20 New Students Are Ready To Begin Their Journey...

Beloved, 

We at the Kenya School of Preaching are very excited to inform you that we had 47 applicants for the second intake and we selected 20. This was a very stiff selection because of the qualifications and their involvement with Lord's work, but we will determine whether they are up to the task when classes begin on October 6th. 

We, the faculty are still very determined to keep training high and will not entertain laziness and joy riding. 

We are also happy to tell you that all 20 students selected have reported and another additional student came without an invitation letter on October 3rd and insists on staying at the school. Unfortunately we will have to send him home and he has to wait for the third intake 2016. 

The number of applicants is a proof of perpetuity and a vote of confidence in the new school and the great work we did with the first intake.

After our graduation we didn't have rest, as is sometimes good for workers, but joined local congregations for a series of gospel meetings and door to door evangelism where 11 obeyed the gospel. 

We had a good number of KSOP graduates serving in various ways during the meetings, we are proud of them and look forward to greater service from them.

God is causing the increase when men go out to plant and water the seed. 

Keep praying for the school, new students and our graduates who are in the field already. 

I will be leaving to Arusha Tanzania on October 8th to attend Men's leadership conference where am scheduled to speak on "Perfect leaders manage their resources well" Nehemiah 4:16-18.

Keep me prayers.

Thanks all for your prayers and assistance to keep the good work going on.

God bless you more and more.

His servant,
Charles Ogutu
Kenya School of Preaching

Campaign Cameroon, And A Story Worth Reading...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Wotutu. It is another day here and our worship was great as we invested time to worship God according to how He wants people to worship Him.

We hope this report finds you in good health. We are doing better in health. We do hope you are doing fine in health. Keep us in your prayers. Our students are back on campus strong and ready to start learning for the final quarter. One student is sick and has not been able to return, but he called and said by His grace he will be here after one week.

The students spent two weeks in the mission field reaching out to many and nurturing congregations. This field work led to the establishment of two new congregations and the revival of the Mile One Kumba congregation where the church stopped worshipping because there was no one to preach. The nearby congregation started sending their Christians to go and help, but they stopped also without any explanation. We praise God because one of our students went to that community and invested two weeks and the congregation had 42 fallen Christians return to the Lord.

Today in Wotutu, we had a meeting with our students and their wives. This meeting was scheduled for us to start making preparations for graduation. I used that opportunity to thank their wives for such a sacrifice leaving their husbands to be in the school for two years. More appreciations will be expressed on the day of graduation, which is on the 11th of December 2014.

After the meeting we took a family picture with the wives. It was another opportunity for our wives to meet their friends and for them to share visions toward full time work come January 2015. Our graduation and matriculation will be on the same day. The new Gamma batch of students have started coming to my office to get their admission letters.

Our student, Itoe David, spent two weeks in the Muea congregation and the Lord added 5 souls and 4 fallen Christians came back. The Muea congregation is the congregation I shared last week with the overflow population sitting outside the hall.

Our student, Mokwe Eugene, spent two weeks in Yoke village and the Lord added two souls into the church there. He was able to baptized our new brother. He is called brother Tita. He is 85 years old and was a polygamist with 3 wives. When he got the truth he called his wives and told them that he had found the Lord and could not continue in his old ways. He settled with all the wives by sharing his wealth and houses and took his first wife. He gave them portions of his property and told them that he will continue to take care his children as long as they need his help. What a God we serve. It was a “come to and see something” in that community. The wives were amazed what the gospel can do. We have started studies with the Mission Printing tracts on polygamy and shared with many in that community because that is a habit there.

Our young congregations in Batoke, Dikome, Koba, Ediki, and Down Beach Limbe witnessed great spiritual growth because students stayed longer. Sister Sylvia obeyed the gospel in Batoke.

Brother Tita popularly called in the community. After His baptism he said it aloud and was very happy, “Thank you God, you have remembered me.” It was a joyous day for his family and the community. Keep him in your prayers as our students continue to go there on weekly basis until their graduation in December, where by His grace a student will go there and start his ministry.

Summary of the two weeks evangelism by CBIW students:

Number of baptism: 35
Number of restoration: 48
Number of newly established congregations: 2
Number of congregation revived: 1 mile from Kumba.

Plans
Keep praying as we move closer to November where we shall have a mass evangelism in Lebialem and Mamfe for the annual Bible lectureship in Cameroon.

Appreciations
God alone will bless you and reward you in due season for all that you are doing tirelessly for the work here in Cameroon. We say, “thank you” because if not of your kind heart it would not have been like this here. God bless you as you share this with others.

Elangwe and family

By His grace Director CBIW

Back In West Africa...

West Africa has been in the international news a lot over the past few months. Unfortunately most of the news coming out of this part of the world has been negative. Ebola is certainly the story most people are familiar with right now when it comes to West Africa. Boko Haram’s aggression in Northern Nigeria continues to receive attention, especially in regards to the fate of the over two hundred school girls who were kidnapped. On a local level, a recent cholera outbreak along the Ghanaian coast is causing a level of concern, as well as economic issues that has resulted in an inflation rate of almost 16% this summer and has resulted in the local currency losing over half its value in the past year. There are a lot of distractions in West Africa at the present time!

I have been back in West Africa for over a month now and, despite all of the distractions, the work continues. I arrived in time to start teaching classes at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies, which began its seventh (out of ten) term in September. All twelve students were able to report on time for classes, which got the term off to a good start. Unfortunately, one student came down with an ailment that required him to return home during the second week of classes, so we are down to eleven students at present. I am teaching two classes this term, both covering the book of Romans. 

Other classes being taught this term are Old Testament 6 (Major Prophets), 1 Corinthians, and 2 Corinthians. There is also a student campaign scheduled during the term. Our 1 Corinthians class will be taught by a visiting instructor from the U.S., Joe Wilkie, of the Lone Tree, Colorado congregation. This will be Joe’s second trip to teach at the school in Tamale, as he also traveled over last year to teach Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament courses during the first term. I, personally, am very thankful for Joe’s willingness to come, especially in light of all the negative news reports. Joe arrived on Friday, October 3rd, and will be here until October 20th.

The student campaign this term was in the neighboring community of Gumani, a prominently Muslim community on the outskirts of Tamale. One of the school’s local instructors lives in the community so the plan was to determine the feasibility of establishing a congregation in the area in the future. The students canvased the area and were able to talk with many people, and in the process learned how difficult it can be to evangelize in a community where Christianity is an unknown or unaccepted religion (most of our students come from predominately denominational Christian villages). While the work produced no baptisms and no real hope for a local congregation in the near future, there were three ongoing Bible studies established. We continue to pray for the work in that area and for open minds to the truth of God’s Word during these studies.

While the students were in Gumani, I made a trip to Burkina Faso to meet with the church at Ouagudougou and see how plans were progressing for me to send teams of evangelists to assist them. We were supposed to have a place ready for the evangelists to stay while working there, but due to the housing laws they have not yet been able to take control of the location. So we are sending the first teams to the area of Po where there are now 4 village congregations meeting, including one in Kaya where we did a campaign last year. Arrangements have been made to send a full time worker to help these congregations by the Ouagadougou congregation, and our evangelist team will be assisting him during the month of October. In November, we will have a week long campaign in Ouagadougou with both of our evangelist teams working there during the campaign and remaining the next week to do follow up work. There have been a total of three baptisms at the congregation since our campaign there this spring. I am excited to see this work begin to grow.

Thank you again for your support and prayers. Until the next time we meet, “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).

In His service,
Tony ‘Wintima’ Johnson

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

Immeasurable Joy Through Extension Training...

After an incredible weekend of lectures, the past week settled into a more normal routine of students back in class. The week ahead brings an end to the first quarter of this school year and students are preparing for finals and then off to campaigns around the country. The opportunity to put into practice what the students learn during classes provides valuable experience for them and it brings a benefit to the congregations where they serve. The greatest benefit is that souls are taught the gospel and given an opportunity to become Christians.

As hard as it is to believe, we are only three months away from the start of another year. These next few months are critical to the implementation of plans for developing the future of extension training. A number of new locations are being considered for 2015 and we look forward to sharing news of their beginning in the months ahead. We ask that you pray with us and for us in the success of this work.

News from several extension locations is encouraging. There is an immeasurable joy that exists in reading about those who become Christians, the restoration of those who left the church, and Christians who are built up in the faith. The increase God gives continues to make this work worth the time and effort given to it. Thank you for your partnership in this global 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/

Extension Reports 

Tracts Continue To Have An Impact In Cameroon: Mission Printing’s delivery of tracts for the work in Cameroon continue to reach into uncharted places that need the gospel.

After 22 Years, A Blind Lady In Togo Finds The Church: Seek and you shall find, Jesus promised. A touching story in Togo demonstrates the truth of His claim.

A Compassionate Plea For Training Preachers In Nigeria: Efforts in Nigeria continue to see the gospel proclaimed and the need for help is the plea from the school in Ibadan.

East Africa Gospel Meeting Yields Fruit: The EAGM is an annual event and this year it was held in Kisongo, Tanzania. The results are worth reading about.

Twenty-One New Souls In Arusha, Tanzania: The power of the gospel is changing lives around the world, and recent efforts in Tanzania are seeing souls brought into the kingdom.

How Can I Get To Know The Right Church? This question was posed to one of the staff members at the ACSOP in Arusha, Tanzania and is leading through a Bible study.

Final Thoughts 
Thank you for trusting us to carry out the task of training men to preach the gospel around the world. Your confidence in us to partner with faithful men in each location, to provide them with training, encourages us to work harder in fulfilling the Great Commission. Thank you.

God bless
Bob

How Can I Get To Know The Right Church?

The scripture says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit,…” NKJV. This is a great commission where we are told to "go." The scripture does not tell us how we should go. There are so many ways we can use to carry the gospel to the unbelievers. I came to believe that even those who say “using the Bible tracts as a way of reaching out to lost souls is an outdated method,” are very wrong!

We recently started a program of giving our Church members a Bible tract to hand over to their neighbors or friends. So, each week about 35 church members get an opportunity to hand out one tract with a different topic. Each of these tracts have a preacher’s phone number, and we instructed them to give it to a person they know. Many are calling in and asking for further explanation on what they are reading from the tracts, and some are asking about the location of the church building and time of our worship service. About 40-50 people called in and texted.

It happened last week when I received a text message from Raphael asking, “How can I get to know the right Church?” We started chatting in regards to his question and he finally gave me a call inviting me to his home place to conduct a Bible study. He then invited his family members to listen to me; there were four of them. As we continued with the topic of the one true church, they came to understand that denominations are not the plan of God. We spent much time showing the one true church, the New Testament church. We established the fact that Jesus established one church, of which we ought to be members. In the next lesson we talked about the mark of the one true church. This was the point when their eyes were about to come out. They were touched when they heard what the scripture says,  “ …the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” Acts 2:47. The fact that those who are members of the church have Jesus Himself adding them to the church after obeying the Gospel.

Raphael then promised to come and visit the church next Sunday. We thank God that his family was more open for more Bible study with us. It is our hope that they grow in their desire to know the truth, and soon they will be added to the church. It is our sincere hope that you will pray for Raphael and his family as we continue studying with them and answering their questions.

It could not have been possible for us to meet Raphael and his family, if that one church member had not handed them a Bible tract. So there has never been an outdated method for reaching out, and one method can be as good as another. We have to use any means in our ability and time to reach out to people with the Gospel of Christ. About 180 Bible tracts have been handed to people and 21 people have been registered to take Bible correspondence courses. We thank the church members who are learning and participating to share the gospel with others. Thanks goes to the sponsor of the Tanzania mission, for enabling us use the resources you are sending in strengthening the local congregation and reaching many with the gospel. May Lord God Bless you.

In Him,

Godfrey Mngoma  
Student DEAN-ACSOP

Twenty-One New Souls In Arusha, Tanzania...

Dear Brethren,

I would like to take this opportunity to again thank all of you who are making things possible through your Christian love. The Kisongo congregation’s follow up to the East Africa gospel meeting is going extremely well. Last report shows that 90 souls have been taught the gospel. We praise our great God as 21 souls have put on Christ in baptism! We were blessed to have Lance Leavens and Cary Oglesby, two of our brethren from America, visiting to help us a great deal with our follow up. 

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). The Kisongo church has a great responsibility to feed these 21 souls. This is not easy task because Satan is not happy that we are busy doing the Lord’s work. For instance, this week big opposition from a group of Lutherans rose up against the church, accusing the church that they had taken their followers. This happened during a local funeral service. The brethren here need your prayers as they resist our adversaries and their efforts to destroy the good seed that has been planted.

Recently, several first year students from ACSOP and I were able to visit two congregations in Babati. Aside from the many preachers that have been trained at ACSOP, the school has been a great blessing from God in encouraging the brotherhood in this area. Babati is almost 120 miles from Arusha. I left one group of students at Babati town and I moved with another group to the congregation at Nakwa. We were privileged to meet with several brethren including ACSOP graduates Salvatore Mwakimbwala, Godwin Elisha, and Naaman Oto Sheizer. I found the Babati town congregation doing well and growing even better than during my last visit. Their biggest obstacle is a place to meet. They are growing at a fast rate, but are still meeting in a rental house. With the town growing rapidly, a building provides a sense of legitimacy to their effort. Unfortunately, congregations aren’t considered “legitimate” unless they are in their own building.

I encourage you to join us in this work that we, together, can accomplish what our Lord has required us to do.

In His Work

Ahimidiwe Kimaro
Assistant Director, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver extension school
Arusha, Tanzania

East Africa Gospel Meeting Yields Fruit...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We serve the God of love, oh, to be like Him. We serve the Savior of love, oh, to act like Him. We serve the Spirit of love, oh, to think like Him. When I think of where I have came from, where I am, and where I hope to be, I thank God I am in Him. Without Him I (we) are a most miserable soul indeed. We thank you all who show genuine biblical love in all you say and do for God’s mission work in Tanzania. 

This week has been a reminder of God’s love and power when shared with the lost of this world. Neil Richey and his team have taught and shared the love of God with many in the ACSOP and in the Kisongo community. They worked hand in hand with our fellow believers, sharing the good news of the Gospel with a dying world. 

God has blessed their good works by giving the increase. They watered where others had planted. They dared to care, leaving family, and the creature comforts of “home” to come and give, to give that others might live. 

It thrills the soul to see God’s hand at work. Many years ago we encouraged and engaged in an evangelistic work here in the Arusha area. We call this ministry “Safari for Souls.” Our good friends and supporters from America have come and continue to come, engaging in evangelistic efforts. Our brothers and sisters in East Africa have participated and seen the good that can be done when Christians join hands and hearts in the work of the Church, yes, the main work of the Church, and are now doing the same. They call their outreach ministry the “East Africa Gospel Meeting.” Men and women from all over East Africa come together each year to glorify God through a joint effort of teaching and preaching of the Good News. 

This year’s E.A.G.M. was conducted here in Kisongo, Tanzania during the month of August. Through their efforts three souls obeyed the gospel during the meeting and seven during the follow-up efforts. When Neal’s team arrived this past week, they engaged in continued efforts in follow-up.  The Lord smiled down on the efforts of all by adding twelve more souls to His Kingdom. Yes, God does desire all men every where to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth (1 Timothy 2:4)! Twenty-one new souls added to the kingdom; that’s what I call a GREAT blessing.

We are an imperfect people who serve a perfect God, the God of love. Let us love as He has loved, let us forgive as He has forgiven, let us give as He has given, and let us be faithful, for He is always faithful. 

God is love (1 John 4:8). Let us love one another. Until all have heard...

Wisdom from above: “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.” [Proverbs 27:9]

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

A Compassionate Plea For Training Preachers In Nigeria...

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ,

Grace and mercy be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from Christ the chief commander of the troop.

The students and the staff of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan main campus played active roles in a two day open air Bible lectureship organized by the church at Ikoyi-Osun state and brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe on September 19 & 20, 2014. 

I spoke on “Freedom from Bondage (OT law)” on Friday night, while brother Kayode spoke on “Tithes and NT Giving,” and on Saturday evening I spoke on “Christ -The Last Prophet of God” (Deut. 18:18-19; Acts 3:22-23), while brother Kayode, the host minister, concluded his teaching on “Tithes and NT Giving.” The turn out was impressive. Two souls was restored on Sunday as the result of the exercise.

Brethren, as we are relaxing on Friday night around 8:00 pm, I received a call from brother Matthew Idowu and a tex message from brother Dairo Joseph Abiodun announcing the sudden death of SWSE foundation secretary, brother Phillip Okome, who passed away at the age of 50, after a brief illness. His body was laid to rest on Saturday afternoon at his house in the Agoro-Ijoko area of Ogun state. He is survived by children and his young wife! 

On Sunday morning at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, I continued my four Sunday’s teaching on “The Great Commission,” as I taught on the four "alls" in the Great Commission before we moved out of the meeting hall for one and half hours door-to-door evangelism, which resulted in the conversion of a young boy of 17 years named Mayowa Akindele. 

In the evening, I admonished the saints on “Why Cumbereth it the Ground” (Luke 13:7). Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe taught on “The Narrow Way” at the Egbeda congregation on September 21, 2014.  

At the campus church, brother Abraham Idu Yeje, our campus minister, taught on “Helping the Helpless,” while brother Akinade Oluwaseun Akinleye , one of our year-one students admonished the campus church on “Idolatry in the House of God” (Ezekiel 8:1ff).

All our year-two students were all active in the Lord's service on the Lord's day of September 21 in their respective congregations.

Brethren, we thank the Almighty God for His mercies on us all and we appreciate you all for your kind gesture and partnership. May the Lord continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ’s name, Amen.

The report reaching me now from brother Dele Shotola (one of our  2013 graduates) and brother Nwarorji Emmanuel shows that their three week door-to-door evangelism in Ilisan -Remo town has given birth to another congregation in the city. They were eighteen in attendance in the first worship on September 28, 2014.

Reports reaching from the SWSE instructors shows the conversion of two souls by brother Matthew Idowu during their end of the month evangelism at Ijegun Ikotun area of Lagos state, while brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji reported the conversion of one lady at the Agege congregation and five at the young congregations in Mary Land Lagos. Brother Dairo Joseph Abiodun reported the conversion of two during their monthly Open-Air Bible lectureship at Ota, Ogun state and brother Isaac Olaniyan reported the conversion of one at Ijoko-Ota, Ogun state this Lord's day.

Brethren, the SWSE Ibadan and Lagos campus’ have been operating since August 11, 2014 to the present date on money borrowed from friends and relatives with the hope of refunding or paying the loan back on November 17 or 18, 2014.

We rely totally on God and godly men and women such as you for our survival and the continuity of this good work of training more soldiers of the cross.

Therefore, be compassionate on us at SWSE, Ibadan and Lagos, Nigeria and please give your fellow laborers in Christ 's vineyard whatever you can afford now to keep us marching forward for the Lord in this 2014 / 2015 session. We budgeted $23,000 for this 2014/2015 session.

Brethren, October 1, 2014 is our Independence day. Please, keep on praying for us and next year’s election.

We deeply are appreciative of your dedication for the cause the Master, Jesus Christ.

My best regards to the saints over there.

Your fellow laborer in Christ's vineyard,

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

After 22 Years, A Blind Lady In Togo Finds The Church...

She kept listening to the radio program each Sunday night, but felt she had met some missionaries in Lome about 22 years ago who kept mentioning Eglise du Christ (Church of Christ). She remembered some of the teachings about the church. She was then an official at the Lome Airport, but later became blind and had to return to Kpalime. Recently, she took the telephone number of the presenter and the direction and decided she was going to worship with the church one Sunday. Her search that Sunday morning took her and the motor bike taxi to several churches in the area, but each time they arrived at a church she asked several questions that the leaders of the denominations couldn’t answer. She never gave up, but continued her search that Sunday morning until she came to the entrance of the church of Christ and asked for the presenter Essotena (Cephas). Though she was blind, she found the Lord’s church. Any diligent seeker of the truth will surely find it. Though the service was almost over when she got there, she was given the opportunity to tell her story. Her presence at the church was a source of encouragement to the brethren after they heard her story of a long search.

Golokuati Church of Christ
During my recent visit home, I had the opportunity to preach to my people. A lady responded to the gospel invitation and was baptized. I grew up and started my primary education in this village.

Mars Hill Christian Academy
Mars Hill Christian Academy reopened on the 16th of September to start another academic year. Our mission still remains as an institution that exists to give these little ones the best preschool education in the Afadjato district of the Volta Region. However, as low as the fee is, most parents cannot afford to send their kids to school. There are several villages in the area that have little kids of school going age who are still at home. With $25.00 a month for each kid, Mars Hill can assist them to be in school. This amount can take care of tuition, provide one meal a day, provide free transport to convey kids to and from school, provide uniform and school materials and support infrastructural development. Should you be interested in giving a kid a future, contact me. We shall not only be supporting a child to go to school, but also developing a potential Christian - a member of the Lord’s church.

We have almost completed a wooden three classroom block, a toilet facility and have constructed few desks for the classrooms. We need help.

Activities of the Gospel Chariot in Ghana
The Zone 7 churches in the greater Accra region organized a one month six days campaign to strengthen their congregations and win souls for Christ. The Zone is made up 16 congregations of the Lord’s Church. The campaign started on the 4th of August and ended on the 11th of September. By the close of the campaign seven souls were added to the Church while 485 names were enrolled for WBS. Several hundreds of tracts provided by Mission Printing were also distributed. Below are some of the activities during the campaign.

Activities during the campaigns include: Open air preaching each night, visit to schools, tract distribution and enrollment exercise. Sometimes the chariot team members are given the opportunity to preach or teach a Bible class on Sundays. The host congregation has the responsibility to feed and lodge the chariot team and the team is enjoyed a meal together.

The Gospel Chariot is a great blessing to the church in Ghana. It has rekindled the evangelism spirit in Ghana. Brethren are now cooperating to organize outreach programs that benefit their congregations. We thank all who in divers ways have made all these possible.

Facts and Figures:

    Names enrolled- 4,180 

    Congregations visited - 16 

    Boxes of tracts distributed – 10 

    Baptisms conducted - 7 

H. Willie Gley
P.O. Box AN 19611
Accra North, Ghana
My new email address is wgleycbs@gmail.com

Tracts Continue To Have An Impact In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ

Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Christ here in Cameroon. We do hope you are doing great in all that you do. We are doing better in health. Some of our students in the mission field could not continue because of ill health. We advised them to come back to school where they can get some medicine.

I am happy to report the happenings of last week. Our students are still on the mission field. Instead of one week, students are putting in an additional week because we had but one week of short courses instead of two. So we decided to invest the other week for evangelism in different locations. I am back from visiting some of them at the end of two weeks of intensive house to house evangelism and nurturing of congregations. By next Sunday I will be able to give a detailed report about their work.

The Mission Printing tracts continue to get into the hinterlands and towns of Cameroon. Many have not heard about the availability of tracts, but whenever they hear about it, they make a trip to Wotutu for the tracts. We continue to keep Mission Printing in our prayers for such a great work to reach out to many, many people through the printed page. We are also thankful for all the loving brethren who sacrifice in many ways to get the ocean container to us. Sister Emilia, from a village congregation, decided to pay for her trip to Wotutu to get tracts so that she will help many in the village as a teacher. She has great influence in that community.

She loaded up her boxes and was ready to ride on a motor bike, which is the easiest way to take off tracts to many locations.

As our students move from one congregation to another, they are nurturing and, at the same time, house to house evangelism is helping expose the truth. By so doing, many congregations are witnessing an increase and the halls they built many years ago cannot contain them any longer, do to the over flowing crowd in Muea congregation. It was not too long when I took a picture during a torrential down pour of rain, and those outside were forced to get inside and stand up. They are looking for means to get even nylon paper to put over them. Keep this congregation in your prayers.

Our student, Itoe David, is loved by this congregation, for they can see his love for the church and the love for lost souls. They told me we need someone to help us grow. We can barely afford food, but how will he sustain his life? As a single man, he needs to get married one day. What will he do to realize this dream?

We give God glory that we walk on stones and rivers and waters, at times on bad roads, so that we can rob from the strong man’s house. The mission work is good, but it has lots of challenges. Thank you for your prayers for us daily.

As we move from one house to another we take people to the Bible and point the word to those who are eager to study with us. Sister Linda, who always listens to our morning program, decided to come and worship for the past three weeks. She always reads tracts that we give her. This afternoon, she called me and told me that she is ready to be baptized, but she doesn’t have money to cook food for celebration. I told her Jesus paid that for her already. Open your heart and obey the gospel. She called the husband and the husband said “Go ahead, if you have found the truth.” After the baptism, the husband came and asked a series of questions about the church of Christ because he said all Christians are one nor matter your denominational affiliation. I gave him the tract, “The church of Christ, Who are these People?” and started a study with him. Keep him in your prayers, so that he will open his heart as we study with him. His name is Louis.

Sister Linda Owi smiled as she obeyed the Lord. She said, “Finally, I am a child of God in His body. Keep her and her family in your prayers.

The prison ministry is working well. We started realizing our dreams of the ministry, which is to preach and relocate a released brother to their villages and introduce them to the congregation there, if it is already there. Brother Paul Adrin, who was released last week, moved to Wotutu and spent some days with us for us to take him to his village in Mundemba, which is far from Wotutu, but it was our joy that we had the means to take him there and meet with the brethren there who were happy to welcome him. He is eager to serve God all the days of his life as an evangelist. God is great.

Plans
We are still making our plans to storm Lebialem for a mass evangelism in November, if the means to transport all the students there. This is an area characterized by Catholicism.

Appreciations
Our hearts are grateful to God for you for all that you are doing here. The work is in progress because of your love and sacrifice. If not for you, we keep you in our prayers for God’s blessings and providence.

Do your best to share our report with others. God bless you and keep you strong.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Making Known God's Eternal Purpose...

“Making Known God’s Eternal Purpose” was the theme of this year’s lectureship at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. Focusing on the book of Ephesians allowed for an exegetical approach to this powerful letter penned by the apostle Paul. Additionally, several breakout sessions provided opportunity for speakers to address several key topics surrounding areas presented throughout the letter.

The consistency in handling the text and topics within each lesson made for a cup filling weekend. The lessons supplied everyone with encouragement and edification. The lectureship book was dedicated to the Bible Institute’s president, Denny Petrillo and at the annual banquet, Tom Black was honored with the NUAC (Not Under Any Circumstance) award for his dedication to holding to and not compromising the truth of God’s word.

Derald and Verna Dunigan were honored with the “Second-Miler” award for their service and dedication to the Bible Institute and the Bear Valley congregation. They continue to demonstrate a servant’s heart in every area. Since this year marked the 50th year of training preachers, at the celebratory event, the elders honored Denny Petrillo also with the NUAC award for his dedication for the past 29 years in training preachers.

The future development of the extension program is exciting as we look to expand the number of schools and improve the entire process by which we provide training around the world. This week’s reports continue to express all the reasons why this work is so encouraging.

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 

Focusing On The Children At Brightland Christian Academy: Since students are out on campaigns, the report from Cameroon focuses on the children at BCA.

Three Souls Converted After A Funeral: One of the most powerful times to think about eternal matters is after the loss of a loved one, and this week in Togo, three were converted.

Evangelism Continues To Bring Souls To Christ In Nigeria: As the staff and students from the SWSE evangelize each weekend, souls are brought to the Lord.

A Closer Look At The Impact Of Evangelism In Tanzania: Reports from students involved in evangelism demonstrate the excitement of what they are learning in school.

Final Thoughts 
As we close out this week’s report, we want each of you to know how much you are loved and appreciated. We are all keenly aware of the vital nature of your involvement for the success of this program. We need you and you are a blessing to us all.

God bless
Bob

A Closer Look At The Impact Of Evangelism In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers:

We greet you with hearts of joy and thanksgivings. You are making a difference in the lives of countless souls here in Tanzania, throughout East Africa, and to the glory of God. Much has been accomplished on the one hand, yet there is so much yet to do. We are often reminded of the fact we are at the right place, doing the right thing, and at the right time. As we have seen in the case of Ukraine, doors can open and doors can close! 

This past week, I was privileged to teach on “Foundations for Missions.” It was refreshing to see the students light up as they began to really understand the true purpose of the New Testament church, yes, their (our) purpose. In the afternoons, as part of their class work, students went into the community meeting and studied with the people. Toward the end of class, each of them expressed their delight in what they had learned and for the amazing experience of sharing God’s love, grace, and the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. One commented, “It was not as scary as I thought and so encouraging to see the joy in the people when they learned of God’s love for them and of the hope of salvation in Christ.” Here are a couple of quotes from one of our text books. I really got a lot out of these quotes and hopefully you will as well: 

Have you ever asked yourself the following question? “What is the task of the church of our Lord, our task?” The task we are commissioned with can be glorious and challenging, exciting and frightening, refreshing and exhausting. As Henry C. Thiessen puts it in seven statements: ‘The purpose of the church is to “glorify God, to edify itself, to purify itself, to educate its constituency, to evangelize the world, to act as a restraining and enlightening force in the world, to promote all that is good.’”

Hugh Thomson Kerr puts the emphasis where it ought to be: “We are sent not to preach sociology but salvation; not economics but evangelism; not reform but redemption; not culture but conversion; not progress but pardon; not a new social order but a new birth; not revolution but regeneration; not renovation but revival; not resuscitation but resurrection; not a new organization but a new creation; not democracy but the gospel; not civilization but Christ; we are ambassadors not diplomats.”

It is a beautiful thing to witness first-century Christianity alive and well in the twenty-first century. May we, the church, awaken to the great need of this world, EVANGELISM! We are thankful that our brother Neil Richey and four others have arrived safely. Neil will be teaching in the ACSOP this coming week while the others engage in follow-up Bible studies here at Kisongo, resulting from the East Africa Gospel meeting that took place in August. 

Let us be reminded; “They went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs followed.” (Mark 16:20) So must we!

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Evangelism Continues To Bring Souls To Christ In Nigeria...

Dearest in Christ,

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

The students and staff of SWSE Ibadan main campus evangelized the Olomi and Agric area of Oluyole L.G.A, Ibadan with Oniyere, Agric and other brethren from nearby congregations on September 13, 2014 and the five hour spiritual exercise resulted in two restorations, while our staff and students at the Agege campus, led by brother Matthew Idowu, joined other brethren in Lagos to evangelize Ijegun town of Alimosho L.G.A of Lagos state. The Lord crowned their efforts with two conversions. To God be the glory!

On Sunday, at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu -Ibadan, I taught a lesson on “Sharing Christ with Others under the Great Commission.”

At the Egbeda congregation, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe completed his last week of teaching on “Tithes and Offerings.”

All our year 1 & 2 students actively participated in one way or the other on the first day of the week service for September 14, 2014.

Brethren, we thank you all for your partnership and we pray the Almighty God will continue blessing our joint effort in Christ name, Amen.

Your fellow laborer in Christ,

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

Three Souls Converted After A Funeral...

The late brother Agbenyo, until his demise, was a prominent member of the Kpadafe Church of Christ. Brother Agbenyo, in consultation with his family, donated a piece of property behind his house where the congregation built a shed for worship. When he died all the congregations in the Kpalime and the Kloto region organized themselves and gave the brother a fitting burial. The Kpadape township was so impressed with the performance of the church that they developed a love for the church. After the burial, the congregation started receiving visitors each Sunday.

I understand that several of the family members are considering becoming members of the Lord’s church. This reminds me of the scripture in Acts. 2:47, where the church was “having favor with all the people.” We are looking forward to good things in the days to come. You may be wondering how a funeral program can bring someone to Christ. We took advantage of the opportunity to have a large gathering to preach the gospel, not focusing on the dead, but the living. We turn the funeral ground into a campaign ground.

Here lies the mortal remains of brother Agbenyo. He died at age 85.

This casket sends out a strong message that man needs to be prepared to meet his maker.

Chariot Driver is now baptized
In my July report, I informed you about the Chariot driver we hired from a denominational church. Atsou was willing to assist us during the July campaign, a job he did very well to the amazement of all of us. Atsu was hired after the campaign. During a recent campaign at Danyinu a suburb of Kpalime, Atsou decided to give his life to Christ in baptism. Atsou was asking a lot of questions while driving the chariot and he was surprised that the Bible was used to respond to his questions. Atsou was overwhelmed by the number of preachers who engaged him in conversation.

Danyinu campaign
Danyinu is a suburb of Kpalime. We were privileged to organize a campaign for the congregation that meets there. Gabriel, one of our first graduates, preaches there. It is a fairly new congregation that needed the publicity of a campaign. There was a large crowd each night and the activities included open air preaching, film show, and tract distribution personal work from house to house etc. At the end of it all, three souls gave their life to Christ. This included the chariot driver.

Center for Biblical Studies (CBS) re-opened on the 1st of September
After a month break, the students returned to start the second year of study. They are taking the following courses:

1) Hermeneutics
2) Denominational doctrines
3) 1st & 2nd Corinthians
4) Jeremiah
5) Lamentations
6) Biblical Teachings
7) 1st Samuel – 2nd Kings
8) Job- Psalms
9) Logic
10) Church History
11) Hebrew
12) Isaiah

Students received Thompson Chain Reference Bibles
Steve Ashcraft, the CBS coordinator, donated Thompson Chain Reference Bibles to the eighteen students.

WORLD RADIO PROGRAM
A blind lady ( Melanie Folly) finds the Church of Christ after twenty two (22)years

She kept listening to the radio program each Sunday night, but felt she had met some missionaries in Lome about 22 years ago who kept mentioning Eglise du Christ (Church of Christ). She remembered some of the teachings about the church. She was then an official at the Lome Airport but later became blind and had to return to Kpalime.

Recently she took the telephone number of the presenter and the direction and decided she was going to worship with the church one Sunday. Her search that Sunday morning took her and the motor bike taxi to several churches in the area, but each time they arrived at a church she asked several questions that the leaders of the denominations couldn’t answer. She never gave up but continued her search that Sunday morning until she came to the entrance of the church of Christ and asked for the presenter Essotena (Cephas). Though she was blind, she found the Lord’s church. Any diligent seeker of the truth will surely find it. Although the service was almost over when she got there, she was given the opportunity to tell her story. Her presence at church was a source of encouragement to to brethren after they heard her story of a long search.

Report by Willie Gley

Focusing On The Children At Brightland Christian Academy...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Wotutu. I hope this mail finds you all in good health. I am reporting this week more about Brightland Christian Academy and the prison ministry because our students are out for their campaign and will return in the weeks ahead.

God has blessed us as of now to have a good new school year start. Nothing serious has happened to our kids in the Wotutu congregation, even though many parents are still lamenting about paying the fees of their children with the current financial situation in Cameroon.

We were able to wait on the Lord’s table for the congregation in Buea CP, meaning the central prison. Keep this work in your prayers as many continue to know more about the church of Christ. One brother was released and is now with us in Wotutu. Keep John Ekema in your prayers.

Many in the Wotutu community have started taking interest in Christian education, as the kids in BCA were able to play on their campus.

Kids in BCA do devotionals every morning standing in lines according to their classes before the classes begin.

Older kids can read and read. We are looking for an opportunity to do a mass sharing of Bibles to all the kids and some staff who don’t have a Bible. So, as the preacher teaches the word they will also see it with their eyes from their own Bibles.

As kids in BCA go out for lunch break, one little girl of school going age will come with her peanuts to sell. She does not go to school because there is no one to help her go to any level. We are trusting God for electricity to the campus of BCA so that the ad about adult literacy classes will help many again learn how to read and write and by so doing, they will be able to read God’s word for their very first time. Please, you can be part of this vision.

Sister Clara Bana taught a class in BCA. What a blessing to have sisters teaching in the Christian school. They will use most of their explanation and illustration to apply the Bible. Keep this work in your prayers.

Evangelist Nsong Nelson taught Bible from one class to another. The mass distribution of Bibles will help these children check on the word at home to do their assignments before the next school day.

Thinking about all these children, if these minds can be touched by the pure gospel in this tender age, where they started learning how to sing without dancing and clapping, by God’s grace they will grow to know this because they come from denominations and they will be in their denominations once a week while they will be in BCA five times a week, so it means their learning and stay in Brightland will influence them deeply. Please keep praying and see how you can be of help to this to make it work.

Plans
Lebialem mission is coming up in November.

Appreciations
God bless you more for all that you are doing for the work here. God alone will reward you. Keep praying for our sick brethren.

Do your best to share this with others.
Elangwe and family

50 Years Of Training Preachers...

The annual Bear Valley Lectureship begins this Thursday night, September 18th. The activities schedule for the lectureship include numerous speakers from around the country, along with a banquet to celebrate 50 years of training preachers at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. We are thankful to share in this special occasion as we honor those of the past and elate over the events planned for the future.

The next phase planned for the future of the Extension program introduces a proposal for growth in the years ahead. We are excited about the possibilities God is providing for the expansion of the program around the world. We want to encourage you to continue reading the reports each week as this news unfolds and we share the beautiful ways we are participating in God’s glorious work. May He be glorified in all things!

News from the various schools listed below arrived earlier this week and reading through the reports raised our excitement as we learned about the hand of God giving the increase. Reading about souls who obeyed the gospel, congregations that were encouraged, and brethren who strayed from the path and returned to the fellowship of God, continues to make all that is done worth the time and effort.

We ask you to take time out of your busy schedule and read through the reports. We believe you will be as encouraged as we are about the blessing God has given us to be a part of this incredible work of training preachers together.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Extension Reports 

The Prison Ministry Yields Fruit In Wonderful Ways: The outreach of CBIW at the local prison in Cameroon yielded 10 baptisms and more than 110 in attendance for worship.

Guatemala Is One Busy Place: Along with training students at ITL, the work of the staff in Guatemala is far reaching and busy. This report shares a glimpse of their efforts.

Evangelistic Work In Tamale Witnesses 3 Souls Added: The proclamation of the gospel in the northern part of Ghana is impacting the lives of those who are obedient to it.

Preparations Are Made For Graduation At WCSOP: With just over 6 weeks left, the staff and students are making preparations for their next graduating class in Takoradi, Ghana.

Students Are Active In Preaching: During their studies each week, students in Nigeria at the Southwest School of Evangelism are actively preaching the gospel on Sunday.

Classes Are Moving Forward In Haiti: Along with news from several areas of work, the report in Haiti shares news of classes at the International School of Theology meeting.

Visiting Instructors Strengthen Students At SIBS: Domestic and International instructors visit the work in Ghana and help students grow in their development.

God Is Blessing His Mission In Tanzania: Reports from graduates of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching demonstrate the power of God’s word at work.

This Is Not Something You See Everyday: We often take extra precaution in many areas when getting our children to and from school, but it is not that way everywhere.

Salvation In The Most Unlikely Circumstances: Few are willing to enter what might be considered a hostile environment, but one did and the results are exciting.

A Shift In Residency Strengthens Growth In The Church: One graduate’s willingness to move his place of residence is making an impact on the growth of the church.

Final Thoughts 
Thank you for your continued help in making this work possible. You are needed and your involvement in the extension program is a key component in fulfilling the Great Commission by going into all the world and teaching others. This work is producing fruit that honors and glorifies God. We hope you are encouraged, and we thank you.

God bless
Bob

A Shift In Residency Strengthens Growth in The Church...

It is my prayer and hope that this report will find you well and active in the kingdom of the Lord. On one occasion our Lord looked upon the multitudes that were seeking Him, felt compassion for them, because they were sorrowful and disappointed like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 9:34-44). We are grateful for the compassion and favor you have shown us Africans as we, no doubt, need Jesus in our daily lives. You have sacrificed much of your time, money and effort to lead and guide us through the gospel. We will not be able to thank you enough for what you have done for us. 

Do not be discouraged, but fervently pray to the Lord that good laborers will be found and sent in the field to equip the saints. Let us strive to see the lost the way Jesus saw and still sees. We shall certainly be moved with compassion.    

On 6th of October, 2014 the ACSOP will be in the 4th quarter for the Swahili stream of students, while the English stream will begin their final semester. All of the English students are expecting to graduate on the 29th of November this year. 

I have been receiving calls from Daniel Kazungu, the preacher from the new church in Magu Mwanzan. According to his report the church is growing tremendously there. Each Sunday 60 to 70 people meet for the regular worship services. The congregation is only 7 months old. 

This story could not have been mentioned were it not for the effort of that young man who is a former graduate of ACSOP. Because he loves the Lord more than anything else, he decided to shift his residency from the big city of Mwanza to the bush for the course of the lost souls. Let’s remember him with the new congregation in our daily prayers.          

In Christ Jesus,

Michael Lesotwa
ACSOP, Dean of Academics

Salvation In The Most Unlikely Circumstances...

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt? ...But Moses said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you” (Exodus 3:11,4:1).

Sometimes it is easy for us as Christians to wonder at Moses as he was making excuses to God during the account at the burning bush. God’s thoughts, however, are higher than ours and He knew that through Moses His will would be accomplished. Like many Christians today, Moses said, “suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice.” Have we as God’s children been avoiding our obligation of going out to teach lost souls and bring them to Christ? Do we think “they will not listen?” Do we not go to the Hindus, Muslims and others because of the same excuses Moses made? The Lord assured Moses by giving him signs, he obeyed and God’s will was carried out. While we don’t have signs today, we have full assurance and faith in God and His word, knowing that “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16). 

This past week the Lord taught me a lesson as I was conducting door-to-door evangelism. I knocked a door where a Muslim lady opened it. At first I was not sure if she would even invite me into her house since I introduced myself as a member of the Lord’s church. What a big surprise when she said, “welcome.” I was a little scared when she said, “let me call my husband and let him know what we are doing because he is on his way here.” We studied for about 20 minutes and then the husband arrived. The man was happy to see me in his house. He sat down and we continued the study. At the end of the class, I was surprised to hear them invite me back for another study. I returned a few days later, and since we are serving the righteous God who promised to give the increase, I am happy to report that the lady is now our sister in Christ. Her name is Sarah and her husband’s name is Abdul. I am still studying with both of them. Abdul has been quite busy this last week but with your prayers, God will grant him more time to study and continue to see the truth.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

May the Lord give us all strength and faith as we labor for Him in His kingdom.

Your servant in His Vineyard,

Charles Heberth
ACSOP, Assistant Director

This Is Not Something You See Everyday...

There is a picture in this report that shows a scene that takes place every afternoon. Children that are fortunate enough to go to school are making their way home for the evening. There are no car lines full of parents waiting to pick there precious ones up and take them home or to a variety of extra-curricular activities. There are no big, yellow school buses delivering loads of children safely to their doorsteps. 

These children are simply turned loose and sent home. Some will walk. But many will hitch rides with passing vehicles, or take a dala dala (vans that serve as public transportation here). 

I've heard stories in the past few months of parents in the US facing criticism and legal problems because they forced their children to walk to destinations less than a mile away. I don't know the details of those situations, and my purpose is not to comment specifically about them one way or another. It is just interesting to observe how starkly different life is for people living in different parts of the world. Even though we live in the same time, and the world is smaller than it's ever been, people's lives can be so varied that they can't even fathom what it means to live another way. 

When it comes to most aspects of life, it is just fine that we live differently. Cultures need not be the same. The differences add spice and variety. It is really a shame the way that mass media is facilitating the disappearance of local cultures as they meld into a homogeneous global one - but that's a topic for another time and place.  

Really, I have two points. First, it is healthy for us to open our eyes to the fact that the way we are living life is not the only (or even necessarily best) way to live life. "Everybody" doesn't in fact have the latest gadget, nor does everybody even know it exists (You should see the Tanzanians marvel at the GPS in my car)! Everybody doesn't share the same interest (The poor folks here think that footballs are round with black spots). And that's okay.

Secondly, there is one aspect of life that is not open to variety and personal preference. That is Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is not one of many paths, but rather he is THE way. He is not one of many possible truths, but rather he is THE truth. He is not one of many acceptable lifestyles, but rather he is THE life. These points are absolute and non-negotiable. This conviction is at the heart of missions, and the heart of the Christian life in general. Spreading Christ must be a high priority for us all, both home and abroad. Let's not allow ourselves to be so distracted by the differences that don't matter that forget the only one that really does.

Would you like for me to visit your congregation during our next furlough? 

Dates are still available, so contact me if you are interested.
Daniel Gaines

To see Daniel’s report with the picture mentioned above, please click here.

God Is Blessing His Mission In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers,

We stand amazed as to the greatness of our God, His love for all mankind, His grace manifested through His Son and our Savior Jesus Christ. What God can do through His faithful can only be understood when seen through eyes of genuine Christian faith. I want to show in brief some of what God is doing through His faithful:

Michael Losotwa (ACSOP graduate, evangelist for the Kisongo congregation, member of our Translation team, and also serving as instructor and Dean of Academics for the ACSOP): “On 6th October, 2014 the ACSOP will be in the 4th quarter for the Swahili stream of students while the English stream will begin their final semester. All of the English students are expecting to graduate on the 29th of November this year. 

I have been receiving calls from Daniel Kazungu, the preacher from the new church in Magu, Mwanza. According to his report the church is growing tremendously there. Each Sunday 60 to 70 people meet for the regular worship services. The congregation is only 7 months old. 

This story could not have been mentioned were it not for the effort of that young man who is a former graduate of ACSOP.” 

Charles Heberth (ACSOP graduate, evangelist for the Kwa Mrombo congregation, Translation Team Leader, instructor and assistant director of the ACSOP): “This past week the Lord taught me a lesson as I was conducting door-to-door evangelism. I knocked a door where a Muslim lady opened it. At first I was not sure if she would even invite me into her house since I introduced myself as a member of the Lord’s church. What a big surprise when she said, “welcome.” I was a little scared when she said, “let me call my husband and let him know what we are doing because he is on his way here.” We studied for about 20 minutes and then the husband arrived. The man was happy to see me in his house. He sat down and we continued the study. At the end of the class, I was surprised to hear them invite me back for another study. I returned a few days later, and since we are serving the righteous God who promised to give the increase, I am happy to report that the lady is now our sister in Christ. Her name is Sarah and her husband’s name is Abdul. I am still studying with both of them. Abdul has been quite busy this last week but with your prayers, God will grant him more time to study and continue to see the truth.”

Odwori Stephen (student at the ACSOP) wrote: “How wonderful it has been today at the Kisongo congregation, we now have two new sisters in Christ.”

Emmanuel Peter (graduate of the ACSOP and current evangelist for the Njiro congregation, here in Arusha): “Today has been a wonderful day for us. We had over 40 souls in worship and three precious souls were added to the flock of God, immersed in baptism.”

Gaudance (evangelist for the Ngurdoto congregation); “We thank God for the seven new souls. We now have between 50-60 for each Lord’s day. Our big problem, we have not enough sitting. Please can you help us with six benches at 20,000/- ea. (total - $75).”

Yes, our God is blessing His mission effort greatly here in Tanzania, through your prayers and support. Thank you all so very much. Till all have heard... 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny