Another Incredible Week In The Extension Program...

The reports this week are plentiful and they are rich with God’s hand giving the increase around the world. There is a great level of excitement in reading about the mission of God as it is being fulfilled week after week. The activities of the staff and students in various locations around the world continually demonstrates the presence of God in all places at the same time. Our God is active in providing the growth of the church through the proclamation of the gospel.

This week in Denver students are focusing on a time of research. They are given an opportunity to dig deeper into the assignments and prepare for the final thrust of the quarter leading up to graduation. Witnessing the excitement of the Seniors who are approaching the finish line of their training is such a blessing. We look forward to reporting more about their work in the future.

Since there are a number of reports this week, I encourage you to read about the work for yourself. I appreciate the time you take each week to read through the various works being done through Extension Training. Without your hand to provide what is needed for each of these areas, the work would not be possible. Thank you.

Now on to the other reports...

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

To read the latest report from Howell Ferguson, please click here.

To read the latest report from Gary Fallis, please click here.

Extension Reports 

Two Deaths: One Spiritual And One Physical: The work in Cameroon experienced the physical death of one member and the spiritual death and rebirth of a new member. 

Wives’ Seminar In Cameroon: The church in Wotutu, Cameroon is going to host a seminar for the wives in the church. The benefit to the work overall will be significant.

Campaign In Ghana Brings Souls To Christ: A recent campaign with the staff and students of the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi yields fruit.

Master’s Class Graduates In VVBC: The Visakha Valley Bible College hosted the first Master’s Class Graduation in Visakhapatnam, India.

A Peaceful Election In Kenya And Classes Begin: Kenya recently held presidential elections. Amidst the possibility of problems, everything was peaceful and classes have started.

Two Souls Added To The Church In Nigeria: As staff and students alike preach and teach the gospel, God is giving the increase as souls are obedient to the Word.

A Ladies Class Will Benefit Upcoming Lectureship: The ladies in Uganda have been asking to have classes for them and this year the annual lectureship will feature those classes.

Combination Campaign And Recruiting Tour In Nepal: Although the students are on a three week break, staff members are busy in a campaign and recruiting for the next class.

The Truth Will Set You Free: The words of Jesus are proving true as the church continues to grow, witnessing those in error changing their practices in Tanzania.

Hi-ho, Hi-ho...You Know The Rest: Or do you? The students are returning to school at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Another incredible week! The dedication of those who are working around the world makes the entire Extension Program worthwhile. The results are evident and the power of God’s hand continues to work in wonderful ways. It is an honor to stand beside these men and share in the work of training future leaders in the Lord’s kingdom. 

God bless
Bob

Campaign In Ghana Brings Souls To Christ...

The Campaign for Christ at Ampenyi is one of two campaigns on our school calendar for this year.  One campaign is to establish the Lord’s church in a town where there is none. And the second is to work with an existing church in personal evangelism, visitation, and Gospel meetings.

Ampenyi, is a coastal town between Komenda and Elimina in The Central Region of Ghana. The main denominational churches in town are Catholic, Methodist, Church of Christ –Spiritual Movement (SM), The Twelve Apostle Church, and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The team was made up of four instructors -- Charles Mensah, Charles Arthur, Joshua Aidoo and Daniel Ampadu-Asiamah. Matthew Ackah, an instructor, who could not be on the team, was saddled with the care of a severely ill aged mother. Also on the team were sixteen of our students. Two were ill and could not go with us; one was called home to take care of his wife who was very ill and their young children, and a fourth student had been called up north to his father who is bed-ridden with illness. Additionally, we had our two cooks, a leading brother (Tandoh) from Effiakuma church in Takoradi, and Philip Nyan, a former student now preaching at Tarkwa. Philip provided chauffeur services for the campaign –transporting people, and equipment and taking the cooks to shop for groceries. The wives of Charles Mensah and Tandoh came a couple of days to assist the cooks.

We arrived at Ampenyi Monday evening, March 18. There was power outage ( a regular happening in Ghana today) and so we could not preach that night. We arranged for a standby generator the next day which became handy for the rest of the days at Ampenyi.

Work began in earnest Tuesday morning and from then till Saturday we did personal evangelism in the mornings and afternoons and open-air preaching at night. By Sunday night we have baptized 19 precious souls with whom to start the church at Amenyi. On Saturday afternoon and evening two instructors and five of the students left to fulfill various obligations they had in their congregations.

On The Lord’s Day morning, our worship attendance consisted of 25 men, 8 women, 4 children totaling 37. Eight of our new brethren were in attendance; two were ill and could not attend; four had travelled out before Sunday and three worshipped in nearby towns where they resided. Our giving was GHC 108.50 (USD 57.0)

All the baptisms were done in the ocean.

After church on Sunday, we gathered with the new Christians at our place of lodging and shared our lunch with them and used the opportunity to exhort them further to faithfully and fervently serve the Lord.

We are thankful to God for the opportunity and for the precious souls that were won for Christ, and for our faith strengthened in God and His Word. Also we are thankful to The Effiakuma church contributed GHC 1,000 (USD 526) to the campaign, and to all of you who constantly pray for us.

After the campaign, we allowed a recess of one week which included the Easter holidays. Classes began this week with the short courses taught by Charles Mensah and Joshua Aidoo. Next week God willing, Matthew and I will be teaching our assigned short courses. Thereafter, school will be over for the second term.

I have enjoyed some good health for the past couple of weeks. I am able to walk without much pain. My daughters have sent me a pair of forearm crutches and a walking stick (cane) from London. The cane will do for now and I will visit the rehab center to have it reduced to fit.  

Just about when I am getting better, a great brother and colleague of mine, Kingsley Adu, an elder of the Bomso church in Kumasi was rushed to the hospital Wednesday with a stroke. I solicit your prayers for him. We need him healthy and strong in the church in times like these.

Yes, Brethren pray for us... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. –1Thes. 5:25, 28.

Your servant for Jesus’ sake,
Daniel Ampadu-Asiamah

If you would like to see Daniel's report with pictures, please click here.

Two Deaths: One Spiritual And One Physical...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings to you all in Jesus’ name. We do hope this mail will meet you all in good health and a sound faith. We are doing okay here, just for some who continue to have some health difficulties now. We are down on our knees praying to the greatest Doctor to help the situation.

The waves of our early morning program keep cutting across communities with the adding of another horn speaker. Some villagers, far from Wotutu, called to participate by asking a question and that we should also include their chief’s name when we are greeting and praying for those in authority. Sister Emerencial, in Wotutu, obeyed the gospel last Monday after her family kept listening to the program “Back to the Bible.” Sister Emerencial smiled after being raised to live in newness of life. She told the church that the husband encouraged her go to the church of Christ, after they followed our program. He said he will come later. We are doing a follow up now with the husband. Keep them in your prayers.

Last week was well with the students of CBIW as they continue without any interruption from their studies. They continue to adapt and see the amount of work load that they must accomplish in school of validate their courses, so that students are determined and they are doing all in their reach to meet up.

We “think souls” and by so doing we make moves to rob from the strong man’s house where souls are perishing in their sins. We were smiling as we trekked to Tole for a funeral of a brother and we also used the opportunity to reach out to the entire community before the time of the funeral.

In Tole we were involved in house to house evangelism where we reached out to many in their homes. Some were doing their domestic activity, but will halt and listen to the truth from the Bible. One of our graduates, Awatt Manfree, is in this community and he is doing a great work.

The casket contained the remains of our brother, Ndive Nathaniel. I am preached to the living who listen keenly on the topic “Where Do You Put Your Hope?” It was really a moment to reflect to many who think accumulating wealth and other things is the best a man can do. The brother died at the age of 81 after suffering from stroke. He was blind man and a widower. The students of CBIW created an impact in the community and the people look at the church of Christ differently, as we never asked the mourners during the funeral service to come and give offering. They asked many questions after that and the Lord added brother Nelson to the church in Tole. Keep the brother in your prayers to grow to maturity.

Plans
1) We are still on mapping out the work in Batoke. The needs are enormous, that is why we need preparation before we move.

2) More demands to come and help with the work are still coming to my office. We shall start sending our students far into the forest in Akwaya areas, which is very close to the Nigerian border in the Northwest of Cameroon. Keep us in your prayers as we “think souls,” so that we shall carry the free bread of life and and share it in different communities free of charge and save many from bondage.

Appreciations
We praise God daily for you, for all that you are doing to make things happen here in Cameroon. God bless you and help you continue in this soul saving ministry. Your reward will come from the Lord alone, because we cannot reward you enough for all that you are doing, but we shall thank you for standing by us. Do your best to share this report with others around you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director of CBIW

Wives' Seminar In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters here. I present before you our annual Preacher’s Wives Seminar in Cameroon, this is the second edition. The preacher's wives had no program in the entire calendar of the work here in Cameroon. We initiated this last year and 40 wives attended for one day. This time around the sisters, themselves, decided that it will be for 3 days, again in Wotutu. Please, please I put it before you for your prayers for the success of the program and possible assistance to help run the day smoothly.

If you have some thoughts, then share with us while we wait to read from you. The primary aim was to help our young preachers in school whose wives will be part of the program to learn from the older preacher's wives who have been serving for a longer time in the mission field already. Then after this program, we shall start sending our married students with their wives for mission campaigns before graduation.

Please, thank you for your prayers and always being there for us.

Elangwe and wife on behalf of the church in Wotutu.

Master's Class Graduates In VVBC...

Greetings to you in the precious name of Lord Jesus Christ. 

Lord has blessed us with the Preacher Training program through your kind help. By the grace of God and your kind encouragements we have reached two milestones so far. One is training 16 men in the year 2009-11, and the second is, 9 preachers receiving Master's Diploma from Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, which made the total students sent our to the mission field from our school is 25. 

Now, we reached another milestone, that is sending another 13 successful students (2011-13) to the mission field. Tomorrow, we shall be having the graduation ceremony of the students for successfully completing the course. We are excited about that, we shall have brother Jerry Bates representing BVBID who will be awarding the Diplomas to the students. 

Graduation of first Master Class:
We believe that the Scripture is revealed to us by the inspired men so that the man of God is equipped for every good work. The good work involves teaching, correcting, reproofing and for training in righteousness. We are certainly blessed to have Visakha Valley Bible College to teach the inspired word to the man of God to do every good work. Nine students out of the twelve have successfully completed the required work in order to receive the MA diploma from Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver.

So far, our school has sent out 25 students including these 9 masters class students. As a result, they are working with 30 different congregations in 30 different places, glory to God.  Now, with this 16 new graduates the total number of students sent are 41. 

At this time we honor the name of the mighty God for His kindness through which we were blessed to be His children. However without someone going to the world and preaching the word, the whole world would be lost. The mission of the Elders of the Bear Valley Church of Christ is coming true, through their dedicated efforts. We are thankful to them for allowing us to use their curriculum and present Diplomas to our students.

We thank the dear elders of the Lake Houston Church of Christ for continuing your support to accomplish something great for our Lord, that is training the men to effectively carryout the gospel to lost millions in India. We appreciate your trust and confidence. At this time I must appreciate brother Steve Wiseman who is instrumental in this relationship going on. Above every thing, glory goes to our Lord God for blessing us with Visakha Valley Bible College, which is producing effective evangelists to proclaim the good news to the lost millions in India. 

Please convey our greetings to the brethren in the congregation. God bless,  

John Dean Muppidi
Skinner's Garden Bible School
Visakha Valley Bible College
Church of Christ
Andhra Pradesh,  INDIA
Cell: 091 - 9989922844

A Peaceful Election In Kenya And Classes Begin...

Brethren,

I hope and pray this finds you doing well in the Lord. I am happy to report that we too are doing great. It is supposed to be winter here in Kisumu but it’s not working at 80 degrees F, yet raining.

The Kenya School of Preaching began the third quarter of classes April 1st. They were on a one month break to allow them go back to their various home villages to exercise their democratic right to vote for a new president in Kenya. We thank God the Election was peaceful and no violence was reported except for a few demonstrations. On April 9th the fourth Kenyan president will be sworn in officially. We thank you all who kept Kenya and Kenyans in prayer.

I appreciate the braveness showed by Mike Reese, the KSOP coordinator, Mike Rowand and his better half, David and his better half, from the Charlotte Avenue church. These brethren overcame the fear that violence will be in Kenya before and after presidential elections and came and taught two classes at KSOP as well as led various gospel campaigns and seminars which brought forth much fruit in the Kingdom, because of their love for souls during the month of February and March. Thanks for trusting our advice, God bless you.

All the 17 preaching students are back in classes. This quarter they are studying OT History (Joshua, Judges, Ruth), and Writing Skills by Charles. The Ministry of Jesus and 1 & 2 Corinthians by Elias.  The book of Job by David Wasonga.  Short courses: World religion by Phabian, and lastly 1 & 2 Thessalonians by Obadiah Omutele. So far it has been a great start with all things working according to schedule.

During the break both Elias and Charles visited the congregations where they had been serving as preachers and some congregations where the preaching school students come from. Some congregations are doing real good while others are struggling and will really benefit from the trained preachers. Different students reported marvelous work that the Lord did as they went out to plant the seed. From the report, we have 8 baptisms!

Join us in prayers as we need to send these preaching students to local congregations in Western Kenya to help evangelize. This requires money to make it possible and it is one way to train these men to reach out to the lost practically.

We still pray that God will help us get land and funds to purchase it and construct buildings for the school. As well, we still appeal for brethren to help donate books to our young and small library.

Thanks for the great sacrifices that you are making. We love and pray for God’s blessings to you.

His servant and yours,
Charles Ogutu

Two Souls Added To The Church In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ,

Greetings from staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan and the satellite campus in Lagos State. We, staff and students of SWSE-Ibadan main campus and two WBSFU workers evangelized Elesu and Kuede villages of Ona-Ara L.G.A on Saturday April 6, 2013, and on Sunday at Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation I taught on the Reward for Giving unto the Lord. We are 51 in attendance with a total collection of N2,880= 

Brethren, Lord's willing, I will travel to Lagos on Friday morning in the company of brother Samuel Ishola to pay a visit to the wife of our late brother E.E. Efanga and on Saturday morning I will be speaking at a day WBS seminar at church of Christ, 5 Adelakun Street, Baruwa-Ipaja, Lagos State, on Applying the WBS Lessons to your Life.

NB: We had three visit the church and obey the gospel that were connected to WBS of West Olive congregation, Peoria, AZ as the result of brother Doug Wheeler's WBS seminar of Feb. 28, 2013 at ADC primary school and the 3rd semester examinations result of SWSE-Ibadan main campus. 4th semester classes begin on April 15, 2013, Lord's willing. We thank you all for your moral and financial support for the Lord's work here in Africa most especially in Nigeria. Thanks and God blessed!

I visited sister Christiana Efanga this past Friday with some members of Ilogbo congregation, due to the sickness of brother Matthew Adesokan that prevented brother Samuel Ishola from accompanying me to pay her visit. On Saturday, the day of the WBS seminar at Baruwa-Ipaja, Lagos state of Nigeria. Brother Ezekiel Okoh, one of the SWSE-Lagos instructors, moderated the program, brother Isaac Solomon served as the song leader, brother A.B. Udoh (coordinator of WBS office, Sari-Iganmu in Lagos State) taught on a Review of WBS lessons and questions, while I taught on the Application of WBS lessons into our life. The program started at 9:00 am and ended by 3:00 pm.

Thirty-nine WBS students were in attendance with some brethren from nearby congregation. Two WBS students were baptized at the end of the exercise. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Brethren, on behalf of the students and staff of SWSE-Ibadan main campus, I appreciate brother Steven Ashcraft and associates for their gift of $5,000 which has enabled us purchased another computer for the school, photo copier machine, HP jet printer, big electricity generator, UPS, Modem, printing of ten thousand Yoruba tracts, and five thousand English tracts for our weekend evangelism and in payments of Ibadan instructors support.

I also appreciate brother Doug Wheeler and associates for their continuous support of another $1,075 for purchasing four tires for the school van and payment of Lagos instructors support.

Beloved, I thank you all for your wonderful love, sacrifice and partnership! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ name, Amen.

The 4th semester classes begin tomorrow at SWSE-Permanent site. Brother Matthew Idowu, of the Lagos campus, will continue his service at Ibadan main campus in this 4th semester as he did in the 3rd semester to increase the teachings crew in Ibadan from three to four. Thanks so much for your great contribution toward the growth of the Lord's church in Africa and the world as a whole! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint effort in Christ name, Amen.

I remain your fellow laborer in Christ Jesus.

Sincerely His & yours,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan & satellite campus - Lagos

A Ladies' Class Will Benefit Upcoming Lectureship...

Dear brethren,

We thank you all very much for what you are doing. Your support is of great importance for the work here in Uganda. The church is growing and the Lord is being glorified. At the Uganda School of Evangelism students and the whole staff are doing fine and appreciate very much for what you are doing in supporting this work. The short course teachers, brother Donnie and Jimmy, arrived on the 6th of April. On Sunday they went to the Emmanuel Mawa to Namungodi congregations where they worshiped in the beautiful garden of brother Arthur. On Monday  they both started class. They combined both Kiswahili and English Classes in the hall. Paul Odaka helped with translation to Kiswahili class. 

Those in English class who hear Kiswahili were getting it twice. The short course ends on the 17th of April and brother Donnie and Jimmy will be departing on the 18th of April. 

Ladies’ Class
After a long cry from ladies of congregations, who usually come for our lectureships, for classes on Bible education, on the 22nd of April we will be starting that program and it will end on the 3rd May. Our plan is that these ladies will come after the short course every quarter four times in a year.

Bulukuyi congregation has finished putting together their grass thatched building and they are planning to put mud on Saturday, the 13th of April. Our student, brother Robert Owoko, is the one preaching there every Sunday. 

The Lord is blessing His work here in Uganda. May your effort too be blessed. 

Yours
Francis, Margaret, Paul, Susan and Edith and Ema

Combination Campaign And Recruiting Tour In Nepal...

The preaching school, Nepal Center For Biblical Study, takes two holidays each year. This is our first week of a three week Spring Break. More accurately it is the Nepali New Year. All the schools, grades KG to 12, finish their regular school year and the new school term will begin in late April. It is a good time for our students to go home, be with their families, and also work with their local congregations. This group of five students will graduate in late September and we will begin our next class of students [third group] on November 11.

Gajendra, the NCBS Director, is using this free time to do a 15-day combination campaign, teaching, and recruiting tour to three different areas. He began last week in the southern hill region, pressing on to the adjacent jungle region, and then will continue to a northern mountain area that is 10-15 miles below the Tibet border at an elevation of about 12,000 feet. There are a number of faithful and growing congregations in these areas. The church is growing faster in these village areas than it is in the large cities.

I am spending my time writing articles on requested subjects that will be translated and printed as tracts. These will be distributed to all the congregations in Nepal. I am also preparing lessons for out upcoming classes. For Gajendra and I both, this time is more of a change of pace time than a full holiday. We enjoy this time and are looking forward to the return of the students.

Don Prather, and his wife Janie, will be coming for two weeks in July. This will be their third trip to Nepal. Carl and Debbie Fronabarger will also be coming for their first time in Nepal. The plan is to have classes in Kathmandu for the students and about 40-50 leaders from around the country. The classes will be on congregational growth and maturity in the mornings and preacher/leader growth in the afternoons. 

Janie and Debbie will be teaching ladies bible classes in three different congregations during this week.  

The second week will find them in east Nepal working with the congregations in that area. The subject matter will be the same, including more classes for the ladies also. 

Please remember us in your prayers. God has blessed us greatly. Please contact me to set up the time, subjects, and itinerary for your Nepal trip …….. you are invited.

In Christian love and service,
Jerry Golphenee

The Truth Will Set You Free...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We pray this note finds you well, blessed and serving faithfully. We are good and we are thankful for the blessing of health and the privilege of serving in Tanzania. This past week has been a busy one, full of good news and blessings.

Our brother Gasper writes; “A woman preacher at Matunda has stopped preaching after a study with those at the Lord’s Church at Mtu wa Mbu. She has turned the preaching over to the men. We still need your prayers because on the 19th we will have another Bible class on the subject of the proper name of the Church and how we are to worship. Her children worship with us at the Church here in Mtu wa Mbu.”

Yes, the truth will set you free (John 8.32).

From time to time we have the privilege of helping our good brothers and sisters who have gone the extra mile by doing what they can with what they have. The Nakwa congregation has worked tirelessly making and burning bricks. They have laid the foundation, built the walls and are now in need of putting a roof on. This is where you come in; we are asking for your help, helping them as they strive to help themselves. We need $850 to purchase the timber, iron sheets, and nails to put a roof on this meeting house. The labor will be provided by the church. Please, if you can, help in any way you can. When you do, simply note the purpose of your donation: “Nakwa congregation meeting house.” Thank you in advance for your sacrificial gift.

Today was a very special day at the new church plant here in the White Rose area of Arusha. They are currently meeting in a 10 X 10 room of one of the members homes (Baraka & Angel). Twenty-one souls gathered in this room to study God’s Word and to worship Him. The singing was amazing and the love and joy expressed by each was indeed encouraging.

They have rented a new room (twice the current space). They hope to move in by this Wednesday for their mid-week Bible class. We had three students from the ACSOP join us. They led in singing, prayer and other aspects of the worship. It is a blessing to see these young Christians “soaking” up God’s Word and seeing the transformation in their lives. God’s Word is having its desired impact in Tanzania.

After fifteen years of mission efforts, God has blessed us with growth beyond our wildest imagination. Below is a letter recently sent out to our supporters explaining this very thing and some exciting news regarding the future of God’s work here in Tanzania and throughout East Africa. 

To everyone who has made this work what it is, we say thank you. As we move forward, we ask for your continued prayers, support and fellowship. The best is yet to come. With your help, God’s blessings, and a continued effort, God will have His way and countless souls will be saved. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

To our partners and supporters in TZ 2000,

I have some exciting news to share!  God’s blessing of the work in Tanzania has grown beyond what we ever imagined 15 years ago. In 1998, the leadership of the TZ 2000 effort set 3 goals by the year 2018: 

(1) To teach Tanzanians to teach Tanzanians 

(2) To strengthen and mature the congregations in Arusha & Moshi to be self-supporting       with goals of appointing leaders 

(3) To plant 50 congregations in East Africa.  

Through the establishment of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching (ACSOP) and the Arusha and Moshi Bible schools, we have met and exceeded these goals in less than 15 years resulting in: 

• 135 gospel ministers trained – 24 currently enrolled in ACSOP
• More than 150 congregations planted
• Over 3,000 Christians meeting each Lord’s Day 
• Two “second generation” training schools - Uganda School of Evangelism and Kenya School of Preaching
• And the growth in leadership and maturation of individuals and congregations!    

None of this work could be accomplished without your support and prayer.

Now the next phase of growth awaits us.  The only limits we have are those that we place on ourselves (Eph 3:20).  With the TZ 2000 effort looking toward accomplishing more, the Kensington Woods (KW) eldership is partnering with the elders of the Bear Valley (BV) congregation in Denver, CO to direct the efforts of the ACSOP to further the work that the TZ team has accomplished.  As some may know, Bear Valley has been instrumental in training preachers since 1965 and has been a long-standing partner in the ACSOP.  It is a natural progression that as the work grows, Bear Valley will be on board to help provide that oversight needed to grow the evangelism process to train men to teach others (2 Tim 2:2).

How does this affect you as a partner in the TZ 2000 work?  NOT AT ALL!  My role will continue as it is today.  The team on the ground in Tanzania will continue working as before.  Kensington Woods will still be involved in the work.  You will still be a part of the team that is changing the world in East Africa.  The only change is that Bear Valley will be involved in overseeing the work of the ACSOP to carry it beyond the level it is today to reach even more souls.  As the transfer of oversight goes from KW to BV, you will be asked to do two things: add Bear Valley to your prayer list and change the mailing address of future correspondence to Denver instead of Hattiesburg.  The target date for this change to occur is July 1, 2013, and we promise to keep you abreast of the progress as we proceed toward that goal.

What God controls, grows!  He controls the work in Tanzania - it is merely under the oversight of faithful men.  By making these changes, TZ 2000 is positioning itself to take the gospel even further and faster than we ever imagined.  To God be the glory great things He is doing! Thank you for your faithfulness in helping us accomplish much for Him. If you have questions concerning anything related to TZ 2000, please direct those questions to me.

Because He lives....

Cy Stafford
tz2000team@gmail.com
Stateside phone: 601.310.6170

Hi-ho, Hi-ho...You Know The Rest!

Report: 4-8-13

"All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats..." (Mt. 25:32) 

Dear Co-Laborers: 

Rain drops keep falling keeping the town of Kisongo a beautiful bright green. Upon observing some empty seats in worship, a Kisongo member said: "God blesses us with the rain we prayed for but some members decide not to attend due to having to walk in the mud." Many times God answers prayers only to have Christians decide to put Him second (which translates as "last").   

Hi-ho, Hi-ho it's off to class they go... The ACSOP has begun a new quarter. Classes are "Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy," "Life of Christ I, "Christian Evidences," "Sermon Prep and Presentation," and the "Book of Acts." There is no better way to do mission work than to train the local people to teach their own.      

"You formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother's womb."  (Psa. 139:13). Speaking of rain earlier, it's been "raining" babies at the Kisongo congregation for three months. While visiting a new mother (Nyamyake), she told of her birth experience with newest and 6th child. Easily mistaken for a 13-year-old, this small lady gave birth to all her children at home...this last one being delivered by Nyamyake HERSELF (she may have delivered others by herself). Shortly after going to bed, her labor pains began. Her husband awoke asking if he could help. Nonchalantly, she told him to go back to sleep; she could handle it. Lying on the floor and holding onto a bucket for "support," she gave birth to Anna. Never doubt our observation during our first year in Africa: "The strongest woman in America is a wimp in Africa!" 

Last week, a midnight call awakened us because our neighbor Ruth needed a ride to the hospital. She was "sick" (ha/ha). Tanzanians are embarrassed to say their wife is in labor (or that she is pregnant). At services, two more "new arrivals" were announced bringing the total to six!

At the monthly Arusha Evangelism meeting, Jimmy encouraged everyone to focus on a few things and to do those with excellence. Church growth was discussed with the goal being five churches established in five years. Since the White Rose congregation is the present focus, the Hoover group will work there after arriving May 30th. The local brethren will conduct pre-campaign work in May before the "Safari for Souls" campaign begins in June.

Besides being thankful for the Hoover group, who come each summer, we are also grateful for many other short-term workers. Those from Oklahoma are scheduled to arrive on June 17 to evangelize in Ngurdoto. Also, we welcome husband-and-wife team, Nathan and Jessica McVeigh (Bear Valley Bible Institute graduates) to work for one year (possibly in Njiro).         

"In the beginning..." Our children have been studying Genesis in preparation for the Bible Bowl at "PowWow," a homeschooling event held annually at the Indian Creek Youth Camp (Oakman, AL).     

Grace and Rachel will soon return to their boarding schools (armed with the newly translated "Searching for Truth" books and other Bible material). Pray for their continued study as they are not allowed to attend worship while at school (makes you thankful for the privilege, doesn't it?) 

Born in the U.S.A.... and thankful for it. Three weeks and $1800 is between us and you. {Unless you have lived overseas, it's difficult to appreciate the American freedoms. Granted some are "under fire" and it will be a sad, sad day if America becomes like other nations with a high level of government corruption and inefficiency, with few (if any) rights and substandard healthcare in socialized hospitals. In Tanzania, one can never technically own land (one can buy a 99-year lease but the government is free to take land at any time WITHOUT compensation to the owner). There is a reason America has stood tall and prospered.} We appreciate the recent contribution made last week. Thanks so much! Could anyone initiate a special contribution at your congregation so all of the funds could be in place? We thank you in advance for your generosity and kindness and look forward to seeing you soon. 

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

Report: 4-15-13

"Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His lovingkindness is everlasting." Psa. 136:26  

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters:

Good News!  Thanks be to God (and for all your prayers) ...the Immigration Visas were approved!  We are grateful for finally "clearing this hurdle."

Bad News! We don't know how long it will take to get the files from the states to Dar es Salaam. The U.S. Embassy says the soonest appointment for interviews is JUNE (6 weeks past our departure date). So, please keep praying. If worse comes to worst, the TZ children travel to the U.S. on tourist visas AGAIN (necessary to pay an additional $640). Once received by the Embassy, the Immigration Visas are valid for two years (necessitating our return to the states within about 1 1/2  years for another furlough). By the way, IF our fully-adopted TZ children entered the U.S.  illegally, then the process to become a legal citizen would be FREE!  Has the world gone crazy? Or is it a political maneuver to gain voters? Singer and songwriter, Ray Stevens, "hit the nail on the head" with his song, "Come to the U.S.A."

Another Ray Stevens' song, "Used Cars," came to mind Friday morning on our way to get Yellow Fever vaccinations (the time had expired since our last one). One line of the song says: "Thanks to that car, their money and their minds are gone!" That just about sums it up! A radiator hose blew off and the van died while pulling into the station (not that the station could fix it; we called our friend and mechanic, Kambarage, to pick it up). The van had just been serviced a month earlier. Cy Stafford arrived soon to transport Jimmy home to get the Prado. When Jimmy returned, eleven of us squeezed into the 8-seater to drive to the pharmacy to collect the vaccines and then on to another location to get the vaccination cards. Afterwards we headed to the Tanzanian Christian Clinic where co-missionary and nurse, Stephanie Stafford, injected us.  Unfortunately we had no choice because the TZ government requires it to re-enter their country.  Stephanie did a great job so there was no "weeping or gnashing of teeth." We're praying there are no major side effects either.

Sadly, a small plane crashed a few miles from our house last night, killing the pilot. Our house is in the path of the airport. Interestingly, our "furlough house" is in Calera, AL and near the airport. Our sincerest thanks is expressed to Sid Aultman for his help in securing this house. No doubt about it...he has gone the "second mile" and maybe a third. 

A big plane is what we hope to board in exactly 2 weeks. Thanks to all who contributed to our furlough funds this past week! The balance now stands at $800. We appreciate each one of you for your loyalty, dedication and love of lost souls. Your kindness and generosity towards us in our work in Tanzania is to be commended. Lord willing, we will see you soon!  

With Love from Africa,
The Jimmy Gee family

Study And Focus On Leadership...

The past weekend was a time of study and focus on leadership with the Linder Road congregation in Boise, Idaho. The church at Linder Road hosts a men’s retreat each year and studies areas to help encourage the men in the congregation with growth spiritually, fulfilling God’s will in their lives, from the home to the church to the community. This congregation is also involved in the Extension program in Guatemala and Paraguay.

While I enjoyed the opportunity of talking about leadership, the take away for me was the time shared after lunch on Saturday. Several of the men sat down and discussed areas where they wanted to give praise to God. As well, we spoke about specific requests from areas in our lives we would pray about together. This was a rich time of praying together as brothers and a wonderful opportunity to grow closer together in relationship to one another. I appreciated this time of fellowship and the blessing it brought to my life.

I am thankful to have been given the privilege of sharing in this event and getting to know the men of the Linder Road congregation better. I pray they will continue to grow in their relationship with each other as they serve our great and holy God.

The Bible Institute in Denver continues to edge its way toward graduation. Students are approaching a week of research as they work on digging deeper in the development of their assignments. Other students in the Extension Program are also working their way through their quarter of studies and many are reaching out with the gospel. The results this week have witnessed God giving the increase in great ways.

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 

Back To Class In Cameroon: After a successful campaign and short break, classes have resumed in Cameroon. Students continue preparing for the work of evangelism.

Evangelism Produces Fruit In Nigeria: As staff and students reach out with the gospel in various events, God is giving the increase.

New Milestone In Paraguay: The church is experiencing a new milestone with the start of the school in Asunción.

The Greatest Challenge In Cambodia: The years bring many changes to the challenges in the work. Phanat Ouch shares some of those challenges.

Expansion Considerations In Siem Reap: The church is growing and considering how to expand for more people to attend worship in Cambodia.

U.S. Teachers Visit BVBIU: Several teachers have visited the campus in Gorlovka, Ukraine and the program continues to see the benefits of the work.

Graduate Reports Show Growth In Tanzania: The Andrew Connally School of Preaching is seeing success from graduates who are teaching the gospel. 

Final Thoughts
Beginning a new week reminds me of the continual blessing of this program. No matter what time of the year or day of the week, students are involved in classwork, outreach in evangelism, or worship of God. Their dedication drives the purpose for which this program exists. Thank you for helping make this a reality. Your financial support, encouragement, and prayers strengthen every area of the work. I pray for you daily.

God bless
Bob

Graduate Reports Show Growth In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Servants:

We thank our God for all the good He is doing through you and the entire Tanzania 2000 mission team. We hope and we pray this note finds you well, blessed and busy about the work of the Church. We are about to get settled in. Granny is fighting bronchitis, so please keep her in your prayers. 

Almost on a daily basis we receive good news from various evangelist and congregations. Here are but a few:

William Rodrick, a graduate of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, serving the Maji ya Chai congregation reports: “The Ngurdoto congregation (planted last year with the help of the Second and Adams congregation, Elk City, OK during the Safari for Souls campaign) is doing well, attendance is normal, Bible studies continue and one soul was added to the Kingdom. Thank you for your kindness, loving hearts, thank you all.” 

Timothy Mbakiza, also a graduate of the ACSOP, serving the Bukoba congregation writes: “I have preached beyond Bukoba and now there are believers in Christ in a different district. We need to visit Misenyi district and Karagwe because the Church is still young.” [These are two new church plants - cws].

Gasper Julius, another graduate of the ACSOP and evangelist for the Mto wa Mbu congregation writes: “The good news is that Mungere congregation has started to cut trees for temporary building, so soon they will be worshiping in their own building. The man who took our sister to court because she refused to be in a polygamist  relationship, apologized and said he will come to the church and repent because he is sorry and does not want to bring shame upon the Church.”

Christopher Mwakabanje, co-director of the ACSOP reported today at the area wide evangelistic meeting that the average attendance at the new Church plat in the White Rose are of Arusha had an average attendance of 8 adults with one soul being added to the Church in April. 

David Bayi, graduate of the ACSOP, evangelist for the Kioga congregation, wrote just today; “Hello brother Cy, how are you and how was your worship. We have good news this day, we have a new brother in Christ, Yusuph. He put Christ on in  baptism and is now in the light. Thanks and stay blessed.”

The desired results of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching is having its desired affect on the good people of East Africa. The work of God in Tanzania is in the hands of capable and hard working men and women. The growth of the Church in Tanzania is evident and for this we say thank you God, thank you supporters and thank you our dear brothers and sisters in Christ who work and live in this country of Tanzania. Thank you Kensington Woods. Thank you Bear Valley!  

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie and Granny

U.S. Teachers Visit BVBIU...

Hello dear brothers, churches and families.

I hope my letter will find you in a good mood, and you will have time to learn about the latest news in the Bible Institute and some churches in Ukraine. 

As I have mentioned in my previous report, two American teachers-missionaries (Garth Hilton and Johnny Mack Young) visited us in the beginning of March. They taught Job, Wisdom Literature, Contemporary Religious Thought and Personal Evangelism. We are thankful for their ministry and participation in God's work in Ukraine. 

Also, Garth Hilton was the main speaker at the seminar dedicated to training elders within the churches. We have discussed this topic last year. In reality, there are only a few churches here in Ukraine where they have elders ministering. Other churches are being led by the business committees. I think we should start thinking about the elders now, praying, planning and training suitable men for this position. There were about 40 people who attended the seminar, and we even had a visitor - an elder from Russia (Syktyvkar). 

Third week of March was planned for the evangelizing campaigns. All students were divided into 4 teams and helped the work of local congregations. This time we helped Central Church of Christ in Gorlovka, Mayskaya Church of Christ in Gorlovka, Church of Christ in Illovaysk and Church of Christ in Dnepropetrosk. We are grateful for our students' ministry, and we keep praying for the Lord and the leaders of the churches to keep working with these people. There were no baptisms, but many of the students conducted personal Bible classes, and they have made contacts to work with these people in the future. 

During this time, I was able to visit and preach at the churches in Kramatorsk, Lugansk and Donetsk. It was a huge blessing to see that God's church exists in Ukraine, and there are people who love God. Right now we have several prospective students for the next school year, but it is very difficult to recruit many people. Many congregations are physically aging, and young people who have a job are afraid of losing it. In our country, as in any other place, people want stability, and it is difficult for them to accept changes in their lives. Please pray for us to meet men who are willing to sacrifice many things to study Bible full time and serve the Lord and His church in the future. 

In March we have organized several youth group meetings within the church. It was very interesting to see how our students plan, get ready and organize such events. Everybody knows that such projects are aimed at getting more people to recognize that they need to be saved. Also in the first week of March, we invited parents of those kids who attend our Bible school, The Gifted Child. There were 5 new mothers who gladly visited us. After the Sunday service, kids showed their talents reciting poems and performing in short plays. 

We are looking forward to seeing Denton Landon next month and pray for his safe travels. I want to thank all those people who keep helping and supporting the Bible institute and God's work here in Ukraine. In 1 Corinthians 13:8 it is said that love never fails; it's because you show it in your deeds continuously. Helping and supporting the Bible Institute in Ukraine, you give another chance to those people who want to preach the truth.

God's blessings.

Your brother and co-worker,
Dennis

To see Dennis' report with pictures, please click here.

Expansion Considerations In Siem Reap...

Dear brethren,

It is such a great honor for me that I can get to know you all as a godly man and woman who is working hard for Christ's sake. We want to be like you all as mature, faithful, and strong in your faith.

The church in Siem Reap is doing fine. We still keep teaching and preaching what Christ wants us to do and we always want to do that.

We have more people coming to join the worship with us so that our building is filled with people. I discussed with our brothers last week trying to get their suggestions on how to enlarge our building so it will not be too tight for our people who come to worship.

With our building paper work, it's still on the way and I think it will be done very soon, as long as a man that is responsible for measuring the building comes and measures our building to make sure it's right. Then he will bring our document papers for a final man to approve and sign it, then we have all our paper work.

I'll keep you update more about that.  

Thank you so much for your support to the work in Siem Reap. May God bless you all.

In Him
Chann

The Greatest Challenge In Cambodia...

Greetings brethren in Christ!

Welcome to my blog on the work of Christ and my ministry in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It's always a joy to be able to reflect on the work here from month to month and share with my supporters and encouragers about what's going on in my life in this part of the world. Some see it as a chore to report of these things, but I count it as a blessing because it keeps me focused, accountable, and energized! I was recently asked a question pertaining to my ministry about what is the greatest challenge that I am currently facing. It's not the first time I have been asked this question. In the past five years my answers to that same question varied based on my experience. In the beginning it was adapting to the Cambodian culture, its food, way of life, etc. Then as I progressed my biggest challenge was how do I get the lost in this part of the world to recognize that they need Jesus and what's the best way to evangelize to them. Finally, my answer to that question has become, how do I get the saved to trust and depend upon God completely in all aspects of their life. I, myself, struggle with this but am progressing slowly in totally and completely trusting in Him to provide for all things physical and spiritual. Also, as the director of IBISR, the major concern that I have pertaining to IBISR is how do we get our students, after they graduate, to have the mentality of the apostle Paul with respect to his ministry. Meaning do they understand principles like: 

Philippians 4:11-12 (to be content in whatever state, whether it's in lacking of things or in prosperity; handling it correctly as they live their life and serve God)

1 Corinthians 9:1-18 (to know their rights; as laborers for God, they have a choice in receiving support from the local church or not and doing whatever necessary to further the gospel even if it requires sacrifices on their part) 

Acts 20:33-35; 18:3 (the principle of hard work to not only support themselves but help the weak and poor; to understand the blessing of giving!)

These three principles, if developed in our graduates, we won't have to worry much about their high salary or lack there of. We won't have to worry about their incentives and motives for doing Gods work. Hopefully the work study program of IBISR, along with the current curriculum, will get us moving in that direction. We will find out in the next few years as we are still in our developing stages. Please keep us in your prayers.

This month we had four Christians (Ravy and Chealin, Piseth and Rotana) committing to one another in marriage. We pray God's blessing upon them as they embark on  their journey together as Christian husbands and wives!

Phanat

If you would like to see Phanat’s report with pictures, please click here.

New Milestone In Paraguay...

What an exciting month March has been! A new milestone was reached in the history of the church in Paraguay with the inauguration of the Asunción Bible Academy (ABA). It is a new work of the church that has come to fruition after more than a year and a half of praying, planning, and preparing!

THE ASUNCIÓN BIBLE ACADEMY

• With more than 7,000,000 lost souls in the country, Paraguay needs more workers in His kingdom because the fields are, indeed, white unto harvest. With our thanks to the Lord, there is now a full-time Bible school in Paraguay with the express purpose of training up workers in their own language and culture through His inspired Word! It is an intensive two year program of Biblical studies with a special focus of “hands-on” ministry, personal evangelism, and church planting. 
• The Academy is being assisted by the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver (BVBID) by providing guidance, teachers for “short courses,” and curriculum materials. See more information in Bob Turner ́s report at: /extension-news/ 
• The stateside financial administrator for the Asuncion Bible Academy is the Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. 

INAUGURATION CEREMONY
On Sunday, March 10, 2013 the church held a congregational lunch and invited her sister congregation, “Centro,” to join the activities. Afterward, there was a special ceremony for the Academy. Similar to how Paul charged Timothy with his responsibilities, (1 Timothy 1:3,18; 5:21), brother Bob Turner, the Director of Extension Schools for BVBID, was invited to bring the “charge” to the congregation to remain steadfast and loyal to God while working in this new endeavor with the school. The students and faculty were then presented before the congregation and Brother Donnie Bates, Regional Director of Central and South America for BVBID, brought the charge to the school’s professors regarding their new responsibility. The ceremony closed with me having the opportunity, as Director of the Academy, to deliver the final “charge” to the students to commit themselves to the study of God’s word. (More photos of the inauguration inside!) 

STUDENT BODY and FACULTY
We ask you to please add this new work of the church to your prayer list along with the following names of the students and the faculty:

• The student body consists of: 

• 1. ) Full-time: Enrique Albera (27), Paulo Rocholl (24), William Arzamendia (24), and Ramón Paredes (27), all from the Avenida Sacramento congregation, along with Karen Gimenez (26), from the Centro congregation. 
  2. ) Part-time: Hector Paredes 

• The campus faculty consists of:  

• 1. ) Troy Spradlin, Director of the Academy 
  2. ) Perry Hardin, Academic Co-Director 
  3. ) Professors: Josh Blackmer, Perry Hardin, Troy Spradlin, Pedro Vera, Ike Yegros, and Jorge Vera, preacher at “Centro” congregation. 

Evangelistic Contacts / Bible Studies:

• One of our “Learn English Using the Bible” students, Adriana Rodriguez, has finished the Book of John study and has started with “Searching for Truth.” 
• Andrea is now studying “Searching for Truth” with Dina Aycock and with Sergia Frutos. 
• We have several non-Christian friends and family members of our brethren who are now attending the various mid-week Bible study groups that we are conducting. We pray the seed will land on “fertile soil!” 

• Marile “Romi” Balbuena has lots of questions and is now studying the book of Revelation with us. 

Steps toward mission goals: 

• During the bi-monthly business meetings, the men are now talking more specifically about the details for the possible church plant in the nearby city of Ñemby. It is exciting to hear them making their plans and to be working with them! Our prayer is that the new congregation will start meeting sometime in July or August. 
• Goal reached! Having some type of Bible school has been in the plans of the mission team since first forming in 1997 at Freed-Hardeman University. With the opening of the Asunción Bible Academy, a milestone was reached with our prayers that it will help the church in perpetuating itself through leadership development. 

Upcoming plans:

• • Preparing for our annual congregational retreat in April. 
  • Our upcoming USA Furlough dates are as follows: 
    1. ) Poolville church of Christ (Texas) - May 5 
    2. ) Dripping Springs church of Christ (Texas) - May 12 
    3. ) Margaret Street church of Christ (Florida) - May 19 
    4. ) Central Avenue church of Christ (Georgia) - June 2 
    5. ) Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ (Florida) - June 9 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES

HIGHLIGHT(s) of the Month: I can’t even begin to explain how exciting it has been to see the official opening of the Asuncion Bible Academy! Add to that of what a wonderful feeling it is to walk into the building on a weekday morning and hear classes being conducted to train these young men and women in God’s word! Such a rich blessing!

Visitation / Other Activities:

• We enjoyed having Ethan Hardin and Ivan Villard, Jr. teach at our Wednesday night Bible study for us via Skype. They did a great job and the brethren really enjoyed their lessons. 

• Mirta Vera is our church secretary and a single mom with two adopted children. She is also taking care of her 90 year old mother. We spent a Saturday afternoon studying the Bible and just visiting in order to encourage her in her Christian walk. 

• We went to hear one of our very talented brethren, Diego Acevedo, sing in the famous Italian opera, “The Barber of Seville.” He did a great job! 
• Andrea held a “Pinterest Party” where several young ladies of the church came over and worked on special crafts together. They have now decided they want to do this once a month. 
• We had a nice dinner with Adriana Rodriguez and her boyfriend Francisco Benitez. We are hoping to develop that friendship even more. 

Personal study: 

• I am currently reading / have read:

1. ) “The Pentateuch” by James E. Smith 
2. ) “Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide” by Michael J. Gorman 
3. ) “Los Diversos Rostros y Causas de Incredulidad” and “La Existencia de Dios” by Bert   Thompson, Ph.D. and Kyle Butt, M.A. Cultural or language discovery: 

• The Paraguayans have a very unique way of speaking Spanish. Not only do they use the peculiar form “voseo” (not to be confused with vosotros) for familiar conversation instead of “tu,” but, they also have several unique vocal inflexions which they employ to clarify what they mean. For example, if someone is slow they will say, “el es lento.” But, if someone is really slow, they will say “leeeeeeento” with a high pitch voice inflection on the “eee” part. There is hardly a conversation that passes that doesn’t include this high pitch modulation. It is a lot of fun to hear Paraguayans telling their stories using this tone and variation. 
• For all our Spanish speaking friends who aren’t familiar with it, or all those who are learning Spanish, you should Google “Voseo” to see what Southern- cone Spanish is like. There are several good sites. 

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

To see the report with pictures, please click here.

Evangelism Produces Fruit In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Greetings from staff and students of Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan and Lagos satellite campus, Nigeria. Below is the summary of our March 2013 activities.

ON EVANGELISM: The staff, foundation members and all the students of SWSE took an active part at Iyana-Ilogbo 2 day mass evangelism of March 15 & 16 in Ogun State which resulted in the conversion of two young ladies. We also participated at Owode-Egba 2 day evangelism and Christian workshop that centered on The Sweetness of Christian Fellowship on March 22 and 23. And lastly, a the three day mass evangelism organized by Ayedun congregation in Akure, Ondo State at Igbara-Oke, Ondo State were dominated by staff and students of SWSE-Ibadan on March 28-30 which resulted to the birth of the Lord's church at Igbara-Oke town, Tokotaya Elere-meji area, Igbara-Oke, Ondo State on March 31. Brother Dele Shotola, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe, brother Emmanuel Onabanjo and myself served as a public preachers during the evening open-air from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

REPORT FROM TWO OF OUR GRADUATES: brother Ezekiel Okoh and brother Thomas Adebayo, two of SWSE-graduates, reported the conversion of 14 souls during their joint works with some preachers of Lagos and Ogun State at Ajakurama in Edo State on March 1-4, 2013 which also resulted in the birth of the Lord's church at that city in Edo State, Nigeria. 

Brother Adekunle Olanrewaju, one of our year 2 students also reported the conversion of 3 souls at Iju-Ota congregation in Ogun State of Nigeria where he is now serving as an evangelist on March 3, 2013. TO GOD BE THE GLORY !

THE SCHOOL: The SWSE-Ibadan campus will start their 3rd semester examinations on April 

2 -5 while the 4th semester classes begins on April 15, 2013 because of the 2 weeks special classes of May 27-June 8, 2013 where two powerful ministers from Bear Valley Bible Institute will be lecturing at SWSE-Ibadan, Oyo Atate, Nigeria, Lord's willing.

Brethren, we have spent N7,963,000=($53,087) so far on the two school building (pictures attached). N4,120,000=($27,466) on the administrative blocks) and over $25,000 on the SWSE-events centers / Lecture Hall!

This is how I raised the funds for this two buildings:

1. Loan from the Bank =N2,300,000=($15,333)

2. Sales of 14 acres of my farm land =N3,000,000=($20,000)

3. Contributions from friends, relative, brethren /churches =N1,198,300=($7,988)

4. Loan from sales of another 6 acres of my farm land= N1,000,000=($6,666)

5. Loan from friends =N464,700=($3,098)

OTHER ACTIVITY: On March 3,10, & 24, I taught the Sunday morning Bible classes at Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan and on March 17, I taught on the book of Revelation at Isheri-Oshun congregation, Lagos State and on March 24 afternoon, we (my self and some SWSE students and brother Kayode Eniafe) visited some WBS students of West Olive congregation, Peoria, AZ which resulted to conversion of the souls on March 24, 2013 at Asejire in Osun State. 

OUR NEEDS: Apart from funds for completion of our lecture hall and instructors pay, we are in need of 4 tires for our school van and $500 for students teaching practice of June 8 to July 7, 2013. Those who are willing to assist us in any of this items should please contact our school Patron & Special Adviser, brother Doug Wheeler (douglasmwheeler@gmail.com)  

CONCLUSION: We appreciate brother Steven Ashcraft’s gift of N30,000= and N10,000= from brother Doug Wheeler in February 2013 which has enabled our van and jeep to be fit for the preaching trip. We also thank you all for your partnership and your contribution in one way or the other toward the growth of the Lord's church in Nigeria and the world as a whole. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ name, Amen. 

Your fellow laborer in Christ Jesus,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan & Lagos Satellite campus, Nigeria

Back To Class In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters here in Wotutu congregation and also the students of CBIW. We hope you are all doing fine in all that you do.

I was able to teach on the first day in the second quarter. I started with Hermeneutics, while we shall go through another 8 courses in this quarter if God will’s.

It is another great moment again for us in CBIW, as the students returned last week. Classes started on Monday, the 1st of April and we praise God the first week has passed by without any problem, just for the fact that some students came back from mission work with severe malaria, which is under control with the drugs in our school medicines box. We bought some and added them. This is the period where many people are sick because of the changes in climate. Brother John was taken to the hospital to see the doctor on his complaint.

The theme for last week was JOY. This was aimed at helping students and members of our congregation to be joyful for the many things that God has done for them. They may be in pains and other predicaments, but just for the fact that they are alive , then they need to be joyful.

Evangelism in Wotutu with the new students has started again house to house, after the personal evangelism course. We can allow all who are on campus to go house to house on Saturday to reach out. Many came back with lots of appreciations from our keen Back to the Bible radio program, while many asked questions concerning what they hear every early morning 5 AM.

The work is in progress. We thank God.

Each of the students received his handouts. We decided to produce all notes in this form and give to the students. It is expensive, but it is worth it because it will help the students throughout their lives as a preacher.

The other papers are the first result for the beta batch featuring 26 students instead of 27. One was absent throughout the exams because of ill health. Keep the students in your prayers for them to keep growing as they pay attention to what the Bible says, as we guide through all of that here in CBIW.

Plans
Batoke mission is still pending for the establishment of a new congregation.

We shall send our students to other congregations for weekend evangelism as they continue to demand students to come over and help.

Appreciations
Many thanks to God for you, for all that you are doing to make sure the gospel is in progress here in Cameroon. God bless you and keep you all focused on souls and for the rescuing of souls from darkness.

Do your best to share this report with others in your life.

Elangwe and family
By His grace, Director CBIW

Incredible Joy Is In The News!!!

The return home has been good and I am enjoying getting somewhat back to normal, for what normal is worth (for those who do not know me well, that is my attempt at a weak joke). Classes in Denver continue to progress toward the next graduation which is only six weeks away. With the graduation of one class there is always the excitement of beginning a new class of students and 2013-2014 enrollment is shaping up to be a very good year.

The reports this week are filled with wonderful news about growth within the Extension program. There is always a great sense of joy related to reading about souls being added to the kingdom from the message shared by students through weekend evangelism, campaign, or just talking with others. Joy describes the feeling associated with knowing there are more than 300 students around the world are studying to better equip themselves for work in the Lord’s kingdom. 

We know joy through the directors and teachers on the ground who are sound in the faith and dedicated to the work. Their endurance is an encouragement to us all. Our joy is made complete by seeing the achievement of students who spend two years of intense study plummeting the depths of God’s word. Joy is also the result of knowing those who work through the challenges of living in another country because of their love for God and people of the world is a thirst that can only be quenched by fulfilling God’s mission.  

This week is a special week as the Extension staff involved with the Bear Valley Bible Institute will meet to examine a number of areas within the program. We plan to look at what is working and what is not. We need to continue to focus on how we can achieve growth and development in the years ahead. We desire to improve the overall program and further strengthen our abilities to provide the best possible support of the work.

Please pray for us as we meet and for the safety of each member who will be traveling to and from Denver. Also, please pray for each of the schools this week as they continue to labor tirelessly in the Lord’s kingdom. 

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/

The latest report from Donnie Bates can be read by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

One Amazing Campaign In Cameroon: The numbers from the recent campaign to over 20 villages in Cameroon shows the powerful hand of God in giving the increase.

Short Holidays With Purpose: Gajendra shares the purpose of a short holiday for the students and staff of the Nepal Center of Biblical Studies.

Lessons on Giving: The Southwest School of Evangelism is involved in teaching each week and they are involved in a series of lessons on giving.

Tanzania Chronicles: Sean Hochdorf sends news about the development of the work in the Andrew Connally School of Preaching and on the home front.

Back Home In Tanzania: After a productive furlough, the Stafford’s are back in Arusha preparing for the upcoming Safari for Souls.

Thou Shalt Not Steal: The Gee family shares some of the difficulties of living in another country as someone tried to steal their cell phone, while talking on it. 

Final Thoughts
From all of us to all of you, thank you. I never get tired of expressing gratitude for the tremendous ways all of you continue to keep this work successful. You are the true heart of the program. I am referring to you! As you read the report, you already know who you are and why we are thankful. Without you there would be no one to teach, no one to pray, no one to share the reports, no one to encourage, no one to support. We love YOU!

God bless
Bob