Classes Move Along Well In Kenya...

My dear brethren,

I pray this finds you doing great, I also trust everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving day. We have many things to be thankful to God for in this life, but I take this opportunity to thank you all for entrusting me with the souls of the these 20 men, their families and all those they will impact when they are out of the school. Also, thank you for entrusting me with the money and for the encouragements. So far, I believe everyone has done his part well especially on your part, I appreciate. On my part, every day has been a challenge and full of learning and I have been up to the task and pray that you will continue giving me undivided attention to  make this school better every moment. Mike Reese, thank you for keeping me alert.

The class came to an end on Friday the 23rd. We thank God all 20 students sat for all seven courses that were taught by four teachers. Some students are still winding up with the research papers and we are here to help. All the students agree that the school came at the right time. We have received very good compliments from majority of them on the work being done. The ones that have traveled are each taking back to their congregations the KSOP student application form for the next intake and also to create more awareness.

The first short course was taught by Obadiah Omutele on "Personal Evangelism" while the second was taught by George Ong'ondo - "The New Testament Church." All the teachers were up to the challenge and did wonderful work.

The next class begins next year January 7th, 2013. We expect the students to begin arriving from the 4th to 5th January.

I and Elias now must move with our families to Kisumu this December and settle down. We have to get good houses and schools for our children. If not they will keep staying away from us. Keep these in your prayers for it will help us to fully concentrate on the school and the work.

Elias visited a congregation where one of our student comes from last Sunday 18th. The student invited us to go and speak to the ladies meeting in his home congregation and help them know they are sinning by having authority over men. In the ladies meeting there Elias led the worship service and most of these women hand clap and lead worship services where they came from (liberal congregations) and Elias took the opportunity to condemn those errors. Some ladies later told Elias they have not known its against the Bible.

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you in February.

It has been great working with you all, god bless the work you do.

Charles Ogutu

On the left is a picture of the new lockers being built for the students.

Graduation And Recruitment At The WCSOP...

Greeting from the West Coast School of Preaching. I am thankful to God to be able to sit and write the report today. The past couple of weeks has not been easy for me. I thank God for His mercies and kindness. 

Recruitment At West Coast
We now have 12 students for the first year class. In view of the fact that we shall not enroll students next year, we are encouraging some who have shown interest to enroll now. We shall keep our doors open until the end of this term. All those who enroll after the fourth week of the term will be required to take the first term course after they complete the two year program. 

Graduation
The graduation this year had the largest attendance in the history of the school with brethren and friends coming from seven of the ten Regions of Ghana: Western, Eastern Central, Greater Accra, Brong Ahafo, Northern and Upper East Regions. Six men who had completed the two-year program of study at West Coast were presented with certificates from the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver; two who had fulfilled the requirements for the bachelor’s degree of Bear Valley were also honored; and six men received the Bear Valley master’s degrees.

Various individuals supported the graduation with food and drinks and there was much to go round for all our guests to enjoy the day. The next day was a thanksgiving service at the campus church at which the service was conducted by the graduates. This year’s service was not as fully attended as last year’s.

We are grateful to all who helped and prayed for us to be able to do what we did on the 12th graduation of the West Coast School. 

Seminar
The Annual Seminar for Preachers and Church Leaders which had not been held for well over five years was held on November 12-15. This was done against many odds. The venue for the seminar was in a run-down state. It took much cleaning and fixing of nets and broken down electrical fittings to get sleeping places, kitchen and classrooms for the use of seminar participants. There were about 100 in attendance as compared to 300 plus formerly. Some had given up on the seminar because of the long break. Many who normally took their annual leave at seminar time to be able to attend had already taken their vacation and some already had other events scheduled for the time of the seminar. 

Speakers and subjects were as follows:

Toby Soechting – Elderships And The Lord’s Church In Ghana

Mike Dickison – The Church

Scott Ellis -  Deacons

Brandon Johnson -- Preaching

Daniel Ampadu-Asiamah – Ensuring Cohesiveness Among Brethren

Each speaker presented seven lessons on his subject. 

Final Weeks of School Term          
After the hectic two-week events, we have a recess from November 19-24. After that we shall have two weeks of classes to complete the first term of school. This will be followed by two weeks of short courses in Personal Evangelism and Geography of the Bible for the Junior Class, and How We Got The Bible and Marriage and the Family for the Senior Class.  The term ends December 21, 2012. 

Personal
I have been sick lately with a hip and muscle problem in both thighs and legs. Sitting down increases the pain, and standing after sitting makes walking a painful ordeal. All through the graduation and the seminar I was limping and in pain as I tried to move from place to place. As of Saturday, I became a bit better but I still walk with some pain in the hip. As if that was not enough, Ruth and I returned from church Sunday morning to find that our house had been broken into and items like my Compaq laptop, Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, mobile phones (including an iPhone 4G my daughter sent to me from the UK recently), NOW BIBLE (an electronic Bible that looks like a mobile phone) a SONY digital camera (on which I have pictures of recent school events), and $400 given by brother Toby on their departure had all been taken away. The main door was damaged and three rooms that were locked were broken into, damaging the locks.  We have had the main door replaced and new  locks fixed. The theft took place while most of our neighbors were out to church. The style of entry and operation was similar to what happened four years ago, only they used a different door. We are grateful this did not occur while our American brethren were staying at our house. Thankfully, we have overcome our shock and with the broken door fixed, and new locks mounted, we are able to go on with life. Ruth has been very supportive through all these and I thank God for her. Pray for us.

In about the time you read from me again, Ghana may have elected a new president and parliamentarians. Tension in the country grows as December 7, 2012, when voting takes place, draws nearer. Political party leaders call for peace daily. There is an uneasy peace. Whatever the outcome, brethren, pray for us.

Daniel K Ampadu-Asiamah

Appreciation - A Noble Theme In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from the staff, students and the good people of the Wotutu congregation. We do hope you are doing great. We join many of our friends in the USA to say “Thank you Father for your love and providence in our ministries.” As the Americans celebrated Thanksgiving Day over there it was a call for concern to remember those gestures that the Lord has done for us in our lives, in the lives of others, and the ministry which He has entrusted in our hands.

In our effort this weekend the Lord added brother Livinus Che in the body. Please keep him in your prayers as he walk with Christ.

Our theme for chapel this week was Appreciation. This was aimed at helping both staff and students in the big CBIW family to thank God for all that God did to us throughout 2 years of studies and missions. The students benefited a lot as they were taking their final exams in CBIW. The exams went on well and they are set for the short courses that will start this week. Keep brother James Coker from Colorado and brother Josh Austin from Arizona in your prayers as they travel over here to teach and preach.

On the left is a picture of brother Lah Joseph, a leader with the church of Christ Munyenge in the south west region of Cameroon, came visiting CBIW. There is a story attached to this brother that we need to know and praise God at the end of it.

On the right is a picture of brother Tobias again on house to house evangelism, in one of the 3 locations that we went for evangelism on Saturday night after our joint prayers and fasting with the entire Wotutu congregation. We prayed and fasted for a number of things and visions for which we need the intervention of God.

Below and on the left is the cross section of Wotutu congregation this morning had 1 first time visitor who expressed great satisfaction from what she listened to through our radio morning program. The congregation continues to experience growth as we continue to do evangelism and visiting. Today, a total number of 123 were in attendance.

Below and on the right is a picture of brother Lah preaching to the entire community of Wotutu and others. This brother can speak and quote from the Bible. You will read it correctly, but he cannot read and write. Oh if you stand beside him for a while, or you follow him for house to house evangelism, you will appreciate the power of God for somebody who cannot read and write, but can quote just what he is paraphrasing. The Lord is good. He can and cried and said to me, “Oh brother Elangwe, if I could read and write I would have enrolled myself in CBIW to be fully trained and stand as an evangelist of the Word of God.” It is a great lamentation, even to me, as I pity and pampered him that God is using him the way He deems best for the old rugged cross.

Plans
1) Our graduation and second matriculation is coming up on the 19-20th of December 2012. Please continue to pray for this twin occasion as many keep making calls and plans to be part of it. Your prayers and support will be appreciated for entertainment.

2) We continue to evangelize our communities. The plans to go to Batoke are still fresh, maybe that will be our last campaign before graduation.

Appreciations
We appreciate God for all that He is doing for us and the work He is doing in our communities. God bless you for allowing yourself to be used by Him for His glory. God bless and watch over you. Share this report with others as we wait if there may be any comments.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

A Week To Be Thankful...

Since this Thursday is the time when the U.S. celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to focus on two specific areas for which I am thankful. The first is the stateside men who are involved as coordinators and short course instructors with each of the extension locations. Coordinators carry a great load within the program as they are working as a liaison for congregations who are involved in the financial support of the work and the directors on the ground who work to make sure students are receiving what they need, as well as the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver.

These men work to ensure the curriculum is being followed, needs are provided, short course teachers are scheduled (and that these men have all the information they need), take a hands on approach to teaching short courses themselves, and, at the same time, sharing reports with everyone who is interested in the program. Their work is not an easy task when considering the trips they make, time away from family, domestic travel for reporting, and communication levels that must be maintained. I am thankful for each of these men and their love for training preachers.

Connected with the coordinators for the program are the short course teachers. While it is true that one of the responsibilities of the coordinator is to teach short courses, the majority of these classes are taught by men who are preaching for congregations around the U.S. These men use their own funds to cover their travel expenses, plus they give of their time in preparation for and presenting the class material they will be teaching. I am thankful for men like these who are dedicated to doing whatever they can to help train others to preach the gospel. 

Second, I want to express my appreciation to each of the financial supporters who are involved in this work. The financial responsibility of 18 different schools around the world requires a large amount of money to operate successfully. This responsibility is being met by individuals, couples, and congregations throughout the U.S. who are willing to make incredible sacrifices to meet the daily, weekly and monthly needs of the program. Without their dedication to the work and godly generosity, the program would still be a dream.

Thank you!!! I pray you will all enjoy a wonderful holiday time with family.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Donnie Bates’ report is located here.

Extension Reports 

Being One In Christ: As the quarter draws to an end and the church in Wotutu experiences growth, the subject everyone needs is one on unity with the Savior.

Youth Camps Succeed In Nepal: Recent youth camps have provided opportunity for teaching and several have obeyed the gospel.

Who Is A Christian? This notable subject is one being preached and discussed in Uganda as well as in other parts of the world.

Water Of Life Raft Shares The True Water Of Life: Two graduates in Cambodia are now living on and providing pure water to residents with the hope of sharing Christ.

Back To Class And Evangelism: Tony Johnson has returned to Ghana and the next quarter of classes has started, along with reports on student evangelism.

Barack And Victoria Obey The Gospel: The news is exciting from Arusha as a couple obey the gospel being added to the body of Christ.

Bats In The Belfry? Some reports are worth reading just to know what might be happening in the attic. This is no exception. 

Final Thoughts
As we close this week’s report, my prayer is that God will bless you for the gift of your time, money and ability toward Extension training. This work needs you! As well, I want you to know how much you are appreciated. I pray for you each day and know that God is working through you to accomplish His will. 

God bless
Bob

Bats In The Belfry?

November 12th Report

Dear Co-Workers:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:  “The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see IF there are any who understand, who seek after God.” Psalms 14:2

The Lord blessed us with a huge rain last night. Everything is looking bright and green (and in places where there is no grass, like huge fields of swirled chocolate). The children just came in excited that they found a 3 foot long snake skin. No worries as long as we do not find the snake!

Trina taught the Ladies class (reviewing Genesis chapters 29-30 and completing chapter 31 today). Due to the rain, none of the new converts showed up until more than half-way through the Bible class hour. So, Jimmy did not have class but sat in on the men’s class. The Kisongo children listened as Abigail taught the Children's class about Hezekiah saving Jerusalem.

Gary Fallis, from Texas, is due to arrive Friday night. As the Director of Graduate Studies for the Bear Valley Extensions he travels to many of the BV extension locations teaching graduate, as well as undergraduate, classes. Here he will be teaching The Scheme of Redemption to the second-year students who will graduate the following Saturday, Nov. 24. There are a total of eight undergraduates and nine Master’s students who will get their degrees.

Abigail teaches 16-year-old Grace nearly every Sunday (her father will not permit her to be baptized but is allowing Abigail to continue studying with her).  

Here is a note received from Innocent Mafayo, preacher at Monduli: "Halo all. wishing you all the best. Great news! The diabetes patient (Sokoine) who is Masaai is baptized today. He is the first one to be baptized in the new baptistry at Monduli church. Pray for him. Please. Amen."

Upcoming events are: Future Preachers Training Camp (first full week in December) and Tanzanian Christian Camp (second full week in December). Christopher Mwakabanje has directed the Future Preachers Training Camp for several years now. He has asked Jimmy to speak two times during the camp. The rest of the lessons will be brought by the local brethren, all of them graduates of the ACSOP.  

As you are aware, our furlough is scheduled for April 2013 (only about 23 weeks away).  While very thankful for the funds that have been received, we still lack $18,500 for the plane tickets. Our furlough comes around every 2 1/2 years and, no doubt, is very expensive for a family of our size. If you receive this newsletter and your congregation has not committed to helping with this, please do us the favor of approaching the elders or men with this request (perhaps there could be a special contribution). OR...if you know of a congregation or individual that is not involved in this work, this could be a great opportunity for them to be a part. All missionaries go to the field in faith...faith in many things...one being that the funds will be available for furloughs (after almost eight years here, we have only taken two). While we are anxious to see our families (and grandparents anxious to see the grandchildren), most of our time will be spent traveling reporting on the work. As our supporters you have always come through and we believe that this time will be no different. One of the hardest issues concerning mission work is raising funds. You already make sacrifices to keep us over here (and we are very grateful, especially during these difficult economic times) so it's hard to ask everyone to give a little more. However, everyone's little bit can all add up to a lot! From the bottom of our hearts, we say "thank you" for all you have done in the past! Thank you for your concern, prayers and generosity! Furlough funds should be earmarked: “Gee - Furlough”  and sent to the East Side congregation. The address is on the first page of this report. May the Lord bless and keep you as you serve Him wherever you are!

With Love from Africa,
Jimmy, Trina, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace, Stuart, David, Naomi, Elijah and Matthew 

November 19th Report

Dear Co-Workers:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "He who says to the wicked, 'You are righteous,' peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him; but to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, and a good blessing will come upon them." Proverbs 24:24, 25

BATS IN THE BELFRY? No, but it seems there are "animals in the attic" that may be chewing on our internet cord. Abigail has been hearing lots of noises above her ceiling and our internet has been awful the last few weeks (more so than usual). The plan is to get that checked out this week so we may correspond with everyone better.

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS! We believe that was the name of an old Elvis Presley movie. Last Wednesday evening, seven girls from the Kisongo congregation were invited over. Added to our five, that makes 12 girls playing games, listening to a devotional conducted by Abigail, watching a couple of movies and spending the night. However, it wasn't as loud as you might expect because Tanzanian girls are generally much quieter, especially when at someone else's house. They were all very polite. Interestingly, most Tanzanians do not wear pajamas to sleep in but just wear their regular clothing (what was worn that day) to bed. This Tuesday, six more girls are invited to spend the night!

OLD HABITS DIE HARD. After playing an outside game and drinking water, TZ girls would toss out the last half-inch of water in their cup. This is something I've noticed with many other Tanzanians. Once when we had younger children visiting, I kindly chided them for throwing away good water (we use only bottled water to drink and cook with). When the girls were asked why, they did not know the reason for this habit, but just that they had always done this. Later I asked three adults and got the same answer. Personally, we believe it probably began generations ago when there wasn't always clean water to drink and the dirt settled to the bottom of the cup. It just makes sense one would throw it away. However, "old habits die hard" and people still do it even when the water they are drinking is clear and good. Of course, in Africa, especially after big rains, the water can still have dirt in it and people will let it sit for a day or so. It is a reminder of an illustration about women in a certain family who always cut off the end of their ham before placing in the pan. No one knew why they did it until they asked Grandma who said, "My pan was too small."

PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB! Ahimidiwe faced challenges this morning in keeping the attention of folks in Bible class; mainly because a race car was practicing in the open field next to the church building. The "revving up" of the engine would drown out Ahimidiwe's voice (and the driving around and around gave folks outside in the New Converts' class a dust bath). In addition, two phones rang, a car alarm sounded and one toddler screamed about every five minutes (obviously his sweet mother was not practicing the "true love" of a parent described in Proverbs (3:12; 29:17; 13:24) taught in last years' Child-Training classes).

"THE CANALS WILL EMIT A STENCH" (ISA. 19:6) The city of Arusha has been fixing their sewer system near Main St. They have closed off a side street and materials are scattered everywhere. They have also re-routed the sewer water onto the street, where many have to walk through it. The smell was pretty bad. Hopefully the work will soon be finished.

GARY FALLIS arrived safely and begins his short course on The Scheme of Redemption tomorrow. Lindsey and Abigail have completed their studies for their Associate's Degrees from ACSOP and are anticipating graduation along with the others this Saturday. Gary will be the keynote speaker.

LADIES DAY. Several Tanzanian women, along with Stephanie Stafford and Anita Hochdorf, conducted a ladies seminar at Maji ya Chai yesterday. Women here truly enjoy special days such as these and are uplifted by the Bible lessons and good fellowship.  

BUSY WEEK. The graduates and Gary have been invited to our house for dinner MONDAY evening. TUESDAY evening, as mentioned above, the girls are having another spend-the-night party. WEDNESDAY the Chad Wagner family (missionaries in Chimala) is due to arrive to fellowship with the missionaries here for several days and for Chad to speak at the graduation ceremony. THURSDAY all the missionaries plus visitors and other guests from Arusha will enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Stafford's house. FRIDAY, we hope to have dinner with the Wagners, and, of course, graduation ceremonies are at 10 am SATURDAY morning!

May the Lord bless "You and Yours" as you reflect upon your blessings this Thanksgiving Day. It is our wish that your time with your families is filled with love and the warmth of "family." Speaking of blessings, you are a blessing to us and to the Tanzanian people.  Thank you for your support, prayers and encouragement! A special thought of love goes to our extended family from whom we are separated in distance again this Thanksgiving but together in spirit. Happy Birthday to Trina's sister, Denita!

In Christian Love,
Jimmy, Trina, Lindsey, Abigail, Heather, Candace, Stuart, David, Naomi, Elijah and Matthew

Barack And Victoria Obey The Gospel...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We hope and pray this report finds you well, blessed and serving faithfully where you are. We are grateful for your prayers, support and love for lost souls. 

Barack obeys the Gospel! Yes, today Barack and his wife mama Victoria put Christ on in baptism. They followed the obedience of bibi (Ki-Swahili for grandmother) on Thursday. This followed five souls who obeyed the Gospel at Ushirombo last Sunday along with one sweet soul at Moshi as well. God continues to give the increase through the faithful service of His saints. 

Barack, mama Victoria and bibi (Riiziki) are results of God’s grace, good and honest hearts and a direct result of this year’s Safari for Souls campaign. The Hoover group worked an area of Arusha called “White Rose.” Stephanie and Jane Massawe have continued faithfully with the follow-up efforts. Others have joined them, including Caitlin Middleton who stayed with us for several weeks. 

After a powerful sermon from our brother Gary Fallis, Barack and Victoria made their decision to give their lives to God. A joyful day in God’s Kingdom. I was dropping off bibi and Rose, her granddaughter, after services when Rose came up to me and said she was ready to obey the Gospel, but wanted to study one more time with Stephanie, Jane and Allie. Please keep all in your prayers as they begin a new life in Christ. 

Gary is here to teach a short course for the second year class. He will also be our guest speaker for graduation on Saturday. We are indebted to Gary and the whole Bear Valley team for their contributions to Kingdom growth. Thank you all so very much.

God is doing a mighty work in Tanzania and throughout East Africa. Congregations are being planted on a monthly basis. Souls are coming to the Lord daily. Leadership in the church is beginning to show in some mighty ways. Thank you all for making it all possible. 

We arrive on December 2nd and hit the fund raising trails on the 4th. I will be in the Nashville area the first week and in the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham, Alabama the next. I would love to buy you a cup of coffee and share with you God’s mighty mission work if you are interested. Just let me know and we will set the date. 

God is good all the time! Because of my dear brother Ed Norton, the congregation he serves at, the Mayfield congregation, and others, we now have our airline tickets covered and part of our furlough expenses as well. Thank you all so very much.

We close with a zeal and hope that God will open the doors needed to meet our financial needs. Thank you all for what you do and for what you have yet to do. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Allie

Back To Class And Evangelism...

Greetings from Tamale! 

After a three week break classes are once again in sessions at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies (TIBS). The break has been filled with many activities as the staff and students continue to work at spreading the good news of Jesus Christ throughout Ghana and West Africa. 

Evangelism Update
The entire student body was involved with evangelistic campaigns during the break period. Two students returned to Cinkasse, Togo to follow up with the church that was planted there in September. The rest of the students and two of the staff held a church planting campaign in Bimbila, Ghana. 

The report from Cinkasse focused on the churches efforts to grow, and highlighted some of the issues new Christians face. One issue has to do with the building the church is meeting in. It is a school building, but often the person with the key fails to show up to open the building for the church, resulting in someone having to go and find the person. Because of this the worship service is often delayed, sometimes by hours. It was reported that three ladies who had recently been baptized were struggling to make it to services due to the distance they had to walk from their homes to the place where the church was meeting, and their husbands being upset because the delays in getting into the building required them to be away from home for most of the day. After meeting with the women the leadership team for the church is investigating ways they can help these new Christians in their attempt to faithfully attend worship services, even if it means finding a new site to worship at, not an easy task in a predominately Muslim area.

The Bimbila campaign was successful despite a problem with the weather. Rainy season in the north was supposed to have ended before the campaign dates, but it didn’t quite work out that way. There were four nights scheduled for showing evangelistic movies and public preaching, but the rain forced the outright cancellation on two nights, and a third night was cut short. The first night a movie was able to be shown there were a little over 100 in attendance. The second night, which got cut short by the rain, had well over 200 in attendance. Despite the weather the campaign team went from house to house each day distributing gospel tracts and conducting personal Bible studies. A number of studies were held, including studies with members of the Jehovah’s Witness church that was near the site of the campaign and with a local denominational preacher for the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) church of Ghana. So far there have been twelve baptisms in Bimbila with four additional people continuing to study with the men who will be looking after the congregation. The worship service on the final day of the campaign reported a total of 35 in attendance, with 24 from the community joining the campaign team in praising God for the church in Bimbila.  

We also received a report from TIBS graduate Stephen Abugbilla regarding the work he is involved with at the Atuba church of Christ in the Upper East Region. The church in Atuba continues to grow through local evangelism efforts and now has an average attendance of 82. This growth has encouraged the congregation to reach out to other areas, and the church has decided to help revive a dormant church in a neighboring village by sending men to preach and teams to begin house to house evangelism efforts. What an encouraging thing to hear about! We thank God for the Atuba congregation and their desire to go to the work. TIBS will be assisting the effort by providing tracts and other materials to the Atuba team.  

Other News
I was pleased to represent the TIBS staff at the resent graduation ceremony of the West Coast School of Preaching. Over the past year the relationship between the schools has continued to grow, and it was an honor to be present as six men completed their studies and are entering the field ripe for harvest. We look forward to hearing about the great things these men will do for the kingdom!

I am also pleased that TIBS has been able to provide songbooks and used Bibles to a number of local congregations. These books, donated by various individuals and congregations, were collected by Stephen Ashcraft and sent to Ghana with the help of Mission Printing. During the past couple of weeks over 100 songbooks were delivered to churches in Bawku, Sibi, Gor-Tanniel and Kuka, along with a great number of Bibles.  

Closing Thoughts
This is just some of the work being done by the students and graduates of TIBS. Plans are under way to return to Bimbila, hopefully without the rain, as well as for a campaign to assist the church in Walewale in the spring. In December I will be making a trip to the border area of Ghana and Burkina Faso to investigate areas for future church planting efforts in Burkina Faso, a country where the church is almost non-existent. But for now the students are hard at work once again in the classroom, equipping themselves for the work to come. Please keep us all, both students and staff, in your prayers. 

In His service,
Tony Johnson

anthonyjohnson2010@gmail.com

Water Of Life Raft Shares The True Water Of Life...

Greetings loved ones!

The past month has been tremendous! God continues to enlarge our borders in more ways than one and I am so thankful I am a part of it. I want to talk first about the "Water of Life Raft" that our graduates, Hokly and Pheap, are serving in. The raft is now fully complete and ready to operate. In fact, we had to tow it to its designated area in Kampong Kleang, which is about an hour drive from Siem Reap for its Grand Opening. It was a huge success in that the health department, the head of the communes, and the villagers came to see what it was that we were offering. They gladly welcomed us and supports what we want to do. Below are some pictures of the event. 

We pray that our boys will use this opportunity to spread the gospel and give them Living Water that only Jesus can provide. We look forward to the good works that these two graduates will do in Kampong Kleang.

Another way that God has enlarged our borders here is by providing me with a new son! His name is Sovanda. He was born on November 5th. I am so happy to have a son and to be able to have the opportunity to train him and mold him with God's word so that one day he can become a servant of God as well. Some fathers want their sons to be professional athletes, some want their sons to be doctors, or lawyers, or engineers and they rear them up to have the best chance at achieving those goals. My focus and my priority for my son is for him to be a professional servant of God. I want him to be a spiritual doctor, one who knows God's laws, and one who will help build God's kingdom. I want him to know who God is and what God wants for him. I will rear him, as well as my daughter, to be such individuals. I will do whatever it takes to give them the best chance at achieving those goals. Please pray for my wife and I as we work together to accomplish this task.

And last but not least, God has enlarged his border in Siem Reap by adding a new soul to His kingdom. My brother in law, Sopheak, (Iya's brother) has finally decided to put on Christ in baptism. I am so happy and proud of him. I pray that he will be a faithful servant of God and be a good example to those around him.

Phanat

To see Phanat’s report with pictures of the Water of Life Raft, his son, and baptism of his brother-in-law, please click here.

Who Is A Christian?

Dear brethren,

My internet has been down for the whole last week. On Sunday the 11th, my son, Paul, and I left Busia for  Bar ber village in Kenya to visit the brethren who live in that village. We left Busia at around 7:00 a.m. and arrived at 10:15 a.m. and found the brethren waiting for us. This congregation is where our graduates brother Oloo Daniel and Remigio Omollo worship. I was given a chance to be the speaker during the service. My lesson was about Who is a Christian? I drew my lesson from 1 Peter 2:9. After the service the brethren commented that they have seen who they are. The brethren prepared lunch for us at brother Oloo's home. We met brother Oloo's family. His step mother is eighty years old, but his own mother and father past away. We planned for evangelism in that area early next year God willing. One of my plans is to be visiting our graduates and encourage them. Let me stop here for now. May our loving Lord bless you all as you serve Him. 

Yours
Francis Wechesa

Youth Camps Succeed In Nepal...

Respected brothers and sisters in Christ,

Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the grace of God, love and peace always be with all of you. It is a good time to write about some school activities from Nepal Center for Biblical Study to well known brothers and sisters in Christ who love Nepal and Nepali Christians. I do hope that you will accept my few words. 

Guest teachers:
We are blessed by the almighty God in His kingdom at Nepal. October was a busy and encouraging month for our school. Brother Jerry Bates, editor of Voice of Truth International, visited our school for five days. He taught us from the Gospel of John. His wife Paula Bates encouraged our sisters in Christ for two days. Soon after their departure, brother Mike Brooks from the Highland Park Church of Christ taught from the book of Hebrew for four days. Selected preachers were invited from the Himalayan area. Classes were a benefit for all. We all are blessed to have guest teachers from United States. We are thankful for their time and labor. 

Holiday and Christian Youth camp:
Our five weeks of holiday began on October 13, 2012. One week later we had the Christian Youth Fellowship program for four days. We had classes from Monday through Thursday. Our youth participants were from Kathmandu, East Nepal, Makwanpur, Rasuwa, Dhading and Tanahu. Brother Jerry, Deepak, Parsuram, Stan, Surya, Dev, Bharat, and Suka were the teachers. We studied from the Gospel of Mark. Our theme from that book was “we are servant of Christ." Morning and evening devotions were conducted by invited youth brothers. There was a discussion class after the evening devotion. We had game hours every day after lunch. We had special program on the last day of our camp. We arranged a picnic out of the school building. We went to Godavari, Botanical garden. We had Bible class and baptism program. Twelve souls were baptized in the Lord on that day. Youth camp of this year was an encouragement to all. We would like to continue in coming year. 

Vacation trip:
I made my vacation trip to visit our graduated students and our present student’s at their home congregations. 

November 2nd of 2012 - I traveled from the school toward Lal Bandhi village of Saralaihi District where we have present students Ramesh Majhi and Ranjeet Majhi. The wife of Ranjeet Majhi was baptized in our youth camp. Now we have three souls in that new place. The Lord's Church will begin from these souls. Brother Bharat Rayamajhi, one of our graduated students from East Nepal, joined us for Bible study in that place. We did short devotions every evening.

November 3rd of 2012 - We conducted a Bible study with the help of Ramesh and Ranjeet Majhi. Most participants in that meeting were non-Christians. We had a good opportunity to share the gospel with the lost. People are positive toward Christianity. There are also some obstacles from their social culture and other religious backgrounds. Please kindly remember them in your regular prayers. 

November 4th of 2012 - We did morning worship service at the home of Brother Ramesh Majhi. We dismissed from Lalbandhi after lunch. Bharat Rayamajhi went to his home town and I traveled back toward Manahari village of Makwanpur district which is almost 4 hours bus travel. Brother Suka Bahadur, Jeet and our present student, Ezekiel, were waiting for me at Manahari Bus Park. Then we all walked toward brother Ezekiel's home through banks of Manahari River. We did evening worship service at his house. 

November 5th of 2012 - We woke up early the next morning and began to walk toward Maishirang congregation where our graduate student, Dev Kumar Chepang, is working. We reached there at 9 a.m. They were having a quarterly Bible study with their surrounding congregations. They were studying the book of Philippians at my visit. I had opportunity to share lessons from that book. There were four hours of Bible study in that congregation. Two souls were baptized on that day. We encouraged several houses after baptism program. 

November 6th of 2012 - We began our walking journey from Dev's house toward Silinge where Jeet, Suka, Uday and other Christian brothers are closely working together for the Lord. Five hours were taken for us to reach brother Suka's house. We traveled by local bus and crossed the Lother River fifteen times. We reached Suka's house at 2 p.m. and took rest on that day. 

November 7th of 2012 - After having breakfast and morning devotion with Suka's family, we moved toward Silinge congregation and Jeet's home. We reached it at 1 p.m. We did an evening Bible study with the young people. 

November 8th of 2012 - We had three hours of Bible study on the Plan Of Salvation. People were excited to learn and have discussion on the Biblical topics. After lunch there was a baptism program. So, we moved toward Khankharee village which is located at river side. It is 45 minutes walking distance from Silinge. We had a one hour Bible study at Khankharee Church building. Then, seven souls were added in to the Lord on that day. Please kindly remember all of those new souls in your family prayers. We stayed at the home of Preacher Jatna Lal Praja. We did a night devotion with their local members. It was a busy day for us. We are happy to be a part of Dev, Jeet and Suka's congregations. We are proud of their work. They are closely working together for the glory of God in His kingdom. 

November 9th of 2012 - We left Silinge and Khankharee then traveled toward Chandra Parkas' home. Dev traveled back toward his home. Brother Chandra Parkas was waiting for me at the bus station. Brother Ramesh Majhi joined with me at Narayanghad. We all went together to his house. We traveled one hour by local van and walked one hour by hill side. We did a short devotion and rested that night. 

November 10th of 2012 - We had three hours of Bible study at Tanahu. 

November 11th of 2012 - We returned back to Kathmandu and did worship service at the school building.

New class:  Our new classes will begin from 19th of November, 2012. 

Purpose of the visit:
To have Bible study, to save lost souls, encourage and mature the members.
To encourage and strengthen our graduated and present student's home congregations.
Recruiting new students for next years classes.
To find out their problems and Church needs.
To build fellowship with congregation and school.

Needs of the Church:
Song books
Bibles
Church building construction 

Thank you for your kind prayers and help toward Nepal Center for Biblical study.

Servant of Christ

Gajendra Deshar
Nepal Center for Biblical Study
Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box. 25999

Being One In Christ...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. Your brothers and sisters are happy to send their deep love over to you. We pray and hope this report meets you in good health and sound faith as usual. We praise God for all His great care over us as we travel to do His work.

The Lord added one soul out of Wotutu congregation through this weekend’s evangelism in Limbe, new town congregation. Keep sister Larisa in your prayers to grow in the faith and make known the name of Jesus to many on her way.

The week was a great one for both the CBIW family and the Wotutu congregation. The climate continues to disturb a little bit as some members are still sick. Thanks for your prayers which is helping us in many ways. It is always like this in this period of the year. As we move towards the dry season many will be sick until after that time. 

The theme for our chapel, which is used most of time in our congregation was, Being One In Christ. This was aimed at reinforcing unity among brethren, forgetting we are one, and for all to know that, as we are not a denomination. There are no ethnic or geographical barriers as we are now in Christ.

As I write this mail, all of us that went out to 4 locations for weekend evangelism returned safe and sound. The Lord accomplished His work in those locations. We thank you and all that you are doing to make these trips possible weekly.

Brother Tobias was involved in house to house evangelism. He is frequently involved in weekend evangelism because he is doing lots of follow up with some prospects during his last weekend evangelism. It is working well and we praise God for His work.

CBIW students were encouraged by a kind gesture from their sisters in Mondoni congregation, a growing congregation that we established in February this year. They came surprisingly to CBIW campus one evening with food flasks. They brought fufu and vegetables for all the students. It was great to welcome them and also see their appreciation for the work of the students in their life as they continue to grow. Keep this young congregation in your prayers for them to continue to think of doing good for the glory of God.

I traveled for weekend evangelism with some student in Kombe to Ebonji church of Christ where I was invited to preach and give the benediction of a wedding ceremony between brother Daniel and sister Ruth. Today, by His grace, they are husband and wife in Christ. It was a colorful event as I told them with appreciations their desire to obey God’s command in marriage for one man to one woman. The above 50 man population benefitted from God’s original principles of marriage which many today, because of satanic influences, are changing to fit their selfish and unholy ambitions.

Brother Daniel and his wife stood with us after the ceremony for a picture. I told them in Africa marriage is a journey of no return. They will endure hardship which is part of the ingredients that they must receive and they should accept it as part of the game in the school. Conclusively I told them to always rejoice (Phil. 4:4).

The Wotutu congregation continues to make preparations toward the forthcoming graduation ceremony. We are expecting above 700 people on our premises on the 19-20th of December. Many are calling and telling us that they will come before that date to come and help in one way or the other to put things in place. CBIW has done something in the entire Cameroon for this very short space of it existence. Thank you for standing with us. Wotutu congregation is benefitting from CBIW as we continue to preach on our local radio every morning and to visit our members. As of today the total worshippers in Wotutu was 118 with 5 first time visitors, we are in an urgent need for benches. Please, if you can help us, then we shall really appreciate it.  

Plans
1) Our first graduation and second matriculation of 25 students will be on the 19-20^th of December 2012 by His grace. We count on your prayers and support.

2) We are still to make the trip to Botoke for the establishments of a new congregation which will be the first in the whole of west coast region

3) CBIW students start their long courses exams tomorrow Monday the 19th on Church History, Christian Ethics, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and the book of Revelation. We added Church Music and Introduction to Greek. 

4) We shall welcome short courses instructors from the USA soon and that will be the last courses before the graduation. Keep all our visions in your prayers.

Appreciations
Many thanks to God for His great care and blessings over us. We thank God for using you to accomplish and what He will continue to accomplish here in Cameroon. Thank you for availing yourself for Him to use you the way He is using you over His work here.

Share this report with others and may God continue to bless you and the work you do. The entire USA is in our prayers. May God take control over the affairs of that nation. We wait to read from you. Stay safe and remain bless.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Thankful For Dedicated Staff...

I have noticed several people expressing their gratitude for specific areas each day during the month of November. We have been blessed with much for which to be thankful and we need to express our gratitude daily. As I continue this month to focus on several areas within the Extension Program, for which I am thankful, this week’s report focuses on the dedicated staff in each location.

I am thankful for the staff of each extension school where Bear Valley is privileged to share in the work of training men to preach. The real nuts and bolts of the entire program hinges on their efforts. I am thankful for their dedication, hard work, soundness, and love for the Lord, His church, and the lost who need Jesus.

These men work tirelessly in maintaining a program of work that requires them to serve as administrators, teachers, cooks, disciplinarians, students, and taxi drivers. They are willing to do whatever it takes to see the success of the gospel going into all the world. They give of their time, talent, energy and financial resources to make sure the students who have been entrusted to their care receive everything they need to succeed.

I am blessed to know these faithful Christian men, privileged to share in this work with them, and honored to tell others about their dedication. When you are praying today, please remember the men who provide the heart and soul of training faithful men to teach others. The fruit of their labor continues to excite me with the opportunities God is providing for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

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/

Gary Fallis’ report can be read by clicking here.

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

Extension Reports 

20 Souls Added To Young Congregation: After a weekend campaign to Kombe village in Cameroon, God gave the increase as 20 souls were added to the kingdom.

Hindi Booklets Are Reaching Masses In India: Thousands of booklets about the gospel are being printed in the Hindi language and distributed near Chandigarh.

Students Evangelizing Eastern Uganda Villages: The students are busy near Busia, Uganda in traveling to villages with the message of the gospel.

KSOP Students Complete First Quarter Of Studies: The news from Kenya is exciting as students complete the first quarter in their 2 years course of studies.

Weekend Evangelism Produces Fruit In Liberia: As students continue to study the Word, the weekends are filled with reaching out to others with the gospel.

Obeying The Gospel In Paraguay: The news from Asunción is exciting as the body of Christ grows from those obeying the gospel.

Graduation At The ACSOP Draws Near: Staff and students at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching are preparing for the next graduation.

Water Shortage Creates Challenges In Tanzania: Due to weather conditions in and around Arusha, government officials are limiting the amount of water for families. 

Final Thoughts
As we near the end of the year, I know budget plans are being made for the upcoming year. I also know that our economy has caused many individuals and congregations to reconsider what they are able to do in support of the Lord’s work domestically and internationally. I want to thank all of you for including the Bear Valley program in Denver, as well as, the tremendous generosity you have shown throughout 2012 for the Extension work. I pray God will bless you richly for your generosity and your plans for the work in the year ahead.

Thank you for your dedication to the work of training men to preach the gospel.

God bless
Bob

Flourishing In The Work Of The Lord...

Dearest brethren, 

It is quite pleasant outside here in Southeastern Arizona. We are doing well and thank God for all His continued blessings.  

The congregation here in Morenci continues to bless us in so many ways. We are encouraged as we get to know everyone better. It has also been wonderful to be close to my parents. The kids have sure enjoyed their time with grandma and grandpa. They especially love driving the golf cart and feeding the animals (ducks, goats, dogs and cats).  

The first weekend had Divine and my mom driving up to Kayenta, AZ to speak at a Ladies Day Retreat. It sounds like they had a wonderful weekend with all the sisters. They said the lessons and fellowship were a true blessing.  

Divine and I went to California for four days to attend a leadership conference. It was good information and good for the two of us to spend some quality time together. We are grateful for all the help and hospitality of our brother Bill Salazar and his wife Jill.  

We were blessed to go over to Phoenix a day early to do some research on the Pima Reservation. As we make plans for our move in June 2013 we want to have as much information as possible. We mainly wanted to see the communities on the reservation, the school systems and possible places to worship. We also wanted to look at some close neighborhoods that we might want to live in.

We spoke to the community development coordinator to see what it takes to start a new congregation on their land. They seem to be fine with us coming there, it is just a challenge to find a place to worship. They said several denominations share a Presbyterian building. We will continue to be in touch with them and some others that work on the reservation to find a place to worship. As we get to know the community better, we will be exploring opportunities of service.

As soon as we got back from California, my dad and I drove to Denver for the Master’s Blitz Week. I took the Biblical counseling class taught by brother Jerry Martin. It was an excellent class. I was only able to audit about half of the Advanced Hermeneutics class taught by brother Denny Petrillo. It was also a great class to be in. While in Denver, I had to haul a final trailer load of things back to Arizona. After a long trip we finally made it home safe and sound.

The school in Cameroon continues to flourish under difficult circumstances. They had a fruitful campaign after their third quarter of classes and are now back in their final quarter before they graduate. James Coker is scheduled to teach the first week in December and then I will follow by teaching Marriage and Family. I will also be staying to witness the first graduating class from the Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu (CBIW).

The plan is for me to continue in the coordinator role until the end of December 2012. Starting January 1st, 2013 brother David Ballard will take on the coordinator role for CBIW).  I will then devote more of my focus on preparing for the church plant in Phoenix.  

We are so thankful for all of your support and encouragement in our new efforts to plant a congregation in the Phoenix area with a focus on the Native American people. We are thankful for all the prayers and advice and help that each of you give in your own way. Thank you! 

In His service, 
Austin Family

Water Shortage Creates Challenges In Tanzania...

Dear Co-Workers:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, He hears us." I John 5:14

Welcome to November! Yes, in just a few short weeks, the year of 2012 will be history. Our family is fine and we hope you are too. On October 31, the kids invited some friends over, dressed up in costumes and went to the co-missionaries houses (Staffords and Hochdorfs) to present them some cookies (but also got candy in return).

Last week, the government announced there would not be any more water for 3 days so whatever was in the storage sim tanks had to last. We ended up buying a truck load of water for about $80 to tide us over (no pun intended...water..."tide" us over). People pay one year in advance for government water but there is no guarantee you will have it everyday.

The electricity has been off quite a bit for the past few days. But, we are glad that we have had three really good rains. We're not sure what is going on again but, local gas stations in Kisongo have been out of diesel for the past three days...so our van (which is extremely low on gas) has been parked. Maybe there will be gas tomorrow before church or we will be crowded into Jimmy's car. So...no water, no electricity, no diesel!

Allie Reed (visitor from Oklahoma) has been busy going to Bible studies and working some with the children at Arusha. Unfortunately, she has been having a tooth problem and will probably end up with a root canal. Fortunately, we have a great dentist here experienced in doing painless (?) root canals!

Our ACSOP student spotlight is on Peter Ang'atta Were, age 59. Very tall and thin, Peter is married with 5 children (three are his late brothers' children he is raising...very common in Africa). He was formerly of the New Apostolic Church in Uganda. Peter's favorite class was "God's Eternal Kingdom" taught by Wayne Burger in 2007. Scheduled to graduate with his Master's degree this month, Peter is already a great asset to the church.

Our family was asked to bake a birthday cake and come to the party for 1-year-old "Pray God," son of Rehema. Outside twenty-six neighborhood children were singing "Happy Birthday" when we arrived! Counting the adults, thirty-four people crammed into the mud hut living room (10 x 12) ...also remember there was a normal size couch, arm chair, straight chair and small coffee table taking up space in this room. It was a very sweet time and everyone made us feel very welcome. Little Pray God did not know what to think about everyone singing and being in his house!

The TZ 2000 Mission Work began in 1998 under the oversight of Kensington Woods in Hattiesburg, MS. If you are interested in receiving their bi-monthly newsletters (to learn even more about everything going on) please contact Mary Kay Stickroth at mkstickroth@att.net. Also, the TZ 2000 General Fund is in the red for the last month of the year. The goal is to raise $25,000 in the next 30 days. If you can see your way clear to help with this, it would be greatly appreciated (This is different from our own personal needs that we have written about in recent weeks). If you or your congregation can help, please send your contribution to Kensington Woods. The address is on the first page of this report.

In Christ, The Gees

Graduation At The ACSOP Draws Near...

Greetings Fellow Workers,

We greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God continues to answer your many prayers on behalf of His mission work here in East Africa. We are thrilled as to the upcoming Andrew Connally School of Preaching graduation. We will graduate nine with Master’s degree, six with Bachelor's degree and two with Associate degree. In keeping with God’s will; “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2.2), God is spreading and giving the increase in some mighty ways. Here are three short comments from two of our graduates and one student who will graduate on the 24th of this month:

“I did send two students to go and help lead bible classes and worship services at the young revived church Nyamasare 80Km away for three consecutive Sundays and the result was marvelous, three baptisms on their third visit and also helping them stop errors of women leading singing and making denominational testimonies during worship. We pray this school will be capable as it train men to also send them out occasionally to the congregations around western Kenya to evangelize and fight liberalism which is prevalent here as in other areas. Tomorrow, Nov 11^th, 6 students from KSOP will be leading bible classes and worship services at three different congregations, Butere church, Kaila church and Umuri church....We were very much privileged in the past weeks to have Bob Turner of BVBID and Cy Stafford of ACSOP Arusha visit us at the school. It was inspiring, for the new students to hear Turner speak on Leadership and be with Cy who has played great role in molding us through his vision. In His Service, Charles Ogutu”

“Hello brother, two have become new creatures in Christ today. His servant, Yusuph Mdaki”

“I started my journey from school and reached Katesh where I was met with an audience ready to hear the Word of God. The next day, Sunday, one soul decided to obey God’s Word and is now our new brother in Christ. His name is Imanuel Darema, married with children who are near the Kingdom. My expectation is that there will now be a new congregation. Our hope is that the ten widows and orphans (who many are HIV positive) will come to know the Lord and His Church. Your brother in Christ, Paul Muhendi”

Yes, the power of God’s Word is having its intended affect in the lives of many here in East Africa. This is made possible largely due to your prayers and support and we thank you, we thank you with all our being. 

Time draws near! We have purchased our airline tickets (in faith) and if the Lord wills, we will arrive in the States on December 2nd. We have been blessed with a donation of $3,000 that will cover most of the $5,000 needed in order to come report on God’s mission work, raise the needed funds that this work might continue and yes, see our nine grand children (and their parents). Yes, we are excited about the good being done, coming to see our dear friends and loved ones, yet we leave with troubled hearts. There is much to do and so little time! 

My brother and my sisters in Christ, we need your help. We need to raise $20,000 in the next 20 days that God’s work might not be hindered. We are so very thankful for the $5,000 already donated. Please pray, purpose and provide the need that souls will not go wanting!

In Him, Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Allie

Obeying The Gospel In Paraguay...

Recent congregational developments and activities: 

• The Special Committee for the Bible School has been working really hard on the many aspects of organization. They have developed a strong Bible curriculum, worked out a flow-chart for the personnel and staffing, and are continuing to develop the internal rules and regulations. 
• Our Annual Men’s Retreat was held on October 13 at the home of Vicente Martinez. We use this opportunity to review and measure where we are in the goals that we have previously made and to set new goals for the next year. It was a great day with many positive and exciting developments. It is thrilling to see the congregation taking on more responsibility and growing in the process. Please pray that the church will continue to grow and develop through the locals efforts! 

Recent conversions / identifications / restorations:

• Baptized! - Fabiola Gimenez. She is the sister of Silvina Gimenez that was baptized just a short while ago. She and her husband, Rodrigo, have been attending the couples Bible study group and have had several questions about baptism. She decided to put on Christ in baptism through her studies and we rejoice
  with the angels in her decision! 
• Baptized! - Jazmin Gimenez. She is the youngest of the three Gimenez sisters. She followed in the footsteps of Silvina and Fabiola, except she identified more with the youth group and became involved with them. Through various studies she, too, arrived at the decision that she needed to “obey that form of doctrine” (Roman 6:17) and be baptized. Now all three sisters are rejoicing in their salvation. This is especially apparent in the smile Jazmin produced when she rose into newness of life! (pictured above, right) 

Special Activities:
Annual Team Evaluation Workshop. We invited Gail and Jerry Heiderich from Itu, Brazil, to come once again and provide counseling for the team, as well as, guidance for yet another major transition that the team is facing. The Hardins will be finishing their time with the team in December and we are about to begin a Bible school, both of which will have an effect on the congregation. The remaining team members want to make the transition as smooth as possible and use it as an opportunity to help the church grow. We also set several new goals to work toward as a team. It looks like 2013 is going to be an exciting year!

Contacts / Bible Studies
Two new English Campaign Contacts! Two more interested students have come our way with Andrea and Adriana. They are both very interested in the Bible, so we pray the English study will develop into an opportunity to focus mainly on the Bible.

The remainder of our English studies continue to go well and we are advancing toward more serious Bible studies, as well. Please keep Blanca, Daniel, Sergia, Antonio, and Graciela in your prayers that they may be touched by the word of God.

Evangelistic efforts:
A young man named Martín has been attending services regularly and wants to grow stronger spiritually. He struggles with several addictions and just wants to make sense of his life. We pray for him and will continue to offer spiritual guidance.

Steps toward mission goals:
The new mid-week Bible study group in Ñemby is going very well! The weekly attendance has been strong and we have had some great studies. We pray this will continue to develop toward a natural church plant in Ñemby, that the church in Asunción can work towards and facilitate. Most of the leaders and the members have this vision already, so it seems to be only a matter of “when” instead of “if”.

Plans for near future:
We have a guest coming down from the USA! Karen Bennet, who is a member at one of our supporting congregations, Central Avenue in Valdosta, GA, is coming down to work with us for a several days!

We have two students coming to Paraguay from ITL of Guatemala to serve as “interns,” as well as, teaching and preaching. We look forward to their visit!

Our Team Retreat and Planning Session is coming up next month!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES
Personal HIGHLIGHT(s) of the Month: Two more precious souls added to the church, a team workshop, a Ladies Retreat/Renewal and the Annual Men’s Retreat all lent to a wonderful and busy month of October! We feel so blessed to be able to participate in such a wonderful work!

Personal study:

• I am currently reading / have read:

“Difficult Conversations and How to Discuss What Matters Most” by Douglas Stone and Bruce Patton. 

“David Crockett: His Life and Adventures” by John S. Abbott - just for leisure. The old language used in the book is rather fascinating! 

Culture and language study 
Andrea has enrolled in Berlitz Language School for Spanish classes. She loves it! We are praying this will accelerate her skills in speaking Spanish.

Visitation:

• We had a nice dinner one evening with Aldo Britez and our new sister in Christ, Catherine Pascottini in order to get to know them a little better. 
• We had Guillermo and Mirian Sanchez and Ruthy Pacuá over for lunch one Sunday just to get to know our new brethren better. They are a precious family! 
• We had a nice lunch with our sister, Raquel Franco. She is considering attending the Bible school! 

• Prisilla Santandar is now regularly attending a Bible study group and bringing her family with her to worship. We are continuing to visit her and try to help her spiritual development. 

• Dinner with our neighbors, the Meza’s. He is a retired Army Major and she currently manages a little sandwich stand near one of the universities. They have always been really kind to us and we enjoyed getting to know them better. 

Family activities:
Andrea attended Continent Care Connection 2012 which is a missionary retreat and renewal conference held in Brazil. She enjoyed getting to know other South American missionaries and soaked in the opportunity to spend some time at the beach! We are thankful for Great Cities who provides this valuable service to missionaries.

We voted! After learning what to do for oversees voting procedures, we cast our ballots via the US Embassy. But, we didn’t get one of those little “I Voted” stickers! :-(

We enjoyed a nice 17th Wedding Anniversary dinner at “La Misión Hotel.”

We have some fun family plans for November and are looking forward to the opportunities!

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

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

Weekend Evangelism Produces Fruit In Liberia...

Greetings come to all those who support Liberia Bible College though prayers and financial assistance.

ENROLLMENT UPDATE
Liberia Bible College has the total enrollment of 15 students, 7 of whom are residential students. The other 8 students are day students, who commute weekly to and from school. Two of the students are Nigerian brethren while the 13 are Liberian brethren.

BUILDING UPDATE
The Bible College Building which has undergone massive renovation is about 90% complete, with few outstanding things to be done which include procuring and installing two additional toilets, enclosing the campus with concrete a fence, and constructing a kitchen for cooking purpose.

OCTOBER 2012 REPORT WORKSHOPS
On October 27th, the director of the Bible School was blessed to help with the work of our brothers and sisters meeting at the Gardnersville Church of Christ. I presented a lesson on the Preparation and Presentation of Sermon and Pulpit Management. Another instructor spoke on the Role of Women in the Church. Fifty-six members were in attendance.

On October 29th, the Bible College was blessed with the visit of two brethren from the Madison Church of Christ in Alabama who conducted a one day workshop on Leadership and The Christian Home. Both brethren work on the Mission’s Committee of the said congregation. Sixty local preachers and leaders joined the students in this seminar.

LIBERIA BIBLE COLLEGE SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2012 REPORT

WEEKEND EVANGELISM
Boarding students of LBC participate in weekend evangelism during each week as part of their outreach program.

During the first week of October our students engaged in community evangelism. They worked with local congregations both in Monrovia and outside in the areas of teaching Bible Classes, visiting backsliders. Through that exercise four persons were restored. The students also enrolled people in the Bible Correspondence Course.

During week two our ministerial students were involved in personal evangelism and worship activities at local congregations. One of them, Harris Kolleh, presented Bible lessons on worship on a local radio station. The radio program is aired in Kakata by the Kakata Church of Christ, where student Harris is serving as associate to the minister. The students also got involved in visitation.

Week three saw the boarding students involved in personal evangelism at various local congregations. They actively participated in Sunday Bible teaching, spoke on local radio station, and visited backsliders which resulted in three restorations.

Finally in week four of October, four of our residential students participated in field work at the High Way Church of Christ. Their efforts resulted into three baptisms on October 24th.

OBJECTIVES OF NOVEMBER

1. To establish the World Bible School correspondence course as an integral component of the evangelism program, where students will actively participate in enrollment exercise. 
2. To complete instruction for the First Term and administer final evaluation of students for the term. 

To conclude, we thank our brother from Texas and others for their continued support of the Liberia Bible College.

Alassis

To see the report with pictures, please click here.

KSOP Students Complete First Quarter Of Studies...

Dear Brethren,

On behalf of the faculty and students of the six week old Kenya School of Preaching, I send my greetings to you. We are very much happy to be fellow workers with you in the Lord’s vineyard. Your prayers and sacrifices are greatly appreciated. We sadly join through prayers to God with fellow brethren and States that were hit and affected by the hurricane in the loss and destruction. In most of the times we cannot explain why some things occur but I am comforted in knowing that God is in control and he knows (consider the seven “I know…” Rev 2:2,9,13,19; 3:1,8,15). I have been ill but now am doing good and have an appointment with the doctor next week. Thanks for your prayers and still keep going to the Lord.

The six weeks have been that of settling down while at the same time working. Everyone is adapting very well to the changes and we thank God we have not witnessed any serious problem health wise on the students side, but those that are manageable. The students are now done with the five courses. They have done final exams and will submit the research papers by the end of the month before going for the December long break.

I did send two students to go and help lead Bible classes and worship services at the young revived church, Nyamasare, 80 km away, for three consecutive Sundays and the result was marvelous. Three baptisms on their third visit and also helping them stop errors of women leading singing and making denominational testimonies during worship. We pray this school will be capable as it trains men to also send them out occasionally to the congregations around western Kenya to evangelize and fight liberalism which is prevalent here as in other areas. Tomorrow, November 11th, 6 students from KSOP will be leading Bible classes and worship services at three different congregations, Butere church, Kaila church and Umuri church.

Short courses will run from November 12th -23rd. The students will have the opportunity of studying “Personal Evangelism 1” and “The New Testament Church” under fellow native instructors Obadiah Omutele and George Ong’ondo respectively. Both are graduates from ACSOP in Arusha, Tanzania.

We were very much privileged in the past weeks to have Bob Turner of BVBID and Cy Stafford of ACSOP Arusha visit us at the school. It was inspiring for the new student to hear Turner speak on Leadership and be with Cy who has played great role in molding us through his vision. Bob Turner, thank you for the English song books and helping us fix our photocopy machine and the computer after the power surge, they are now working well.

Attached find pictures of students in class and the secretary's desk.

Brethren we thank you, keep us in your prayers to overcome challenges common with young and new preaching schools as ours.

In His service,
Charles Ogutu

Students Evangelizing Eastern Uganda Villages...

Dear brethren,

The Lord is protecting us and giving us life. The students and faculty of Uganda School of Evangelism are doing well. On Friday (Nov. 2) the students went for agriculture lessons which Paul given them and worked in the Garden. After lunch they all went out to do evangelism. 

On Saturday (Nov. 3) the whole faculty and students went for evangelism in Junge village about 5 kilometers from the school. After breakfast they started walking to that village. There were students who were not feeling well who wanted to remain in the dorm, but they were encouraged also to go as we had carried the lunch for all of them to that village. We carried also some extra plates for the members of Junge church of Christ who were going to walk with us in the homes. We divided in a group of three and we made seven groups. Most groups were welcomed in the homes they were visiting. One group was scared and chased a way by the owner of the home by saying that there are some people who pretend to be preachers, but they are thieves who come with Bibles in their hands, but they are just looking for things to steal at night. The group left the home and moved to the next home which welcomed them very much and they were comforted by that. They said that in the second home they wanted them to come back for more studies. Most homes wanted more studies. 

We hope that the power of the gospel will create salvation. Hope read from you. 

Yours
Francis Wechesa

Hindi Booklets Are Reaching Masses In India...

First of all, we are prayerfully thankful that there has not been a single news of loss among the brotherhood in the recent natural calamities in the US and in India. The Lord is in control. He gives us strength and wisdom to share His message among his people.

We are also thankful for all the supporters and well wishers who are partaking with us to spread and strengthen the work in this Northern belt. It gives me immense pleasure to share with you some of activities during the past few weeks. After brother Jerry and brother Rodney left Chandigarh, we were more busy in Lord's work here. After the first Wednesday meeting in Parjapati Bhawan we were again ready to go to the People.

Sharing the truth with Voice of Truth International (Hindi)
After printing the Voice of truth International (Hindi), Vol. 2, we thought to take it to as many people as we could. We set a target of 1,000 books (out of 5,000 copies we printed here) to be given in Chandigarh and the surrounding areas. I am glad that we could do that. We asked students to go by bus to the far places and visit the nearer places on foot. They did it and it was very encouraging for them to contact new people.  

Follow up
To leave the people after giving them the book does not seem to me a good idea. So we have thought to start the work in new places. In Kharar (of adjoining City Mohali) we have started meeting in the evening on Sunday. Sector 26 (about 15 Kms. from our place to the other corner of the city) is in mind to start work there. Baddi (an industrial town in adjoining state, Himachal Pradesh) is also in our prayers to start work there.

Amritsar Trip
On the 23rd of October, brother Mangal had arranged a gospel meeting in Verka, Amritsar. More than 100 people attended. Brother Francis David and sister Elsy came from Delhi and we, along with the children, joined from Chandigarh. Preachers from other places of Punjab were invited. We took the students also.

Brother Francis and I were asked to preach there. The meeting went well, except that there was a sudden storm in the middle of the program and all tents were blown away and the electricity failed. The banner was found the next day in the fields. It was blown in the air as the program was on the roof. There was darkness everywhere, but thank God brother Mangal had arranged a generator set and we had light after a short while to continue. We thank God we could arrange downstairs and all went well. People were there to hear the word of God.

This kind of event is a part of learning how to arrange meetings and an encouragement to each other. Students were also able to visit Indo-Pak International Border retreat and the world famous golden temple of Sikhs in Amritsar.   

Bombay Trip
My Bombay trip in the first has been postponed due to some changes in program there. Now I will go on the evening of the 13th and return back on the 18th after 3 days Bible class there. I hope to fetch some students from that side too.  

Dengue Fever
Dengue has spread in the city and some of our members are affected by it. They need our prayers.

SMS Service restarted
Started a couple of years back, our daily SMS message on mobiles is started again. In the past few months I had stopped that due to financial reasons and the restriction of the government due to security and other reasons. But, thank God it is back now and we are able to send text messages to 1,600 people daily. This way we are able to send 50,000 messages each month.

Literature Distribution
We are using every opportunity the Lord provides us to share the word of God with as many people as we can. Presently we are sending throughout the nation and to Nepal also, Truth for Today (Hindi and Punjabi) books for preachers and the common people as well. Bibles, New Testaments and Song books are also part of that to help the local preachers.

Correspondence course
Though we do not have it in the Hindi language, yet as people know that we are running a Bible Education program, there is increasing demand of the Bible correspondence course in Hindi language. I think we need to think over it seriously as many people can be blessed with that.

I am sure, there is no end of writing, but this is just a glimpse to inform the brethren, what is going on here and that every penny we get, is used for the glory of God.

Earnest Gill