Mission In Cameroon Brings Souls To Christ...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters here in Wotutu in particular and in Cameroon as a whole. Hope you are all doing well in faith and in health in your area.

As I write this mail we just returned from mission with some selected students for weekend evangelism to four different locations. Thanks for your prayers; we came back safe and sound. The Lord helped us to accomplished His purpose this weekend.

Brother Frank Anold Ebang obeyed the gospel. Keep him in your prayers to grow and help many in his Roman Catholic family to see the truth as he is zealous to carry the truth to them.

I taught during our annual youth retreat in Cameroon. I was teaching on the topic prayer and God’s reactions toward prayers. It was good for the youth who have a lot to ask from the Lord and will always need and instant answer.

The retreat brought youths from all over Cameroon, it was also a great time for me to meet with some of our graduates. Sharing their struggles, passion and visions for the work in their area was awesome for me to hear. Please keep them in your prayers, the going is hard for these young evangelists in the field.

The next stop was Ediki Village. Ediki Village is a road side village which had the church of Christ since 1974, but the church stopped worshiping about 3 years ago because there was no one to preach to them. We met some backsliders, we shed physical tears about the church and were ready to come back. They took us to meet with others who were part of the church many years ago so that we could talk and possibly bring them back. Many came, some make flimsy excuses, some are staying in another village, some live on their farm because now is the heart of the peak of farming season, and some are dead. That was the most sad part of the story. The work will work well. Keep it in your prayers.

House to house evangelism yielded backsliders to return. In the course of doing so we met those who are interested to listen to the gospel. They asked reasonable questions and we used the Bible to expose their denominational errors. Nangoh Rosaline was baptized and put on Christ.

On the left, sister Mbone Agnes went into the water pool of baptism to rise up and walk in newness of life. She is a trader along the road and saw us in June when we came by on our way from Kumba. She helped us trace the church and she obeyed the gospel this morning. Keep her in your prayers. She said she was a deaconess in her denomination.

A total of 4 precious souls were added by the Lord during this trip in Ediki village. Sister Eyong Tak is over 80 years of age. She obeyed and shouted after her baptism, “THANK YOU LORD I AM NOW A BORN AGAIN.” Keep her in your prayers also.

We came across an abandoned hall which was already collapsing. We were able to worship in the hall today. The congregation was revived and we shall be sending our students every weekend to preach, teach and do house to house evangelism and by so doing we shall fish out some more fallen away Christians.

We went there, four of us to do the revival and by His grace we worshipped 31 today. It is a good work and we shall continue preaching the message and reaching out to the community until we can keep a graduate there after they finished from school to be there permanent, so that the souls will continue to feed well on the word.

I spent time clearing grass and making the abandoned building look good again for worship today. The church hall is risky now, as it is soft because of the rain that is falling from the roof, the building was built using clay. Now that the zinc is off the roof, water dissolved it as fast as possible, it is risky and can collapse while worship is going on. There are some urgent needs for the work, like wood, 5 sheets of zinc, blocks to erect the wall, benches, and Bibles for studies.

Plans
1) We shall continue with the Ediki mission weekly. Please pray.

2) We shall continue with evangelism efforts to establish a new congregation in Batoke village. Some students were there over the weekend again.

Appreciations
Great God, we thank you for all that you are doing here through your children who are part of this work. God bless them and continue to make it possible for them to continue this great work.

Thanks for your prayers and support. God bless you. Please share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Let The Classes Begin...

Ten men began their journey at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver on Friday. The next two years will bring intense study, late nights, and a few challenges. In their own way, each one of them has made sacrifices to be involved in preparing themselves to preach the gospel. We ask you to join us in praying for these men as they begin classes Monday.

The latest news in South America is exciting as Eliezer Perez, a graduate from ITL in Guatemala, is now working as the minister of a new church plant near Asunción. Souls continue to be added to the kingdom in Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, and other countries. The level of enthusiasm increases just by reading the reports that show how God is working through His people.

The success of the extension program is the result of the fellowship / partnership shared and enjoyed among wonderful brethren. BVBID considers it a great privilege to join hands with the dedicated and committed directors, teachers, evangelists, supporters, and students who are involved in this work.

Therefore, we want to take a moment to thank you. Every individual is valuable to the development of the work in the Lord’s kingdom. My prayer is that God will receive the glory He deserves as we labor together in the fields of harvest.

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/

Howell Ferguson’s report share news about the work in Ukraine. Read more by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

Work May Be Slower Because Of Rain, But Not Stopped: The rains have created a number of problems with the work, but CBIW continues to influence others for Christ.

New Church Plant In Paraguay: A graduate from ITL in Guatemala is now working as part of a church plant just outside Asunción, Paraguay.

Conversion And Restoration In Nigeria: As the work develops in Nigeria, various lessons are designed to help bring conversion and restoration of the Lord’s church.

Souls Continue To Be Added To The Kingdom: Sean Hochdorf shares the news about the souls who have been added to the kingdom in Arusha, Tanzania.

Faith, The Bond Of Participation Among Saints: The news of growth in the work of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching brings excitement of participation. 

Final Thoughts
One last thought: the world’s population is increasing with each second of the clock. As well, statistics indicate that 6,480 die every hour. With a world population of more than seven billion people, it is vital to determine how best to fulfill God’s mission of seeking and saving the lost. The extension program is one avenue we are using to meet this challenge. Thank you for sharing in this effort.

God bless
Bob

Work May Be Slower Because of Rain, But Not Stopped...

Dearest in Christ,

Amazing grace to you from your brothers and sisters from Wotutu in Cameroon. We are doing much better in health. We do hope you are doing great over there.

Rainy season keeps on and on, and by so doing many of our programs are being interrupted by the heavy down pour of rain.

Our student Mbappe for the past one week could not make it to class because of sickness and was hospitalized. Keep him and many others in your prayers.

We arrived at Batoke village, a coastal village located on the west coast of Cameroon. We went there with some students and one of our graduate evangelists, Opel, as we have started sowing the seeds to establish a new congregation there. Keep this work in your prayers.

Brother Opel preached house to house in Batoke village. It will be a good work. The people are very receptive and keep asking many questions about why we are coming, but now in the village, it is a village already saturated with many denominations.

Brother Opel and I went house to house. We succeeded in reaching out with the gospel to 6 families intensively who show their interest to study more. We shall continue until we have souls that will obey the gospel and we shall start worshipping. Keep the work in your daily prayers.

Plans
1) We shall continue every weekend to go to Batoke village.

2) We shall share the students and staff in different locations on weekends to preach and teach. This weekend we shall split into four groups; some will go to Batoke, some will go to Ediki to revive the congregation which is dead (they are not worshipping any longer because there was no one to preach to them), we shall send some to Mondoni and Tole congregations respectively for nurturing and evangelism.

Request
Please keep our brothers and sisters in your prayers. The weather conditions are causing many to get sick these days.

Appreciations
God bless you and keep you for all that you are doing for the old rugged cross. You are doing a lot for the work. We thank God for you. Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Faith, The Bond Of Participation Among Saints...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We hope and pray this report finds you well, blessed and serving Him faithfully. We thank you all for all you do, your prayers, support and participation in God’s mission work here in Tanzania. God continues to give the increase as His servants plant and water The Seed! There have been three additional baptisms at Kwa Mrombo as a result of the follow-up efforts. Gasper reports two souls saved at Maji ya Chai in the past week. Fariji Paul report one soul saved at Usa River, yes, the work goes on.

Faith, yes Faith! That aspect of the Christian life that binds us together in the most Holy Faith. We at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching (a work of the Bear Valley church of Christ, and B.V. Bible Institute of Denver) have stepped out in faith. We are in the process of recruiting 30 new student of the 2014 intake. This would be an increase of 15 above our current enrollment of 15 in the Ki-Swahili stream. 

In order for this to happen, we need to raise additional funding of $200 per month for each of the 15 men. We have started the process and God, through His faithfulness, has already begun to give the increase. We have commitments for three, possibly as many as five. We thank God and we thank those who have made this commitment.

If you are currently supporting a student, we plead with you to continue. With your help, God’s blessings, and the work of God’s servants here in TZ, many souls will hear, many will obey and God’s family will continue to grow. 

In the past 15 years, over 150 new church plants have been established. We have graduated 115, most of whom are serving faithfully. Without these men, trained in the Word of God, many of these congregations would go wanting.

We need your help! Many are unable to support a student fully, but most could do something. With a one-time gift of $200, you support a student for a month, $2,400 one-time, you support a student for a year. One sister, a teacher for World Bible School, wrote saying she could not support a student for two years, but, she and her husband could for a month (they sent $200). Amen! 

Please do what you can where you are, with what God has blessed you with. Please help us, help them, help themselves. A trained and dedicated Tanzanian evangelist will always be more effective in his homeland than any five missionaries from abroad. Thank you, thank you all so very much for your interest and commitment to do God’s will where you are and for your efforts throughout the world. Working together, with God on our side, indeed, all things are possible. 

We close with joy and thanksgiving for God allowing us to be a part of the greatest family on earth, the Family of God!  

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Souls Continue To Be Added To The Kingdom...

Campaigners diligent efforts bring many to Christ
Our good friends (and sponsor) 2^nd and Adams church of Christ conducted a very fruitful campaign in the Ngurdoto area located just outside of Arusha. Sending 20 people proved to be a great benefit as they spread out their responsibilities throughout the mountainside. Each day numerous bible studies were conducted as well as a VBS and ladies seminar. When the campaign came to a close 14 souls had been added to the church. The work doesn’t conclude once the campaign comes to an end, in fact, just the opposite is true. In an effort to keep the momentum going, brethren from Maji Ya Chai and Usa River will be working alongside the brethren from Ngurdoto continuing to carry on with the sixty plus Bible studies that were started during the campaign. Thus far 3 more souls have been added as a result of their follow up.

Just a few short weeks after the Ngurdoto campaign brethren from the BCS church of Christ in College Station, TX made the trek over the ocean to begin a campaign with the Kwa Mrombo congregation. You might recall that Kwa Mrombo is where Anita and I normally worship. John Hall, former TZ veteran missionary led the group. Regretfully, Anita and I have started our furlough and were not present for the Kwa Mrombo campaign. Charles Heberth, the capable preacher at Kwa Mrombo, sent me a note letting us know that 16 souls were added to the kingdom during the campaign! Brethren at Kwa Mrombo continue to conduct follow up studies. 

ANDREW CONNALLY SCHOOL OF PREACHING
While Anita and I were headed toward the states for our furlough Cy Stafford, our team leader, was headed back to Tanzania after a short trip stateside to make sure the transition for the oversight of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching from the Kensington Woods church of Christ to the Bear Valley church of Christ in Denver, CO., went smoothly. We are most appreciative for efforts, both past and present, of each congregation. We are excited about the future with Bear Valley as they have been in the preacher training business for over 40 years. As we seek to train men to preach in East Africa we are certain our relationship with BVBID will be a tremendous benefit. 

FAMILY UPDATE
We want to express our gratitude for the calls, cards and especially the prayers on behalf of my mother. Mom has returned home after her surgery and is making a slow, but steady, recovery. Her doctor was pleased with the procedure and believes that all the cancer was removed and that no further treatment will be necessary. We are waiting for the final pathology report to confirm this but are so thankful for the way matters have progressed thus far. We thank God for His providential care. 

FURLOUGH
Anita and I will be headed to Sevierville, Tennessee at the end of August to attend Polishing the Pulpit. If you are attending we hope you will look us up. If you have never been to PTP you are missing out on a real spiritual treat and retreat. This year it’s expected that nearly 3000 brethren will be in attendance. If you are unfamiliar with PTP you can find out more at www.polishingthepulpit.com.

While we are home on furlough we are looking forward to visiting with many of you. It is a great joy to share face-to-face the work that you have sent us to do. We want you to be encouraged about the work in Tanzania and we hope we get the opportunity to tell you more about it. In addition to reporting we will be trying to pick up some new supporters to makeup our budget shortfall. If you know anyone that might be interested we would really appreciate you passing along our information. By the way, while we are home on furlough, I can be reached at 817-688-4317 and Anita can be reached at 817-470-0088. Give us a call, we would love to hear from you.

Until next time, take care and God bless,
Sean & Anita Hochdorf
Arusha, TZ

To read Sean’s report and see the picture of Guadence preparing to baptize a lady from Ngurdoto, please click here.

Conversion And Restoration In Nigeria...

Dear brethren,

Grace, peace and mercy be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord.

Below is the summary of our activities on the weekend of July 27-28 2013.

I (brother Makinde E.Olufemi) along with brother Kayode Eniafe and brother Dele Shotola re-visited the WBS students of Sheri Boggess, Don Vanderlindon, Cathy Carpenter of the West Olive congregation, Peoria, AZ on Saturday of July 27 at Amuloko town of Ona-ara, Local Government of Oyo State with other WBS students of West Olive congregation. They are: Adebayo Femi, Deborah Amoo, Emmanuel Amoo, Abolade Amoo, Oyeleke John, Kolawole Emmanuel, Adegbite Tobiloba, Olapade Iyanu Oluwa, Amoo Mercy, Amoo Lydia, Mrs. M.V. Amoo, Mr. Olukunle Aremu, Damilola Owolabi, J.S. Adeyimka, Bose Adesina and Fagoyinbo Sunday.

Brethren, sooner or later some of these students will be converted! Brother Dele Shotola will be following up on this students since they live closer to him.

Brother Monday Ofem, one of the SWSE-2010 graduates, reported the restoration of a congregation of ten brethren on July 2013 at Afuze town, Owan East, Edo State.

Brother Ezekiel Okoh, one of the SWSE-Lagos campus instructors, reported the conversion of two souls and the restoration of seven brethren at his home town where he has been using his one month annual leave in Ebonyi State.

Brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji, one of the instructors in Ibadan campus, reported the conversion of two souls at Agege congregation in Lagos in July. Brother Dairo Abiodun Joseph, one of the instructors at Lagos campus, also reported the conversion of three souls at Ota congregation, Ogun State where he is preaching as a gospel preacher while brother Isaac Olaniyan, one of the present instructors at Ibadan campus, also reported the conversion of two souls at Ijoko congregation, Ogun State on July 21.

Brother Matthew Roland, one of my fellow WBSFUW in SW states of Nigeria, reported the conversion of a WBS student of West Olive congregation, Peoria, AZ named Bose Ojo of Success Kids International School, Ilesha, Osun State on July 28.

Brethren, I taught on “Understanding the Why of Suffering” at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan on July 28 while brother Arowolo Samuel, one of SWSE year 2 students, admonished the church on “Endurance.” We are 56 in attendance with a total collection of N1,700=

Beloved, we thank you all for your partnership! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all your undertaking in Jesus Christ name, amen.

I remain yours in His grace as a servant,

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

New Church Plant In Paraguay...

New Church Plant in the city of Ñemby, Paraguay!
God was glorified once again in Paraguay this past month! This time with the announcement and beginning of a new congregation of the Lord’s church in the city of Ñemby. A group of members from the Avenida Sacramento congregation, who all live in Ñemby, held a special meeting on June 27 in the home of the Martinez family to make decisions regarding the idea of planting a church in that city. They decided that they all felt ready to begin holding services this month so they would ask the brethren at Avenida Sacramento for assistance. On July 7, 2013 there were 50 people from among the new congregation and their two sister congregations who met to worship together and encourage these brethren in their new effort. Praise our Lord!

Brother Eliezer Perez is doing a find job in his second month as a missionary to Ñemby. He has produced a a detailed report of the work (in Spanish) which is available at: NEMBY INFORME 

Baptized! María Belen Norguera. 
She is the life-long friend of our sister in Christ, Natalia Mendoza. She had been studying with Natalia off and on for several years and had always noticed something different and good in her. So, she finally asked Natalia about her faith. After studying the need for baptism in order to be saved, she decided she needed to obey the Gospel call … and she didn’t want to wait any longer! She was SO happy when she came up out of the baptismal waters. We sang and prayed and simply rejoiced with her in her wonderful decision. Natalia is now going to be studying some new convert lessons with her. Praise Him! 

ASUNCIÓN BIBLE ACADEMY UPDATE
The students are currently in their second quarter of studies and it is becoming obvious this is a little more difficult task than they first imagined. The studies are now more focused and demanding, but the students are showing great improvement in their study skills and understanding of God’s word. 

This past month, the students participated in another evangelistic campaign, working alongside a short term mission team from Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ. Working in the city of Ñemby, once again, they generated more than a dozen good contacts and held several Bible studies. Their enthusiasm and work ethic in evangelizing was rather impressive. It is really heart warming to see their zeal to spread God’s saving message to the lost. Please keep them in your prayers.

Ramón is 27 years old and is a native Paraguayan who is also fluent in the Guarani language. His current grade point average is 82.7 and his favorite subject so far has been the study of Genesis. The following is a thank you letter from Ramon. 

“Hello! My name is Ramon Paredes.”

“I am [currently] studying at the Asuncion Bible Academy. I want to give thanks to all of you, my brothers in Christ, who are supporting us so that we may be here to study without having to worry about anything, but just dedicate time to be well prepared in order to work in the kingdom of our God. [So that we may also] be well prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15), as well as, to know the will of God, that He does not want any to perish but for all to be in reach of salvation.

Thank you for your continued support of us so that the kingdom of God may continue to grow while we are [striving to] bring more souls to Christ.

May God bless you!”

Palm Beach Lakes Mission Group Comes To Paraguay!
A mission group from Palm Beach Lakes (FL) came to Paraguay from June 28 thru July 7 to work with the church here. They assisted us with our evangelism campaign in Ñemby, brought some lessons to share, and completed service projects. The purpose was to gain new contacts for the upcoming church plant. The effort resulted in more than a half dozen Bible studies being held and about 20 new, promising  contacts made. Since the campaign, we have had visitors come to services and more Bible studies conducted. Those we had join us were, Marie Hackshaw, Gwen Lyons, Phil and Mary Porter, Adam Seal, and Giselle Smith. The mission team did a wonderful job and greatly encouraged our brethren here in Paraguay.

One of their activities was a benevolence project at the house of our sister in Christ, Mirta Vera. We painted, cleaned, and made several repairs in order to help her. She cares for two adopted children and her 90-yearold mother. She was so happy and thankful! 

Ruben Pacheco
Andrea received some terrible news on July 14th from her family back in Florida, that her 18-year-old nephew, Ruben Pacheco, had been in a deadly car accident. At the moment, he was on life support. Several very gracious brethren provided funds for Andrea to be able to return to the USA in order to be with her family. We can’t say thank you enough for your care and concern. Sadly, Ruben passed away the following day and the family held a memorial service for him on Saturday the 20th. He was a registered organ donor and through this gift he was able to give life and relief to at least 8 other people. The family is still struggling with the loss and we ask you for your prayers.

Bible Studies / Visitation / Other Activities:

• I starting up the study of Revelation again with our sister Elvira Dominguez. She has brought her friend, Susana Paredes, to study with us, as well. So the study has resulted in a rather interesting and challenging evangelistic effort.
• We spent the “4th of July” with the Yegros family while the mission group from Palm Beach Lakes was here. There was BBQ, fireworks, Americans, and the US flag. What more could one ask for a US holiday on foreign soil?
• We took several brethren from Palm Beach Lakes over to visit our sister in Christ, Odila Uriola. She is the widow of one of the first missionaries to Paraguay back in the 1970’s. One can still witness the fruit of their labor because several of our members that we have today are converts from that effort years ago. The congregation at “Centro” was also a result of their work. We are very thankful for her example! 

PRAYER REQUESTS
You can help the church in Paraguay by adding the following to you prayers:

• For continued leadership development among the men of the church in Paraguay
• Spiritual development of members
• Our current Bible study contacts and that God may provide others
• For the students and faculty of the Asuncion Bible Academy
• For the members of the new church plant in Ñemby
• Improvement of Andrea's health
• Safe travels throughout our work week
• Continued improvement in Spanish speaking skills 

Cultural or language discovery:
Most Paraguayan bathrooms (that have running water) have electrical showerheads in them called a “calefón,” or “ducha electrica.” Cold water passes through the showerhead which is heated by an electrical element inside. To an American, it is rather unnerving to step into a shower with standing water and visible (sometimes bare) electrical wires. No wonder they have been dubbed as "widow makers!"

We have these in our house also but Andrea says, “Sure it’s a little scary, but at least I never run out of hot water!”

There's always a bright side!

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

To see Troy’s report with pictures and additional links, please click here.

Privileged To Participate In Extension Training...

This is the final week of preparation for the new class beginning in Denver. The last few students will be arriving this week as orientation will be held on Friday. Watching the faces of incoming freshman as they wonder in anticipation to what the following week will bring is exciting. Somehow, no matter what is said, there is just no way to adequately prepare for the intensity of the course work they will be involved with over the next two years.

The Extension news is also exciting as students continue their studies in preparation for work in the kingdom on a global level. One report this week shares how some students are only two months away from graduation. Another report speaks of the work graduates are involved with in their country. Others report about the way God has given the increase to their efforts while they are in school and reaching out through evangelistic efforts to bring souls to Christ.

When it is all said and done, the work of Bear Valley in Denver, and the brethren we are privileged to participate with in Extension Training, is an awesome program. We are so blessed to serve a great God, and we are thankful for the opportunity to work side by side with the greatest people on earth.

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 

Rainy Season Challenges Evangelism: The rainy season in Cameroon brought flooding and raised challenges for students evangelizing villages near CBIW. 

Prospective Students In Togo: With graduation a few weeks away, the new class of students is shaping up very well at the Center for Biblical Studies in Togo.

New Students Begin Classes At VVBC: The same is true in India as classes register and prepare to begin classes at the Visakha Valley Bible College.

Evangelizing Nigeria Through Preacher Training: The students at the Southwest School of Evangelism are sharing the gospel around Ibadan, Nigeria.

The Heart Of The People In Tanzania: This is a touching and powerful story that shares the network of God’s people reaching out with the gospel. 

Final Thoughts
A final word to thank you for the blessing you are to the Lord’s kingdom. Everyone who reads this report is involved in some level within the Extension Program. Whatever you contribute to the work through your abilities, financial means, prayers, encouragement, or all the above, please know you are appreciated. We pray for you each day and we trust God will continue to bless you for all you do in His kingdom.

God bless
Bob

Prospective Students In Togo...

17 men have applied to CBS
These prospective students are from the Church of Christ and the following denominations: NewApostolic, Presbyterian, Redeem Church, ChinHai, Micsa, New Covenant Baptist, Church of Pentecost, SDA, House of Holy Spirit and Fire.

Catholic Priest to Attend CBS
Barry Baggot informed CBS that he has a prospect in Burundi who has expressed the desire to attend CBS. This man as I understand is a Catholic Priest and a lecturer in one of the Universities.

Students prepare for final exams
CBS students can be seen in this two pictures seriously preparing for their final exams in August. They were divided into two groups completing a project work.

Nyiveme Church of Christ organized a 3 day seminar on Marriage and the Christian Home
Some of the topics discussed during the seminar included: preparation for marriage, responsibilities of husbands and wives, who is the head of the home, dealing with in-laws and step children, and resolving marital conflict.

The 11 resource persons included: Nine students, one instructor and one former student.

There were about 80 in attendance during each session.

Mr. Aluka, until recently, was a member of the Jehovah Witnesses and the director of a college in Hanyigba, near Kpalime.

Brother Aluka has been using his influence as the director of the college to lead other teachers and students to study with the Church of Christ. He has been able to convince 13 of his friends from the Jehovah Witnesses to start a regular class with Cephas, the principal of CBS. It is our prayer that God will touch their hearts to respond to the gospel soon.

WHAT IS GOD DOING WITH OUR FORMER STUDENTS
Location Preacher Baptism

Noepe Selorm 6

Akepe Yaovi 7

Keve Foli 5

Sanguera Gidigidi has a congregation of 44 members.

Schedule of activities to mark this year’s graduation September 23rd - 29th
September 23rd Monday: Lectures on Leadership.

September 24th - 25th Church Planting at Agou Gare

September 26th - 27th Preparation for graduation

September 28th Graduation Ceremony

September 29th Thanksgiving Service

Meeting with students
During my recent visit to Kpalime, I was informed that the students would like to meet with me. I knew what their concerns were prior to the meeting. When the time finally came and I walked into the classroom, I saw some signs of mixed feelings written all over their faces. They were happy to be completing their two years of study, but afraid of what the future holds for them. I remembered the disciples asking Christ ‘we have given up everything to follow you, but now what is in it for us?’

One student said when he informed his wife that his support ends after the graduation, she quickly took the kids and left for her parents. I had to encourage them to ‘hang in there’ until such a time that God responds to their impending plight. Brethren, it is not easy looking into the faces of these men and telling them that I don’t know how they will survive with their wives and kids. Some have left the denomination, their jobs and their sources of income to spend two years to prepare to preach.

However, I informed them that we shall assist them in any church planting exercise if they call on CBS to do so.

Willie Gley
williegley@gmail.com

New Students Begin Classes At VVBC...

Dear Brethren, 

Greetings in Christ name. Through our joint efforts we are fulfilling the great commission that is commanded to us by our Savior, Jesus Christ, as the population of India keeps increasing.

New Batch of Students: We have received many applications this time, as we expected. In our previous report we mentioned about promoting the Bible College during the gospel meetings in the month of May. It has worked out really well, also the preachers in many other places are observing our graduates and approaching the school recommending it for several young folks. We have received over 37 applications and several phone calls were received.  But the amount of funds available is only letting us entertain 14 students. However, by stretching the penny we have extended the opportunity to 16 students.

Registration: In order for certain students to apply for admission they have to duly fill in an application with a picture pasted on it. Also they have a face to face interview after writing an Entrance Exam. This is not a very difficult exam, it is very formal but gives us an understanding of the student's exposure to the Bible and the Truth. Once it is over and selected, he would receive the code of conduct information and books for taking the running notes for each subject. 

Our Graduates in the Mission Field: It is beyond our joy of expression to see our graduates who completed their two year preacher Training program working in the real time mission field, and their efforts are very fruitful. Usually, we expect these students to invite us to encourage their congregations by teaching and showing our concern towards them. We have been conducting several programs at their places like, Gospel meetings, Bible Classes and door knocking campaign. Some of the students are taking advantage of every opportunity to invite the teachers of the school and preachers in the local villages so that they would teach their local congregations. 

Brother Appalanaidu, who is a graduate of class of 2013, invited us to spend the whole day teaching about God's plan of salvation to his villagers. It worked out wonderfully when two people came forward to accept the Lord. There is a small story behind this as well, that is during the public gospel meetings in the month of May, a video camera man who was hired to record the meetings has heard all the messages and contacted the Director of the school 'M. Samuel Raju' and requested him to visit their villages. Fortunately our recent graduate is visiting this village, since he is one of our students, so both things worked out very well. This has given us an opportunity to visit them and teach them for the whole day about God's plan of salvation, Three Dispensations, and The Church.

Library: When the resource of books is in hundreds the research work can be done passionately / enthusiastically, then for research, only the sky is the limit. Our library has taken a new shape with shelves covered with books both in English & Telugu. I personally believe that the Library with this number books is certainly an asset to the school. Some of the Master’s class students have gathered in the library to complete their assignments. We are so delighted to see our library being a helpful resource. We thank brother Jerry & sister Paula for helping us mail some of the books to India from USA.

Master’s Class: I am constantly in touch with the Master’s Class students and helping them to finish their assignments before due time. We are getting ready for the next master’s class week which would be in the month of September. We received several calls inquiring about the next Master’s Class batch. I wonder how many of them would show up to the next class, but I clearly told them that the current batch is already having classes and the newcomers would have to wait until the next class started.

New Addition to the Church: As the gospel is being preached, a number of people are coming forward to accept our Lord Jesus Christ. We were privileged to baptize two women who were taught about Jesus by one of our graduates. 

Gratitude: Our heart felt thanks goes to the brethren at Lake Houston, TX who are funding the school, also the congregation at the Strickland Church of Christ who are supplying the funds to fill the gap. Through their support and encouragement we are able to do all the above mentioned work. We thank our God for His mercy which is bestowed upon us through which were are able to fulfill the commandment of Jesus, that is, “Go into all the world to preach the gospel.” We will do our best to keep up the good work and trust and confidence you brethren have in us. We must also appreciate the brethren at Bear Valley Church of Christ and BVBID who are behind this whole Extension school program.

Please give our greetings to the brethren at your home congregation. Please continue to remember us in your prayers as we remember all of you in our daily prayers. Please pray for our graduates who are striving for His cause.

Thanking you all in Christ,  

John Dean Muppidi
Visakha Valley Bible College
Church of Christ
Andhra Pradesh,  INDIA
Cell: 091 - 9989922844

www.skinnergarden.org

Evangelizing Nigeria Through Preacher Training...

Dear brethren,

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Here is the summary of our weekend campaign in Ibadan, Oyo State and Asejire in Osun State:

The staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan, Oyo State were divided into two groups on the weekend of July 20th to evangelize Kusela village of Akinyele L.G.A of Oyo State and Asejire town of Oshun state.

I and brother Arowolo Samuel (year 2 student of SWSE) led the group that evangelized Kusela village while brother Dele Shotola and brother Kayode Eniafe led the group that evangelized Asejire town, Oshun State on Saturday of July 20, 2013.

On Sunday at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, I taught the 6th lesson under our series of studies on Walking With God titled “How To Overcome Temptation” (Matt.4:1-11) while brother Arowolo Samuel admonished the church on Holiness. We are 52 in attendance with  a total collection of N1,800= and in the afternoon, I taught on the Six Characteristics of a Helper at the sister's Bible class.

In the evening, brother Kayode Eniafe reported the conversion of three souls at the Asejire congregation in Oshun State as the result of the July 20 gospel campaign at that city.

Brethren, we thank you all for your moral and financial support toward the growth of the Lord's church in Africa and beyond. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our work together in Jesus Christ name, amen.

Thanks be unto the Lord for the successful completion of this session - 2012/2013. We also thank you all for your partnership and great contribution toward the growth of the Lord's church in Africa and the world as a whole.

First semester of 2013/2014 session will commence, Lord willing, on August 12, 2013 with 20 students in Ibadan main campus + 4 students in the supplementary list and 10 students in Lagos satellite campus.

I, brother Makinde E.Olufemi, will be teaching: Evangelism 1 and year 2 on Ministerial Counseling & Teaching with Success.

Brother Okon Sunday Udoh will teach: NT church 1, Scheme of Redemption, and year 2 on Church Problems.

Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe will teach on: The Pentateuch and OT & NT Survey.

Brother Isaac Olaniyan will teach on Life of Christ 1.

Brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji will teach on The Fundamentals of the Faith.

Brother Matthew Idowu will teach year 2 on OT Wisdom 1 and 2nd Corinthians. 

Brother Dairo Abiodun Joseph will also teach the year 2 students on 1st & 2nd Thessalonians and Biblical Eschatological.

Brethren, the just concluded session cost us the sum of N4,797,000= ($32,000). Contributions from brethren & churches in USA, Canada and Nigeria totaled N4,333,000= ($29,000) and the loan of N464,000= ($3,000). A $600 gift from the Lough family is included in the total contributions.

In conclusion, we thank all our supporters for their patience, the confidence they have reposed in us, and the moral and financial support which they have all shown us over the years. Hope you will not relent in this good and great work! Thanks and God bless.

I remain yours in His grace as a servant,

Makinde E. Olufemi (Director of studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE) Ibadan-Nigeria

The Heart Of The People In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers;

We hope and pray all is well in your life and that the Lord continues to bless you. We thank you for your prayers; they are being answered in a most powerful way here in Tanzania. 

The “heart of the people” here in Tanzania continues to amaze me. Example: One of our brothers in Christ at the Arusha congregation, Lenjima, went to Dodoma (the official Capital of Tanzania) to visit his daughter (Katherine) who is a student at the University. She was working at a small shop between semesters where her father met her upon arriving. 

She introduced her father to a teacher from the university that was at the shop. The teacher’s name is Delphine. Katherine had been studying the Bible with Delphine for some time. Delphine invited Lenjima to her home village of Kibosho (on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, just outside the city of Moshi) to study with her and her family. Lenjima returned to Arusha and met with me, asking if I would come and meet this family and study God’s word with them. 

We did! This past Wednesday Lenjima, Nathan & Jessica McVeigh, and another brother from Arusha, Anthony Frido, made the two hour trip to Kibosho to meet Delphine and her family. We arrived around noon and were greeted by Delphine (who traveled from Dodoma, a full days ride on the bus just to meet and study with us), her mother and eight other ladies. They offered us tea and chapati followed by a study of God’s Word. 

After the study Delphine informed us they wanted the church to be planted in their village and that her mother was willing to donate land to build a place to worship. We expressed our gratitude and set things up for Lenjima to return this coming week to introduce Josephat Massawe (the Evangelist for the Kilimanjaro congregation and Director of the Moshi Bible School) to this family for further studies. 

The power of God’s Word, in the heart and hands of faithful young people, raised in a Godly home, with a father who puts God first in his life, and the heart of the Tanzania people, makes for a really good thing. 

This is but one of many examples that illustrate the need to train more and more faithful evangelist in God’s Word that they might in turn take the saving message of the Truth to their own people. (2 Tim. 2.2). We need your help that we might help them help themselves. Support a student and change lives for eternity! Please!

We are thankful for Jerry Bates who arrived this week to teach two Master’s level classes. Jerry is one of the extension teachers for Bear Valley. He does a lot of work in India and is a full time worker at Voice for Truth International. We are so very thankful for men like Jerry who are willing to give of themselves for the sake of the lost of this world. 

Fariji Paul wrote of a new sister in Christ at Usa River. Issac Kusupa wrote saying they had a great attendance at White Rose today, over 20 adults and 15 children. Issac’s father obeyed the Gospel last week during the Kwa Mrombo campaign. Nsumve writes; “Four souls have become New Testament Christians today here at Mwanza. We have a big challenge, no place to worship for all five congregations. Please try to help these congregations.”

Thank you all for all you do and please continue to remember God’s workers throughout the world. We love and admire each of you for your love of the Truth and for your desire to teach others through your support of missions. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Rainy Season Challenges Evangelism...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters here in Wotutu. We do hope this reports meets you in good health and sound faith. Life is moving ahead here with lots of challenges because of the climatic conditions here now.

We are in the heart of the rainy season. Rain falls on and on and is not easy to discharge all we have to discharge. As I type this email, rain is falling and will continue all day long.

Our brother Edriex taught this morning on our weekly theme “Working Hard to Improve on Family Relationships.” This is to help our Christians build their families during this holiday period in Cameroon where children from different backgrounds will visit and exchange visits. Keep them in your prayers as they continue to study His word to help many on their way. Brother Edriex Adang’s mother was baptized last Sunday in their village. It was a joy for all of us. Keep his family in your prayers for many to see the truth and obey it as he continues to reach out to them.

There has been flooding in Limbe and other villages where many are displaced and are suffering because of the climatic conditions. Many Christians in our congregation are sick because of this climate. I personally slept in the hospital because my children were hospitalized. As I write this report some of our students like brother Mbappe Guy were not in worship. Brother Guy is in the hospital and taking some fluids. Keep us in your prayers. Because of the bad weather conditions, there was no way we could go out on house to house, but we continue to preach our radio program “Back to the Bible.”

Plans
1) This weekend we shall travel with healthy students to Ediki village where we shall revive a dead congregation. This congregation died off because of lack of a preacher to lead. We saw this congregation last June and some members cried out for us to come and help them. Keep us in your prayers as we go there this weekend for success. We shall also preach house to house.

2) We shall storm Batoke village the third week of August to continue evangelism and also to fully establish a new congregation. If finally established, we shall be sending students on a weekly basis to go and preach and teach during weekends in Edki and Batoke till we graduate this batch.

Appreciations
God bless you and your family for all that you are doing for the work here. God will reward you, your family and your congregation for their great sacrifice to help train men to preach the gospel in Cameroon. We say thank you and God bless you. Do your best to share this with others. We shall always appreciate your comments. Make a great day.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

48 Years Of Training Preachers...

The time is drawing near for the Bear Valley Bible Institute to begin the 48th year of training men to preach in Denver. I am thankful to have been a recipient of the training Bear Valley provides and even more thankful for the opportunity to serve on the staff of this great organization. I know the next 48 years will continue to see sound men trained in God’s word who will go out and teach others.

The next class of students in Denver is shaping up to be a great class. Orientation is just over a week away and several students have arrived already as they prepare to begin classes. There is something exciting about seeing these men leave the security of their homes and jobs to move to Denver and begin a new path in ministry in the Lord’s kingdom. 

The same is true around the world. The sacrifices made by the brethren in every country is humbling. Their willingness and dedication to study God’s word and give their lives to serve in the Lord’s kingdom is amazing. They serve as great examples of faith for all of us today. As they grow in their understanding of the truth, they go out and begin sharing the message with their families, friends, and communities. The beautiful part is seeing God give the increase.

This week’s report continues to share news about the growth and development of these students who are a tool in the hands of God as He prepares them for the greatest work on earth. Please pray for the students about to begin their journey in Denver and for all those who are currently studying 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 

A New Quarter Begins And God Blesses The Work: While students are beginning the 3rd quarter of studies in Cameroon, God continues to give the increase to the work.

Graduation And Lectureship In Tamale, Ghana: The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies held a recent graduation and lectureship and the work is growing.

Preparing For Short Courses In Nigeria: Students at the Southwest School of Evangelism are getting ready for two short courses.

57 Obey The Gospel In Tanzania: The news is exciting in Tanzania as the Safari for Souls Campaigns continue to show the working of God through His people. 

Final Thoughts
A final word of gratitude. Thank you for your continued prayers, support and encouragement for the work of training preachers. We know that without you this work would fall short of the goals and plans established for developing the Bear Valley Bible Institute. We want each of you to know how important you are to the Lord’s work. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless you richly.

God bless
Bob

57 Obey The Gospel In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers,

We thank each of your for your continued prayers and support for God’s work in Tanzania. The work continues to be blessed in so many ways. We are indeed a blessed people working with some of God’s finest.

We have now completed our third campaign for the summer. With sixteen new souls being added to the Church of our Lord this week at Kwa Mrombo. We thank God, John Hall and his fellow workers for a job well done. The church at Kwa Mrombo worked very hard a month prior to the group coming and they also have plans to continue with the follow-up studies in the coming months.

The Lord has blessed His Kingdom with twenty-two new souls at White Rose and another seventeen souls at Ngordoto. I received a message today from Kambi ya Chui (a congregation planted by the Mtu wa Mbu congregation) of two new souls being added to the Church. It thrills the soul to see the power of God’s Word working in the lives of the good people of Tanzania. I would also ask that you continue praying for the good brothers and sisters here in Tanzania. The campaigns are what they are in a large part due to the talent of our translators, evangelist, and Bible teachers.

The campaign season comes to a close, but the work continues. Our brother Jerry Bates will arrive this weekend. He will be teaching two Masters classes at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. We are thankful for Jerry and others with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver and the extension program (working with eighteen schools around the world), for the good they do in the training of faithful men that they in turn might teach their fellow man. 

We would like to introduce Nathan and Jessica McVeigh. They have joined us for a one year mission internship. Nathan completed his studies at Bear Valley and both he and Jessica have a strong desire to do God’s mission work. We are thankful for them and their desire to do God’s will. They are adjusting to their new home and work and have jumped right in and are serving faithfully.

Please continue to remember the Gaines family as they continue on the fundraising trail. They hope to join us later this year. They have made a three year commitment and are about 75% funded. If you or someone you know are interested in taking the Gospel to a people truly desiring to know the Truth of God’s Word. Please consider this family in your support of God’s mission work. Please drop Daniel, Tiffany and children a short note, letting them know you are thinking and praying for them. If at all possible, please support this good family in their desire to do the will of the Father. Daniel Gaines (daniel-gaines@hotmail.com)

In closing I would like to ask for your help. We have a great need before us. We would like to bring in thirty new students in the 2014 class. We need to raise funds for fifteen. Any help in this area is greatly needed and will do much good. If you need information to help in you decision, please let me know. 

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie, Granny & Parker

Preparing For Short Courses In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ,

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

We evangelized Asaju and Jenrinyin Estate on Saturday of July 13, 2013 with some youth of Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan, and in the evening I studied with eight WBS students of Cathy Carpenter and Sheri Boggess of West Olive congregation, Peoria, AZ in the Amuloko area of Ona-Ara Loca Government, Oyo State.

On Sunday, July 14, two of our students named Makinde Emmanuel and Arowolo Samuel actively participated at Sunday morning worship in Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan.

Brethren, we are now preparing for the two weeks visit of brother Gary Fallis from the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver to SWSE-Ibadan, Nigeria on August 17-30, 2013.

We appreciate the great work you are all doing for the Lord here in Africa and we are praying for God's blessing on all your endeavors. 

Thanks and God blessed for your partnership. 

Yours in Christian love,

Makinde E.Olufemi(Director of Studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism(SWSE),Ibadan-Nigeria

Graduation And Lectureship In Tamale, Ghana...

Greetings from Tamale, Ghana.

It has been very quiet around the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies (TIBS) for the past two months as all of the students had completed their courses at the end of April and had departed to their various villages and towns. That all changed on July 9th as the Institute once again came to life, welcoming the graduating class, alumni, and the next class of students back to the campus for a week long program and graduation celebration.

Rather than holding its graduation ceremony immediately after the final classes of the two year program, TIBS’ holds its graduation during the first week of classes for the next group of students. This allows the new students to meet and be encouraged by those who have completed the course. For this year’s graduation the school also invited back the alumni from the first graduating class of 2011 for a special seminar with the new students and graduating students. This three day seminar on The Preacher and Finances was attended by over 35 past and present students. Classes were taught by Bear Valley Regional Coordinator Steven Ashcraft, TIBS Director Baah Joseph Okyere, and Cape Coast area evangelist Kojo Acquah Beenyi. Topics included were The Preacher and Member Relationships, The Preacher and Church’s Finances, The Preacher and His Family’s Finances, and The Preacher and Budgeting. 

On Friday TIBS hosted its fourth annual lectureship with the theme “The Essence Of Being A Christian.” During this day long lectureship TIBS Board Member Roger Ayillah spoke on “Christ- One Sacrifice For All”; Accra area evangelist and Director of the Center for Biblical Studies in Kpalime, Togo Willie Gley spoke on “Getting into the Covenant with Christ”; Bear Valley Coordinator Tony Johnson spoke on “Staying in the Covenant”; and TIBS Director Baah spoke on “Faithful Until Death-Who is going to Heaven?” In addition to the students, members from local congregations were invited to attend and the lectureship was open to the public. 

On Saturday the week’s event culminated with Graduation exercises for the class of 2013. Eleven of the thirteen graduating men received TIBS’ highest certificate, a Certificate of Biblical Studies, indicating that they had successfully completed the intensive two year course that includes over 2000 hours of classroom instruction and field work. Receiving a Certificate  Of  Biblical  Studies were: Abraham   Dilegm, Godwin  Bentikme, Jacob  Nichema, Johnson  Tilinyi, Joseph  Molsak, Kwame  Nkumuye   Lot, Lot  Nlakidi, Matthew  Donkor  Chakpuju, Philip   Bilam, Solomon Lanyan, and Timothy  Niligrini. Receiving a Certificate of Leadership was Augustine  Assoro, and receiving a Certificate  Of  Attendance was Bijine  Nnurubi  Amos. A special award of a laptop computer was given to Timothy Niligrini as the Best Student based upon cumulative grade point average. Additional awards of a Strong’s Concordance were given to Lot Nlakidi for Best Servant, Joseph Molsak for Most Determined Student, and Godwin Bentikme for Most Promising Student. 

It was a very busy and a very great week, with lots of fellowship, renewing of old friendships, and making of new ones. Now it is back to regular business for all of us at the Tamale School of Biblical Studies as we begin training the class of 2015!  

Tony Johnson
Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies

New Quarter Begins And God Blesses The Work...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings to you all from Cameroon. We do hope you are doing great over there in the church and family. God is blessing us and we praise Him. We are in the heart of rainy season and, because of the poor weather condition, many are sick here. Keep our students and some Christians in your prayers.

I baptized sister Immaculate Momai into Christ. Please keep her in your prayers, so that many in her family will come to know God, love Him and obey the gospel because of her.

CBIW students are all on campus and have already started the 3rd quarter fully, without any major problems.We went out to Muyuka town, a very big town, for weekend evangelism with those students who are sound in health, and we just made our way back to Wotutu safe and sound.

In class I was able to introduce the students to a new semester that will take us up to September. They are doing great keep them in your prayers.

We went to Muyuka this weekend for our very first weekend evangelism for the 3rd semester. We hired a 19 seat van ready to take us to our mission field. The journey was safe. We thank you for your prayers.

Our safe arrival in Muyuka gave us the opportunity to start reaching out to many through house to house evangelism, as brother Chijioke and others preached and pointed out what the Bible says to prospects.

I was also able to show the way by reaching out to prospects as we take them back to the Bible. Muyuka is a town characterized with all kinds of denominations. The weekend was really not enough time for us to go through the town, but our impact was felt for those houses where we were able to knock their doors. They opened wide the doors of their houses and some also opened the doors to their hearts.

Brother Ebage, our student, also baptized sister Tongo Nadesh whose husband was very happy as a brother who has struggled to help her become a Christians. The family is completely, now in Christ.Keep them in your prayers for them to grow to macturity. A total of 5 precious souls were added into the church in Muyuka. Praise goes to God for His care and love.

Plans
1) We shall move to Batoke, by His grace, next month for evangelism and possible establishment of a new congregation, if the Lord wills.

2) We shall go to Ediki village in August for a revival trip to revive a dead congregation , keep us in your prayers to discharge all this mission for His glory.

3) We shall also travel to the island of Bakassi with some students for evangelism in a community that denominations have not yet been dominated.

Requests
Pray for us. Most of us were beaten by mosquitoes during this trip which means that we may have malaria attacks, because we were to exposed. Please pray for us as we prepare some herbs and drugs to keep fit and flush our systems.

Appreciations
Thank you for your help and prayers. God bless you and replenish your deep sacrifice for the work going on here. Only God will reward you all.

Do your best to share this report with others. Jesus Christ is Lord.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Challenges To Extension Training...

While the work of Extension Training is the most exciting work I know on earth, there are always various challenges that arise that must be addressed in the most spiritual, biblical and practical way. It goes without saying, but the cultural, economic, language and technological barriers add to the difficulties that play a part in the direction and development of Extension Training.

I say this to provide a basis for some of the most recent activities within the program. After much time in prayer and counsel concerning the best course of action, the Bear Valley Bible Institute will no longer be partnering with the work in Monrovia, Liberia. To keep from making this a long story, it became apparent there was a misunderstanding about the nature of how the school was to be established and operate on a monthly basis. 

After several months and numerous attempts to determine the best approach to resolving the issues at hand, it was decided (in the mutual interest of the goals and plans for the extension program and the work in Liberia) that the Smythe Road congregation move in the direction of their choosing to best serve their plans for the Lord’s work. As difficult as it is to make decisions of this magnitude, we believe the greater good of the kingdom will be served for everyone involved by moving forward.

On behalf of the Bear Valley Bible Institute, we appreciate your understanding and trust to provide the best quality teaching for students in each location where we are privileged to partner with those who desire to train preachers. We ask that you pray for the leadership and growth of the church in Liberia. We also ask that you pray for the Bear Valley Bible Institute as we continue to move forward in looking at how best to develop the overall program of Extension Training.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Extension Reports 

God Gives A Great Increase And Persecution Follows: A recent campaign in Cameroon adds 58 souls to Christ, and persecution occurs with some of the students.

Denominational Preacher Obeys The Gospel: The providence of God is powerfully seen in this account of conversion in Ghana.

An Appeal For Help In Takoradi: In Daniel Asiamah’s latest report, he appeals for help for Jerome, a Liberian refugee seeking to return home with his children.

Transition In Place And God Is Blessing The Work: Please take time to read about the transition in Tanzania and God’s blessing in the work. 

Final Thoughts
We are overwhelmingly thankful when it comes to everything involved in this work. God has blessed us with the opportunity to partner with strong and faithful Christians on a worldwide basis. We are blessed to know the dedication of God’s people. Thank you for the example you provide us by your willingness to be involved in this great work. Please pray for the efforts of Bear Valley, as well as, the work of each individual who shares in the work of Extension Training.

God bless
Bob

An Appeal For Help In Takoradi...

Dear Brethren,

We thank God for His mercies and kindness upon us as we progress steadily towards the end of another school term. We also thank God for you, our brothers, who have been holding up our hands in our efforts to prepare laborers for the Lord’s vineyard.

We had our mid-term break June 16- 23, 2013. It afforded me the opportunity to slow down and take some needed rest and to follow the doctor’s orders fully.  Incidentally, my 67th birthday fell within that week (June 17). It was significant because it was one of the rare cases in which my birthday fell on Monday, the day of the week on which I was born.

In about a month from now our third and final term of the 2012/2013 academic year will end. That means the Seniors would have completed their studies at West Coast –a journey of two years which started in September of 2011. The class is made up of three elderly men and two young men.

In a group photo, the oldest student, George Hodofia is first from the left (in his mid-sixties), and the youngest, George Kuntoh is second from the right (in his mid-twenties). The rest, are from left to right, Solomon Pantsil, David Mbedu and Kofi Krampah.

The Junior Class is nearing the completion of their first year in school. We still have health problems among students and teachers. At the time this picture was taken three students were not in school – there was one admitted to the Regional Hospital, and two others recovering at home.

Brother Arthur who obtained the Masters from Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver last year teaches most of the Old Testament  books as well as Homiletics, The Preacher and His work and Marriage and the Home. He preaches for the church in Kwesimintsim, Takoradi. The church is preparing for the ordination of elders and deacons in the first quarter of 2014. Currently various classes and training sessions are in progress. Brother Arthur receives calls to participate in lectureships, gospel campaigns and special training classes which he fulfills during school vacations.

Jerome Torh, the Liberian refugee who recently lost his wife is seeking help to go back to Liberia with his two children, a boy and a girl. Jerome graduated from West Coast last November. Some of you helped to pay the hospital bills for his ailing wife and when she died you helped with the funeral expenses. Posted below is a breakdown of what he needs to go back and settle in Liberia.

• He and his two kids will need $1300 for air fare ( 300 each person plus 400 for belongings)
• House rent of $100 a month
• Food for the three at $50 a month
• School fees for kids – son $300/year and daughter $400/year.
• Will need $200 for cooking utensils.

We are raising some local funds for him, but I am afraid that will not scratch the surface of what he needs. I herby appeal on his behalf to brethren to help get him the funds to go home. Please, channel you assistance through brother Steven Ashcraft, our BVBID coordinator (email: Steven Ashcraft samtnhome@yahoo.com). I have attached a copy of his appeal for your information which contains his contact number and e-mail address.

Sorry State of our Access Road
This road was built a little over four years ago. We have maintained it and made it motorable till the last two years when some heavy construction work started at the foot of the steep hill. The man who built there and worsened the road promised to help fix it but now that his building is ready for renting, he is nowhere to be found. Plus, other construction works uphill have done much damage to the road. Until it was disturbed, it held its own for well over two years and a half. Some local roads made with heavier equipment under experienced civil engineers are torn down in less than two years. Ours has held longer under same conditions with heavy trucks plying it every week. So far, brother Charles and I are able to drive up to the school with some difficulty. It is motorable with challenges and tire wearing when dry but unmotorable when wet and slippery.

We have company on top of the hill. A guest house is under construction across from our admin/classrooms block and others have started building private houses nearby. We shall soon lose our sole occupancy of the hilltop. We pray we do not lose much of the quietness we have enjoyed for the past seven years. We would much rather have a guest house up there with us than a noisy Pentecostal/holiness church.

Computers: Brother Ashcraft visited West Coast and gave us three laptops to supplement the computers we have available for training and research. With those we now have six working computers. Our target is ten for our twenty students. We still need four more. Can you help us?

Thank you again, and may the Lord continue to bless and keep you all.

Your servant for Jesus’ sake
Daniel K Ampadu-Asiamah  

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

To read brother Jerome's appeal, click here.