Worship Of The New Testament Church...

Dearest in Christ,

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

Some students and staff of SWSE-Ibadan evangelized Ogunbunmi and Laminni villages on the weekend of March 22, led by brother Abraham Idu Yeje, our campus minister and one of the year 2 students of SWSE-Ibadan main campus, while the remaining students and staff attended a marriage ceremony at BCOS-Ibadan.

On Sunday, in continuation of our indoor lectureship which centered on “Worship of the NT Church,” brother Lawrence Olawale Dada, one of our year 2009 graduates taught on “Giving” at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan, while I admonished the church from Matt.6:25-34.

Brother Jojn Zege Tobi, one of our year 2 students taught at the campus church on “Think on These Things” on Sunday, March 23, while brother Eze Ikechukwu, a year 1 student admonished the church on the “Life of Cain.”

Three of our students currently attached to three congregations as a student-preacher at Oyo and Osun state named brother Ilori Gbenga (working with the Egbeda congregation Ibadan), brother Akinade Oluwaseun (working with the Jago congregation, Ona-Ara L.G.A.) and brother Segun Idowu (working with the Asejire congregation, Osun state) taught on “The NT Church” on the Lord's day of March 23, 2014.

Brother Godwin Ede, a year 1 student of SWSE-Ibadan, as well as the evangelist of Wasinmi congregation in Osun state taught on “Casting All your Anxiety on Him” from 1 Peter 5:7, while brother Olorode Samuel Oluwafemi taught on “Be Strong in the Lord” at the Asejire-Baale Ayo congregation, Osun state and brother Oladapo Ishamael Alabi admonished the church at Jago from Isa. 41:8-20.

Brethren, the school is now preparing for the visit of brother Steven Ashcraft of Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, Colorado from March 28 through April 5, 2014.

Please, keep praying with us for him to have a successful outreach to our country, Nigeria. Thanks for your love and concern.

May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint effort in Christ name, amen.

Sincerely in Christ,

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

Vision For The Future Of God's Kingdom...

What vision is there for the future of the Lord’s Kingdom? The answer might depend on who you ask, but from the perspective of extension training, the vision for the future is excitingly bright. Not only are we excited about the development of each location where we are privileged to share in the training of preachers, we are also excited about the plans for developing new locations in this process.

The power of vision is built upon the faith we have in God. Seeing Him who is unseen through the eyes of faith is how the men and women of the Bible are identified. The nature of their character and what they were able to endure stands as a credit to their relationship with God. As God guided their paths in His service, we trust He is guiding ours also as we labor together for the cause of His Kingdom.

This week’s report shares some of the news about the development of the locations reporting. Two reports from coordinators and several from specific locations provide information about the ways God continues to guide the development of training men in the “foolishness of the gospel preached to save those who believe.” Thank you for joining us in this great work. Together we are making a difference for our God.

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 Mike Reese can be read by going here.

The latest report from Luis Camacho can be read by going here.

Extension Reports 

Challenges Face Campaigners In Cameroon: As the students work to share the gospel, at least two are being persecuted. Read more about their efforts in Cameroon.

The Valley Of Decision: This is the title of a lesson taught in Nigeria. The staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism continue to preach the word.

Working To Spread The Gospel In Tanzania: Jimmy Gee’s report shares news about the spread of the gospel throughout northern Tanzania.

Nesta Hochdorf Naduwangi - Please Read More: To keep from spoiling the title, we encourage you to read the great report from Sean Hochdorf.

Making Dreams Come True: Witnessing men fulfill their dreams in finding a place where they can prepare themselves in the word of God is incredible.

Final Thoughts
We close with a word of thanks to you for your love for Kingdom work. When God’s people labor together in the work of the Kingdom, awesome things happen: God is glorified, His people are built up and encouraged, the gospel is proclaimed throughout the world, and people who are outside of His Kingdom are delivered from the world, being transformed into the likeness of His Son. Now that is a work worthy of our participation. To God be the glory!

God bless
Bob

Making Dreams Come True...

Preaching Student Spotlight: 
Kelvin Yasin Myombe: Kelvin is a first year student in our Swahili program at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. He comes to us from the Uzinje Church of Christ in Mbeya, Tanzania. Kelvin became a Christian in 2009 and had dreamed of finding a place to have formal Bible training since that time. In his words, ACSOP is a dream come true!

Finals Week
The first quarter of the year is drawing to a close. The students and I have broken each other in, so to speak. They’ve had to adjust to my accent and teaching style. I’ve had to adjust to their backgrounds and capabilities.

Some of the students are older men, who haven’t been in school for many years, and have had to learn how to be students all over again. Others are young and fresh out of secondary school. Some are married and have children at home. Others are single and looking forward to starting a family one day in the future. Some are from Tanzania, but many are from the surrounding nations. All have come together with the aim of deepening their Bible knowledge and being better able to share their faith with others.

I’m sure they would appreciate your prayers as they finish writing papers and taking exams. Then they will have a week off, followed by an intensive one-week short course. Afterwards we’ll be ready for the second quarter to begin.

Team News
Our team is about to shrink drastically. The McVeighs, a young couple here on a one-year missions internship from Bear Valley are approaching the end of their commitment. They will soon be returning home to continue their service to the Lord in the U.S.

Also the Gee family is reaching the end of the foreign missions portion of their lives and are preparing to return home after around 10 years of service in Tanzania. Jimmy has been a tremendous asset to the school and leaves a good legacy behind.

We are deeply grateful for the service rendered to our Lord and for the friendship given to us by these families. We will miss them greatly and wish them the very best of fortune in whatever their future holds.

Tiffany’s Thoughts
If you have seen the ever popular movie The Grinch or read the Dr. Seuss book, you know all about Whoville. Well, that’s where I live. At least that’s where I live in my head. I live in a place where I don’t know the language and everything feels and looks different to me. When I am in worship I often feel like the Grinch at the end of the movie when they are in a circle singing the Who song and he just makes up words, i.e. “fa who ra moo...” to still be singing along. When I am at someone’s home eating or even at a restaurant the food is different, although not all bad. It reminds me of the Grinch as he is judging the food events as the Holiday Cheermeister. There are people everywhere in the streets rushing too and fro in vehicles that are strange and unfamiliar to this Alabama girl. The dress and hairdos are normal to them but make this Mzungu (white person) mama stand out like a sore thumb. I am the Grinch in a foreign country. I do not fit in. I talk different, look different, and act different. But, unlike the Grinch throughout most of the story, I am trying. I am slowly learning the language. I eat what is offered. I am adjusting to the crazy traffic and vehicles.

Although everything is so very different here in Whoville, I mean, Arusha, there are thousands of souls here that need Christ. When I see others I see a soul, not a skin color or strange dress. Underneath the different language, dress, hair, and lifestyle is a soul in need of the gospel. That’s when I realize I DO fit in. I too am a soul in need of the gospel and the saving grace of our Lord. We are all living different lives heading to the same ultimate ending. I want to go to Heaven and I want to take as many of these Tanzanian Who’s as I can! I want to sing “fa who ra moo” at the top of my lungs as we praise our Father. Because although we are different in so many ways here on earth, in Heaven we will all be one in the same.

DUE TO AN INTERNET GLITCH on the U.S. side, there are two reports from the Gaines family this week. The second, and most recent, is below.

Welcome to the Family Brother!
It has been a great day here in Arusha. This morning on our way to church, we were stopped by the guard at a security gate that we have to pass through each day. He has been filling out Swahili correspondence courses that I have been giving him. I thought at first that he was wanting the next lesson in the course. But he excitedly proclaimed that he wanted to be baptized after work today. We rejoiced together over the decision. After finding out when he would get off of work, we went on our way.  

We were there promptly when work was over to take him to the school to be baptized. We introduced him to the students and to Ahimedewe (the evangelist at the Kisongo congregation), who warmly received and encouraged him. Then we watched as he reenacted the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ by being baptized. He then returned home with the bounce in his step that comes from knowing that his sins have been washed away! Praise God for making moments like this possible by His grace!

To see Daniel’s report with pictures and a video clip of the baptism, please click here.

Daniel Gaines family

Nesta Hochdorf Naduwangi - Please read more...

Anita and I send our greetings from Tanzania and hope that this short report finds you healthy and busy in your labor for the Lord.

I’m a little late getting this report out as our in-laws came to see the work and experience the beauty of Tanzania. We have enjoyed watching our nieces' reaction to the culture and their interaction with the Tanzanians. They are fortunate to have been exposed to such a different way of life and we are grateful that we are part of a memory that we hope they will cherish for life.

I finally finished the Arusha Bible School work islands for the new resource room. Jessica McVeigh and Tiffany Gaines did a great job of getting everything organized and set up. We hope that local congregations will take advantage of this valuable source of written and visual bible material. You can see some pictures on our Tanzania Missions Facebook page.

Our next edition of the TEAM Magazine is shaping up nicely. Most writers have already submitted their work and Charles Heberth and I will soon begin our editing and translation work. The TEAM magazine reaches thousands of souls in East Africa and is a great tool for edification and evangelism.

GREAT NEWS!!!
You might recall that in our last report that we made a request for contributors to assist the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in paying for some very nice video equipment that was offered to us at a deep discount. We also requested help for the remaining funds that we need to finish the planned ACSOP recording studio. Shortly after we sent out the letter I received word that some generous brethren have covered the remaining balance of the camera equipment!! We thank God for such a wonderful blessing. In addition to the camera equipment we have also received several contributions toward finishing the studio. We could use another $3000 to wrap it up and get busy producing material specific to our East African culture. If you know anyone that could lend us a hand perhaps you could forward them this email or put in a good word for us - thanks in advance for so doing.

Anita is primed and ready for her exegesis class on 1st Peter coming up in a few days. She has really put a lot into learning how to properly exegete the scriptures and, from all accounts, is really helping the more spiritually mature Tanzanian women learn to do the same. If you have never taken the time to learn the basics of biblical exegesis let me encourage you to reserve some time to do so. It is very hard work but is worth every headache you may get from the mental exercise. There are so many treasures waiting for all of us in God’s endless biblical mine; so, dig in and enjoy the spiritual growth and fulfillment that’s waiting for you to discover.

Nester and Esther, our close friends, recently welcomed their daughter into the world. Nesta Hochdorf Naduwangi made her grand entrance on March 11, 2014 and weighed 11lbs. Nester and Esther payed Anita and I a great honor by including our surname as one of her names. We solicit your prayers that she will grow up healthy and enjoy the benefit of living in a Christian home.

As I close I want to share a quote with you from a book I am finishing up. As Christians we sometimes fall into the trap of being influenced by the world into thinking that we are less than what we really are. I hope this snippet will encourage you as it has me.

…We believe we are just fat, ugly creatures who will never grow beyond what we are now, when God knows He created us to be something else entirely. A lot of the time, we simply look at our circumstances and replay the negative messages in our heads that tell us we are failures, we don’t measure up, we will never be good enough. 

What we have to do is purposely retrain our thoughts to line up with what God has already said is true. You are what God says you are. You can accomplish what God says you can accomplish. You have the same spirit in you that raised Christ from the dead. This is the life-changing Holy Spirit who lets you talk one on one with the Creator of the universe, the Lover of your soul, the Alpha and Omega. Meanwhile, Satan desires to destroy you with lies—lies from which, as Jesus said, the truth will set you free. Do you want to be free from the emotional distress that consumes you?

…The truth is that if you have accepted Christ as your Savior [and put Him on through baptism, Rom. 6:3-4, SH.]  you are forgiven, pure, holy, and lovely before God.1

As God's children let us do our best to reflect the joy, comfort, and hope that is ours through Christ that we may positively influence the society around us.

Until next time, take care and God bless,
Sean and Anita

1Nelson, Tommy; Leavitt, Steve (2012-10-01). Walking on Water When You Feel Like You're Drowning: Finding Hope in Life's Darkest Moments (Kindle Locations 1252-1263). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Working To Spread The Gospel In Tanzania...

Dear Supporters, Family and Friends,

We're enjoying a beautiful warm day...one of the few we've had lately. Rain has dominated our days these past few weeks. Our routine has centered around trying to catch a little sunshine in which to dry our clothes. In the morning, Stuart runs out to the clothesline to hang items. Then, in 2-3 hours when the rain starts, we all run out to gather them before they get soaked again. In another hour or so, we take the damp clothes back outside, hoping for a little more sunshine. Then, a little later its out to the line again hoping the items are nearly dry, before the rain starts again. If still damp, then the clothes are strung out in the house.

Most of you already know that our 14-year-old daughter Candace was baptized on March 10 (just happened to be her Grandma's birthday). It reminds us of the verse that states, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (III Jn 1:4). That definitely sums it up!

Ralph and Cindy Williams arrived last week. Having lost count of their trips to Tanzania, we cannot call them guests anymore (they do not like that term even when it means they get to eat first! ha/ha). One is blessed simply by being in the presence of this sincere and dedicated couple who work diligently in spreading the Gospel in many areas. The Williams’ are working here for 3 weeks doing various things. Some of their work will be at the new church plant in Njiro Chini (the first baptism was a couple of weeks ago). Ralph is also teaching a class in the ACSOP and Cindy is speaking at the ladies' seminars being held at Usa River and Njiro Chini. These seminars are a special project of the Williams' to help the Tanzanian ladies increase their Bible knowledge. Cindy spoke on the danger and sin of slander, laying the foundation by teaching about love first.

Yesterday, Ahimidiwe preached to a packed church building. He announced what most people now know: our daughter Abigail is engaged to be married to Adam Rymon, who has served as the pulpit minister at Coventry Hills church of Christ (Pottstown, PA) for the past four years. Their plans are to be married in Tanzania in April, return to the states for a summer of fund-raising to finance their work in Tanzania for approximately 5 years. Adam and Abigail's efforts will be focused on building and operating the Parker Memorial Library for the purpose of improving lives in matters secular and spiritual (many evangelistic out-reach opportunities will be offered by the library).

Working to spread the Gospel in Tanzania (or any foreign country or even in the states) is always a combined effort of the talents, skills and financial means of many people. Just like a hospital involves the efforts of each doctor, nurse and staff member in order to help people physically. Thank you for all you have done to make the TZ 2000 work a success.

Another $1000 has been contributed to our travel funds to return to the states. We are grateful for the financial sacrifices that many have made in order for us to serve in Tanzania. Thanks are due to each and every one of you for considering our needs as we prepare to begin another chapter in our lives.

With Love from Africa,
The Jimmy Gee family

The Valley Of Decision...

Beloved,

Greetings from Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan and Lagos campus.

We evangelized Ikoyi town, Osun state on Saturday, March 15 with brother Kayode Eniafe and the brethren of the Asejire and Ikoyi congregations.

On Sunday at the Onikokoro/ Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan, I admonished the church on “The Valley of Decision” (Joel 3:14-21 cf. John 6:60-69) and two of our young girls, of about 15 years of age, named Glory Makinde (my first daughter) and Comfort Oyekanmi were baptized.

At Kute congregation-Ibadan, one of our December 27th prospects named Korede Lawal was also baptized.

At Egbeda congregation via Ibadan, brother Kayode Eniafe, one of the SWSE-Ibadan instructors taught from Gen.11.

Brother Olofingorite Mayowa (SWSE year 1 student) taught on “The Righteousness of God,” while brother Festus Ayoo, another SWSE year 1 student admonished the brethren at campus church on John 15:1-10.

Brother Segun Idowu, a year 1 student attached with the Asejire congregation, Osun state taught on “Christian Maturity” at the Asejire congregation while brother Godwin Ede, a year 1 student of SWSE and the evangelist working with the Wasinnmi congregation, Osun state taught on “Be a Good Example” at the Wasinnmi congregation, while another year 1 student named Ilori Gbenga, who is working with brother Kayode Eniafe in the Egbeda congegation via Ibadan, admonished the church from Mal.3:1-3.

Brother Shotola Emmanuel, a year 1 student of SWSE-Ibadan main campus also taught on “New Testament Worship” at the Felele congregation, Ibadan on March 16th, 2014.

All our year 2 students were actively participating in either teaching or preaching on Sunday, March 16th at their respective local congregations.

Brethren, we thank you all for your partnership and care. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint effort in Christ name, amen.

I remain your fellow laborer in Christ,

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

Challenges Face Campaigners In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings and love from your brothers and sisters here in Cameroon. We are doing better in health as many continue to suffer from different health conditions which are being provoked by the weather conditions now.

We do hope you, your family and the entire congregation are healthy. We praise God for you.

Our report today is short but it shows growth in one angle of our labor, which is a dream come true.

CBIW students in the mission field are doing great in their efforts to reach out to souls. The one I visited among different congregations is doing well but with a few problems which is normal with mission.

One of our students, Nitua Vincent, was arrested along side many young men in the village in which he was suppose to transit to another village to do campaign. There has been an uproar in that village since January 2014. The government officials came to make peace, the villagers brutalized them, so they went and sent for the police to come and arrest people in March. That was the same day that our student was suppose to pass through that village to another. He was arrested and he awaits trials. We have done all we have to do to meet with high ranking government officials. All these efforts seem abortive. We have to allow it into God’s hands. Please keep brother Vincent in God’s hands and for justice to prevail. The case will come up on the 28th of March 2014.

On the other hand, brother Konlack Patrick was harassed and beaten with sticks by another man who is a strong pagan and worships stones and treks around his compound. He met our students preaching to his family who are all followers of his gods. One of his daughters, 28 years of age, obeyed the gospel with the mother. Along the line the mother withdrew her declaration because of fear of her husband, but the young daughter moved on and was baptized. She was happy and decided to follow our student away from the home when she saw how the father beat the student preacher. She said I must follow God in heaven. It is a surprising thing to me that in this 21st century we still have remote villages in Cameroon that still behave like that, but I lift up my hands and say thank you God for bringing CBIW who will train men that will penetrate the hinterlands and souls already in bondage will be liberated. Thank you for standing by us (Rom. 10:13-15). The students will return on campus this Saturday and we shall share with you the details of their campaign. Keep all of them in your prayers.

My wife taught a lady who had never been the school, who is my mother. We started another program in the Wotutu congregation which we call Adult Literacy Class. The classes are divided into two, one is made up of those who have never been to school, since they were born like my mother who is above 65. In their days it was useless and a waste of time to send a girl child to school. This gesture will bring many closer to us, as their teachers for circular studies and the gospel will also come closer to them, as we reach out to their children in the elementary school. It is also an opportunity to reach out to their moms also. Keep this in your prayers, as it will bear fruit. Many keep coming. It starts in the evening after they return from their farms from 4 to 6 pm, now that we don’t have electricity. If we have electricity in the near future, it will exceed more than 6 pm. Keep the work in your prayers also.

A hand full of girls, mostly who went to school can read and write but they are not perfect in that because they were either dropouts for a lack of money to continue, or they were forced into early marriages by their parents. You should see how eager they are to learn. More keep coming. When the electricity is there, it will help many.

Plans
1) Reaching out to many is top on our agenda. Many communities need us to come.

2) Touching lives in many ways is our dream. Many need the touch of God.

Appreciations
We shall not stop thanking you for all that you are doing. Without you we would not have been able to do all this for the glory of God. Thank you. Thank you for your prayers, love and help. God alone will reward you. Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

The Kingdom Of God Is For The Brave...

The statement that titles this report is one made by a graduate from ITL, Eliezer, who spoke in the Sunday morning lesson at the Linda Vista congregation. He said this in the invitation to his lesson as he appealed to the 300+ gathered for the last session of this year’s lectureship. Four responded to be baptized and one for prayers. It was an amazing event to hear the lesson and witness the response.

The fifth annual ITL lectureship provided a great weekend of lectures from several speakers. The lectureship was attended by 18 congregations around Guatemala and members of the church from four different countries. The focus of the lectureship this year was “End Times, A Study of Eschatology.” Lessons addressed every facet of the subject and provided participants opportunity to learn the depths of God’s word on these matters.

Events over the weekend began Thursday night with the Presidential banquet. The excitement of the evening was the pinning of students who have completed their first year of studies at ITL. Additionally, Saturday’s events were capped off with an acknowledgement of past and present students of the Saturday program and the full-time program at ITL. One of the joys of witnessing these events was to learn of the faithful service of every student and graduate from the program.

Apart from the incredible activities of the weekend, other locations share news about God’s blessing the work of the staff and students around the world. 

Now on to the other reports...

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

Extension Reports 

Students Are Away On Campaign: All students at the CBIW in Cameroon are involved in campaign work. Initial reports are encouraging and more will be shared next week.

Students Are Actively Preaching In Nigeria: Several year 1 and year 2 students, along with staff members of SWSE are spreading the gospel in Nigeria.

News Out Of Togo is Exciting: The activity of students at CBS in Kpalime, Togo grows and the church benefits from their studies.

Spiritual Warfare: ACSOP: Director of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, Christopher Mwakabanje, shares news about the work in Tanzania.

Final Thoughts
A last word of appreciation: Thank you for providing such a blessing to the work. All the ways you contribute to the areas of extension training make this work exciting to participate in. Together, the team work we are a part of is making a difference eternally. This is the joy of kingdom work. Thank you for all you do.

God bless
Bob

Students Are Away On Campaign...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. Your brothers and sisters here are doing great. We praise God for health even though some of our members are sick.

My report this day will be short without pictures because of the nature of things now.

All CBIW students made it to their different destinations for mission work safe and sound. Thank you for your prayers.

They are doing well, as they called me to relate how God is blessing the work that they are doing in those locations.

I will relate and report in detail about the work upon their return before the month runs out.

The congregation in Wotutu is healthy. Today the worship was great as the attendance was 107, with many of our brothers and sisters who failed to come for worship because of the windy night and rains.

This past week, on the 13th of March, was my son's birthday. Ray is 4 years old now. Keep the young man in your prayers. He stood on a stone in front of their school. My prayer for him is that God will help him trample on any stumbling stones on his way as he grows up to become a soldier of Christ to reach out to many souls.

Plans
1) Many villages need our students and our efforts to come and help reach out to the community, and also to see the possibility of establishing a new congregations.

2) The entrance exams for the GAMMA batch into CBIW will be coming up April 26 2014. Please keep this date in your prayers so that God will send only those He has called to preach so that they will come and be trained.

3) The Koba congregation still needs our help towards their worship hall, as I shared with you the picture of their building last time.

Appreciation
We thank God for you, for all that you are doing with us to advance the kingdom of God here on earth in Cameroon. Thank you for loving the Lord. Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Students Are Actively Preaching In Nigeria...

Dearest in Christ Jesus,

Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ from staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE) Ibadan and Lagos campus.

I taught on Sunday, March 9 at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan on “Item of Worship…Singing,” while brother Okon S.Udoh admonished the church from Jer. 9:1-9.

One of our year 2 students named brother John Zege Tobi taught on “Think on These Things” at the Ofada congregation, Ogun state on March 9, 2014 and a soul was added to the Lord's body after that morning worship.

A year one student named brother Segun Idowu on March 9 taught on “Christian Responsibilities Toward One Another” at Asejire congregation, Osun state while another year 1 student named brother Godwin Ede, who is also an evangelist working with the Wasimi congregation, Osun state, taught on “What Makes You a Christian.” Brother Gbenga Ilori, a year 1 student taught at the Egbeda congregation in Egbeda L.G.A. Oyo state on “Positive and Negative Fear.”

At the Jago congregation, Ona-Ara L.G.A.Oyo state, brother Alabi Ishmael Oladapo, a year 1 student, taught on “Effective Prayer,” while another year 1 student named Akinade Oluwaseun admonished the church on “The Purity of Life.”

At the campus church-SWSE, Ibadan, brother Festus Ayoo, a year 1 student taught on “The Life of Christ,” while brother Abraham Idu Yeje, the campus minister and one of our year 2 students admonished the church on “Christ-The Hope of the World.”

Brethren, another five of our year 2 students who are presently an evangelists working with their congregation in Lagos, Ogun and Ondo state, such as brother Adekunle Olanrewaju, brother Augustine Odo, brother Raphael Adeyehun, brother Abiodun Lawrence and brother Faleye Joseph, also taught the Sunday school classes of March 9, 2014 at their respective congregation.

Brethren, we thank you all for your love and partnership.

In conclusion, I'm using this medium to state once again our urgent needs at the SWSE-Ibadan main campus at Butubutu, Oyo state, Nigeria.

OUR URGENT NEEDS:
The sum of N480,000 ($3,200) is needed to balance this year’s budget for the 2013/2014 academic session.

We also need the sum of N400,000 ($2,700) for digging a water bore hole at the school site.

Thanks for your consideration! Stay blessed and be strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sincerely His & yours,

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

News Out Of Togo Is Exciting...

The Nyiveme congregation was blessed with eight baptisms in January. CBS student, Djambacou, was baptized as well as the wife of student Assuka. The Lord is blessing the Kpalime area churches of Christ through evangelism by students and the weekly radio program.

The Kpalime area churches met to wish each other a happy and a prosperous New Year. The occasion was also used to plan programs for inter-congregational activities. The preacher’s wives also met to launch their annual women’s program.

CBS organizes a three day campaign
Rodrigue, instructor at CBS and the preacher at the Avetonu Church of Christ requested the assistance of CBS in a 3 day gospel outreach program. The goal of this program was to strengthen the Atiyi Church of Christ and to win more souls. Evangelists present included: Rodrigue, Cephas, Raymond and Jean. Students who were part of the team were Daniel and Nicodemus. The Alikpoji Church of Christ also participated in this outreach program.

Three congregations to benefit from Church building fund
It was a great joy to know that brother Walter of the Blanco Church has donated $1,500.00 to help provide a meeting places for three congregations. There are still several more congregations needing help. One couple, Aaron and Brittany Morrison, has also adopted two preachers with $100.00 each month and has donated $1,000.00 towards two more church buildings.

10 more congregations need places of worship
Funds have been disbursed for work to begin on the construction of a meeting place for the Hanyigba and Tutu congregations. The following congregations are also in need of a place to worship: Tsame, Atakpame, Kpadape, Notse, Agoe, Tugbli, Klime, Danyinu, Zomayi, and Yorkele.

Note: The Agou congregation has started meeting in a rented building, so the fund will be used by another congregation for now.

The Zomayi congregation is trying to secure land in the area where they meet before the construction can take place. We are therefore providing funds to those who have access to land for construction. Names of preachers who are supported and congregations benefiting from the building fund will be published in my next newsletter

The Tsame Church of Christ was started by one of our current students. While in the denomination, he started five churches. Now he is helping to convert all the churches he had started to become the Church of Christ. He is facing a lot of challenges, but is committed to the process. The principal (Cephas) continues to teach these new Christians and those who are yet to be baptized. One of the congregations that meets under bamboo sticks and palm branches are brethren who have renounced denominationalism and have embraced the teachings of the New Testament. Continue to pray for the Tsame Church of Christ. The land on which they are meeting is a half plot that the owner is ready to sell to them, but they do not have the funds. Imagine what happens should it rain on Sunday.

Adoption Project
Are you interested in adopting a congregation by supporting the preacher with a $100 each month and helping to build a meeting place at a cost of $500? You will receive a monthly report from the preacher and establish communication with the congregation?

Attah is one of our recent graduates and now teaches the French class. He also assists David Wamma, the preacher at Akpadape.

CBS students conduct Christian service to reduce cost of construction
Work progresses steadily on the Tutu church building. The Kpadape congregation is to be renovated. Brother Hershel Walters of the Blanco Church of Christ sent $1,500.00 for the construction of meeting places for three congregations. Funds have already been provided for construction work at Tutu and Hanyigba and renovation work will also be carried out on the Akpadape meeting place.

Two preachers receive help
Assuka is a 2013 graduate of CBS. He is now working with the Zomayi congregation and helps with the World radio sponsored weekly radio program. Assuka is married to Matilda (a petty trader) and they have one child. The Zomayi congregation is new and came out of a denomination.

Jean is a 2007 graduate of CBS. He came to the school as a baptist, but was baptized six months into the course. He worked as an associate minister at the Nyiveme Church of Christ and later planted the Hanyigba congregation. Recently he started teaching at CBS. He is married and has three sons. Jean has worked faithfully without support since 2007. The wife is a nurse at the Kpalime government hospital.

New Preacher Training School starts in Doboro Eeastern Region near Accra
Opening ceremony of Southern Institute of Biblical Studies was held on the 14th of February. I was able to visit for the opening ceremonies. More on the new school is found on Bear Valley’s website.

Gospel Chariot Evangelism Tour
The evangelism tour started on the 15th of January and had to be halted for reinforcement of some of the metals under the truck. The work has been completed and we are about to resume the tour from the 13th of March.

From the 15th of January thru the 13th of February, eleven congregations in eleven different locations were visited resulting in 30 baptisms. One could see the joy on the faces of brethren when the Chariot rolls into town. Christian brethren have been greatly encouraged by our presence.

Activities on the tour included the following: Public preaching each night, visit to high schools in town, tract distribution at the WBS stand, personal bible studies, counseling, enrollment of students for WBS Bible correspondence course, teaching and preaching in the local congregations.

The Chariot came in at the right time when many congregations were yearning for the rekindling of passion for evangelism. God is touching the hearts of many and the church is receiving much publicity in towns and villages.

Ghana-Togo Mission
Work on the three classroom shed is almost complete. It will house Nursery, KG 1 and KG 2.

Parent / Teacher Meeting
Parents and teachers met recently to deliberate on pertinent issues affecting the growth of the school. Such a meeting will be held once every semester. Contact me to enquire how you may partner with Mars Hill to educate these young ones. These children are future members of the Church in Golokuati and beyond.

Mission Printing
A leader from a local congregation loading boxes of tracts onto a taxi. Congregations use the tracts in house to house evangelism and also give them out to visitors present during worship services.

Gospel Chariot Mission Statistics

Congregations visited - 11
Baptisms - 30
Tracts distributed - over 4000
New students enrolled - 4094

Report by Willie Gley

Spiritual Warfare: ACSOP...

“Finallly, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:10, 11).

Joseph was called by his brothers a dreamer (Gen. 37:19). His entire family didn’t comprehend the meaning of his dreams. At the end Joseph said, “And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Gen. 50:20). God communicated His message back then in “….divers portions and in divers manners” (cf. Heb. 1:1). Today he communicates through His inspired word.  

Soldiers of the cross today dream how to “save much people alive,” spiritual speaking, by obeying the Great Commission. The command has explicitly stated, but the how (method) to fulfill it is left on our shoulders. The Andrew Connally School of Preaching has dreamt big! Since 2003, when ACSOP began, up to now 142 (included 8 who’ll graduate 2014) graduated from the ACSOP. This years (2014) 22 new students have enrolled in school.  

When Joseph attempted to educate his family about his dreams is when he got himself into trouble. It’s also true today that when we convince brethren what we believe will work for the kingdom of God is when we get ourselves into trouble sometimes. TZ 2000 mission effort has done much in this part of the world. The outcome will be evident for many years to come. Leaders of this effort have dreamt big, yes I mean big! We’ve faced challenges as Joseph did, but at the end we’ve witnessed saved souls and Christians being built up. As I assess the church before this effort and now the big difference is evident! As it’s said “educate the world, and it’ll be a better place to live.” Since the world economic is uncertain, the only treasured thing you can leave for us is education; which none will take away from us.     

Yesterday, I received a call from Mtwara (South of Tanzania) Dolphin a widow pleading with me to send someone with the gospel to the lost souls. How can we do that? By training faithful men who are ready to share the good news. Another call from Kigoma (West of Tanzania) “the church at Singida desperately needs a preacher.” The answer to all of those calls  is from “our dream.” ACSOP and other schools worldwide to train faithful men and send them out. 

A word cannot thank you enough for what you’re doing for the lost souls. Your prayers, support, encouraging words, etc. are much appreciated. May God richly bless you. Amen. 

My wife and I will be attending the Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship this year (March 30 – April 3rd). It is going to be my first time to be there since I graduated in 1998. 

In His service, 
Christopher, Julia & Children

The Excitement Keeps Coming In Extension Training...

Wow! This has been another full week in the extension program. The reports from coordinators and schools indicate how God is blessing the work. An excitement fills the air to read about souls coming to Christ, Christians being edified, and the prodigals returning home. We believe you will agree when you read through the reports.

This week’s report also shares news from the new school in Nsawam / Doboro, Ghana. Brother Seth Larbi sent a report this week about the opening of the new school. Tony Johnson, coordinator with the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies (TIBS) in Northern Ghana also reports about the great news of the work extending further to the north into the country of Burkina Faso, but the news from the activity of students and graduates of TIBS is far more exciting. You will want to read Tony’s report.

The week ahead focuses on the annual ITL Lectureship in Guatemala. This lectureship is a highlight every year for several reasons, the primary reason being the pinning of students who have completed their first year of studies. They are pinned with the ITL fishhook, indicating what they have accomplished and what they are preparing to do when they graduate. The annual ITL presidential banquet is an event students look forward to as they prepare for their second year of study and with a focus of being fisher’s of men.

This is only the beginning of what you will find in reading through the reports this week along with an anticipation of what is coming in the week ahead. We are privileged to have you involved in this work and pray you will be encouraged by the news about God’s kingdom 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/

Steven Ashcraft’s report about the work in West Africa can be read here.

An update from Howell Ferguson on the situation in Ukraine is can be read here.

Extension Reports 

Students Prepare To See 26 Villages In Cameroon: After completing two weeks of intensive short-courses, students of CBIW are headed out for campaigns.

Working In The Upper East Region And Burkina Faso: The report from Tony Johnson is exciting, as the work is moving into new areas.

Joy In The Midst Of Political Turmoil In Ukraine: While there is unrest in the government of Ukraine, there is joy in the birth of a baby girl.

More Souls Added To The Kingdom In Nigeria: Doug Wheeler continues to work with the SWSE in Nigeria and souls are being added to the kingdom.

Classes Begin At SIBS Doboro, Ghana: The doors are open and students are involved in studying as they begin their two year journey at SIBS.

Two Weddings And Three Baptisms Between Two Continents: The work in Paraguay influences lives physically (weddings) and spiritually (baptisms).

Eager Students In Arusha, Tanzania: The news from Daniel Gaines share the excitement and enthusiasm of working with others who thirst for more Bible knowledge.

Final Thoughts
As we close another week in the extension program, we thank you for all you do for this work. Reading through the reports raises the level of excitement to what God is doing through so many wonderful people. We are blessed and privileged to work with you in the greatest work on earth. More is coming in the weeks ahead.

God bless
Bob

More Souls Added To The Kingdom In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Greetings to you all in the blessed Name of our Lord and Redeemer Jesus the Christ.

Firstly, we thank the Lord for granting brother Doug Wheeler a successful outreach in this year’s preaching trip to Nigeria-the great Nation of Africa.

Secondly, we thank you, our American and Canadian brethren, for your love for us in Africa, most especially Nigeria.

I worked with brother Doug Wheeler from February 24 through March 1, 2014 featuring the World Bible School seminar, Bible Lectureship and Leadership seminar in Akure-Ondo state on February 24; Ipetu-Ijesha, Ijebu-Jesha, Esa-Oke and Kajola in Osun state on February 25; Egbeda-Ibadan on February 26; Owode-Yewa and Ajibawo in Ogun state on February 27 & 28, 2014.

A soul was converted at the Esa-Oke Bible lectureship and two at Owode-Yewa at the WBS seminar. TO GOD BE THE GLORY !

On March 1, 2014 at a leadership seminar held at Lawanson congregation, Lagos state. Brother Doug Wheeler was the guest speaker.

On Sunday at Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan. I taught on Giving....Item of Worship while brother Gabriel Ishom admonished the church from Romans 7:14-25.

On March 1, the students and staff of SWSE-Ibadan evangelized Agbede,Tadi and Bansinde villages and a soul was converted.

On Sunday at the campus church, one of our year 1 students named brother Optimism Onyeanulam taught on the Holy Spirit, while the campus minister, who is also one of our year 2 students named brother Abraham Idu Yeje admonished the church from Matthew 4:1-10.

Brethren, the students and staff of SWSE-Lagos campus and some of our graduates (brother Samuel Dada, brother Lawrence Abiodun) and a SWSE-foundation member named brother Paul Akinwale and a WBSFUW named brother Matthew Adeyemi evangelized two villages in Nigeria / Republic of Benin boarder on February 7-9 and 14-16 and two congregations were planted in each of this villages (Aferiku and Ajegunle)

Beloved, we thank you all for your partnership! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ name, Amen.

I remain your fellow-worker in Christ Jesus,

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

Update On Ukrainian Situation...

Greetings to all of you who support and love the Lord's church in Ukraine!

A number of people have asked me, "What is going on in Ukraine?" At this point, I feel like I'm just a collector of information. Like you, I get most of my information watching/reading news stories and articles. However, I've also received some direct correspondence with Dennis Sopelnik, BVBIU director in Gorlovka, as well as from other individual Ukrainians. As far as major political information on what leaders of different nations are saying or doing, you know as much as I do if you have been watching/reading the news. However, below are some details that I have learned from individuals that pertain to BVBIU and the surrounding areas (Crimea is about 233 miles southwest of Gorlovka). I have no way of verifying some of this, but to the best of my knowledge believe it to be truthful:

1.    The rate for the Ukrainian currency (Grivna) is sporatic and rapidly losing value driving up prices. Currency withdrawals are greatly limited and only in Grivna (no dollars).

2.    There was a very recent pro-Russian rally in Gorlovka, but no violence to our knowledge.

3.    There was a large pro-Russian rally in Donetsk - fighting broke out, but no firearms. 

4.    The Donetsk "administrative building" was assaulted by Russians, but was retaken by the Ukrainians. 

5.    Ukrainian tanks are heading toward Crimea.

6.    At least 2 Ukrainian bases in Crimea have been surrounded by Russian soldiers.

7.    Ukrainian men between 18 - 47 are being drafted into the Ukrainian army.

8.    The U. S. Department of State has issued a travel warning & warns citizens of the U.S. to defer all non-essential travel to Ukraine.

My natural follow-up to all of this is to ask you to pray about this dangerous situation in Ukraine. And if you have been praying, to please continue praying and even increase your prayers. There are many precious people whose very lives and souls are depending upon them. We don't always know what action God is taking. And we do know that Satan is very powerful. But we do know God is in control and that ultimately the will of His Son Jesus Christ will be accomplished. I will try to keep you updated of any significant developments. 

In His service for Ukraine,
Howell

Eager Students In Arusha, Tanzania...

One of my favorite tools for evangelism has become correspondence courses.  My broken Swahili, coupled with the broken English of others, is enough to exchange regular pleasantries with those who live and work nearby.  Throw in a few small acts of kindness and relationships begin to grow. 

Sometimes this leads to Bible studies, but these are dependent on the availability of a translator.  However, I can readily give them tracts and Bible courses written in Swahili.  I have been very pleased with the eagerness with which these are received.  Just today, a man returned the last lesson of a 12-part series of correspondence courses to be graded.  He proceeded to beg for a lesson on another topic.  He left rejoicing when I gave him a few more tracts and promised to look for some more material to share with him. 

This case is hardly exceptional.  There are several men that seek out a new tract or lesson from me every time we see each other.  I can scarcely keep up with their thirst for more Bible knowledge.  It is energizing and encouraging to see this hunger for God's Word.

Bringing in Reinforcements 
After visiting Njiro Chini last week, we were back at Ilkuirei today.  Three of the second year students at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching have been recruited to help out at Ilkuirei.  They will help with translation and leading in worship service, as well as doing some personal work as time permits. This will be good experience for them, and some very needed help for the congregation.

Also, all of the windows are now in place, as well as ceiling tiles in the newly partitioned off classroom.  The sound quality of services was noticeably better.

On a Personal Note
Our daughter, Abby, celebrated her first birthday in Africa last week (12th birthday overall).  She was sad that her family couldn't be with her, so we wanted to do what we could to make it extra-special.  Saturday we took her for a drive through Tarangire National Park.  You know how sometimes you take your kids to the local national or state park to spend a Saturday?  Well this was just like that... except with elephants and lions.  

Then tonight she had a small gathering of friends at our house.  There are so many things that she has had to give up.  But there are also so many wonderful experiences that she is gaining in return.

Have a fantastic week!
Daniel Gaines

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

Two Weddings And Three Baptisms Between Two Continents...

There is NEVER a dull moment in the mission field and we love that about this work! When God is working in people’s lives is it always exciting to see what develops. This month was no exception as we witnessed three precious souls being added to the kingdom and four faithful brethren being united in holy matrimony. We pray you are encouraged and will rejoice with us in this month’s edition of our Paraguay Mission report!

Developments at Sacramento Avenue
Baptism! Mabel Gonzalez is the sister-in-law to our sister in Christ, Jazmin Penayo. She had been teaching her the Gospel for several months and Mabel had been visiting our worship services. She has come to a better understanding of what it means to be saved, so on Sunday the 2 of February she asked to be immersed for the remission of her sins. We praise God for her decision!

The men have made several great advances toward the maturation of the congregation. They are now publishing their budget on a monthly basis, have almost completely reorganized their ministry groups, and are making decisions regarding future church plants. We pray you might recognize the significance of these recent developments as they represent progress towards our ultimate goal of having a Paraguayan church that is self-governing, self- propagating, and self-sufficient. We’re getting closer!

Developments at Ñemby Congregation
The brethren at Ñemby have been working on installing a bathroom in their meeting facility. It is coming along slowly, but looking good! They had also taken a short break from their weekly study, but have now resumed with a rotation between the different members homes. The attendance has remained rather steady but the brethren would like to see more growth in the congregation. We pray their enthusiasm will carry them to reach out to the many lost souls in the area.

Asunción Bible Academy Update
The students have finished their first complete year of studies!

What a marvelous achievement! They are currently on their month break between the two years of study and will begin classes again on March 10th. Please pray for another successful year and our potential students for the next class.

Ramón Paredes preached his first public sermon this past month in Ñemby. This was quite a milestone for him and for the school! Everyone is commenting on being very pleased with the fruit they see being produced through the Academy!

Bear Valley Bible institute of Denver has named our brother Luis Camacho as the “Stateside Field Coordinator” for ABA. We are very excited to now have brother Camacho so closely connected and working with the school.

Evangelistic Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities
Andrea is staying very busy with all her studies. She continues with Oscar Parodi, Adriana Rodriguez, Jazmin Santander, Dina Aycock, and Sandra Duarte.

Our weekly study with Rolando Duarte continues to go well. He faithfully attends every opportunity to study and is taking lots of notes. We are introducing him to Jesus through a study of Matthew.

The twice-a-week study that I have with my Taekwondo instructor, Christian Jourdain, is going great! His questions are very good and he is demonstrating a good understanding of the Word!

Our brethren, Ramon Paredes and Elvira Dominguez were joined together in holy matrimony on February 8th. Brother Pedro Vera lead the wedding ceremony, which was held at the church building. We pray they have a very long, happy, and successful marriage.

Enrique Albera and Leti Alfonso were also married on February the 15th at the Lake Ypacarai Yacht Club. I had the privilege of guiding them in their wedding vows. It was a beautiful wedding and we pray God blesses them with a strong and lasting marriage.

I was blessed with an opportunity to participate in a Special Mission Trip to El Salvador/Honduras this past month. I traveled with a group of nine people from Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, and Oklahoma to translate, teach, and preach in a Medical Clinic and Gospel Meeting campaign. On Sunday, Feb 2nd, I was given the opportunity to preach at three different locations in two different countries with six different congregations being represented among them! Then, I translated for the medical clinics in the mornings followed by preaching in the evenings at a different location each night. All the meetings were well attended, it felt like an old-time revival! We also were able to visit a prison where we were allowed to preach to the inmates, one of which, Luis, was baptized that same day! Another young lady, Rosemary, was also baptized during the campaign. In addition, I was able to encourage and offer some practical advice for the brethren there regarding a new Bible Institute they are planning to start up soon. I greatly appreciate and want to thank all of the supporters that made the trip possible. It was an incredible experience that produced fruit for God’s kingdom!

Other news and upcoming activities
Annual Church Camp/Retreat (April)

Wedding of Gina Vera and Bryan Davis on March 8th

We will be returning to the USA on April 24th for our Annual Furlough and Reporting trip. We are looking forward to seeing you all!

Personal Activities
The Annual Team Retreat was held this past month in Caacupé, about an hour outside Asuncion. We enjoyed some relaxing time together and nice meals, as well as, held a planning meeting for future team plans. We have a great team and some great plans for the future! We pray God will bless our efforts.

Andrea and I finally took a little time for ourselves and went on a two day, “get out of town” vacation to a hotel resort overlooking Lake Ypacarai. We had the whole place to ourselves and it was a much needed, restful time.

Andrea has been very active this past month in “Las Amigas” for several of their upcoming events. The best part is, many great, new contacts have been made through these activities.

Pam Bertoni is one of the first American friends Andrea made in Paraguay through Las Amigas. She has been battling ovarian cancer the last two years and has been the recipient of many new, experimental treatments. We ask that you please add her to your pray list.

Personal study
I am currently reading / have read:

The 360° Leader by John Maxwell

The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today by Everett Ferguson

I have been studying and preparing for the next quarter ́s classes of ABA: “Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther”

I have been studying (debating) with a Jehovah’s Witness regarding their “bible” and the “Kingdom of God.”

Preaching/teaching opportunities
I preached for the Ñemby congregation on the subject of “Christ Fulfilling the Law.”

I preached at Avenida Sacramento about “Reflecting Christ” in everything that we are and do.

The subjects for the Honduras/El Salvador campaign were: “Every Christian’s Responsibility,” “The Characteristics of a Mature Christian,” “YOU are Acts Chapter 29,” “The Sum of Thy Word is Truth,” and “The Kingdom of God”

Please pray for Andrea’s friend, Pam, who has ovarian cancer week Bible class in La Palma, El Salvador via Skype.

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

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

Classes Begin At SIBS Doboro, Ghana.

A new preacher training school, the Southern Institute of Biblical Studies, has started at Doboro-Nsawam, about fourteen Kilometers away from Accra, the capital of Ghana.

This is a two-year, full time residential program affiliated with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, Colorado and is awarded by a Certificate in Biblical Studies. The church at Nsawam, in the Eastern Region is involved in the SIBS.

Included in the primary objectives of the school is to prepare more dedicated men to preach the gospel and to serve in the Lord’s church as evangelists.

Following an induction service on the 15th of February, the maiden admitted students for the 2014-2016 academic year, started classes on the 17th of February, 2014. Twelve mature men from a cross section of the country, and  already serving in different roles in the church, have been admitted into this new program.  This includes some students from Dambai in the Volta-North, Poyamire-Bawku in the Upper East region, and others from the Eastern and Greater-Accra regions respectively.

A good number of the brethren here believe the new school will go a long way to help the spread of the gospel in this region.

We are not only grateful to God for this new program, but also to our financial donors, and to brother Steven Ashcraft, the coordinator, for making this dream become a reality.

Please continue to keep this school and her primary focus of evangelization in your prayers.

God bless
Seth Larbi

Joy In The Midst Of Political Turmoil In Ukraine...

Hello dear brothers, families and churches.

If you were to ask me what could surprise and sadden me a few months ago, I wouldn’t even think about the events in our country. But let’s start from the very beginning. On February 15, the Lord has given our family a daughter whom we named Dasha. Vera safely delivered the baby, but when they were signing out of the hospital, the doctors found that my daughter has heart problems. Now we have to check her health at the hospital regularly and pray for her recovery. Doctors say that this condition may get better in time; otherwise they will have to do the surgery. Please pray with us for her health. 

Now let’s talk about the politics. There were many changes in our country in February. It seemed that revolution won, and the new government gained authority, the ex-president fled to Russia, and he is there even now. We hoped that it was the most difficult part, and now it’s over, and the country will get ready for the new reform and integration into Europe. But Russia wanted to say the last word, and they did. A week ago Russian troops occupied the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Ukrainian bases there, as if helping Russians who live in that territory. The situation is very tense. Our government together with European and Russian governments can’t find a peaceful solution. Ukraine is in economical, political and moral unrest. We ask you to pray for our future and us. 

The school is doing well. Our teachers and students are very patient and are not panicking because of the events which happen around us. We started thinking more about the spiritual, and it might be God’s providence that we study the book of Daniel together with the first year students. “…And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding…” (Daniel 2:21). We often forget to think about the numerous nature of God’s blessings such as: peace, calm, and joy, and we understand that only when we lose them. 

Our student, Alexey Mitskutis, together with his wife, Alina, had a successful visit to the church of Christ in Ukhta (Northern Russia). We hope that Alexey will move to Russia with his family after his graduation to minister as a preacher there. The congregation received them with much warmth. They have been in need of a preacher for a long time. 

Last month a man from Dnipropetrovsk got into our program. His name is Ivan. He has been seeking an opportunity to study God’s word for a long time. Now we have 12 people studying at the institute at the moment.

In February, I visited several churches in the Donetsk area. I was able to attend the church in Amvrosievka, where they don’t have a preacher currently. Previously, US brethren supported this congregation, but for unknown reasons they stopped supporting the preacher. We try to visit this congregation with our students, and we want one of our graduates to continue working there permanently preaching the word of God. They have their own big building. There are about 12-15 people. If anyone wants to be working with this congregation or help it to grow, please write to me via email. 

The Central Church of Christ in Gorlovka has yet another addition. A young man, Anatoliy Kushnirov, was baptized. After Bible classes with Bogdan and Andrew, he decided to obey the gospel. He has some mental health issues, but he is quite adequate, and we hope that his decision was not based on an emotional high. We are constantly praying for him. 

Thank you for your help and support of our work. All institute staff and students send you their greetings. We know that you pray for us. And we rely on our almighty God completely.

Your brother and co-worker on His field,
Dennis Sopelnik

To see Dennis’ report with pictures of their new baby, please click here.

Working In The Upper East Region And Burkina Faso..

During my recent trip to the Upper East Region I was able to meet with the TIBS graduates that work in Bawku and the surrounding areas. It is always encouraging to see those who were formerly students now in the role of teacher within their communities. There is a great deal of work being done that is resulting in both spiritual and physical growth for the church.

2013 graduate Molsak Joseph is working with the Bawku church and has recently began a campus ministry at the local senior high school. The school’s headmaster had stopped allowing students to leave the campus (most senior high schools here are boarding schools) on Sundays because many students who said they were going to a church were abusing the privilege. Unfortunately this meant that a number of our members could no longer attend, so Molsak started going to them. They now meet on Sunday afternoon for worship, Tuesday evening for Bible study and Friday evening for prayers. The small number of students who used to attend the Bawku church has now grown to 25 to 30 for every meeting. Joseph also continues his work with the Bawku church which has just completed construction of their own building. We joined with them to finish the last portion of the building, putting in a cement floor.

Fellow 2103 graduate Nichema Jacob continues his work with the Kuka church of Christ, the Garu church of Christ, the Pialogo church of Christ and with Kingdom of Hope Orphan’s School. Over the past two years the Kuka church has grown from 30 members to over 80 members with a weekly attendance of over 130. Much of this growth can be attributed to Kingdom of Hope’s outreach program which allows any child to attend the school regardless of age, sex, religion, or ability to pay the nominal school fees of 2 Cedis per month (about 75 cents at the current exchange rate). Most of the converts over the past year are parents or family members of the school’s students. Look for more information about Kingdom of Hope in next month’s report. The Garu church, which was restored during a campaign last year now has an average weekly attendance of 40, and the Piargo church reported 6 baptisms last year. Nichema keeps himself and his congregation busy spreading the good news!

2011 TIBS graduate Stephen Abugbilla is also keeping busy, taking on the responsibility for restoring the church in Kaadi. Stephen preaches each week for the Atuba church of Christ which reported 7 baptisms last year, growing the congregation to 86 members. Last fall Stephen reached out to former members in the neighboring village of Kaadi about beginning services there, something that had not happened since 2009 when their former evangelist left. In February we helped Stephen put a roof on the new mud brick meeting building that he and the congregation had constructed, and where 36 adults and 11 children are now worshiping.

One area of difficulty stands out among the many good things happening in the Upper East Region. The church at Kulungungu continues to suffer difficulties with the majority Muslim population of the village. The church, which began meeting in 2013, had originally met in a local community building in Kulungungu. This past fall they were informed that they were no longer welcome to meet there, and no other building owner was willing to provide them a space. Kulungungu’s preacher, 2011 graduate Avoca John Mbilla, eventually found a place for the church to meet to the north of the village, which meant the church technically moved from Ghana to Burkina Faso! Unfortunately in January of this year the same group of people from Kulungungu found the new meeting place and began harassing the church when they met. Due to the harassment four of the fourteen members stopped attending, worship services and the church decided they needed to once again move. They have been meeting at their current location, which is back in Ghana but outside of the village, since the end of January. I will be making a trip to the area in April or May to do a follow up campaign designed to encourage the Kulungungu church and assure them that they are not suffering these difficulties alone. In addition to preaching at Kulungungu Avoca continues to serve as the preacher for his home village of Poyamire which consists of 30 members and has an average weekly attendance of over 50.

If the work in the Upper East was not exciting enough there is great news coming out of Burkina Faso as well. In the capital city of Ouagadougou, a city of 1.5 million people, there are only two churches of Christ with a total of 42 members. During a campaign that was held last year contact was made with a number of individuals who wanted a more in depth opportunity to study what the Bible taught about salvation and the church. Unfortunately attempts to find a location to meet had met with resistance as the schools that were near where the potential students lived refused to allow us to use their facilities. Not to be deterred we were able to complete the necessary arrangements to transport and feed the six men who are interested in studying the Bible to the Eglise De Christ De Patte Doie building every Saturday for the next 3 months. The students will take 6 hours of classes each Saturday which will be taught by local church leaders. After 3 months we will evaluate the program and what additional interest the local church is able to generate and add additional evening classes as appropriate. It is our hope that this will be the first step in establishing a full time school in Burkina Faso in the near future.

There is a lot of good news being spread in Northern Ghana and Burkina Faso, and I know that I could not do anything without your prayers and financial support. Last month I mentioned some of the congregations that support this work, so this month I want to mention a few of the individuals who make this work possible. I know that I will undoubtedly miss some, so please forgive any oversight on my part. I want to begin with the entire congregation at Greenbrier who has shown me more love than I can possibly explain. There are so many who anonymously give me money for the work every time I come that it is overwhelming. Others provide Bibles for the students, water purification bottles, etc. that make the work here easier. Thanks to all of you for the confidence you have placed in me. I love you all. A special thank you to Sue Shumate who has always been my biggest supporter, both emotionally and financially. Also a special thanks to those who have supported me since I began this adventure with monthly support and one time gifts to take care of specific needs: Glen and Colleen Elliott, Connie Barden, Chris and Shirley Brill, Linda Ray, Bobby and Jackie Sims, Mildred Pierce, Del and Love Hines, Aubrey and Donna Allensworth, Ron and JoAnn Boatwright, Edie Singleton, Jim and Martha Bell, Judy Moody, Mary Mix, Jackie and Lynda Horton, Rod and Cindy Wilson,Tom and Stephanie Barkley, Gene and Sandra Blair, Linda and Sammy Sinor, Travis White, Holly Locke, Rachel Wilkie, Brian and Deann Wilkie, Jack Wilkie, Joe Wilkie, Anna Dodgen, Mike and Anna Wolfe, Susan Mullen, Gary and Elaine Heath, Janet Banks, David and Beverly Woody, Bailey and Marilyn Watson, Verple Baker, Phillip and Dana Short, and William and Francine Carlin. And last, but certainly not least, a very special thank you to my mother Virginia Hielen who has not only supported the work I do, but remains the example I follow. This work belongs to all of you.

I have posted a number of pictures to go along with this report on the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TamaleChristians. For those without Facebook, or if you want to see even more pictures, you can also visit the School’s new blog page at http://tamalechristians.wordpress.com/.

Next month I will report on the work being done at the Kingdom of Hope Orphan’s School. Until then, “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26).

Tony ‘Wintima’ Johnson