Safari For Souls Yields 86 Souls...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We stand amazed at the good our God continues to do. Your continued prayers and support of God’s mission work here in TZ continues to bring forth much fruit. 

The Safari for Souls campaigns continue to have the desired affect on the Lord’s Church. This year we conducted four different campaigns with the help of many from America and our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in Christ. 

The local members began pre-campaigning one month before the Stateside campaigners arrived. They continued in the follow-up efforts for another two months after the campaigners left. The local congregations where the campaign efforts were conducted continue with the follow-up. God promised His Word would never return void (Isaiah 40.8). We began pre-campaign efforts at the end of April and as of September 6th here is the increase God has given: 

Kwa Mrombo - 27 souls
White Rose - 26 souls
Ngurdoto - 26 souls
Kisongo - 7 souls

Yes, God has blessed His Kingdom by adding 86 precious souls. Thank you all who have prayed, supported, purchased Bibles, provided funding for the printing of Bible tacts and other material, sacrificed much in coming and joining us on the campaigns, and so much more. 

God’s Kingdom knows no borders. We do not have “American dollars” supporting “Tanzanian efforts;” we have God’s Kingdom Dollars supporting a part of the world He created in His own image. We, as God children, need to see this world as God sees it; over 7 Billion dying souls. Without your help, without your support, without your participation, and yes, without your prayers, the world will die in sin. Here is one small, yet so powerful, example of how the Church in America and the Church in Tanzania partner in the saving of soul, on both sides of the world:

“I have good news about how the work in TZ continues to work in Oklahoma.  We had a Syrian Orthodox Christian attend worship and he expressed a desire to study the truth.  After my first study, same as TZ, he was not convinced that he needed to be baptized again.  He was immersed in Israel by a man who told him it was a miracle they got together.  I tried my best to tell him about how important it was to be baptized for the "right" reason.  To no avail but set up another study for this coming Sunday evening.  Before he left I gave him one of the books that you had made for TZ  this year and asked him just to read and pray about it.  I just received a text that he wants to be baptized for the right reason.  Praise God!” (signed, Brad Whinery, Elder) 

Thanks be to God, great things He is doing. Thanks be to God for His faithful, sacrificial servants. Thanks be to God for His grace, mercy and our salvation. 

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie and Granny

The Work In Nigeria...

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ,

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

On Sunday, September 1, 2013, in continuation of our series of studies on “Walking With God” at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, I taught on “Fellowship with God and One Another” from 1 John 1:5-7 while a year 2 student of SWSE named Oladokun Samuel admonished the church on “Overcoming Compromise” from Daniel 1. We are 56 in attendance with total collection of N2,790=.

One of the 2007 graduates of the school and one of the students in the program offered by the Bear Valley Bible Institute at SWSE-Ibadan main campus named Godspower Ikechuckwu Ossai reported the conversion of four people on September 1 at Ede-Adegoh congregation, Idah in Kogi State of Nigeria where he is presently serving as an evangelist.

Brethren, Lord's willing, I (brother Makinde E.Olufemi), brother Kayode Eniafe and brother Dele Shotola and the SWSE-students will be working with Egbeda congregation, Ona-Ara L.G.A. of Oyo State on the weekend of September 7 & 8 in evangelizing their community.

On August 28, a student of SWSE-Ibadan baptized brother Philip Isaac and brother Rotimi Felix Onaolapo.

We thank you all for your partnership and contribution toward the growth of the Lord's church in Africa! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless our work together in Jesus Christ name, amen.

Your fellow worker in Christ,

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

Projects, Seminars, Mission Trip, And A Baptism...

We are excited to bring you this month's newsletter! It seems there is always a buzz of activity in and around the church building at Avenida Sacramento. If the Academy students aren’t involved in something, there is a seminar taking place, a Bible study going on, or usually a special project or two. This month had several “firsts” and “specials” that we have noted. What a blessing to be involved with such an active church!

Developments at Avenida Sacramento
Growing pains are, well, a bit painful. For example, so much has happened and changed in the past few months that all of a sudden the men of the congregation have discovered that we need to make some changes in how we handle our finances. Although it is nothing that can’t be resolved, it will still be a test of our faith and resolve. Please keep us in your prayers! 

Enrique Albera and Paulo Rocholl were given the opportunity to travel to Panama to work alongside Margaret Street church of Christ during an evangelistic campaign. They went to Meteti in the Darien jungle where they worked as translators for the team and also lead several Bible studies.  Enrique had the privilege to baptize Malquiades, an elderly man who had been visiting and studying for quite some time. Both the students returned home with a lot of enthusiasm and new experience! 

Asunción Bible Academy Update
The second quarter of studies is already in the books! The students all received passing grades and continue to show great spiritual growth. This next quarter will have them putting into practice some of what they are learning. They will begin a rotation for song leading and bringing the devotional message for our Wednesday night study hour, they will be active in our visitation program, assisting at various Bible studies, writing for the church bulletin, and helping coordinate our worship times. 

This past month, we also had brother Kevin Dye, who serves as the preacher at Leanna church of Christ in Murfeesboro, TN, and also as a missionary to Papau New Guinea, teach a few special classes for us. He brought lessons on “The Holy Spirit,” “Avoiding Burnout,” and he also lead a baptism workshop for us. Brother Dye is a very knowledgeable and capable preacher, and we appreciate his contribution to the Academy! 

Baptisms / Restorations / Identifications
Baptized! Fabio Ruíz is a friend of our dear sister in Christ, Raquel Franco. He comes from a very Catholic family and is very much concerned about spiritual matters. After studying for several weeks with Eliezer Perez, Fabio decided to put on Christ in baptism. Praise the Lord! 

Evangelistic Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities:
The mission team hosted a marriage seminar with Jerry and Lynn Jones called “Relationships Matter.” There were several visitors that came and the team received a lot of great instruction that we can use to minister to families here in Paraguay. The Jones came and offered the seminar at no expense to the team and we are so very thankful for their kind generosity! 

A mission group from Leanna church of Christ in Murfeesboro, TN came to Paraguay July 28 thru July 7 to work with the church here. They are the supporting church for Brittnea Yegros. They did a lot of great work at the home of one of our widow’s, Odila Uriola, and they also brought several great lessons on church planting and leadership development. It was wonderful to have them with us here! The church was greatly encouraged. 

I recently studied with the new missionaries in our area from the Mormon church. It is next to impossible to shake these guys, but each time I learn a little more about how they twist the scriptures and I try to plant seeds of the truth buy showing them what the Bible really says. This helps me develop better answers in defense of our faith in order to give to our brethren who may have to encounter this false doctrine. 

Developments at the Ñemby Congregation
The first men’s business meeting was held! The first decision that the brethren of Ñemby had to make was what to do with the offering money. After some discussion, they settled on saving it and to start looking for a place to rent for a meeting facility. They have since looked at several options and are carefully considering one that is well located just off the main highway. Please keep the growth of this congregation in your daily prayers! 

Brother Eliezer Perez continues to do a wonderful job as a missionary to Ñemby. Here is a link to his latest report of the work (in Spanish): http://www.scribd.com/doc/163374416/Reporte-Nemby-Agosto-2013 

Worship and Bible class attendance (Ñemby): 

Sun pm – 22 (4th), 16 (11th), 19 (18th), 17 (25th) 
Midweek study average - 8 
Current members: 10 Baptized (6 Family Units) 

Upcoming activities and news: 
Our annual “Learn English Using the Bible” campaign 
Friends and Family Day! 
Josh and Vanessa Hardin coming to visit! 

Personal Development and Activities

Visitation / Personal and Family Activities:

We went several times to visit our teammate, Brittnea Yegros, after she gave birth to a baby boy, Alejandro Daniel, who was born July 25! Congratulations Ale and Brittnea! 

We visited Mabel Ortiz and her family this month. She needed some encouragement during some difficult times so we pray that we brought her a little more peace through God’s love. 

Andrea had a nice visit with Carolina Arzamendia in our home while they were planning what to make for Carolina’s daughter, Luana, 15th (quinceañera) birthday party. 

Andrea and I attended the wedding of our brethren Maria Jose Yegros to Javier Zarate. It was a beautiful ceremony!

We went to another Italian opera to watch our brother, Diego Acevedo perform. I have no idea how they memorize so many words in Italian. They’re quite talented!

Andrea has been involved in two Las Amigas events recently. One was a BBQ where she cooked all the meat for everyone and the “Friendship Tea” hosted at the US Ambassador's house.

Personal study:
I have been preparing for this next quarter’s classes: “Luke” and “Judges - Ruth” with Bible study and various materials in Spanish and English. 

I am currently reading / have read: 

“Planting Missional Churches” by Ed Stetzler 

“The Chronological Life of Christ” by Mark E. Moore 

Preaching/teaching opportunities: 
Recently preached at Ave. Sacramento on the “Three Principles of Redemption: Col 1:9-14” 

Finished up this quarter teaching “Numbers and Deuteronomy” for the Asuncion Bible Academy. 

We wrapped up our study of “Romans” for our midweek, home this cute little 10-year old!

Bible study at Delci Enciso’s house.

Cultural or language discovery:

Presidential Inauguration: We got to experience a presidential election recently and now the inauguration that took place here in Paraguay. The festivities took place on the day Asuncion was founded, August 15. Horacio Cartes (pictured left), was elected as president which also meant that the “old guard” Colorado Party has returned to power. The president serves for a single five-year term and is not eligible for re-election. Although there is a Presidential Mansion (called “Mburuvicha Roga,” which means “the boss’ house” in Guarani), Cartes has decided he will remain in his own sprawling mansion which is just up the road from our church building. He is known as a very conservative business man, so it will be interesting to see how he governs the nation. He is divorced so his oldest daughter, Sofia, served as First Lady during the ceremony.

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

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

Summer Teams Visit Guatemala...

Summer Teams
We have always been very blessed to have many different Christians from many different places become a part of our work by participating in a mission team during the summer months. This year was no exception. Allow us to share with you some of the joy and blessings that these individuals brought to us here in Guatemala.

July Team
The first team came July 11 – 20 and was made up of Christians from various states. The team leader was Lesha Colglazier, from Indianapolis, IN. Thank you Lesha for another job well done!

This year’s team was composed of the following individuals (see group picture above):

From Roscoe, TX: Roddy Alexander, Danny
Boren, Faith Boren, Austin Browne, Marty Browne, Coy Roper, Caden Smith, Cheyenne Smith, Kylee Smith, Mirian Solis 

From Florence, AL: Buddy and Billie Baker, and Pam Wade 

From Piggett, AK: Jerry (not pictured) and Donna Morgan 

From Holly Springs, MS: Miles Morgan 

From Senatobia, MS: Katie Martin 

From Los Angeles, CA.: Aralee Hernandez and Ashley Figueroa (Byron’s mom and niece). 

Thursday was a travel day when most of the members of the team arrived at various times. Friday was a day in which the group was able to do some sight seeing around the city. At the end of the day, we had a fellowship dinner at our home. This dinner serves several purposes: to provide a warm welcome to our U.S. guests, to acquaint our guests with many of our local Christians, and to play a healthy game of Jenga (well, maybe this last reason is not a real purpose, but everyone seems to look forward to it). Don’t ask who won!

Saturday was a full day of work for the team. They participated in a seminar at Linda Vista entitled “A Church after God’s Own Heart.” They were involved in many areas, such as children’s classes, ladies’ classes, men’s classes, teens’ classes, and great fellowship.

Sunday, too, was a full day. We were able to worship together with the saints at Linda Vista in the morning and in the evening services. The team was involved in teaching and preaching during our worship and Bible class. The children had two special treats. First, Pam Wade prepared a puppet presentation for them. Second, Jerry Morgan, normally a missionary and Bible teacher, doubled as a magician and kept the children entertained for a little while. The team members were really eager to serve and to help in any way that they could. We really appreciate the Christ-like spirit they demonstrated as they served their Guatemalan brethren.

In addition, after enjoying a good lunch made by one of our sisters, Adela Garcia, the team went to the Amatitlan National Hospital. The church at Roscoe prepared Teddy Bears with the name of the Linda Vista Church on the tag. These were given away along with the care packages that were prepared by the ladies at Linda Vista. In the packages, we included some necessary items, like water, toilet paper, soap, tooth brushes, items patients do not get when they are admitted. We also included a tract with a Bible message. We are proud of the team as they encouraged the patients, prayed with many of them, and passed out lots of smiles to bring joy to those in difficult times.

Pray to God that some of these patients may be touched by our kind deeds of praying for them and visiting them in their time of affliction, or by the message they were given in the tracts.

On Monday, we began a work project scheduled at our preaching school facility, Instituto Teológico Latinoamericano (ITL). Really, there were two projects taking place at the same time. The first one was a special three-day class taught by Dr. Coy Roper. Brother Roper writes for Truth for Today, has written extensively and has taught in many brotherhood universities. We felt privileged to give our students and other local brethren that were invited the quality of teaching from Brother Roper’s vast experience. His subject was Basic Beliefs, a series also found online and in printed form through Truth for Today (see the following link: http://biblecourses.com/English/AllLessons.aspx). These special classes took place Monday through Wednesday during the morning hours. Benjamin Montejo served as the translator.

The second project involved most of the rest of the team in a remodeling project. Since the facility where ITL is located now belongs to ITL (be looking for another report about this exciting news), we felt it would be a good time to make many of the necessary changes and repairs. The team painted the whole facility on the inside and outside. They also worked with a local brother who is a carpenter to build book shelves for all the student rooms. Our students accumulate quite a few notebooks and books throughout their study here and did not have a place to put these valuable tools. Now, the shelves will allow nice and appropriate placement of these things. Also, screens were placed on all the windows. Mosquitoes are pesky pests, so these screens are really practical and needed. Finally, the whole computer system, the copier and Internet was rewired in a more efficient network.

On Wednesday night, the team was involved in teaching the church’s adult and children’s classes. They again did a fine job and we are thankful for their hard work and preparation.

Originally, the remodeling project was also to end on Wednesday and the team was scheduled to have some time off on Thursday. However, this team graciously chose to forego their time off and to continue to work one more day at the ITL facility! It was such a blessing to have such servants!

On Friday, the team did take some time off and traveled to Antigua Guatemala, enjoyed a visit to the coffee plantation, did some shopping and had a good and relaxing time. We ended the evening at Linda Vista, where the church planned a going- away activity for the group. It was fun and encouraging to see the sweet fellowship that took place among brothers and sisters in Christ.

The week was so full and the blessings were so numerous that we did not feel the 10 days while the team was here. We pray to God that they, too, were encouraged by their visit and service. We hope they will make plans to return next year!

If you have not been to Guatemala on one of these mission trips, we really encourage you to come! We believe it is a life-changing experience. Already there are plans of teams coming in June and July of 2014. There may even be one in August. So, hopefully one of these times will work for you to be able to be with us next year!

Again, a special thanks to our July team for your excellent work here in Guatemala. Also, thanks to everyone who is a part of our work through your financial contributions, your prayers, and your participation in many other ways. May God grant us all the peace that passes all understanding!

Serving Jesus,

Byron E. Benitez
Hi Jones

To see the report from Guatemala with pictures, please click here.

Short Course Completed. Let The Campaign Begin...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the globe. God is blessing the work and we do hope you are doing great also over there.

The last week in CBIW was a busy one as the students were involved in the last short course for the quarter, 1 Corinthians. It went on well and the students enjoyed the instructions and are ready to apply it in their respective ministries in due season.

Sister Joan Mindako was baptized this morning after listening to the sermon, “God’s Love.”

As I write this mail now, elder Randy Martin, that came to teach the short course is sitting in the waiting room at the airport waiting for the flight out of Cameroon in 1 hour 30 minutes time. Keep him in your prayers for safe travels. His stay in Cameroon was a blessing.

Brother Randy taught his course beginning September 2. It was a great time for our students. They really enjoyed the class.

The course lasted for one week, and there after it was time for exams. Brother Randy supervised the exams. It went on well.

Randy preached this morning in the Wotutu congregation on the topic, “God’s Love.” It was great and at the end of it the Lord added a soul to His body. Some students went out for weekend evangelism to two location, Ediki and Batoke our young congregation. The Lord added a soul in each of those congregations respectively.

The CBIW students posed with brother Randy and me for a family picture, raising the thumb up meaning we are not alone.

I posed with Elder Randy this morning after worship to mark the end of his stay with us here. It was a very short week full with lots of insight about God. It is a memorable one. To God be the glory.

Plans
1) Keep our students in your prayers as they started leaving campus today to 25 villages both in French and English speaking areas of Cameroon for house to house evangelism. Keep them in your prayers that God help them to accomplish His work in those places.

2) More evangelism activities in many other places will be reported when the students return.

Appreciation
Many thanks goes to God for you and your deep concern over the work here. God alone will reward you. Keep investing in the kingdom work. Do your best to share our work with others.

Elangwe and family

To God Be The Glory...

The Labor Day weekend each year is one of the most encouraging weekends in the Extension Program. Staff members from Denver and around the country all come together to focus on what has developed over the past year in each location where Bear Valley is able to partner in training preachers. The time shared together is uplifting, encouraging and informative as to developments throughout the world.

The weekend provides the elders of the congregation at Bear Valley, along with all the staff of the Bible Institute, an opportunity to see and hear what has occurred over the last twelve months. The reports were presented by each of the Extension staff members, along with information provided by the development staff and President of the Bible Institute in Denver. 

The theme of the weekend was “The Mission of God.” The lessons looked at God’s mission from before the foundation of the world, as it was promised to Abraham, and as it was fulfilled in Christ today. We concluded on Sunday morning as a group in worship of God. There is something special about the blending of our voices in praise of God. 

After returning Sunday afternoon, the reports from various schools around the world were waiting to be read and posted. It goes without saying, the reports have been incredible as a graduation took place, new students began their journey, souls were being saved, the church was edified, and new congregations of the Lord’s church were planted. The time taken to read through the reports will be encouraging to you.

Now on to the other reports...

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

The latest report from Steven Ashcraft can be read here.

Extension Reports 

First Time Visit To Cameroon: Randy Martin serves as an elder with the overseeing congregation of the work in Cameroon and is teaching this week.

Wagner Tidbits From Chimala: Several activities demonstrate growth in the church in Tanzania and the Wagner family is headed home for furlough.

Souls Are Added And The Student Base Is Growing: Three new souls were added to the church and more are interested in learning the Bible.

Students Graduate At The SWSE In Nigeria: 18 men finished their studies at the Southwest School of Evangelism and graduate this past week.

Witnessing Power, Influence, And Faithful Service: Two special ladies visiting in Tanzania demonstrate their faithfulness through helping in Arusha. 

Final Thoughts
A closing word of thanks to all the staff who were able to be involved in this year’s retreat. Several traveled from throughout the country to share in the retreat. Thank you for all you do to make this work exciting and encouraging. Also, thank you for the support provided by each of you reading the report who give with such a selfless and generous spirit. Without you we would not be here. Thank you all. To God Be The Glory!

God bless
Bob

Witnessing Power, Influence, And Faithful Service...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

We greet you with hearts of thanksgiving. We are so very grateful for the love of God, His mercy, grace and most of all for the promise of a home for His faithful. We are thankful for each of you, your part in this mission work, your love and support of this mission team. We are simply thankful for the privilege of service and hopeful God will use us up fully in His Service. 

One of the most amazing things in this world is to witness the power, influence and service of faithful, godly women. Our daughter-in-law, Katelyn, and her sister Kelly have demonstrated this very character. A week ago they hosted a Teenage Girls day here at the Andrew Connally School. Just over 50 teen girls from over ten different congregations came together to learn about “Purity.” This past Saturday they hosted a Children’s Bible Seminar for the children at the Kisongo congregations. With 55 little ones learning about Jesus and His Word these two Christian ladies showed what was first in their lives.

Through out the year we are blessed by such examples of Christian service. We are also mindful of the fact many contribute by their prayers and financial support, making this possible. Katelyn and Kelly exemplify what is good in the Church. We thank them, those who helped them come and most of all, we thank God for His blessings that He gives us through the Christian family. 

I personally want to thank all who have donated to help with my travel expenses. I have been blessed beyond measure and for these gifts of love I say “Thank You.” I am looking forward to sharing God’s mission work with several while in the States in October. I have several appointments with a couple of openings. I will be traveling between OK, TX, LA, MS, TN, AL and possibly GA. I will be traveling alone this fund raising trip. Stephanie and her mother will remain in TZ busy about the work. Please remember them in your prayers as we are separated. 

Today was a special day at the newly planted White Rose congregation here in the Arusha area. They invited the area wide congregations to come and officially “open” the new worship house. There were over 60 present for the worship hour and many more expected to come for the afternoon singing and celebration. We are so very grateful for Sid Aultman and his leadership in leading the group of workers from the Hoover congregation. We thank the Hoover Elders and missions deacon for their support of this work in general, and for making it possible for White Rose to have a place of worship. The good they are doing will out live each of us to the saving of countless soul, thank you all!

Please remember our son Paul, his family, and Kelly as they leave TZ and head back to America. Our lives have been blessed by their visit and we know God is able. 

May your week be a blessing to others and may our God bless you in a very special way.  

In His Service,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Students Graduate At The SWSE In Nigeria...

Beloved,

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

The 11th Annual Bible Lectureship and 10th Graduation ceremony of 18 men at Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan was successful.

The 11th annual lectureship began as scheduled on August 22 by 3:00 pm with an opening speech by me (Makinde E. Olufemi, the director of the school) followed by lesson 1 which centered on “God - Our Eternal Father.” Lesson 2 was  delivered by brother Abiola Joseph Abiola and later by brother Matthew Idowu.

On day 2, our August visitor, brother Gary Allen Fallis, was one of the speakers and he also served as our guest speaker at the graduation ceremony which was held at Doug Wheeler's hall in the permanent site of Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

This year, the 3 day program was attended by over 250 brethren from Southwest State of Nigeria and Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Delta and River State of Nigeria.

We thank you all for your moral and financial support! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless our work together in Jesus Christ name, Amen. 

To God be the glory for the wonderful things He has done!  

Greetings from the staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria to you all for your love and concern toward the growth of the Lord's church in Africa and the world as a whole. Thanks be unto the Lord for granting our great August visitor, brother Gary A.Fallis, the enabling grace to lecture tirelessly in the SWSE-Ibadan main campus from August 19-30 on the “Scheme of Redemption” and the book of “Hebrews!” We also thank those of you who have made his visit to SWSE, Ibadan, Nigeria a reality through your moral and financial supports.

The two weeks of intensive lectures by brother Gary was attended by 33 students (29 from Ibadan main campus and 4 from the Lagos satellite campus) and seven of our instructors.

Brethren, on August 18, 2013, brother Gary taught on “The Church of Christ in this 21st Century,” while I admonished the church on “No Problems In Heaven” (Acts 14 :21-22) at Meiran congregation, Lagos state. Attendance was 68 with a total collection of N5,600= and on Sunday, August 25, brother Gary taught on “Jesus Revealed the Father,” while I interpreted for him at Egeda-Ibadan congreagtion and brother Matthew Idowu admonished the church. We are 15 in attendance with a total collection of N2,800=

During brother Gary’s visit, our students that worshipped at the Jago congregation on August 25 reported the conversion of three souls namely: Simon Oga, Patient Edor and Rachael Oga while those at the SWSE campus church reported the conversion of Rotimi Felix Onaolapo and Philip Isaac on August 28, 2013.

Brethren, it is a great blessing having brother Gary in our midst! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our American and Canadian brethren and the brethren at the Bear Valley Bible Institutes of Denver & their associates is our fervent prayer.

Thanks to you all for your partnership! Stay blessed and be strong in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I remain yours in His grace as a servant,

Makinde E.Olufemi(Director)
For & On behalf of SWSE-Ibadan,Oyo state,Nigeria

Souls Are Added And The Student Base Is Growing...

Greetings to all my supporters, friends and family! It's good to be back and report on the work of Christ for the past two months. We have some wonderful news to share. In the past two months, three souls were added to the church in Siem Reap. Two of whom are students at IBISR (that enrolled 3 months ago) and the other one is a future student of IBISR and is the sister in law of Darat, one of our staff. We are overjoyed to be a part of the transformation of these three souls and look forward to winning more souls for Christ.

The International Bible Institute of Siem Reap finished its first school year in the month of July. We are very excited for this group. They will be the first group to go through our newly updated curriculum that involves the Work/Study Program. We cant wait to see how much fruit they bear. Below is the roster for our current class of 2014:

1. Vannak, M, 37 yrs old, Puen's husband (our cook) has 2 sons and 1 daughter. Came to IBISR by way of wife's encouragement. Plans to be a preacher after graduation.

2. Pros, M, 18 yrs old, member of Somrowng church where Sokchea preaches near Leang Dai. Very bright young man. Plans to go help Sokchea back in his home village.

3. Sopheak, M, 18 yrs old, my brother in law, studying at IBISR as well as Build Bright University part time. Plans to be a full time preacher.

4. Samnang, M, 18 yrs old, from Kompong Kleang where the water of life raft is at. Plans to go back to KK and help the work there after graduation.

5. Tuk, M, 25 yrs old, from Sambu village. Plans to stay in Siem Reap and help with the local work.

6. Doung, F, 23 yrs old, from Takam village, University student. Plans to help with the children in Siem Reap.

7. Rotana, F, 18 yrs old, Piseth's wife, works part time at Hannah's Hope and teaches children Bible class.

8. Khemerey, F, 23 yrs old, my sister in law, University student studying accounting also works part time at Hannah's Hope.

9. Socheat, F, 18 yrs old, University student, part time nanny at Hannah's Hope.

10. Makara, F, 18 yrs old, rotates teaching the children on sundays, part time worker at Hannah's Hope.

11. Phally, F, 20 yrs old, orphan.

12. Phalla, F, 18 yrs old, orphan, Phally's sister from Battambang province.

In August we had a 3 week break for the students after they finished their school year. We took our annual trip to Kompong Som Province to enjoy one of God's beautiful creation, the ocean! It was a wonderful and uplifting event in that we never forget to praise God and involve him in all of our activities. We heard great lessons from the staff at IBISR as well as our guest speakers Bill and Daniel. It was a wonderful and successful event in that, because of this event, we were able to recruit another student for IBISR. One of the family members of our students saw how we interacted and wanted to learn more about God. He is the older brother of Rotana which is the wife of one of our staff, Piseth. God has blessed us so much and keeps sending more people our way. We ask that you continue to keep the work here in your prayers and continue to support us because without you, these things cannot happen!

Phanat

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

Wagner Tidbits From Chimala...

One of the wonderful aspects of mission work here in Chimala is the opportunity to preach in many different congregations.

I recently traveled to Dar es Salaam and preached at the Mbagala church of Christ. They are in the process of appointing Scriptural leadership but have recently had some setbacks. I preached on “Unity” and “Brother Love” while also encouraging them to continue in the process of finding biblical leaders. I also had the opportunity to preach at the Temeke church of Christ. They have a Bible School in their church building, which is performing outreach works in the local community.

I had another occasion to preach recently at the Luhovelo church of Christ. I was quite surprised to see several local secondary school students present and active during the worship service. What a blessing! The congregation certainly blessed the missionary with hope and encouragement that Sunday!

I am looking forward to teaching again at the Chimala Bible Institute. I will be teaching 1st and 2nd Thessalonians to our English students. It is always a positive experience to help train preachers!

There is always much work to be done here at the Chimala Mission! With the schools, the hospital, evangelism and church development, the work here is often overwhelming! However, our hearts are well-rewarded for the toil.

Herring Christian Secondary School
The Herring Christian Secondary School is preparing for the first Form IV exams later this year. They have been working hard preparing the students for this very important exam in
Tanzania. The Chimala Bible Institute will be starting classes again for it’s second half of the year in just a few weeks where I will be teaching classes once again. My wife and I have been busy preparing our own school classroom for our children. Jonah will be starting Kindergarten this week and everyone is very excited!

The Price Family Needs Your Help
The Price family excites us with their passion for evangelism and experience in leadership training!

Trent, Penny, Jazz and Dakotah joined the Chimala Mission Team in 2013 after working in various full-time ministries since 2000, including House Parenting, Pulpit Ministry, Family Life Ministry, and Involvement Ministry. They also worked on several short-term mission trips to Finland, Estonia, Turkey, Jamaica, and Nicaragua.

Before devoting his life to Christ, Trent trained in different leadership styles, working as a robotics engineer. Throughout his years in ministry, Trent has been certified as a peace officer, ROPES facilitator, and is a founding member in the John Maxwell Company where he was certified as a life coach and leadership trainer and speaker.

Penny excels in organization, serving and encouragement. Penny has successfully initiated and maintained Children's Ministries, Ladies Ministries, and Mother's Day Out Programs. She brings a host of talents to the table to help the Tanzanians grow in their leadership abilities.

Jazz and Dakotah both possess the natural ability to connect with others and are excited about sharing the Gospel and serving the Tanzanians. Jazz has a love for kids and has been called the ‘pied piper' because children flock to her no matter where God leads them in ministry. Dakotah has a love for Futbol and plans to start a soccer league with the kids on the mission.

The Prices recently joined forces with Healing Hands to share and develop better agricultural techniques with the Tanzanians. While in Tanzania, the Prices will be focused on Evangelism and Leadership Development.

Good News!   Thanks to you, the Wagners are coming home for a visit.

Thanks to you! Thanks to your generosity, we were able to purchase plane tickets. We will fly Ethiopian Airlines leaving October 29 and returning to Tanzania on January 2nd. The family is excited to be able to see family and friends.  We are very grateful for your help for our trip.

Travel Expenses
We are still in need of travel expenses of $2,000 to get us to and from the airport in Dar es Salaam as well as other unexpected expenses. If you can help with that, we would truly appreciate that.

Schedule Your Visit!
We will be home for nine Sundays and 8 Wednesdays. We would love to come and visit your congregation to show our appreciation. We would be willing to make a presentation to your congregation, missions committee or eldership.

Chad Wagner Missionary

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

First Time Visit To Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sister here. We are pleased to know that you are doing great and we are here to relate information about what is making news here in the work in Cameroon.

Brother Randy Martin stood on our pulpit this day to teach a Bible class. He taught on the topic Imagery in Scriptures. It was great and many asked questions to help their understanding. It was powerful.

The weather is still poor as many are still sick because of weather conditions. Keep us in your prayers.

Keep our children in your prayers, as our children will start another academic year tomorrow. We prayed for them and we wished them a great school year.

CBIW is moving on well. The students finished their long course exams for the third quarter. Tomorrow morning they will start a short course in the book of 1st Corinthians. Brother Randy Martin is already here and we praise God for the safe travel. This is his very first time to Cameroon.

Last week the CBIW students wrote their exams for the third quarter. The exams went on without any problem.

The work in Ediki continues to grow. The Lord added one soul there, and the Lord added two souls in the Wotutu congregation this week, brother Richard Buya and brother John Leke.

The young congregation in Batoke also is witnessing growth, from 6 worshippers last week to 16 that worshiped today. We praise God for His great work being accomplished here in Cameroon. Minister Opel needs to move there and we shall be sending CBIW students on the weekend to help.

Plans
All our students will soon leave Wotutu to other villages for mission work. We may not send our students to some areas now, because of the rains. It will not be easy for them to penetrate those areas during this season. Keep them in your prayers.

Appreciations
Many thanks to you for allowing God to use you help the work here. God will bless you and reward you. Share our work with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

The Mission Of God...

The week ahead is always a highlight in the year for the staff of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver and the Extension staff. Beginning this Friday morning we will share in a time of retreat at the Eternal Purpose Retreat Center near Denver. The staff all come together to spend a weekend of sharing news about the work in each area of their ministries. During this time we will also examine areas where we can grow and improve our approach to the work for the future.

This time together also serves the purpose of helping build up and encourage each other as we begin another school year in Denver and learn about God’s work throughout the world. The theme of this year’s retreat is “The Mission of God,” based on the text of Genesis 12:1-3. We will learn from each other about God’s mission as it was promised to Abraham, fulfilled in Christ, and applied to us today. I look forward to reporting about the success of our time together.

This week also brings reports from the various extension schools concerning ways God is blessing the efforts of staff and students around the world. There is also encouragement found in learning how God is giving the increase to the preaching and teaching of the gospel. The dedication of these students to learn and then practice what they are learning helps us all witness how mighty our God is and how true He is to His word.

The news will provide a positive light in the midst of a dark and negative world. Thank you for taking time to read through the reports that have been provided. You will be grateful for the time invested in learning about these special works.

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 

Growing And Planning For More Growth: As the church continues to experience growth in Cameroon, staff and students are planning to reach more with the gospel.

Campaign Brings Souls To Christ In Nepal: A recent campaign to visit graduates in Nepal witnessed four souls added to the Lord’s kingdom.

Project Safe Water: Amidst the many avenues of outreach in Cambodia, providing safe drinking water is one way to open doors to share the message of the gospel.

17 Men Are Prepared To Begin Studies In Togo: In unique fashion, CBS is planning to begin classes with several denominational leaders in hopes of bringing them to the Lord.

The Word Produces Restoration: A brother in Christ who left the faith was restored through the power of God’s word preached near Arusha, Tanzania. 

Final Thoughts
Please be praying for the staff who will be traveling to Denver this week for the retreat. Thank you for all you do to help this work continue to enjoy success. We are all aware of how much this work depends on God working through you to bless its development. Our prayer is that God will bless you richly for your efforts in the kingdom. Thank you!

God bless
Bob

The Word Produces Restoration...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

We greet you with thanksgiving and joy in knowing we are working together for the purpose of saving lost souls. We are always mindful that we are here because God’s cares and because you care enough to prayerfully support this amazing work of God. Our brother Josephat Massawe, graduate of the Andrew Connally School, Director of the Moshi Bible School, Evangelist for the Kilimanjaro congregation, Instructor at the ACSOP, Servant of God reports the following; 

...“For the  word of God is living and active and sharper than any two- edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebr 4:12).” Christian Soka was baptized in 2006 into the Lord’s church and since then he has occasionally been attending church service.

Last Sunday I was scheduled to preach, and my message was entitled “A sin of silence.”  When I concluded my sermon after invitation song Christian remained standing and said that he had something to confess before the congregation. He sorrowfully apologized for not being able to regularly attend services as well as for witchcraft  and magic satchel that was handed over to him as reward by a German occultist after passing an onerous and horrible test. He said the satchel comprised of various  magic amulets for different purposes.

He said he could use magic herbs and other superstitious staffs, for manipulation of supernormal forces through the use of spells and the invoking of spirits. Christian now acknowledges that there is a being above the supernormal being and the power above the supernormal forces. He said he lived in wretchedness and his heart couldn’t withstand the power of the word of the true God the creator of heaven and earth.

He is now experiencing the blessing instead of the magic good fortune amulets that gave him unfulfilled future hope success. The members at Kilimanjaro were rejoicing with angels in heaven while witnessing Christian showing the true and penitent confessing attitude by destroying and burning all superstitious and witchcraft charms after Sunday worship service.”

The power of the Gospel in the hands of a faithful servant of God is really an amazing combination. Our brother Isaac Kusupa was blessed during the Safari for Souls campaign when his 80 year old father obeyed the Gospel. His father went back home and began teaching others. He called Isaac this past week to say he had taught 12 others who wanted to worship God in Truth and in Spirit. Isaac instructed his father how to conduct worship and that they did. Isaac will travel to his father’s home in order to teach the 12, please pray for him and his efforts this week.  

We thank all who have committed and are helping us with God’s work by supporting students at the ACSOP. We needed 15 commitments, we have 11 confirmed with two possibles, leaving us with a need of only two more. We trust our God and we trust our Christian family that in the end we will have what need. 

Update: I personally thank everyone who has sacrificially given that I might come to the States in October to report on the good work God is doing here in East Africa. I now have enough raised to get me to Detroit! :) 

We close with a huge thank you and a reminder, I still have a couple of openings if you are interested in hearing the Good News of the Gospel’s affect in East Africa in October.

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie, and Granny

17 Men Are Prepared To Begin Studies 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 have been seriously preparing for their final exams in August.

Good News
I am glad to inform you that all the 15 CBS students are now baptized. When we started this class in September of 2011, only four members of the Church of Christ were present.

However, we feel fulfilled because our mission is accomplished. We find our strategy working as we have planned enrolling denominational “Pastors” and leaders and converting them to Church of Christ within a period of two years, not only converting them, but training them to renounce denominationalism and accepting New Testament pattern of Christianity, above all becoming Church of Christ preachers. You can partner with CBS by deciding to support a preacher with a $100.00 or more each month. Contact me if you can help. Let us encourage them to preach the WORD.

Nyiveme Church 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.

Baptism
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 Witness to start a regular class with the principal of CBS-Cephas. It is our prayer that God will touch their hearts to respond to the gospel soon.

What God is 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.

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 the 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

Project Safe Water...

Brethren,

Hopefully, this letter will find you well and staying healthy to serve our God. I would like to thank God first of all. Then, I would like to thank you all for the work you are doing for Him.

Sorry for not writing to you for a period as my previous email got some messed up, something which I don't know what's wrong with it. I lost all the email addresses but thank to brother Wes that he could sent me some of your email addresses.

I just want to share with you about the work of the church in Siem reap. Recently our church has been doing some good things with benevolence. We have helped the camp for the school to the beach, support some funds to two new families that planned to move to a new house which is still in Siem Reap.

We also support to the project of The Safe Water, by helping with some funds to buy some safety jackets for children who live along the lake.

Tomorrow, which is Friday, we will have a camp for our church in Siem Reap. Please pray for us as we are also looking to do the camp at Leang Dai on Saturday and Sunday. We pray that through the camp we will convert some people to Christ.

Please continue to pray for Cambodia as recently we just voted for a new prime minister, but we still don't know the results yet as they are still debating for their advantage. Otherwise, our government is trying to gather the police and army in Phnom Penh while the protest party informed everyone they will have a political demonstration. Many people are concerned that the violence can happen if the demonstrations rise up.

Concerning our permit for the building, because of the election, now we don't know what is going on, so we just wait to see if they have any change of their political agendas so that we can get our permit easily. 

All in all we are doing alright and we are looking forward to report to you more later. 

In Christ service
Chann

Campaign Brings Souls To Christ In Nepal...

Respected brothers and sisters in Christ.

Namaste and greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I do hope that you all are doing fine with your family members. 

Campaign week:
We made final camp last week. We spent time with Ramesh Majhi, Ezekiel, Abraham, and Chandra Prakash's home congregations. The climate is so hot. The normal heat temperatures were 37 degrees Celsius. We could not conduct class for the whole day. After class we had to go for a natural river bath to cool. But, we also did our best. We had time to talk with our graduate students at Makwanpur. We talked about our graduation program, new students' selections, youth program, and new class beginning. Wherever we went present students taught the class. I was observing and evaluating their teaching and preaching skills. They are improving much more than before. Four souls were baptized at Kakiktar, Tanahu district. Three of them were sons and daughters of Chandra. Brother Chandra Prakash is the leader of that local congregation.

We will begin our regular class from Tuesday. We are a little tired from our journey. 

Thank you all of your prayer and love.
Servant of Christ….Gajendra Deshar

See a series of pictures below:

Growing And Planning For More Growth...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. Your brothers and sisters are better in health. We praise God and we thank you for your prayers.

In Ediki this week, the Lord added brother Daniel Tekwe. Please keep him in your prayers to grow and also help in many ways in the development of the church.

The week went on well at CBIW. Rain is still in its peak here as rain falls all day long; day after days. We do hope you are doing great over there with your family and the church.

This weekend we went out again to Ediki, as we continue to nurture the young revived congregation. Some students went to Batoke Village for the establishment of the church of Christ in that west coast community. By the grace of God the new congregation was established. We don’t have pictures to that event because there was no camera there.

The new congregation started worshiping today with 6 members. One of our graduates from the alpha batch, evangelist Opel, was part of it. We remain there and continue to serve as he moves from his previous location because of ill health. Keep this work in your prayers as we shall continue to send our students there weekly for weekend evangelism to help the congregation grow.

Some CBIW students traveled to Ediki Village involved in evangelism. The work in Wotutu continues to grow and more brethren, who had fallen away, are coming back to the Lord with happiness because there are people who can preach to them. Above 40 worship, and as we move house to house we continue to discover many who were members and are willing to come back. Keep praying.

My wife and I, along with some members of our congregation, went to the Buea congregation for a seminar for married people. It was good for two days.

Plans
1) Our students will commence their long course exams tomorrow. Please keep them in your prayers.

2) After the short courses, our students will travel to many locations again for campaign.

3) Students will have short courses and elder Randy Martin will be in Cameroon, by His grace, to teach from the book of 1 Corinthians. Keep him in your prayers.

Appreciations
God bless you for all that you are doing for the work here. Only God will reward you for all that you do. We thank you and you are in our prayers.

Please do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Guiding And Blessing Growth In The Kingdom...

How mighty and how awesome is our God. He has provided our physical blessings so abundantly, it can often become difficult to see the spiritual blessings that have and continue to be given through Jesus Christ our Lord. Each week provides a continual reminder of the power of God as it works through His people around the world. Through the message being preached souls are being saved and Christians are encouraged. Nothing compares to the opportunity of being involved in the greatest work on earth.

The new class in Denver is growing in knowledge and wisdom from the classes they are studying. However, most encouraging is the fact that all the classes in Denver bring an great amount of knowledge and wisdom they already possessed before coming to school. Their experience and previous study in the word of God brings a great richness to the development of the class. It makes it exciting to be in the classroom as we learn together.

Also, the same wealth of knowledge and wisdom is being demonstrated by students around the world who are involved in the same work. A number of short course instructors are traveling to teach in some of the various schools we are privilege to partner with in training men to preach the gospel. There is a great joy that comes from hearing about the students in the extension program who are using their knowledge and wisdom to lead in the church.

So, if you enjoy learning about how God is working through His people, then sit back for a few minutes and read the wonderful news of God’s hand guiding and blessing the growth of the kingdom 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/

The latest report from Donnie Bates can be read here.

Extension Reports 

The Church Continues To Grow In Cameroon: Students continue to be used by the Lord to evangelize each weekend and, as a result, the church is growing.

Mobile Clinics In Chimala - The Wagner Report: From mobile clinics to preaching the gospel; the work in Chimala continues to influence others.

North India Preachers’ Lectureship Is Fruitful: In the midst of the personal health challenges facing the Gill family, a recent lectureship proved to be fruitful.

14 Souls Added In Ghana: A recent campaign conducted by staff from the West Coast School of Preaching witnessed God giving the increase.

“The Christian Home” Lectureship In Nigeria: The 13th annual lectureship in Nigeria is laying the foundation for the future of the home.

Seeking And Saving The Lost In East Africa: The reports out of Arusha continue to be astounding. The power of God’s word is incredible to read about. 

Final Thoughts
What is truly amazing about how God is working around the world is the fact He is working through each of you to help this work continue to grow. You are such a blessing to everything that is being done. The sacrifices you make to be involved, no matter what the level, is making a difference in the world. Thank you! Until next week...

God bless
Bob

North India Preachers' Lectureship Is Fruitful...

Dear Brothers and sisters, 

I apologize for being so late in writing, but you are always a part of our ministerial work as well. 

After hosting the North India Preachers’ Lectureship in Chandigarh, things have been very busy. In March we were expecting our Pakistani relatives, who were coming after 66 years of the partition. We were very excited to see them, but somehow they could only manage to come at the end of March. After they left, Brother Jerry and Paula came. During their stay, Benu had some doubt about a lump a in her breast. She was very much concerned about that and it concerned us all. We were looking for a right person to tell us what to do. We went to a Gynecologist and she advised Benu to go to see a surgeon who could guide in a better way. He took a small piece of the lump and sent it to a laboratory for further investigation. After the doubtful report, the next couple of months kept us busy and tense till she had the mastectomy (MRM). After the mastectomy, the hospital frightened us by saying that the slides were to be sent for further investigation as the doctors were not sure about the report they received. 

It took a long while and in between they started chemotherapy as they did not want to take risk and further delay in chemo, but after knowing that the fish report is 2.8 (i.e., Her2 positive), the doctor suggested that this cancer is more aggressive and needs extra treatment. Even though he says that the size of the post operated tumor was very small this type of cancer is dangerous. 

Now the picture is entirely changed. Earlier the oncologist was saying only 4 cycles of chemo may be given, but after the report came he concluded that now Benu will be having 6 cycles of chemo (2nd already done this Thursday) with the additional 17 doses (approximately 1 year) of the medicine to block Her2 cell after every 21 days. 

Since this was the double dose, as she missed it in first cycle, it cost us $2,650. Otherwise the next 4 doses will be of $2,000 each. After that it will be cheaper by about $500 a cycle. Since next month there will be 2 cycles (September 5 and 26), we will need to pay the medical bills of about $4,000. This is a year long process in which we will need a total of about $25,000 during the year. I think if you are contributing some, please send it to the bank in the name of the CHURCH OF CHRIST so that it can be used in time. If it is wired, it takes hardly 3 days to transfer into our account. If you would like to have this information, please write an e-mail to Bob Turner at bturner@bvbid.org. If you can use this, it could be of great help.

Our efforts in spreading the Gospel have not affected with that. A brief report of our activities can tell a lot. 

Every first Wednesday we have a gospel meeting in Chandigarh. We hire a hall and invite people to come. Dinner is provided to those who attend. Sometimes the dinner is from us and sometimes someone else provides that. It is being done for the past 2 years. Sometimes, new people come and sometime regular, but it has become our routine to continue, come what may. Our next meeting comes on September 4, just a day before we have to go for the chemo. 

We have students from Punjab, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Andaman and Bihar. I was expecting from Pune, Maharashtra as well, but we are still waiting for them as they have their own family problems.  

16 people obeyed the Lord at different places. 

187 complete Bibles were distributed apart from the regular 2,500 TfT books each month.

340 Song books 

5,000 Truth for today books (Seeking a Better life, Hindi, that includes NT) distributed in India.

Printed and distributed Vol. 3, 4 of the Voice of Truth (Hindi). We print 5,000 copies at a time. 

Small tracts and booklets in Hindi and Punjabi languages are sent to the preachers of India.

Printing Bible correspondence course (27 Chapters with 262 pages of course and questions) in Hindi for the Hindi speaking people. We have printed 2 chapters already and working on the print the 3rd and 4th chapters as well. We may start online courses also. 

Thank you and God Bless

In Christ 
Earnest 

Seeking And Saving The Lost In East Africa...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We pray our God is working in your personal and collective lives both in and out of the church. We thank you for your prayers. He is answering in a most powerful way here in East Africa. 

What a joy it is to see the hand of God working through His dedicated and faithful workers. August is proving to be a very busy time for the Gospel in East Africa. Our brother Isaac Kusupa (one of our graduates) along with others conducted a Gospel campaign in Mwanza two weeks ago. The churches of East Africa gathered together in central Kenya for the annual East Africa Gospel Meeting. Through these efforts, God was glorified, the Gospel preached and God has given the increase with several obeying the Truth of His Word. 

When I think of the servant Paul, the good God was able to do through him in the first century, I stand in awe of God’s power to transform lives to the furtherance of the Gospel. I could not help but think of Paul, his life and his work in the Kingdom, when I met with our dear brother Yusuph Mdaki this week.

He reports: “The works of God continue to grow in number and spiritually. The Ushirombo congregation along with eight others are doing well, blessed by our Lord. We thank the Lord for four new congregations that have begun this year at; Katoro, Nyamigota, Mganza and Nsumve. In total 14 souls have obeyed the Gospel. 

Our biggest challenge is two fold; 1) our brothers and sisters are in desperate need of a place to meet, learn God’s Word and to worship Him in Truth and in Spirit. Because these locations are not in big cities, they could have a proper place of worship for as little 15,000/- ($10) per month. 2) Our second biggest challenge is trained evangelist to work with these new babies in Christ. 

We have two who will graduate this year, this will be a big help for me who am working with 12 congregations personally. We also have four men willing and able to join the Andrew Connally School of Preaching if the sponsorship is there for them to do so. Our dear brother Amos is doing a great work at Lulembela. They now have 45 believers worshiping in the very young church of our Lord. We thank you at the ACSOP for his training and for the man of God he is becoming. The congregation has made and burnt all the bricks they need for a proper worship hall, now they need help with a roof, please help this brother and the Lord’s church. God May Bless All In Christ, Yusuph.”

Being part of God’s family is such a blessing. Can we help these brothers and sisters be the family of God they desire to be? Please prayerfully consider there “Selfless” request.

Good News; I now have enough promised for my travel expenses needed in October to get me to Ethiopia! :) I realize there are many financial challenges facing many in the Church, many opportunities to serve, but I do plead with you to help that I might continue sharing the good being done in the Church in East Africa with others, that they in turn might have an opportunity to support and join a team of workers with a desire to Seek and Save the Lost! 

Thank you all and may our God continue to be with you, bless you and challenge you to go the “second mile” in His service. I am booking appointments for October, but still have a few openings, please let me know if your congregation, elders, or mission committees, might be interested in a report on the Tanzania 2000 mission effort. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny