Transition In Place And God Is Blessing The Work...

Greetings,

What a joy it is to be a part of God’s family. We take great comfort in knowing we have family around the world with common goals, those willing to serve God faithfully as well as our fellow man. We thank each of you for the part you play in the saving of souls here in Tanzania and throughout East Africa.

I have just returned from a short three week trip to the States. The transition has taken place, with a few more details to still be worked out. The Tanzania 2000 mission effort is now sponsored by the Bear Valley church of Christ. We will work directly with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver (under the oversight of the Bear Valley Elders). Denny Petrillo is the President of the school, Bob Turner the Director of the extension schools. I have known and worked with these men, and the Bear Valley staff, for a number of years. I am excited, to say the least, as to the bright future that lays ahead. 

I am also mindful of the oversight of the Kensington Woods elders for the last 15 years, the good done and the positive future that is yet before us, because they cared enough to follow through with their commitment and vision to do God’s work around the world. Thank you Ken, thank you KW and thank God for bringing us this far.

We have now completed two of our three summer Safari for Souls campaigns. The first one being held at the newly planted congregation in the White Rose area of Arusha (planted through the efforts of the Hoover, AL campaigners during last years SFS efforts). So far, this effort has resulted in the conversion of 22 souls, and the follow-up work continues. Also, a permanent meeting house is about to be completed!

The second campaign effort was conducted at Ngurdoto, a new church plant through the efforts of our good brothers and sisters from Elk City, OK. It was during our SFS campaign last year at Maji ya Chai, that this church plant took place. Thus far 14 souls have been added to the Kingdom and the work continues.

We are now in the middle of our third campaign at Kwa Mrombo. This effort is being supported by several, led by John Hall (former TZ2000 missionary) and has already been blessed with four conversions. What a blessing it is to be a part of God’s work and seeing His power transform lives in a most powerful way.

Please remember the Gee family and the Hochdorf families as they continue on their furloughs. Please remember Sean’s mother Alice and our dear sister Soniea Galloway as they continue in their cancer recovery.

May God bless you with a week of serving others to His glory. 

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Parker

Denominational Preacher Obeys The Gospel...

Dear Brethren in the Lord,

About a month ago, I sought for an opportunity to study with one denominational pastor of which, by God's own grace, I was granted the chance. The name of the denomination is called, the Assemblies of God. This man stays at my area, and before he goes to his house, he passes through my house. After some few interactions, he was convinced that I could help him, especially when he realized that I am teaching in a preaching school.

All his mind was to get close to me so that he could get more insight in the Scriptures to do his work in the Assemblies of God. Therefore, he arranged with me some classes which he used to come to my house on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. And each time, before I go anywhere, he comes to my house as early as 8:00 a.m. to spend about 4 hours for Bible studies. 

Well, I also had my own agenda (that is, to help him become a Christian in the Lord's Church, though, he thought he already was) and so, I started with him about the differences between the Old and New Testaments, the authority of the Scriptures, on to the pattern of Christianity (concerning, the New Testament church, the worship, work, organization, plan of salvation, etc.). Also, I spent a lot of time teaching him about the sin and errors of denominationalism. And one time he confessed to me that, he had been in the Assemblies of God for 30 years, but had never heard of a pattern for Christians.

To cut the long story short, the man visited the church of Christ Sunday (June 23) to observe our worship, and from what he saw, after worship, he told the whole congregation that he did not come to me with the intent of stopping his Church for anybody, but the truth that has been opened to him and the light that has been shown him, he is no more going to his church, and wants us to go and baptize him. So, immediately after worship, we went and baptized him. He is called George Cassidy. I was the one who baptized him.

Please, this new brother needs our prayers, for now his wife and children are still attending the Assemblies of God, and he has told me to help him convert his family too. So I need a prayer support from all of you so that God will help me accomplish this noble task.

Thanks
Joshua

God Gives A Great Increase And Persecution Follows...

Dearest in Christ,

Amazing grace and love is what we wish you all over there. We are happy that we were able to come together in one accord to worship God in spirit and in truth. We hope the worship of God was awesome where you are.

Our students enjoyed a spectacular event as they went for the very first time to this locality. It is far from Wotutu with horrible roads, but we had the call to come and help and we sent brother Agbor James. He did a great job. He baptized brother Anthony who obeyed the gospel in Mundemba.

The students of CBIW made their way back to Wotutu yesterday and just 3 are still on the way struggling in bad roads, as I write this report, to get back from their villages to Wotutu. They came back refreshed and ready to start another semester which will be the 3rd in their first year of studies. They came with lots of appreciation and request from the mission field where they serve in 24 different locations. Traditional rulers, who we must notify as our students get into their villages, sent their appreciation back to the school and God receives all the glory. They brought great news and we shall share the moments of joy with you as you are part of this great work. Thank you for being there for us and making all these things happen.

Brother Abgor also baptized sister Emeline in Mumdemba. This is the first congregation and the only congregation now in Ndian Division. They continue to cry out for us to come and help them. We are ready to go and we shall go. Keep us and all our efforts to reach out as we think souls and go to rob from the strong man’s house.

The revived congregation in Mundemba worshiped in the house of one of the adult brothers. Keep praying for this young, but fertile soil for the gospel, as we map out plans to reach out with the pure undiluted word to this community. Brother Agbor came back with words of encouragement that we should not relent our efforts to continue sending students to that community. The authorities are eager that we should come back.

Thanks for your prayers for all the students safety since they left campus for campaign. They are happy to be back even though some of them that went to a remote village in Matoh Butu were beaten terrible by some Roman Catholic youths with their catechist, who was very angry that our student Dikana and Thiery studied with his son and the son was reading the scriptures from his father’s Bible with some apocryphal books for close to 7 hours. He made up his mind after seeing the truth to be baptized. After the youths beat our students, the young baptized brother Lawrence told his father, and the other youths, that they should stop deceiving many to lose their salvation. He read from his father’s Bible the truth that he said “you have hidden from me since I was born.” The brother in 30 years said he will not look behind again. Today as I type this mail the minister in that congregation called me and said all went on well and they brother was happy to see and be part of the New Testament worship and was impressed. Oh, oh many 21st century persecution is coming our way these days. Please, please keep us in your fervent prayers.

The Wotutu congregation today visited with our 3 month old baby in Christ, brother Kunda Julius, who was a chairman in the large Roman Catholic assembly here in Wotutu. He has started going to the pulpit and today he officiated with the collection. We were impressed with his courage and zeal to study more so that he will help many in his family who are staunch Roman Catholics. Please keep him in your prayers.

In our worship today at Wotutu, a brother did the reading during our morning Bible study. We had 3 visitors who came for worship even though with the torrential down pour of rain. 110 strugglee with the rain to make it to our worship hall. Ebia Samson, who was one of the visitors told us that he listened to our morning preaching and has decided to come fully and start worshiping with us, but he is a theology student in Grace Mission. We had a good discussion in my office and we shall visit him and share the pure light of the gospel soon.

Preachers in the field signed and evaluation sheet with some leaders in the congregation to report back to us about our students.

Statistics for this second evangelistic campaign in 24 locations.

Studies on house to house - many studies with our 27 students in 24 locations.

Number of Baptism - a total of 58 souls were added in those congregations.

Number of restorations - a total of 27 Christians who had fallen away came back with joy.

Revived  Congregations - Mundemba congregation is back to the light, and we shall not allow it again. Help us in your prayers and any way you can be part of this work.

Plans
1) We shall leave Campus this weekend with all the students to attend the special invitation from the Muyuka congregation to come and help them. Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism. So, we are happy with any opportunity that comes our way to reach out to souls, because daily we thinks souls. We must go so as to rob from the strong man’s house.

2) We still plan for Batoke work to establish a new congregation.

3) We shall go to Ediki village to revive a congregation that stopped worshipping since 2010, because they don’t have someone to preach there.

Appreciations
God bless you for all that you are doing for the work here. God alone will reward you for all your great gestures toward the cross. Thank you for standing with us.

Students also came with lots of appeal for Tracts and Bibles. We shall handle it with time.

Do your best to share this report with others. We shall love to read your comments.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Spreading Hope Globally...

We have enjoyed another exciting week in the Extension Program. The reports provide encouragement concerning the increase God is giving to the work. Reading about students who are diligent in their efforts of reaching out to their communities with the message of Jesus Christ is thrilling. The are spreading hope around the world.

Amidst the challenges that accompany the work, there is joy in stepping back to really examine the good that God is doing through His people. The enjoyment of the work is coupled with the involvement of so many of you. Your prayers and support help unite our hands in training men to preach the gospel. This partnership has been and continues to be blessed by God.

Students are beginning to arrive in Denver in preparation for the new enrollment in August. This promises to be another great class of students who desire to preach the gospel. An air of excitement exists as preliminary plans are being developed for classes to begin in just a few weeks. We ask you to be praying about the current student body, but also for this new class of students as they prepare for greater work in the 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/

Don Prather, along with his wife, are visiting the work in Kathmandu. Click here to read Don’s latest report.

Extension Reports 

Marriage Class Strengthens The Church In Cameroon: A recent class in Cameroon has proven to help one of the young Christian couples in Wotutu.

Work / Study Program In Cambodia: The Bible Institute in Cambodia is making efforts to work with the third enrollment of students to prepare them for the future work.

Teaching People Who Have Been Taught: The school and church in Siem Reap, Cambodia is focusing on strengthening the faith of Christians for a stronger church.

Stronger Families, Leaders, And Future Students: The work in Gorlovka, Ukraine is influencing families, leaders and future students for a stronger church.

Visiting American Instructors In Nepal: The Nepal Center of Biblical Studies is enjoying the teaching of two American teachers and the news of their work is encouraging.

Furlough, First Quarter And Fruition: The Asunción Bible Academy has completed the first quarter and many plans are bringing wonderful fruit to the work in Paraguay. 

Final Thoughts
I hope you are were as encouraged in reading through the reports as I was when I read them. Knowing that we are partnering with the greatest people in the greatest work on earth is a cause worthy of our time and effort. Thank you for making it all possible. May our God receive all the glory.

God bless
Bob

Stronger Families, Leaders And Future Students...

Hello dear brothers, families and churches.

In my letter, I want to share with you some news about events at the Institute and in the churches of Christ in Ukraine. Ukraine is a big country in Central Europe, and its population now consists of 45 million people. God’s church in Ukraine became active after the fall of the Soviet Union, and for more than 20 years we continued preaching the sound doctrine. 

We have to work more and be more diligent to build strong churches. Even now we have very few strong families in local churches; the majority of believers are elderly people. Churches are in great need of encouragement, sound teaching and continuous evangelizing efforts. Recently we had a camp for families in Svyatogorsk that was organized by American brothers (their leader is Jeff Abrams) and the Church of Christ in Kramatorsk. My family and I were happy to participate in this camp. There were many families from different parts of Donetsk region. For 4 days, we were praising the Lord and listening to classes on making strong families and churches. During this camp 4 people were baptized and many people were encouraged by this event. I think that finding time for spiritual fellowship is an important part of the work in God’s church. 

In this year, we organized a three-day camp for future preachers in order to help local congregations. We invited young men (ages 13-18) from all over Ukraine. It was a wonderful time of studying the Bible, acquiring leadership skills and practical exercises. There were 9 young men participating in our camp. Every one of them had to prepare a short Bible lesson and present it in front of the church. It was a second camp that we have on the basis of our Bible Institute, and we want continue this tradition. In such a way, young people get to know about the Institute and the possibility of getting a quality Bible education. The church in Ukraine is in need of strong leaders.  

Our Institute also had a Masters’ classes in the middle of June, and we had a teacher from the US, Denton Landon. He also teaches in the Bachelors’ program. We are grateful for his ministry and help to our Institute and the church in Ukraine. 

In this month, I also visited a church of Christ in Ivano-Frankovsk, Western Ukraine. Pavel Tuznichenko and Vladimir Didukh, who are second-year students in our Institute, minister there. There are very few churches of Christ in the Western part of our country. It is very important to train new ministers so we could plant new churches in different towns and cities in the future. I believe that God will open these doors for us when we start working on that.

In July I plan to visit churches in Mariupol and Lugansk and maybe in some other towns with my family. I keep looking for new students, but we don’t have any applications for this school year yet. There are a few people who were interested in studying, but they haven’t submitted their applications. Please pray with us for the recruitment of new students. 

In this letter I want to thank everyone who supports us spiritually and physically both the Institute and me. We continue praying for you and your zeal in ministering to us. Many of you are an example for us in persistence and care for others. 

With love in Christ your brother and coworker,
Dennis Sopelnik

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

Angry Birds And Playboy Bunnies... Coordinator Perspective

This has been our most exhausting and exhilarating trip to Nepal to date.  It is Wednesday AM and already Janie has taught 2 1/2 days of ladies classes to 20+ each time.  I taught a 3-hour Bible class on Saturday, preached five sermons on Sunday, and to this point  12+ hours here at the school to 40+ men.  

This schedule has not been so unusual.  What has been unusual is our crowded evenings.  Three of our evenings have been used up as administrative meetings.  These are thick with details and sometimes a wee bit tense.

The challenge in teaching in Nepal is represented by the title: Angry Birds and Playboy Bunnies. In the class I am teaching today is a grown man in an Angry Birds shirt.  Another man is wearing a Playboy shirt complete with a large "Bunny" logo.  Seeing a man stand with a bunny on his chest to read scripture out loud takes some getting used to.

My audience consists of our current students, our graduates and serving preachers and other leaders from all over Nepal. If such a group gathered in the US, everyone would be college educated or the equivalent.  Here, at least 10 of the men are totally illiterate and only about 10 rise above the level of functional illiteracy.   They are not wearing odd shirts to be silly or to promote a sensual lifestyle, they just don't know what they are wearing and they are wearing their finest.

Teaching here requires ever last iota of knowledge and skills I have gained through my (almost) 58 years and I love it.  Teaching about the history of New Testament churches like Ephesus and Corinth, teaching how to prepare sermons, and teaching how to teach Bible classes is like driving a really great sports car (I drove an MGB before I married - sigh) at law-breaking speeds.  Down-shifting through a series of literacy-limited "S-curves" gives me a crazy-fun adrenaline rush.  

When students "get it" here, their eyes make the throaty noise of a hot-rod engine rumbling to life.  Hearing the roar of their "get it" and seeing the high-beams in their eyes is the thrill that keeps me coming back and that bounces me out of bed after a too-short night.

Janie and I are well.  Something about being in Nepal together makes us love each other more.

Don Prather

Furlough, First Quarter, And Fruition...

“Mba ‘eishapa” (hello in Guarani) from Paraguay! This report covers our activities for both May and June. We were traveling in the USA all during May for our annual furlough visit back home which made it a bit difficult to send out our report. I arrived back in Paraguay on June 10 and have been running non-stop ever since! I count it as a great blessing to have so much to do! We hope you find this report encouraging and informative! 

BIG PLANS COMING TO FRUITION! 
Just two days after getting back to Paraguay and trying to “get back into the groove” of things, I went to the airport to pick up brother Eliezer Pérez. He is from Colón, Panama and a graduate of the Institute of Theology of Latinamerica, located in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Eliezer came to Paraguay in November of last year to work with the church for a few weeks during a campaign. He liked the work here so much that he has decided to return and labor with us full-time for a couple of years! To add to this excitement, the congregation here has decided to support him as their first, very own missionary! They would like for him to help them plant a congregation of the Lord’s church in the nearby suburb of Ñemby. We are truly excited about the forward thinking that the church is demonstrating and we are praying that God will richly bless the efforts of brother Eliezer. 

ASUNCION BIBLE ACADEMY UPDATE
The students have already finished their first quarter of studies and each finished strong! We are very pleased to announce that all the students received passing grades in all their subjects. Their quarter ended with brother Donnie Bates of BVBID teaching a “short course” on Bible Geography.

During the past quarter, the students also participated in their first evangelistic campaign. As an effort to generate new Bible study contacts for the upcoming church plant in Ñemby, the students went doorknocking around the neighborhood of our brother Vicente Martinez’s house, who lives in that city. They organized a special Bible study for the final night of the campaign and invited lots of neighbors to come. Unfortunately, the electricity went out in the area that night making it difficult for anyone to attend. They went ahead with their plans and finished the week having considered the campaign a success.

Their second quarter began with brother Gary Fallis, of BVBID, coming to Paraguay to teach on the subject of  the “Godhead.” We were able to incorporate a couple of  our brethren, Ale Yegros and Silvina Gimenez, as translators for brother Gary. The class was well received and the students are excited about the upcoming courses.

This quarter will also include a considerable amount of  time dedicated to "Practical Ministry," or “hands-on” experience, where we will be teaching how to do various service works like visitation and benevolence, as well as, teaching how to lead prayers, preside over the Lord's Supper, organize the service, etc. 

Evangelistic Contacts / Bible Studies:
We have started facilitating our weekly home Bible studies again in the homes of Delci Enciso and the Vicente Martinez family. These have been very fruitful in the past in not only edifying our brethren, but also providing a means to invite their neighbors to join us.

Andrea and I will be starting up our “Teaching English Using the Bible” studies again in July. 

Recent Developments:
History in the making! In order to help facilitate the new church plant in Ñemby, the brethren have decided to start meeting every other Sunday morning to formulate their  plan. The first meeting brought up questions of “when, where, who, and how.” It was decided that the plant will probably start in the home of  Vicente Martinez. Brother Eliezer Perez will start leading the weekly Bible study out there and knocking on doors around the neighborhood with some of the brethren that live in Ñemby. No date has been set, as of yet, to begin worship services, but it is so exciting to watch and help in this church growth process!

Saturino Gonzalez is a missionary from Mexico to the USA, who contacted our brother Ike Yegros several months ago about the possibility of coming to Paraguay to meet with and get to know the brethren here. He and his wife, Elizabet, arrived on June 15th and he taught our  Bible study class the following Sunday. We also gave him an opportunity to teach a couple of classes on song leading for the Academy students. It was nice to get to meet them and we appreciate them taking the time to come and visit us.

Finished more improvements on facility! The entire front has been cleaned and whitewashed. It looks great! Also, the students put down a layer of rocks out behind the student housing in order to improve the use of that area. 

Upcoming plans:
We are preparing for mission groups who will be coming down to work with us this summer in June and July.

A group from Palm Beach Lakes will be here June 28 until July 7. They will be helping with our evangelism campaign in Ñemby and doing service projects.

A group from Leanna will be here July 24 until the 31st. They will be bringing lessons on leadership, church planting, and congregational development.

Two of our Academy students will be traveling to the Darien Jungle of Panama in July to work in a campaign with our  brethren from Margaret Street church of Christ. 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHT(s) of the Month:
Call me crazy, but “un-eventful” international flights to and from the USA and Paraguay are a huge highlight for me! We were blessed with safe travel for all of our furlough and I am happy to rejoice in such small blessings as that. 

2013 Furlough was the best one yet!
We had such a wonderful furlough visit to the States! It was so good to get to see and visit many of our wonderful, loving supporters. Thank you so much to all of you for making our  stay so enjoyable. Even though we love working in South America, we still miss each of you dearly and long for the next time we get to see you again.

We are especially thankful to the many brethren who provided us a place to stay, prepared delicious meals, took us out to eat, or on several fun outings. Our cup runneth over!

We became rather nervous when Andrea was traveling to Paraguay and the Asuncion airport announced it was closing its runway for 48 hours due to inclement weather. We thought she’d be stranded in Lima, Peru, for two days where her connecting flight was. But, thanks to many answered prayers, the weather decided to cooperate and she made it home at her already scheduled time.

Be sure and check out our 2013 Furlough Mission Report on video by going to www.pblcoc.org and then navigating to “Sermons, Missionaries, South America.” 

Visitation / Other Activities:
We had a real nice dinner with the Ike Yegros family visiting with brother Gary Fallis and then another one with the Pedro Vera family, visiting with Eliezer Perez.

Andrea’s family had a big family reunion while she was in the USA. It was the first time her family (seven brothers and sisters) had all been together like that in more than twenty years! 

Personal study:
I have spent a great deal of time preparing for this quarter’s classes: “Exodus through Deuteronomy” with Bible study and various materials in Spanish and English.

I am currently reading / have read: 

“The Pentateuch”  by James E. Smith

“Guidelines to World Evangelism” Ed. by George Gurganus

“The New Global Mission” by Samuel Escobar 

“Planting Missional Churches” by Ed Stetzler  

Cultural or language discovery: 
Paraguay doesn’t have an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to monitor safety on construction sights, that I am aware of, like that found in the USA. If they do, they certainly have their work cut out for them! Everywhere one drives that is near a construction sight, (and there are a lot these days) it is possible to see a scene like the photo at right. Usually, the workers can be found in very precarious positions, at dangerous heights, and almost never with any safety or fall protection. It’s no surprise, then, when I read in the newspapers about a construction worker falling to his death or serious injury. Sad.

Troy Spradlin

To see Troy's report with pictures, please click here.

Visiting American Instructors In Nepal...

Don Prather, from Liberty, TX, is one of the two stateside Coordinators for the Nepal Center For Biblical Studies [NCBS]. He and his wife, Janie, arrived on June 28 to begin two weeks of teaching at the school and also in congregations outside Kathmandu. This is the third trip for Don and Janie. Technically they are visitors, but they are like visiting family. The same is true for our other Coordinator, Mike York from Buna, TX, who was here for his third time in February.

This is the first visit to Nepal for Carl and Debby Fronabarger, who are good friends of Janie, Don, and Mike. The ladies taught classes especially for the Nepali Christian ladies at three different locations on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Each day they had over 20 students enjoying their teaching and their fellowship. The smiles at the end of each day on the faces of Debby, Janie, and Sunita, their interpreter, told the whole happy story before you heard a single word.

Carl and Don are teaching each day at NCBS. We have about 30 preachers and leaders from many parts of Nepal. Some of them have traveled for two days to reach Kathmandu to join with other eager students to learn from these classes.  

Carl is teaching about 40% of the time about individual Christian maturity using examples from both the Old and New Testaments to demonstrate the attitudes, character, and actions of God’s leaders.  Don spends about 40% of the time discussing congregational growth. The remaining 20% of the time is devoted to helping develop skills for preparing sermons and lessons for class presentation. 

This is a very energetic group. They frequently are given an issue to consider or a challenge to be met, and break up into four small groups for discussions. They then come together to share their ideas and discuss how they can return to their congregations to apply the principles and practices with their local brothers and sisters to bring growth of numbers and individual Christian maturity to their congregations.

This afternoon [Thursday] Janie, Debby, Don, Carl, Sunita, and Gajendra [NCBS Director] flew to east Nepal to have classes and worship for four days in three different locations. This is the first time Don and Janie have visited any congregation outside the Kathmandu Valley. Their excitement is matched by the enthusiasm of their Nepali brothers and sisters waiting to welcome them.

They will finish their time here by teaching classes to our regular students on Tuesday through Thursday next week. These students will graduate in September, comprising our second group to graduate.  We encourage all our graduates to teach at least one class [2 days-5 days] each year. This helps them to continue their own progress, encourages and motivates the present students, and builds fellowship among brethren having a common purpose and mission in life.   

The time with Mike in February and Don in July has helped all of us, USA and Nepal, to share a clear picture of the work here, to discuss and form common goals, and to review the investment of time and money to strengthen Christ’s kingdom in Nepal. The progress we have seen in the four years since the school was established tastes so good that we want to savor the increased aroma and nutrition in the future by increasing and improving our labor and service of love.

Jerry Golphenee

Teaching People Who Have Been Taught...

Dear brethren in Christ,

I would like to share with you about the work in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The church is doing well. We are stronger and stronger from day to day and week to week. We also learned a lot of things in life. For right now I am focused on the work of evangelizing more to the people around the city, as before I had been out more to villages, as we, Sokchea and Ravy place an emphasis on teaching the people that have been taught.

The work at Takam is doing alright, as what I heard from our brother Choeuy who working as a full time preacher for the church there, along with two of our students from the bible school in Siem Reap who go to help the work there every week. Choeuy used to work with Lon for the church at Takam, but about four months ago Lon went to work in Thailand and came back about two months later and has not remained faithful. So we asked two student to volunteer to help the work at Takam with Choeuy.

The work in Leang Dai is doing great. Sokchea and Ravy get more and more influence with the people there and the villages around Leang Dai, as Sokchea is working with one of the organizations that help the poor people. He just recommended that organization to work at the villages around Leang Dai. He got more opportunity to see and know more people in those areas, especially as he gets the chance to teach them the gospel.

I am teaching along with three other brothers, Phanat, Piset and Darat, at our bible school. Currently I am teaching on a course Buddhism. We all working together trying to teach our students and church members to be strong in their faith.

We got some young men who come to play volleyball in our yard almost everyday, most of them from our neighborhood, and they get to know our brethren when they work together in restaurant. So, hopefully through our conduct and keep teaching them, show them why we are different from the world, they will decide to follow Christ as we are.

We don't have much activity now as we used to have before on going out to pass out the flyers to people and teach them the truth, because now in Cambodia we are close to the election for the next prime minister that will take for about a month. After that everything will go on as normal, because now those political parties are on the roads and trying to tell people how good their party is in order to gain votes.

Anyway, we still have a chance to teach and preach in our church and others but not openly because that can be mess up with their political party as the local authority told me. We heard lots of bad words from those political party and they mocked to one another and say lots of bad words to one another. We don't know what's going on when the election comes, many people are concerned the war may come back. Please pray for Cambodia and our leader in our country.

I want to share with you all about my experience on helping a group of people out of an accident, on the 2nd of June 2013. My family went to Phnom Penh, driving our van to visit our family there. On our way back to Siem Reap on the 9th of June we saw an accident on the way between a bus and a car. It was just about five hundred meters in front of our van only. That's such a terrifying accident because there were four people killed at the scene and about eight more were serious injured. There were 17 people on the bus and five in the car. A group taking a bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, most of them are Chinese. They really need help by that time as they could not communicate to the local people there, no one can speak Chinese with them as they cry for help. Finally, I went there and found a lady who could speak English, so she asked me to help take them out from the bus and translate for them to the local police and doctor also driving them to the local hospital, along with a local ambulance and a police car. Later on they wanted to give me some money, as I had helped them, but I refused to take it by telling them that I am happy to help and I am a Christian. Now she keeps saying thank to me on Facebook. You can add her to your Facebook too if you like to, her name is Joanne Gonglin.

All in all, we want to thank God in all things, and we want to thank you for being with us through your prayers, thoughts and soul. 

May God bless you and your family and please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Your brother in Christ
Chann

Work / Study Program In Cambodia...

Greetings from the church in Siem Reap! 

It's always an honor to report of the work of Christ here in Cambodia to all my supporters back home in America. My family and I thank you for your love and support. 

In this particular report, I would like to focus on my main work, which is IBISR (International BIble Institute of Siem Reap). It has been such a blessing for me not only to be able to teach at this school, but also play a role as the director of this humble school. Many lives have been changed for the better because of this program. We have developed faithful men who are able to teach other faithful men what they've learned (2 Tim 2:2). 

We are currently on our 3rd class since its inception back in 2008. We have continuously striven to improve and adapt our program to meet the needs of the Cambodian people as well as our goals for Christ. We think we have the right curriculum program by formulating the "Work/Study Program" as a part of the curriculum. This program has helped us to focus and put priority on the local church in Siem Reap instead of the village churches outside of Siem Reap. 

Before, as a part of our program, we sent students out on the weekend to the villages to gain experience and preach to the poor villagers because we thought that the students who came from the villages would go back and teach at their village once they graduated. But, we found out that rarely does that happen. Either the villagers won’t accept the newly graduated preacher back in their home village or the newly graduated preacher won’t go back to his humble background because he's been 'spoiled' by the 'city' life. If we continue in this cycle, we will never be autonomous. It will always end up being a 'show' for the brethren. They will be 'playing' church instead of really converting to Christ and living the Christian lifestyle. 

That's what we want to eradicate with our program at IBISR. We want to build 'gold, silver, and precious stones, not wood, hay and stubble' (1 Cor 3:9-15) through our program. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers, especially for the school's program in developing strong faithful leaders to grow the church here in Cambodia.

Phanat

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

Marriage Class Strengthens The Church In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this end. We do hope you are doing great. We are also doing great and God is blessing our movements.

Our students finished up all their campaigns and will stay with families for a week and move back to school for the third quarter. I visited some of them within this week and they are doing great in health and this their work of reaching out to souls.

Our work here in Wotutu continues to experience progress. This weekend we saw fruit from the Marriage and Family course by brother Bill Stewart. Brother Kingsly and sister Remind who were fiancés for long after the course made the move to regularize their stay before their families. The church was there to witness and to encourage them to move ahead.

Sister Remind dressed in her traditional regalia. She is supposed to be in this form and in front of elderly women who have been in marriage for many years who will teach her how to dance and they will advise her and give her gifts that she will take to her marital home, as the culture demands.

After the traditional dance, she will dress and they will give her a glass of a traditional drink where she will dance in the crowd to show her husband to the public. My wife, who accompanied her, was present with her which will give her courage and some moral support to do that in public. It is colorful.

This morning in the church we used God’s word to encourage them so that they will start building their home upon God’s word. They presented themselves in front of the congregation that offered a special prayer to them after worship.

Plans
1) We shall be in Muyuka the third week, by their invitation, to help evangelize the community. Keep that in your prayers.

2) We shall also make another trip to Batoke to finalize the establishment of a new congregation, which will be the first in the entire west coast of Cameroon. Keep us in your prayers.

3) Early next month we shall move to Ediki village to revive a congregation that is dead. We passed through that village of recent and we realized that a congregation that was established in 1974, but stopped worshiping since 2010 because there is no one to preach. After a short survey we realized 5 Christians who cried out with their voices that we should come back and help them. Keep this work in your prayers as we plan to do just what will please the Lord. If we kick start the work again we shall be sending students on a weekly basis to go there on weekend evangelism till we shall graduate a student who will take the work full time. If not so then our work will not make sense again. Oh, oh it is sad that people are willing to serve God, but no one is there to help lead them (Rom 10:15).

Appreciations
Praise God for you, for all that you are doing to make things happen for the glory of God. You are in our prayers and we trust God will not pass you by when He will return to reward His servants. We love you and we pray for you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

The Sacrifice Made By God's People...

Approaching July 4th each year provides a constant reminder of the spiritual application of the work we share in training preachers. As the U.S. celebrates the freedoms we enjoy based on the independence gained in 1776, we remember spiritual freedom we are blessed to receive based on the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. This is the Good News!

As Bear Valley continues to train preachers in Denver, we are also privileged to share in the work of training preachers globally through Extension Training. When I think of the sacrifices made to keep this work going, I am reminded of the following...

1) The tireless sacrifices made by men and their families who live in each location. They willingly give of their time and talent to provide a quality level of teaching for students on a daily basis. They often take time away from family to provide for the needs of the students and the church. They are constantly serving the needs of others.

2) The generous sacrifices made by the financial supporters who give so abundantly toward this effort. Considering the amount of money involved in the monthly operations for the entire program is overwhelming. Without the love and generosity of wonderful brethren who believe in the nature of Extension Training, this program would not work.

3) The passionate sacrifices made by the staff demonstrates a dedication to training men to preach the gospel. They give of their time, ability, and finances to help promote the greater good of God’s kingdom. 

4) The reliable sacrifices of short course instructors is an encouragement to all. They volunteer to go to the various schools, develop material, take time away from their work and family to help in the cause of preparing men in the word, so these men can go and teach others.

5) The faithful sacrifices of each of you who fervently pray for the success of the Bible Institute and the partnerships we participate in around the world. No part is too small, and nothing is more powerful than the prayers of God’s people.

Thank you for the sacrifices you are willing to make. We love you and appreciate you for your loyalty to the Almighty God. He has blessed us so richly!

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/

Steven Ashcraft’s latest report can be viewed by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

Elizabeth Chou Becomes A Christian: David Ballard recently returned from Cameroon. While there, he was able to reach Elizabeth Chou. Read more about this special lady. 

Final Thoughts
I have already expressed gratitude for the sacrifices you make for the overall program. I do not want to sound redundant, but thank you. I hope you have a great week and enjoy the 4th.

God bless
Bob

Elizabeth Chou Becomes A Christian...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings and love from this end. I do hope this mail will meet you and family and the entire congregation in good health and sound faith. We are doing great. The students of CBIW left campus safe and they are healthy in their respective locations for evangelism.

In Kossala 2 Village, we went to visit one of our graduates, minister Mulango Theophile. We met a prospect that graduated from a denominational seminary, now a sister, Elizabeth Chou, who stood beside the river listening to the exhortation before her baptism.

As I write this mail, we are still appreciating God for His love and care towards our visiting instructor, minister David Ballard, who is also the coordinator of CBIW. He was here for 12 days teaching and doing evangelism in some congregations here. He left last Wednesday and made it home safe and sound. Thanks for your prayers.

Brother Ballard went to most of the communities that we move house to house to preach. We passed by and one group said, “Oh white man come and greet us.” He went there and greeted them and told them where he is coming from and what he came to do in Cameroon. They said when next he is here he should come to their homes and teach them the gospel.

Sister Elizabeth Chou accepted the gospel and was baptized into the Body of Christ in Kossale 2. She was in worship today as the minister there called me a couple of minutes ago while I was writing this report. Keep her in your prayers that through her many will come to know Christ and also to make Him known.

Minister David and I visited with Stacy, a girl that came to my home for holidays, at the airport as we waited for his departure. He left Cameroon after visiting 6 congregations, had studies with many and the Lord added 4 souls to two different congregations.

Plans
1) Keep praying for us as we shall move to Muyuka congregation on their invitation to help evangelize their community.

2) We shall move to Batoke within this week for another house to house evangelism and also to see the establishment of a new congregation by God’s grace.

Appreciations
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. We praise God for you and appreciate you for your prayers, love and support towards the work here. God bless you and watch over you.

Do your best to share this report with others. God bless you as you do so.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Ending One And Beginning Another...

As we near the midway point in the summer in Denver, preparations are being completed for the next group of students to begin classes in August. There are twelve men who are working to get support raised to begin their two year journey at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver. These men, some with their families, will start their work the first week of August. We ask you to be praying for each of them as they transition into a new phase of their life.

Participating in the graduation of one class and anticipating the beginning of a new class is exciting for everyone involved in this work. Seeing one group of men enter into the work of the kingdom provides us with the assurance of the gospel being preached throughout the various locations where they serve. At the same time, a new group of men “set their face toward Jerusalem” in preparing themselves to better administer the word of God.

The joy of this work is coupled with the ways God has given us opportunity to work with diligent and dedicated brethren around the world. We are partnering with the greatest people on earth in training leaders in their own country and their own language. Knowing there are more than 300 current students around the world gives everyone hope that God is working through His people to share the message of Jesus in powerful ways.

The help you provide for the work in Denver and around the world is greatly appreciated. We know this work continues because of the heart you have put into these efforts. Thank you for placing your confidence in the Lord and us to be good stewards of the task we have been given.

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 

Coordinator Visits Cameroon And God Gives The Increase: David Ballard is in Cameroon and the results have been fruitful.

Youth Seminar Success: The Wagner Report: The work in Chimala continues to show success as efforts are being made to reach the youth.

Joint Service In Togo Demonstrates Unity: A recent event in Togo brought congregations of the Lord’s people together to worship.

Three Day Mass Evangelism In Nigeria: The work of the Southwest School of Evangelism continues to influence people in Nigeria.

Campaign Season In Arusha, Tanzania: Sean Hochdorf’s report shares news about the growth occurring in Arusha with the campaign season.

Furlough Update: Gee Report: Jimmy Gee and his family are reporting about the work while on furlough. Read more about their activities and an update. 

Final Thoughts
As you continue to pray for this work each day, please remember to pray for those who have completed their studies and entered the work of the kingdom. Also, pray for those who are beginning an incredible journey of studies to prepare for kingdom work. We love you and appreciate your help in making this program so successful. 

God bless
Bob

Furlough Update: Gee Report...

Dear Supporters, Family, and Friends,

First, please accept our deepest apologies for not writing before now. We arrived in the US on April 30 and it has been a whirlwind ever since. But, that is no excuse for not at least dropping an email letting you know that we were able to get the tourist visas and travel.  Most people found out through Facebook.  We have decided that time goes by even quicker in the states than in Tanzania! 

As most of you know we were made aware on Monday, before we were to leave the next Sunday, that the British visas for our Tanzanian children were denied. To make a long story short we scrambled to get the visas, which included a 14-15 hour drive from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi. We had to reapply for the visas in Nairobi. This was on Thursday. We received the visas on Friday at about 2 pm, drove back to Arusha, got ready to travel on Saturday, then, after services on Sunday, went back to Nairobi on a shuttle to fly out that evening. Yes, I know you got tired just reading that! Imagine how we felt having to actually do it. :) But, with God's providence and your prayers, it all worked out in the end. As my good friend John Rice says, "God likes to cut it close," so that we know that it is through his working that we are able to have what we have and do what we do.

We are still going to be working on the immigration / citizenship issues, so, we covet your prayers on that also.

Since arriving we have attended Todd's graduation from Faulkner, his marriage to Lauren Kelly, my graduation, and two weeks of Bible camp. We have also reported to several congregations, made new contacts, and had time with family.

We have been to the following congregations: Lay Lake (Columbiana, AL), Meridianville, AL, East Ridge (Chattanooga, TN), Athens, TN. East Side (Cleveland, TN), Calera, AL, Ironaton, AL, Parrish, AL, Cartersville, GA, Jacksonville, AL

The schedule for the next month or so is as follows: 

June 23: Munford, AL - AM, Pikeville, TN - PM 

June 30: Ooltewah, TN - AM

July 7: Spring Creek, TN - AM, Union Grove (Cleveland, TN) - PM

July 14: Huntingdon, TN -PM

July 21: Open

July 28: Cottondale, AL - AM, Oxford, AL - PM

We will be returning to Tanzania September 16^th which is about 12 weeks away. We will be contacting the rest of our supporting congregations about reporting and looking for others to show our presentation  to raise the funds we have lost.

We are thrilled that our daughter, Heather, who just turned 15, was baptized into Christ.

Thank you again for making our furlough possible!  It has been a joy thus far and we have enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones.  We look forward to seeing all of you. 

In Christ, 
Jimmy Gee and family

Campaign Season In Arusha, Tanzania...

SOULS ARE ADDED TO THE KINGDOM AS THE 2013 CAMPAIGN SEASON BEGINS
We are glad you have taken a few minutes of your time to read the latest Tanzania Chronicles and pray this edition arrives at a time of your well being and labor in the kingdom.

Our campaign season is underway and we have had a number of visitors that have put in a lot of hours and great deal of hard work to spread the gospel throughout Arusha. The pre-campaign and campaign in the White Rose area have just concluded. White Rose is a suburb of Arusha and has been selected by area congregations in the first step of a plan to try and establish congregations throughout the city. Generally speaking, due to walking, most people won’t travel further than 2 -3 kilometers to attend services. In an attempt to address this dilemma local congregations, combined with concentrated campaign efforts, are methodically targeting the different areas that are without a congregation. White Rose was the area selected this year. While too numerous to name, we are grateful for the many visitors we have had thus far. All of these good brethren have gladly given their time and hard earned money to give themselves for the cause of Christ here in Tanzania.

We are thrilled to report that when the Hoover church of Christ group finished the campaign the results were reason to offer thanks as the Lord added 18 souls to the kingdom. In addition to a multitude of tracts and bible correspondence courses over 300 bibles were handed out! (Update - 2 more souls were added this past Sunday for a total of 20!)

In conjunction with the White Rose campaign Hannah Box, Jessica McVeigh, Stephanie Stafford and Anita conducted a VBS. The children were taught about Moses and the 10 plagues. Sunday morning one of the children came to Anita and said “you taught us about Pharoah”. The young girls words made Anita smile pretty big as it confirmed that the youngsters were listening. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Patty Shafer, and those who assisted her, from the University church of Christ in San Marcos, TX for preparing enough material for a 5 day, 500 children VBS. Not only was there plenty of material for the White Rose campaign there is enough for an upcoming VBS that will be conducted next month in Kwa Mrombo. It is a real blessing to have partners in Christ on all sides of the world.

During the next few weeks we have nearly forty more visitors coming to conduct campaigns in another area of Arusha. I’ll send another report after they conclude to share the good news.

TEAM MAGAZINE
We are very excited about our upcoming issue of the TEAM Magazine. The printing is complete and our good friends from Oklahoma will be bringing as many as they can carry with them. This issue is 36 pages in length with half being in English and the other half in Kiswahili. We print in both languages because the magazine will be used in other East African countries that dont speak Kiswahili. We believe this will be an effective tool in reaching many with the gospel. This issue contains articles detailing what is required to become a disciple of Christ, the unique and powerful nature of the bible, and a helpful questions and answers section. If you would like an electronic copy of this issue you can find it here. The latter half of the magazine will be upside down as we printed the magazine in such a way that it can be handed to English or Swahili speaking people. Lord willing, our next issue will be ready for our October leadership conference.

UPCOMING FURLOUGH
We will be returning for our furlough August 1^st and we are looking forward to visiting with our family, supporters and friends. During our furlough we will be trying to accomplish two main tasks: reporting to several of you, our supporters, and trying to meet those who are not supporting us in an effort to make up our budget deficit. If you know of anyone that might be interested in this good work perhaps you could point them our way, we would be glad to meet them and discuss the work.

As we prepare for our furlough there are a number of you who are individual supporters of our work with whom we will not be able to visit with and personally offer our gratitude. We hope you understand. We are very, very, grateful for your sacrifice.

We are facing a bit of a dilemma, and we hate to ask, but we need some help to find a remedy. When we return to the US we will be without transportation. For the cost of renting a car we could actually purchase one that we could, in turn, use each year. This is our preference for a number or reasons. However, we would be thankful for any help offered to carry out our travel needs. We plan on traveling coast to coast and a number of places in between to visit with current and potential supporters.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE
Anita and I are now empty-nesters and are adjusting to this new stage of our lives. Our son, Race, completed his time in the Army on June 14th and will be heading back to college this fall. Our daughter, Madeleine, will be getting married to Caleb Norman on September 27th. Caleb is a fine young man and we are excited about the big day. We would be appreciative for your prayers for Race, Maddie and Caleb.

CONCLUSION
As we close, again we want to express our deep gratitude for so many. We thank you for your sacrificial giving. The Lord’s kingdom is growing in Tanzania as a result of your selflessness. We are humbled to be considered your partners in this noble effort. We thank the numerous visitors we have that work so hard to get here and work here. We also would be remiss if we failed to recognize and offer gratitude toward Cy and Stephanie Stafford. Their dogged determination to stay in Tanzania through some very difficult times is most certainly one of the main reasons this work has not only continued but has prospered. We also thank our family. My parents have invested themselves personally and financially to see us succeed. Our children, while independent, still want us to be close by to lean on. They have been patient and understanding of our personal absence. Most importantly, we thank God Almighty for loving mankind enough to make the biggest sacrifice of all, His Son. We hope that our combined efforts will show our gratitude toward Him as our Father.

Until next time, take care and God bless,

Sean & Anita Hochdorf
Arusha, Tanzania

To see Sean and Anita’s report with pictures, please click here.

Three Day Mass Evangelism In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ,

Greetings in Jesus Christ mighty name! Happy Lord's day to you all! I'm sending this message before I travel out of the city to the school site.

The three day mass evangelism of June 20-22 was a great success, though there are no converts yet. Nevertheless, we have many prospects that one day some of them will be converted into the Lord's Kingdom!

On Sunday, I taught on “No Blessings Without Bleeding! No Pain, No Gain” at the Kute congregation in Lagelu local government of Oyo State where brother Sunday S. Adegoke, one of the graduates of SWSE-Ibadan, is ministering. We are 25 in attendance with a total collection of N1,200=.

Brethren, the information reaching me, as of this afternoon, from SWSE-students who are serving in Lagos, Oyo and Ogun State shows that 12 souls have been restored to the church from June 8 when they start their teaching practice while the two students serving at Fugar in Edo State recorded 2 converts and 2 restorations and the students in Ilorin-Kwara State recorded 2 converts so far!

Brethren, we are deeply appreciative of your moral and financial support toward the growth of the Lord's church! May the Lord of blessing continue blessing all your undertaking; in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.

I remain your fellow laborer in Christ Jesus,

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

NB: Attached here is a picture of brother Makinde (myself) in the middle of brother & sister Edwin k. Ebire, the minister of Owena-Ijesha congregation and year 2 student of SWSE-Ibadan.

Joint Service In Togo Demonstrates Unity...

Senghor is seen here teaching the church administration and management class. Until recently, he was a member of the Nyiveme church in Kpalime while teaching in one of the high schools in town. He has been transferred to Lome the capital city.

12 Congregations Organize “Joint Service”
Twelve congregations in the Kpalime area organized a “joint service” to encourage each other in matters pertaining to giving. The service was used to initiate discussions on how to support each other in times of bereavement.

There were three speakers: Cephas spoke on how Christians should prepare to face death, Rodrigue spoke on what brethren are to do when a member is dead. I spoke on giving to prove the sincerity of our love for Christ and His church (2 Cor. 8:8). The meeting was hosted by the Yoh Church of Christ and was attended by 104 adults and 60 children. Total attendance 164.

Three baptisms at Hanyigba
The Lord’s church was planted in this Catholic dominated community near Kpalime. For a while, we thought no one would leave the Catholic Church for the Church of Christ, but Jean Akli a former student of CBS continued to meet with his family and a few friends and relations. This continued for over a year. Jean continued to preach and teach from house to house. After a recent campaign, the number of baptized persons has risen to ten.

Young Lady Responds To Radio Broadcast
A young lady heard the preaching on the radio and followed up to CBS campus for further studies. A student named Nofodji was assigned to conduct the study. At about 9 pm that night she responded to the gospel through baptism. Nofodji baptized the young lady. She now worships with the Nyiveme congregation.

Tutu Campaign Scheduled For July
All is set for a church planting exercise at Tutu, about an hour drive from Kpalime. The goal for this campaign is to move the Beme church to Tutu because they seem to be more receptive and tolerant to the teachings of the New Testament Church. Beme, on the other hand, is predominantly Evangelical Presbyterian. There is a major road that separates the two towns from each other. We have already approached the elders of the town for a plot of land on which we shall put up a shed for our services. We shall need $500.00 for the shed.

Lack of Preacher Support: A Threat to the Growth of the Church in Togo
The plight of eleven former students of CBS has become a great challenge to young men who are contemplating enrolling at CBS for the two year Biblical Studies program. Until recently, all the eleven had been preaching without any form of support. However, four of them have been hired to take care of four newly established congregations near Lome. The problem confronting the preachers stems from the fact that, the churches they preach for are still young and incapable of paying them. The concern of the preachers is that, if they should encourage these young men to go for the training, then they become responsible to find support for them, something the preachers also lack. We are in a difficult situation and therefore need all the help we can get.

The problem is going to be compounded by 15 more preachers coming to join these eleven in September. These men will also lose their support after the graduation in September. However, a couple of men have expressed the desire to attend CBS come September 2013.

New Congregation To Be Planted In Agou Gare
As part of the activities prior to the graduation in September, we have planned to organize a two day seminar at CBS in Kpalime and a three day church planting exercise at Agou Gare near Kpalime. Those who are going to be part of this exercise include: all past students, the graduating class, new students and instructors.

Bible Study with Mr. Sowu
A colleague preacher in Nkwanta recently sent me the name of Mr. Sowu, a business man in Accra. We set up a date to begin our Bible study using “A Few Minutes With Someone Who Loves You.” At the end of this last session, Mr. Sowu made the great confession “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God”.

After the last session of Bible study, I handed the Searching for Truth CD to Mr. Sowu to listen to before Sunday. The final moment came when Sowu approached me after the worship service on Sunday to request baptism.

Sister Louise is Laid to Rest
The late Louise was the wife of Jerome of the Buduburam church of Christ near Accra. This sister has battled with sickness for a couple of years, but in April the Lord called her to rest. Louise and Jerome have three kids. Jerome is one of the preachers at the Church. I was invited to preach the funeral sermon.

Deaf Couple Wed
I had the opportunity recently to officiate a wedding ceremony between Mr. and Mrs. Atepoka. The bride and groom are both deaf and are members of the deaf congregation at Nsawam Road. Sam Williams the deaf minister signed while I did the officiating.

I was able to present the certificate to Mrs. Atepoka, along with officiating ministers, bride and groom and some members of both families.

World Radio Program Makes Impact:  Report from Sem Akumia: HO
During my visit to the Republic of Togo in April I was told that most of the newly baptized in the Akepe church were listeners to our radio broadcast from Ho in Ghana. I understood that they used to converge in one brother’s house early Sunday morning to listen.

In May I also traveled to help in an evangelistic program at Ave-Dzalele and Ave-Ziope. Almost every house we entered with the gospel the occupants wanted to know whether the radio presenter was also part of the team, upon hearing that we were from Church of Christ. I was therefore compelled to visit and have a word with those who wanted to meet me. The campaign ended with twenty-six (26) souls baptized, out of which (8) eight claimed to be regular listeners to the radio program. There are several who have been led to the Lord through the radio broadcast that we may not be privileged to meet, but the word is spreading. We are therefore very grateful to our sponsors for their continuous support. Several will be in heaven because you cared. God bless you.

The Gospel Chariot is Here to Boost Evangelism
The dream of having the Chariot in Ghana became a reality when as of Friday, the 7th of June a team of drivers, management committee and officials of the Silver Star Mercedes met in a short ceremony at their outfit where the truck was finally handed to Church Of Christ.

George Funk, a missionary in South Africa and the founder of the Gospel Chariot Missions, has, in the twenty years of its existence, built two of the Chariots operating in Southern Africa, serving eleven countries. George Funk is highly commended for this kind gesture of providing Ghana with this evangelism tool. On their part, Ghanaians promised to use the Chariot to broaden the borders of God’s kingdom. The Chariot is placed under the oversight of the elders of Nsawam Road Church of Christ. Evans Lartey of Heritage Christian College will coordinate Gospel Chariot Mission in Ghana to be assisted by Martin Oppong of Nsawam Road Church of Christ and Willie Gley of World Bible School.

The Chariot takes only three passengers, but has a sleeping cabin with bed for two, a baptistery, compartment to store, chairs, literature PA system and a large tent. It came equipped with a generator and platform which pulls from underneath the truck. The truck will also be equipped with items such as projector, screen and DVD player.

The three on the truck include two drivers and WBS personnel. It is a great opportunity to have such a tool that has come to enhance our outreach programs and enroll more students for WBS.

The truck will be used for campaigns, WBS seminars, church planting activities and WBS enrollment exercises, tract distribution, etc.

Mars Hill Continues to Make Progress, But Needs Help
On the 10th of September, 2012 Mars Hill started classes with only 13 kids, but today it has recorded 58 kids with several parents contemplating enrolling their kids. It is becoming obvious that very soon we shall have no space to accommodate these kids should the trend continue.

In order to forestall this problem, I have asked the church for a half plot of land to build a temporary wooden structure to house grades 1, 2 and 3 in September when we add these classes. The estimated cost of this structure and furniture is $5,000.00 (five thousand dollars). The ultimate goal of establishing this school is that it will become a tool to evangelize the students who will attend, and parents who for years would be associated with Mars Hill. All these kids are future prospects. With your support this school will develop into a High School from this humble beginning. Since the school started, the church is beginning to experience numerical growth. Partner with me to give these young ones a basic education in a Christian environment.

Blanco Church of Christ P.O. Box 866
Blanco TX. 78606 Tel:830-8334884

Report by: H.Willie Gley
williegley@gmail.com
P.O Box An 19611 
Accra North, Ghana 00233244509169

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

Youth Seminar Success: The Wagner Report...

Well, we just finished up our first year at the Chimala Mission in SW Tanzania. We have had many ups and downs over the last year, but it has been quite a learning experience and a big faith builder!

Over the past year, we have been to numerous villages to preach and teach the simple New Testament Gospel, learned about the local culture, learned a lot about each other, got our car stuck a few times, had some fights with sickness, and hopefully did some good here.

While Chad is busy with the business of the mission, he is spending as much time as he can preaching and teaching and always looking for new ways to share the Gospel.

Rena has started using her nursing skills in small villages doing mobile clinics with Cheryl Bode, another missionary at the mission. She is also busy with home schooling the kids each day. In fact, her days are so full of hospital work, village work and home schooling, she is often gone much of the day.

The kids are each finding ways that they can fit into life here on the mission. Anna is working at the Chimala Bible Institute library. Laura is assembling new charts for the hospital. Micah is also helping with Cheryl at the hospital in the pharmacy!

While we are all busy, we have the same goal in mind: trying to do at least some good here on the mission to benefit the lives of people in this area. We are very thankful to be in this place at this time.

Wagner Family Furlough Update
The Wagner Family is planning on coming home for a quick furlough in late October – December, 2013. We are going to come back to visit family and friends; make presentations at supporting congregations; and raise some much needed funds for our support. Also, while home, Rena will do some continuing education classes for her nursing license.

Because of an appeal for assistance, we have currently raised $4,000 for our trip in October. We are so very thankful for your assistance at the call.

We are still in need of about $9,000 to be able to purchase tickets on August 1. However, the longer we wait, the higher the tickets become and we would like to be able to purchase them as quickly as possible. If you can help us with our trip home, please send me an email and let us know! You can send it to our sponsoring congregation and specify it for WAGNER FURLOUGH. Thank you in advance.

Wagner Family Update
The kids are doing fine here on the mission. They all find ways to pass the time. We have had a couple get sick, but they are doing fine now.

They recently made themselves a new swing from rope. Micah had the good idea of adding some wood for a seat. Now, we have a good swing.

June 2nd was Chandra’s birthday. We celebrated her birthday with a party. You can see the cake in the picture that we baked here. She got a bag and other presents.

Jonah is pictured to the left with a large walking stick on his tractor. Jonah spends a lot of time outside working with our yard man, Doto. They have worked hard raking and watering the yard.

Rena is almost finished home schooling the children for this school year. Between her village and hospital work, she is quite busy. We have already received in the mail our new home school material for the new year. She will kick that off in August

Preaching the Gospel
Chad has just finished a series of lessons at the Chimala Mission ‘Chimala A’ Church of Christ. This is the congregation situated on the mission campus. It is one of the largest congregations in the area.

They would like to take the next step and appoint elders and deacons to bring themselves in line with Scriptural teaching.

They asked me to teach series of church leadership. I preached on:

*Biblical Authority for Church Government.

*Qualifications of Elders

*Role of Elders

*Role of Deacons

*Appointing Church Leadership.

The series was well received. I offered a time for questions and answers where several questions were asked and answered before the entire congregation.

May the LORD bless this congregation with Godly men to lead the congregation and be an example to other congregations in this area.

Ministering in the Villages with Mobile Clinics
Rena has been working lately with Cheryl Bode, a nurse and full-time missionary here at the Chimala Mission. They are teaming up to do vaccinations and checkups. Rena is helping her using her OB training by doing OB checkups for pregnant mothers.

She needs assistance for her work in the villages who have little access to medical care. She needs some equipment and medicine to be able to do her work in the villages.

If you can help with this work, let us know.

2013 Youth Seminar a SUCCESS!
The 2013 Chimala Mission Youth Seminar has ended with great success! We had over 120 youth attend the three day seminar. We also had 9 baptisms!

We had a new feature this year in the youth seminar – games! Based on Chad’s years of experience at Crowley’s Ridge Youth Camp in Walcott, AR as a codirector, we added some activities that the youth were very excited about. I have included pictures of a tug-of-war and relay race games!

The topics at the seminar were Prophets, Life of Moses, Life of Joshua, Judges, Saul, David, Paul, and others. The topics were well received. 

We had youth from Lyambogo, Mswiswi, Chimala, Mlangali, Kibaoni, Isisi, and others.

Visitors to the Chimala Mission
We have had several visitors at the Chimala Mission. We had a group of college students from Oklahoma Christian University that did VBS’s in the area villages as well as painting at the hospital.

We also hosted a group of senior nurses from Harding University led by Janice Bingham. There were 19 in total. They participated fully in the life of the hospital. From working in the wards, going to mobile clinics, and even helping in surgeries.

We also had Dale and Leann Kastner who were doing a survey trip as potential missionaries. They spent a short few days at the mission, but we kept them busy. We also enjoyed Howell and Mary Ferguson at the mission for a few days.

We are looking forward to Tony Hopper and John Rodgers coming in early July. We are also anticipating a campaign group in September.

We would love to have YOU visit the work firsthand!

Chad Wagner

If you would like to read Chad’s report and see the pictures included, please click here.

Coordinator Visits Cameroon And God Gives The Increase...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. I am writing this report out of Wotutu far away in the Kumba area where we are on evangelism with CBIW coordinator minister David Ballard.

He came to CBIW to teach the course New Testament Church. It was great and he ended the course on Friday before 3 p.m. Cameroonian time as the students were ready to leave for mission work immediately after that.

Sister Philomena was raised with Christ in Baptism. God bless you as you keep them in your prayers.

In Wotutu, 3 souls who have been worshiping with us for some months and weeks, respectively, accepted Jesus as they stood beside the river for baptism. Please keep them in your prayers as they are the very first to obey the gospel in their families.

As I write this report all the students made it to their destinations, praise God for their travels and safety.

Brother David Ballard shared course material on the New Testament Church. It was great for our students to have this course as they move around reaching out to many the gospel that will help many to be part of the church.

During his teaching of the course, brother David paused to show the students the Bible world where he visited using his laptop and projector device. It was great for them to see the reality of the things that they can read from the scriptures.

After the course, brother David took time to visit the sick and the elderly in their homes which was also practical concerning the love we share in our radio program back to the Bible.

Brother David and I went with our student, Etah Edwin, beside the Atlantic ocean where by the Lord’s will he will travel on the ocean about an hour to reach a community that he will do house to house evangelism during this period of field work.

As the students left campus, we also left Wotutu to 24 different villages, mostly where our Alpha batch graduates are serving to visit with them and also to nurture their respective congregations. We realized that they are doing a marvelous work for the Lord even though with difficulties, like tracks, Bibles and other personal problems. Please keep them in your prayers and the great work that is going on in Cameroon because of them.

The difficulties that it takes for an evangelist to get to their destinations of work occurs mostly during this rainy season. A bike helps us get there we praise God.

We were able to get a  picture with all the 27 Beta batch students of CBIW with their new coordinator brother David. They are ready to learn and zealous to preach and teach in villages all over Cameroon.

Plans
1) Pray for all of our students who are already in the field reaching out to souls, so as to rob from the strong man’s house and also to nurture and conserve those already in Christ.

2) We will be involved in evangelism in Wotutu after this week.

3) Batoke mission is pending and we shall go there again for another survey. Keep us in your prayers.

Appreciations
God bless you for your love shown. God bless you for your prayers and support to this work. God alone will reward you.

Share this report with others.

God bless you and watch over you and your family.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW