A Time To Be Thankful, And We Are Thankful For You...

As we near the last month of the year, we are planning for the year ahead. 2015 promises to be one of the best years in extension training. A new school is set to begin in French-speaking Cameroon, with potential locations in Fiji, and five locations in East Africa. The development of these new locations will make 2015 the strongest year in the extension program since its beginning in 1997. Please pray with us as we strive to train preachers around the world.

Next Thursday is a national holiday in the United States. Thanksgiving Day is one where families across the nation come together to enjoy time with family and friends, expressing gratitude for the various blessings in their life. While we all understand the need to be thankful everyday of the year, it is encouraging to know time is taken to focus on what we are thankful for in our lives.

The task of listing in this report every individual who is involved in this work exceeds the realm of possibilities, at least for now. From the Bible Institute, however, we want you to know how much we appreciate all who are involved in making this work what it is today. We know that without each of you, this work would stop. 

We are thankful for the staff and students in each of the current 17 locations that are involved in this kingdom work. We are thankful for the financial supporters who make incredible sacrifices to insure each area of the work continues. We are thankful for the overseeing congregations who assume the responsibilities of each school. We are thankful for the short-course teachers who volunteer their time to travel to these locations and teach. We are thankful for the coordinators who work with the leaders in each location to strengthen the forward progress of the work. We are thankful for the staff and students in Denver involved in the same program and work. We are thankful for every stateside staff member in the program. We are thankful for the elders at Bear Valley whose vision and support of the entire program continue to be a driving force. We are thankful for your encouragement and your prayers. 

I am sure someone was left out, and if so, please forgive me, it was not intentional. We are so thankful for all of you and your dedication to this 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/

Extension Reports 

One Course Away From Graduation In Cameroon (CBIW): Students are nearing their last course of studies and they prepare for graduation, which is only a few weeks away.

The Lord’s Church Grows Despite Muslim Dominance: The outreach of staff and students at the Southern Institute of Biblical Studies impacts a village even with Muslim influence.

Tract Distribution In Campaign Effort Yields Fruit In Togo: Planting the seed of the gospel through distributing tracts has a powerful impact on the the work in Togo.

Students Evangelize And Teach Bible Classes In Nigeria: Students from the Southwest School of Evangelism in Ibadan are putting into practice what they learn in class.

ACSOP Gets Closer To Reaching The Thanksgiving Goal Challenge: The report from Arusha, Tanzania shares exciting news as they are closer to reaching their goal.

Needs For The Coming Year, The Gaines’ Report: Daniel Gaines and family are presently flying to the U.S. on furlough, but their report shares valid needs for 2015.

Final Thoughts 
As you read through the reports this week, we hope you are encouraged. We enjoy sharing the news with each of you. God is good all the time and He continues to bless the efforts of those who are involved in this work every day. We look forward to expanding the outreach of the program and working together with the greatest people on earth.

God bless
Bob

Needs For The Coming Year, The Gaines' Report...

Some ask about special needs that the work might have. Here are a few things that are on our current needs list: 

Printing—$10,000: Our regular readers know that I have many times touted the value of the written word in Tanzania. With so few printed resources available in Swahili, the ones that we are able to produce become hot commodities. Printing is inexpensive, but we distribute hundreds of thousands of tracts and correspondence courses each year. At just 2 cents each, $10,000 will let us produce 500,000 pieces of evangelistic literature to distribute in 2015.

Bibles—$15,000: There is power in the Word. One of the greatest things that we can do for those who are spiritually impoverished is to place a Bible in their hands, and let them experience the transformative power of God’s word. At $6 a piece, $15,000 will allow us to purchase 2.500 Bibles to distribute to hungry souls in East Africa.

Sponsor a Preaching Student—$2,400/$4,800: The Andrew Connally School of Preaching will have a new intake of students in Feb. 2015. It cost $200 per month, per student, to operate the school. This includes: student support, staff salaries, food, utilities, etc. So, for $2,400 a year or $4,800 for the entire two year program, you can sponsor a student in his preparation to be a gospel preacher.

Gaines Furlough Fund—$2,000: An important part of the work of a missionary is to keep the brethren informed about the great things that God is doing in the area. A part of that is reporting to interested parties. It is a great pleasure to talk to our brothers and sisters about the work, but travel has its expenses. We could use donations to offset some of those costs. Also, we do have just a few slots available. If you would like for me to visit with your congregation, then contact me soon so that we can get you on the calendar.

Honored Guest
We are thrilled to be hosting our friend and brother, Mike Greene, this week. Mike is the pulpit minister at our overseeing congregation, Lehman Avenue. He has come to help by teaching a short course at ACSOP and to get a first-hand look at the work. 

It is wonderful for sponsors to send representatives into the field to visit the works that they contribute to significantly. This encourages the missionary and furthers the sending church—missionary relationship. If that is not the current practice at your congregation, then I encourage you to give it some consideration.  

Tiffany’s Thoughts
I’m tired. I’m tired of a foreign language, lifestyle, and culture. I’m weary of boiling water, bleaching vegetables, and being completely covered in dust 24/7. I’m exhausted from the lack of driving rules, constant power outages, and being judged by the color of my skin first and foremost. I’m broken from seeing poverty at it’s worst with large families in one room mud huts with no belongings, starving children, and lack of healthcare for so many. I scream on the inside as I see countless Muslim children that have virtually no hope of knowing our Savior.

After an entire year in Africa my life will never be the same. Living in a third world culture has impacted me in so many ways. I want little in the way of physical things and I want so much more in the way of spiritual things. I long for everyone to know Christ and for this time away from home and family to not be in vain. I pray that God will bless the people of this country and that we will be together in Heaven where we no longer worry about all of the things afore mentioned.

I’m blessed. I’m blessed to be able to live as a king among paupers. I am thankful God has allowed me to touch lives, hold orphaned babies, and sing praises in a foreign language. I am grateful that my children see daily what it is like to have nothing and to give to those less fortunate. I am shocked by the loving nature of those who are impoverished to be so giving from what they have. I am blessed to know Christ as my Savior and to have the opportunity to share that good news with others who are eager to receive His word.

This year has not been easy, but it has been bountiful and blessings abound. Please continue to pray for our work, the lives of Tanzanians, and that God’s will be done in all things. Mungu Akubariki! God bless you!

Daniel Gaines

ACSOP Gets Closer To Reaching The Thanksgiving Goal Challenge...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We thank our God for each of you, your love for the gospel, and your love for God’s mission work here in Tanzania. Through your continued prayers and support much good is being done in the lives of countless souls. The church grows stronger day by day and the ranks of heaven continue to grow. Thank you all so very much. 

The A.C.S.O.P. students have been blessed this past week by the teaching they received from our good brother Mike Greene. Mike serves as the minister for the Lehman Ave. congregation in Bowling Green, KY. This is the sponsoring congregation for the Gaines family who began their furlough travels today. They are to arrive in the States tomorrow, please remember them in your prayers. Mike taught the second year students on the subject of Denominational  Doctrines. The students had great things to say about the week and expressed their thanksgiving for Mike and for his elders who allowed him the time to come and teach. Thank you Mike and may your week of teaching in South Africa and your travels back to your family be productive and safe. 

The students will have a double blessing this week with the instruction from our brother Dale Jenkins. Dale will be teaching the books of First and Second Timothy and Titus. We and the Kisongo congregation were blessed to receive two lessons from Dale, one  during the Bible class hour and the other during the worship hour. He reminded us of the importance of why we study the life of Christ and importance of Receiving, Reflecting, and Responding to God’s Word from James chapter one. He shared a great quote with the church as well; “Enter for worship, leave to serve.” I say to that, amen!

Today’s worship was a joyful occasion to be sure. It was also bitter sweet. Ahimidiwe (graduate of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, director in training, and evangelist for the Kisongo congregation) stood before the assembly, with a contrite and broken spirit, announcing the withdrawal of fellowship from four men. At least two of the men being withdrawn from, wife and family were in the assembly. It was so very sad to know four men are currently being unfaithful to the Lord and His Church. On the other hand, it thrilled my soul to its core, to see the love and concern for the purity of the Body of Christ, the genuine love and concern for the souls of these men, and to see the maturity and faithfulness of the the leadership of this congregation. 

As I have said in the past, I say again, God is having His way with His Church here in Tanzania (throughout East Africa) and His disciples continue to grow day by day. Thank you for making this possible and a reality. 

Thanksgiving Challenge (Matching Funds) Update: As of this writing, are you ready? We have received (of funds committed) in the sum of $43,550. That’s right, with the matching commitment, we are only lacking $13,950 (plus the matching funds) to reach our goal of $115,000. Please prayerfully consider this great opportunity. We need Bibles, to print bible tracts and material, make up the short fall at the preacher training school, Stafford’s furlough, etc. If you have any questions or need any information to help you in your decision o help, please let me know. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and most of all, we thank our God for your love for the Truth and for the lost of this world. 

Till all have have heard...
In Him, Cy, Stephanie & Granny

P.S. Please keep Granny in your prayers, she took a bad fall this week (nothing is broken). She is struggling and hurting in her recovery.

Students Evangelize And Teach Bible Classes In Nigeria...

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ,

Happy Lord's day to you all from your fellow brethren in Nigeria. 

The staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE ), Ibadan evangelized the Bamisinde village of Ona-Ara Local Government on Saturday. Lord’s willing, we are working on going Saturday to the Egbeda congregation, Ibadan for evangelizing Egbeda town and environ.

On Sunday at the Onikokoro /Gbongudu congregation, I taught on “The Caring Church” (Acts 4:35 - 5:15) and my first son, brother Makinde Emmanuel, taught on The Worship of the NT Church” at the youth class after the morning worship.

Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe, one of the SWSE graduates and presently one of the Ibadan campus instructors, taught at the Egbeda congregation, Ibadan on “The Misplacement of Priority” (Matt. 6:33-34).

At the campus church, brother Akinade Oluwaseun, taught on “Looking unto the Lord” (Heb.12:1-2 cp. 2 Kings 19:1-20,35-37) and brother Nnamdi admonished the church.

Brother Adedoyin Sola, one of our year 2 students, worshipped at the Jago congregation where he taught on “Christian Unity” and another year 2 student named Oladapo Alabi admonished the church at Jago. Other year 2 students also play an active role in the congregations where they are serving as evangelists or one the Bible teachers.

Beloved, we thank you all for your partnership. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our endeavour in Christ Jesus, amen.

Our best regards to the saints there.

Yours in Him,

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

Tract Distribution In Campaign Effort Yields Fruit In Togo...

Kpodzi Church of Christ Meets 
I had the opportunity to worship with the Kpodzi church of Christ on my recent visit to Kpalime. I thought the Bible class and David preached the sermon. I was impressed with David’s handling of the class especially with the interpretation of scripture. Brethren, the word is powerful in that it has completely turned David around. Prior to David coming to CBS, he was in a denomination with five branches and several members. Since they got this new place, those who at one time left because of a lack of place to worship are now coming back. This congregation has a great future. 

Tract Distribution During Kpalime Campaign 
We organized a three day campaign in the city center of Kpalime. We were able to take pictures showing how our new canopy was mounted for tract distribution. The theme for the campaign was “Delivered from the Power of Darkness.” Topics discussed included: Prophecies and Fulfillments of the Kingdom, What must I do to Become Part of the Kingdom, and How to Identify the Kingdom (Church) Today. 

The tracts were donated through George Funk of the Gospel Chariot Mission in South Africa. The church of Christ is reaching many through its outreach programs which include: tract distribution, radio program, Bible correspondence courses, house to house personal work, and public (open air) preaching. 

Worship At Nyiveme Church of Christ in Kpalime  
The Nyiveme church of Christ and the Eyoh church of Christ had a joint service to fellowship and encourage one another. The occasion was used by the daughter of brother and sister Hodanou. Brother Hodanou is the preacher at the Eyoh church of Christ near Kpalime. There were 81 in attendance during the service. 

Akalo Teaching A Class
Akalo preaches for a congregation in Tsevie and also is one of the instructors at CBS in Kpalime. Akalo started working with CBS at the very inception of the CBS in 2005. He travels on a motor bike almost three hours to teach each time he is scheduled to teach. Akalo needs a new motor bike to facilitate his movement since the one he is using now is very old. Contact me if you would like to bless Akalo. 

Leaders Meeting 
I met with preachers in the Kpalime area to assess the recent campaign and to plan the end of the year Bible camp in December. The occasion was used to discuss the operations of the Gospel Chariot and our next campaign. 

Hanyigba Work Progressing 
Jean Akli preaches for the Hanyigba church of Christ near Kpalime. Jean was one of our first graduates of CBS in Kpalime and is also a staff member. Jean is one of our dynamic preachers in the Kpalime area and his activities are having a positive influence on the work in Hanyigba. He has small group meetings scattered in the area and is involved in dawn preaching from 5:30 am to 6:00 am each day. He is also on the committee that oversees the Gospel Chariot in Togo. 

The Hanyigba Church of Christ is one of the congregations that benefited from the Adoption Program. 

Couple Added To Zomayi Church of Christ  
A man and the wife were converted during our recent campaign in Kpalime. They will be worshiping with the Zomayi church of Christ. 

Prospect Leads Daughter To Christ 
Mr. Ahadzi is a prospect whom we have been encouraging to put on Christ in baptism. Mr Ahadzi is a business man in Kpalime and a friend of church of Christ. He has expressed his love for the teachings of the church of Christ and is seriously considering his baptism. What we did not know was he has been using materials from the church to teach the daughter at home. During the campaign, he brought the daughter for further studies and subsequent baptism. The congregation in Yorkele was worshiping on one of his properties before they constructed their own shed. I was informed that he even supplied some of the wood used in the construction. This reminds me of the scripture, “praising God, and having favor with all the people” Acts. 2:47. 

Need For Mission Vehicle
About a year ago I embarked on fund raising to purchase a vehicle to replace the one I currently use. The vehicle is old due to frequent evangelistic trips in Ghana and Togo. I have tried to maintain it to the extent of rebuilding the engine, but I have still not been able to get it working properly. I have had to visit the workshop almost daily. This action has resulted in spending so much on buying parts and paying for labour. Though I am spending so much on the vehicle, for the fear of it breaking down, I not able to travel outside Accra with it, but resort to using public transport. It has therefore become necessary for me to acquire another vehicle to facilitate my mission trips. I am glad to inform you that my overseeing congregation, Blanco Church of Christ is donating $15,000 towards the purchase of vehicle. However, I need a total of $30,000. I am therefore using this medium to raise the additional $15,000 I need. 

NOTE: Please make checks payable to the Blanco Church of Christ and earmark Vehicle Fund for Gley/ Ghana & Togo Mission. 

Next Gospel Chariot Campaign
The next campaign in Togo is scheduled to take place at Avetonu from the 27th - 29th of November. 

Meeting With Student Body
I had the opportunity to meet the student body to remind them of the leadership structure we have in place for the smooth running of the school. 

Director--- H. Willie Gley
Principal—Cephas Nyemata Essotena
Dean Of Students- Jean Akli
Secretary – Pierre Attah
Advisors- All staff members
Student Leader – Daniel Yovo 

H. Willie Gley 
wgleycbs@gmail.com 
P.O. Box AN 19611 
Accra North, Ghana

The Lord's Church Grows Despite Muslim Dominance...

By the grace of the Almighty God, [SIBS] has entered her fourth quarter now, and we are gradually receiving recognition among the brotherhood.

Classes in October went on as scheduled. However, concerns were raised in connection with the punctuality of two students – Mark Ohene, and Foster Adzamoa. Mark was absenting himself from classes from time to time, while Foster complained of agitating family problems which was receiving his serious attention from school. The two, however, continued to receive encouragement from both the school administration and staff.

Student Campaigns
One of the primary objectives of [SIBS], is to be engrossed in mission work.  Accordingly, our students have been divided into four groups who travel to nearby congregations on weekends, most often on Sundays, to worship and work with them. Of course, some of the students also get involved in the work during the holidays. This last holiday period in October was no exception. Four of our students –Augustine Antwi, Emmanuel Appiah Kubi, Emmanuel Kwarfo and Alex Osei including two instructors –Amoo-Gyimah, and Gyan Mante were on a mission trip as far as to Bole, in the Northern region. This was a first time visit, or feasibility study trip to know the town, the people, and most importantly, the possibility of establishing the Lord’s church in this town. On this trip, a good number of people, especially from the denominational groups were contacted, although the town is predominantly Muslim. The team worshipped with four Christians located here, and report that, despite the Muslim dominance, the possibility of establishing the Lord’s church here is great, especially due to the high receptivity of the people. Although the trip was sponsored by a sister from one of the congregations down here in the south, next proclamation and persuasive campaign in this town cannot be ruled out.  

Please, remember always to keep [SIBS] in your thoughts and prayers. God bless.

Seth Osae-Larbi

One Course Away From Graduation In Cameroon (CBIW)...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Christ on this part of the globe. We do hope you are doing well in all that you do. We are doing better in health, doing well with studies as our students successfully completed their last long course exams and now they are waiting for the last short course, “The Pastoral Letters,” that pave their final way to graduation and full time ministry. Keep them in your prayers.

As our exams here were finished Thursday last week, all the students took the road to their different villages to meet with families and home congregations to finalize preparation for graduation which is coming up on the 11th of December 2014.

Most students will not come back today after meeting with families and congregations. They will return tomorrow, but the news from them is showing that the future of the church of Christ in Cameroon is green, as they nurture and evangelize communities. All the congregations we established and revived are healthy, as they continue to get balanced spiritual food from our students who reach out to the communities.

Evangelist Orock Yanick taught the word this morning in Wotutu. This is an exercise that all our students must do, teach a senior sermon in the Wotutu congregation, and the Christians here will evaluate the students to help make him well and ready for the ministry. He is the last student among the 26 who are to graduate by His grace this December 11th 2014. Keep praying for them.

One of our brothers in Christ in another town, brother Edwin, when he became a Christian went back to his village and converted his entire family and they established a new congregation that meets in their house. He was staying with the aunty. The aunty told him not to worship with the church of Christ or else she will disown him and stop sponsoring him in school. The brother refused to stop worshiping with the church, so he dropped out of school because the aunty said she will not sponsor him again. Today, he is preaching from one bus to another and he calls it the bus ministry. He goes to the bus stop early in the morning with tracts from Mission Printing to preach to people and offer them a contact. Many gave them to brethren in the town they are traveling or reside in. Keep this zealous brother in prayer, as he will be matriculating to be a student in CBIW coming 2015 -2016 session.

Brother Edwin, on a daily basis, prays with passengers, mostly in a period of the year where many are scared of traveling, so they will always welcome him onto the bus to offer a prayer for them as they embark on their journey. What an opportunity for the gospel to meet people in any given advantage. Keep this young brother in your prayers.   

Kids in Brightland Christian academy appreciate your prayers. Keep this school in your prayers as it will go a long way to prepare many for a better future, as kids start with prayer and study of the word of God at this tender age. The church will have more committed and zealous people as they follow their training. You should see them getting food at their lunch break on the veranda because they don’t have a dining room.

The kids stand in a line to get their food, that is what they do daily in other schools. It is not like that. By the grace of God, as they grow up with this good Christian value, they undergo this Christian education, which is the only one in our community. Please, always think of Brightland and the impact it is already creating and will continue to create in the lives of these children and their generation.

Plan
1) We will travel to Mamfe for the annual Bible lectureship of the churches of Christ in Cameroon. We shall invest 4 days of house to house evangelism. Mamfe is far away from Wotutu.

2) Our graduation  is coming up on the 11th of December and you are highly invited to be our guest.

Appreciation
Many thanks to God for a day like this and for all that you are doing to make things happen. Without you, we would not have gotten to this level. God bless you and keep you strong to do more for the Lord. We shall give details of the summary of our reports in the weeks ahead after our graduation. God bless you as you share with others.

We wish you the best of the season.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

Conflict Resolution Seminar...

Conflict resolution was the primary focus of the past week. Dave Miller, an active police officer in the northeastern part of the country, currently teaches police officers in areas of conflict resolution. Since he is a Christian, it seemed a perfect fit to ask Dave to teach this subject at Bear Valley and share his expertise in this area. The benefit of these classes is immeasurable in helping students learn how to deal with the conflict they will face in the years of ministry ahead.

The work of these students is encouraging, and they are being equipped in ways to better deal with the conflict they encounter in ministry, thus helping strengthen relationships within the church. The theme of the seminar this year was “Leading Through Conflict.” Students were provided material to educate them in leadership and various areas of conflict. Additionally, they were given scenarios involving conflict they worked to solve and discuss. The educational and hands-on / practical approach is a blessing to their understanding.

Students around the world also continued in their studies, designed to prepare them for ministry. Each week in the extensions, apart from the day to day studies, students are also involved in evangelistic outreach. The results of their efforts are changing the eternal destination of souls in each location. Information about their activities is located in the reports provided below.

Please continue to pray for the work in Denver and in the various locations where we are excited and privileged to partner around the world. God continues to bless all that is done. To Him be the glory!! 

Now on to the other reports...

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

The latest report from Luis Comacho about his recent trip to Paraguay can be found here.

Extension Reports 

Moving Toward The Dry Season And Preparing For Gradation: As the dry season approaches in Cameroon, students are preparing to graduate and enter full-time ministry.

Completing A U.S. Visit, Devastation From Recent Hurricane: John Dean completes his recent trip to the U.S., while reflecting on the devastation from the recent hurricane in India.

A New Class Of Seventeen Students In Takoradi, Ghana: The West Coast School of Preaching prepares a new class of students for their program of study and ministry.

Annual Lectureship, Ladies Program, And A Holiday In Uganda: As the program grows at the Uganda School of Evangelism, students in Congo plan a visit home for the holidays.

Evangelism, Lectures, and A Funeral Were All Part Of The Activities: The activities at the Southwest School of Evangelism keep the staff and students busy in ministry.

A Recent Evangelism Meeting Demonstrates The Power Of God’s Word: Evangelists in the Arusha area recently met to discuss the challenges and successes of their efforts.

Final Thoughts 
We know that saying “thank you” seems repetitious, but no matter how many times we say it, the attitude of sincerity behind it is just as strong. We love and appreciate all you do to help with the development of training preachers. We pray you are encouraged by the work that is accomplished through this program.

God bless
Bob

A Recent Evangelism Meeting Demonstrates The Power Of God's Word...

Greetings Fellow Servants, 

What a privilege it is to know our God always answers the faithful prayers of the saints. Thank you for your friendship in the gospel, a friendship that comes from the heart of a servant. God is smiling down on His mission effort in a grand way here in Tanzania. 

Yesterday, we had our area wide Evangelism Meeting. This meeting is for the Arusha area evangelists. They (we) come together to discuss the Lord’s work in the Arusha area and how best to serve one another to His glory and to the saving of the lost here in East Africa. Here are some highlights, comments, from some of the evangelist that show the power of God at work in the lives of his faithful servants:

Ayubu (Elkiurea congregation): “Prayers are needed. We have a large family, the father is ready to be baptized. We have ten good studies on going.”

Desdery (Mt. Meru congregation): “Being in a rented room is a challenge, we need a permanent place for the Lord’’s people to meet. Currently we have 7-10 active bible studies. Each Sun. morning we have a children's bible class before our worship.” 

Maurice (Njiro Chini congregation): “We are having good growth among the members. The member’s giving is good also, showing growth. Many are inviting friends and neighbors and studies are being set up. We have an invite with a group of 15 far away from the meeting place to study God’s word. We have between 17-24 on going bible studies. Our youth group is meeting with other youth in the area to grow in the Lord.”

Ahimidiwe (Kisongo congregation): “We are facing many challenges, challenges are good. One such challenge is so many new converts. We have a new converts class on Sun. morning and now we have zones where each of the new converts meet in the homes of various members to study during the week. We have plans to start two new congregations because many of our members are walking long distances (4-7 miles each way).”

Charles (Kwa Mrombo congregation): “We have had a very active and busy month. We have established 10 new studies while following up on many old studies. We are using our phones to send messages to members and friends, to encourage them. We are encouraging each member to remember “one more soul”, by inviting someone new each week to services. Our numbers have grown from the 40’s to the 60’s in number through this ministry.” 

Yes, the Lord is having His way here in Tanzania, thank you for making this work possible. We are overjoyed by the good response for our “Thanksgiving (matching) Challenge.” What an amazing opportunity the Lord has brought to us via His faithful. 

Update: As of this writing, we have received $28,800 in donations toward this purpose. The goal is $52,500 that will be matched 100%. To read the Challenge Letter, please click here. Please print and distribute to as many as possible that God’s will might be done on a truly grand scale. 

We close with a note of thanks to all who have and who are making this work a reality. Countless souls are heaven bound because you cared or care. God be with you all. 

Please remember Sean and Anita as they travel back home (Tanzania). Also, our brother Dale Jenkins who will be coming this week to teach a short-course and will also be our keynote speaker at the ACSOP graduation on the 29th. 

Until all have heard...

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Evangelism, Lectures, And A Funeral Were All Part Of The Activities...

Dear fellow soldier of the cross,

Greetings from your fellow brethren in SWSE Nigeria.

We, the staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan main campus, evangelized Kuede, Akinwande and Butubutu villages of Ona-Ara Local Government ,Oyo state on Saturday, November 8, 2014. Even though there is no conversion yet, the villagers were receptive and we are planning to repeat our visit into those three villages before we end the 2nd semester in January 2015.

On Sunday at  the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, I taught on “What Hurt The Church?” (Acts 5:1-11) and also admonished the church on “No Blessing Without Bleeding” (Matt.27:32-50). We were 45 in attendance due to the relocation of some of our members and the progress of some of our youth who now get admission to various University and Polytechnic classes for higher leaning.  

On Sunday morning, at the campus church, brother Abraham Idu Yeje, our campus minister, taught on “Why I Want To Go To Heaven When I Die,” and brother Adedoyin Sola Rotimi admonished the campus brethren on “Faithfulness.”

Brother Isaac Olaniyan, one of the SWSE Ibadan instructors, and one of the ministers of Ijoko-Ota congregation Ogun state, reported the conversion of one soul. By God’s power, brother Ossai, one of the SWSE graduates, reported the restoration of a sister who left the church some years ago to marry a Muslim man.

Beloved, the SWSE Ibadan students will evangelize Asejire, Osun state this coming Saturday, while the instructors attend the burial of brother Dele Shotola 's mom in Ilisan-Remo, Ogun state on November 14 & 15, 2014, Lord's willing.

Beloved, we thank you all for your faithful commitment to the cause of Christ. May the Lord keep us save till death is our fervent prayer, Amen.

We (staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism, Ibadan) divided ourselves into two groups for Friday and Saturday activities in Ilisan -Remo, Ogun state and Asejire, Osun state. Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe led the first group on Friday afternoon to attend the burial service of brother Dele Shotola's mum in Ilisan -Remo, Ogun state. Service of songs came up on Friday evening at the Shotola's compound, while Saturday morning was for the burial service at the same venue and entertainment of visitors came up between 12:00 pm until dawn. The burial was well attended by brethren from the Southwest state of Nigeria.

The second group was led by brother Samuel Olorode and brother Segun Idowu to evangelize Asejire and Ikoyi town of Osun state with the SWSE Ibadan students and the report reaching me this afternoon shows that five of the prospects worshiped with the Asejire and Ikoyi congregations in the morning.

At the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, before we went out by 10:00 am through noon for this month house to house evangelism, I taught on “The Model Church” (Acts 2-6). This lesson will take us four Sundays.

During the Saturday burial service, my sweetheart (sister Esther Makinde) and I sang with hundreds of brethren that graced the occasion.

At the campus church in Butubutu, Ibadan, brother Nnamdi Blessing Eze led the Church in songs. Brother Abraham Idu Yeje taught on “Looking unto Jesus” (Heb. 12:1-2) and brother Adedoyin Sola Rotimi admonished the church from Mal .3:3. 

Lord willing, we are to evangelize Bamisinde village this coming Saturday.

Brother Matthew Roland, one of the WBSFUW in Osun state, visited two schools in Ilesha town and discussed the Bible with the WBS students there and also collected the 6 completed lessons for the West Olive congregation, Peoria, AZ, which will be posted to our office (WBSTC California) with other lessons from the students before the end of this month.

Brethren, we are very proud of been one of the servants of the Lord serving the Lord in this part of the world! Thanks for your partnership. May the Lord keep us safe and sound until death, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies)
Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Annual Lectureship, Ladies Program, And A Holiday In Uganda...

Dear brethren,

We do thank you very much for all your support. Be assured that we appreciate very much what you are doing for the Lord's work here in Uganda. The Uganda School of Evangelism staff and the body of students wish you well in all what you are doing. Our nine Congolese students would like to go home during December holiday. We will close our second quarter on December 14th, 2014. The Annual lectureship will go from the 15th to 18th of December. The ladies program will begin on December 22nd, 2014 and go to January 3rd, 2015. To allow these Congo brethren to go home for the holiday, we need $1,150 for their transport going and coming back. That will be the only time they will be going back until after graduation. Anyone who would be willing to help in this need, please send your contribution to Woodland Oaks church of Christ in Houston. Hope to read from you.

Yours,
Francis and Margaret Wechesa

To see pictures and a profile of the students, please click here.

A New Class Of Seventeen Students In Takoradi, Ghana...

Dear Brethren,

We are glad to report again our activities in this school for the month of October, 2014.

Admissions
A total of (17) seventeen students have been admitted. We earlier reported on a student who was coming from Liberia. We said in that report that his admission process had stalled. Last week we had a phone call that he had obtained a clearance certificate from the health authorities in Liberia and would want to come. We decided that since his arrival in Ghana may pose a problem for the school, we informed him to suspend his coming until next year if, by God’s grace, the Ebola threat subsides.

Classes
Classes are going on successfully. Those who arrived late are gradually adapting to the school rules and classes. Ongoing lectures are progressing well.

Graduation
At the last meeting of the instructors, it was agreed that we postponed the graduation indefinitely. The main reason for postponement is due to the hanging Ebola threat. We have also received the additional eleven of the graduation gowns.

Crowding in the Dining Hall
It has been observed that the dining hall is being overcrowded by the number of students. The space is close for students taking their meals.

Brother Daniel Asiamah 
He continues to receive treatment in Accra. We still ask for your continuous prayer for him and all of us.

Finally, we would want to thank you once again for the continuous support. We pray that the good Lord will pour his rich blessings upon you all

Thanks and God bless
Charles

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

Completing A U.S. Visit, Devastation From Recent Hurricane...

Dear Brethren in Christ,

Greetings to you all in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. I hope this email finds you all good. I am doing fine, in a couple of weeks from now I will be winding up my visit to USA and heading back home. It is my privilege to share this work report with you all, thank you very much for your concern.

Visiting Bear Valley & Lake Houston
I was thoroughly blessed to attend the 50th Annul Lectureship at Bear Valley. It has been a great privilege for me to visit with some wonderful brethren who went to school at BVBID and have been preaching, especially doing an outstanding job in the mission field across the world.

Also, It is a blessing to visit with the brethren at Lake Houston, who have been a great support for the Preacher Training School in Visakhapatnam. I certainly believe that this occasion has given a great opportunity to meet all the brethren in person and to thank them for their part in this successful Lord’s ministry in India, that is training our men to carry out the gospel. I do thank them for giving me time to explain our 20 year work plan of establishing 500 congregations in this part of our country. We pray that our Lord will keep us bound to work more rigorously to educate several men to reach out the lost millions for the rescuing them out of the eternal destruction.  

Report on the Hurricane Hudud:  As it was portrayed by the weatherman, a Category 4 hurricane sure does damage beyond the expression of human words. We were able to take pictures of a few among thousands of other damaged spots in Visakha and other northern districts. Power lines, cell-phone towers were collapsed, the airport was damaged, along with several church buildings and prayer sheds were badly damaged.                                         

The glass doors were torn into pieces, due to which Rice bags in the store room were damaged (became wet). The front wind screens, in front of the main building, that was torn out. The compound wall behind the building was damaged. We have 6 rest rooms outside of the main building those were broken and torn into pieces. In the same case several preachers and congregations in this area were very badly affected too.

Gospel Out Reach
Besides the circumstances, our faculty and students were able to attend a couple of Preachers’ Fellowship meetings. During the same time our students held a campaign to reach out to several people with the good news, distributing gospel tracts and holding Bible studies.

In a few months from now, 15 students will complete their two year program to receive their diploma. We are planning for a week long class on Christian counseling in the third week of January ’15. On the last week of January ’15, brother Jerry Bates will be teaching ‘Preacher and his Work’ to the under graduates.

During my visit, I met brother Therman Hodge, who is willing to teach couple of classes with the Master Class students.  We have scheduled his classes to be in the third week of March. 10th April our class 2015 will be graduating, brother Jerry Bates is planning on being there.

Mission Report Sep. - Oct.:
Number Gospel meetings held - 12
Number of doors knocked: 238
Bible Studies Held - 43
Number of People Baptized - 6

Gratitude
We are grateful to God for His mercy who spared us from the recent Hurricane, at the same time we are mindful of those victims who are still suffering from the after affects. Please continue your prayers as we also do for you. We thank the brethren at Bear Valley for their commitment to reach out the unreached, at the same time appreciating the brethren at Lake Houston who are helping us to fulfill this great mission.

God bless you all, in Christ,

John Dean M

Moving Toward The Dry Season And Preparing For Graduation...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Wotutu and the lovely brethren here. We do hope you are doing great in all that you.

We are doing great here, except for ill health because of the climatic conditions now. We are moving towards the dry season, which is why many are sick.

Students who went out for mission work during weekend evangelism are back safe and sound and the work continues to strengthen, as congregations continue to gain maturity. They are being nurtured by our students. Keep them in your prayers as they prepare for full time ministry after their graduation.

Studies went on well with the long courses and our students start their exams tomorrow and thereafter we shall travel with the students for our last evangelism with them in the Mamfe community for four days. When we return, by the grace of God, we shall meet elder Randy Martin and his wife who are coming to teach the Pastoral Letters, which will be the last course to usher the students to the field, so keep elder Randy and wife in your prayers.

The Wotutu congregation, both old and young, held hands after prayers and fasting to keep the students in God’s hands as they finalize their stay at the Cameroon Bible Institute of Wotutu (CBIW). It is coming to be an event that has come to stay. We shall always do this with our students before they graduate.

The students stood in front of the congregation to express their appreciation with tears as they think about their fellowship with the love and kindness of the Wotutu congregation.

Graduation preparation is going on well. Our students will appear to the public on graduation day in suit attire. We start with the thumbs up, which means “we are not alone.” They are going out with the sign, we are not alone. Your prayers will help keep them closer to God as they serve God as evangelists.

We are unable to count all the blessings CBIW is for individuals, congregations, and communities. Brother Konlack came here with his wife and his child, Damaris, but God has just blessed him again with another baby girl. We prayed for the baby after worship. Keep this young, but zealous family in your prayers as they prepare for ministry.

Plans
We shall travel for our last evangelistic mission with the students to Mamfe, about 600 miles from Wotutu, for 4 days of house to house evangelism. Keep this trip in your prayers.

Appreciations
God bless you. We are thankful to you for all that you are doing for the work here. We thank you and we believe God alone will reward you for such a gestures. Do your best to share this with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace, director CBIW

And The News Keeps Getting Better...

November has amazingly crept in and now we are moving toward the middle of the month. Time clips by so quickly. Each week brings more exciting news about the development of training men to preach the gospel. We are approaching the middle of the second quarter, which usually brings mid-term exams. Students are diligently preparing for their exams and a bit of research before a short holiday break.

The past week hosted seniors preaching in chapel for their Homiletics 3 class. It may sound a bit biased, but these men did an outstanding job of proclaiming God’s word. The messages were relevant and applicable to the staff and students. As these men complete their studies in December, we are confident they will impact the souls of many people. As we near the time of their completion, we will share more about each individual and where they plan to work.

Reports this week highlight the work in several locations where students are also diligent in their studies and outreach with the gospel. We hope you will be encouraged with the news of souls added to the kingdom and congregations strengthened in the faith. We are constantly encouraged by reading about the work of these men. The thought that the sun never sets on an extension where Bear Valley is working at training preachers is getting closer. Think about it.

Now on to the other reports...

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

The latest report from Steven Ashcraft about West Africa can be ready by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

Approaching Graduation Anticipates Great Attendance In Cameroon: With a little boost in the Cameroonian economy, based on the first graduation, staff anticipates a large attendance.

Another Encouraging Angle Of The Recent Work In Nepal: A young man, Roshan Rana, was involved in a recent outreach with the school in Nepal, and his perspective is encouraging.

Despite The Grave Challenges, BVBIU Continues To Make A Difference: Students in Ukraine are reaching out with the gospel and the interest level is growing for both the church and school.

The New Class In Kenya Is Commended For Evangelistic Fervor: Although the course work at KSOP recently began, students already show a fervor for evangelistic outreach.

Classes Resume At SWSE Ibadan, Nigeria: Students are back to their studies at the Southwest School of Evangelism in Nigeria, and it will be a busy quarter in and out of the classroom.

Great News Summarizes The Theme From Arusha: After last week’s report, more exciting news about the matching donation is sounding forth from Tanzania.

The Church Encourages New Converts, Youth, And Much More: The Kisongo congregation and ACSOP in Arusha, Tanzania work to influence the development of the church.

Final Thoughts 
We close by saying thank you. As you read this report, please remember that each of you are vital to the success of extension training. We appreciate the opportunity you provide us to train those who are faithful to go and teach others also. Thank you for your trust in us. We pray God will bless us all to His glory.

God bless
Bob

The Church Encourages New Converts, Youth, And Much More...

The Kisongo church of Christ encourages new converts and their youth.

Brethren, it is my hope that this report finds you well. We are grateful for the mercy and faithfulness of our Lord while we do His work. Thank you for taking time to read this short report.

The Kisongo congregation continues to benefit from the recent East African Gospel meeting. They have started a new converts class again with a large group of people. It has been good to see those who have been Christians for a long time attending the new convert classes as well. I am teaching on the subject of Spiritual Disciplines for the purpose of godliness and the material has provoked many to ask a lot of questions. Please don’t forget your role of praying for these new babies in Christ. Their faith is beginning under a trial of fire as they are being sought out by the Lutheran Church to join them. As newborn children they are unable to stand alone and defend their new faith.

The Kisongo congregation has also organized a youth group that is being led by Losotwa Michael. The youth group was started for a number of reasons: to create a good network between the youth from Kisongo and surrounding churches, to help many new young converts, to organize various youth bible events, and to simply have more time to learn the bible. We are confident that this will help the church grow stronger.

Brethren, thank you again for your interest and support of this work. This is what the Lord has done for us this week. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

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

Much has been done, more to come…

Dear friends and brethren,

I hope all is well with you and yours! As we approach the end of the year it is a good time to look back and reflect on how well God has taken care of us. We at ACSOP began the year with big plans. Through God’s providence we were able to accomplish many of our plans and it is our hope that even more will be accomplished before we reach year’s end.

Still to come we have ACSOP graduation on November 29th, the future preachers training camp December 14th – 19th, and the Tanzania Christian camp shortly thereafter.

As 2015 comes to a close, we thank you for your loyal support and dedication to the Tanzanian Missions effort. Many have heard and obeyed the gospel through the many avenues you have provided by your support. We pray for you often and wish you every good thing in this life. But mostly, we hope you are preparing for life eternal with God and Jesus Christ, our only hope. May 2015 be a year that you grow more and more closer to the Lord.

Your servant in Him,

Losotwa Michael
Dean of Academics, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver extension school
Arusha, TZ

Great News Summarizes The Theme From Arusha...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We greet you with hearts of thanksgiving and much joy. It is such a blessing to be a part of God’s family and to know we have you, our faithful friends and supporters, backing us in our efforts to seek and save those who are lost here in East Africa. 

There are two things we can take great comfort in as Christians. First of all, we can take great comfort and solitude in the fact our God is the God of Love. He loves us even when we are unlovable. He forgives us when we turn to him with a heart of repentance. He calls us His friend when we serve Him in righteousness. He will never leave us nor forsake us, unlike so many others in our lives. Secondly, through His providential care he answers our faithful prayers. Even when we doubt, he gives us assurance. When we are walking through the valley of pain and sorrow, He gives us hope.  When we see no hope, He brings Hope to our lives. Yes, being a child of God is what matters most. 

GREAT NEWS! Last week, we announced the most amazing news. Two of our dear friends and co-labors in the Kingdom committed and challenged God’s people with a pledge of $57,500. This years “Thanksgiving Challenge” with these matching funds has the potential to save countless souls. 

GREAT NEWS! The response has been overwhelming. Three congregations and six individuals (that we know of) have committed, are you ready, over $26,000 to be matched. That’s correct, we are half way. As great as that is, we still have the other half “laying on the table.” Please prayerfully consider this great need, opportunity, and challenge. To read a copy of the last week’s report, click here. Please read it again, print it, and give to your church leaders and fellow christians, that God’s will might be done. 

We have a busy time ahead of us here in Tanzania. Over the next three weeks our dear friends and co-workers, Sean and Anita, will return. Please keep them in your prayers, they are both having some health issues and are in need of God’s help. The Gaines’ family is preparing for their first furlough after serving on the mission team for a year. They will be leaving in two weeks and are also in much need of our prayers. 

Mike Greene and Dale Jenkins will be coming to teach short courses at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, bringing this school year to an end. Graduation will be November 29th, when eight men will begin a new chapter in their lives as “equipped evangelist” in God’s Kingdom. Please remember them, their families, and their ministries as they strive to do the will of God throughout their lives. 

Thank you all for your love of God, the Gospel of Christ, the Church of our Lord and, yes, for the lost of this world. Together, we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us. Amen!

MORE GREAT NEWS: When we thought it could not get any better, Katelyn, our daughter-in-law, delivered a healthy baby boy, Remington Gray Stafford, our tenth grandchild. We thank God for answered prayers. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie, Granny

Classes Resume At SWSE Ibadan, Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Greetings from SWSE students and staff in Nigeria. The main campus re-opened this morning after four weeks of vocational training in Electrification, Modern Agriculture, Aluminum Windows & Chilling, and Computer Engineering.

Most of the students returned to the Butubutu campus yesterday evening for today's opening.

Brother Adedoyin Rotimi led in song while brother Abraham Idu Yeje (the campus minister) led the opening prayer and I welcomed both the students and some instructors present with “My Father’s Business (Luke 2:49) between 9:30-10:00 am. Later, I made the second semester program known to both the students and the staff after some time in consultation with the teaching staff.

Brethren, we are starting this semester with 15 students in year 1 and 13 for year 2 (BVBI).

I will be teaching Homiletics 1 & 2, Preacher's life, Prison Epistles and Practical. Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe will be teaching OT wisdom 2, OT History 1, Hebrews and 1 Corinthians.

Brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji will be teaching Hermeneutics 1 and Denominational Doctrines. Brother Isaac Olaniyan will be teaching LOC 2 & The Book of Galatians, while brother Abraham Idu Yeje will be teaching on Acts of the Apostles & Christian Home. Our visiting instructor, brother Guda Mishi, the minister of the church of Christ meeting at Abadina School 2, University of Ibadan campus, and a degree holder from the School of Biblical Studies, Jos, Plateau state, will teach on the book of Romans from November 24-28, 2014.

Brethren, all the remaining Saturdays in November and December have been set aside for mass evangelism by the school in Oyo and Osun states.

Tomorrow, Saturday is for evangelism at Kuede, Akinwande and Butubutu villages of Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo state.

Lord's willing, next week (November 14 & 15) is set aside for the burial of brother Dele Shotola's mom in Ilisan -Remo, Ogun state, while the second group will be evangelizing Asejire town, Osun state under the leadership of brother Adedoyin Rotimi and brother Samuel Olorode (SWSE 2 / BVBI students).

Brethren, we appreciate your partnership and it is our fervent prayer that the Lord in His infinite mercy continue blessing our joint effort in Christ name, Amen.

Yours in His grace as a servant,

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

The New Class In Kenya Is Commended For Evangelistic Fervor...

My dear brethren,

Receive greetings from your Kenyan family. We trust that you are doing well in Him.

“… you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us” Acts 5:28. That cannot be said of us in Kisumu yet, but we have the right workforce using the available resources to accomplish the Lord’s will.

“Very evangelistic minded students,” that’s my evaluation of the KSOP second class so far. It’s amazing how the second class of students is taking seriously evangelism and pulpit preaching. Led by Elias Omollo, the students have been knocking doors and that has led to great Bible classes established and visitors coming to our worship services for the last four Sundays.

One of the families that they studied with astonished them when the man of the house declared, “You have answered all my questions accurately by the Bible, what must I do to be saved?” We pray the family will obey the gospel soon.   

Two former students, Joseph and Jacob, that graduated from the first class are camping in a small center near Mumias town preaching in a village and have been leading worship services. They intend to win more to Christ and plant Lord’s church. Thus far, two have been baptized and seven adults are assembling every first day of the week.

Nixon, also a former KSOP graduate, has been actively involved in the Lord’s work, joining the new students at KSOP for evangelism and preaching at Hellena court.

Korir, another KSOP graduate, wrote on October 13th, “The Lord added three souls to His kingdom yesterday, much thanks to God for that.”  And on October 26th, he wrote again, “The Lord added two souls to His kingdom, thanks to GOD.” This is just to mention a few.

The men are in the Lord’s field and working. Thank you for your prayers and assistance to enable this.

We are doing well with the classes at KSOP and everything is according to schedule. We expect the short course teacher at the end of the week, Obadiah Omutele, who will teach Personal Evangelism.

God bless your great work in the Kingdom.

His servant,
Charles Ogutu

Despite The Grave Challenges, BVBIU Continues To Make A Difference...

Hello dear brothers, families and churches.

The situation in Ukraine is still tense and difficult. The military actions continue to take place. On November 2, DNR and LNR had their elections, and Russia acknowledged this new government on these territories. Now DNR (as their leaders proclaim) is a separate country, which will have its own financial, taxing, military and administrative systems. Gorlovka is on the other side of the front, and more than likely, we won’t be able to return to our town any time soon. The process might take several years. Even now many people are moving out of that territory, leaving their homes, jobs, and businesses. There are several humanitarian aid missions that try to help refugees and those who stayed on the territory occupied by the insurgents. I urge you to pray with us for the peace in Ukraine.

The situation is becoming more stable in other parts of Ukraine. People are longing for peace; they want political and economical reforms. We believe in the better future of our country and are willing to help it in any way we can. 

Church of Christ
For two months and a half, we have been having services. The church consists mostly of students, local Christians and several families who moved from eastern Ukraine. Church services are held in Russian, though many of us are trying to speak Ukrainian. It’s difficult for us to change languages, though many of us heard and understood both of them since childhood. Also we have midweek Bible classes, Bible classes for kids and youth group meetings. Step by step, people in the neighborhood get to know about the church; they know that the church of Christ and the Bible Institute now rent the place, which used to be a store. Last week BV students had practice in evangelizing. Most of the students stayed in Ternopil, and some went to Dnepropetrovsk. Those who stayed in Ternopil were divided into four groups: some stood with the Christian literature display and others went around the city, giving invitations to the church services and making new contacts. How wonderful it was to see two guests at the Sunday service. Also we have two more kids in our Bible School for kids. We will try to do everything to let more people hear the gospel and come to God. 

Bear Valley Bible Institute
The school is doing quite well. These people taught classes in October: Jim Sherman, Dennis Curd, Terry Harmon, Victor Semikoz, Vitaliy Rodichev, and I. Terry Harmon and Vitaliy Rodichev taught classes via Skype. Of course, it’s impossible to find a good substitute for live communication, but it is a better way of having classes at school for now. We thank our American brothers for helping us buy some very needed things for the school: chairs, heaters, microwave, and a computer. Of course, it’s very difficult to get all at once, but God blesses us to have what is necessary. Many Ukrainian teachers express their wish for us to move closer to them. We think about that option, and the most suitable city for such move would be Dnepropetrovsk. It’s a big city with good infrastructure, airport, and what is more important it’s a safe distance from military actions, yet close to where most of our teachers live. Also there is a nice building there; it’s where our graduate, Alexander (Sasha) Rodichev preaches.  

We have also managed to fix the video connection with Dan Owen via Polycom system. We couldn’t find a repairperson for a long time, but because of the documents with instructions about Polycom setup in Russian language – we were able to fix it.

There is another young man from Dnepropetrovsk who wants to join our program in November; his name is Klim. God blesses us with students who are willing to dedicate their lives to preaching the gospel.  

Students express their gratitude to our American brothers for their financial help and to the church of Christ in Ivano-Frankivsk for the humanitarian aid in the form of blankets and clothes.   

We are grateful for your prayers and support in our ministry. Spreading the sound doctrine is the most important task given to the disciples of Jesus Christ. God bless you.

Your brother and co-worker,
Dennis Sopelnik

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