Conversion And Restoration In Nigeria...

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ,

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

The Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan main campus re-opened today for the commencement of 2nd semester classes that, by God's grace, will begin fully on Monday, November 11, 2013.

The students return this Friday to the campus to put things in order for 2nd semester classes.

The SWSE-year 2 students reported the conversion of eight souls and fifteen restoration during their two weeks practicum (teaching practice).

Lord's willing, the staff of both Ibadan and Lagos campus shall be participating in a day preachers' forum organized by Kemta-Idi-Aba congregation, Abeokuta, Ogun state tomorrow, November 9, 2013 and on Sunday at Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, I shall be teaching on “The Breadth of Christian Benevolence” (Gal. 6:10) while brother Destiny Elijah, one of SWSE-year 1 students shall admonish the church.

Beloved, thanks for your goodwill. God’s banner of love shall continue to be over us all in Jesus name, Amen.

Sincerely in Christ,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director)
For & On behalf of SWSE-Nigeria

Spiritual Strengthening, A Safari, And Studies!

This month has been a real blessing as a lot of great things occurred which were fun, rejuvenating, or just very encouraging. We are excited to bring you news from Paraguay in this month’s mission report! We pray it brings you much joy as we work alongside each other in His kingdom.

DEVELOPMENTS AT AVENIDA SACRAMENTO
We hosted a Scavenger Hunt for the youth group this month. In Paraguay, they call it a “Safari.” We had them go all over town collecting clues and taking pictures in many fun, but odd, requests. After having two hours to complete the tasks, they then arrived at our house for singing, a devotional, and fire-grilled pizza. Several visitors also came and the whole event was just a ton of fun!

Every two years, there is a men’s conference held in Brazil for South American missionaries called “Continent Care Connection.” It is five days of spiritual renewal through some great lessons and seminars, as well as, “recharging” by getting to rest and spend time fellowshipping with other missionaries. My teammate, Josh, and I were able to attend this year and we came back to Paraguay refreshed and ready to tackle more challenges. We’d like to say “Thank you” to all those who made it possible!

DEVELOPMENTS AT ÑEMBY CONGREGATION
Last month we reported that the Ñemby congregation had obtained a place to rent for their worship service. After several weeks of cleaning, painting, and repairing various needed items, they began meeting in the facility this past month. They are blessed with lots of room to grow!

They also held a congregational business meeting to discuss their goals and the direction that the congregation wants to go. It is so exciting to watch this young congregation growing while having the opportunity to assist them in the effort!

ASUNCION BIBLE ACADEMY UPDATE
The students are close to finishing up their third quarter and all are doing very well while continuing to grow spiritually.

They recently participated in a hands-on “baptism workshop” where each had the opportunity to practice how to administer a baptism. We took turns (except for the young lady) practicing what to say and then actually immersing the person. We also practiced how to baptize someone who may be disabled or in a wheelchair.

Brother Ike Yegros taught our short course for this quarter on Romans. We were excited to have Ike in the classroom!

Evangelistic Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities:
Eliezer and I have continued our study with Sandra Durarte. We have now completed the “Searching for Truth” study, which she mostly did on her own, and have discussed baptism along with salvation in great detail. She understands very well but does not yet want to be baptized. So, we will continue to study with her while the Word works on her heart.

I also had the opportunity to study with Gabriel who is a coworker with our sister, Raquel Franco. He is seriously studying what the Bible says about salvation and considering baptism. Please pray for Sandra and for Gabriel.

We also ask you to please pray for our students in our “Learn English Using the Bible” program: José, Max, Martín, Aaron, Felix, Adriana, and Oscar. We are still gaining more contacts and several of these studies are now serious Bible studies.

Please pray for the several new contacts that have been made in Ñemby: Graciela, Issa, Salvadora, and Ruthy.

Other news and upcoming activities:
Our sister in Christ, Norberta Vera passed away this month. Here is what Andrea posted:

“Please pray for our sisters in Christ, Pochi and Mirta, and their family, on the passing of their mother, Norberta. Mirta is our church secretary and has had her elderly mother living in her home for quite some time now. In the Paraguayan culture, everything must be done and the body in its final resting place within 24 hours.

Imagine... working all day, then having your loved one pass at 6pm, the body prepared and ready to receive visitors by 11pm until it is time to leave at 5am for a 5-hour drive to your home town, where there is another receiving of visitors, until finally, before 6 pm, the body is laid to rest.

Although Norberta passed from her physical life at the age of 91, in January of this year, she was blessed with the opportunity to finally have the correct Bible teaching and understanding about God's will for her life. At that very moment, just as we read the examples in the New Testament, she obeyed the Gospel call by putting on her Lord in baptism so that she could enjoy eternal life and receive her reward in Heaven. When we left the family last night, how beautiful it was to hear Pochi say, with a big smile, "Mission complete!", knowing she will see her mother again one day!!!”

Our brother in Christ, Joe King, from Margaret Street COC in Milton, FL is coming to visit next month. Our Annual Men’s Planning Retreat is coming up November 1.

“Mujeres de Fe” Ladies Seminar will be November 9th.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES
Andrea and I reached a new milestone this month: 18 years of marriage! We praise God for blessing us with a strong marriage and we we pray that we have many more years together.

We recently joined a group called “Ex-Pats in Paraguay” which has turned into a real blessing. We have already made several new friends and some promising Bible study contacts. Not only that, but the collective Paraguayan information they have provided has been very valuable.

Andrea’s cooking business, “Mas Que Dulces” is now legally registered with the Paraguayan government. She is excited about the possibilities because she just loves to cook and this has also been a great avenue for creating Bible study contacts.

Andrea also attended her first cooking class in Spanish! She said it was a lot of fun and enjoyed the activity with some of her friends from the Las Amigas Club.

The Bible study website I developed, “Conocer La Palabra.com” now has more than 20,000 hits from all over Latin America! Other stats show that many of the study helps have also been downloaded and/or forwarded. I am hoping to add even more information real soon. I never imagined that the site would receive this much attention. If you happen to have Spanish materials you would like to add, please contact me. I am so thankful and just pray that God is glorified with every “click”!

Personal study: I am currently reading / have read:

“Communicating for a Change” by Andy Stanley

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

“The Good and Beautiful God” and “The Good and Beautiful Life” by James Bryan Smith

Preaching/teaching opportunities:
I was blessed with the opportunity to preach at Ave. Sacramento and Ñemby this month. My topic was “You are Acts Chapter 29.”

I finished teaching the Asuncion Bible Academy courses on the books of Judges - Ruth and “The Life of Christ IV: Luke.” I am now preparing to teach “I and II Kings” and “Church History” for the next quarter.

Cultural or language discovery:
An interesting but rather sad holiday in Paraguay is Children's Day which is celebrated on August 16. It is a national holiday to commemorate the memory of the children who lost their lives in the Battle of Acosta Ñu/ Campo Grande. It was a terrible battle fought during the Triple Alliance War (1864-70). With Asunción already captured by the enemy and most adult Paraguayan males already killed or captured after four long years of war, the Paraguayan dictator, Mariscal López, still refused to surrender. He began to use children and the elderly in his army to keep up the fight against the triple alliance of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Some of the children even fought with fake beards to conceal their age. On that day, some 2000 died even after another 1,600 had already perished in the battle at Piribebuy.

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

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

Physical And Spiritual Growth In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings and great joy from your brothers and sisters here. We do hope you are all doing great in what the Lord has entrusted in your hands. We are doing our best here and God is blessing our efforts daily.

Last week went on well concerning our studies in CBIW, except for the fact that some students could not fully attend classes because of their ill health. Praise God that our sister Ruth Wase, the nurse, was here to administer them some drugs in our box. They are getting much better, keep us in your prayers lots of people are having some health trouble now because the climate is changing from rainy season to dry season.

This weekend some students were assigned to 3 locations for mission: Ediki, Batoke and the last week revived congregation of Bafia. They returned with good news about growth and how God is doing His work in those places. The Ediki is going well with the remodeling of their old building which was in ruins. Keep this congregation in your prayers.

Batoke keeps witnessing growth and nurturing from our students on a weekly basis, while the congregation in Bafia as there was an increase from 10 at worship last Sunday to 11, as sister Lydia Lelia obeyed the gospel. Keep them in your prayers that God continues His work.

As I write this mail, we are thankful to God that all the students who went out for weekend evangelism have returned on campus without any major problem, but with great news about God working in many ways to accomplish His mission on earth.

This is sister Karine Muofo who was baptized last week, a French speaking sister. She smiled after receiving a French Bible from me. We are having French Bibles for French speaking brethren who are new converts as we cut across both French and English communities.

Today was another day of fellowship in the Wotutu congregation as the congregation has made a new habit to have a football match with the students of CBIW once in the two years of their stay in Wotutu during their studies. CBIW students wore red shirts, while the youth of the Wotutu congregation, along with a mix of some visiting ministers, like minister Tobias and minister Itali wore yellow shirts. It was a great match even though the youth of the Wotutu congregation carried the day by defeating our students 2 goals to zero (1 Tim. 4:8).

Plans
1) CBIW students will start their exams early enough to meet with with the invitation for us to have a mass campaign in the Tombel area for the Annual Bible Lectureship.

2) Pray for the annual gospel Bible lectureship which will be coming by the end of this month.

Appreciations
God bless you for all your prayers and support towards the work here. We say thank you and God bless you when He will return to reward His servants. He will not pass you by. God bless you all. Do your best please to share our reports with others.

Elangwe and family

By His grace Director CBIW

Another Great Man Of God Has Gone Home...

Yesterday evening, Keith Kasarjian and his father, Luke, were headed to see a Florida State football game when Keith’s father suffered a sudden heart attack and left this world for a world far better. The influence of a godly man is best seen in the lives of his family and people he touched. Based on the comments to Keith and his family, Luke Kasarjian provided a Christian example that will have a long lasting impact around the world. Please remember to pray for the Kasarjian family during this time. 

The past, present and future all play a significant part of this week’s report. The past week was one filled with great news in the extension work. Reports share news about God’s working through the students to reach out with the gospel of Jesus. Souls have been added to the kingdom and others continue to learn about our Savior.

The present is filled with joy over a day to worship God. The reports also speak of today’s activities by encouraging the brethren, praising the Creator and Sustainer of all. Also, reports indicate that today was one where the gospel was shared with others who have yet so submit their lives in obedience to the Lord. We ask that you pray their hearts will be receptive.

The future shares great optimism. There is confidence the Lord will bless the foundation laid in the past, the efforts of the present and plans for the future. Over the next two months we will be gathering information about the progress of 2013 and planning the direction of 2014. Preliminary statistics indicate the year behind us was filled with the power of God’s blessings.

We pray with the knowledge that God will continue to bless our plans to glorify Him through preparing students to share the gospel throughout the world. Please read on and pray with us as we build on the past, stand secure in the present and plan for the future.

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 concerning the work in West Africa is here.

Extension Reports 

Weekend Evangelism Yields Fruit In Cameroon: Students returning from their weekend evangelism shows the hand of God giving the increase.

Students Recruited In Russia For BVBIU: Dennis Sopelnik recently returned from a trip to Russia where he was recruiting students for future classes at BVBIU.

Jum Reap Sooh - Only In Cambodia: After a busy couple months, the work in Cambodia continues to grow as a new student joins the program.

Two Reports From Nigeria Show Progress: News from the Southwest School of Evangelism provides news of the progress in preaching and teaching.

Success In The Tanzania 2000 Mission Work: Read about the success Cy Stafford experienced after a month long trip on behalf of the TZ2000 work.

Gratitude From The Gee Family: With the quick response to help repair the Gee’s van, they are expressing gratitude, plus a few extras in the news. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for all you do to help the work of the extension training program. God continues to work through you to provide for every area needed in this work. We need you and thank you for the blessing you are to Lord’s kingdom.

God bless
Bob

Gratitude From The Gee Family...

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters,

Thankfulness.  "... what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account?"  (I Thess. 3:9) Overflowing with gratitude for your response to our request for vehicle repair funds, we "admitted" the Prado into the shop! After being "released" it not only is running great but the locks and horn are also working! We're especially thankful for the promptness in your generosity. "We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting..."  (II Thess. 1:3)

Blessed with rain today! The dust is out of the air and it's nice and cool. We love Tanzanian weather in the Kisongo area. The days are either like early summer (not too hot) or autumn...which is perfect. We love the coziness of staying inside during the rains and the freshness afterwards.

Teaching the ladies' class was Ludovica (Mama Abigale). Although the attendance has been down, there was still a good group of ladies wanting to learn. Abigail taught the children about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. In worship, Jimmy preached on "Who Has Time to Serve God?"

A dry baptistery sits at the Kisongo building because no water has been piped there for now. Everyone walks to the ACSOP for baptisms.

Fun was had on Friday night at our costume party. Heather and Happiness dressed as "country girls," and to the other extreme, Candace dressed "Gothic" (she looked like "Wednesday" from the "Adams' Family" show). Abigail was "Abigail" from the Bible, Stuart and David were “hippies," Naomi was a little chef and Elijah was a "white dementor." 

And Elijah said..."This is my champagne!" He and his brothers were making forts outside one day when we overheard his remark and questioned what he meant. He replied, "you know, it's like that building at Backwoods Christian Camp that has candy and cokes."  He meant "canteen."  ha/ha  

May your week be blessed and may we all be thankful for our many blessings (since this is the "Thankful Month"). Speaking of blessings, the Daniel Gaines' Family is due to arrive early Tuesday morning. We just know they are going to be a positive addition to the TZ 2000 Mission Team!   

With Love from Africa,

The Jimmy Gee family

Success In The Tanzania 2000 Mission Work...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

Wow, what a month. God has answered your prayers and has blessed me with safe travels and much success in my travels and reporting. God also answered our prayers blessing Stephanie and Granny with safety as well. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful Christian family that care and pray for us daily. Thank you all for all you do for the Kingdom, the Stafford family and the Tanzania 2000 mission work in general. 

My recent trip to the States, for the purpose of reporting on the work and fund raising for the various needs, was met with much enthusiasm and generosity. After traveling over 6,000 road miles into 8 different States, sleeping in no less than 14 different beds, presenting the work to nine different congregations, two mission committees, three Elderships and several individuals, sharing with each the good being done in Tanzania and throughout East Africa.  

We now have full funding for the new intake of 30 students for the 2014 intake. We have also received funds for half of the 2,500 Bibles goal. The monthly support Stephanie and I will lose at the end of the year has been committed. We have funds for 5 of the 10 sets of TFT commentaries we need. We received a lot of Bible teaching material from World Video Bible School in both English and Ki-Swahili. 

We have a very special challenge; A good brother in Christ has committed up to $5,000 in matching funds for printing the T.E.A.M. Booklet, Bible Correspondence Courses and Bible Tracts. So, for every dollar committed/donated we will get twice the value (bang of the buck). No donation is to small, please help us reach our printing goal for 2014 of $15,000. 

We are blessed with many talented men and women here in TZ, working side-by-side with us. One area that is so desperately needed is in the area of translation. We need men like our good brother Charles Heberth to do the work that God’s work might be done in a powerful way. Here is a snap shot of his work for the past month:

“In September, I taught a short course (1 week) in Hebrews here at the school followed by The Old Testament History 2 for six weeks. The same month, I started the edification program which was designed to enable members to be able to do evangelism and work for their own salvation. This is because of few workers which we have here at Kwa Mrombo. This program will end today (Thursday the 31st of October). This same month I started back on the translation of "Searching For The Truth" DVDs which I left off before the campaigns. All this is because of the support and prayers which you offer on our behalf daily. Thank you so much, Charles Heberth”

It is a blessing and privilege to work with such men. The joy we receive daily as we work hand in hand with our God and His Church is a most wonderful thing. We thank you all for your part in this work of God. As we strive to Glorify Him through our good deeds to the saving of lost souls, we invited you to join us. Join us when you can, where you can, as you can. Our hope and prayer is that our God will bless you all with a double measure this week as you SERVE your neighbor. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Two Reports From Nigeria Show Progress...

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ,

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

On Sunday morning. October 27, 2013, two of our prospects named, Joy Audu, and her son, Friday Audu, were baptized before the morning worship at Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan.

Brother Samuel Arowolo, one of the year 2 students of SWSE-Ibadan, taught on “Family Life;” while brother Samuel Oladokun, another year 2 student, admonished the church on “Love.” We are 56 in attendance with a total collection of N3,060=.

In the afternoon, I taught at the youth class on “Making your Calling and Election Sure” from 2 Peter 1:10, and in the evening, brother Samuel Arowolo, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe and I served as officiating ministers at the marriage of brother Dele Shotola, one of the August 2013 graduates, and sister Foluke Oguntunde at Oke-Dam Village, Akinyele, L.G.A. Oyo State.

Beloved, we thank you all for your love and dedication for the cause of Master Jesus. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ name, Amen.

Sincerely His & yours,

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

THE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS FOR 2013/2014 ACADEMIC SESSION SWSE-IBADAN MAIN CAMPUS

We praise Thee, O God! For the Son of Thy love, For Jesus who died, and is now gone above, Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah Amen! Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Amen! Hallelujah! (SC. 446, SS-17, Yor. 361).

This is one of the three hymns used by the students and staff of Southwest School Of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan to round up this first semester of classes and tests!

From the inception of the School in 2003, the first semester is known as the most costly semester due to the numbers of the students admitted to prove themselves both in the class and in the field before the final list is drawn at the end of first semester classes and examinations.

Thirty-One (31) students are now qualified for the 2013-2014 Academic Session in Ibadan’s main campus while six will continue their studies in the Lagos satellite campus for 2013 / 2014 academic session.

Brethren, the report getting to me this morning from my fellow instructors at both the Ibadan and Lagos campus shows that brother Isaac Olaniyan and brother Abiola  Joseph Olusoji have a convert each while brother Dairo Joseph Abiodun reported the conversion of two souls during their end of the month open air Bible lectureship.

Brother Ezekiel Okoh reported that over 800 people were recruited for free WBS correspondence courses at Sari-Iganmu, Ikeja and Iyana Ipaja and brother Dele Shotola and brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe did follow-up on WBS students of Keith Bowman SC/006 in Ilisan and Ijebu Ode, Ogun State from Monday through Thursday (October 21-24, 2013).

Also, brother Gideon O. Iluman, one of our August 2013 graduates reported the conversion of five souls in this month at the Campus congregation, Port Harcourt, River State where he is ministering.

Beloved, we cannot do without appreciating the vital roles you are all playing in making our dream of saving souls from eternal condemnation a reality! Please continue praying for us (2 Thess. 3:1). May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint effort in Christ Jesus, Amen.

Yours truly, 

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

Jum Reap Sooh - Only In Cambodia...

Jum reap sooh brothers and sisters in Christ! Hope all of you are serving Christ well in your part of the world. As for the work of Jesus Christ in Siem Reap, Cambodia, God has been very good to us here. We are thankful for every blessing He's given us and ask that He does the same for you. 

We are thankful for the McDonough’s, for their humility and their efforts with the local work here. We are thankful for the local brethren and their steadfastness. We are thankful for Keith Kasarjian, the Autrey’s, and Phil Woolley for their sacrifice and demonstration of love towards us the past few weeks. We are thankful for Jeff Bell and his wife visiting us again. It's too bad we didn’t get to spend much time together but the little time that we did spend was precious. 

What eventful months September and October were for us here. We began our 2nd school year in September with Chann teaching Church History, Darat teaching 1 and 2 Chronicles, Piseth teaching Psalms, and me teaching 1 and 2 Corinthians. The planting and watering continues with IBISR, yet we never forget the One who gives the increase. We added a new student in Sovannara and what a promising young man he is to our program. 

Keith Kasarjian visited and taught us on the subject of the Godhead and did a very good job. The students and the staff benefited much from his teachings. We got to know God on a more deeper level thanks to him. Then Wes, his wife, Teri, and daughter Natalie, along with Phillip Woolley spent two unforgettable weeks with us teaching and fellowshipping with the local brethren. What an awesome example they were to the group here. We see the manifold wisdom of God through them (Eph 3:10). I, personally, am thankful for their visit and the encouragement they bring to me as the local missionary here. I am grateful for their wisdom, their company, their jokes, and more importantly their love. These are the things that help keep me going and serving God in this part of the world. I covet your prayers and continual support. I look forward to your visits. I am thankful for your encouragements. Please keep them coming because they do make a difference! 

Phanat

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

Students Recruited In Russia For BVBIU...

Dear brothers, families and churches.

In my report I want to share with you the news of some events that took place at the Institute, in church, and in the lives of some Christians. October was full of events. Sometimes we are looking forward to something and pray for it, and then we receive far more than we could ever imagine. I’m sure God is still helping those people who are His followers.

In October, I went to Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia. There was an annual meeting of church of Christ ministers in Russia. I’ve acquired many new friends, acquaintances and contacts. I presented our Institute there and had a chance to tell them about our experience with this ministry in Ukraine. There are some churches in that part of Russia that are in need of ministers. I have a plan to send some of our graduates to Russia for their further ministry there. Please pray with us for our students, for their dedication and for the growth of the churches in Europe. 

I have some very good news. Lyudmila, a wife of our student Sergey, was baptized. Sergey’s story is very unusual. He contacted me many times via phone calls, inquired some details about the Institute, but every time his plans changed and his admission to school was postponed yet to another school year. And only this year he made a decisive step and entered our program. He moved to Gorlovka together with his family. He has a wife and a 4-month-old son, Ivan. We rent an apartment for them in the same building where we live, and we often invite them to our place to visit with us. Once Sergey came and told us that his wife wants to be baptized, and in a few days she became a part of God’s family.

Other good news is that our students Alexey and Alina got married. It’s a first wedding at BVBIU since we moved to Gorlovka. These young people made a very important and responsible decision, and we showed them our support and hope that their relationships will be as strong as the one Jesus has with His church.   

On October 19, we had a youth conference, and the topic was “When to Act Rightly.” We had about 35 people in attendance from different church of Christ congregations. Such meetings always bring encouragement to young people and help them understand that they are not alone in their pursuit of heaven. 

Often we have to do things that don’t bring us joy. In October we had to say goodbye to the second-year student, Roman Rotan. It’s not his first expulsion from this school. He promised to become a diligent student, but his attitude and behavior wasn’t Christ like in many situations. I’ve spent a lot of time with him; nevertheless, he made a decision not to be with God and his spiritual family. I ask you to pray for him. 

Right now it’s a time of evangelizing campaigns at our Institute. Our students went to different church of Christ congregations (Gorlovka, Kramatorsk, Illovaysk, Konstantinovka), and our secretary Oksana went to teach Bible classes for kids in Dimitrovo. This ministry encourages local churches and preachers, and it is a good practice for our students. Usually during 3-4 days, students spread flyers and invitations to come to church, and they teach Bible classes in the evenings. Sometimes they visit church members who grew colder in their ministry. We know that each one of us has an obligation to evangelize. 

My family sends you their greetings, and we are sure that you keep praying for us. Thank you for your support and care about the Institute and the church. You are a part of this work, and we keep doing it together. 

God’s blessings,

Your brother and co-worker,

Dennis Sopelnik

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

Weekend Evangelism Yields Fruit In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters here in Cameroon. We do hope you and your entire family are doing great also over there. It is amazing what the Lord is doing with His great love to us in this sinful world.

Last week in the CBIW family went well, just for some students and members of the Wotutu congregation who are down in health. God is helping us in many ways because of the situation and condition many are living into it.

Sister Karine Muofo obeyed the gospel in Wotutu. She is purely French speaking. We need to get a French Bible for her. Keep her in your prayers.

The students are doing their best as they prepare for ministry in a year time; how time keeps going. They will soon start writing their long course exams by the end of this month, while the first week of December will be a short course and vacation and they will be done with the first year of their studies.

All of us are back from weekend evangelism, as some students went out to 5 locations. They came back with joyous reports as we join the host of Heaven to praise God. The Ediki work is progressing and the members of that congregation are appreciative to God for the revival of their spirit as they continue to worship God. The Batoke congregation is moving on well. Our students continue to go there for weekend evangelism and it is creating an impact in the community. Students return safe in other places.

The cry of a sister in Bafia village, who called us to come and help them, was heard. God heard her cry as we listened and thought of the souls there. We sent some students there over the weekend and now the Bafia congregation has been revived and 10 souls were restored and they started worshiping today. We shall continue to do the follow up until next year where a graduate will go there permanently for full time ministry. Keep this work in your prayers.

CBIW students in Bafia village were excited after baptizing brother Cletus over the weekend. Please keep this young man in your prayers.

Sister Karine and some members of Wotutu congregation sand to the glory of God after her baptism.

Sister Ruth Wase is now part of the CBIW family as a school nurse because the government demanded schools should have medical personnel to help watch out for the health conditions of those in the school and the community. I pleaded with sister Ruth who accepted to come and be a volunteer in CBIW and also in Brightland Christian Academy. She has been here now for the past week and she is doing a great job. She is a young widow and has a child. She is a state registered nurse qualified to help save some in emergencies. Her stay with us will be beneficial to the work here as we dream big about a mobile Christian clinic in the future into the villages as we preach. We shall help those who cannot afford and do not have access to primary health care. Come and dream with us.

Brother Dikana, one of our students received treatment in the dormitory. This makes it less expensive for us to rush our students to the hospital. Brother Dikana is has malaria, so the sister can now treat right on campus rather than going to Limbe. All we need to do is to buy enough drugs and stock in our small clinic. We have a cupboard and a small bed that can handle a patient on a more serious condition.

Plans
1) We are planning to continue with follow up in all our areas of work.

2) We were invited to attend our national annual Bible lectureship the end of this month in Tombel. Please keep the trip in your prayers.

Appreciations
God alone will bless and reward you for all that you are doing for the work here. Thank you. We keep you in our prayers. Please keep us in your prayers. Share our report with others. God bless you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Harvest Sunday...

Harvest Sunday! The Levy Church of Christ each year hosts what is called Harvest Sunday. This day represents the opportunity to focus on the mission work this congregation has been involved in supporting. The good that has and continues to be done by this congregation is a blessing on a global scale. There is not enough space to share the reaches of their support and the benefit they have provided for missionaries worldwide.

Sheryl and I have been blessed by the Levy family for more than 20 years and we were excited to be involved in this special day. We are always amazed at the generosity expressed from a family of Christians who love the Lord, love one another, love the lost, and love to be involved in kingdom work. Thank you for your vision and generosity in supporting the Lord’s work.

Another quarter is underway in Denver, as returning students were involved in campaigns around the U.S. and in Guatemala. Even though students have returned, we are still receiving news of souls being added to the kingdom as a result of their efforts. The news is exciting as God continues to bless the preaching of the gospel.

Throughout the extension program, news about the ways God is giving the increase highlights the beautiful nature of the work. The dedication and effort put forth by the students who are preparing to preach the gospel is wonderful to share.

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 

Helping Young Minds Know Christ: The gospel is being preached and young minds are gaining a knowledge of Christ and are excited to share it with others.

The Right Men In The Right Positions: Reflecting on the leadership in the Kenya School of Preaching shows the right men were selected for administration of the school.

Vocational Classes Help Prepare Students: Along with other classes, students in Nigeria are taking vocational classes to learn how to support themselves after graduation.

Help Us Help Them Help Themselves: The goal of the work at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching is to help these students help their own people.

Drop A Pebble In The Water: The impact of one person who shares the gospel with someone else brings incredible changes. 

Final Thoughts
We are thankful for the opportunity to share news about the extension program at Levy, and thankful for the generosity they have provided for the Lord’s work. We are also thankful to each of you for the ways you bless the training of preachers. Without each individual part working together it would not work. Thank you all!

God bless
Bob

Drop A Pebble In The Water...

 "But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been  brought near by the blood of Christ." Eph. 2:13

Dear Fellow Workers

Our phone rang at 3:30 am Friday morning with the news that our neighbor and sister-in-Christ had passed away. Ahimidiwe wanted to use our van to transport Bertha's body to the morgue. Bertha's death was due to taking the wrong medication for her high blood pressure. Although the local physician failed her, the Great Physician will not. Last year, Chris Akin (our brother-in-law) began the initial studies with her. Chris had to return to America before the studies were completed so Ahimidiwe (preacher at Kisongo) continued the teaching resulting in her baptism (July 2012). Bertha was the grandmother of another member, Lembris, and was related to several in the congregation in Kisongo. 

Who knew Bertha would go to her eternal destination the very next year? Who's to thank for her hope of heaven? First and foremost, Jesus Christ...the only Hope any of us have! Secondly, everyone who supports the TZ 2000 Mission work and those who supported the Akin family to come to Tanzania can. And who taught Chris Akin the Gospel? Besides his wife (Beth) and her parents, Bill Wilkinson from Cleveland, TN shared the Good News with him. After Ahimidiwe was taught by Wilfred Massawe, he graduated from the Arusha Bible School and ACSOP...both schools established by the TZ 2000 Mission Work. All of this reminds me of the message of the following poem by James W. Foley:

"Drop a Pebble in the Water"

"Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone; But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on..."

Yesterday, several ladies from the Kisongo congregation went to congratulate Judith Mitalami on the birth of her son, Rick (named after Rick Nobles, an American who is a good friend of her husband, Michael). 

Heather and Candace are thrilled that their good friend, Happiness, is out of boarding school for a few months!

This morning at Kisongo, Loveness did a great job teaching the ladies' class on the topic of "Faithfulness." How rewarding it is to see the Tanzanian ladies "taking up the torch" and passing on what they've learned! Next week, Ludavica (Ahimidiwe's wife) will teach. Abigail taught the children's class on the miracles of Jesus. Second year student, Philemon, preached on the "Hope in God." First year student, Kennedy, (from Kenya) translated the sermon into English for us.

"May the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance; The Lord be with you all!" (2 Thess. 3:16).

With Love from Africa,                                                                                              

The Jimmy Gee family

Help Us Help Them Help Themselves...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

God’s desire is that all men every where be saved and come to a knowledge of the Truth: how about you? Your prayers, support and involvement continues to manifest itself in the saving of countless souls. Another question: does our life, actions, service and good deeds genuinely reflect our desire to see that all have heard? There are any number of ways we can “know” our life and deeds reflect that of God’s desire, a desire to reach the lost of this world with the saving message of the Gospel.

Over the past three weeks I have been blessed to share God’s mission work in Tanzania with many. The good being done through the Tanzania 2000 mission effort continues to bring forth much fruit. What has been done, is presently being done, and is yet to be done, is in part, possible because you care. 

The Andrew Connally School of Preaching has now graduated 120 evangelists, another 20 from the Master’s program. These men are now serving more than 150 church plants throughout East Africa. They are planting new congregations every month. The need to train more faithful men, that in turn might be equipped in God’s Word, able to take the saving message of the Gospel to their fellow countrymen, grows day by day. We will add fourteen more to this number at the end of November with the graduation of another class. If the Lord wills and we are able to secure all the sponsorships needed, we will enroll thirty men in February to meet the need of the many new church plants. 

Another amazing way to “go,” to “teach,” to “preach” is by putting Bibles into the hands of the men and women of this world. We are pleased to announce that we have received $5,298 toward our $15,000 goal. Our hope it to put 2,500 Bibles in circulation throughout Tanzania and East Africa in the coming year. We know God’s Word will never return void and that souls will be saved through this effort. 

Bible Tracts and the Printed Page are two more ways to share the Word of God with others throughout this world. Recently we have learned of three souls being added to the Kingdom through their obedience to the Gospel. This was made passible because three faithful men taking the time to study God’s Word and putting into their hands one of the following: a copy of Searching for Truth (translated into Ki-Swahili), a copy of the T.E.A.M booklet (published in both English and Ki-Swahili) and a Bible tract. One convert is in America who read a copy of T.E.A.M and was baptized into Christ. 

Please “help us help them help themselves.” A Bible - $6, ten Bibles - $60, 100 copies of T.E.A.M - $150, 1,000 tacts - $20 (one tract will be read by 10-30 people). As you and I consider our blessings from God, let us do our part in “going,” “teaching,” and “preaching” God’s Word to God’s glory and to the saving of many lost souls.

May your week be a blessing to others as you strive to do the will of our Father through service.

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Vocational Classes Help Prepare Students...

Dear fellow workers in Christ's vineyard,

Greetings from SWSE-Ibadan, Nigeria. We give thanks and adoration to Almighty God for the successful completion of first semester classes and tests at Ibadan main campus, Nigeria.

Secondly, we thank you all for your partnership over the years that has greatly contributed to the successful completion of this first semester at the Ibadan main campus in the 2013-2014 session.

Brethren, the school is still indebted to the sum of N464,000 ($3,000) from the 2012-2013 academic session. Those willing to assist us in the payment of this loan before the end of this year should please contact our beloved brother Doug M.Wheeler (Nigerian Evangelism minister at the Westside church of Christ or brother Bob Turner (Director of Extension program, BVBID) or brother Steven Ashcraft (West Africa co-ordinator, BVBID).

Concerning the building projects at the Southwest school of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan main campus: I have spent over ten million Naira ($66,000) on the two buildings. Contributions from myself and family, brethren & churches in Nigeria and U.S brethren =N1,138,000 ($7,500). The loan from banks and friends =N4,862,000 ($32,000). Sales of 20 Acres of my farm land =N4,000,000 ($27,000). Contributions from an anonymous donor and sister Lela Holley via brother Doug for the payment of my loan =$1,500.

Our target now is the construction of the students dormitory that will cost us about five million Naira =N5,000,000 ($35,000).

At the just concluded first semester classes and tests at Ibadan main campus, only 20 students will continue in the first year program in the next semester and eleven in year 2 of the program.

Brethren, second semester classes begin at Ibadan main campus on November 11, 2013 nevertheless, our students are expected back in the school on November 8, 2013 in preparation for the second semester.

Presently, our year 1 students are in the middle of vocational courses in Ibadan and Lagos State while year 2 students are on two weeks teaching practice. The Lagos campus will end their first semester classes and tests on December 20, 2013, Lord's willing.

May the Lord of blessing continue to bless our work together in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Your fellow laborer in Christ,

Makinde E. Olufemi (Director)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan & Lagos campus, Nigeria

The Right Men In The Right Positions...

Teaching faithful men to teach faithful men to teach faithful men. No, I did not misquote 2 Timothy 2:2. I am merely describing what is taking place at the Kenya School of Preaching in Kisumu, Kenya. August 13-17, 2013 I taught a short course at KSOP, “The Godhead.” I had fifteen undergraduate students and three Master’s students. All worked extremely hard and had a great attitude. Due to the fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi we had to delay our departure from the US from Thursday, August 8 until Sunday, August 11. We also re-routed our trip through Rwanda and Entebbe, Uganda, where we spent Monday night, rented a van and drove the seven hours to Kisumu, Kenya Tuesday. After a quick lunch of beans and rice I began teaching the short course at 1:00 PM (with only three hours sleep in a bed since Saturday night). I deeply appreciate the cooperation and attitude of the students in staying late each evening and on Saturday to complete the course. This was the last course before the quarter break. The students are now half way through the program.

The Kenya School of Preaching is now offering a Master’s Program to a select number of students in the immediate area of Kisumu. There are numerous reasons for offering the Master’s program at this time. We have several Kenyan and Ugandan students that have begun the Master’s program at Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Arusha, Tanzania and due to the high cost of travel have had to suspend their studies. KSOP is much closer and travel is less expensive for them. We have several short-course teachers scheduled to teach in the program that have their doctorate degrees which allows them to teach Master’s students. By receiving Master’s degrees, these men will be sufficiently qualified to teach at KSOP. Part of the requirements for the Master’s students in the Christian Evidences short course was to teach the undergraduate class for 50 minutes using a Powerpoint presentation complete with a “responsive outline” for each student. I graded their assigned presentations and then the presenters were critiqued by their peers. The design of this assignment was to “teach them how to teach.” The result of this program will be even more qualified teachers for KSOP and her sister schools in Uganda and Tanzania. 

Thanks to six suitcases filled to the fifty-pound capacity and generous brethren in the US  the library grew by several hundred books. KSOP also has two desktop and three laptop computers in the computer lad for use by the students, once again due to generous brethren in the states.  The first day of the quarter in October students received training in proper use of the computer as well as special instruction in Microsoft Word. The new computer lab will allow students to conduct research on the internet as well as type the papers and send to instructors via email.

Overall I would say the KSOP is a tremendous success thus far. Charles Ogutu is a superb director. Likewise, Elias Omallo is a competent and caring Dean. I am convinced we have precisely the right men in these positions; kudos to these men on a job well done. Also, a special thanks to the Charlotte Ave. congregation in Rock Hill, SC for sponsoring the school.  Graduation of the first class of the Kenya School of Preaching is scheduled for August of 2014. I am convinced all men in the current class will be graduates at that time, God willing.

Mike Reese

Helping Young Minds Know Christ...

Dearest in Christ,

We bring love and gratitude to God for His great love towards us. We do hope you are doing great with the work and family. Last week went on well in CBIW, just for some students and members of our congregation who are sick. We continue to keep them in our prayers.

We travel out again for a call to help evangelize the community of Munyenge village which is really far from Wotutu with bad roads, which are too rocky because it is a mountainous community.

Brother Ekelle Theiry batized brother Rudrique into Christ. Keep him in your prayers to grow in the faith.

Brother Rudrique was buried with Christ in water baptism. God blessed the entire campaign with 5 precious souls. Keep them in your prayers because all of them are youths who are energetic for the work and to get their friends involved in Christ’s business in the future.

We divided ourselves again, with some students going to Ediki, Batoke and Mile Four closer to Wotutu.

Immediately we arrived Munyenge village with the long journey and bad road, we rested and early the next day we started house to house evangelism with the 3 instructors from CBIW and our students.

Sisters in Munyenge village welcomed us and they were very happy to cook food us throughout our stay in the village. We appreciated them for such a good gesture for the Lord.

We also had indoor lectures. I taught on the topic “Getting Married in the Lord.” It was good for many who desire to get into that institution.

Many came to our worship this morning in the village. The small wooden hall could not contain us. We sat outside under a canopy. A young lady, Ebang Yvette, sat next to me and was also baptized. She was overwhelmed to be part of the New Testament worship. She is the first in their home and is on a personal evangelism course to make Christ known to her staunch Roman Catholic background. She asked for tracts that we were unable to provide her with. Please help post some tracts for us if you have them. 

The first Christian school being run by us in our community, Brightland Christian Academy, is out to help these young minds know Christ and His church as they grow up. Our graduate, Nsong Nelson, is there daily to teach the Bible and to do devotionals daily with the kids and teachers. It is better to train children than to repair adults, that is what we are focus on. If God helps us train these children well, then the church of Christ in Cameroon will not be the same again in the near future. Please come join us achieve this vision.

The sign for Brightland Christian academy shows that the government of Cameroon gave us authorization to teach kids and young Cameroonians. Keep this work in your prayers.

We have changed the logo of our preaching school, thanks to brother Wes. We also changed our entire sign. We are moving ahead and God is blessing, we praise God.

Plans
1) We continue with the Ediki, Batoke work weekly.

2) We are called again to go and revive a dead congregation in Bafia village. We passed through the village on our way to Munyenge. It was an appeal from a sister and we have accepted. Everywhere with Jesus  we can safely go. Keep us in your prayers. Many Cameroonians are appreciative of the work that is going on in Cameroon because of CBIW. Many thanks and prayers goes to God for you who stand by us to accomplish God’s plan in our country.

Appreciation
We say thank you God for all that you do for the work here. We thank God daily for you as you stand by us and help us accomplish this great task daily. God alone will reward you and continue to watch over you, your family and the congregation where you worship. Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family.

By His grace Director CBIW

One Amazing Work...

Amazing would be the best word to describe the work of God’s people around the world. Reading about the ways God is working in and through His faithful children is encouraging, uplifting, and exciting. Just knowing we have an opportunity to share in the activities of these brothers and sisters is a blessing. If you are reading this and unaware of the reason for using this word, please take a few moments and read through the reports below. 

A new quarter begins at the Bear Valley Bible Institute as students return from campaigns and a short break. The campaigns this quarter involved several locations throughout the U.S., and one group traveled to Guatemala to participate in a campaign with the church in Cobán where one of the instructors of ITL, in Guatemala City, serves. We will hear reports later this week about the activities of all the campaigns, and will share more next week.

The weeks continue to roll by quickly and we are approaching the last two months of the year. We are in the process of gathering information to share later this year about the growth and development of the entire program. We look forward to sharing this information to give you a perspective of how your involvement in extension training is making a difference and changing the world, one soul at a time.

We ask each of you to continue praying for this good work. Pray that God will not only bless those who are involved, but pray for Him to give strength, endurance and courage to the teachers and students who are involved in the process of preparing to be instruments in the hand of the Almighty Creator who chose the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 

Now on to the other reports...

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

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

Extension Reports 

Joy In The Midst Of Difficulty...Help Is Needed: Congregations are growing in Cameroon, but help is needed to provide a place for them to meet.

Souls Added To The Kingdom In Guatemala: God is giving the increase with the work in Guatemala City. Two precious souls obeyed the gospel.

Graduation Is Coming In Chimala: Plans are in place for the upcoming special and unique event at the Chimala Bible Institute.

New School Year Begins At WCSOP: A new class of students begin their studies at the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi, Ghana.

“Keys To Success” Brings One To The Lord: After hearing this lesson, one precious soul was added to the Lord Sunday morning in Nigeria.

Tanzania Leadership Conference: The news is powerful when considering the various perspectives of an event organized and hosted by nationals. Read about TLC.

Two Reports From Arusha: This week shares news from the last two weeks in Arusha, Tanzania. A number of events worth reading. 

Final Thoughts
Thank you for making this a great year in the Lord’s kingdom. Your involvement at every level of the training process is exciting. The dedication and support provided in the training of preachers is instrumental in preparing leaders who serve in the Lord’s church around the world. Thank you for the blessing you are to our God and His people.

God bless
Bob

"Keys To Success" Brings One To The Lord...

Beloved in Christ ,

Greetings from Nigeria! The students of Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan led by brother Samuel Arowolo, brother Samuel Olawale,  and brother Makinde Emmanuel and the youth of the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregations evangelized Gbongudu town of Lagelu L.G.A., Oyo State on October 19, 2013 while we (staff) actively participated in the burial of one of our landlords (Mr. Sunday Olosunde) of Onikokoro town on October 18 and marriage ceremony of one of the daughters of Otunode village head (Chief Ogunremi) on October 19, 2013.

On Sunday, October 20, I taught on the “Keys to Success” while brother Makinde Emmanuel admonished the church from 1 Thessalonians 5:14. We are 66 in attendance with a total collection of N4,060 and a young lady named Miss Seun Fabayo was baptized after the morning worship at Aronfolu Streem! To God be the glory.

Lord's willing, I will travel at 6:00 am tomorrow morning to SWSE campus in Butubutu Village, Ibadan to finish this semester program. We deeply appreciate your love and great contribution toward the continuity of the SWSE-Ibadan and the satellite campus in Lagos state, Nigeria.

Sincerely in Christ,                           

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

New School Year Begins At WCSOP...

We are three weeks into our new school year and there are thirteen students who have reported for classes.  One student, John Lipaah, opted to attend classes at the Tamale Bible School. And another, Edwin Kargbo, a Sierra Leonean national who was resident in Liberia but came to Ghana as a refugee (because of the war that displaced him and thousands of others), is due to be repatriated to Liberia this month. He intends to continue his training at the Bible College in Liberia.

For the past couple of weeks I have been infirm. Two visits to the clinic have made me feel better now.  On the first visit I was put on medication, a diet and bed rest and last week I was allowed some movement and light work. I am now able to do some prescribed exercises and can sit down for longer. My next visit to the doctor will be on Thursday.

We had a good seminar last month with brothers Toby Soechting, Scott Ellis, Andy Kizer and Todd Clippard. The lessons were good, the fellowship was good, and the attendance was better than last year. Brother Toby was able to get William Dampah on board and he attended the last two days of the seminar.

Brother Todd let us in on a farming project to produce food crops, poultry and possibly fish to feed the school. He has left us instructions to build a compost dump, and places to prepare for each project. We are excited about it. It has been our desire to get someone to teach our students simple trades or skills to help them do something to feed themselves and their families after school. We see a possibility in Todd’s proposal.

Things continue to be tougher here. Tariffs for water have been increased by 52% and electricity by 79% (but some claim the actual is 100%). For instance, I bought 50 cedis ($25) of credit for my house and got 9 days. Before the new tariff I was getting 22 days. We have appealed to some churches to help the school financially. They have agreed in principle, and we shall be doing some follow-up to see how it goes. Brother Matthew Ackah (our Academic Dean) is the hardest hit by the present living conditions. His wife has been very supportive but in a meeting with him last week, he indicated his desire to look for a job and quit teaching as the school. His children are going to tertiary schools and that places a heavy financial obligation on him. His departure will be a big blow to the school; he is a pillar of the school and finding a replacement for him will not be easy.

We received a consignment of tracts and books in about 400 boxes of various sizes from Mission Printing of Arlington, Texas in the second week of September. Word has gone round in the Western and Central Regions and preachers have started picking boxes for themselves and their local work. We do not intend to stock the literature received; we want them to be taken and used by local congregations and individuals in evangelism and edification. They must be in the hands of those who need and will read them asap.

Our school library is inadequate – a little over a thousand books. We have made previous appeals for books for the library – and have received some religious, English and general interest books from brother Ashcraft. Thankfully, some of the boxes from Mission Printing contain books that can be added to our school library. We will have to list and put them on the shelves to see what else we may need to upgrade the library. We are in the process of resetting the library and coaching our students to use the books in research and writing. We have had to add to the furniture at the library. Our computers have now been set up in the library to enhance study and research by staff and students. What we lack is an internet access. Since there are no telephone lines serving our location, we cannot get broadband service. We shall have to use individual USB modems for now. 

Our campaign #2 which takes us to work with an established church is scheduled for October 28 – November 3, 2013. This is to give our students some experience in local work as they shall be engaged in personal evangelism, visitation, admonishing the wayward, restoring the fallen, teaching adult and youth classes. Like our campaign #1, we shall move camp but our roles will differ. We want to study the weather forecasts to see if the weather will be conducive for the set date – if not we shall set another date and continue classes till then.

We acknowledge the many prayers that are said on our behalf and the sacrificial offerings of many brethren which go into the work at West Coast. May the Lord give you all the increase to enable you continue to hold up our hands in this work, and may our efforts to find local churches who will support this work be successful. And in all things may the glory, the honor and the praise be the Lord’s.

Yours in sincere appreciation,

Daniel K Ampadu-Asiamah
Principal
West Coast School of Preaching
Takoradi, Ghana

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

Two Reports From Arusha...

Report 10-14-13

To Our Co-Laborers,

The Annual Leadership Conference has come to a close...boasting of attendees from seven African countries. A huge debt of gratitude goes to the following people for all the time and effort put forth to make it a great success: Christopher Mwakabanje, Ahimidiwe Kimaro, Mike Benson, Paulina Martin (and the staff at the ACSOP), Nathan and Jessica McVeigh, Stephanie Stafford and all the speakers and translators. Most of the pictures will be posted on our Facebook page. One of the best lessons was preached by Mike Benson, (Hattiesburg, MS) on the subject of "Self-Control."

One evening when Trina was leaving ACSOP, a neighborhood "bibi' (about 60 years old) carrying a small bag, asked for a ride to the "kona" (corner), a short way past our house. When the side door was opened, the woman immediately climbed into Matthew's car seat (the van was empty and all other seats were available). This isn't the first time passengers have done this...there is some attraction to that car seat! Trina persuaded her to sit in the normal seat.

Upon reaching the corner where the dirt road meets the paved one, the bibi refused to get out. Raising her voice and forcefully speaking her traditional Maasai language, she was hitting Trina on the shoulder telling her to go to the main highway. After enlisting the help of a bystander, Trina repeatedly told the older woman that she (Trina) needed to get back to her house and that this was "the end of the road" so to speak (the woman finally complied).  Most people here are humble, kind and thankful. If she had asked nicely, instead of hollering and hitting, she might have received her request (however, she originally lied saying that she only needed to go to the corner).  In hindsight, Trina should have gone the "second mile."  

"The Lord's Supper" was the lesson topic on Wednesday evening when Mike Benson spoke at the White Rose congregation. Interestingly, when we arrived, there was a goat standing at the gate obviously wanting to go in. After waiting for someone to bring the key, we drove inside the gate but not before the goat (plus her two kids) came in first! There must be a sermon illustration in this story!

Unfortunately, the times of the services at White Rose coincide with the Pentecostal denomination nearby. In America, this would be of no consequence. In Africa, worship assemblies are allowed to broadcast their service over a loud-speaker. The Lord's church endures extremely loud music for the first 20 minutes and then about 40 minutes of shouting "Hallelujah" and a few other favorite words.  It was suggested that the White Rose congregation change their time to five o'clock instead of four o'clock. After about 10 minutes of the instrumental music blaring, Elijah said, "I wish they would turn that boom box down!"         

The local government informed us that the water would be off for three days (meaning no water would be flowing from the government line into our sim tanks). Thankfully, the shut-off was only for two days and our supply was enough that we didn't have to buy a truck of water (and still got the laundry done!)

On Tuesday, Trina took the children to a local recreational place (TGT) to play at the park and swim. Because it is against TGT rules to bring food and drink (except on Mondays when their restaurant is closed), at lunchtime we drove off of their property near a large field to eat tuna fish and peanut butter sandwiches (separate sandwiches mind you...we may have lived in Africa about 10 years but we're not mixing tuna fish and peanut butter together yet!) After a few minutes of enjoying our lunch, an older Maasai man came up to ask for a ride somewhere. When he found out we couldn't transport him, he asked for an orange he saw.

When a Maasai lady and a school boy saw that the old man received food from us they approached. Trina first thought the school boy and the woman were mother and son (but that wouldn't make sense because the boy was in a school uniform and most Maasai boys don't attend school). The woman asked for "mkate" (bread), and Lindsey handed her a partial loaf for her and the boy. However, when the boy grabbed it and began to run, the woman caught him by the shoulder and sternly scolded him. Feeling like a referee, Trina explained that they each could have "nusu" (half). She took out her part and left but the boy stayed right by our van stuffing one piece after another into his mouth. Knowing after 4 pieces of bread he would need some water, we gave him a bottle. This incident gives you a little window into the life here (not to "blow our horn" about giving a little bread and water to someone).     

We are looking forward to having the Daniel Gaines family as a part of our team! Due to arrive on November 4th, will be Daniel, his wife Tiffany, and children: Abigail, Josiah and Levi. Our confidence is high that they will adjust just fine since Tiffany said she likes to "ride loose in the saddle." Flexibility is essential to living life in Tanzania. (However, on the bumpy roads, she might want to hang on for dear life.) 

Brethren, the hardest thing missionaries must do is ask for funds to carry on the work. One can approach it as a necessary evil to have to solicit funds OR view it as giving others an opportunity to help. The problem is that the Prado has over 110,000 miles on it ...that's 110,000 miles on AFRICAN roads. Therefore, the entire suspension is shot. Also, while we were away on furlough, the car was broke into and the side panels (where the locks are located) were stolen. It wasn't repaired properly and is causing problems with locking the vehicle. Obviously, this makes it easier for someone to steal more parts from inside the car or steal the vehicle. It's also physically dangerous for us to drive without being able to lock the doors. Once while driving slowly at night (due to backed up traffic) someone opened our door and was feverishly reaching around trying to find a purse or phone to steal. There was no way for Trina to close the door because the man was between her and the door. 

One of the highest expenses of living in Tanzania is vehicle upkeep and repair (including frequent flat tires). The total needed for car repair is $5,200. If anyone could help us out, we would be highly appreciative of your generosity and kindness.

We hope you will have a blessed week. Thank you for caring for souls in Tanzania and for us as we labor here. 

With Love from Africa,
The Jimmy Gee family

To see the report with pictures, please click here.

Report 10-21-13

Dear Family, Friends and Supporters,

Today was "Friends Day" at the Njiro congregation in Arusha. Nathan McVeigh was asked to speak on "Stewardship" during Bible study and Jimmy spoke on "What is Truth?" Emmanuel Peter, an ACSOP masters' graduate, has been the located preacher in Njiro for several years now.        

We appreciated Mike Benson for his tireless effort to strengthen the African brethren. In addition to teaching at the Leadership Conference and at the intense one-week short course, he taught at every service he was here for (and taught mid-week Bible study twice in one week due to two congregations meeting on different evenings). 

Please pray for Mike's safe return as he is "in the air" now. Also pray for the family of Ahimidiwe. After saving for many years to build their own house, they were able to move in a while back. They were robbed at 2 am a few days ago. A guard for the general area was beat up and the door kicked in. Ahimidiwe's wife, Ludevica, was struck with an iron rod but thankfully her injuries were not serious.

Thank you for joining hands with us to help others come to know Christ. We appreciate each and every one of you!

With Love from Africa,

The Jimmy Gee family

To see pictures from this report, please go here.