The Gaines’ report comes in the form of a video. Please watch and listen to the information from Daniel and his family by going to the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1oG3HkaETQ&feature=youtu.be
Areawide Evangelism Meeting Leads To 40 Calls Or Texts...
Greetings Fellow Servants,
We rejoice with humble hearts in the fact we are privileged to serve together in the seeking and saving of the lost of this world, to the glory of our Heavenly Father. Thank you for caring, for praying, and for your support of God’s mission effort here in Tanzania. There is always so much good going on, being reported, and so little space to share. Here are a couple of recent events that really demonstrate God’s love and His power at work in the lives of His saints here in Tanzania.
“It works brother as you always say...work work work work work work work...” Godfrey Mngoma (evangelist for the Arusha congregation, team leader for our Translation team, ACSOP instructor and President of the ACSOP Alumni Association) wrote regarding the baptism of our new sister in Christ, Diana.
Yesterday, at the Arusha areawide Evangelism meeting (each month the evangelist from the eight congregations in Arusha get together and discuss how they can help one another in the discipling of the lost of this area and as well as the Lord’s church) Godfrey recounted the Arusha congregation’s outreach plan (and results). For the last 90 days each member was given one Bible tract (at each church service) and simply asked to give it to a friend, neighbor or co-worker, etc. Godfrey puts his phone number on each tract, insuring anyone who has a question or would like additional information can call him.
As a result, more than 40 calls or text have been received. They have met with and established 34 Bible studies, had two visitors at the worship service, and one soul has already been added to the Kingdom. The secret? Willing hearts.....willing hands.....and yes, work, work, work! What a truly simple, yet amazing idea.
Another great example of team work, unity, cooperation, and love as the report of each man at the Arusha Evangelism meeting regarding the increase the Lord has given this year alone in His church in the Arusha area. At least 132 souls have said yes to the saving message of the Gospel. Amen! Thanks be to our God, great things He is doing!
There are many factors that made this possible: for sure the love of God, the power of the gospel, our friends and supporters, and because each of these congregations are being lead by trained, qualified, faithful evangelist who have studied God’s Word at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching and are now taking the gospel of our Lord to their own people. Preacher training schools are an amazing way to “disciple the world.”
May your week be fruitful as you continue in your service to Him and to His people, the people of the world. Let us never forget, God is always willing and able if we are willing to serve. God is love. Let us love one another.
Please remember Granny in your prayers. She has some health issues that are troubling her (and us). We believe, and know, God is able and that He always answers the prayers of His righteous in the best way possible.
Until all have heard...
In Him,
Cy, Stephanie and Granny
A New Congregation Is Born Out Of The Recent Bible Lectureship...
Dear fellow soldiers of the cross,
Greetings from your co-laborers in Christ.
We paid a condolence visit to the wife of our late brother, sister Okome yesterday before I left Ogun state to spend the night with the Meiran brethren in Lagos state.
By 5:30 am, I left Meiran to teach the ten SWSE students at the Ikorodu campus on “The Fundamentals of the Faith” from 8:00 am till 4:00 pm. The Ikorodu campus is being tutored by two of the SWSE graduates (brother Mfon Etim and brother Okoro Chinyere) and a graduate of WNCC named brother Linus Agada.
During my visit, brother Mfon Etim informed me that he and the rest of SWSE Ikorodu teamed up with some brethren to plant the Lord 's church at Oworo two weeks ago through mass evangelism and an open-air Bible Lectureship that gave birth to the church at Oworo. The results included two conversions and two restorations of the families of four each during the Friday through Sunday afternoon evangelism of October 3-5, 2014.
Brethren, the new campus at Ikorodu is in need of books for their library and hymn books for that satellite campus. I will make the photocopies of the material we are using at the main campus available to them, Lord willing, on November 25, 2014.
A big thanks to 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 vineyard,
Makinde E. Olufemi (Director of Studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Nigeria
Graduation, Support, A Baptism, Ebenezer Amable, And Brother Asiamah...
Dear Brethren,
As has been said in an earlier report, the new school year began on September 15, 2014. It began with fifteen (15) new students. We had earlier reported that seventeen (17) new students were coming but two had called to say they were no more coming. However, additional two have also called to express their readiness to come. We are in contact with them and would know in the next week or two how things would turn out to be. Below is a group picture of those new students in attendance.
Graduation
As was reported to you, in our beginning of year staff meeting we agreed that the graduation date be shifted to November 29. We are working towards this date. The graduation gowns are being sown and we hope to get them before time.
Support
Brother Collins Agyekum is one of the immediate past students of the school. He has pledged to support our work with ten Cedis (10) each month. His first contribution has been acknowledged in the financial account.
Baptism
Brother Matthew Ackah studied and baptized his mother who has been a worshipper in a denomination all the while. We rejoice with her as she is now added to the Lord’s church.
Also we had one visitor who had come up the hill to see what we do there. We took advantage of his visit to study with him. Below also are pictures of these.
Ebenezer Amable
Ebenezer, one of our immediate past students who was recruited to help as an instructor also began work when we started the new school year.
Daniel Ampadu Asiamah
He continues to receive treatment in Accra and reports indicate he is responding to treatment.
Finally, we thank you all for your support and prayer and hope you would continue to pray for us as we continue with our labour in the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.
Thank you all once again.
Charles
Graduation Approaches In Chimala And New Students Prepare...
We were privileged to travel to Arusha, Tanzania and attend the Leadership Conference at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching this month. We spoke twice on Nehemiah and heard many local preachers speak on this vital topic. It was so inspiring and rewarding to see the unity and strong desire to advance the cause of Christ of Tanzanian, Kenyan and Ugandan brethren.
I was able to stay with Cy and Stephanie Stafford, and their hospitality was outstanding. The house guests included Ralph and Cindy Williams. Boaz Kasiba, one of the teachers at CBI and an elder in the local church, also traveled to the conference and spoke on leadership. He was invited to preach at the local church on Sunday. Boaz and I then traveled back to Chimala where we both began teaching our students.
Boaz is teaching the Holy Spirit and Revelation, and I am teaching World Religions and Church History. Along with the rest of the teachers, we are also making plans for the next school year. We already have 27 students lined up to come in 2015. We are pleased to have a large group from other countries besides Tanzania in our student body.
Jean Niyonkuru is from Burundi. He was converted in a regugee camp and desires to return to his country and build the church when he finishes. Mkoko Celestin was converted by a World Bible School track while in the refugee camp and is from the Congo. He has been a Christian since 2010 and has a strong desire to return to the Congo when he finishes at Chimala Bible Institute.
Asenda Evaristo became a Christian when the local preacher from Kidoma, Tanzania taught him the gospel in 2003. He has a tremendous passion for learning the New Testament and also desires to return to his war torn country when he is able to “preach Christ.”
Another refugee from the Congo is Makyambe Mwinde Eminya. He was converted when he started the study provided by the World Bible School and his teacher was a Christian woman from Texas. He was baptized when he learned the truth and was able to attend the school of preaching in Dar es Salaam. After finishing there, he wanted to continue his Bible education and is now finishing his first year in the English program at the Chimala Bible Institute. He says he is here because he wants to “learn the whole Bible” so he can return to the Congo and preach.
It is students like these men who make the work at CBI so rewarding, men who are willing to sacrifice to prepare themselves to share the gospel to their homes. May God continue to bless them and all of our students’ efforts to serve God.
Garry L. Hill
Director of Chimala Bible Institute
for the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver
Another Quarter Is Completed In Ghana...
The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies, as usual, is enjoying the good blessings of the Almighty God. With barely a few days to come to the close of work for the quarter, everything has gone well with us with regards to the program of activities.
By the grace of God, brother Joe Wilkie is healthy and doing marvelously with his class. He has proved to be very efficient and hardworking. The Institute, therefore, wishes to thank all those who supported him to render such a service here in the Northern Region of Ghana. It is our prayer that he continues to be a part of the work of the Lord going on here in Ghana.
As scheduled, the Institute will be vacating on Friday, the 17th of October, 2014. We are, by this report, thanking all our dear sponsors, coordinators, staff and well-wishers for their prayers and efforts toward a successful quarter.
May our good Lord continue to bind, protect and guide us in our service in his Vineyard.
Baah Joseph Okyere
A New Class Is Settling Into The Work Of The KSOP...
Brethren,
Greetings from Kenya School of Preaching. We pray you all are doing well in the Lord.
The weather is cool here for us, while very cold for the natives of Kisumu who are used to hot weather. We have unusually heavy rains in October accompanied by power blackouts which seem to be normal, yet very disturbing.
We are happy to report that all 20 new students that were selected out of 47 applicants are settling down well in Kisumu. They have been in class for two weeks now studying the New Testament Church, Genesis, Life of Christ 1, Acts, and Homiletics.
Already, the impact can be seen. Some of the students who had been trained in liberal schools, where they were taught errors and earned titles like overseers / pastors, could not hide their joy at how the Bible is accurately divided at KSOP. We are very excited with the applications we received. As a result of the good influence and work being done by the first class, our labors are not in vain. The students are very open minded, eager to learn, uproot the errors in their service to God, and the errors in their home congregations.
Elias began evangelizing with the new students and we expect good result from the work. To get better results we will need study materials, tracts, and correspondence courses to reach many souls.
On October 9th I traveled to Arusha, Tanzania for the Leadership conference where I was one of the speakers. This was a great opportunity for me to recharge my battery that was draining fast while listening to very able speakers in attendance. Also, I shared great moments with other ACSOP alumni who are all in the Lord’s field working and the production is great.
I had a wonderful time with Cy Stafford, Stephanie and Granny. He is a father and mentor to me, among others. I was really inspired and encouraged by the wisdom and vast experience he shared with me. I received two boxes of books for the KSOP library, even though we are not even a quarter way with the school library.
The week I traveled to Arusha, I was attacked by malaria and I got medicine. When I came back home I got a heavy malaria and typhoid attack again. The doctor said the medicine I was given first is no longer effective for some malaria. Keep me in your prayers.
We thank all of you for your prayers and assistance to keep laboring in the Lord’s field. God bless you more.
His worker,
Charles Ogutu
Gaining Ground In The Prison Ministry Of Cameroon...
Dearest in Christ,
Accept greetings from Cameroon. I am going to send a very short report because there is no internet and my camera just went bad. Oh, I don’t know what to do for next week to get my pictorial report which I love to send because I may not have it before then, but I will try to see if it gets back. The lens is out and cannot get back inside.
Last week was great as our students are finalizing their studies and also preaching their senior sermons in the Wotutu congregation for the congregation to watch them and make criticism. Keep them in your prayers.
Brother Bea Shadrack, our former student, who is now a full time evangelist with the Buea Road congregation in Kumba. God blessed him yesterday to finally take the hands of sister Fertbert in marriage. Much is till pending for the bride price to fully be free. Keep this young evangelist in your prayers. We continue to be of great encouragement to our students even after their graduation.
Our prison ministry is gaining grounds as we continue to make waves with the gospel and to meet souls who are eager to listen to the truth. After our worship we meet prospects and share the gospel with them, like Mr. William the Roman Catholic representative inside the prison. He came and worshiped with us today and I exposed to him the truth and we handed out more Mission Printing tracts to read. What must I do to be save. We shall continue the follow up on Wednesday.
Our students are gaining experience as they love to go to prison and preach. Brother Yanick was happy after the worship that the scripture has been fulfilled in his life by visiting those in prison.
The lady, who is our closest neighbor, has children who have started seeing the truth. One of them, Abel, obeyed the gospel in the course of the week. Keep him in your prayers.
Enow is her child also. He obeyed, showing the gospel is powerful. Keep this family in your prayers. A total of three precious souls obeyed the gospel within the week.
All our students who went out to do mission work for weekend evangelism are doing well and most congregations are signing contracts to work with our students full time upon their graduation.
Appreciation
Thanks very much for your love for the work here in Cameroon. Only God will reward you for such a wonderful gestures.
Share with others.
Elangwe and family
Campaigns, Conversions, And Church Growth To God's Glory...
Preliminary reports are starting to trickle in from various campaigns students conducted in Arizona and Colorado. We hope to have more detailed information of what was done in the next week or so. The students are enjoying a short break before they begin another quarter of studies next week. The practical experience gained from these campaigns allows each student to use the knowledge and skills they gain during each quarter of study.
These same principles are connected to each location where we are privileged to work around the world. Reading the reports from each location on a weekly basis deepens the encouragement gained from the dedication and sacrifice the staff and students make. There is a sense of awe in learning how God is blessing their efforts and preparing each student for the future work they will participate in where they live.
This week’s report is no exception. Four stateside staff members provide information about their current role and recent activities. Additionally, the news from reporting locations again reveals the power of God’s word in saving souls for the kingdom. An update on the work in Ukraine is part of this week’s report, as well as, news from Nepal, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Tanzania. We pray you will be encouraged and edified by the information shared this week.
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/
Jerry Bates latest report can be read by clicking here.
Luis Comacho latest report can be read by clicking here.
Howell Ferguson latest report can be read by clicking here.
Donnie Bates latest report can be read by clicking here.
Extension Reports
Students Enter Their Final Quarter Of Study In Cameroon: After returning from campaign, students enter their last quarter of studies before graduating in December.
Youth Camp In Nepal Yields Fruit: Recent news about a youth camp in Kathmandu Valley brings four souls to the kingdom in Nepal.
Amidst The Difficulties In Ukraine, The Church Is Growing And Classes Began: The report from Dennis shares growth of the church and school in Ternopil.
The Past Week Has Been A Busy one In Nigeria: Staff and students at the Southwest School of Evangelism have been busy preaching and teaching throughout Nigeria.
16 Years After Its Beginning, The Vision Is Working On A Grand Scale: The Andrew Connally School of Preaching is fulfilling its original vision, as the TLC reveals.
Tanzania Leadership Conference Influences The Direction Of Leaders: This year’s annual Leadership Conference (TLC) was a huge success.
Final Thoughts
Just a quick note of thanks to let you know how much we appreciate the time you take to read the reports and your involvement in extension training. We could not do this work without you. God has blessed us with many opportunities and He works through you to help this program continue to influence lives each day. Thank you.
God bless
Bob
Tanzania Leadership Conference Influences The Direction Of Leaders...
Last week the brethren of East Africa got a little TLC. Of course, I'm talking about their time at the Tanzanian Leadership Conference. Church leaders from 3 East African nations gathered at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching for four days of fellowship and lectures aimed at improving leadership skills. This year's theme was Lessons on Leadership from Nehemiah. It was an enriching endeavor as Nehemiah does prove to be an excellent case-study in leadership.
This was my first experience with TLC. I found it to be kind of like an African version of Polishing the Pulpit or the Freed-Hardeman Lectures. Many of the attendees were alumni of the school. This was a great time to catch up with them, and see how their work is going. There were also Ladies sessions, and Tiffany was honored to be among the women who taught lessons. We were also glad to have American visitors, Ralph and Cindy Williams, and Garry Hill, participating in the event.
Times like this offer encouragement in knowing how the church is thriving across East Africa. We expect that God will continue doing great things hear, and that the harvest will continue to be abundant. Take courage, my friends, to know that the kingdom is thriving and that victories are being won each day.
Daniel Gaines
To see Daniel’s report with pictures, please click here.
16 Years After Its Beginning, The Vision Is Working On A Grand Scale...
Greetings Fellow Servants:
Thank you! Thank you for your love and support for God’s mission work where you are and for God’s work here in Tanzania, East Africa. We know, without you, fewer souls would hear the gospel and fewer souls would be saved.
The Tanzania mission effort that began over 16 years ago had a vision of training men God’s word in their own country, that in turn they would take God’s Word to their own people. It is working on a grand scale. Thanks be to God along with each and everyone of you.
Each year we host the Tanzania Leadership Conference here at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. Our goal is to teach leadership, church growth, and all that entails. This year’s conference centered around the God’s man, Nehemiah, and how he demonstrated leadership for God’s people. Each year the numbers grow, as more and more show a desire to be the people God would have them to be. We have ladies classes as well as classes for the men.
This year was by far the best year, not only in numbers but in enthusiasm, cooperation, and leadership. This year is the first time our fellow Tanzanian brothers and sisters planned and executed the entire event. Behind the scenes we missionaries encouraged and supported each as they did what was needed. They did an amazing work, each one adding to the success of “discipling” and building up each other in the most Holy Faith.
Also during this week the Alumni met and discussed how they can help each other in their various ministries. Last year was the first year they met as a group, with 22 present at the meeting. This year, they were 33 in number and all very excited about the future.
It thrills the soul to see the Lord’s church maturing and working in unity. For sure, the devil is not happy, but with God all things are possible. We thank Ralph and Cindy Williams for coming and participating in this year’s TLC, as well as, our brother Garry Hill. Please remember them and all who will be traveling home over the next day or two.
We close this Short Report with a request for your prayers on behalf of those who have graduated and are now in the field planting and watering the Seed of God to His glory and to the saving of countless souls throughout East Africa.
Till all have heard...
In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny
The Past Week Has Been A Busy One In Nigeria...
Dearest in Christ,
Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ from your fellow brethren in Nigeria.
Brother Abraham Idu Yeje and I were the speakers at a day long open-air Bible Lectureship at Ogunbunmi village. The event was a great success, even though the program fell on the Salah festival.
On Sunday, at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, I taught lesson 4 of the Great Commission title “The How of the Great Commission,” while I also admonished the church on “Facing Challenges with Faith” (1 Samuel 17:40-50; John 11:38-44).
Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe, one of the SWSE Ibadan instructors, taught on “Be Strong and Be Courageous” at the Egbeda congregation, Ibadan, and brother Nwarorji Emmanuel, a year 1 student of the SWSE Ibadan, taught on “The NT Church” at the young congregation in Ilisan Remo, Ogun state, while brother Dele Shotola admonished the church on “The True Worship.” They had 22 in attendance at the young congregation in Ilisan Remo.
All our year 2 students were very active in the service of the Lord on the Lord's day of Octobter 5th, 2014.
Brethren, the school will be on Vocational Training from October 10 - November 7, 2014, while the second semester classes commence on November 10, 2014 - Lord willing.
Beloved, we thank you for all you are doing for the Lord. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all your undertaking in Jesus Christ name.
We started our first semester examinations at the Ibadan main campus on Monday. October 4th,2014 and concluded on Friday afternoon to enable our students go on the month long vocational training in Lagos, Ibadan, Oyo state and Osun state.
At the Monday morning devotion, between 5:00 am to 6:00 am, I taught at the campus on “The Winning Formula” (study from the life of Christ). Brother Kayode Eniafe taught on “What Does It Profit A Man” (Mark 8:36) during the Tuesday morning devotion, and brother Abraham Idu Yeje, our campus minister, taught at the Wednesday morning devotion on “Looking Unto Jesus” from Hebrews 12, while I taught on “Obedience…The Eternal Principle” (1 Kings 17 & 18) during the Wednesday chapel.
Brother Nwaorji Emmanuel, one of our year 1 students taught on “Grace Means Service” (1 Peter 5:1-11) during the morning devotion.
Beloved, Lord willing, I will send you the semester results on Monday of October 13, 2014 in order to glance at the students performances.
Our plan is to reduce the number of students at the Ibadan campus to twenty five from the 2nd semester that, by God's grace, will commence on November 10, 2014.
In conclusion, I cannot do without thanking those of you who have been contributing in one way or the other for the growth of the Lord's church in Africa, Nigeria in particular. I deeply appreciate all our critics, both positively and negatively. All things work for good for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Thanks once again for your partnership! Earth holds no treasures but perish with using, however precious they be; yet there's a country to which I am going, heaven holds all to me. Heaven holds all to me.....Brighter it's glory will be; joy without measure will be my treasure. Heaven holds all to me.
I won't give up, shut up, or slow down for the cause of Master Jesus. I must go till the end, preach all the truth that I know, and work in His kingdom till He calls me home. I will serve Him in any situation that I find myself and when He comes for His own, by His grace, I will be among the numbers that will be saved. Evangelism is my task and heaven is my goooooal!
One of our year one students, named brother Nnamdi Blessing Eze, admonished the staff and the students at the Friday morning devotion at SWSE Ibadan main campus on “Remember Me In Your Kingdom,” while I dismissed the school with a 30 minute sermon on “The Ambassador of Christ,” in the afternoon.
Brethren, we (the WBS TEAM) in Oyo state are in our way for this weekend house to house evangelism at Jago village with the few students that are doing their vocational training inland. Brother Kayode Eniafe will be leading the SWSE students in Osun state for this weekend assignment.
We (the WBS team in Oyo and Osun states) evangelized Jago village over the weekend with the remnant left in that congregation due to the storm of life that nearly devastated this young congregation planted two years ago by the staff and students of SWSE Ibadan.
Before I arrived at Jago with brother Dele Shotola, brother James Waleola, and some SWSE students who are in Ibadan for four weeks vocational training, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe and brother David Edor (the evangelist working with Jago congregation) already divided the participants, mainly the SWSE Ibadan students, into four groups.
Three groups were assigned to house-to-house evangelism, while I, brother Dele Shotola, and brother Kayode Eniafe worked with brother David Edor to visit the erring brethren on that Saturday. Our joint effort resulted in the restoration of two families of seven.
Today, Lord's day, I concluded my five Sunday teaching on “The Great Commission” at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation in Ibadan, as I taught on the “Why?” of the Great Commission, and brother James Waleola admonished the church on “Living a New Life” (Ephesians 4:17-32).
Beloved, I will be home resting till Thursday and, Lord willing, I will travel to Lagos state with some SWSE foundation members to pay a condolent visit to the family of our late brother Philip Okome. On Saturday I will teach on “The Fundamentals of the Faith” at our new campus in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Brethren, it is a blessing to be part of the soldiers of the cross. A big thanks to you all for your encouragement in words and in financial support! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless each and every one of you in Christ 's name, amen.
Keep on laboring in the Lord's vineyard, for we shall be rewarded here on earth and over there in heaven (Matthew 10:41-42; Hebrew 4:11)
I remain yours in His grace as a servant,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan & Lagos campuses, Nigeria
Amidst The Difficulties In Ukraine, The Church Is Growing And Classes Began...
Dear brothers, families and churches.
The situation in Ukraine is still difficult. Military actions are still taking place in Donetsk and Lugansk areas. Many people (both civilians and soldiers) die there daily on both sides due to the military actions. We are praying for peace and stability, and maybe God will give us new lessons on how important it is to appreciate peace, how important it is to build a moral Christian society, how important it is to value the time that we have. Studying the history of Jewish nation, we see that history of this world repeats itself. A society that departs from God can be punished by an even more wicked nation, which is in turn being punished by God. We will rely upon God’s wisdom and hope that the Ukrainian nation is ready to learn these lessons.
Church of Christ in Ternopil
The church of Christ in Ternopil is making its first steps now. We have a wonderful place and a good team of missionaries. We continue getting acquainted with the city and our neighbors. For several days we have been evangelizing on the streets. We brought out a table with Christian literature and invited people passing by to attend Bible studies. Some people were interested and talked to us; others were very cautious. Because of the historical background (this territory was under Poland and was influenced by Catholicism), many citizens of Ternopil seriously consider traditional churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Uniats), and I think it is a problem all around the world. There are about 20-22 people attending our Sunday services regularly. Mostly these are students, teachers at the Institute and several from Ternopil. During this short period of time we were blessed by visits of our American brothers Howell Ferguson, Denton Landon, Johnny Mack Young, Walter Rayburn, Jim Sherman, and Dennis Curd. They were able to really encourage both the Institute and the church. These brothers have a huge missionary experience in Ukraine. Despite the military actions in the east of the country, they are still with us. We pray for their work and ministry here.
Also in September, we started a Bible School for children: “Sunflower.” We had a grand opening of the school and there were many children who attended it. We have prepared a puppet theatre play, skits, games, quizzes songs, and crafts. Presently, we don’t have many children in regular classes. I think they have to get used to us. We are just getting to know the neighborhood and telling them about us.
Bible institute
Classes started on September 1. As I have mentioned in my previous report, we have 8 students in both courses. We are looking forward to have two more students in the first-year class in November. Due to the fact that we had to move the school, now we are experiencing difficulties with the lack of teachers. We have really moved far from the military actions, and it’s quiet and peaceful here, but many teachers stayed in the Donetsk area. We thought how we can still cooperate with them and decided to use Skype to teach. First of all, it will give an opportunity for teachers not to take unnecessary risks while traveling. Second, they will stay with their families. Also we decided to try new teachers and give them an opportunity to be useful for the Institute. All candidates for teachers are discussed with the coordinator of the Institute before hand.
Bogdan Chigvintsev and Eugene Tebel continue helping the Institute and the church in their work. Bogdan has dedicated himself to the work with young people and leading small home groups in Bible studies. Eugene teaches Bible classes at church during the week and helps with translating. We are trying to recreate the atmosphere of joy we had in Gorlovka, and I hope we are successful.
At the moment, we are the only theological Church of Christ school in Ukraine that continued its work. We continue having the same goal of training ministers who will be ready to spread the Gospel among the people. May God bless us and continue helping us in this.
We are grateful to everyone who supports the Institute and the church in Ternopil. All students and teachers send you their greetings and their gratitude for your faithfulness in this ministry.
Your brother and coworker in His work,
Dennis Sopelnik
To see Dennis' report with pictures, please click here.
Youth Camp In Nepal Yields Fruit...
Greetings to you all from NCBS.
We finished our regular classes. We are in our regular curriculum and routine.
We began our five weeks of long holiday September 29th, 2014. We will begin our class the 3rd of November, 2014. We are always busy and happy in October. We had different faces in this year’s youth camp. New youth were from India, East Nepal. We had 70+ youths. Brother Mithun Tamang (current student), Roshan Rana (member from Dhumbarahi), Praksh Tamang (son of a preacher) and I, lead most of the classes from the book of Luke. We didn't cover all chapters. We selected important and useful topics for the youth and presented classes. Four souls were added into the church. Lessons, game-hour, fellowship made them strong in their faith. Their questions, answers, enthusiasm, fellowship, and friendship were awesome. They left each other with lots of joy in tears. I can't forget that moment.
Members and leaders from Kathmandu valley helped a lot in this youth camp. Christians from outside of Kathmandu valley were supportive. They sent their faithful and good young stars in this class. It shows the fellowship and unity in the church.
Four souls were added in to His kingdom. Please kindly remember them in your prayer.
If the Lord wills we will begin our vacation trip October 10th. We will revisit India, East Nepal, southwest Nepal. Brother Parsuram, Deepak, Surya, I, and some others, will join us. It will be a 15 day trip. I will be back in Kathmandu on the 24th of October. Please kindly pray for us. This will be an important trip for us. We will get more good students for next year. We will build our unity and strengthen churches. We will try to help grow our congregations through our services. We will do our best.
Thanks
Servant of Christ
Gajendra Deshar
Students Enter Their Final Quarter Of Study In Cameroon...
Dearest in Christ,
Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Christ. We do hope you are doing great and God continues to do His work in our lives and the work He has entrusted in our hands.
Last week at CBIW went on well. Classes are going on well as students keep growing and anticipating being in the field to labor tirelessly for the Lord. Keep praying for them.
In the cause of the week, all the teachers in our communities came to Wotutu for their meeting and they recognized the church of Christ to come and exhort the entire group which was above 700 in attendance. We had opportunity to discuss, have fellowship with them, and give tracts to many.
After the exhortation, I had them with many of the teachers who came out of Wotutu who had not heard anything about the church of Christ. It was awesome for our students sit and watch as I addressed questions about denominationalism. Many want us to study some more in Bonjongo court areas. That is why, by the grace of God, after our graduation one of our graduates will go to the Bonjongo area for missionary work. Keep him in your prayers.
Last week, during the Wednesday Bible class, it was a solemn day with the Christians and students of CBIW. Students handed over benches to some leaders of the Wotutu congregation. This is a signal that their time of departure is at hand. The Alpha batch of students gave us a pulpit stand. The Beta batch of students gave 5 solid benches to the Wotutu congregation to help in the ever growing population in our congregation. Keep them in your prayers as they finalize their preparations for full time ministry. CBIW is a great blessing, not only to the Wotutu congregation, but to the entire country because the influence of what is happening here is spreading to the entire nation. To God be the glory.
Sister Rachael Ebia obeyed the gospel in Wotutu during the week. Keep her in your prayers, as she is the first to become a Christian in their family.
Sister Alice Eyang also obeyed the gospel. She is happy to be part of the family.
Plans
We are still making plans for the campaign in Lebialem, a region solely dominated by Catholicism. The roads to get there are really horrible, but wherever the gospel calls, we are ready to go, if we have the means to pay the way. It is long and it is not easy.
We are also planning for the annual Bible lectureship of the church in Cameroon. We shall also use that opportunity to tell other congregations about our graduation, which will come 11 days after the close of the lectureship. It is in Mamfe, very far from Wotutu. If we have the means to move, it will be great. The congregation have invited our school to be there 3 days before the entire brethren arrive. We shall be involved in house to house evangelism to the community. Keep praying for the possibilities for this to come to pass. That will be the last outing with the Beta batch of students.
Appreciations
Many thanks to you, your family, and the congregation for all that they are doing for the work here. If not of them, we doubt how this work would have been possible.
On This Sad Note
From Thursday, I was out of Wotutu to attend the funeral of my wife’s cousin. I transited from that funeral to attend a preacher’s meeting in Kake with two congregations. After the meeting, we were supposed to have another meeting with a congregation. Before we got up from sleep, the preacher that chaired our preacher’s meeting died in his sleep. Please pray for the family of late minister Nangoh Rudolf Obase, who was serving in Kombone village and moved to big Nganjo, his home congregation. He was suffering from high blood pressure. As of now, we don’t have any details of what really killed him. Keep praying for his family because his departure has created a big vacuum in his family and the struggling congregation.
Do your best to share this with others.
Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW
Campaigns Highlight The Reports...
The first quarter of studies for students in Denver came to a close Friday at noon. Students then left for campaigns in Arizona and Colorado. The outreach in Arizona is located east of Phoenix and another location at Fort Defiance. Two locations near Denver (Conifer and Aurora) also have students working to share the gospel with those who live in these areas. Once the students return and provide reports, we will share news of their progress. New classes for the students begins on Monday, October 20th.
Reports within the extension program demonstrate encouraging news about the spread of the gospel and the impact it has on the souls of those who obey. The powerful nature of these reports is based on the diligence applied by these men throughout their studies and outreach. The lessons they learn are shared within the communities where they live and the results are worth taking a few minutes to read about.
Additional news about expanding the program will highlight reports in the future. Research and investigation is occurring as this report is written and read. As the information is compiled and finalized we will share the exciting news of where and when these schools will open. We are thankful for the opportunity to have so many potential locations to consider. This is foundational for the growth of the program.
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/
To read the latest report from Tony Johnson, please click here.
Extension Reports
Campaign Cameroon, And A Story Worth Reading: A campaign in Cameroon added 35 new souls to the kingdom and 48 restorations. The story of one of those converted is worth reading.
20 New Students Are Ready To Begin Their Journey: Monday, October 6th, is the day 20 men begin classes as the second intake of students in Kenya.
Tamale Campaign Brings Souls To Christ: A recent campaign in Tamale, Ghana witnessed souls coming to the Lord as the gospel is proclaimed.
The Lord’s Kingdom In Paraguay Is Growing: Troy Spradlin’s report from Paraguay expresses the power of the gospel in changing lives in the work.
A Call To Service In Nigeria: The message recently preached to Christians in Nigeria is simple, “A Call to Service.” This lesson was designed to move Christians to action.
An Interesting Approach: Second-Hand Evangelism: Daniel Gaines shares an interesting avenue for getting the gospel of Jesus into the hands of Tanzanians.
Final Thoughts
With each day that goes by, we want you to know how much we appreciate all you contribute to the development of the work. This far exceeds the financial gift, because your encouragement and ability adds the various components needed to create success in this program. Thank you for your love for the Lord, His church, and the lost. Thank you for believing in extension training.
God bless
Bob
An Interesting Approach: Second-Hand Evangelism...
Recently a man approached me with a request. He was a man who has diligently completed nearly a dozen correspondence courses that I have given him. Correspondence courses and tracts have become one of my favorite methods of evangelism because they don’t require a translator. With a few greetings and language basics I can open a dialogue and offer a tract that gives soul-saving information. It is also convenient because I can give them out wherever I go as I conduct the regular business of life – the store, the gas station, the policeman on the side of the road… anywhere!
Anyway, back to the man’s request. There was a worker at a nearby house that he wanted to give a correspondence course to. I had never met the lady or her employers, yet she wanted literature from me. Furthermore, this man who has not yet been obedient to the gospel was already seeking to share what he has learned.
Not long ago I was flagged down in my truck by another man. To my knowledge, I had never met or even seen the man before A little wary, I cracked my window to see what he wanted. He asked me if I was the man who had been spreading the Bible lessons around. I couldn’t tell by his demeanor if he was mad or glad about that, but I told him that I did share Bible lessons. He then looked excited and asked if he could have one. A few days later, he returned his completed lesson in to me via a common acquaintance.
I did not seek that man out. I did not approach him and flag him down. He looked for ME. He looked for me because other people told him what I had shared with them, and he was interested.
I relish the opportunities that I have to approach people with the gospel message, but these secondary contacts really have me excited. They demonstrate the organic nature of the gospel. “Gospel” means “good news.” If there is one thing that good news does well, it’s spread. Watching the good news spread so readily encourages me greatly.
This is the way it’s supposed to be. This is the way it was always intended to be. As the apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). It is these people who are “teaching others also,” as well as those who are taught be them, who will continue to make a difference long after the missionaries return home. This is why we do what we do, and this is why you have sent us.
Tracts and correspondence courses can be printed at the price of a mere 2 cents apiece. We would like to print 500,000 for our coming efforts, which will require about $10,000. Of course, how can a student complete a proper Bible study if he has no access to a Bible? We need 2,500 Bibles for the work here, which we can purchase for just $6 each. Can you help us meet these needs? This is really one area in which you can make a big difference with a small donation.
Keep spreading the good news!
Adding another “school” to our list…Schooling in Africa and God’s unexpected blessings
Living in Africa it is easy to realize that you are very fortunate if you get an education. Public schools here are very sub-par and the private schools cost a fortune to attend. Homeschooling is basically unheard of as even most expats attend the international schools. Abby has had a very wide array of schooling. She has attended preschool, public school, private schools, homeschool, co-ops, and is now adding international school to her list.
We never intended to send her to school here, but when our missionary friends returned to the states they took the only friends her age we had available. The congregation we attend has many, many children. However, they are all very young. We quickly found that Abby was lonely and in need of interaction with children her age. We began looking into international schools as options but found that they cost more to attend than private universities in the states! We approached God prayerfully for an answer and set up a meeting with the Headmistress at Braeburn School. We were able to enroll her successfully in extracurricular activities and electives 2 days a week to supplement her homeschooling. She would be with children her own age learning art, music theory, internet technology, design technology, photography, and piano.
Still, the money was a huge chunk. Exactly 2 days after enrolling Abby, a good friend messaged saying she was sending an extra donation this month to cover some of Abby’s school fees as she knew of our plans. The amount was $7 shy of the full amount needed. Our God is truly amazing and will always do things in His timing if you rely fully on Him. What a great financial relief and answer that we are choosing what is best for our Abby.
She has made friends and is feeling a bit more “normal.” She loves the school and her classes. As parents, we are trying our best to show our children the most important thing there is, the love of Christ and sharing His word with others. In doing so we are not amiss that other challenges will arise but God handles all things beautifully when you are a disciple of Him. To God be the Glory!
Daniel Gaines
A Call To Service In Nigeria...
Dear fellow soldiers of the cross,
Greetings from Nigeria and the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan and Lagos.
Our campus minister, brother Abraham Idu Yeje, taught at the campus church on Sunday, September 28, on “Remembering the Poor,” while one of our students, Nnamdi Blessing Eze, admonished the church from Ezekiel 33.
Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe taught on “Admission into the Lord’s Church” at the Egbeda congregation and one of their prospects was baptized after the Sunday morning worship.
At the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, I taught lesson three of the Great Commission which I tittle as “Saved to Serve.”
I taught on “A Call for Service” in the school’s morning devotion of September 30, and in Wednesday chapel on “Christian Service,” and on October 2, 2014, I taught on “Tackle Your Problems with Prayer” (1 Samuel 1:9-20; 1 Chronicle 4:9 & 10; Matthew 14:22-30; James 5:13-16) for a two hour special class on prayer between 5:00 am to 7:00 am. We used that medium to pray for peace in Nigeria and the world as a whole. We also pray for SWSE, Nigeria, and all our supporters, for God's blessing on all their undertaking and we remember all our graduates and the present students and the instructors in a two-hour prayer program before we resumed for class work at SWSE by 8:00 am.
Brethren, this coming Saturday is our evangelism program and we plan an open air lectureship at Ogunbunmi and Alaase villages via Jago due to the Muslim festival (Salah) that comes up on October 3 & 4 in our country.
This coming week is set aside for our first semester test before the students go for vocational training over the next four weeks between October 11 - November 7, when we shall resume, Lord's willing for second semester classes on November 10, 2014.
Beloved, we thank you all for your brotherly love and partnership in training more soldiers of the cross.
May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all your undertaking in Jesus Christ's name, amen.
Yours in His grace as a servant,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE) Nigeria
The Lord's Kingdom In Paraguay Is Growing...
September was a month of growth and development. Several souls were added to the Lord’s kingdom and some exciting plans are being developed. We pray this month’s mission report brings you much joy! God bless!
BAPTISMS!
Alma Agüero, (pictured at right, top), asked the question, “What must I do to be saved?” and was then baptized. She is the daughter of our brother and sister in Christ, Gustavo and Elva Agüero. There is now another entire household of disciples of the Lord’s church in Paraguay. Praise God!
Mikael Jara. Francisca Villalba. Estefania Bogado. (pictured at right) Do you remember that flyer we reported on earlier this year that got put in the mailbox of one young man, (Alex Valdez) who told a friend, (Fabian Nuñez) who told a friend, (Sebastian Garcia) plus one more friend (Marcelo Alcaraz) of the original young man... that ended up with all 4 being baptized? Well, Marcelo has been studying with several of his friends and all 3 of them were baptized this month (and hopefully 2 more will be coming soon). Now we are up to 7 SOULS being added to the church all from JUST ONE FLYER that got put in someone’s mailbox when they weren’t home.... (which, by the way, was a campaign conducted by the Asuncion Bible Academy, AND.... all four of these young men are interested in attending the Academy). Indeed, “God provides the increase”! (1 Cor 3:6)
Developments at Ave. Sacramento Church of Christ
Special Benevolence Project (cont’d). The church distributed some more beans and rice packages to the local flood victims. It was just a little something to bring some much needed relief to a group who is suffering (Matt 25:40). Paraguay continues to experience high river levels and some reports say there are still some 55,000 people displaced from their homes.
The Directors of “AME” (Adventures in Evangelistic Missions) made a special survey trip to Paraguay this month to coordinate sending interns to come work with us in 2015. AME is a work of the church of Christ in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, which trains and prepares Christian youth to go out and work with various congregations in Brazil and Latin America. We will be receiving two interns in January and we’re looking forward to having these evangelistic minded young men as part of our mission team in Paraguay!
Men’s Retreat. The men of the church held a special, overnight retreat in the town of Itacurubi, this month. We prayed together, studied the subject of “Spiritual Development,” and enjoyed some wonderful Christian fellowship. Many were already talking about the next time we could do this!
Developments at Ñemby Church of Christ
Preaching the Gospel. Vicente Martinez carried Eliezer Perez and David Avila (who was visiting Eliezer from Guatemala) to a town in the interior so they could preach the Gospel to some of his family members. This may turn into a possible church plant in the near future! Please pray for the possibility!
Asunción Bible Academy
Quarterly Report. The Asuncion Bible Academy continues to move forward with its classes and activities. After an initial introduction, the new report we have developed for the school will now be published every quarter. The next report will be published in October. You can see all the previous reports by visiting www.paraguaymission.com/asuncion-bible-academy/
Evangelistic Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities:
I was able to connect a couple of times with our brother Ruben Castro in Meteti, Panama, via Skype this past month in order to study “Fundamentals” with him. Not only is he learning the material for himself, but he is using it to prepare lessons to teach the congregation on Sunday mornings.
Our ABA “Leadership Training by Extension” students , Javier Zarate, Luis Yegros, and Enrique Albera have been steadily continuing their courses.
Bible Studies and more Bible Studies!
We wish you could see all the wonderful things happening here, especially all the Bible studies that are taking place! We have members studying with other members, others studying with coworkers, with family members, and visitors, and new Bible study groups that have started up in different homes. How wonderful to see a church that is increasingly becoming more self-perpetuating!
One of our members, Magda Ortiz, asked if we would come study with her son, Junior, who is struggling with drug addiction and other problems. Before we arrived, he had invited a friend of his and his friend brought his family with him. There were five new contacts at what turned out to be a new, evangelistic Bible study! We shared God’s word with them by focusing on where we should place authority for religious matters and then gave them a copy of “Searching for Truth.” They were all very receptive!
Andrea has been continuing her Bible studies in English with Adriana, Martin, and Oscar.
I am continuing to study the Bible with Beatriz Ortiz in English, as well as, with Sebastian Garcia. I also have a couple of new contacts that will be starting a study this next month.
We pray all of these listed above will develop into more souls being added to the kingdom of God!
David Ávila, who is a close friend to Eliezer Perez from when they attended ITL Bible Institute in Guatemala, came to visit Paraguay and work with us for a month. He taught a class in the Bible Academy, preached several times at Ave Sacramento and Ñemby, and lead several evangelistic Bible studies. It was a real pleasure to have him here with us and we hope he returns real soon!
Coming Up:
Brother Luis Camacho will be returning to Paraguay to teach “Denominational Doctrines” in the ABA next month.
Andrea will be traveling to Brazil for “Continent Care Connection,” a missionary retreat and renewal seminar.
Personal Development and Activities
Andrea had quite an interesting and exciting challenge this past month! She was asked to cater lunch for the employees at the US Embassy. With her usual high-level of enthusiasm, she tackled the challenge and “knocked the ball out of the park.” Everyone loved her food and, of course, she now has a few more customers for “Mas Que Dulces.”
An interesting factoid: there just wasn’t a lot of reliable tourist information on Paraguay in the recent past. However, there are now two great guidebooks on Paraguay for American tourists written in English. Andrea has met the authors of each book! One is Natalia Goldberg, who is Paraguayan and now living in the USA (her website is listed below), and the other is Margaret Hebblethwaite, who owns a hotel in Santa Maria de Fe. Coming to Paraguay sometime? We highly recommend their guide books. Both are available on Amazon.com.
We hosted another “Grilled Pizza Party” for the youth at our house. It is always so much fun and they just love it!
My mother, A’Gatha Spradlin, suffered a major stroke this past month. She was completely paralyzed on one side and unresponsive to anyone or anything. She is still in the hospital, slowly recovering, and doing some better. Please keep my family in your prayers. We would greatly appreciate it.
Personal study:
I have been reading (or, still reading):
“Isaiah,” “The Gospel Accounts in Chronological Order”
“The Book of Ezekiel” by Jim McGiuggan
“The Major Prophets” by James E. Smith
“Contextualization and Syncretism” by Gailyn Van Rheenen.
I am continuing to take classes in Guarani and have also begun a basic study of Portuguese.
Preaching/teaching opportunities:
I preached one Sunday at Avenida Sacramento and one Sunday at Ñemby.
I taught “Biblical Greek 2,” “Baptism: Unwatered Down,” and “Ezekiel and Daniel” in the Bible Academy.
Paraguayan Culture Spotlight: Cerro Lambaré (Lambare Hill)
As one sails northward on the Paraguay River, there is a peculiar high spot that stands out alongside the riverbank called “Cerro Lambaré.” The hill lies just South of the city of Asuncion and there exists varying legends regarding its historical importance. One has it that it was here where the Spanish conquistadors first came into contact with Paraguay’s fierce Guarani Indians, lead by Chief Lambaré. Several battles ensued and it was soon discovered that the mighty Spanish armada was no match for the Indian chief’s warriors. Another legend says the conquistadors landed here peaceably, scaled the hill to make observations up river, and were met at the top by Chief Lambaré, who extended an open welcome ... and yerba mate! The Spanish then established the city of Asunción in 1537 and even enlisted some of the Guarani for explorations into the region of the Chaco. Today, the hill stands as a monument to Paraguay’s eclectic history. In fact, a monument called “Victorious Peace” was installed in 1982 which had five statues of Paraguayan heroes prominently displayed which included the then dictator, Alfredo Stroessner. After he was overthrown, his statue was destroyed and removed from the monument, leaving an empty space on one of it’s sides! For more information on all things Paraguay, visit this informative website: http://discoveringparaguay.com.
Troy and Andrea Spradlin
To see Troy’s report with pictures, please click here.
Tamale Campaign Brings Souls To Christ...
By the grace of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, every bit of the plan for the quarter is being unfolded. Presently, students are out for a gospel campaign at Gumani, one of the suburbs of Tamale. This is an effort from the Institute to establish a congregation in that suburb to make the number of congregations to three. There are a number of brethren who reside in that suburb who will be glad to worship closer to their residencies.
After the campaign, brother Joe Wilkie will arrive from America to handle the class for two weeks, together with brother Tony and brother Jaminja Ndakar. This arrangement is to end the quarter on the 17th of October, 2014.
Among the students is Brother Isaiah Ahmed Amadu, who has impaired eyesight. He is an enterprising student who could be developed to preach to specifically the citizenry with impaired eyesight. We, however, are faced with the lack of equipment and materials for teaching and learning such challenged students. The Institute wishes to humbly appeal to our sponsors and all brethren who can come to our aid to assist us in the effective training of this brother/student so that he can also become an effective preacher for the Lord’s Kingdom.
Aside from the materials and equipment for teaching and learning, if there is anything available to motivate this student, the Institute would be glad to have it for this brother.
The Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies welcomes all brethren who have the desire to support any activity which will build the faith of the flock of the Lord in Tamale to win more souls to inform the Institute through the Director (joebah2003@yahoo.co.uk), brother Anthony Johnson (toeknee223@hotmail.com) or brother Steven Ashcraft (samtnhome@yahoo.com).
Let us all build together the House of God through which salvation can be obtained.
Baah Joseph Okyere (Director)