Tanzania Chronicles: The Hochdorf Report...

Salamu wapenzi na ndugu,

We hope this finds each of you staying warm, safe, and enjoying the time of year when families can spend some quality time together.

In this part of the world it is pretty warm right now. The rains have started and have steadily dumped buckets of water a few times per day. I just know I saw an ark go by a few minutes ago, ha! We have also been experiencing steady power outages with the latest being 21 hours long. Our generator, which used to be a three legged dog, I have now unaffectionately named “pogo” as it is on its last leg and doing its best to putter out some juice. We are grateful to the good brethren in Salem, VA for purchasing a new generator for us and are praying it will get here (we shipped it on the Gaines’ container) before pogo gives up the ghost.

Tanzania Christian Camp (TCC) is almost halfway over. The John Rice family and Ben Thompson made their annual trek to TZ to direct this effort. Anita is one of the counselors this week and is working with the teenage girls. She took enough stuff to the school for crafts, studies, etc…that I think it would have been easier for the campers to come to our house. Where’s the Uhaul when you need it? This year there are almost 90 campers in attendance in addition to a sizable staff. The week consists of a good balance of bible classes, worship, activities and fellowship. Everyone departs spiritually fed and physically worn out. For those who dedicate themselves to TCC, and the spiritual nourishment of the youth in attendance, we offer our sincere gratitude. It takes dedicated, talented, people to do so. Make sure to check out the Tanzania Missions Facebook page for pictures of TCC within a week or so.

This coming Monday the Future Preacher Training Camp (FPTC) will begin. Boys and young men from all over will be staying at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching for five days of training that will include a variety subjects; hermeneutics, homiletics, how to build an outline, etc..., just to name a few.Christopher Mwakabanje will be directing the camp. Each of the faculty at ACSOP will be preaching at some point during the week. I am to preach Tuesday afternoon on the subject: Jesus Christ the tempted One, our example and our leader.

As I close, Anita and I extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued encouragement and support. As it is for everyone, there are hills and valleys to every work and it is good to know that we have friends and brethren who genuinely care and pray on our behalf.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

In Christ,
Sean & Anita

17 New Souls In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We pray the Lord is blessing you with the strength, courage and resolve to continue the faithful walk to His glory and to the saving of the lost of this world. We are good on this side of the “big pond,” blessed beyond measure. 

An amazing event has come to an end. This years Tanzania Christian Camp was a grand success on many levels. There was a lot of rain this year (camp week), but in no way did it dampen the spirits of those involved. Thank you John Rice and Ben Thompson for a job well done. John’s wife, Denise and son John also joined this year’s camp. 

Between 80 and 90 campers came from many sister congregations to join in the spiritual feast, fellowship and fun. Camp here is different than most in America in this one way, the camper ages range from 15 to 25 years of age. Today at the end of worship a young man from the newly planted White Rose congregation, who attended camp last week, became the 17th soul to obey the Gospel. What a week, 17 new Christians. Amen! 

So many good things took place this past week during camp. It was great to see our local brothers and sisters jump in and do whatever was needed. Our dear sisters in Christ from many of our sister congregations volunteered their time and talents, cooking for close to 120 each day. One of the “highlights” was when Anita pointed out the fact that many of those who lead in the one-on-one Bible studies were the young men who had attended previous “Future Preacher’s Training Camp.” The missionary wives pitched in and did a good work. For example, for movie night Stephanie provided the movie and, yes, the pop-corn. She spent over 5 hours, non-stop, in the kitchen popping corn. I’m tired just writing about it! Each night of the camp, the missionary takes turns providing the treat of the night, thanks so much my sisters in Christ! 

As things often go here in Tanzania, we have been without power many days and we have been without internet for four days. So, if you have written and are awaiting a reply, stand by! Prayerfully, tomorrow (Monday) they will fix the problem. I am sending this report out via a remote location. The good news, we have rains and that means we have water! God is so good, all the time. 

Update: We were unable to get out an update on our Bible Tract challenge on Friday due to the fact we had no internet access. So, here goes: We have a new leader (sorry Mississippi), with a most generous donation of $500 from a good brother in the Lebanon, Tennessee area. Tennessee is now “the most generous giver thus far. Welcome aboard Arkansas, you are now on the list of “generous” and you are ahead of Kentucky! We now have $779 toward our target of $5,000. Remember, we still have 16 days to take advantage of the most amazing offer of $5,000 in matching funds. 

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established” [Proverbs 16.3]

We thank you all and we pray our God will bless you in a very special way as this year comes to a close. 

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Three Day Preaching Trip In Nigeria...

Dearest in Christ Jesus,

Greetings from your fellow soldiers of Christ in Nigeria. Due to the bad state of our school van, we went on the three day preaching trip to Ode-Ajagba town in Ondo State as scheduled on December 6-8, 2013.

Friday evening and Saturday morning through evening were used in door-to-door evangelism and in visiting and encouraging some weak brethren in that city by some staff, students of SWSE and some World Bible follow up workers in Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ondo sSates of Nigeria.

On Sunday morning, brother Sunday Samuel Adegoke led the service in songs. I taught on “Building a Strong Local Church,” brother Paul Akinwale admonished them on “Faithful Until Death” and brother Bayo Allen led in the collection of the saints and communion. We are 56 in attendance with total collection of N6,500=. To God be the glory, we had two restorations of two brothers who left the church some few years ago.

At Ibadan, Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregations, brother Samuel Arowolo, a year 2 student of SWSE, taught on “Building on Solid Rock” while brother Emmanuel Makinde, one of our year 1 students, admonished the church on “Where Are You?”

Brethren, one of our graduates named brother Gideon Iluman, an evangelist working with the church of Christ, Bonny camp in Port-Harcourt, River State reported the restoration of one of their former Bible teachers on December 6, while one of our year 2 students, named brother Augustine Odoh, reported the conversion of five souls during his one week preaching trip to the Asejire congregation between Ore and Benin cities, from December 6-8, 2013.

At the campus church in SWSE-Ibadan, one of our year 1 students, named brother Tsado Jonathan, taught on “Worship that Pleases Jehovah,” while brother Samuel Oloroded admonished the church on “Obedience is the Key!”

Beloved, we thank you all for your partnership, and we shall appreciate so much if this wonderful relationship can continue beyond year 2030!

Thanks for your labor of love.

I remain yours in His service,

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

An Alumni Update From Uganda...

Those who attended the Alumni Seminar:

1. Kambale Munduwabo from Congo: Thako congregation. This congregation is at the border of Uganda and Congo. He said, when we went back home, the man who had sold us a piece of land took it back. The members are now crossing into Uganda every Sunday to worship together with Kitoma church of Christ on the Uganda side. This year we have baptized one man who is  still faithful to the Lord. We advised him to continue worshiping in Thako which he agreed, but the biggest problem is funds which can pay for a place of worship. We are only six Christians who have no income. If there is a way they can be helped with some funds to pay rent, we would be thankful.

2. Sande Joseph (Uganda): from Bugiri District in Western region of Uganda of Nabyunyu church of Christ. We are doing well. We are meeting 20 Christians. The storm blew the roof of the house we were  renting for worship. Brother Sande gave a plot to the church where we are planning to start build a temporary house for the church to meet in. Our future plans include making 10,000 bricks to help them build a permanent house of worship. We have requested for a seminar in their village in December. We will be planning to go there when the school will be off.

3. Ruffino Muruka(Kenya): He is now the preacher of the Sigomere church of Christ which has 13 members in Western Region of Kenya as well as an instructor in the Bible School at that church. He planted a church in Namayika, his home village, with 12 members which he left under the care of a young preacher he trained. At Namayika, there is meeting at the Home of one member. They are looking for funds to purchase a church plot and build a church building. In January 2013 they organized a seminar in the Mumias church of Christ. In March we had door to door evangelism at the Sigomere church of Christ. In May we conducted a seminar for four days and one woman was baptized. In the same month I taught about the “one true church” at the Bar Ber Church of Christ during their seminar. In August I taught in the Mulwanda Church of Christ “The Role of Parents in a Christian Home.” In the same month of August, we had a gospel meeting at Namaika and two people were baptized.

4. Okochi Josephat(Uganda): He is the preacher of the Junge church of Christ. This congregation has a plot and a temporary building on it. We have a plan for making bricks for a permanent church building. At present we have a grass thatched church building. Our weekly attendance ranges from 12 to 14, on good days. We are also planning to start digging our latrine. The goat I got from the school helps the church to pay trees which was on the plot we bought.

5. Onyango Moses (Uganda): I am now the preacher at the Bwoya Church of Christ. We now have 26 members attending on a weekly basis. We lost one Christian; one Christian is a backslider. We have plans to build a permanent church building, we have dug our latrine and it is almost done. We go house to house teaching God’s word every Sunday from 2 to 5 in Bwoya Village. Our  future plan is to start preaching in our market with public addresses. Every month we contribute 30,000/= to support our sister congregations.

6. Daniel Oloo (Kenya): Bar Ober Church of Christ, January and February I was in Bar Ober  and the attendance was 12 Christians meeting, five men and seven women plus thirteen children. In march I attended a seminar in Muramba church of Christ and there was no baptism. In April I was in Bar Ober. In May we conducted a seminar at the Bar Ober and Murumba church of Christ. In the same month of May, I went for a gospel meeting in Nyeri Central, Kenya. Five people were baptized. In June 2013 we held a seminar in Mumias 3 people were baptized. During the month of July 2013 I was in Bar Ober. In the month of August, I went to the Nyahururu Rift Valley of Kenya for the East Africa Gospel meeting. We went door knocking for five days and many people heard the gospel; one person was baptized.

Agriculture  Report:

Vegetable:

I have used the skill I obtained from Uganda School of Evangelism in how to grow vegetables  and I am no longer buying vegetables for my family.

Maize, Cassava, sweet Potatoes and Bananas

Through the skill I got from the school, I am now able to grow crops in a better way.

Challenges  Facing  the Church:

*Lack of proper place for the church to meet for worship, we are still renting.

*The Bar Ober Congregation is still very small in number and cannot support us with anything, instead they look for support from us.

*I would do better if I could get some support.

7. Remegio Omollo (Kenya): At the Bar Ober Church of Christ, we have 12 members. From 7th to 9th of March 2013, I was at the Muramba church of Christ for a seminar and door to door  evangelism. From the 9th to 11th of May, we had  a seminar and went from house to house. Two people obeyed the gospel. From the 23rd to 25th of May 2013 we held another seminar at  Murumba town and now we are looking forward to planting a church in that town. The  unmarked months, I have been ministering at Bar Ober while brother Daniel Oloo is out for evangelism  work.

Agriculture Report: From the skill I obtained from the Uganda School of Evangelism has  enabled me to be stable in feeding my family adequately. I have enough throughout the year. Now I am planning to have more for commercial sales. I plant vegetables using organic manure in raised beds, using the drip irrigation kit we got from the school. I have also planted bananas and pumpkins in large holes as we were taught at school.

Challenges Facing The Church:

*We don’t have a permanent place of worship.

*Lack of sustainable financial flow.

*Poor means of transport.

*Inadequate agriculture equipment and inputs.

Way Forward:

*We are straining to get a permanent place of worship.

*We are pleading with sympathizers who can stand with us in this ministry.

*We are looking forward one day to getting a modern easy way of transport.

*We are slowly equipping ourselves with agriculture equipment such as wheel barrows, spades, but looking for small machinery like walk behind tractors to enlarge our farms.

8. Juma Solomon (Kenya): The people we baptized last year are all going on well. This year at the Lugega church of Christ we baptized five people and they are all going on well. Lugega church has bought land and we are raising money to build our church building. Right now in our treasury we have KGX 25,000/= ($294 dollars). We need about $700 dollars so that we may  complete our bulding. The bee hive I was given on graduation day has boosted my income very much and it is through this income that I give to the church treasury whenever I harvest  my honey. We have two studies going and very soon these people are going to obey the gospel. We need your prayers.

9. Richard Olwenyi (Uganda): I am now worshiping at the Genguluho church of Christ. The church at Hagulu is no longer meeting. When I left my family at I went to Andrew Connally  School of Preaching in Tanzania. The church stopped meeting. I am still solving the problems that was at Hagulu, very soon the church will be meeting.

10. Odido  Costant (Uganda): When I left school I could not continue going to the Sirere church of Church as did not have transport. I went to Budala and continued with the congregation which was meeting in my home. The members decided to change a place of worship. At Budala 6 people were baptized. Through our evangelism, two congregations have been planted. In Busiro, a village on shores of Lake Victoria, 9 people have been baptized and the church is now meeting in that village. Brother Girigori had some contact with some people at Lolwe Island in Lake Victoria. We went there and taught a large group of people and 14 people were baptized. Through my ministry, we have 14 meeting in Budala, 9 meeting in Busiro and 14 meeting in Lolwe. All these congregations have no place of worship of their own. They are just meeting in the homes of members. It is our prayer that God bless us with a place of worship called ours.

11. Wandera Julius (Uganda): After 2009 I started going at the Bulukuyi church of Christ for one year. I later went to Kampala to look for employment. I was there for six months. In 2002 I started going to Nangera village where four people were baptized. Early this year I went to the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, but because of some problems, I did not continue with  the school. After that, I found brother Silvano and we started meeting in Lumino and two people have been baptized.

The biggest challenge facing them is learning that the school cannot continue supporting them. It has become very heard for them to start working for a living. Some still believe that because they are preaching every Sunday and attend some seminars, someone somewhere must pay them. It is our prayer that these students, while at school, take it seriously to learn what we are teaching them in Agriculture and start doing this in their homes, as some are reporting.

We had more than 12 alumni, but some did not come with their report.

Francis Wechesa

What Is God Doing In Togo? Just Read This...

What is God doing with our New preachers?

God is using our new preachers in wonderful ways in the kingdom. Since September, three new congregations have been planted and our recent graduates are preaching there.

1) Agou church of Christ – 4 baptized members and the preacher is Agnala Essodinam. (Outcome of September campaign)

2) Agoe Vakpossito Church of Christ - 6 baptized members and preacher is Sodohume.

3) Klime Church of Christ - 18 baptized members and preacher is Atikama.

Urgent Need: We need $500.00 each to build a structure for each of the new congregations. These new congregations are also up for adoption. Contact me for the details.

Let’s encourage these men as they labor under difficult circumstances. 

Willie

One Incredible Week In Training Preachers...

The report this week is filled with incredible news about the work of extension training. The length of the report is longer than usual, so I will be brief to allow you opportunity to read the exciting news that has been shared this week.

We are finishing up the last week of classes in Denver. Two students, Brad Toy and Chris Krotz, along with their families, will complete their studies and move east. The Toy family will be working in Kentucky and the Krotz family will be in Ohio. Both of these men have done an incredible job during their two years at Bear Valley. They are both good students of God’s word and we have the greatest confidence in their ability to strengthen the church and add souls to the kingdom. We ask you to join us in praying for them as they leave Denver for the greater good of God’s kingdom.

The week ahead will be filled with anxiety and excitement as we continue serving in the work of training preachers. Your hand in the growth and development of this work cannot be overstated. Thank you for your generosity, prayers, participation, and encouragement. We are aware of how much you mean to this program. We pray God will continue to bless you richly for all you do for His church.

Now on to the other reports...

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

The latest report from Keith Kasarjian can be read here.

The latest report from Donnie Bates can be read here.

The latest report from Howell Ferguson can be read here.

Extension Reports 

Short Courses End And Campaigns Begin: The first year has been completed in Cameroon. Students are on their way to 27 locations for campaign.

Fetish Priest And Wife Converted: The title of this post says it all. This is one report worth the time to read about the work in Togo.

Challenges Facing The Work In Ukraine: The political climate in Ukraine continues to cause problems for the future of the country.

Campaign Completed In Takoradi: Results of the recently completed campaign in Takoradi demonstrates the hard work of students and staff in Ghana.

Happy Holidays From South America: The news in Paraguay is exciting as the church continues to grow. Holiday wishes are also being sent from the team.

Evangelism In Nigeria: Staff and students with the Southwest School of Evangelism continue to preach the gospel throughout the Southwest corner of Nigeria.

A Challenge Worth Meeting: Work in Arusha, Tanzania needs help in several areas, and many have been met. You can help meet a great need by meeting this challenge.

A Day In The Life: The day to day activities of life in Tanzania always provides an interesting twist in unexpected ways.

Final Thoughts
As we near the end of the year, we know the holiday season is upon us and the beginning of a new year is ahead. We ask you to pray for us as we make decisions that have a lasting impact on the work and many souls. We love and appreciate all you do to make this work possible. Thank you for joining us as co-workers in the Lord’s kingdom.

God bless
Bob

A Day In The Life...

"The things which you have heard from me...entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" II Tim. 2:2.

We hope you will HAVE as good a Sunday as we have HAD (the U.S. is eight hours behind our time). Cy and Jimmy have returned from two weeks of teaching at the Kenya School of Preaching.

Friday evening all the missionaries, Randy Pyle and Tom Brandon, Tizo, Beth and Jackson Joseph plus a friend of Stephanie's, enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at the Stafford's house!

Saturday, the graduation ceremony for the Andrew Connally School of Preaching (ACSOP) and the Arusha Bible School (ABS) were held. After studying for two years, the fourteen graduates will go out into East Africa to spread the Word. Three students graduated from the ABS. Over 200 people attended this event where Randy Pyle and Tom Brandon were the two keynote speakers. Today, in Bible class, Jimmy began teaching a lesson series on I, II, and III John at Kisongo. Our guests, Randy and Tom, spoke at the Arusha congregation.  Afterwards, we all enjoyed lunch with them and Nathan and Jessica McVeigh. Both Randy and Tom are scheduled to leave this week. We are appreciative of their teaching at the ACSOP and speaking at graduation.

A marriage seminar will be held at the Arusha congregation next Saturday. Speakers will include Tanzanian evangelists plus American missionaries. Jimmy's lesson will focus on following God's instructions.

Two new souls been added to the church! An interesting conversion story follows one named Lordrick. Last June , a short-term worker (Brian Covalt, from Oklahoma) was jogging one morning and met Lordrick riding his bike. Unfortunately, Brian was scheduled to return to the states before he could study with him. However, when Brian got home he called Ahimidiwe requesting that he find and study with Lordrick. Ahimidiwe began studying, and two weeks ago, Lordrick was baptized...and brought a friend to worship today.                                                 

"A Day in the Life." While out grocery shopping, Trina was pulled over by a traffic cop (you don't have to commit an offense to be pulled over here). The police woman declared that the road license decal was "finished" (expired).  After asking several times what the expiration date was and only getting the answer, "it's finished and you owe a fine," Abigail got out to check it and noticed the ink was so faded it was illegible. Realizing she had no case, the police woman asked to see Trina's license. Then she simply walked away from the car without bothering to dismiss her.

Stuck in traffic (two minutes later the same day) behind a huge truck, Trina watched a man cross between it and our car (people cross the road EVERYWHERE). When the man laid his forehead on the front of the vehicle, Trina thought he was either tired, sick or mentally ill. When he began tapping his head on the car, Trina suspected he might be pretending she had hit him. After blowing the horn, he went to the passenger's side where Abigail was. Thankfully, the locks had been repaired a few weeks earlier. (THANK YOU!) As Trina began to drive around the truck (to get away from the man) she realized she has been sitting behind a stalled vehicle for 5 minutes! 

Some very sad news came from a congregation in Mbeya (southern Tanzania near Chimala). It seems that the preacher's house boy arrived late one night. The boy and the preachers' wife argued and he went to his room (lived with them). Later that night, he killed her in her bedroom. How tragic!

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of John, Denise and John-Tyler Rice this Friday. They, along with Ben Thompson and others, will conduct Tanzania Christian Camp (TCC). This is a "much-looked-forward-to" yearly event where young folks are saturated with Bible teaching, inspired by spiritual songs and greatly encouraged by the fellowship of other Christians.

Future Preachers' Training Camp begins immediately after TCC ends. One reason for putting TCC ahead of FPTC is to increase the number of young men attending this second camp. When TCC is over, the young men can stay at the school (without going home for the weekend, since many come from far away) and have another great week of "spiritual training." Thanks for making all this possible!

We wish you a wonderful holiday season in which to relax (not shop 'til you drop) and enjoy the company of family and friends. Time spent with family is worth more than all the gifts money can buy.

With Love From Africa,

The Jimmy Gee family

A Challenge Worth Meeting...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We hope and we pray this Short Report finds you well, blessed and serving faithfully. We are good, busy, blessed and thankful for the privileges we share in Christ Jesus. 

During the month of October, I was in the States presenting God’s Tanzania 2000 Mission effort with many. We “Challenged” those I met with needs we have that we might reach as many souls as possible with God’s Good News, the Gospel. 

One “Challenge” was for funds to purchase 2,500 Bibles to distribute during 2014. You answered with an overwhelming “yes we can!” Of the needed $15,000 we have received all but $2,500. 

Another “Challenge” was to provide sponsors for a hopeful total of 30 new students for the 2014 intake at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. Again, you met the “Challenge” whole heartily. We have Sponsors for all 30 students! Thank you and we thank our God for you. 

Another “Challenge” was the replacing of $800 a month in support, $400 for the Stafford family and another $400 for the Mwakabanje family. Our good brother and sister at the Hoover church of Christ has graciously replaced the $400 for the Stafford’s, now we only lack the $400 for the Mwakabanje family. 

Just when we thought it could not get any better, it did. We have a $5,000 matching commitment from an amazing couple in Oklahoma for the purpose of printing Bible Tracts and for the printing of Bible Correspondence Courses. So, here is the “Challenge:” We want to “Challenge” you with a little “Competition” by States. If you are, say, from the State of Mississippi and you donate $100 toward this printing “Challenge” I will report every Monday and ever Fridat, State by State, (until the $5,000 matching funds are met). The Prize will be a special prayer from the Tanzania 2000 Mission Team for a very special blessing in your life from our Heavenly Father! God knows your needs, your desires and wants to bless you. So, what “State” will be known as THE “Giving” State? CO, MS, TN, AL, TX, VA, GA, NJ, LA, OH,.....? Now remember, it is OK to exceed the $5,000 challenge, the more we print, the more souls that will hear/read of the love of God and of His abundant mercy.

Stephanie and I understand the power of the “printed page” and are committing the first $100! With this one donation, matched with another $100 for a total of $200, we can print 10,000 Bible Tacts. Each Bible Tract given to a soul in a developing country will be read by 15-30 souls. Imagine, reaching 15 to 30 thousands souls with the Gospel for as little as $200. 

Now, if you are reading this and desire to participate in this challenge I ask that you let me know by emailing and letting me know what State you are from and how much you are donating. Your donation can be sent to Bear Valley with a note: TZ2000 Missions/Printing Challenge. Thank you all and may your holiday season be all you hoped it would be and may our God use you to bless the life of some lost soul. We love you and we thank you for your part in the “preaching and teaching” of the Gospel here in East Africa. 

In Him, 

Cy, Stephanie and Granny

Evangelism In Nigeria...

Beloved,

Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ to you our fellow laborers in the kingdom of King Jesus.

The staff, students and some of the WBSFUW in Oyo and Osun States evangelized Asejire town, Osun State on November 29 & 30 as scheduled, and our joint efforts resulted in the restoration of two aged brothers who left the church some years ago.

On Sunday, December 1, at the Asejire-2 congregation, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe taught on “The New Testament Church” while one of our year 1 students, named Olorode Samuel, admonished the church.

Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, brother Makinde Emmanuel, one of SWSE year 1 students (DLP) since 2010 taught on “Lessons from the Church at Antioch” (ACTS 11-15), brother Oladokun Samuel Olawale, a year 2 student, taught the semi-youth on the “Names of the Church” and brother Gabriel Ishom, a year 1 student, admonished the church on “Reward.” We are 60 in attendance with total collection of N3,805=

Brethren, our November visiting instructor, brother Kumayon Olusegun taught on “The Preacher’s Life” from Nov.11-15 with an hour test on Friday afternoon before he returned to the Warri-Delta State.

Brother Dairo Joseph Abiodun, one of the SWSE-instructors at the Lagos satellite campus, reported the conversion of three souls in November at the end of the month lectureship and the commencement of eldership training program at Ota congregation where he is ministering.

Brother Matthew Idowu, another instructor at Lagos campus and an evangelist working with Oke-Afa Isolo congregation, Lagos State, also reported the conversion of two couples during their three days Internal Lectureship that centered on “The Christian Home” in the month of November 2013.

One of our 2007 graduates and a minister of God at Ede-Adejoh,Kogi State, named brother Godspower Ossai, reported the restoration of a brother in the month of November at Ede-Adejoh congregation and the restoration of a congregation at Odolu town near Akpanya,Kogi State in November 2013, and another graduate from the Lagos campus in 2007, named brother Matthew Odey, and an evangelist at Amikanle congregation, Lagos State, reported the conversion of their daughter, Faith, in November  2013. To God be the glory!

Due to the visit of some of our lovely brothers in January through April 2014, the school, in our teachers meeting this morning, decided to make some necessary amendments in the school program.

*End of the years program remain (December 20,2013 - January 2, 2014)

*2nd semester classes continue on January 6 -22, 2014

*2nd semester examination will now between January 23 -28, 2014

*3rd semester classes will now begin on February 3-April 25, 2014

*4th semester classes now May 16 - July 11

*A month teaching practice now July 11- August 10, 2014 

*12th annual lectureship & 11th graduation remain (August 22-23, 2014 Lord's willing).

We are now set to travel out of Oyo State for three days mass evangelism at Ode-Ajagba in Ondo State with some World Bible School follow-up with workers such as brother Paul Akinwale and brother Sunday Samuel Adegoke. We hope to return to the school campus on Monday. Please remember us in prayer. Thanks and God blessed.

Brethren, we thank you all for your prayer and financial support! May the Lord keep on blessing our work together in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

I remain yours in His grace as a servant,

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

Happy Holidays From South America...

From the hot, summer season that is now upon us here South of the equator in Paraguay, we want to wish all of you back in the USA a very happy holiday season! We pray this time of year finds you filled with peace and joy while enjoying time with friends and family. God bless!

DEVELOPMENTS AT AVENIDA SACRAMENTO
This month a lot of time was dedicated to goal planning for the upcoming year. We started with our annual men’s planning meeting and that has been extended to a weekly meeting due to the desire to restructure our ministry programs. The meetings have included members from Ñemby and Avenida Sacramento. It is very encouraging to see the Paraguayans working so diligently in making plans for the future of the church in their country. Once all the decisions are made. We will share them with you here in our following reports!

The ladies also held their annual “Mujeres de Fe” conference on Saturday, November 9th. Two of our sisters, Raquel Franco and Leti Alfonso, extended the lessons on the theme of “Quiero Ver” (I Want to See) taken from Mark 10:51. There was a great turn out of ladies from all the congregations, as well as, visitors.

ÑEMBY CONGREGATION DEVELOPMENTS
The good brethren at Ñemby hosted a “dinner on the grounds” on November 10 in their new facility for some fellowship time and to welcome brother Joe King to Paraguay. Several visitors came which afforded the opportunity to evangelize.

Baptized! Graciela Espinoza! She came to the church as a new contact made from an evangelistic campain back in July with the Palm Beach Lakes congregation from the USA. She has been studying regularly with Eliezer and attending services. She has a very humble heart and we joyfully welcome her to the family of God!

Baptized! Gabriel Balbuena! He is a friend and co-worker of our sister in Christ, Raquel Franco. She taught him the gospel over the course of several months and he finally came to the decision that he needed to be baptized. We rejoice with the angels in heaven!

ASUNCION BIBLE ACADEMY UPDATE
The students have finished their third quarter of studies and wrapped it up with a successful evangelistic door-knocking campaign in Ñemby. This time, they went to the neighborhoods around the new church building. This area was even more receptive than previous ones, with several really good contacts having been made. The next quarter will feature a class on “Church Planting” with a special guest teacher, Enoch Rinks, as well as, some practical application workshops.

Evangelistic Contacts / Bible Studies / Special Activities:
We have some exciting news in regards to our study with Sandra Durarte! When she first came to study with us, she said that her husband is very Catholic and didn’t want her in a Bible study. After a few weeks she said he finally approved of her coming. This past month, she informed us that he has lots of Bible questions and would like to come study with us! We thank God for the opportunity!

We ask that you please pray for our students in our “Learn English Using the Bible” program: José, Max, Martín, Aaron, Felix, Adriana, and Oscar. The studies are moving slowly, due to weather or schedule complications, but they are continuing forward.

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

This month we also had the pleasure of having brother Joe King, an elder from our sponsoring congregation Maragaret Street church of Christ, come to visit us in Paraguay and survey the work here. While he was here, we had several great Bible studies and special meetings with the brethren. He also sat in on one of our English Bible studies, encouraged our two elder candidates, gave some great advice on planning meetings and leadership classes, and really encouraged Andrea and myself.

Brother Eliezer Perez finished up his first term as missionary here in Paraguay and headed back to Panama on the 25th to be with his family for the holidays. He will be returning to Paraguay on January 5th to resume the work. He is such a hard worker! He was so concerned about all the contacts that had been made recently, that he assigned several people to call them and maintain communication!

Our Leadership Training by Extension classes continue to go very well. We have been studying through a book on “Hermeneutics” and the brethren have shown great interest in what they have been learning. We pray it will provide a strong foundation for their future study of God’s Word.

Other news and upcoming activities:
We’re looking forward to our annual “End of Year Dinner”

Andrea will be hosting this month’s Ladies Tea in our home.

Karen Bennet will be coming to Paraguay to visit us again in January and lead the Ladies Retreat.

Enoch and Laura Rinks will be coming to visit their family and brethren in Paraguay.

Personal Activities:
Every year the “Las Amigas Club” hosts an American style Thanksgiving Dinner as a fundraising event. Andrea has been involved since 2010 and it’s always a great opportunity for us to get to meet new people. But, let’s not forget, to also enjoy a yummy taste of home!

Andrea and I went to visit our dear sister in Christ, Estela, who lives in Caacupe, about an hour outside of Asuncion. Her daughter, Graciela, had come to town, so we picked her up and took her to her mom’s house. It was a great visit and is always a relaxing time in her comfortable home.

We enjoyed a nice dinner at a great steakhouse and an evening of fellowship with our mission team mates during our annual Team Banquet.

We attended a piano recital for one of Andrea’s English students, Oscar Parodi. He did a great job!

Andrea and I have had to make several trips to the doctor this past month for check-ups, physicals, and a few concerns that we each had with our health. Thanks be to the Lord, all results have come back with good news. We continue to pray for good health while on the mission field.

We want to say “THANK YOU!” to all our brethren at Maragaret Street for the beautiful card and care package that you sent down with Joe King. It made us feel so loved! We really appreciate you all and miss you very much!

Personal study: I am currently reading / have read:

“The Eternal Kingdom” by F.W. Mattox

“The Books of History” by James E. Smith

I have been preparing for the upcoming quarter to teach I and II Kings, as well as, Church History.

Preaching/teaching opportunities:
This month, I preached at Avenida Sacramento on the subject of “Are We Saints or Sinners?”

I taught classes on Eccesiastes and Romans in our Bible study hours at Avenida Sacramento.

I wrapped up the month with our classes on “The Life of Christ IV” with the Asuncion Bible Academy.

We will be studying a “Panorama of the Bible” for the next year. We’ll be giving an introduction and summary for every book in the Bible during Sunday AM class.

Cultural or language discovery:
On Saturday, October 26, Paraguay shattered the Guinness World Record for the largest harp ensemble, with 420 harpists performing in a single orchestra. The previous record was 201 harpists in Scotland. A large majority of the musicians were Paraguayan youth from 39 different cities, as well as a few from Brazil, England, Japan, and Peru, who came together to perform in Asunción. The youngest musician was 6-year-old Maura Glober. The ensemble was called #SuenaParaguay (Paraguay Sounds) because even the world’s largest harp ensemble needs a hashtag.

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

To see Troy and Andrea’s report with pictures, please go here.

Campaign Completed In Takoradi...

Brethren,

We are inching towards the end of our first term in the 2013/2014 Academic Year and I am happy to report on some events since our last report.

Our Campaign #2 has been carried out. This was to work with existing churches to give our students some experience in the day-to-day works of congregations I was undergoing therapy every other day at the clinic and could not go with them. Joshua had a local program set for the week and could not go too. Charles Mensah, Matthew Ackah and Charles Arthur were the instructors who went with the students.  This was to have been a week-long program but had to end on Friday because there was a MEN’S FORUM scheduled for Saturday, November 16.

Brother Charles Mensah reported on the Campaign as follows:

TRIP TO JAMRA: November 11-15, 2013

Departure: 1:45 pm.  The vehicle had a mechanical fault at Daboase Junction (within the Metropolis) and had to continue the journey with a hired van

Arrival: Arrived at Jamra about 5:30 pm and were met by the church there.

Program: As had  been scheduled, we met at 7:30 pm (their meeting time) for the first of four evening lectures presented by brother Matthew Ackah.

Tuesday: We began the evangelism program at Jamra.  Students and instructors were paired. Since we could not get members from the local congregation to lead us into the village, we decided to study with anyone we met on our way. We were able to study with thirty prospects on this day. Tracts were distributed and contacts were made for further studies.

Evening: We met for our evening lectures at 7:30 pm.  Brother Charles Arthur was the Speaker.

Wednesday: Evangelism continued. Questions from tracts given out the previous day were answered. We had the opportunity to visit some who were absentees to the services of the church. We followed up on our prospects of the previous day and studied with some twenty-five more persons. There was one baptism.

Evening: Brother Charles Arthur continued with his lecture at 7:30 pm.

Thursday: Though transportation was a problem, we divided the team into two to enable us cover a nearby village from which we had received a call to evangelize. We hired a van to take one team there while the other continued evangelizing at Jamra, our base. One soul was baptized by the team that went into the second village. Over thirty prospects were contacted this day.

Evening: Brother Charles Mensah was the speaker for the evening’s lecture. There was an increased attendance perhaps because we were to leave the following day.

Friday: There was a call from another nearby village and even though we had planned to depart by 2:00 pm, we responded by hiring a van for a team to go. Another soul was baptized today.

Departure: We departed Jamra at 4:35 pm.

MEN’S FORUM
This is a twice yearly gathering of men in the Metropolis hosted by the Ituma church which meets on campus. Various topics pertaining to Man’s Mission are studied and discussed to inform and encourage men to take their rightful place in the home, the church and society. The eighth of the series was held on Saturday, November 16.  Discussion were made on Failure of Male Leadership is the cause of the woes of the world and Healing the Divisions Among Churches In The Western Region. Brethren from 30 congregations attended.

VISIT TO FRANK AKYI AND CHILDREN
We have reported the death of the wife of Frank Akyin one of our students who preaches at Kikam in the Nzema area of the Western Region. Churches in the area set Saturday, November 30 as a day to visit him and present their donations to help defray his funeral expenses as custom demands. West Coast attended and presented the donation of the staff and students to our brother. We bring you some photos of the occasion and brother Frank’s four children.

West Coast Delegation
Next week our short courses begin. Charles Arthur will be teaching The Christian Home and Daniel Ampadu-Asiamah will be teaching Leadership. We have entered the hot season and as with every change of weather come various ailments four of our students are ill and out of campus. Please, pray for them. All five teachers are well and for that we are grateful.

Thank you, brethren, and bye for now.

Daniel K Ampadu-Asiamah
Principal

To view brother Asiamah’s report with pictures, please click here.

Challenges Facing The Work In Ukraine...

Dear brothers, families and churches.

It’s obvious that every one of us wants to live in a fair, just and God-fearing society. Right now in Ukraine it’s a period when millions of people with trembling and anxiety are going through the events that took place in Kiev (the capital of Ukraine). Our government decided not to enter into the union with Europe, and hundreds of thousands people all over the country went out protesting and expressing their discontent. The protesters require resignation of the government and specific actions while moving in the European direction. I urge you to pray for the future of Ukraine and for the future of God’s church here.

At the beginning of November, there were Master’s classes at the BVBIU, and most likely these students will graduate next year and finish their three-year marathon. We expect to have three graduates from this program, and some of them will be able to help us teach at this Institute. In the Bachelor’s program, first-year students studied such courses: Godhead, Angels and Satan (instructor Vitaliy Rodichev), and Genesis (instructor Victor Semikoz). The second year-students studied Acts (instructor Vladimir Paziy), and 1-2 Thessalonians (instructor Dennis Sopelnik). I’m grateful for the brethren who participate actively in training the future ministers. We had Ukrainian teachers in this semester. A few years ago we could only dream of such possibility, but now it’s a reality. Now we have to work on becoming financially independent, but it’s a difficult thing to do at the moment. Talking about the churches in Ukraine and their development, I will try to show their situation using the example of the church in Gorlovka (which uses the BVBIU building for worship services). This church is now going through a period that is not so good in its history; there are about 22-25 people attending the services regularly. The growth of the church is barely noticeable, even though the church has many programs functioning. The main part of the church members consists of elderly people, whose pensions are so small that they hardly have enough to pay rent for their apartments, not mentioning food or medical expenses. Therefore, the contributions in the church are very small accordingly. We always talk about inviting more young and middle-age people, but it’s very difficult to accomplish on practice. God’s gospel is not changed; it’s still potent and powerful, and probably we need more time, patience and continuous prayers.  

Last month I visited congregations in Kramatorsk and Dzerzhinsk. The latter is situated in about a 30-minute drive. The church there is very friendly and hospitable. We have a student, Sergey, from this town, and he prepared a good sermon, and I hope that he’ll minister in that church in the future. 

My wife and I continue working in the orphanage. During the time of our ministry there, kids have already got used to us and met with many missionaries from the US. Of course we can’t give them all they need, but the most important thing that we share with them is the Good News about Jesus Christ.  

One of the interesting events of the last month was a conference for ladies in Konstantinovka. Ladies who graduated from BVBIU actively participated in it; they spent a lot of time preparing for it, and everyone was greatly encouraged. 

We thank every one who supports BVBIU. We appreciate your input in spreading the gospel here. Your prayers and financial support help us to train sound preachers. Taking a student into the program, you basically take care of all financial expenses (including housing, food and clothing). Many of them send you their greetings and gratitude. 

Your brother and co-worker,
Dennis Sopelnik

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

Fetish Priest And Wife Converted...

The gospel truly has the power to save. This can be the only explanation for what is being done in Togo. In Hanyigba, near Kpalime, a fetish priest has operated for several years indulging himself in all kinds of activities with his evil powers. Several people had consulted him for evil powers and for years he had been considered a very powerful man in the area. The mention of his name sent shivers down the spine of individuals. The natives couldn’t believe what they were hearing about the native doctor becoming a Christian.

John Akli, a former student of CBS stood before this ‘powerful man’ in the name of the almighty God taking the confession of this fetish priest. To the right, the powers of this native doctor were on display. It was a display of the source of his powers. He brought them to be destroyed by the Power of God. On this day two powers crashed and God of heaven was victorious. I don’t know how this may sound to you, but brethren, this is a very significant event in the African contest. All these have been made possible through our weekly radio program and evangelistic outreach programs in the area. Continue to pray for the success of the Gospel.

2013-2014 CBS STUDENTS
Twenty men have committed themselves to two years training to preach the gospel of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Out of the twenty in the class, only four came from the the Church of Christ. However, as at the time of writing this report, seven (7) students who came in as denominational pastors or church leaders have been baptized. These have been made possible through the daily instructions at the school, church activities and the radio program. We are so grateful to God for the lives of these men.

Class in session at CBS
Courses for the first semester include:

    1.    Genesis 

    2.    Homiletics 

    3.    Old Testament Survey 

    4.    Scheme of Redemption

    5.    The Church 

    6.    Evangelism 

    7.    West African Traditional Religion 

    8.    French 

    9.    The book of Acts 

    10.    The Gospel of John 

RECENT BAPTISMS IN KPALIME
The Nyiveme church was blessed with a number of baptisms during the month under consideration. A part from the students, some other individuals were baptized too. A lady who is a wife of one of our members who had a stroke and was confined to the house, but when recovering decided to submit to Christ through baptism. Her decision was based on what God has done for her during her sickness. She attributes her gradual recovery to the work of God and this is her way of showing appreciation.

ANNUAL BIBLE CAMP, DECEMBER 23-26

During my recent trip to Kpalime, I met some of the church leaders to discuss the end of year activities. The area churches have planned to hold the annual Bible camp in Kpalime under the Theme: “Christians and material blessings.” Twelve congregations will converge at EYOH and several messages under the above theme would be delivered by preachers. The organizers are expecting about 150 participants.

December 31st “Watch Night Service”
On the last day of each year, Christians in the Kpalime area meet in Kpalime at a service dubbed “ Watch Night Service” to say goodbye to the old year and usher in a new year (2014). This service is characterized by singing, praying, and peaching. The service usually starts from 9:00 pm till 12:30 am. The service is followed by a fellowship meal and there after brethren depart for their homes.

SCENES FROM RECENT WORSHIP
I was privileged to worship with the Nyiveme Church of Christ on my recent trip to Kpalime. One of the recent graduates taught the class and one brought the sermon. The Nyiveme congregation is blessed with preachers and teachers because most of the recent graduates are currently worshiping there. These preachers are paired with the students for weekend visits to local congregations. We hope that very soon they will all have congregations to work with.

Report By: H.WILLIE GLEY

williegley@gmail.com

Short Courses End And Campaigns Begin...

Dearest in Christ,

Peace and love from your brothers and sisters in Wotutu. We do hope you and the entire family over there are doing great, praise God.

Last week in CBIW was busy as usual, as all 27 students were involved in their short course that marked the end of their first year of studies in CBIW. We say bravo to our God for all His providence and care.

Brother Ralph and sister Cindy are still in Cameroon, but they have finished honorably all that was assigned them to do. In a few days they will take off from our shores. Please keep them in your prayers till they make it back home on Wednesday night.

Brother Ralph Williams gave last minutes instructions to students before their final exams in the book of Galatians. It was great as the students testified, he is a great teacher.

After the exams we took a picture with thumbs up meaning “we are not alone.”

Brother Ralph taught in our youngest congregation, which is three weeks old now in Down Beach, Limbe, on the topic “Christian Principles.”

Sister Cindy stood at our pulpit teaching the women of Cameroon in a one day seminar that was initiated for the ladies. It was great as many sisters in Cameroon, who were part of the class, loved it and solicited the class to be organized again so that many other sisters who were not informed this time around could be involved.

It was also time for praise and prayers as the program was just for one day, but it was so uplifting to the sisters as 8 congregations, excluding Wotutu, were present with 57 ladies in attendance. Praise God for this initiative.

The sisters were also able to take a family picture. It was great and it was all fun. In God’s presence there is joy and there is the fullness of joy. This is what the sisters experienced as they departed Wotutu. We are praying and hoping such a program has come to stay to empower our sisters in many domains of life.

All the students in CBIW are on their way to 26 different locations for the last evangelism effort for the year, 2013. Keep them in your prayers as some will be in the village of Dikome where there is no congregation to see how they can help establish a congregation. Keep them in your prayers please.

Sister Hilda Mesumbe, one of our graduates’s mother, obeyed the gospel in Wotutu. Keep her in your prayers to grow to maturity and that the rest of her 5 children, who are not Christians, will follow her foot steps in Christ.

The family of God is great, catching fun after worship today beside our dormitories. What a great family of God.

Plans
Please keep me in your prayers as I travel to Nigeria this week. I will be there until almost the close of the year. I am going over there to get some books donated to us for our library. When I return I will give you a comprehensive report of what made news throughout 2013.

Appreciations
My heart is full of joy, and are the hearts of many here in our congregation and the entire student body. We say thank you Lord. We thank our Lord for His great care and love to us and His providence to us through you. Oh we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your prayers, care, love and support to us and our ministries for the year. God bless you and continue to watch over you. You are a pillar that the Lord is using to accomplish many here. All glory goes to Him.

Do your best to share our reports with many around. God bless you and keep you safe. We wish you, your family and the congregation of the Lord a fruitful year - 2014 - in advance. God loves us.

Elangwe and family

BY His grace director CBIW

God's Power Is Bringing Souls To Christ...

As we enter the last month of the year, there is a great deal to be thinking about: assessing the information surrounding the work for the past year, adjusting to the changes that are occurring, and planning the year ahead. Time goes by so quickly and with the proper evaluation, preparation and execution we look back and realize, we were ready to take advantage of the opportunities God provides.

We are entering the last few weeks of the second quarter of the school year in Denver. The students are finishing up their assignments and preparing for final exams. They are also looking forward to a needed break, as they will be able to travel and spend time with family and friends at home.

Many of the extension schools will also be taking a break as we near the end of the year. Until then, however, the news from around the world continues to be exciting. The growth of the Lord’s church does not slow down for the holidays and the proof is found in the demonstration of God’s power in bringing souls to Christ through the preaching of the gospel. Even though there are challenges and obstacles to overcome, the dedication of these servants of God prevails.

We ask you to keep praying about the work of training preachers. The new year will see several new students in Denver, recruiting in several of the extension locations, and the graduation of numerous men who are going into the world to bring souls out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son!

Now on to the other reports...

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

Extension Reports 

The Gospel Continues To Bear Fruit: Students continue to strengthen the church and God has given the increase, as 8 more souls were added to the church in Cameroon.

In The Midst Of Challenge, God Is Glorified: While threatened, Joshua Aidoo continues to preach the gospel to a family needing Christ. He needs our prayers.

Year 2 In The Kenya School of Preaching Is Underway: The time is going by quickly as the Kenya School of Preaching prepares to begin the second quarter of the second year.

What Will You Do With Christ? Focus In Nigeria: Recent lessons in Nigeria focused on answering one of the most significant questions in history.

Graduation Gives 134 Reasons To Be Thankful: The work of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Arusha recently completed another graduation, a total of 134 graduates.

Final Thoughts
Thank you for making the work of training preachers possible. We love you, pray for you, and will never be able to thank you enough for making the sacrifices needed to provide for the work. Your prayers, encouragement and financial support are appreciated. 

God bless
Bob

Graduation Gives 134 Reasons To Be Thankful...

Greetings Fellow Servants:

It always brings joy to our hearts when we think of the amazing work God is doing here in East Africa through His faithful, you! We are very thankful for many things in this missionary life; you are high on that list to be sure. We partner in the greatest labor that can be known, because our God has said so and we know it is to the saving of souls for eternity. 

It was 1998 when we began a new chapter in missions, in Tanzania. To date we have graduated 134 evangelist from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, in partnership with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver and all our loyal supporters. We have also graduated 20 evangelist with their Master’s degree in Biblical Studies. These men are in the “field of God,” laboring to serve our God and the lost of this world. 

The untold good being done can be seen in two of our graduates: Charles Ogutu and Elias Omolo. These men now serve as Director and Dean at the newly planted sister school, the Kenya School of Preaching. Jimmy and I had the privilege of teaching two Short Courses this past couple of weeks to 13 undergraduates and four graduate students. Yes, the mission efforts are beginning to compound throughout East Africa. 

This year’s graduation was especially dear to myself. As I witnessed the 14 men receive their diplomas, one name really stood out, our dear brother Ayubu (Ki-Swahili for Job). This is one of the two young men who came down from Mt. Meru several years ago telling Francis Wechesa that Moses had sent him down from the mountain to be baptized. Ayubu will be serving the newly planted congregation at White Rose. The other young man’s name is William. William graduated and is serving the Maji ya Chai congregation. Our formally blind brother Moses, who was blind, has gone on to his reward and “sees” perfectly and for eternity! 

Another part of this years graduation was special. Three men from the Arusha Bible School took part in this years graduation. These men began classes two years ago, non-christians, but today they are faithful men of God. One of these men, Amani, is working with Desdery Masaawe at the new Mt. Meru church plant. 

To see God’s mission work mature and to have been a small part of it is a blessing indeed. A very special thank you to our brothers, Tom Brandon and Randy Pyle. Tom, an Elder in the Lord’s Church, and Randy, the minister from the same congregation, have been here at the ACSOP teaching two short courses. We are blessed and yes, very thankful for all the men that have come to teach and train these young men that, in turn, they might teach others. (2 Tim.2.2)

Please say a very special prayer for these graduates and their families as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Also, please remember Sean and Anita as they begin their travels back to TZ. One last prayer request, please remember Randy Pyle at this time. This will be the first holiday season without his wife who passed away earlier this year. 

In closing, let each of us thank our God for who we are and pray He helps us to become the men and women He wants us to be! 

In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Granny

What Will You Do With Christ? Focus In Nigeria...

Beloved,

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

The students of the SWSE-Ibadan evangelized Jago, Kupalo and Lamini villages of Ona-Ara L.G.A. Oyo State on the weekend of November 23, 2013, while we (SWSE-staff, Foundation & Board members) attended the burial ceremony of the mother-in-law of our Board chairman (brother Ayobami Akanji) at Asi town, Oyan in Osun State.

On Sunday at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan, I taught on “The Perilous Time,” while a visiting minister named brother Matthew Roland admonished the church.

At the campus church in SWSE-Ibadan, brother Optimism Onyeanulam taught on “What Will You Do With Christ?” while another student admonished the church on “God Will Provide” (Gen.22:8).

Brethren, the staff and students of SWSE-Ibadan, and one of our August 2013 graduates, named brother Dele Shotola, shall be working with brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe and brother Adeniji Joseph in evangelizing Asejire town, Osun State on November 29 and 30, 2013.

Lord willing, we shall be working with brother Paul Akinwale, and brother Sunday Samuel Adegoke and the church at Ode-Ajagba in Ondo State from December 6-8, 2013, and on December 13 & 14, we shall be working with brother Sunday Samuel Adegoke, and the church at Kute in Lagelu L.G.A. Oyo State, and on December 20 & 21, we shall be working with brother Dele Shotola and the church at Felele-Ibadan.

The SWSE-Ibadan main campus shall close for the end of the year program on December 20 and to re-open on January 3, 2014, Lord willing.

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

I remain yours in His grace as a servant,

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

Year 2 In The Kenya School Of Preaching Is Underway...

Dear  brother,

What a way to end the year 2013 for KSOP!

By God’s grace the year 2013 has come to an end. We thank God for leading us through it. It is a December break at the Kenya school of Preaching, we just finished year 2 Quarter 1.  We cannot also forget to thank all brethren who through their prayers, advice and generosity helped us to be what we are. Thanks! There are those who made trips to come and teach at KSOP, thanks.

Cy Stafford, a man who through his influence in East and Central Africa many preachers have been trained and thousands of souls rescued, visited KSOP accompanied by Jimmy Gee the Director of ACSOP in Tanzania. It was great having Cy and Jimmy teaching undergraduate (The Book of James and Marriage and family life) and graduate (O.T Criticism and Advanced Greek Reading – Ephesians) classes respectively for two weeks, it was like a dad paying visit to his children. Indeed, a great way to end the year! Welcome again.

There is still room for other foreign teachers to come and teach short courses, get in touch with me or Mike Reese the KSOP Coordinator on that.  

The students are doing well with the classes, they go for the break with the ability to stand up and give a defense concerning the hope in them with meekness and fear (1Pet 3:15), with the ability to establish and conduct bible studies and preach in all seasons. During the past breaks, the students have been actively involved in gospel meetings and campaigns with many souls obeying the gospel.

In the coming year 2 Quarter 2, we want to sent the students out as much as possible to evangelize and help the local congregations around Kisumu region and out, we will need your prayers to realize this.

The school still requests commentaries, dictionaries, bible softwares that we can use in our library computers, we have received some books and we really appreciate all who have given.

We look forward to another great year coming as we continue to labor in the Kingdom. Keep us in your prayers as we join other brethren during this break in gospel meetings and campaigns.

God bless your labor in the Kingdom.

His servant,
Charles Ogutu, Director KSOP

In The Midst Of Challenge, God Is Glorified...

Dear brethren,

About four months ago, I converted a denominational pastor named George Cassidy, and afterwards decided to work on his family so that they also would become members of the Lord’s Church. This has become a very difficult task for me, since the wife of the man was not happy about the husband’s decision to leave the Assembly of God denomination, and in regards to that, saw me and the members of the Lord’s Church as a threat to them. The woman polluted her children’s minds and by so doing turned them against their own father.

However, through prayers, and persistence I found a way to approach their daughter in personal Bible studies, which resulted in her visiting the church. Yesterday, she visited the church and after the worship was over, she told me she wanted to be baptized. In fact this brought a great joy to the entire congregation. She is called Marian Cassidy.

This morning, I called Mr. Cassidy to ask about how sister Marian was doing, only to hear that the wife was really furious about Marian’s baptism and as a result, creating confusion in the house. This is about to have some bad effect upon their marriage. Please, help me pray for the faith of Mr. Cassidy and his daughter Marian. Also, let us pray for Mrs. Cassidy so that her wrong perception about the Church of Christ will change and become a member too.

Also, I am about to start working on their son, Gideon, who seems to be following his mother in her crusade against the Lord’s Church.

Again, there are some people I have been studying with for some time, and last night between 8:00 and 9:00 pm two of them called me for baptism, and without hesitation, I arranged for their baptism. They are called, Jude and Esther.

I baptized them myself including that of Marian.

Thanks for your prayers.

Joshua

The Gospel Continues To Bear Fruit...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this end. We do hope this report meets you all in good health and a sound faith. Those of you in the USA, we send our special prayers to you and your family. We do hope the holiday of thanksgiving was great.

We are doing great here. God took us off from Wotutu to different locations and we made it back safe and sound. Most of our students and staff were involved in the National Annual Lectureship in Tombel, while some students went to where we are working to evangelize, nurture and do follow up as we do weekly to keep those congregations without preachers up and going.

I was able to be with some students already in Tombel. After our exams we were supposed to go to Tombel area for mass evangelism. We were able to walk up and down the street of Tombel. It was a great mission.

We were involved in house to house evangelism, meeting people and sharing the gospel in their home. Some did not have enough sits for all of us, so we were bound to sit with them on the floor to reach out with the gospel.

CBIW students put canopies up for accommodation from rain and from sun. It was great for our students to be of great help to the congregation there.

Sister Mercy Chang, who listened to us with keen attention, asked lots of questions concerning her belief and her life styles. We told her Jesus is calling and she obeyed the gospel. A total of 8 souls were added into the church in Tombel.

Our sermon this morning was “Thank You.” It is a word which is easier, but difficult and rare for many to use. It was time to provoke the Christians to think about what God had done, is doing and will yet do in their lives, for them praise Him and also to fellow humans. Many fail to say thank you, so the aim was to help many here put on the spirit of gratitude. Brother Ralph and his wife, sister Cindy, who were part of our worship today.

Brother Ralph is in Cameroon to teach in CBIW on the book of Galatians. They made it safe here and we encourage you to keep them in your prayers for good health and for them to accomplish what brought them here to help train men to preach the saving message.

Today was a day of joy in my family as my son Breedlove Elangwe turn 1 today. Many children in our congregation came together to sing, pray and celebrate with him. Keep the young man in your prayers, and us, so that we shall bring him up in the way of the Lord for him to impact his generation for the Lord’s glory.

Plans

Our students will leave Campus on the 9th of December for their last evangelistic campaign for this year. By next week we shall know how far and the number of congregations that they will go to preach and teach.

Appreciations

God bless you. Thank you very much for all that you are doing over here. God will reward you in due season.

Elangwe and family

By His grace Director CBIW