Events Center To Be Dedicated...

Beloved in Christ,

Greetings and thank you for your partnership and the great sacrifices which you are all expressing through your faithful commitments to the growth of the Lord's church.

To God be the glory! We are almost through on the completion of our Events Center that by God's grace will be dedicated to our beloved brother Doug M. Wheeler on May 31, 2013 for his great contribution toward the growth of the Lord's church in Nigeria since 1984.

I spent my support for this quarter from brother Joel Coppinger and associates with the N1,000,000= which I was loaned on April 17, 2013 to work on the SWSE Events Center from April 19 through May 1. We now need another N1,000,000= ($8,000) for the finishing of the Events Center: N350,000= for ceiling, N350,000= for painting and N300,000= for soak & away and wiring of the hall. Those who are willing to help us in one way or the other should please contact brother Doug Wheeler of West Side congregation in Oklahoma, USA or by e-mail at (douglasmwheeler@gmail.com).

Brethren, the staff and students of Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan will be working this afternoon through Sunday afternoon with the three WBS students of West Olive congregation, Peoria, AZ that was baptized in March with the 2 day mass evangelism and in planting of the Lord's church at Egbeda town of Egbeda L.G.A. of Oyo state.

We thank you all for being part of this spiritual exercise! Please continue praying for us! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ name, amen.

We evangelized Egbeda town of Egbeda Local Government of Oyo State from Friday evening till Saturday night and on Sunday of May 5, 2013. We started the Lord's church at Egbeda with three WBS students of brother Ken Heflin, West Olive congregation, Peoria, AZ that were baptized on March 2013.

On the first Sunday morning worship at Egbeda congregation, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe moderated the service, I taught on “Worship in Patriarchal, Mosaic and Christian Ages” while brother Dele Shotola admonished the church. We are twelve in attendance with a total collection of N1,400=

A couple named Samuel and Shade Oladunjoye were baptized after the morning worship at Asejire River by brother Kayode S. Eniafe.

Brethren, studies continue tomorrow at the school! Thanks so much for your partnership! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ name, amen.

Sincerely His & yours,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of studies)
SWSE-Ibadan & Lagos campus, Nigeria

A Trip To The US And Back...

It has been a while since my last report as I have spent much of the past 2 months traveling from place to place in the U.S. My trip home included stops in Chicago, IL, Green Bay, WI, Greenbrier, AR, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, Shiprock, NM, and Phoenix, AZ. I was really blessed to be taken care of by so many wonderful people during my travels, the Hansens, McCulloms, Wilsons, Wilkies, Keeles, and of course my mom, Virginia Hielen. While it is somewhat disconcerting to no longer have a place of my own to call home in the U.S. I have been blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life who not only make sure I have a place to lay my head, but do so much more. I am living Matthew 19:29. On this trip one person in particular went well out of his way to help me along, so I want to say a special thank you to Jack Wilkie for everything. Words cannot express how much I love you all!

This trip was one of two trips back to the U.S. this year. Besides visiting supporting congregations, this trip was scheduled to allow me to attend the first Masters in Missions classes conducted by the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. This course is designed for both those who are contemplating entering the mission field as well as for those who have already ventured out. The course allows the students to complete nearly all the requirements while working in the mission field, with the exception of the two classes I just attended. I am not sure how long it will take me to complete the course as I have found it extremely difficult to fit the necessary studying in since I have returned to Africa, but I am grateful that the Bear Valley Bible Institute has seen the importance of offering this type of course.

My final trip back to the US this year will be in June. During this trip I will be working as a counselor at the Bear Valley Future Preachers Training Camp. This will be my fourth year working with this camp and I always enjoy spending time with the 40 young men who take a week out of their summer vacations to increase their knowledge of God’s Word and learn how to deliver it more effectively. I will also be speaking to the adult class at Leiper's Fork church of Christ’s Vacation Bible School during this trip, as well as visiting as many congregations as possible before spending a few days with my home congregation at Greenbrier. I am looking forward to greeting many of you who have been such an encouragement to me!

One of the most difficult things to do when I come home is figuring out what to bring back to Ghana with me. The airlines allow me to check two suitcases of 50lbs each and take one carry-on bag, and it doesn’t take me long to fill them up with items that I cannot easily find here (one thing I made sure I had room for this time was lots and lots of junk food.) Special thanks to my aunt Fran Hansen for loading up one suitcase with books for the school’s library and toys for the children at Kingdom of Hope, and to Rod Wilson for providing work gloves that the school greatly needed. I believe I already have my suitcases filled for when I return on July 4th with items that are being put together for the children’s school as well as those items needed for our graduation ceremony (but I assure you I’ll find a little room for my junk food!)

Finally, I want to give special thanks to the Greenbrier church of Christ, my home congregation, for the love and support they continually show for me. Every time I visit I am overwhelmed by your kindness and how much you go out of your way to bless me. Even though there was a previously scheduled gospel meeting during the time I was visiting, you went out of your way to make me feel both welcomed and appreciated. I cannot tell you how much the reception that you put together on Tuesday night meant to me. I take each of you with me every place I go, and treasure you in my heart always. I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies
April marks the end of the final term for the class of 2013. In this term the class will be getting lots of practical experience as well as classroom instruction. In addition to three local weekend campaigns (Thursday thru Sunday), the students has classes covering the books of 1, 2, and 3 John, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Old Testament 8, and the Revelation of John. Once completed this class will return in July for their graduation ceremony. Currently there are 11 students that are scheduled to receive either a certificate of Biblical Studies or a certificate of leadership, and 2 students who will receive a certificate of attendance at the July 13th graduation ceremony. If any of you are in the area we would certainly like to invite you to the lectureship on July 12th and the graduation the following day.

With this class completing their course, the staff has begun to focus on recruitment for the next class which will begin on July 9th. Bear Valley’s West Africa Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft, and Tamale Director, Baah Joseph, recently made a trip through the Northern and Upper West Regions meeting with church leaders to discuss the school and the opportunities being offered to train men here in Northern Ghana. During the second week of May I will be traveling with brother Baah to the Upper East Region to meet with their leaders about the school. Currently we have 14 student applications for the next class, and hope to add to that number during the next month.

The school is also working through all the small problems associated with having moved into their new building. Corrections to the plumbing system in the student bath facilities required tearing up the floor and redoing the drainage pipes. We are also still trying to get the second phase of electricity hooked up (the third phase is still probably a year or more away) to fix the problem of lights dimming every time someone plugs in an iron or coffee pot. Despite these minor issues we are really enjoying the new building and the extra space it provides. Even while work continues, the new building is already providing additional opportunities to edify the church. At the end of April the Institute will host its first Northern Ghana Leader’s Workshop. More next month on this event.

Thank You Supporters!
There are so many who make this work possible through their financial support, provision of materials, and encouragement and prayers. So many have done so much that I am always worried about forgetting someone! Please be assured that if I have overlooked anyone that it is purely unintentional, and only caused by my small brain not being able to keep up with everything! Every single gift and prayer is greatly appreciated.

Overseeing Congregation Greenbrier church of Christ

Supporters
Greenbrier church of Christ, Colony church of Christ, Bobby and Jackie Sims, Sue Shumate, Aubrey and Donna Allensworth, Mildred Priest, Virginia Hielen, Wilkie Family, Chris and Shirley Brill, Linda Ray, Ron and Joann Boatwright, Jim and Martha Bell, Herb and Dorothy Tatum family, Edie Singleton, Connie Barden, Carla Farr, Judy Moody, Mary Mix, Stephen and Jerri McCullom.

Special thanks to the wonderful members of the Greenbrier and the Colony congregations. There are too many to name as so many members from both of these congregations gave personal gifts for the work during my visits in March.

Please send all contributions to: Greenbrier church of Christ

Attn: African Missions 12 Wilson Farm Rd. Greenbrier, AR 72058

Please be sure to send me a note if you want your gift to be used for a specific purpose.

Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies P.O. Box TL 925
Tamale, Northern Region
Ghana

Ghana Phone - 011-233-0248216622 E-Mail - anthonyjohnson2010@gmail.com

If you want more information about what is happening in Ghana check out my blog at http://thinkingsouls.wordpress.com/.

Kingdom of Hope Update
Work continues at Kingdom of Hope Orphan’s School with finishing touches on the new building, such as plastering the outside of the building, installing blackboards (done by mixing charcoal into concrete and then applying to the wall), and building steps. The building is already in use, and has been a great help to the school.

We have also arranged to have the first 10 desks built, which will be complete by the time I arrive in Kuka during the middle of May. By only paying for a small number to be built at a time, with the incentive of us ordering more, we are able to control the quality much better as well as insure a quicker delivery. If these desks look okay we will arrange for the next two sets of 10 to be built while I am at the school.

We will also finally be able to put up the school’s signs on this coming trip. We have been trying to get a sign made for the Enoch Elliott Learning Center, as well as a road sign pointing the way to Kingdom of Hope Orphan’s School, for some time without any luck. God willing, I should be able to pick up the signs before I make this next trip and will be able to get them installed.

With the completion of the Enoch Elliott Learning Center we have begun to make plans for the next steps. I met with the school’s headmaster this past week and we outlined the school’s schedule and needs for the next 2 years. As soon as enough money can be raised we will begin on the next classroom, and hopefully be able to add one classroom per year until we can house preschool through sixth grade. We will also be looking for the necessary classroom materials for P3 (third grade) classes which will begin this summer, more desks, etc.

On this upcoming trip I will also have the pleasure of delivering footballs (soccer) and uniforms to the children, thanks to gifts by Anna Wilkie and David and Beverly Woody. For almost a year the children at the school have not asked me for anything, just gratefully received the things that we have been able to help with. During my last trip to the school in February one of the younger boys (probably at the instigation of the older boys) finally came up to ask if it would be possible to get a football. I asked him if there was anything else they would like, and he said shirts, so they could tell what team they were on, would be good. On my trip home Anna provided half of the necessary money for both the balls and shirts. What made this really special to me is the fact that Anna was getting married in less than a month, and I am sure she could have found all kinds of other things to do with that money. The previous week the Woody family had given me a personal gift to, as David put it, “get something for yourself.” I couldn’t think of anything better to give myself than the smiles of a bunch of children, and their gift more than covered the remaining cost. Because the shirts are for small children it has taken some effort to get them (I had to have them made) but I should be able to deliver them in May.

Evangelism Update
In the first two weeks that I have been back in Tamale we have had three baptisms at the school. Two of the baptisms were men who had heard about the school and came to see what it was about. The third was from a contact made during one of the school’s local evangelism campaigns. All three came to the school and spent time studying with the students and staff and eventually came to the conclusion that they needed to be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins in order to be added by God to His church.

We have also started a new congregation that is meeting at the new School location, Kpalsi South church of Christ. At our initial service we had 15 in attendance, mostly from the local schools. We will continue to reach out to the local community in order to share the gospel in our own neighborhood as well as throughout northern Ghana.

Out of their recent Missions Day contribution the Greenbrier church of Christ set aside enough money for me to do four campaigns this year. During the month of May we will use half of that money to do two full campaigns and one short campaign. I will be traveling north to Garu to do a four day campaign with the Kuka church to reestablish the church there (it stopped meeting when the building collapsed). If we are successful in reestablishing the church, or starting a new one if necessary, the Kuka church has committed to sending preachers and teachers to Garu for the next year to help them mature. After Garu, I will make a short visit to Kuka to show two films, one on Jesus and one on Abraham. The church will do the follow up work there as they seek to encourage lax members and open the door for evangelism within the mostly Muslim town. Then I will head to the Burkina Faso border for a 4 day campaign in the village of Mognori, working with the Bawku congregation. Mognori currently has no church, so depending on the number of people we are able to teach the Bawku congregation has committed to either sending teachers each week or bringing them into Bawku for worship and Bible study.

May is going to be a busy month, good thing I got all rested up!

Thanks again to all of you who are helping the Kingdom of Hope Orphan’s School take care of so many children!

Tony Johnson

To see Tony’s report with pictures of the recent activities, please click here.

Changing Hearts And Lives In Guatemala...

This scene was what we commonly saw as we traveled from one place to another last year as we visited with supporting congregations and potential supporters. We are very grateful to God to have loving brothers and sisters who treat us so kindly when we visit them. May God show you the same kindness you displayed to both of us as we lived out of a suitcase for several weeks!

As we do every year, we took some time out of our visits to participate in the Annual Churches of Christ Family Retreat, which took place again in Rothenburg, Germany. Our theme this year was “Discipleship: Change Our Hearts.” Jeremy and Rebecca Korodaj again joined us to form a great team in charge of the teen program. We had a great group of young people. This year, we had more military teens than in the past, which was great to see. Please keep this event in your prayers. Next year, we will celebrate the 50th retreat! If you could join us, we would love to see you there. The dates are November 23-27, 2013. We hope to see you then!

The Church at Linda Vista
This year, we sadly began with a sad story. One of our long-time members, Carlos Ordoñez, was killed in an accident on New Year’s Day. He had been looking for a job for many months and had agonized over not being able to work. He finally secured a job driving a truck. While in El Salvador on his way back to Guatemala, his truck lost its brakes and he crashed into bedrock on the side of road. Please keep his widow, Patricia Ordoñez, and their three daughters, Karla, Julissa, and Paola, in your prayers.

On a positive note, we would like to mention the spiritual growth we have seen in two of our members who are attending our Saturday program at ITL, our Bible school. The first is Enrique Tovar. This past February, he preached his first sermon and did a great job! He has since preached one other time at Linda Vista. We believe that his heart is pulling him toward the ministry, but his biggest challenge is the fact that he married a non-Christian a couple years ago. Please keep him and his wife, Evelyn, in your prayers, especially for her conversion. She attends fairly regularly and has received Bible studies from several people, but has not yet obeyed the Gospel.

The other member who is a student at ITL is Dinora Lopez. Dinora is always willing to serve in whatever way she is needed and has been faithfully assembling with the body, along with her children, Rodrigo, David Jr. and Andrea. Our prayer is that one day this godly example may win her husband, David, to Christ. He, too, has received several studies from several of us, but has yet to commit his life to our Lord Jesus.

Please keep both of these Christians in your prayers, as well as the whole church.

Ramirez - Palacios Wedding
Another bit of good news we have to report is the wedding of our coworker, Anibal Ramirez. Many of you were aware that several years ago, Fanny, Anibal’s first wife, left him for another man. Although the church made numerous efforts to encourage Fanny to repent and to consider her family and her relationship with God, she did not make the right choices. As a result, Anibal and Fanny were divorced. About a year later, Anibal began to date Damaris Palacios, a Christian woman worshiping at the time at the Zone 11 church of Christ. After about a year of dating, Anibal and Damaris decided to get married.

The wedding took place this past February. Hawatthia was asked to perform the wedding. We believe that Damaris will bring a needed woman’s touch to Anibal’s home. He has been doing a good job with raising three girls, one of whom is now 15. A Christian woman’s presence will be a great blessing, we are sure, and the girls really like Damaris ☺.

Coming Events
There are several events that will soon be upon us, so please keep them in your prayers. The first missionary team is scheduled to visit us July 11-20. This team has Christians from various parts of the country and we are excited to have them visit us to serve the people here. Also, we are hoping to continue to host World English Institute teams this summer. If the Lord wills, we will have two teams to come for two weeks each. This would be the fifth year for these teams to work with us. Our prayer is that all the plans will come to fruition, if they are in God’s will.

Prayer Requests
As we close, we also make the following prayer requests:

• For us so that God will continue to use us in this part of the world. We are thankful to Him because He has granted us good health and many blessings on a daily blessing.

• For the churches in San Cristobal and Coban in the department of Alta Verapaz. A separate report will be sent out soon, Lord willing.

• For the spiritual and numerical growth of the Linda Vista church.

• For Patricia Ordoñez and her daughters.

• For the Ramirez family as they adjust to a new circumstance.

May God grant you the peace that passes all understanding!

Serving Jesus,

Byron E. Benitez
Hawatthia Jones

To view their report with pictures, please click here.

The Power Of The Gospel Changes The Most Unlikely...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters here in Wotutu. We hope this reports finds you well and sound in all that you do. We are doing better mostly to those brethren who were sick last week. We appreciate your prayers. They are getting better. Continue to pray for them.

Our radio program, commonly called “Back to the Bible,” fetched a brother who just came to a nearby village to Wotutu and heard us in the morning and realized that we are members of the church of Christ. He came and worshipped with us and said he had fallen away from the grace of God for the past 20 years. He was restored today as I and minister Nsong exhorted him to remain steadfast in the Lord. He promised never to go backward any longer. Keep him in your prayers.

Things went on well in CBIW as the students continued to put in more hours to meet up with their studies as you will see them struggling with our limited books in our small library to do their assignments.

Keep praying for some of our students who went out for weekend evangelism far away from Wotutu, who are still on their way to come back to school from 3 different locations.

Some of the students and I went to Batoke village. We praise God that finally we made it there and the ground is fertile as we continue to study it. Batoke mission will be rolling soon.

In Batoke we moved house to house preaching and teaching the word, and many appreciated the word and need some more studies.

We tried to meet with the authorities of the village. The chief was not around, but some of the king makers gave us audience and said we shall be welcome to the community with the truth, because they cross check from the list that the government of Cameroon has published concerning illegal churches (denominations). The Church of Christ is legal and we have authority from our government to preach the saving message in all communities in Cameroon.

I am teaching Bible class this morning on the topic “Abiding in Christ.” This was aimed at helping our brothers and sisters to solely depend on Christ and obey all of His precepts. It was wonderful.

Brother Amode Samuel listens to our program every morning and became a lawyer against those who will get up in the morning and continue arguing among themselves about the message. Finally he called and asked questions and we met him and studied with him. He obeyed the gospel as brother Mbappe, one of our students, baptized him into Christ.

I was there to encourage him the more about his life changing decision to follow Jesus. I love reading and we gave him a copy of the Bible that he reads and calls daily for clear understanding. Keep him in your prayers.

God is blessing our work. Many in the community continue to see the need to be saved and that the Body of Christ is the church of Christ and there is only one body.

Plans
1) We shall go back again to Batoke village for the follow up in the establishment of the church in that community. This will be the first congregation in the whole west coast of Cameroon.

2) We shall attend the annual preachers seminar in Buea not too far from Wotutu, our students will benefit from this two day seminar.

3) The second edition of the annual preacher’s wive’s seminar will be hosted here in Wotutu on the 24th to the 26th of May 2013. We shall appreciate your prayers and concern.

4) Our young graduate, minister Nsong Nelson, will be doing his traditional marriage this weekend 11th of May 2013 to sister Njang Bernadette. Please, they both need your prayers and love.

Appreciations
God bless you for your prayers, concern and deep love shown towards the work here in Cameroon. You are powerful instruments that God is using to do greater things in the life of many here, as we continue to reach-out with the word and souls are being rescued from darkness. Do your best to share this report with others.

God bless you and watch over you in this new week. We love you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Cambodia Coordinator Chronicle

Greetings
It is with great excitement that I am able to report to you the good news from Cambodia and the plans for this next year.

IBISR
We had 8 graduates this past year, 5 men and 3 women. The men have already been teaching and preaching in various parts of the country with success. Each of them now has 2 years of intense Bible study under their belts while maintaining certain benchmarks to pass. We currently have 8 students in their first year of studies.

Church Growth
During 2012 we have seen continued growth in our main congregation of Siem Reap. More male leaders are stepping up and taking leadership roles, with the intent on becoming elders! The membership has increased to about 50 souls. Takam Village continues to be a place of growth and one of our most potential filled sister congregations. We currently have 3 of our past graduates engaged in the work there. This congregation continues to grow and there are plans to start some other congregations in the nearby area. Leang Dai is a place that we have 2 of our graduates working and taking care of those members. This is a farming village and smaller in size but has steady growth. Even though Svay Reng is near the Vietnam border and is small we continue to see maturity and have hope for them.   

New Work 
Two of our recent graduates currently live on a large pontoon boat in the Bos Krolan area on Tonle Sap Lake. These young men will evangelize, study and hold worship services on the boat while also providing purified water with their filtration system to those in the area. This is very exciting and we ask for you prayers in this area.

Future Plans 
In February I will be traveling to Cambodia for 2 weeks to teach a short course for the students.  Another instructor from the Bear Valley Bible Institute will be traveling with me to teach I & 2 Peter as a short course as well. We are already scheduling others to go and teach on the Godhead, Christian Evidence, 1 & 2 Timothy, Evangelism and the Preacher and his family. I am excited to go and report back to you upon my return my personal viewpoint how things are going. Plans also include working to make the students self sufficient, marketing the school locally and establishing a solid Saturday Bible Study program. I will bring more details to these in the next report.

Thank You

2 Thessalonians 1: 3-5
I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to each of you for your support and faith in this work. I believe that training preachers in their native culture is the best way yet to further the spreading of God’s Word. Your actions have brought many to salvation and honor to the Lord by your giving character.

Wes Autrey
Cambodia Coordinator for IBISR
Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver Extension Program

With All My Heart, I Thank You...

Words cannot express how grateful I am for your words of encouragement since the passing of my father just over a week ago. Your words have been a great source of strength during a very difficult time. My mother continues to struggle with the loneliness of not having dad around and I am thankful to be able to be here with her. I know she would greatly appreciate your prayers as she learns how to move forward without the presence of her husband of 60 years.

I have been working to keep up with the development of the various locations of extension training for the past week. The reports contain wonderful news about the development in each location. Learning about the maturation of the students and their efforts to share the gospel within their countries is a constant source of encouragement. The increase God gives strengthens our faith in His power to work through the power of the Word.

I know you will be encouraged this week with the news from around the world. 

Now on to the other reports...

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

Extension Reports 

Souls Added In Cameroon: Recent mission work in several villages near Wotutu, Cameroon has brought forth fruit in several souls added to the kingdom.

Diary Of A Recent Trip In Nepal: Gajendra Deshar, along with a few others, visited graduates and was involved in recruiting future students for NCBS.

The Reward Of Preaching The Gospel: The Southwest School of Evangelism in Ibadan, Nigeria shares the rewards that come from preaching the gospel.

Life Is Always Good On The Mission: Chad Wagner’s report looks at the latest events around the Chimala Mission.

I Love Tanzania Because: The reasons for loving the work in Tanzania are many, but Cy Stafford shares a few of the wonderful reasons. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you again for all you do in support of the Extension program, your involvement in the overall development, and your prayers for my family. I am thankful to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and a spiritual family that continues to provide encouragement. You truly make it possible to survive even the darkest valley.

God bless
Bob

I Love Tanzania Because...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

It is our hope and prayer that each of you are well, blessed and serving others faithfully. We are good, busy about His work. There are many things here in Tanzania that we love and enjoy. There are many reasons we like our life as missionaries here in East Africa. There are any number of reasons we consider ourselves blessed to be here, serving our God and others in Christ. Here are but a few....

I love Tanzania because of men like Bernard Elias (graduate of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching). Bernard, after graduating, went back to his home country of Kenya and has been faithfully serving the church. He recently sent out this short note; “Hey brother, thanks be to the Father, we had 8 baptisms at the meeting. I will write more later today. Be blessed, Bernard and Dorothy.” (2 Timothy 2.2 at work)

I love Tanzania because of men like Philemon David. Philemon was here are our home earlier last week talking about the congregation where he is from. Philemon is a second year student at the ACSOP, he told me the village leader had donated several acres of land for the church. He has invited me to come, meet the village leader, the church family and to teach the Good News to his family, friends and his fellow countrymen. He went on to tell me of another congregation about 70 kilometers from his home that he also visits and works with. I asked him how much it cost to ride a bus back and forth, he said he was not sure because he always road his bike! Yep, he rides almost 44 miles one way to serve his brothers and sisters in Christ. (2 Timothy 2.2 at work)

I love Tanzania because of men like Paul Muhendi, who graduated in November of 2012. While at school he planted one new congregation in the hills of Kilimanjaro. As he was getting closer to graduation he came to me and said; “I have a burning desire to take the gospel to my own people, will you please help me.” He is currently traveling each weekend from Arusha to the village of Katesh (234 miles away). He has planted the church and there are now nine new souls in the Kingdom. He travels the 145 miles one way, spends two nights, lodges, eats and returns. What is the help he needed? $31.54 each week. Brothers and Sisters, here is a wonderful opportunity to sponsor a man in a new work, that God might be glorified and souls might be saved. If you or your congregation is interested, drop me a note and let’s talk.

I love Tanzania because of the men and women I am privileged to work with. The list is long and for this I am truly grateful. One family I will mention here is Jimmy Gee and his family. They left today, heading back to America for their furlough after three years. Jimmy has served as the Director of the ACSOP for several years, and has done a fine job if I say so myself. One of the things I love about this brother is our friendship. He has been that friend others talk about, you know, the one you would like to have in your foxhole in time of war. Yes, Jimmy is a genuine friend, co-worker and brother in Christ. Thank you Jimmy, Trina and family. We wish you a very joyful, peaceful and successful furlough. Hurry home, we already miss you guys. Please keep the Gee family in your prayers as they travel.

The list is long, the space too short. We thank you, we love you and we pray God continues to bless each of you in your support of His work here in Tanzania. 

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Life Is Always Good On The Mission...

Life is always good here on the mission. There are so many things to do and see here that we always have something to do. We have to be careful, however, because the ants have been quite busy of late. When you get into ants here in Chimala, you know it quickly! Jonah was looking at some ants a few weeks ago. While he was away from the 'line' of ants, he didn't see the other ants in the grass. It took all of us and one of our guards to get all the ants off of him!  

The kids are almost finished with home school for this school year. Rena has been keeping them very busy about every day to get finished. They started late, in October, and they have been playing 'catch up' ever since. Jonah will be starting with kindergarten this year and is very excited. We have already ordered our home school material for next year and we are working on getting it shipped over to us.

Rena, Anna, and Cheryl Bode (another missionary) have been doing mobile clinics in the area. They go to a Masai village and another closby village of Mfumbi. Rena has been doing well-baby checks and giving immunizations.  

We recently hosted lunch for all of the missionaries and guests on the mission to a spagetti lunch with homemade bread! It was quite good.

The weather is changing here in Chimala. We are coming out of the rainy season and into the dry season. That means low humity and cool weather. Nice. However, as you know how it goes with weather changes, a few of the girls are suffering from allergies and/or colds from the weather change.

We are going to go on our furlough in October. We have already raised $300 but we need about $12,000 just for plane tickets. We need your help. We would love to come and visit with you, when we are home, about our work here in Chimala. We are prayerfully asking for your assistance with this trip.

Also, we have revived the mission garden. It is in full bloom! It is producing tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, and so much more. First, we provide all of the vegetables that the schools need to operate. Afterwards, the missionaries share what is left. The ground is fertile! 

Chimala Mission Update
You can check out the latest Chimala Mission newsletter here.

The Chimala Bible Institute is our 2-year Preacher Training program associated with the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, CO.  We are very proud of the progress the school has made over the last few years. It is currently one of the largest schools of preaching in the world associated with churches of Christ. They will be finishing up short courses in a few weeks and then head home to be with their families until July -- when they will start up again. We are enjoying the visiting teachers we have with us. Reuben Egwu is a preacher and evangelist from Nigeria. He is also a director of a school of preaching in that country. He is here teaching for two weeks. He has spoken several times at the Chimala B (Mission) church of Christ and has been well received every time. We also have Robert Curry here teaching at CBI. Robert is an old friend of Garry Hill (CBI Dean/BV Coordinator). Robert has a Doctor of Ministry from Harding University and we are quite happy to have him here.

Speaking of preacher training, our 2-year residential program is not the only option for preaching training. In fact, we are looking at branching out into local churches strategically placed in commercial centers of SW Tanzania with our Bible School program. This program will train church leaders in their own community to be effective leaders in their own churches. We would be able to train the educated and employed members of the church who cannot come to a 2 year residential program but would love to be trained more. We are excited about this opportunity to train more men and be effective leaders of our churches.

Anna, my oldest daughter, has been busy whipping the CBI library into shape and preparing it for the books coming on the next container. However, with all of these books, we are in need of shelves. One shelf for our library costs $80 each. We are in need of at least 6 -- maybe more -- to fit all of the current books we have and also the books coming.  

The Chimala Mission Hospital has recently been to the brink of closure and (thanks be to God) we are able to keep it open! The Tanzanian government has a program of free obstetrics care for expectant mothers. They strongly suggested that we come into that program last year. Since that time, the number of mothers giving birth have surged. The life-expectancy of mothers are higher with better care than having their child at home. Meanwhile, the TZ government had agreed to cover the expenses of these mothers but has not even come close to fulfilling their end of the bargain. While we were happy to participate, we could no longer afford to be giving away free medical care, supplies, and medicine. We have had to stop the program a few weeks ago. Since then, the LORD has blessed us! Even though we are now charging for our services again, the number of patients has not stayed the same, but increased! We are now in a much better position financially than we were just one month before. The LORD always knows what is best.

We also have two visitors who are volunteering at CMH for the next few weeks. They are Tony Tsang and Grace Tang. They are fourth year med students from Hong Kong, China. They have been working well at the hospital and enlightened by their experiences at CMH.

The Herring Christian Secondary School is going to be doing mock Form 4 exams this next week preparing for the big test in October. As you may know, HCSS is only 3 years old, so this is our first Form 4 year and exam. There is much that is depending upon the outcome of this exam. We are confident that our students will perform well. We would appreciate your prayers, however, since so much depends upon this exam.

One of the projects we are trying to get started is a fish farm. Tilapia is a popular fish and easy to grow. We are wanting to grow Tilapia here on the mission for several reasons. First, it will provide low-cost, healthy protein for the school children. Second, it will reduce costs for school operation as food (especially meat) is quite expensive. Third, we want to train our preacher students and secondary school students to be able to do this in their own place so that can earn a living.  

The Ailsa Farm project is really setting off at this time. We are preparing to begin a seed nursery on the mountain at Ailsa to start planting trees there in January. We will also plant apple trees as well as avocado trees. This will enable the mission to not only keep the land, but to make it productive and useful again to the mission. We are also looking at regaining our mission presence on the mountain. This is a vital first step. We went up for a land survey last week. On the way up, there were only a few clouds. However, by the time we were ready to come down, the rain was heavy and we slide down almost sideways! It's always an adventure in Chimala.

Our sponsoring church is planning on sending a container to us at this time, however, due to the financial assistance we have been giving the hospital, we are unable at this time to send it. If you could help us out with container expenses, that would be wonderful. On the container, we have personal items, mission supplies, books for CBI, and so much more.  

As the mission is a huge place with so much going on all of the time, we are trying to refocus on the spiritual formation of our employees, students, and missionaries. It is important that we all keep in mind that we are working for the LORD, but we still must maintain a personal relationship with Him. The first step in helping the spiritual formation of our mission family is by encouraging chapel attendance and varying speakers. On the mission, there are 5 chapels that go on each day. We want to encourage spiritual growth by giving a variety of speakers at the chapels around the mission.   

Preaching the Gospel
We visit several congregations in the area. We have been working with one congregation more closely -- the Majombe church of Christ. When we visited there one Sunday morning, there was not a Christian meeting there. We investigated to find that another congregation had been started just down the road due to some of the older members. Since we have been working them, we have had 1 baptism and a few restorations. Also, the church is again meeting on a regular basis. Praise be to God for His good help in that effort. We will continue to work occasionally with them to see that they continue 'spurring one another on in love and good works.'

We are looking at several groups coming to work at the Chimala Mision over the course of the next few months. Oklahoma Christian University will be arriving next Saturday on the mission with plans for VBS and service work around the mission. We are also looking at a group from Harding University Nurses coming in mid-May; Tony Hopper and John Rogers in July; and a campaign group in September from Kentucky. We could use you as well in the work here on the mission if you can come. What benefit is there for short-term mission trips? First, they encourage the local Christians. It is helpful to know that there are other Christians out there besides the ones in your local area. Second, they encourage the full-time missionaries to keep working on the field full-time. Third, they encourage Christians in the states to see the wonderful works that God is doing throughout the world. Fourth, it opens the mind of the short-term missionary to new cultures and experiences that they might not get otherwise. Fifth, they can participate in the Great Commission by helping with evangelism. All in all, it is important for full-time missionaries to maintain the work, but also it is important for short-term missionaries to come and encourage the work with their presence and assistance.

Chad Wagner and family

To see Chad’s report with pictures, please click here.

The Reward Of Preaching The Gospel...

Beloved in Christ,

Greetings from the staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan and my fellow WBSFU workers in South West states of Nigeria. We give glory to God Almighty for the successful completion of the 3rd semester and smooth beginning of the 4th semester on April 15, 2013 at SWSE-Ibadan main campus.

We appreciate your impressive fervent prayer, co-operation and relentless support demonstrated to jointly move the Lord's work forward Nigeria and Africa as a whole. We pray that the Almighty God will continue blessing you more abundantly in Jesus Christ name, amen.

Here is the summary of our April 2013 activities:

ON EVANGELISM: The students and staff of SWSE Ibadan evangelized Elesin, Kuede, Akinwande and Alagbede villages of Ona-Ara L.G.A on April 6 and 20, 2013 and a married woman named Anna Yusuf from Akinwande was baptized on April 21 as the result of our April 6 & 20 evangelism at Butubutu congregation where brother Abraham Yeje, one of SWSE students, is ministering.

On April 20, I visited the three WBS students of brother Ken Heflin of West Olive congregation in Peoria, AZ with brother Kayode S. Eniafe, brother Dele Shotola and brother Adeniji Joseph to discuss the Bible with them and the possibility of planting the Lord's church in Egbeda town in May or the nearest future.

Also, the staff and some graduates of SWSE-Lagos campus named brother Matthew Idowu, brother Mfon Etim and brother Okoro Chinyere worked with the WBSFU men in Lagos state from April 4-7 at Oriokuta-Ikorodu town of Lagos state in 3 days mass evangelism and in planting of the Lord's church in that town on April 7, 2013. A soul was converted on April 7 with the planting of the Lord's church at Oriokuta-Ikorodu town, Lagos state.

ON SWSE IBADAN: The 4th semester lectures start on April 15 with four instructors. We commenced works on the SWSE-Events hall on April 19 & 20, 2013 in preparation of the May 31st dedication of that hall for the Lord's glory!

ON OTHER ACTIVITIES: At the WBS seminar of April 13, 2013 in Baruwa-Ipaja town, Lagos state....I and brother A.B.Udoh, one of the WBSFUW in Lagos state, taught on WBS lessons- Review and Application. Thirty-nine WBS students graced the occasion with some few brethren from sisters congregation. Two WBS students were baptized at the end of the exercise.

I taught on April 7 on “The Reward of Giving unto the Lord” at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan and the secondary class on April 21 on “The Principles Governing True Worship” and the women’s class on “Christian Etiquette” from 1 Peter 2 :11-18.

IN CONCLUSION: We thank you all for your moral and financial support for the Lord's work in Africa and Nigeria in particular. May the Lord keep using you all for His glory is our fervent prayer in Jesus Christ name, amen.

I remain your fellow laborer in Christ Jesus,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE) Ibadan & Lagos satellite campus, Nigeria

Diary Of A Recent Trip In Nepal...

Greetings and Namaste to you from NCBS at Kathmandu, Nepal. We would like to briefly write some words from our three weeks on the short vacation trip. We made this trip from our graduates’ village Dev, Jet, Suka and Sonam. Brother Surya, Sonam, and Arun joined me for 14 days of our trip. We visited local the congregations of Dev, Chandra Prakash, Sonam and other surrounding areas of Makwanpur, Tanahu, Dhading and Rasuwa districts. Graduates, their local congregations and many other congregations were encouraged with our visit.

April 3rd – Wednesday - we began our journey from the NCBS building toward Dev's home by a local Tata sumo van. We reached brother Ezekiel's home at 2 PM. We took a river bath. Brother Abraham and Chandra Prakash joined us from their home. We had an evening family Bible study with their family and other neighborhoods. 

April 4th - Thursday - we woke up at 6 AM. We began to walk toward Dev's local congregation after having a light breakfast. It was taken 2 and a half hours from brother Ezekiel's home to reach the Maishirang Church where Dev preaches every Sunday. This is in the Makwanpr district. We had a whole day Bible study with almost 75 Christian brothers and sisters.  We stayed that night in that village.  

April 5th - Friday - Today is a free travel day. We went to the Chitwan National Park where we had spent half a day. We enjoyed our day by seeing natural beauty, rivers, elephant, rhinoceros and the animal museum. We came back to brother Chandra Prakash's home by late evening. His village is in the Tanahu district. We had a short evening devotional of Bible study with their family. 

April 6th - Saturday - We had a day of Bible study at Kota, Kalikatar. Brother Chandra Prakash is our present student. He is the preacher of that local congregation. 

April 7th - Sunday - We did morning worship service at Kota, Kaliktar village. We did not make any travel due to Nepal Bandh (one day all shops, transportations are closed). We went near villages to visit and have Bible study with the believers' houses. 

April 8th - Monday - We left Chandra Prakash's family and came back toward Pokhara Bus Park at Narayanghat. We reached Malekhu Bazar about three and half hours by highway bus. We had lunch and took another local van to reach Dhading Besi. This is the headquarter for the Dhading district. This is 580 meters above sea level. It was a one hour travel journey from Malekhy Bazar. After getting down at Dhading Besi we changed another van to go to Gyangsang village. It is four hours up and down hilly roads. We arrived at 8 PM in Gyangsang. This is 2350 meters above sea level. We stayed at a hotel and had dinner. This was a long traveling day for us, but we enjoyed our day. We were traveling toward the Dhading district of Bagmati zone. Brother Sonam and other Tamang brothers and sisters live in this area. Dhading is a tourist area for trekking, Ganesh Himal and other natural beauties. 

April 9th - Tuesday – After having breakfast we began to walk from Gyansang village toward brother Sonam's village. We started our hill and mountain walking journey about 6 AM. We reached one village called Shertung at 6 PM. This is 1920 meters above sea level. We stayed at the Lodge and took rest. We did not reach our destination. We were unable to walk more than this. This is really a tiresome journey. 

April -10th - Wednesday - We woke up little late this morning due to yesterday's walking, but we did start our walking about 7 AM after breakfast. We reached Tipling village at 11:30 AM. This is 1819 meters above sea level. We had lunch and an hour rest. Again we walked 3 hours toward brother Sonam's home. Finally we reached his home in Puru village. This is around 1900 meters above sea level. We took a bath and some time for rest. Then we had an evening Bible study. 

April 11th - Thursday – We did a half day Bible study at Puru where brother Sonam works locally. We walked toward Linjo village which took one and half hours for us. This is 2020 meters above sea level. We had an evening Bible study with brother B. Bahadur and Linjo’s congregations. 

April 12th - Friday - We left Linjo village at 7 AM. We climbed 4303 meters on a high mountain called Marsyong pass of Pangsang Dada. We enjoyed some time in the snow. Then we reached one lodge and a hotel at Somdang village. We reached Somdang at 7:30 PM. Somdang is 3270 meters above sea level. 

April 13th - Saturday - This is another whole day walking from Somdang villge to Shyabru Besi village. We did this journey through Gatlang which is 2238 meter above sea level. We have Lord's congregation at Gatlang. We arrived at Shyabru Besi at 7 PM. We had night Bible study at here. We were encouraged by the Brothers and sisters from Shyabru Besi. This is 1503 meters above sea level.

April 14th - Sunday - We had a short Bible study with few Christian brothers and sisters at one of the brothers house. We didn't wait for the evening worship service. We did worship service at one of the hotels. We left Shabru Besi for visiting Gosaikunda Lake, Langtang National Park. We stayed one night at Goshaikunda. It is 4000-4700 meters above sea level.

April 15th - Monday - We returned back to Dhunche. This is the headquarters for Rasuwa district. It is 1830 meters above sea level. We stayed at hotel and got ready for the return back to Kathmandu.

April 16th - Tuesday - We took a bus at 7 Am. We reached at NCBS at 4 PM.

Benefits of the trip:

1. To encourage our past and present students.

2. To provide and get spiritual nourishment from the word of God by studying together with new audiences.

3. To get some new students for our next batch.

4. To build close relationship within the school and different congregations.

Thanks 

Servant of Christ
Gajendra Deshar
Nepal Center for Biblical Study
Kathmandu, Nepal

Souls Added In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Wotutu and the entire brothers and sisters in Cameroon. I do hope this report will meet you in good health and a sound faith.

The Lord added 3 souls in the cause of our efforts in Dibanda village, even at night. Souls were added like sister Cynthia. After her baptism she worshiped today and was really pleased with the New Testament worship. Keep them in your prayers that the congregation in Dibanda will help nurture them to maturity.

Life is going on well, but with lots of challenges. Keep us in your prayers. We just made our way back to Wotutu after four days of evangelism in Dibanada village where one of our graduates is serving. The work went on well.

Last week in CBIW and the Wotutu congregation everything went on well. The students are doing well in their studies, but not having the best of health. This morning after worship in Dibanda village I was called by my wife that my daughter, Cheercy, collapsed during worship alongside brother Godwin Nwachukwu as they had severe chest pain. They were both rushed to the hospital in my absence for emergency medical attention. Brother Godwin was under oxygen for a while until he was revived. They are both getting better. Keep them in your prayers.

CBIW students stood beside a hired van as they prepared to depart to Dibanda for mission. We are spending too much on hired van. Keep it in your prayers for the Lord to provide to us.

God granted us a safe trip to the village of Dibanda. Our students struggled to raise the canopy for shade, as we are in the rainy season.

The students and staff of CBIW embarked on house to house evangelism, reaching out to the community. Evangelism is our mission and we make sure we meet up with that daily through our radio program at 5 AM daily and also follow up.

I was able to teach to the crowd during our indoor class on the topic that Christians are supposed to be aware of the schemes of the devil.

The Lord added sister Helen as brother Edwin welcomed her after her baptism.

Plans
We shall target Batoke now to establish a new congregation by next month. Help us pray. We have been planning to go and we have other commitments that will take us to another area. The whole of the west coast in Cameroon does not have the church of Christ, so if this is successful it will be the very first one and it will spread to other parts of that community.

Appreciations
Many thanks to God for using you to be part of the work here. May God continue to bless you and watch over you to not relent your efforts of saving souls and training men to preach the gospel message.

I pray you share this report with others. God bless you.

Elangwe and family
By his grace Director CBIW

A Few Thoughts About A Godly Father...

A mixture of emotions surrounds this week’s report. Not because of the reports that have been given, but because of the passing of my father. There are moments I am sad and happy, at the same time; moments when I feel confused, yet knowing the great reward he enjoys. Everything he stood for, lived for, and awaited with great anticipation is now the reality he enjoys. I would like to take a moment and give a short tribute to him. 

I was blessed to have such a godly man as the major influence in my life growing up. I cannot remember a time when I did not see him with his Bible close at hand. If there was ever a man who lived in and by the Word of God, it was him. For the past 30+ years he has read the New Testament through once every month and the Old Testament through twice each year. He not only memorized the Bible, he knew it and lived it.

He was a preacher, teacher, the best one-on-one personal worker I have ever known, father, grandfather, husband and friend. I give thanks for the great victory he has achieved and look forward to being with him again one day. He left this world with the riches of family, friends, and loved ones too many to count. 

I do not know how many people will be in heaven because of the incredible personal work he has done, but it will be many. I know I am certainly who I am today because of him. I hope to pass along the same legacy to my children. Thank you for your prayers.

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 

A Great Week In Cameroon: The work by students in Cameroon continues to show the power of God’s hand with the graduates and current students of CBIW.

Stewardship Seminar Brings Unity In Togo: A recent seminar in Togo helps develop unity among the congregations participating in this event.

Dedication Of Events Hall To Come: Thanks to the great work of Doug Wheeler in Nigeria, a new events hall in Southwest School of Evangelism will be dedicated to him.

Reports From Students Of USOE Show Growth: Graduates from the Uganda School of Evangelism show growth in the local congregations.

A Special Note Of Thanks: More news if forthcoming from Guatemala. This note is one of special gratitude.

Maturing The Lord’s Church In Tanzania: As the goals continue to be met in Arusha, the Lord’s church continues to mature.

This Won’t Be In The Report, Will It? The children in the Gee family have learned the importance of being careful of what they say. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for all you do for the extension work. As we close this week, it is exciting to know the work we are all involved with is making an eternal difference. You are all a blessing to the work of our Lord, and to me personally. Thank you.

God bless
Bob

This Won't Be In The Report, Will It?

"Let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." Heb. 12:1                     

Dear Co-Laborers: 

We hope you are having a great Sunday! Jimmy left early this morning to preach and teach at the Moshi congregation. Afterwards he will be traveling to Dar es Salaam (along with Elly and Neema Martin) to pick up the British visas and the U.S. tourist visas at the Embassy. Jimmy won't return until Thursday evening (yes, it takes that long to drive, attend the interview and receive the visas and return home). Trina taught the ladies class (Genesis 42) and Candace taught the children's class at the Kisongo congregation.    

Saturday, we attended the funeral of David's grandmother, a very friendly and sweet person. Close female friends or relatives of the deceased wear white to the service. An interesting belief is that the body of the deceased must first go back to their house (to say "good-bye" to their home) before being transported if service is elsewhere. 

"This won't be in the report, will it?" asked Elijah after he said something really funny (that I've forgotten now). Saturday, the girls invited friends over for a "farewell" party to say good-bye. Next Sunday, April 28th, we will leave immediately after services to go into Arusha, eat a quick bite, then get on a large bus (coaster) which will travel to Nairobi, Kenya. Later that night we will board the plane. You will not receive another update until the end of May (during furlough we will report monthly on our travels, etc).

We thank God for each and every one who has contributed and/or prayed for us concerning our furlough! We simply cannot thank you enough for your sacrificial giving. However, we are still waiting for some funds to arrive. 

We're looking forward to seeing you real soon! Thank you for the outpouring of love and concern. 

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

Maturing The Lord's Church In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Servants, 

It is our hope and prayer that this report finds you all doing well, blessed and busy serving faithfully.  We are good, busy and thankful for the life we have been blessed with, in Christ Jesus. God continues to bless his work here in Tanzania in amazing ways.

After fifteen years of labor with the Tanzania 2000 mission effort, we have been blessed with seeing much good. The maturing of the Lord’s Church is beginning to show its self in many ways. The talent we are blessed to work with is encouraging and promising as to the bright future of the growth of the Kingdoms work.

One such talent is seen in the life and work of our brother Charles Haberth. Charles is married to Amy and they have been blessed with three small children. Charles is a graduate of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, both the undergraduate and graduate programs. He also serves as the evangelist for the newly planted Kwa Mrombo congregation here in the Arusha area. 

Charles has a work ethic to be admired by anyone. He also serves as one of our instructors at the school. One of his other primary roles is, translation work. He has and is currently working on several projects. The last large project he has completed (with the assistance of several others) was the evangelistic book by John Moore, “Searching for Truth”. With the help of World Video Bible Institute, this work book in Ki-Swahili is now being used. We have sent copies to Nairobi, Kenya, Ushirombo, Tanga, Tanzania and have also began using them in the Arusha area. 

We have great hopes for the good this book, translated into the local vernacular, will save many lost souls. We also hope to use this tool in a big way during our Safari for Souls campaigns coming up in May, June and July. We are expecting just over 60 co-workers this year and have a goal of distributing 1,000 SFT books. Along with thousands of other Bible tracts, Bible correspondence courses, Bibles, and hundreds of one-on-one Bible studies. 

The work being done is possible because of good men like Charles. We thank him, his family and the many others who give of their life that the cause of Christ might go forth here in East Africa.

We solicit your prayers for the upcoming campaigns and for the use of this new tool, SFT. May our God be glorified and may the preaching and teaching of God’s word have its desired affect on the lost of this community. 

Please remember the Gee family as they are in the final days of preparing for their furlough. They will leave Tanzania a week for today. Also, please remember Anita, currently in the States helping Sean’s parents as they get settled. She is to return to TZ the first of May. 

We thank each of you for your prayers, support and care for God’s work here in Tanzania. May you have a blessed week in your service to others, to His glory.  

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

A Special Note Of Thanks...

Greetings from the Land of Eternal Spring (aka Guatemala)!

I pray that this message finds you all doing well. We are doing fine here.

First, please accept my apology for being so late in sending this message. So much has been happening and so much continues to happen that I decided to stop and to write on our behalf before more time passes by. Lord willing, we will be sending out a few updates within the next few days. After you receive them, you will better understand what I mean when I say a lot has been happening. So, be on the lookout for some Guatemala updates coming very soon.

However, this is just a short note to say THANKS to so many of you that responded in various ways upon the passing of our sister Linda Kay. The numerous amounts of emails received were a great encouragement during this time. Also, all the cards that came from around the world gave us and our family assurance that many were praying for us. The flowers, both from individuals and from congregations, were very beautiful and represented the beauty we share as friends and as brothers and sisters in Christ. Your presence at the church was also a comfort and inspiration to us. In addition, there were funds sent our overseeing congregation in memory of Linda. These funds are being used to purchase books for the ITL library. A note will be placed inside of each purchase letting the readers know of the generous donations. 

It's difficult to express in words how all that you did helped us through such a difficult time. 

Thank you so much for every gesture of kindness during our time of loss. May our God in heaven repay each of you for the way you have and continue to support us.

We love you and thank God each day for you. Take care and be blessed in Him!

Con amor en Cristo,
Hawatthia

"Teaching the CENTRAL MESSAGE in CENTRAL AMERICA!"

Reports From Students Of USOE Show Growth...

Dear brethren,

Thanks be to our heavenly Father who is always blessing us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. The short course is ending this week and brothers Donnie and Jimmy will be leaving on the 18th of April 2010. This being our end of the year holidays, all our students will be allowed to visit their families. We have six students from Congo who are on my neck that they want to see their families. Each one of them needs $200 for their bus fare to go and come back. The total is $1,200. We promised all our students from Congo and Kenya  transport to and fro once a year.

We have 6 students from Kenya who will need $150. The total money we need to help us transport these students home and come back will be $1,350 dollars. 

Land Issue
On the land issue I have all the necessary forms for the transfer of land ownership. The local chairman has endorsed his stamp and signature. I am waiting for the District and later take it to the lawyer to sign as a witness of the transaction. The funds you sent to help in this work, I received it and it is very much helping me to move around. May our good God bless you for your contribution in this. Very soon the land title will be in our school names. 

Ladies Coming To School
So far we have received ten sisters willing to come to study God's word. As I said we are going to keep them here for two weeks. We need your prayers for this program's success.

Reports from two students are below.

Francis Wechesa

NAMUNGODI CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH REPORT

EMMANUEL MAWA

The Namungodi congregation currently has a membership of 21 people including adults and children.

• The adults 15
• Children  6
• Male adults  8
• Female adults 7

Baptisms
At the beginning of the year the Lord added four souls to this Church, largely due to our evangelization and invitation of nonChristians to come and worship with us.

Monthly Contribution
The monthly contribution keeps fluctuating weekly and, therefore, monthly. On average per week, it is 5000/= meaning that monthly it is 20000/=.

Dropouts and Restorations
Unfortunately, we have had three dropouts of whom we had restored last year and have dropped out again. There has been some effort to reach them, but so far to no avail. Keep praying for them to come back to the Lord.

No restorations therefore.

Challenges
Just like any congregation in the world, Namungodi Church of Christ has a lot of challenges.

1. We lack a proper place of worship, like land and a Church building. With regard to the land we are currently using, the owner of the land, brother Asa, does not tell us the truth about the land. He says he gave the land to the Church; another time he wants money for the land without giving a specific amount.

We had a plan for roofing the small structure on the land which would be adequate as a Church building, but now, without knowing ownership of the land, there is no way we can start looking for funds to aid in the purchase of the iron sheets.

1. Evangelism is another problem. The Christians say that at the moment they do not know what to say or how to present the message. Others say it is not their obligation among others. As the preacher I am trying to teach them how to go about it and, hopefully, in the near future they will learn the basics and do the work of the Lord. 
2. The giving on the Lord’s day is not sufficient to do all, or most, of the church activities, like benevolence among others. 
3. The distance from the meeting place is also a challenge. This reason was given by one of the dropouts because they do not have enough money to come for worship or bible class on Sunday and Friday respectively.

Future Plans

1. To solve the problem of worship house, the plan is to build a worship house of about 15 X 30.
2. Continue praying with members on personal evangelism. 
3. To set up a “bread basket” where members contribute food or money twice a year according to the harvest seasons. We have also set up a group where members contribute 4000 monthly as a savings to be used by individual Christians in times of need. A Christian can put in more than the standard 4000, so far so good. 

NAHAYAKA  CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH REPORT

Wandera Peter and John  Ndiang’u

This is Nahayaka church Christ report since I started worshiping from there. We were two preachers there, but eventually he left me alone there having been sent to another congregation.

As we were two preachers there we found four people, and as my fellow preacher left me there we were altogether 7 people. The number grew from 7 to 8 people excluding children, when children are there we are 11. Therefore, the number of men were 3 people, the number of women was 4, and the number of children was 4.

Number of Dropouts and Restorations: 
Since I started worshiping from there, in June  2012, there has been 7 dropouts and no restorations.

Monthly Contribution
The monthly contribution varies from month to month depending on the weekly contribution which is an average of 6,000/=. Therefore the monthly contribution is used up by Mzee Nalyali.

Baptisms per year:
Right from 2012 up-to-date there has been no baptism carried out since that period.

Challenges:
Just like any other congregation in the world, the church of Christ in Nahayaka faces various challenges that include the following:

1. There is lack of Church building: The church is congregating at Mzee Nalyali’s house which is hindering other people to come in to continue with the service, thus hinders church growth.
2. There is lack of enough evangelist: This problem is hindering church growth because of one preacher who is not able to carry out all the church activities, yet the few members available after leaving on the Lord’s day go until the coming week and, therefore, is leading the church to fall down.
3. Distance covered: This problem is hindering church growth because during holidays it is becoming difficult to travel from home to go there to carry out evangelism and hence leading to church to fall down.
4. The giving on the Lord’s day is insufficient: This problem is hindering church because the amount contributed cannot work for all church activities, and beside that, whatever is contributed ends up being used by Mzee Nalyali to complete his problem.

Future Plans
The future plan made to solve the above out coming is that, first of all, there is need to put up a church building outside Mzee Nalyali’s family because this will encourage other people to come especially those who fear to come in Mzee’s house.

Dedication Of Events Hall To Come...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Greetings from staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan -Nigeria.

The students of SWSE-Ibadan led by brother Abraham Idu Yeje and brother Olofingorite Mayowa evangelized Akinwande and Alagbede villages from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm today, April 20, while I and brother Kayode Eniafe, brother Dele Shotola and brother Joseph Adeniji evangelized Egbeda town of Egbeda L.G.A. of Oyo state. We also discussed with the three WBS of brother Ken Heflin of the West Olive congregation and their family the possibility of starting the Lord's church at Egbeda town by May 2013.

Brethren, work commenced on Friday the 19th of April on the flooring and fixing of frames and doors at the SWSE Events Hall in preparation of May 31 when we shall dedicate the hall to our beloved Patron & Special Adviser - brother Douglas M. Wheeler in appreciation of his great and wonderful contribution toward the growth of the Lord's church in Nigeria since 1984.

Also, the 4th Semester classes begin on Monday, April 15th at SWSE-Ibadan, Nigeria. The students will be going for their teaching practice June 8 through July 7, 2013, Lord's willing.

We appreciate you all for your wonderful support, both financially and morally! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ name, amen.

I remain your fellow-laborer in Christ Jesus,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi(Director of studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan-Nigeria

Stewardship Seminar Brings Unity In Togo...

Barry Baggot was a missionary in Ivory Coast for many years. He now lives in the US and works with the Crieve Hall Church of Christ in Nashville, TN. He directs the French Literature program and still makes frequent trips to Ivory Coast and other French speaking countries in Africa. CBS was privileged to have him accept the invitation to teach the book of Romans in Kpalime, Togo from Monday, April 8 – Friday April, 12.

Radio program resumed
Radio Plannet in Kpalime was closed down by the authorities for renovation work about a year ago. Since no other station would allow us to buy air time, we were compelled to wait. By the grace of God the work is completed and government has given the green light for Plannet to resume operation. The team in Kpalime started the broadcast on Thursday, the 21st of March.

CBS organized a 3 Day seminar on Christian stewardship
Seventy-two (72) participants from 4 congregations attended the 3 day seminar organized by CBS. The theme was “The Divine Principles of Stewardship.” Speakers included former students, current students and the principal, Cephas.

Facts and figures

Avekpo: Abraham preaches for the Avekpo church near Kpalime. This congregation has 15 members. One person was baptized recently and added to the congregation.

Aveho Tugbui: Clement preaches for this new congregation with a membership of 7.

Akefe: Yaovi preaches for congregation in Akefe, it has a membership of 15. They had two (2) baptisms recently.

Sanguera: Gidigidi preaches for the Sanguera church near Lome. They had 3 baptisms in the month under consideration.

Kpadape: David preaches for this congregation in Kpadape. It has 20 members. One student has been assigned to assist David each Sunday.

Nyiveme: Cephas, the principal of CBS preaches here with the assistance of some students. Nyiveme has 55 members. A lady was baptized recently.

Scheduled Campaign
Plans are far advanced to plant a new congregation in Tutu in order to relocate the Beme Church. Tutu and Beme are twin towns about an hour away from Kpalime. It has become necessary to relocate the Beme church because people in Tutu are more receptive to the gospel. We are therefore planning to organize a three day open air preaching with a house to house Bible study in May.

Proposed date for graduation is the 28th of September, 2013

Willie Gley

A Great Week In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings and love from this end, from your brothers and sisters in Christ here in Wotutu. We hope this report finds you and the entire family of God’s people there in good health. We are doing okay here, just for the fact that many people are sick now as we move towards the rainy season here in Cameroon. Some students were really sick and our medicine box at the school could not help them. We sent them to the hospital to see the doctor. Among them is brother Namana Martin, who was vomiting blood. We thought it was tuberculosis, but the doctor, after examination and clinical findings, told us it was not TB. I decided to send him home for herbal treatment, as he told me that may help him. Keep him in your prayers to recover speedily and return to school.

Our students trekked down to the young congregation in Mile 4 which is about 1.5 mile away from Wotutu to help scatter the seed of the gospel.

Still on the road very close to Mile 4, as we think souls. We don’t sit, we move towards souls, so that by His grace many that listen and obey the truth, we shall rob from the strong man’s house. Keep this work in prayers.

A girl from the Mile 4 congregation and her children benefitted for the first time to hear the doctrine of Jesus undiluted. She opened her house and her heart to study some more. Keep her in your prayers as she believes that baptism is not immediate. We shall continue in the follow up.

Brother Assah Peter is doing the same house to house evangelism that is our motto and we do our best to work in accordance with the motto. Many souls are perishing and time is running out. We must do this work now that it is still day. Many love the work we are doing as we preach in the entire community of Wotutu every morning. Some will talk against the doctrine of Christ that we preach, while others love it. For two days we were off the air as our PA system was bad. Many called to asked why. That was the time I truly knew that a great number of people follow the preaching daily.

The entire student body went with the evangelist to the Mile 4 congregation for a family picture. The Mile 4 congregation is less than 3 months of age. Please keep the work there in prayer as our students go there every week to help with the work.

Training is of great importance as our students pay attention to the training they are undergoing with the zeal we instill in them to pay attention to souls. It is our great expectation that as they leave CBIW that burning spirit will continue to push them ahead and never look behind. The Alpha graduates keep impressing me daily from their calls and appeals for Bibles for young converts in their areas of ministry. I visited some in the cause of the week as I passed by their communities. I saw in them that spirit, oh the spirit of CBIW, the spirit of reaching out no matter what. Socially they have no message to take home concerning their zeal and devotions, but they keep moving even as things are really hard on their way. My son, Ray Jr., carried the flag of Cameroon. You could see in his face how serious he was in holding the flag. Whenever I am with him, as we move around from one village or town, whenever he sees the flag of Cameroon he will show me “eh daddy, that is the Cameroon flag.” Oh, I pray that he will grow up to point many to the Bible where you can read about God and can gain salvation free through JESUS. Let us join to train people who will love to point people to Jesus. As we love our country and we teach our children in their tender age to know lots about our country, let us teach them more about Jesus and His church. I love Ray, I love Ray was a song one of our short course lecturers composed for him during his 2nd birthday. Keep Ray in your prayers. He is a promising young man. God bless you all and your loving kids

Plans
We shall go to Dibanda congregation this weekend for a four days evangelism , please keep the work in your prayers.

Appreciations
We thank God for you as you invest your time in prayers and support of the work that is going on here. God bless you and keep you. Share this report with others who may love to be part of this soul saving ministry.

We will appreciate your comments and advice.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Graduation At VVBC In India...

Greetings to you in the precious name of Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you so much for your kind concern toward running the preacher training school at Visakhapatnam. Without your help there is no way we can run this school. Attached are the pictures showing the graduation program. Thank you very much for everything. 

We believe that the Scripture is revealed to us by inspired men so that the men of God be equipped for every good work. The good work; such as teaching, correcting, reproving and for training in righteousness is being done. We are certainly blessed to have Visakha Valley Bible College to teach the inspired word to the men of God to do every good work, to carry out the gospel to their own people. 

By the grace of God and kind encouragements of the supporting churches we have reached two milestones so far: one is training 16 men in the year 2009-11 and the second is 9 preaching students receiving a Master's Degree from the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, which made the total students sent out to the mission field from our school is 25. This was our first Master’s batch of students. 

Now, we have reached another milestone; that is sending out another 13 successful students (2011-13) to the mission field. Our mission of ‘Reaching the unreached millions’ is absolutely coming true.  

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?” (Rom 10: 14, 15) At this time we honor our mighty God for His kindness and mercy. Now these men are ready to go into the mission field. Let us pray that they will be bring glory to the Lord God. 

I apologize for the wrong information I gave you in my previous email that is about the number of graduates for this year. There are actually 13, by mistake I said 16, please excuse me.

Thank you very much brethren for being part of this accomplishment, we pray that our joint efforts would establish more congregations in this pagan nation. Please share these pictures with the brethren. 

Description of Pictures:

Pic 1: Director of the School, M. Samuel Raju addressing the guests 

Pic 2: Students in the bottom row, in the middle guests including the Director, on top faculty standing in Line

Pic 3: Graduates with the Guests

Pic 4: Bicycles presented by the school through the supporting of couple of Individuals and one congregation together

Pic 5: Brother Jerry presents the Diploma after the student honored by Paula with a Medal

Pic 6: Students have received a Pack of books along with an English Bible, Bro & Sis Joshua Gootam presenting them on behalf of the school

John Dean Muppidi
Skinner's Garden Bible School
Visakha Valley Bible College
Church of Christ
Andhra Pradesh,  INDIA