghana! 

In His service,
Tony Johnson

anthonyjohnson2010@gmail.com

To Grow, Strengthen, And Unite The Church...

By the grace of God the Father and prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ, I got the invitation to do the campaign works in Lord with the brethren and churches in Nagrakata division of west Bengal state of India in the late July. I got this invitation from Brothers Samuel Majhi, Paraju Majhi of Nagrakata and Shanti Chettri of Anarmani Birtamode Church of Christ. Brother Shanti is working in this area from over 20 years and planted churches there. I am thankful to God that he invited me to join him and brethrens there in this Lord’s work in 2002 December. Since then I am working with him, churches and brethren there.

Aug 11, Saturday, I left home at the mid afternoon and reached Anarmani Birtamode at late afternoon. After visiting Brother Shanti and his family we had evening devotional with his family and few other church members there in Birtamode that night from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. There were 12 people there with me in the devotional.

Aug 12, Sunday, we had morning worship service at Anarmani, Birtamode Church of Christ. Including me there were 17 people in the service. After the service Shanti and I have visited Brother Bharat Rayamajhi from Surunga whom I have known from over 10 years. Since there was transport strike that day we were not able to visit other churches in Jhapa. We also had evening service and devotional at Birtamode.

Aug 13, Monday morning at 7:00 am brother Shanti and I left Birtamode and went to Kakarvitta a border town of Nepal with India. We enter to India through Panitanki town and we got a 9:30 am bus from Raniganj (Panitanki) to go Nagrakata. We traveled in a overcrowded bus in a hot summer day of August of India via Siliguri city, crossing Tista River by coronation bridge constructed by British India over 100 years ago. When bus dropped us in Sulkamore of Nagrakata it was almost 1:00 pm, from there we got a cycle rickshaw and reached Sulkapara. We were glad to see and visit our brothers and sisters there. That evening from 6:00 – 8:00 pm we had fellowship service with 22 brothers and sisters there in Sulkapara.

Aug 14, Tuesday morning we have visited brothers and sisters in Sulkapara. At 2:30 pm afternoon me, Shanti, Samuel, Paraju and his younger brother traveled in two motorcycles to Dudumari, around 25 KM east south of Nagrakata. It’s a monsoon season in south Asia, due to heavy rain we stopped in two places and reached Dudumari at 4: 30 pm. When we reached Dudumari we were almost soaked by the rain. We were visiting a family of Brother Jagannath Mahali there. He and his wife were baptized 10 years ago when they were in Luksan nearby Nagrakata. Later they left Luksan and settled in Dudumari village. Recently Brother Paraju and Samuel reestablished contact with him, visiting them regularly and brought them back to the church since they were going to a denominational church there. They are also teaching and preaching Jagannath’s neighbors. We were there to encourage him and his family in Christ. We had fellowship with the family till 6:30 pm and, including us, there were 10 people. We left Dudumari village at 7:00 pm. It was raining, not hard like afternoon, when we reached Sulkapara it was dark and almost 8 pm.

Brother Paraju and Samuel are working to establish a congregation in Dudumari through Brother Jagannath’s family. At present they work in Sulkapara Church a 55+ member congregation and Kurti Church a 45 membercongregation nearby Nagrakata. This area is a tea plantation area of northeast India, called Dooars near the eastern boarder of Nepal. In this area mostly Nepali origin and Sadri tribal people live. Most of the people speak Nepali and Sadri language. When we go there we mostly teach and preach in the Hindi language, a national language of India, as asked by the brethren there.

August 15, Wednesday, It was the day when brothers have organized a Bible study and gospel meeting in Kurti church of Christ. At 8: 00 am we went to Kurti, it is 30 minutes drive northeast of Sulkapara. Sulkapara is on the southwest and Kurti is on the northeastern part from Nagrakata town. The church here at Kurti was planted by brothers Shanti, Paraju and Samuel around four years ago and the church meets in a brother Samuel Hemrum’s house. It is a growing church and there were 12 baptisms there in February 2012. We have started fellowship from 9:00 am and went to 11 am. There were a little over 70 people including church members and children were gathered inside Samuel’s house for Bible Study. There were also 20+ members from Sulkapara church. From 11:30 am to 2:00 pm we had a gospel meeting outside the house, and there were 100+ people there including children. Brother Shanti and I took the Bible class and preached the gospel. After the gospel meeting 7 people came ahead for baptism. Brother Paraju Majhi baptized them in the small stream nearby. After coming back from Kurti to Sulkapara, we have visited brothers and sisters at that night in Paraju’s house.

August 16, Thursday at 6:30 am we decided to travel back to Siliguri by train and went to Indian Railways station at Nagrakata. The train came to the station at 7:15 and left after five minutes. In the train we were able to meet some Nepali people. One of them was Lab Kumar Bhujel a school teacher and a Baptist church member from Hasimara further east from Nagrakata. We talked with him about the church of Christ and how we can restore the New Testament church now. He has given me his address and cell phone number and requested me to send Christian literature. We reached Siliguri at around 10:00 am. We took a 12:30 pm truck to Mirik reaching there almost at 3:00 pm. Brother Markus Thapa was waiting for us at the downtown Mirik. Again we took a truck to go to Okaiti Tea Garden where Markus and his family lives. When we reached his house it was 5:00 pm. We have visited him and his family to encourage them in Christ. A congregation meets at his house and most of the members there are from his family. Okaiti is a border village of India with Nepal. Samalbong church of Christ is on the other side at Ilam, Nepal. It is a little less than an hour walk west from there. These Samalbong and Okaiti congregations are working together to evangelize both parts of Nepal and India. They were brought in to Christ by brother Shanti in the mid nineties. It was my 2nd visit to Mirik this year. If we regularly work with the brethren there Shanti and I see the possibilities of growth in the church in this area in the future. That evening Shanti and I had fellowship with 10 people mostly Markus, his family and some members of the church there in Okaiti, Mirik.

August 17, Friday we left Markus' house and Okaiti at 7:00 am, reached downtown Mirik at 8:30 and took the 9:00 am truck to Kakarvitta, a border town of Nepal via Panighatta. We reached the border at 11:00 am and when we reached Shanti's house in Anarmani, Birtamode it was little after noon. Having rested at his house for some time we left for Surunga, Jhapa at 4 pm. There is a congregation at Surunga that meets at brother Bharat Rayamajhi’s house. After reaching there at Surunga at 5:00 pm we had fellowship there from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Bharat’s house. Including me and Shanti there were 12 people in the fellowship. After service we visited brothers and sisters and we stayed that night in Bharat’s house.

August 18, Saturday noon we left Surunga to go to Dharan, a city in east Nepal where our brother in Christ, Kaziman Shrestha, is living from last six years with his family. He works with the church there in Dharan and evangelizing nearby villages also. Because of his and brother Chandra’s effort, the church at Dharan is growing. They are having Sunday morning and evening services in church now. That afternoon, after reaching Dharan, we had a Bible study with 10 people at Kaziman’s house from 4:00 – 5: 30 pm. After that we visited Chandra and his family and as usual we stayed at Chandra’s home that night.

August 19, Sunday we participated in the morning Bible study and worship service from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon with the church at Dharan. There were 27 people with us. Church meets at the upper floor of brother Chandra’s home. Dharan is a city with over a hundred thousand people in it. There is a medical college and few other Art and Science colleges also in it. It is a hub town of several hilly districts and towns of east Nepal. We see possibilities of growth for the church here and we can use Dharan as a launching pad for evangelizing eastern hill town and districts like Dhankuta, Hile, Khadbari, Bhojpur and Basantapur as well. After the service, brother Shanti and I had a farewell visit with the brothers and sisters in Dharan church. At 1:45 pm I took the bus to Biratnagar to come back home.

This trip was encouraging to me and I believe we have been able to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ in these areas. I always feel very near to Lord, whenever I visit my brethren and churches there. I strongly believe that by the help of our brothers like Shanti, Kaziman, Chandra, Ganesh, Bharat in east Nepal and Paraju, Samuel, Hemrom, Markus, and Kanchan (Markus’ son) in west Bengal, India we can work more effectively in Lord. If we can have more evangelical trips in these areas and more Bible studies and seminars we can evangelize more areas and people and encourage brothers and sisters in the service of our Lord. For that we have to have at least 10 to 15 days, three trips a year and have Bible study classes and evangelism as well. For that we are in need of more tracts and literature for Church and spiritual Growth. We need your prayers and help for this endeavor in Christ.

Other needs of the churches in these area that will help the churches to grow:

1) Church Buildings in Kurti: This is a growing church of over 40 members in it now. Brothers and sisters are very active in this church in evangelism and fellowship. The church here and in Sulkapara made up of tea plantation Indian Tribal workers whose income is very low, though they are very generous in their service to saints. Brother Samuel Hemrom and Bikram Sabar are working together with Sulkapara brothers for the growth of church here. The church meets in the house of Samuel Hemrom. Since the church is growing they are in need of a building. Bikram Sabar has already donated a piece of land for that and brothers and sisters are ready to do the construction labor work building consruction. The church is in need of US $2,000 (Indian Rupee 100,000.00) only to construct 28’ X 14’ zinc roof building that can hold little over 70 people in it.

2) Church Building at Sulkapara: Church of Christ at Sulkapara has land purchased in the name of church where they have constructed a temporary meeting shed earlier. We have done Gospel campaigns, Bible studies and fellowships there several times in the past. When we reached there this time we found out that the shed was destroyed by a recent rainstorm. Brother Samuel and Paraju requested us to convey the churches request for a building to all of you. As I have told earlier, all of the members here are tea plantation laborers. Brother Shanti and I know that building here will not only be a better facility for church here, it will help them to grow and we can have Bible classes and gospel meetings as well in that building. In the past we hired tents to conduct such meetings. A 32’ X 16’ feet zinc roof building for church meeting, classes and 10’ X 12’ two extra rooms for office and store will cost US $4,000 (Indian Rupee 200,000.00) only.

We hope you will kindly consider these requests and pray for it. We are always thankful to God for your continuous encouragement and generous support to us in His service. Keep us in your regular prayer as you are in ours. God bless you richly in His service.

In His Service,

Parsuram Sunchuri Church of Christ
PO Box 2542
57 Su Marg, Subidhanagar Kathmandu Nepal

Phone: +977- 9751009200 Email: psunchuri@yahoo.com

To see the report with pictures, please click here.

God Abundantly Blessed The Campaign In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the staff, students and members of the Wotutu congregation. We are delighted to share our reports with you. We do hope this report finds you all in your family and the family of God in good health and sound faith.

We were all happy to welcome all the students back from one week campaign in different locations and one week vacation with their families. The students made their way back on campus safe and sound with most of them with good health. The few with bad health will be looked upon soon as we shall get drugs for them. Their bad health is as a result of bad weather conditions and much strained as they carry out their work. To God be the glory.

Brother Emmanuel Kebila in Bali Village looked intently into the scriptures beside the river to make a confession and to put on Christ. He is a receptionist at the chief of that village office. Our students left our campus with a letter addressed to the chief stating that a student from our school will be in his community. We are doing that for security reasons, but it helps the students start sharing the gospel with those in the royal compound and the gospel gets into the heart of those who are deep into all kinds of devilish rituals.

By the grace of God, brother Emmanuel obeyed the gospel. The Lord can use him now to penetrate the royalty in that community. The campaign this time also was with the wives of married students and it is making news of a great wind of change blowing across the church in Cameroon. Many will lift up their hands to pray to God for the school and the work you are doing through us. You are in the prayers of many over here. God will not pass you by when He comes to reward His servants.

Some of the roads students used to get to their places of work were rough. Rainy season in Cameroon is causing lots of problem because of the deplorable roads. Some students trekked long distances because big trucks will block roads for days, so if you keep waiting, your work will remain so you are bound to trek with your leg to meet up with your calling.

The roads may be bad, but our goal must be attained, which is as we think souls and ready to rob from the strong man’s house, we must go. Brother Nicholas went to the village of Mbakwa Supe preaching house to house to make known Christ to many that he will meet. Evangelism is our mission, and our mission is evangelism.

This mission work was in more than 17 congregations because some students were assigned to extend their tentacles of evangelism in nearby villages. The Lord worked in them and 15 souls were added into the Body of Christ and 53 souls were restored back to the fold.

A new congregation was established in Ntesah village in lebialem and this makes the second congregation to be established in that division. One congregation was also restored in the French speaking part of Cameroon called Kombe where brother Ititi Benedict traveled. 7 souls who have stayed above 7 years without worshipping because there was no preacher to lead. Oh oh oh the field is really ripe but the laborers are few. Oh these 17 men will help the growth of the church here in Cameroon upon their graduation on the 20^th of December 2012. Keep them in your prayers that they will validate all their courses and be ready to go into the field full time to evangelize Cameroon.

We start classes tomorrow for the last quarter. Keep all the staff and students in your prayers for all to move well for the glory to go back to God as we plan to graduate our alpha batch. We pray that you will stand by us to realize this dream.

Plans
1) Next week, by His grace, we shall establish a new congregation in Batoke. Keep the work in your prayers. We have been planning to do so for long, if all the means will be there to transport the entire students and some members of our congregation.

2) We shall continue to send out our students for these 3 months on weekend evangelism to keep nurturing the congregations. Many congregation have applied to fully engage our students, but their cry is HOW SHALL WE DO THIS? God alone knows how far we can go.

Appreciations
God bless you the more for availing yourself for God to use and He is accomplishing His will through you. God bless you as you share this report with others who may love to be part of the work here in Cameroon.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Schools, Mountains, and 30 Prospective Students...

It was a thrill to return to the students and teachers at CBI this fall. After the audacious 2-day journey, Menard greeted us at the small airport in Mbeya. We returned to the mission and immediately were greeted by the faculty and students at CBI. Sunday we went to Uturo. The building was crowded with some of our students and teachers who had been holding a campaign all weekend. That morning two were baptized because of their efforts. 

On the way to church that morning we talked to two of our students who had been invited to hold worship services at the Islamic school down the road. There are four Christian students there and these two CBI students were allowed to have New Testament worship with them in one of the classrooms. 

Ezekiel this next week was asked to grade the district Bible Knowledge exams for the whole district. Our students at the Herring Secondary school passed the exam with over 2/3 making either A’s or B’s.  We also found out this week that Remmy, the CBI English director was asked to provide our students as teachers in many of the area schools to teach Bible on Fridays. We are now organizing these students so they will be able to learn the pure gospel of our Savior every week now. 

Boaz has been taking two students on his motorcycle weekly up the mountain to Nungu where this summer they have had 7 restorations and 9 baptisms. We will have one student from the mountain come to school next year named David, which will further strengthen the work there. 

Xavier has been working in Igawa for the past two months. He is having classes on the weekends teaching the men to preach and lead the worship. He says that his purpose has been “to make the church independent and make every man a leader.”

Classes are keeping all of us busy. I am teaching Church History and Bible Geography. We now have over 12 books that have been printed in Swahili for the classes. Also we are all helping unload the new library books. We had our first faculty meeting this week and the faculty is all working hard in their respective realms. We have over 30 students who have shown an interest in coming next year. The prospective students will be coming to campus in a couple of weeks to be interviewed. The days here are long but ever so rewarding. We are so blessed to be working with the finest students and faculty we have ever known. Please continue to pray for CBI as we prepare the preachers and teachers of Tanzania and Malawi. 

Garry L. Hill
Extension Coordinator
Chimala Bible Institute

Lectures Conclude In A Special Way...

The Bear Valley Lectures concluded on Sunday evening. The lessons were all focused on What’s Right With The Church. “Amazing” is the word that first comes to mind about the lessons presented by the speakers over the weekend. I would encourage you to visit the website and listen to the lessons at your leisure /chapelcast/

Within a time and culture where it is easy to find what is wrong and negative (seeking ways to destroy the very family of God) it is refreshing to listen to lessons focused on the good and positive nature of what God intended for the church. The lessons were well prepared and applicable to everyone. I know you will find benefit from these lessons as well.

While we were focused on the beautiful nature of the Lord’s church, we also had opportunity to discuss the work associated with the Bear Valley Bible Institute. This included sharing the wonderful news of how we are blessed to partner with congregations and schools around the world in the Extension Program. It is powerful to learn about the great work being done by the men who are on the ground making tremendous sacrifices to prepare men to preach the gospel.

One bonus to the end of the lectureship was seeing one very special soul obey the gospel in putting on Christ in baptism. The assurance of a relationship with God and hope for the future cannot be measured in physical, monetary terms. I am always thankful to see how God works in our lives to help us draw closer to Him. May He be glorified in all things!

The reports this week continue to emphasize the work accomplished by the wonderful men and women who labor diligently in several of the various schools. 

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 

Fully Obeying The Gospel: It is interesting to see how those who are seeking will find the truth as it is proclaimed. The power brings full obedience to the life of those in Cameroon.

Equipping Cambodians With God’s Word: The work of the International Bible Institute in Siem Reap is working with a new class of students to equip them in God’s word.

Two Souls Added In Tamale Campaign: The results of a recent campaign in Tamale saw two precious souls added to the Lord’s church.

Gasper Called To Court: This is a report that is worth reading and sharing with everyone you know. This event shows the power of God working through His servant, Gasper.

Friday The 13th? A number of events and circumstances over the past week in Arusha have demonstrated some strange thoughts connected to Friday the 13th. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for your time in reading the report this week. The news continues to show the diligent work of men and women around the world. The student outreach is incredible. Thank you for all you do to help this work continue. There are so many people and areas involved in the success of the overall program, it would be impossible to list them all and not miss someone. However, suffice it to say it takes everyone working together. Thank you for the part you play.

God bless
Bob

Friday The 13th?

Dear Co-Workers:

LONG TIME NO HEAR FROM. Due to Jimmy traveling, it has been two weeks since our last report. In fact, there is so much to report that part will have to wait until next week. As is normally the case, we are enjoying a beautiful, warm Lord's Day and enjoying our five guests. Neil Richey, his father (Paul Richey) son, (Peyton Richey), his friend (Lance Leavens) and Lindsey Whitehead arrived Friday night and joined us for supper on Saturday. Heather cooked a delicious meal of fried chicken (with Tony's Spice), mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade rolls, and brownies.

HOW SHALL THEY HEAR...without a preacher? Paul taught the combined classes this morning concerning "Examples of Conversion" and Neil preached on Colossians. The church in Tanzania is very fortunate to be the recipients of such good, sound teaching from visitors. Among the 98 in attendance were two Tanzanian visitors, Paul and Christina. Last Sunday, a lady who is attending the free English classes at the Kisongo Bible School also accepted the invitation to attend Bible class and worship.

THESE THINGS COMMAND AND TEACH. While Neil is teaching Romans and Galatians in the ACSOP, Paul, Peyton, Lance and Lindsey will be involved in personal evangelism in our neighborhood (Mateves Village, Kisongo). Seems that God is answering our prayers that one day our entire neighborhood will be converted...or at least taught! Speaking of neighbors, Grace invited Abigail to her birthday party last night. Abigail was surprised that she was the only guest (no family or other friends were there). They enjoyed cookies and cokes while there. Abigail continues to study with Grace every Sunday and Lindsey is studying with Nice today.

FRIDAY THE 13th? No, actually it was the 21st but felt like the "13th!" Due to ear pain and Dr. Smelser's recommendation, Jimmy visited our dentist to find out he needs a root canal. Later that day, we wound up in Dr. Smelser's clinic again getting a stitch put in the back of Stuart's head due to a gash from hitting a metal gate. Our co-missionary Stephanie was involved in a minor car accident when the brakes of a Tanesco (Tanzanian Electric Company) truck failed. Thankfully no one was hurt.

HEAD-INJURY CLUB. When 10-year-old Peyton arrived, Stuart and David formed a club of just them three because all of them have either had their head stitched or glued back together (David has had both). ha/ha

SPEAKING OF THE MONDULI CLINIC, many of you are familiar with David Martin (Elly Martin's brother). David is a fine Christian man (late 20's) and is working at the clinic as a doctor's assistant. Next year, he plans to continue his education to become a full-fledged medical doctor, specializing in either surgery or pediatrics. How exciting to see Christian men advancing in their profession, knowing many will be influenced for Christ through them.

THIS PAST WEEK, Trina visited with Mama Pendo (non-Christian sister of Helen who died with cancer but became a Christian before death and sister to Lembris, Isaiah and Elizabeth...all members of the Lord's church), Joyce and children, Mama Steven and Mama Abbas. Trina also met Sylvesta who has been studied with on many occasions. Presently, Anita Hochdorf is studying with his wife Neema. Trina also met a young man (early twenties) named Allen who either studied or at least talked with Chris Akin a few months ago. He will be attending a university to study Agricultural Economics. He promised me he would visit the church.

"IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD"...said Hillary Clinton. While out walking, it is normal to see many groups of children (some very young) who are seemingly "on their own" throughout the day (maybe they return to a house at night). Our first thought is, "Where is their Mother?" If you have actually SEEN "village-owned" (so to speak) you would disagree with Mrs. Clinton. Who would dare look at these precious children (dirty, hungry, sick, without supervision, without shoes and without good manners towards others) and declare that the village is taking such good care of them? God's way...two loving parents teaching and obeying the Scriptures, enforcing rules and setting boundaries... certainly produces happier and healthier children and better citizens.

"GIVE HER THE LIVING CHILD...SHE IS THE MOTHER THEREOF." (I Kings 3:27) Praise God concerning prayers answered for our new sister in Christ, Hilda! Her husband was requiring her to get a job locally and take her young child (one-year-old) to her mother-in-law far away to leave him for one year! She obeyed her husband and took him (all the time her heart breaking). After talking with the mother-in-law who said she would be traveling soon and could not take the child, Hilda's husband agreed to let her return with their son and continue caring for him. Many mothers take it for granted that they get to care for their own children...and may even complain about the work sometimes. Never forget what a blessing and privilege motherhood is!

WOW...Cy Stafford, TZ 2000 director, received the following letter from Gasper, (TZ evangelist at Mosquito River) and, while hard to believe, it certainly is a reason to rejoice! A woman in Mosquito River became a Christian. She was married to a Maasai man who already had one wife. She understood that, in order to be a faithful Christian, she could not stay married to the man. So, she sought to divorce her husband, going through the courts. What a rare situation! Most people do not seek a divorce (especially women divorcing their husbands). Most Maasai women would be ostracized and/or beaten by their tribe. These are Gasper's words (though some omitted and some spelling corrected to clarify). See Cy’s report above for the letter he received.

For the Bible to make a difference in a Tanzanian court case, especially concerning the Maasai tribe who are basically ABOVE the law and are a "law to themselves" in this country, is extremely encouraging! Gasper, the church, and the Bible were respected. The church in Tanzania is making a difference and influencing for good! Gasper was educated at the ACSOP.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. God's Word does not return unto Him void. 

In Christian Love,
The Jimmy Gee family

Gasper Called To Court...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We continue to pray on your behalf, thank our God for all you mean to His work here in Tanzania.

The following e-mail was received last week from our brother Julius Gasper:

Gasper Called To Court!
“Hello brother Cy, last friday I received a call from the court that I was needed there with the bible. When I arrive there, I find a lot of people waiting for me. The judge ask me, ‘are you a preacher?’, I answer yes, Which church? I answered, church of christ. She ask me where are your sheep? I answered, you and all who are here. She kept quiet and then she started to say, ‘we called you here and we want to improve according to the bible, is there any place in the book that agrees with the marriage of 2 wives?’ I said NO, she ask me again is there any place in bible that allows man to give His wife a divorce for ANY reason?” I said NO, except for fornication. Then she took those 2 certificates of  the married and ask me which is the right married among these, 2?’ I told Her the first ONE is the true marriage. Then she said;  ‘thank you”.

Then she gave a chance to the man, who had said you can receive divorce for any reason, and you can marry 2 wives according to the bible, (Deut 24:1). He said here we see GOD allowed any one to send his wife IF she was displeasing. I was told to answer him, then I told them when Jesus came He made correction on this statement according,“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery (Mathew 5:31-32)....(Mat 19:1-9). Then Lameck to have 2 wives is Not the plan of God since the beginning. The judge said; ‘preacher you are free to go and continue to do the work of God, they are disturbing you.’ She told the opposer to sign all 3 places where he was wrong, and the opposer was told to pay 5 million shillings to our sister in Christ. Thank for your prayer about this case for long time. May God bless you all who pray for us. Your servant, Gasper”

Oh that other countries would heed God’s Word!

Elly, Jimmy, Sean and myself just returned from a journey that took us to Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Iringa, Mbeya, Dodoma, Singida and through Babati back to Arusha. Our purpose, to meet and greet evangelist in these locations as well as promoting the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. We met with over 30 different evangelist in the locations.

It was truly an amazing experience. It was a joy meeting with these men of God who give so much. We shared our trials, joys and challenges. We spoke of the work before us and how we might work together in our service to our God and our fellow man.

Stephanie, Anita and several other Christian ladies conducted a ladies seminar, hosted by the Mearani congregation (yes ladies, this is where all the Tanzanite comes from). The only “jewel” was one new sister in Christ! Thank you ladies for a job WELL done!

We hope and we pray you have a blessed week in the Lord. Please remember our upcoming Tanzania Leadership Conference coming up October 11-14. We will be blessed by a host of speakers from the States and are expecting over 100 participants.

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Two Souls Added In Tamale Campaign...

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

School Update
The seventh term is well under way at TIBS with students beginning to take mid-term exams during the coming week. We were extremely happy that all students were able to arrive safely for the beginning of this term, including the students that missed the previous term due to illness. Unfortunately, the happiness has been interrupted with many of the students and their families continuing to struggle with illnesses. Last week we had to have one student admitted to the hospital after he fell ill and became unresponsive. After 3 days of IV antibiotics he finally began to respond to the treatment, although he remains extremely weak. In meeting with him and his family it was decided that the best thing for his health would be to return to his home village in order to rest and regain his strength. It is our prayer that he will be able to rejoin the school at a later date should his health permit. Other students have also been dealing with health issues, including trips to the hospital for treatment. In addition to this, two students had to leave classes on Friday to return to their villages in order to take care of sick children. As difficult as it is to leave their families for six weeks at a time in order to be students, it is so much more difficult when they also have to deal with sickness and worry for their loved ones. We continue to pray with the students and for the students as they strive to better prepare themselves to preach and teach God’s Word despite the difficulties. 

Evangelism Update
We received good news this past week as two more precious souls were added to the kingdom during follow up work from a recent TIBS supported campaign. The Kpatringa church of Christ reported that Mrs. Elizabeth and Mrs. Magnan put on Christ in baptism. We rejoice with the angels at this most wonderful news. We have also received word that the recently planted church in Cinkasse had an attendance of eight for this past week’s worship service. We continue to pray for this new church in a predominately Muslim area of Togo, and rejoice in their growth.

Planning is under way for the next student campaign which will take place at the end of the current term. There has been much discussion about where to go, and if we should work at planting a new church or assist some of the existing village congregations with personal evangelism. While planting new churches is an exciting and rewarding experience, we have a rule that there must be a plan in place to support and edify the congregation as part of the planting process. To that end we have decided that this campaign will be in the Bimbila area. While there are a number of churches of Christ in the villages surrounding the city of Bimbila, the city itself lacks a congregation. We are currently seeking to identify men who would be willing to work in Bimbila when a congregation is established, while making plans to help strengthen the surrounding congregations during this campaign.    

Closing Thoughts
In closing we continue to thank those who support TIBS with your prayers and financial support. We are still looking for congregations or individuals who would be interested in helping support a student ($100 per month takes care of one student) or an evangelistic campaign (each campaign costs between $750 and $1000).There is much work that can be done with your help! 

In His service,
Tony Johnson

anthonyjohnson2010@gmail.com

Equipping Cambodians With God's Word...

Jumreapsooh brothers and sisters in Christ!

What a pleasure it is to be able to share in the work of Christ in this part of the world with all of you. I pray that we can be an encouragement to you as you are an encouragement to us. 

We have officially started our 2012-2014 school year and the staff and I are very excited for the new class. We have a total of 9 students enrolled. There have been some changes in this year's program that I think will benefit the overall work in general. We are introducing a "Work Study Program" for our students at IBISR. This program is designed to aid the students physically while at the same time teaching them responsibility and accountability. This program will help them to be hard workers and will hopefully train them not to be dependent upon foreign aid, principles found in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 and 3 John. 

They will be equipped with God's word primarily, but also be equipped with vocational training so that they can help support themselves as Paul once did. We ask that you keep this work in your prayers and we look forward to updating you all with the progress of the Lord's work in Cambodia! Please continue to come by and visit. Peace and love to all of you.

Phanat

If you would like to see pictures of the new class, please click here.

Fully Obeying The Gospel...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept our sincere greetings in Jesus name. We do hope you and your family are doing great. On our side, we are doing great and we thank you for your prayers over us. The students of CBIW will round up their campaign today as many of them decided to add few more days to follow up most of their prospects before they will go to their homes for a short vacation.

Brother Takang listened to the same program and visited us last Sunday. He came again today and asked the question on what he can do to FULLY obey the gospel. Answers were given to him and he decided to obey the gospel. He is a son to a female elder in Presbyterian denomination. Please keep him in your prayers for the fight he must fight to keep his faith and through him many in that family will see the light of the truth.

The congregation in Wotutu continues to miss the fellowship we are having with the students when they are on campus and we pray for their return on campus this Saturday. Our congregation continues with the normal schedule in our program to reach out to the community, as we continue preaching daily from 4:30 am visiting and evangelizing on Saturday.

Our worship today was great as we had above 80 people in attendance. 

I just returned from Ekondo Titi which is really far from Wotutu. I went there to visit 4 students working in that area. The roads are really horrible but God took me there and brought me home safe. I was with sister Odilia in Lobe village frying Garri to make the ends of life meet. She is also a member of a group that is being controlled by the church of Christ in that community called the virtuous women. They do a lot to reach out to many in those communities with humanitarian things like used clothe and food from their farm.

Today was another great day as three young precious souls obeyed the gospel this morning during our worship. Sister Geraldine smiled as she was baptized. Keep her in your prayers so that many of her friends will continue to listen to the morning Back to the Bible program. This time around the power in Wotutu is off for the whole week. Many thanks for our standby generator set we used to still speak out the truth loud and clear.

Brother Chijoike Nwachukwu lives very close to the church hall. He is a son to our sister who just came from Nigeria to visit with the mom and dad, sister Shela. He obeyed the gospel this morning. Keep all of them in your prayers as we help them grow to maturity.

I also had opportunity to visit some devoted brethren in one of the congregation. They smiled to welcome me in their congregation. They also used that opportunity to appreciate CBIW and the big Bear Valley family for all their efforts to spread the good news in Cameroon. They are ready to get a student to be their permanent preacher, but lots need to be put in place. It is sad at one time to see the willingness and then the need to look upon again and again for it to work. Keep their plans in your prayers.

This afternoon after worship our congregation was part of the tree planting exercise that is taking place now in Cameroon. This is not just planting trees but planting medicinal trees that will help many in their health.

Plans
We are set to go to Batoke the first week of October to plant a new congregation. This will involve the entire school and some members of the Wotutu congregation. Keep our plans in your prayers and be part of this mission. That is why we keep crying for a van of our own that will help transport us as many as are willing to go and make known the name of Christ in a virgin land.

Appreciation
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Keep this work in your prayers and tell others to be part of it. Keep our students in your prayers as they come for the final quarter. Time flies, God is good, and our graduation comes up on the 20th of December 2012. The second matriculation comes up same day. Keep us in your prayers and make plans to be here with us on that august gathering of the saints in Cameroon.

God bless you all.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Bear Valley Lectures Are Set To Begin...

The Bear Valley Lectures begin this week in Denver. These lectures have proven to be so powerful in the past and I know this year will be no exception. With all the negativity that exists in our world, and far too often within the church, the theme and focus of this year’s lectureship is What’s Right With The Church? Men from all over the country will be traveling to Denver to participate in this year’s lectureship and it promises to be great.

If you would like to listen to the lectures this year, a website link exists where you can listen to the recordings. Remember these lessons are not available live, but after they have been uploaded to the website you can listen to them at: /chapelcast/. I encourage you to listen to these positive lessons dealing with What’s Right With The Church? This link will also allow you opportunity to listen to the various lessons from each day’s chapel at the Bible Institute.

In addition to the announcement about the lectureship, this week’s report shares news from around the world where the work is exciting and growing. The work of training men to preach and seeing their involvement in evangelizing people in their own countries is still the most exciting work I know.

Thank you for taking time to read through the reports each week. I know you share the same excitement I do when it comes to seeing the powerful ways the gospel is transforming the lives of those who have heard the message. It is thrilling to know there are men around the world who have given their lives to prepare themselves to take this message and share it with others.

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’ latest report is located here.

Extension Reports 

Let The Campaigns Begin In Cameroon: After completing two short courses, students of the Cameroon Bible Institute are making their way out to 17 villages to preach the gospel.

Spiritual And Physical Growth In Cambodia: News in Cambodia continues to show the steady growth of the church.

Pray For The Church In Uganda And Congo: Graduates from the school in Uganda are working with the church in several areas around Busia.

Shaping A Nation For Service To God: Events connected to a recent Gospel meeting, along with  upcoming events in a Leadership Conference, our shaping the future of Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Closing out this week’s report simply gives me opportunity to thank you again. Your involvement in training men to preach the gospel does not go unnoticed and it is appreciated far more than we can ever state in words on a page. I am thankful for your vision in seeing the value of this work. I am thankful for your love for the Lord, His church, and the lost. I am also thankful you trust us in doing this work. I pray for you every day.

God bless
Bob

Pray For The Church In Uganda and Congo...

Dear brethren, 

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We hope that you are all doing fine in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are doing fine here in Uganda. We thank you all for the support you are giving to us in one way or another. Through your finances and prayers, the Lord is helping us to accomplish his great work of soul saving in East and Central Africa.

Nandwa Church of Christ (Uganda)
Christians at Nandwa church are doing fine. Brother Benson Outa, an older brother in the Kiswahili class who is from Kenya, with four students from Congo, are now working with Nandwa church. Ouma Hillary our graduate of March this year, an old member of this church, is also working with them. Ouma Hillary today taught the adult Bible class about giving and  brother Embamba from Congo preached about faith during the church service. They both did a good job. They showed a lot growth in the way they all applied the scriptures. Today, Paul and Susan did not attend service. When they were planing to go to Nandwa, their child, Wechesa Jr., fell sick and they took him to the hospital where he was diagnosed having malaria. He was admitted, so please remember him in your prayers. 

Bulang'i church of Christ (Uganda)
This morning we left Busia with Margaret on a motorcycle as my old Surf could not make it. When we reached Lumino, which is the trading center near Nandwa church. I decided to put her on another motorcycle to Nandwa and I branched to Bulang'i to see if I could worship with them. When I arrived there I found brother Odwori Silvano our graduate still at his home which is next to the church building. His wife had gone to get some potatoes from the garden. When I asked him when they start service he told that they start late and today they did not have the fruit of the vine. I could not help them as I had not carried some with me. I decided to go to Nandwa for worship. 

Namungodi church of Christ (Uganda)
Emmanuel Mawa and Edith do attend church service at this church. Emmanuel is currently the one working as the preacher of this congregation. They are doing fine. These days they have started learning songs before they start worship. Emmanuel, being not from Samia land, is also learning how to sing songs of Lusamia Lugwe. Edith says that he is coming up well. He will soon be a good song leader. Emmanuel will be finishing school in January. 

Nahayaka church of  Christ (Uganda)
Wandera Peter, the youngest student in English class, is working at this congregation together with one student from Congo. They are meeting in the home of an old man who is also sick, but loves the Lord very much. They are still worshiping only with the family of this old man as people do not want worship in  peoples homes. They say that worship is only done in the church, meaning the church building. If we want more people to start visiting that congregation, there must be a change of a place of worship. Pray for this congregation so that we may get a place to rent for them until they grow and start paying for the place themselves. 

Baraka church of Christ (Congo)
Brother Mutndjwa Kipimo, the preacher of this congregation, said that they are doing fine and last week they had a baptism. Pray for Congo brethren so that there could be peace in that country.

May God bless you all. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. 

Yours In Christ,
Francis, Margaret and Edith Wechesa

Shaping A Nation For Service To God...

Dear friends and supports of the work in Tanzania, we hope you find this current newsletter uplifting and that you will seize upon it as a tool to encourage you to greater service in the kingdom. Without further delay let’s bring you up to speed on God’s work in Tanzania.

East Africa Gospel Meeting
Last month Cy Stafford and I had the privilege to further our recruiting efforts for the next English class intake at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. We traveled a total of 1400 miles (7000 American miles*) and were able to enjoy the beauty of the Tanzania countryside.

Our first stop was Babati, Tanzania where we met with a group of 10 preachers and interested members. We spent some time discussing their needs, concerns and hopes for the future. Cy went on to discuss A.S.C.O.P. and handed out a few applications that could be taken back to prospective students. We said our goodbyes and hit the road to make it to Singida by nightfall.

The trip was planned in order to coincide with the East Africa Gospel Meeting. The East Africa Gospel Meeting is an annual event that is completely planned and coordinated by churches of Christ in the East African community. The location rotates each year and this year’s meeting was in Mwanza, Tanzania. From Singida it was a full day’s journey but we finally arrived early that evening. Mwanza is a beautiful city located on the Southern shore of Lake Victoria.

With preachers and faithful brethren attending from all over East Africa we were grateful for the opportunity to speak about A.S.C.O.P. and to encourage those in attendance to take back applications for those men who have the desire to become Gospel preachers. We addressed the crowd and handed out a number of prospective student packets. Keep our recruiting efforts in your prayers as East Africa is always in need of qualified men to preach Christ to this overpopulated region.

The E.A.G.M. was a well attended success for the cause of Christ. In addition to local members there were 38 men from 25 different congregations present. Brethren came from Kenya, throughout Tanzania, Congo, and Uganda. In the end a tremendous amount of fellowship was had among the brethren and they received much needed encouragement. Even better, 8 souls were added to the kingdom and God was glorified through the teaching and preaching of His word.

After departing Mwanza we headed for the town of Kisumu located in Kenya. It was here that we were to meet up with Mike Reese. Mike had come with a group of men to help in setting up the new Kenya School of Preaching. One of our A.S.C.O.P. graduates, Charles Ogutu, will be the first director. He is a very capable and dedicated man and we are grateful he is willing to step up and lead this large undertaking.

A.C.S.O.P. Student Recruiting
In addition to the previous trip, we have scheduled another recruiting effort that we intend to start this next week. We will be traveling to Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and Mbeya. The trip will be a long one coming in at a hair under 1500 miles. This time Cy Stafford, Jimmy Gee, Elly Martin and myself will be making the trip. Please pray for its success and that we can have safe passageway.

The Minor Prophets Make A Major Impression
I have just finished teaching Minor Prophets 1 (Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Nahum, and Jonah) at the A.S.C.O.P. What a thrilling study. Having never taught the Minor Prophets I saw the class as an opportunity for personal growth and I am sure glad I did. Aside from the primary message of their preaching to Israel and Judah it is amazing how relevant their preaching is for today. Let me encourage you to take some time and study the minor prophets and if you really want to challenge yourself and grow exponentially, teach a class on the minor prophets. God’s word is rich and the neglected study of the minor prophets are nuggets of gold waiting for you to mine and add to your treasure chest of scripture knowledge.

I am glad (yea, relieved) to report that all of my students passed the class and can proceed to Minor Prophets 2 which I will be teaching next quarter. After finishing their final, we had all the students up for lunch. I have included some pictures of our meal together. I find it’s good to feed the students after thrashing them for a quarter. It’s like a peace offering that keeps me in their good graces.

Meet Arnold
One of the tragedies in our world is the number of children that are abandoned by parents who don’t care what happens to their own flesh and blood. I wish it were in the power of one person to wipe the slate clean and provide every orphan with the love and care they need. We can’t fix every broken home but we can help some along our journey toward eternity. Meet Arnold. Arnold lives in a traditional mud hut with his grandmother and their cow. Yes, the cow does come in from time-to-time. Arnold’s parents abandoned him when he was very young. We have located his father but he doesn’t want anything to do with Arnold. No one knows where his mother is. Arnold’s grandmother is very old and has been sick for a long time. We don’t expect her to live more than another 6-12 months. Arnold has been the lackey for those that share the family property (distant aunt’s, uncles, etc). Arnold has had it rough. No one wants to take care of him and he has suffered more days without food than you can imagine. I first took notice of Arnold on my daily drive down the hill. When I drive down the road I roll down my window and all the kids come running to slap me high fives as I go by. Arnold seemed to always have some kind of comedy routine when I approached and it intrigued me. One sign of intelligence is the use of humor and comedy and Arnold didn’t lack for either. After some investigating we found out about him and his tragic situation. How do you laugh and cut up under such horrible circumstances? At any rate, we wanted to see if we could offer him some real help, help that might give him some hope for the future. I could spend a considerable amount of time explaining everything but suffice it to say that we now have Arnold enrolled in a private school and he is doing well. The effort has been a collaborative one involving my parents, Nester and Esther (our head guard), and Anita and me. Nester and Esther are feeding Arnold each night and the school provides breakfast and lunch. Arnold comes to our house to get water so he can bathe and be presentable for school. He will be reporting to me bringing his grades to show how he is progressing and doing a few chores around the house so we can get to know him better. Keep Arnold in your prayers. Although we have opened some doors for him his life is very difficult.

Want to help Arnold? Drop us a line and we’ll get you what you need to know.

Tanzania Leadership Conference
For quite a while now our team has been working on the upcoming Tanzania Leadership Conference. I was tasked with scheduling, topics, etc. and have had a good time organizing the effort. We have 21 different speakers coming from 3 different countries. A large portion of the staff at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver will be present to deliver a number of the lessons. What a blessing. This year’s theme is: NATIONAL LEADERSHIP: SHAPING A NATION FOR SERVICE TO GOD, Lessons on national leadership from 1&2 Samuel and 1&2 Kings. With 33 different lessons for men and women we are hoping this year’s conference will bring glory to God and a mountain of edification for our brethren.

As this report comes to a close we want each of you to know how much you are appreciated. It is only through your selflessness that a work like this can go forward. Your sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed by us, and more importantly, by our heavenly Father.

Until next time, take care and God bless.
Sean Hochdorf

To see Sean’s report, complete with pictures, click here.

Spiritual And Physical Growth In Cambodia...

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would like to share some information about our work in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

We are very blessed and honored to work for our Lord, Jesus Christ. As we continue to share and teach the gospel to people in Siem Reap and throughout Cambodia. Our church currently has from 45-50 meet every Lord's day.

At the weekend, especially Saturday, we were also involved in teaching the people around the congregations at Takam and Leang Dai as well. There are around 100 people that we have been teaching, mostly teenagers.

The church decided to have a fellowship meal once a month, especially on Wednesday in the second week. Somehow the church is continuing to grow spiritually and physically as well.

When I mean physical, some of you may know that most of the members of the church are very young, and from day to day, they continue to grow. 

I want to thank especially to the brethren in Bear Valley church of Christ and from some other brethren that keep supporting the work here in Siem Reap.

May our God bless you more.

In Him
Chann