Chosen Vessels Preaching The Gospel Globally...

New reports this week continue to share the incredible nature of God’s hand at work in blessing the efforts of staff and students involved in the extension training program. The diligence put forth by each individual provides an example for all of us. The Lord is making a difference through His chosen vessels that are preaching the Gospel on a global scale. It is exciting to participate in this work.

The week ahead is a special week for the staff of the extension program as we will travel to the Freed Hardeman lectureship, which will conclude with our annual staff meeting. The opportunity to hear great lessons from God’s word, the fellowship shared among Christians from all around the country and world, along with talking about the work of extension training in each location where Bear Valley is privileged to share in the work of training men to preach, is a combination for one awesome week.

A real blessing is found each time the staff comes together because we take small steps that continue to improve the program overall. Please pray for us as we discuss matters related to the growth and success of this work. 

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/

Keith Kasarjian’s latest report can be found here.

Extension Reports 

Transforming Souls, Gaining Consciousness Of God: Weekend evangelism in Cameroon continues to see souls transformed as they gain a consciousness of God.

Fourth Term At Tamale Is Underway: Tony Johnson is back in Ghana and the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies began the fourth quarter of studies last week.

Baptisms And Restorations Characterize Break Activity: The work of students during the end of the year break from the Kenya School of Preaching yielded baptisms and restorations.

A Need For Prayer: Recently, Darvin Alvarez lost his sister, Ingrid. Darvin is a teacher at ITL in Guatemala and would appreciate your prayers for his family.

Evangelism Is Yielding Fruit In Nigeria: The past week of evangelism near the Southwest School of Evangelism witnesses the new birth of souls obedient to the gospel.

Consider Adopting A Congregation In Togo: Graduates in Togo are working with congregations near Kpalime. They could use your help.

At Every Turn, God Is Growing The Church: Reports from graduates of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching demonstrate the ways God is working in Tanzania and Uganda.

Final Thoughts
Thank you in advance for your prayers. Please pray for the safety of everyone traveling for the meeting and for the discussions we will have about the work. We also want to thank you for your partnership in the work of training preachers. You are a blessing to us and every soul that is touched with the gospel around the world.

God bless
Bob

At Every Turn, God Is Growing The Church...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

We hope and we pray the Lord is blessing you all in the right ways, that in turn you can bless others. We thank you for your prayers and support, making this mission effort possible. Every month the Lord gives the increase. See the short reports from various men of God.

Emanuel Peter (Tanzania): The church of Christ, Chamwirio Ikulu, Dodoma was started by brother Andrew Connally and Lenkos Mkwama in 1978 on their way to Arusha. The church stopped meeting for some time, but was restarted by brother Elias who would begin a second congregation. Such a sweet story of the power of the Gospel and the generational influence of godly men like Andrew and Lenkos. 

Raymond Mwero (Uganda): Last week we baptized three. Yesterday was a good day in that the Lord added another three souls to HIs church. This year has started with great wonders on the side of the Church here, four others were restored. 

Theofilo Songie (Congo): Here is our report from the churches in the Congo: 1. Uvira congregation, 45 members. Two families restored this year. 2) Baraka congregation now has 35 members, four baptized this year. 3) Kikwena congregation now has 20 members. 4) Fizi congregation has 21 members. This congregation is 70 miles from the Uvira congregation. 5) Lweba congregation is 17 members. 6) Mboko congregation has now grown to 15 members. We thank God for the over 150 saved souls He has added. We need your help if the church is to continue to be fed and grow in the Lord: 1) I need $80 per month for house rent (including power and water). 2) My family and I need $180 per month to eat, for medical, house needs. The ministry could use some help with transport funds and a laptop to develop, translate and provide good Bible lessons and tracts. Can you help me, so I can help my people, the people of God?

Josephat Massawe (Tanzania): I was invited to visit Bwawani (meaning “in the dam), a small village surrounding the man made lake. One Christian sister invited me to conduct worship, she invited 10 others. We now have 2 new congregation towards Magadini and 1 more in Rombo. Last Sun. one obeyed the Gospel, we rejoice with the Angels in Heaven. 

Gasper Julius (Tanzania): Two of our members went home for a visit, taught and baptized three souls. Now they want us to come and start the Lord’s Church in their village. We are planning to go and hold a three day evangelistic meeting in the coming days. 

Cy, Stephanie & Granny (Tanzania): If the Lord wills, we will be coming your way Feb. 16th, arriving in New Orleans, LA on the 17th. We sure could use your help. We have already received a large donation from our dear TN friends, but we still need $1,600 just for our airline tickets (Granny pays for her own). 

We thank you all for your continued prayers and support that you sacrificially give, making our work of love possible to the good people of Tanzania, East Africa and now the Congo. Till all  have heard....

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Consider Adopting A Congregation In Togo...

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.

Congregations up for adoption
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
4) Zomayi church of Christ - 9 baptized members and the preacher is Yovo Yao Mensavi.

The Zomayi Church of Christ started as a breakaway group from the Life Celebration Church, the denomination where Yovo used to be a member.

He tried to share his new found faith with the church, but met strong resistance. However, those who gladly received the word were baptized. They have since left and are now worshiping in Zomayi. Since Yovo is a new convert and a student, he is being guided by Cephas, the principal of CBS and assisted by one recent graduate.

Urgent Need: 
We need $500.00 each to build a structure for each of the new congregations.

Two more students baptized
1) Joseph Asiki is from the New Apostolic Church.
2) Mathias Komou is from Deeper Life Ministry

YEAR IN REVIEW: Statistics
1) Total Graduates in 2013: (15)
2)  Present Students (20)
3)  Total Present Teachers: (7)
4)  Visiting instructors(1) Barry Baggot)
5)  Total lectureships in 2013 (3)
6)  Total campaigns in 2013(2)
7)  Total churches planted in 2013(5)
8)  Total baptisms in 2013 (73) 

NYIVEME CHURCH OF CHRIST
Wife of preacher Atta returns Pelagie, the wife of Atta a recent graduate left her marital home and threatened to divorce the husband if he did not return to the Catholic Church. We all prayed for her hoping that she would one day understand why the husband took that decision to renounce Catholicism and accept New Testament Christianity. All attempts to get her back yielded no positive results; however, we never relented in our prayers. On my recent trip to Kpalime, I was shown a picture of Pelagie in the watery grave of baptism, also renouncing Catholicism. Our God is a prayer answering God. Pelagie has since re-united with the husband. When asked why she took the decision, she responded “I now understand what my husband did.”

5th Annual Northern Volta Bible Camp
The theme for this year’s camp was “ Marriage and the Christian Home”.

Topics discussed included the following: Preparation for Marriage, Marriage Rites in Ghana, Duties of Husbands and Wives, Duties of Children, Couples Relationships with In-laws, Marriage Divorce and Remarriage, How to Resolve Marital Conflicts and How to Manage the Family. I had the opportunity to speak on “How to Resolve Marital Conflicts and Couples Relationships with In-laws.” There was a health talk on diabetes by Dr. Prosper and water, sanitation and health talk (WASH) by Nathaniel Adams, the CEO of Rural Water Development Project of the Church of Christ.

Activities at the camp included: fasting and prayer, singing competition, indoor and outdoor games and Bible quiz competition. This year’s camp was graced with the presence of Doc Turk and the wife Passy. Doc delivered a lesson on Preparation for Marriage while Passy taught “How to Prepare the Communion Bread.”

The camp was climaxed with a worship service on Sunday December 29th with a sermon delivered by Ben Fulks from Dangerfield, Texas. The attendance during the worship was 515 and we were blessed with three baptisms.

MARS HILL CONTINUES TO MAKE PROGRESS BUT NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
The first phase of the expansion project has been completed. We are now left with the partitioning and a frame to cover around it with wood. We have already moved some of the kids from the church building into this new shed.

Should you be interested in partnering with us to give these little ones a Christian education, you may contact me or send donation to the Blanco Church of Christ, address below.

Mars Hill is already planning to raise $5,000.00 to purchase one acre of land where permanent structures will be built in the future. This is a long term goal. Several offers of a parcel of land have been made to me for my consideration.

MISSION PRINTING SENDS ANOTHER CONTAINER TO GHANA
The container arrived on December 31st, off loaded and placed in storage at the Ghana Literature Center in Saiperman, Accra. We have since started distribution to churches and individuals involved in personal evangelism. The youth of the church are involved in a massive tract distribution and evangelism exercise as part of program marking the 46th bi-annual Youth Day.

GHANA-TOGO MISSION
Dear Brother Gley,

Believing in your efforts in Ghana and Togo, I/we propose as the Lord enables, to donate generously to support this worthy cause. Enclosed you will find $....................
H. Willie Gley C/O Blanco Church of Christ P.O. Box 866 Blanco, TX, 78606

Tel: 830-8334884

Name....................................................... Address.................................................... City/State/Zip...............................................

NOTE: Please make cheques payable to the BLANCO CHURCH OF CHRIST and earmark for Gley/Ghana & Togo Mission.

World Bible School, Gospel Chariot Mission and Mission Printing
What do these three groups have in common? I am privileged to be working with them. My work has become more exciting with the coming in of the Gospel Chariot last year. Our campaigns with the truck are yielding much fruit in terms of the baptisms and the student enrollment.

This is how it works: there are two WBS workers attached to the truck wherever it goes. During the day, the truck visits the schools in the area to enroll students and also set up a WBS booth to enroll students while at the same time distribute tracts and conduct bible studies.

This January 15th 2014, we embarked on a nationwide evangelism tour with the Gospel Chariot. Our first stop will be Prampram then into Dawa and finally to enter the Volta Region, conducting a three day campaign at each stop. We shall be visiting several congregations preaching the word, distributing tracts and enrolling students. Teachers who have students in the Volta Region should contact me by email, text message or telephone call.

GOSPEL CHARIOT & WBS STATISTICS, 2013
16,863 new students enrolled. Four out of the ten regions have been visited. 133 baptisms have so far been recorded

World Radio Report
Another year has come to a successful end and these are some results of our activities. 

1) Baptisms - 46
2) Home bible studies - 10
3) Restorations to fellowship - 1
4) Average of two phone calls each week
5) Four prospects currently studying

GHANA
P.O. BOX AN 19611 ACCRA-NORTH, GHANA
Cell Phone: 00233-244509169

USA Contact
Blanco Church of Christ P.O. Box 866

Blanco TX. 78606 Tel:830-8334884

Report By: H. Willie Gley
williegley@gmail.com

Evangelism Is Yielding Fruit In Nigeria...

Beloved,

Greetings from staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan and our Lagos counterpart.

The staff and students of both Ibadan and Lagos satellite campus divided into three groups for last weekend’s activities of January 17 & 18, 2014.

The first group was led by brother Dairo Joseph and brother Matthew Idowu to Abeokuta where they attended a burial ceremony of the mother of one of the board members of West Nigerian Christian College (WNCC) named brother Moses Enilolobo Oluwalogbon on Friday and Saturday.

The second group was led by brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe to evangelize Ikoyi town, Osun State, while the third group was led by brother Abraham Idu Yeje (SWSE campus minister) to evangelize Arikusa, Ogunbunmi and Butubutu village of Ona-Ara Local Government, Oyo State.

On Saturday, January 18, I joined the first group at the burial service of the mother of brother Moses Enilolobo at Abeokuta, Ogun State.

On Sunday, January 19, brother Lawrence Dada, one of SWSE graduates in 2009 taught on the “Object of True Worship” at Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan while brother Gabriel Ishom admonished the church from Ecclesiastes 12.

On January 11 & 12, sister Faith Ohemu, one of the SWSE students at our Lagos campus and brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji and the staff and students of the SWSE-Lagos campus and some evangelists in Lagos and Ogun States evangelized Aparadija-Ota area of Ogun State with the hope of planting the Lord's church in that area and thanks be unto the Lord that the church met for first worship at the compound of brother & sister Ohemu in Aparadija-Ota on January 12, 2014. The Saturday evangelism was attended by 207 brethren while the first Lord's day worship was attended by 230 brethren.Four soul was added to the Lord's kingdom during this two day exercise, to God be the honor!

Brethren, another two souls were converted on Sunday, January 19, 2014 by brother Matthew Adeyemi, one of my co-WBSFUW in Western state of Nigeria.

Brother Doug was in the midst of the baptism in action with 6 converts at Efon Alaaye,Ekiti State on January 14, 2014

Brother Doug taught during the first WBS seminar at Festac-Ijegun congregation on January 10, 2014 while brother Mak and brother Doug attended the two day Christian Workshop at the campus of SWSE-Ibadan on January 13 & 14, 2014.

Thanks for your partnership!

I remain yours in His grace as a servant,

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

A Need For Prayer...

Greetings beloved Family and Friends!

Our prayer to God our Father is that this message will find you well and enjoying good health. 

A little while back, we sent an e-mail requesting your prayers for Darvin Alvarez’s sister, Ingrid, who was battling cancer. This message comes with a tone of sadness, as we must inform you of Ingrid’s passing. She died last Monday evening, January 13, leaving behind two children, Sergio (16 years old) and Sophia (13 years old).

On Sunday, the 5th of January, Ingrid was brought to the capital city for a doctor’s appointment she had scheduled for the next day. However, the doctor did not see her until Tuesday afternoon. It was at that moment that the doctor determined that she needed to be admitted to the hospital. The following Saturday, the 11th, she went into a coma. It became apparent to Darvin that her state was not going to improve so he and his family decided to take her home to Coban so she could spend her last moments at home. On Monday, with the help of some of Ingrid’s coworkers, they contracted an ambulance to transfer her to Coban, but minutes after completing the paperwork and placing her in the ambulance, Ingrid died. Darvin thanks God that her death did not take place minutes before because it would have meant delaying getting her body by about two days and an increase in the cost for the family because of the hospital paperwork that would have been involved. By 10:30 p.m. that same Monday, they were back in Coban. Her burial took place on Wednesday afternoon, January 15. 

We are encouraged by Darvin's attitude and faith in God. He says that he did everything he could to teach his sister the Gospel. We are witnesses of this because we, too, were among those who studied with her. Sadly, she never became a Christian. Now, Darvin says that his primary concern is the welfare of Ingrid’s children. They are currently working on paperwork and legal matters to make sure that they receive the attention and care they need as minors. Please keep Darvin, Ingrid’s children, and the whole family in your prayers during this time of mourning and adjustment.

God bless you!

Serving Jesus,
Hawatthia
Byron

Baptisms And Restorations Characterize Break Activity...

My dear brethren,

Receive my greetings and that of the faculty and students of the Kenya School of Preaching (KSOP). We pray and trust that the Lord has kept you all safe, Happy New Year!  

KSOP students are back from the December break. This is the sixth quarter and graduation is coming soon, August 23, 2014. May I take this early opportunity to welcome you to the first KSOP graduation in Kisumu, Kenya.

During the December break, a lot of activities went on in different places. I visited four churches, and spoke in two gospel meetings where four were baptized as a result. All the students were actively involved in evangelism in their respective congregations and even beyond, 9 baptisms and 16 restorations. One student led other men in restoring a church back to worship in Spirit and truth from errors. The church was deep into liberalism, using instruments and insisting/teaching one cup. In attendance, when they met the group, was 26 members and they all accepted the truth shown from the bible.  

The other good news to the students and the school is the opportunity we had last Sunday, Jan 19 to send the students to the local churches around to help with evangelism, bible studies, follow ups and preaching, among other duties as assigned to them by the leaders. This is very useful in helping the students put the knowledge they acquire into practice.  All the congregations they visited were very excited with the program and appreciated the work done by the school.

May I thank the brethren and churches who believe the preaching students should be sent out to preach and meet the many challenges in the field before going out of school. Through your generous support, we are sure of sending the students out for four Sundays till Feb 9. We pray other brethren and churches will come to our help so that we keep on sending these men out to preach till they graduate.

This year is going to be very eventful with the graduation and another intake of new students in October 2014. Keep us in your prayers always as we work towards reaching the lost with the gospel and edifying the saved.

Fellow Lord’s servant,

Charles Ogutu
Director KSOP

PS. Feel free to contact me or the KSOP coordinator, Mike Reese for any information.

Fourth Term At Tamale Is Underway...

Greeting from Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies. I arrived back in Ghana on January 18th and met up with brother Steven Ashcraft in Accra. After greeting some of the brethren in Accra and Kumasi we arrived back at the Institute on January 21st.

Students reported for their fourth term on January 13th and are currently immersed in their study of Worship in the Book of Acts, Old Testament 3 (Divided Kingdom), and the New Testament Church. Steven will begin teaching a short course next week on Bible Geography, and then I will teach the Book of James during the final two weeks of the term. Currently there are 15 students in class as one has decided to leave the program and one has remained at home due to medical issues. Please keep Jacob Mabikiya in your prayers that he will be well enough to rejoin his classmates quickly.

This term also marks the beginning of the students practical application of the information they are receiving in their classes by conducting evangelistic campaigns. All of the students will be traveling to the village of Zamzugu for a 5 day campaign with the church that meets there. TIBS graduate Bilam Philip is the preacher in Zamzugu and has been asking for a school campaign since last fall. We are looking forward to working with Philip, our students, and the church to reach out to as many as possible from February 5th -9th.

It is almost planting time again and we will be looking for better results out of the school’s small farm. Last year was the first attempt at growing some of the food that could go towards feeding the students. While the corn yield was adequate, our yam crop was less than desirable. We will be trying some different vegetables this year to see if we can do better. We are also very thankful to have some successful farmers from the church who are willing to offer their guidance concerning what might grow better in the soil conditions we have here in Tamale.

All the students send their greetings. May God continue to bless you in your support of the church in Ghana.

In His service,

Tony “Wintima” Johnson
TIBS Coordinator

Transforming Souls, Gaining Consciousness Of God...

Dearest in Christ,

Accept greetings from your brothers and sisters here in Wotutu in particular and Cameroon as a whole. This 2014 is on good footing as we can see God working in our lives in many ways. Souls are being transformed and souls are gaining consciousness about God, which is good.

We do hope that life is going well with you over there. You are always in our prayers and we do appreciate you for doing same to us.

Last week in CBIW went on well as students continue to grow as they study the word. They are becoming more committed as they are in their final year to fully prepare themselves to face the challenges that they must face as slaves, or better still, servants of Christ. It is always my joy to see these men when they get here into CBIW, some have been preaching for many years in different places, but still lack some basic knowledge, that is why they came to be fully equipped for every good work. CBIW is there to help many trace their divine calling. Many pulpits will be filled and many souls will be won for Jesus because of CBIW and you who are standing by us. Many thanks to you, as communities without the church by His grace can have a congregation that will impact the entire community. Thank you for thinking souls and for standing by us. Our efforts shall never be a waste, 1 Cor 15:58.

This weekend, our students went out to 6 villages for weekend evangelism. God continues to bless the work with souls. The Dikome work is going on well as a young dynamic man obeyed the gospel this week. Keep brother Sakwe in your prayers. He was an assistant (pastor in their denomination), but was fast to identify the truth. The truth is so powerful. Praise God for this new soldier.

Ediki, and all the other young congregations where we are doing follow up on weekly basis, are all healthy. Keep praying for them and for the efforts to reach out to many.

The students on Friday moved with hymns to different locations for weekend assignments and also to help congregations sing from the hymns. We are still praying for the flow of tracts to be available, as many desire to read more about the study in our absence to get more informations as it takes them back to the Bible. Many thanks to those who donated those hymns to us. Many congregations are appealing for hymns and tracts. We are comforting them with hopes that very soon we shall have some more. Only God knows when that will happen.

A young man, Edube Andrew, the son of an elder obeyed the gospel over the weekend, and it brought trouble to the father. According to him, it disgraced his personality as an elder quoting from the Bible that an elder must keep his house well. This young man quoted from same Bible where the Bible teaches about a man of one wife, but the father is having more than one wife. Please keep brother Edube in your prayers. He can be the one God will use to deliver his family from errors.

Plans
The Mudeka congregation is inviting the entire school for a four days of house to house evangelism in their village. This weekend, by His grace, we shall be there while some will be in our usual place of work.

Appreciations
Many thanks to God for His great care and work over us. We thank God for calling you to be part of this work here in Cameroon. God bless you and keep you and your family safe. We love you and you are all in our prayers.

Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

A New School, A New Opportunity To Change Lives...

We are excited to announce that Bear Valley is connecting with a new school in Ghana. The Southern Institute of Biblical Studies (SIBS) begins classes on February 12, 2014. This new school is located in Nsawam / Doboro. Administration is reviewing applications and students are preparing to begin classes next month. Plans are to host 20 students in this first class.

The opportunity to further train students in West Africa is a blessing to the Lord’s Kingdom and we are thankful to partner with the men at Nsawam / Doboro in this task. Please pray for the staff and students in this new school. Pray for the growth of the program and that God will abundantly bless the efforts of this work. We will share more details in the weeks ahead as we move closer to the beginning of the school.

Classes in Denver are now in their second week of this quarter as a new class of students enters the program to prepare themselves to preach the gospel. The last two quarters of this year for the seniors is also exciting as they make plans for their respective areas of ministry. Most of these men will serve congregations around the United States. One student plans to work in Malawi, which we will share more about at a later date. Remember to pray for these men also as they finish their studies.

News from around the Extension Program is always powerful as we see lives changing. The students studying and preaching the gospel, along with reading about souls brought to the Lord, brings a level of excitement to the work that is worth sharing. Please share the report each week with other individuals and congregations who are interested in knowing more about the growth of the Lord’s 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/

Extension Reports 

Students Keep Evangelizing Cameroon: Another campaign trip in Cameroon produces fruit as God gives the increase to the word planted and watered by these men.

An Encouraging Visit To Graduates In Nepal: Gajendra takes a grueling trip to visit graduates of the Nepal Center of Biblical Studies to encourage and help them in the work.

Seminars Bring Souls To The Lord In Nigeria: Doug Wheeler is working with the staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism and souls are being saved.

Coming To America, From Tanzania: Several staff members in Arusha, Tanzania will be coming to America to record material in Ki-Swahili to reach out to more people.

A Year-End Report From Tanzania: Sean Hochdorf shares information about the results of 2013 in his year-end report about the work of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching.

Final Thoughts
A final note of thanks to you for every area you are involved in this work. Without each one of you this work would not exist, and we never want there to be a moment when we do not express our gratitude. Thank you for being friends of the Bible Institute and the work of Extension Training. We love and appreciate you, always.

God bless
Bob

Seminars Bring Souls To The Lord In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Greetings from Nigeria! Brother Douglas M. Wheeler arrived in Nigeria on Thursday evening, January 9 and works commenced on January 10 at the Ijegun Churh of Christ, Festac-Lagos State, in a day World Bible School seminar where I spoke on “The Gospel of Christ” and brother Doug Wheeler spoke on “Obedience to the Gospel.” The seminar was attended by 85 people. Among them were 11 WBS students.

On Saturday, January 11, in a day Leadership seminar at Ipara town, Lagos State, I spoke on “Leaders and Church Growth.” Brother Timothy Iwe spoke on “Saved to Serve,” and brother Doug Wheeler spoke on “Characteristics of Christian Leaders.” Over 120 brethren graced the occasion from Lagos ,Ogun and a neighboring country-Togo.

On Sunday, January 13, we worshiped with the young congregation at Ipara where brother Doug taught on “Discipleship” from the book of John, while I admonished them on “What is Your Decision for Year 2014” from Daniel 3:14-16.

On January 13 & 14, brother Doug Wheeler taught an expository sermon from the book of Ephesians in the second day of the Christian Workshop at SWSE-main campus, Ibadan, in Doug Wheeler's Hall in the morning session, and spoke on “God's plan of Salvation” in the afternoon / evening sessions at the WBS seminar on January 13, held at St. Anthony High School, Ikoyi, Osun State. Thirty students and some of the non-teaching staff of the school were baptized on January 15 by brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe was assisted by some of the SWSE students.

At another WBS seminar on January 14, afternoon / evening period at Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State, brother Doug Wheeler also taught on “Way of Salvation,” while I served as an interpreter, and 6 souls were added to the Lord's church at the end of the exercise.

On Wednesday, January 15, brother Doug Wheeler taught at a one day WBS seminar organized by the Oro town Church of Christ, Kwara State on “The Place of Refuge is in Christ & His Church.” The seminar was attended by over 120 people, including 15 WBS students.

On Thursday, January 16, 2014, brother Doug Wheeler continued his preaching trip to Ebonyi State, while I left for Ibadan to continue my activities with the students of SWSE-Ibadan, Oyo State.

We thank you all for your partnership and your dedication for the cause of Christ. Stay blessed.

Sincerely His & yours,

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

A Year End Note From Tanzania...

We hope this newsletter finds you each doing well with your New Year off to a promising start. The Lord continues to bless the work here and we are anxious to share some of the exciting news with you.

Since our last report we have seen the Future Preacher Training Camp come and go. A number of us were privileged to teach the zealous young men who attended. I was asked to speak concerning Jesus’ temptation and how He serves as our example. It was an encouraging study and one from which I profited. The young men seemed to enjoy it as well and were great participants when questioned about the material.

Sometimes when we are involved with our individual mission team responsibilities it is easy to put the big picture in the background. Recently, we received some encouraging news after our mission team leader, Cy Stafford, surveyed approximately 10% / 14 men (we plan on surveying 20-25% during 2014) of our ACSOP graduates.  The results are for the 2013 calendar year.

*57 Campaigns were conducted

*278 put on the Lord in baptism

*47 new congregations were established among which there are 881 active Christians.

Here is some further information relating to the ACSOP and Tanzania Missions Team that you might find encouraging as well:

*There were 3 Safari for Souls campaigns that concluded with 84 new converts.

*The annual Tanzania Leadership Conference hosted around 140 participants from over 56 different congregations, and from 7 different nations.

*At this year’s Tanzania Christian Camp we had between 80-90 young boys and girls from many different congregations, with 17 souls obeying the Gospel.

*At our annual Future Preacher’s Training Camp we had 15 young men, with 1 obeying the Gospel.

As you can see, the Lord is really blessing the work and we pray that the seed will continue to be sown in the soil of good and honest hearts.

We hope this short note has encouraged you to trust the Lord and share the gospel with someone. We never know who that one person is that is genuinely seeking the truth.

We pray for the church in America often and we solicit your prayers as we labor in Tanzania.

Until next time, take care and God bless,

Sean & Anita

Coming To America, From Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in Whom we live and have the hope of eternal life, because He lives! We pray all is well with each you and your families as well.

We continue to see God’s mighty hand at work here in Tanzania and throughout East Africa. We are blessed in so many ways, such as with men like Gary Fallis. I was privileged to sit at this man’s feet many years ago while I studied at the Brown Trail School of Preaching. Gary has made 20 trips to Tanzania and many more around the world teaching in some of the 17 Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver’s extension schools. The good being done through the BV school and all her sister schools can be measured in souls being saved and lives being changed for eternity.

Report from Josaphat Massawe (Evangelist for the Kilimanjaro congregation and Director of the Moshi Bible School): “We visited Bwawani, meaning ‘in the dam”, a small village surrounding a man made lake. We have one Christian sister, who has influenced two other ladies to obey the Gospel. They invited me to come and conduct worship service. They had invited ten people to come and listen to the teaching of the Bible. We now have two new congregations towards Magadini area and one more in Rombo district. ….We rejoice last Sunday one precious soul was added to the Lord’s Body. Here name is Naomi, a Maasai lady. She is a professional teacher. Edward was baptized a week before Naomi, he is from Monduli Juu, working as a night guard here in Moshi. He is a devoted learner of the Word of God. In His Service, Josephat & Anna”

From the ladies: Each Friday, Stephanie and Jane Massawe conduct Bible studies in the area of the newly planted White Rose area of Arusha. A couple of weeks ago, while they were walking from one study to another, they were stopped on the road by a man by the name of Gared. He asked them if they would please come and teach him God’s Word (I know this happens every day where you live). Last week they began the study and after learning the Truth, he asked to be baptized into the Body of Christ. Amen!

Update: Thank you all for your positive response regarding Yusuph’s evangelistic trip. He has made one trip already, having taught 8 families and is to return in the coming days to teach them as well as several others. Please continue to pray for this amazing opportunity.

Coming to America: For years we have been working with World Video Bible School, translating and video taping Ki-Swahili Bible lessons, books of the Bible, etc. We now have three more lessons done and with your prayers and help, Christopher, his wife Julia and Charles Heberth will be coming to Texas to tape these lessons. We need to raise $7,500 for their airline tickets and visas. Can you help us help the good people of East Africa (over 150 million souls) hear the Word of God? Thank you for all you do and thank you in advance for helping us in this evangelistic outreach effort. Until all have heard…….

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

An Encouraging Visit To Graduates In Nepal...

Warm greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the grace of God, love, and peace always be with you.

I am writing about my one week visit from our graduated students. It was a refreshing and encouraging time for me. I have visited with our graduated students. I have met brother Dev, Suka, Jeet, Abraham, Ezekiel and Chandra Prakash. I began my journey on January 7th 2014 and returned back on January 12th 2014.

January 7th 2014: I traveled from Kathmandu to brother Ezekiel's home. Ezekiel is one of our second graduated class students. It took me four hours on a micro-van. Brother Abraham joined me at Ezekiel's house. We had an evening Bible study at his home. Ezekiel was a graduated student from last year. He is surrounded by many denominational groups. He is doing his worship service and activities in his house. There are 17 people gathering on Sunday worship. He is doing his best in God's kingdom.

January 8th 2014: We woke up early in the morning. We began to walk toward brother Dev's house. Dev is our first graduated student. He is having a good Bible knowledge. It took 3 hours to climb up hill. We had a Bible study together at his local congregation from 11 am to 3 pm. He is having a regular Bible study program. There is quarterly congregational fellowship program in his local Church.

January 9th 2014: We moved toward Brother Abraham's home village. Abraham is our second graduated student. It is almost 6 hours high hill walking from Khankhare bus station. We went through Jeet's house. We had time to talk with brother Jeet and other Christians. We had opportunity to meet all of their family members. We had evening Bible study at his home. There are many denominational groups. He began Church services at his home. There are 12 people gathering for Sunday worship service.

January 10th 2014:  We returned back from Abraham' home and came back to brother Chandra’s at Prakash village. Chandra is our second graduated student. We reached there late evening. It was a day travel. We were tired. But also we had an evening family Bible study at Chandra's home.

January 11th 2014:  We had a day Bible study program at Chandra's local congregation. Around 25 people gathered in his local congregation every Sunday.

January 12th 2014: We had worship service together at his local congregation. After that we had some time to visit our present student's family members. Then I returned back to Kathmandu. I reached the school at night.

Purpose of my visiting:
To encourage our graduated students.

To visit other local preachers.

To have fellowship and Bible study together.

To find out our student's problems and try to help them.

To get some more new students for next group.

To establish our graduated students in God's ministry. 

Problems at visiting:

Many are uneducated. Most of them don't have Bibles and song books. Their Bible knowledge level is low. So, we need to provide Bibles and songs books to our graduated students. They will supply to them.

Church building constructions are needed in some places.

My achievements at visiting:
Our first batch of students: Dev, Jeet and Suka are doing good works. They have invested God’s money in the right place. Their life is much better than before. I have seen their progress. I have seen their goats. It is providing good income to their family.

It is the right time to help our second batch of graduated students. I have gone and seen their family situations. Brother Ezekiel and Abraham are planning to purchase goats to sustain their family members. Their places are surrounded by hills. It is good for goats. Brother Chandra has purchased a flour grinding machine for an income source. Brother Ramesh will do some business work. Brother Arun will go to South India for further Bible study. He will be a useful tool for our Bible school and Churches of Christ at Nepal.

All of our graduated students are good examples in their societies. Our time, money, labor and investments are in a good place. I am personally glad to be with you all brothers and sisters.

I am personally encouraged by the visiting.

Thank you.

Servant of Christ….Gajendra Deshar
NCBS Director
Kathmandu, Nepal

Students Keep Evangelizing Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Cameroon and all the students in CBIW. We do hope this reports finds you all in good health and a sound faith.

Last week in CBIW went on well with little health issues, but sister Ruth is still helping as she dispensed medications to sick students.

This weekend took our students to 10 different locations for weekend evangelism. As I write this email all of them are back on campus. Thank you for your prayers for journey mercies. God continues to work through our efforts to reach out to souls, as we think souls we go for souls, so that by the grace of God we can rob some souls from the strong man’s house.

The Wotutu congregation continues to enjoy from our general theme for 2014 “A Year Of Love In Action.” Today, the Bible study focused on “Love in the Family.” We are paying greater attention to families because if we have stronger families that love the Lord and fear Him, then we shall equally have a great congregation that loves and is willing to share love to one another.

The Ediki congregation is growing. Brother Samson was baptized a few weeks ago and he has become very instrumental in the congregation. Keep him in your prayers to use his personality to influence the church in that community. Keep brother Thomas Eyong in your prayers also as he is very sick and he is also a member of the Ediki congregation.

Our students went to different locations on house to house evangelism.

They met people with the gospel in their sitting room, which is highly appreciated by many. The gospel is for all.

Our students keep growing in these different locations as they are giving opportunity to preach and teach in different pulpits. Keep praying for them.

Our children carry the tradition of the Wotutu congregation where children attend their children’s class during Bible study. In this congregation, the children will be under a plantain tree to study, which is good.

Sister Juliet Mbah obeyed the gospel in the Down Beach congregation this weekend.

Sister Jackeline smiled as she received a Bible in the Dikome congregation after her baptism. Keep this young congregation in your prayers as they keep growing. We send our students weekly to preach and teach in the entire community to provoke growth.

Christians in Dikome received hymns from the hymns we received from brother David Ballard. More congregations will continue to benefit from it as God opens ways for us to have more, and even used books and Bibles if donated to us.

Reaching Dikome is not an easy task. The road that leads there is passable in the dry season, but during the rainy season it will become more difficult. Keep this work in your prayers as we reach out to this community and we shall also extend it to other communities. I will be making a trip there next month.

Plans
1) We shall be sending our students this weekend to the Kossala congregation as they have invited the entire school to come and help in evangelism. Our ex-student, Mulango Sakwe, is the evangelist there.

2) We have in mind to continue reaching out to unreached / virgin communities as long as we have the means.

Appreciation
God bless you for standing by us with the work here. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your prayers and support to accomplish whatsoever we can accomplish here. God bless you as you share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Jump-Start On A New Year...

We are seeing a strong “jump-start” to the new year after two weeks of witnessing the mighty hand of God blessing the work of extension training. Last week’s year-end report explained the progress over the last twelve months. The growth in 2013 was simply the beginning of greater things to come. Students continue to preach the gospel and souls are responding to the message of Christ. The seed is planted and watered and God is causing the growth (1 Co. 3:6).

Reading about the development of the work this week from South America to Nepal emphasizes the way the program is growing. The interest level grows among students who desire to prepare themselves to lead in the Lord’s kingdom. We learned of the largest number of students enrolled in the Nepali Center for Biblical Studies. The enthusiasm of directors and teachers is exciting to see as they report about the progress.

The possibilities of adding new schools in 2014 encourages everyone on staff. Locations in West Africa, the South Pacific, and the Philippines are a few areas under consideration and discussion. We ask you to pray with us and for us that we might have the wisdom to make the right decisions and follow the will of God in developing new schools for training men to preach the gospel.

Thank you for remembering the work of extension training. We need you and appreciate you for the way you provide for the progress of the work. We look forward to a wonderful year of seeing more souls added to the kingdom and sharing the news with you.

Now on to the other reports...

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

“Into Our Hands The Gospel Is Given” Read the latest report from Gary Fallis by clicking here.

“A Look Back” Read the latest report from Donnie Bates by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

The Work In Dikome Is Growing: As the gospel is preached in Dikome, Cameroon, the church is growing and CBIW continues to provide help.

Largest Class Begins In Nepal: With thirteen students enrolled at the Nepal Center for Biblical Studies, the future looks exciting as students grow in their interest to study.

A New Year Brings Restoration In Nigeria: After lessons presented near the SWSE campus, two men were restored to the Lord’s family.

Fellowship, Fellowship And More Fellowship: The growth and development of the work in Paraguay is highlighted with the fellowship among brethren.

A Providential Story Worth Reading: The working of God is amazing and an act of benevolence leads to people hearing the gospel.

Final Thoughts
We ask you to consider how you can be involved in greater ways throughout 2014. Numerous areas of service will need to be fulfilled and if you are interested, please contact me at bturner@bvbid.org. Thank you for all you do to participate in the growth of God’s kingdom in each location where men are being prepared to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God bless
Bob

A New Year Brings Restoration In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Joy @ Its Peak, Grace @ Its Depth, Peace @ Its Horizon, Favor @ Its Climax, and Blessing @ Its Pinnacle are all yours this new year. Welcome all of you to the year 2014 from all of us at SWSE-Ibadan and Lagos satellite campus, Nigeria.

I taught on the Moral code of the kingdom of Christ on December 25 while bro.Arowolo Samuel,one of the year 2 students of the SWSE-Ibadan taught on Planning for a meaningful future at a day Youth Seminar organized by Church of Christ,Onikokoro / Gbongudu,Ibadan.

On December 29, I taught at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation on “Jesus Christ......The Only Solution to Human Problems,” while brother Arowolo Samuel admonished the church on “Appreciation.”

On January 5, 2014 the first Lord's day in 2014, I moderated the service, brother Gabriel Ishom, one of the year 1 students of SWSE-Ibadan taught the first lesson on our three months Internal Lectureship that centered on “Worship of the N.T. Church” and brother Lawrence Olawale Dada, one of SWSE-graduates in year 2010 admonished the church from Ecclesiastes 12.

At the Egbeda congreagation, Ibadan, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe, one of the SWSE instructors at Ibadan’s main campus taught on “New Year New Revolution” in the morning and repeated the same topic at the Asejire congregation in Osun State in the evening and two brothers who left the church some years ago were restored. To God be the glory!

Brethren, brother Doug Wheeler will arrive in Nigeria on Thursday for this year’s preaching trip from January 10 through March 1, 2014. Please remember him and those of us who will be working with him in one way or the other in seventeen states of Nigeria. As for me, I will be working with him from January 10 through 17 in the west and on February 16 through March 1, 2014 Lord's willing.

Thanks for your labor of love. Stay blessed!

Sincerely in Christ,

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

A Providential Story Worth Reading...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

What a joy it is knowing we are part of God’s family. We are so thankful for your prayers and support of God’s mission work here in Tanzania. God is showing His love, mercy and grace on His mission team here in TZ. Thank you!

Today was a GREAT day in the Kingdom. We now have a new brother in Christ, Robert decided to put Christ on in baptism. We rejoice with the angels in Heaven over the decision from our new brother in Christ. 

We do what we do, if indeed we are faithful in Him, to His glory and to the serving and saving of our fellow man. Last month, a young man came into the worship assembly and worshiped with us. At the end of services, he told us his story. He had been robbed and did not have any money to eat or to travel back to his family. The good brothers and sisters in Christ at the Arusha church came together, donated from their poverty and gave this “stranger” 35,000/- shillings (about $19). He expressed his thanks and made his way home to his loved ones. 

Last week he called one of the Christians at the Arusha congregation. He pleaded with this brother for someone to come and teach his family the Truth of the Gospel. He went on to say he had shared with twenty others the “good news” of this loving and most generous church of Christ. 

Well, he has called again! He again pleaded with the Arusha congregation to please send someone to teach them the Truth of God’s Word. He went on to say he now has seventy others wanting to hear the Gospel. Amen! 

We have been in touch with our brother Yusuph Mdaki who is the closest evangelist we have, able and willing to make the trip to share the Good News! The journey will take him just over 100 miles from his home. He will need to stay at least one week, possibly two. We need your prayers and we need your help. We need $200 to help send Yusuph on this missionary trip. We need to send bibles, tracts, etc. We have the bibles and tracts, we only need the $200 to send the materials and Yusuph in order for him to go, proclaim the saving message of the Gospel. 

So many opportunities, so few workers. The number of workers in Tanzania continue to grow. We are excited about our brother Gary Fallis coming our way. Gary has made several trips to TZ, teaching and preaching the message of God. I was personally privileged to sit at this man of God’s feet while attending the Brown Trail School of Preaching. Gary will be teaching two graduate classes and also teaching the Arusha Marriage seminar. No rest for the weary! 

We close with great expectations! Knowing we serve the only living God, Who desires that all men everywhere come to a saving knowledge of the Gospel. [1 Timothy 2.4] Please remember Jimmy, Elly and the McVeigh’s as they make their way back to Arusha tomorrow. Till all have heard.....

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Fellowship, Fellowship, and More Fellowship!

Happy New Year! We pray 2014 provides you with many blessings to come! It’s been a great 2013. The best part about the holiday season is not really the food, the presents, nor the decorations. The best part is the fellowship! Getting together with your brethren in Christ for dinners, special activities, or just visiting is the true beauty of Christianity! This month has been a stellar month for fellowship. There were lots of events and opportunities to show the world that “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). We hope you enjoy this month’s report from the mission field of Paraguay!

DEVELOPMENTS AT AVENIDA SACRAMENTO
Andrea hosted the monthly Ladies Tea in our home for December. There were 24 ladies present with three of them being visitors. Two of the visitors are from active Bible studies that we have been conducting. Andrea delivered a powerful, devotional message on the subject of “Who You Are.”

Our annual “End-of-the-Year” dinner is always a lot of fun and this year was no exception. All three congregations were represented and there were many visitors who also came. After a wonderful meal (which included about 7 different varieties of Chipa Guazu!), there was a fun talent show. We were all rather impressed with many of our young people and their talented capabilities!

The men have been meeting every Sunday morning to discuss general business issues and to continue to reorganize our service ministries. It has been slow, but they are making some great decisions.

DEVELOPMENTS AT ÑEMBY CONGREGATION
The members are continuing to reach out to their neighbors and have been inviting several guests to the Bible studies and worship services. We are confident that their evangelistic spirit will soon see more fruit provided in the Lord’s kingdom.

On a sad note, there have been a couple of incidents where vandals have destroyed the toilets in the outside bathroom and have also tried to set fire to the front door.

ASUNCION BIBLE ACADEMY UPDATE
As the summertime heat is upon us and with the upcoming break being just a few weeks away, it is easy to see that the students are beginning to struggle with their attention span. However, they all continue to show great improvement in many aspects of their character and knowledge. We consistently hear compliments from the members about the students and how much they have grown spiritually. There is no greater reward for a teacher than to hear words like those!

Evangelistic Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities:
Last month, we reported that we had some exciting news regarding our study with Sandra Durarte. We explained that when she first came to study with us, she said that her husband, Rolando, was very Catholic and didn’t want her in a Bible study. After a few weeks she said he finally approved of her coming and then later, she informed us that he had lots of Bible questions and would like to come study with us! Well, we were blessed to have the study and it went very, very well. I went to the study with the intention of simply establishing the fact that the Bible is our only source of authority. Twenty minutes into the study, Rolando affirmed that he believed the Bible was, indeed, the only authority in religious matters! Ike Yegros assisted me in the study and the two of them made a really great connection. Andrea, along with Delci Enciso, have taken over the study with Sandra and are making a great connection with her, as well. We are really excited about the possibilities of this family becoming a part of God’s family. Please keep them in your prayers.

I also had the opportunity to study with our brethren, Enrique Albera and Leti Alfonso, who will be getting married soon in the month of February. They are both very strong in the faith and will make a fine example of a Christian marriage. We pray for a long, happy, and prosperous marriage for them both.

Most of our students in our “Learn English Using the Bible” program have been on break this past month. Andrea’s student, Oscar Parodi, finished the first program and will be starting “Searching for Truth” next month.

Our Leadership Training by Extension class finished up this past month. We studied through a book on “Hermeneutics” with Ike Yegros and Pedro Vera. They responded very well to the study and we pray it will provide valuable tools for them in their Christian walk. We will continue next month with more studies in Homiletics, which will include Cultural and Historical background studies.

Attendance was down considerably this past month in both Ave Sacramento and Ñemby. Many of our members have been traveling or taking vacations with the holidays falling on weekdays this year. January is the traditional time for taking vacations in Paraguay.

Other news and upcoming activities:

The ladies will be having a Ladies Retreat in January.

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

We plan to host a “Hawaiian Luau” in our home with the youth group, Enrique Albera and Leti Alfonso, as well as, Ramon Paredes and Elvira Dominguez will be getting married in February.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES
Personal Activities:

Andrea and I were so very blessed in 2013 with many opportunities to serve in the Lord’s kingdom and to witness several milestones being achieved here in Paraguay. We pray God will continue to use us as his “instruments for the Gospel” in the upcoming year. We are very excited about the possibilities for 2014 and look forward to the adventure!

We went out to visit our dear sister, Estela Curcio, this past month to celebrate her birthday and encourage her. We always enjoy our visit with Estela. She lives in Caacupé and rides the bus every Sunday for two hours, one way, in order to get to church! She has been a faithful Christian for more than 25 years.

We enjoyed a nice evening of fellowship and food for Christmas eve with our brethren, the Pedro Vera family, the Mirta Vera family, and the Delci Enciso family.

Our former mission teammates, Enoch and Laura Rinks and Perry and Alba Hardin came to have dinner with us in our home. We greatly appreciate these fine couples and all their contributions of service they have provided for the church. Enoch also preached for us this past month in Ñemby and Ave Sacramento. He will be teaching class in the Asuncion Bible Academy in January.

While I was teaching one morning at the Bible Academy, Andrea surprised me with a specially prepared “Happy Birthday” lunch. We shared with the students and enjoyed a nice hour of fellowship.

Personal study: I am currently reading / have read:

“Church History in Plain Language” by Bruce L Shelley

“The Paraguayan Reader” by Lambert and Nickson

I am happy to report that I finished one more course towards the earning of my Master’s Degree. “Poco a poco” as they say!

Preaching/teaching opportunities:

This month, I had the opportunity to preach at Avenida Sacramento and twice at Ñemby. I spoke on “God’s Kingdom” and about “Sanctification.”

I taught classes on Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Romans in our Bible study hours at Avenida Sacramento.

I taught “Acts 7” at the Ñemby midweek Bible study.

This quarter I taught “I and II Kings” and “Church History” in the Asuncion Bible Academy.

ANDREA ́S AMAZING ADVENTURES!
Andrea, whom I’ve always viewed as my "girly-girl from the city," has turned into a farm girl right before my very eyes! She used to have a pretty deadly black thumb when it came to gardening, but apparently, the hot, South American climate agrees with her because she has now developed a rather vibrant “pulgar verde" (green thumb, or manos de jardinero)! First, she grew several herbs, then she grew an outstanding green lawn, and now recently, she’s produced home grown corn! In addition, she also planted her first banana tree. What I find amazing is that she has to get her girly-girl hands dirty to do it - yes, those perfectly manicured, frequently exfoliated, regularly moisturized, with nails always painted hands .... dirty! ¡Impresionante!

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

To see the report with pictures, please click here.

Largest Class Begins In Nepal...

January 2014

Nepal Center For Biblical Study  [NCBS]………. Kathmandu, Nepal

We enter the New Year with thankful hearts. We are thankful to all the loving and generous brothers and sisters in the USA who encourage and support us in so many ways; thankful for the growing number of local Christians who are becoming more active in the Lord’s work; and thankful to God for His wonderful guidance, love, protection, and His holy word that touches our lives and our work each day. 

In 2011 NCBS graduated six students. All are active preachers in their home communities today.  In 2013 we graduated five students. Today we have eleven preachers, located from the high Himalayan Mountains to the north, to the jungle villages to the south, and including some in more urban areas. The church is growing in all these areas because of these dedicated Christian men who have a constant local presence, an attitude of service, a love for the truth, and the Bible knowledge and understanding to be fruitful Christian leaders. 

Today NCBS has thirteen new students. They began classes in November 2013. Their average age is younger, their years in school slightly less, and their beginning Bible knowledge noticeably weaker. However, their enthusiasm, keen interest, humility, joys in learning, and excitement for fellowship with one another is a motivation and encouragement for Gajendra [Director] and for me. I can hardly wait for their first holiday and trip back home [April], knowing the positive influence that will be created in their home congregations when those brothers and sisters see the tremendous progress that returns with each young man. Their teaching level will be impressing, compared to when they left home five months earlier. Their example of learning and growth will give credibility and power to their teaching of God’s truth.

One of our 2013 graduates [Arun, age 22] is working daily with this new class. His English is good and he often translates for me. For the new students to experience his level of knowledge, understanding, and teaching ability is an encouragement and testimony that can only be provided by a native Nepali and one near their own age and background. Arun leaves for Chennai, India in February for a two-year Bible Masters Program. We hate to lose him, yet we know that this two-year LOAN will be a long-term GAIN for the Lord’s work in Nepal.

We enter 2014 with thankful hearts and expectations for great and glorious progress for the future. Please keep us in your prayers.

Gajendra Deshar, NCBS Director    gajendra_deshar@yahoo.com
Jerry Golphenee            jrgx21958@gmail.com

The Work In Dikome Is Growing...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Cameroon. I hope you are all doing great. I want to apologize that my report will not be lengthy because the keyboard on my computer is bad and needs to be replaced. The immediate effect causes me to use the screen keyboard, which is really slow and consumes a lot of time.

I need 45.000 frs to get it back.

Our week in CBIW and Wotutu went on well. We had a campaign in one of congregations. Mile 4 was blessed in the work with 5 precious souls. One lady, who was supposed to be an ordained elder, was involved in the denomination that came to attack us. The lady is now our sister. She said please come, this is the way to heaven. It was amazing to see someone being happy with truth. Keep her in your prayers.

The work in Dikome is growing. Today our student, Mokwe, conducted worship there and 16 souls assembled for worship. Elderly people in their ripe old age are becoming Christians. Oh, if without the gospel now they would have perished.

Sister Miranda was baptized today in Wotutu. It was great, she is the 4th in their family to become a Christian. Please keep them in your prayers.

Please share with others.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director CBIW