Joy And Sorrow Fills The Hearts Of Staff And Students In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this end. We do hope you are doing great in all that you. We wish you, the entire congregation, and your family compliments of the season.

We are doing better here, even though we have trouble in our hearts here now.

The students of CBIW are all completed with their courses that pave the way for their graduation this week by Thursday. Initially, we were suppose to graduate 26, but two students drop within this last quarter because of academic deficiency, so we were left with 24 qualified students to graduate. Another one of our students had an asthmatic attack yesterday and before the doctors could help, he passed on, so we are left with 23 students, by His grace, who will graduate this Thursday, December 11th 2014.

Elder Randy Martin and his wife, Robin, met students after class hours. What a great couple that came to CBIW. By the time of this letter, they will have made it back home safe without any problems.

Brother Randy taught class and after the final exams, he gave out final marks and prayed with the students. It was a great moment to fellowship and it was hard to say farewell.

Some sisters in our congregation gave them African clothes to wear. It fits well to them, but still difficult to say goodbye because of the fellowship and love for all here.

In the presence of God there is great joy and we could see it by the smile on their faces.

We have our colors for t-shirts that we use in CBIW. There is a particular one that is special, with the inscription “Thank You STC Congregation.” It was time to say thank you to the STC congregation for their oversight, prayers, and support to CBIW.

“Thank you” is a word that is common to the CBIW family. We have seen the Lord’s goodness and we say, “Thank you, Lord for bringing people who are just like us in faith and love.” Thank you, Lord.

We were able to take a family picture with the new shirts. CBIW is moving ahead.

Our brother, Assah Menge Peter, who passed away, performed brilliantly within the two years at CBIW. Four days from our official graduation, our brother never made it. Please keep his wife and family in your prayers.

His funeral program will be on the 13th and 14th after our graduation ceremony. Keep the entire CBIW staff and student body, the Wotutu congregation, and the church of Christ in Cameroon in prayer. A few days ago we lamented about the ripe field, but few laborers. Oh, oh with tears, this hard worker was supposed to do a great work to impact the communities in Bova where he was suppose to go and start his ministry.

Plan
Thursday will be graduation and matriculation of 22 new students to start their 2 years of preparation for ministry. Keep praying for us, as it is hard on our side now because of the situation.

Appreciation
We give thanks to God for all that we see and do. Thank you for standing with us to prepare men to preach the saving message. By next Sunday, I shall give a detailed report about our work for two years. God bless you and keep you strong. Share with others what is making news in Wotutu, Cameroon.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director CBIW

Evangelism And Teaching About The Church In Nigeria...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings in Jesus Christ name. We, the staff and students of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan main campus, evangelized Butubutu and Tadi villages of the Ona-Ara local government on Saturday, December 6,2 014 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. 

The report reaching me this afternoon from our campus minister, brother Abraham Idu Yeje shows that one of our prospects named Ojo Samuel was baptized at the Asejire river after this morning’s worship. To God be the glory. Brethren, I taught on “The Discipline of the Church” (Acts 5:1-11, cf. 1 Cor. 5) at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan while brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe taught on “What is the Kingdom of Christ?” at the Egbeda congregation, Ibadan.

At the campus church, SWSE Ibadan, brother Akinade Oluwaseun Akinleye taught on “The Life of Christ” while the campus minister, brother Abraham Idu Yeje, admonished the campus church on “Believing a Lie” (1 Kings 13).

Brother Adedoyin Sola Rotimi taught on “The Active Church” at the Jago congregation while brother David Edo admonished the Jago church from 1 Corinthians 13.

Beloved, we are scheduled to evangelize Panu and Eletu villages this coming Saturday, Lord willing. All our year-one and -two students are very active in the Lord! May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all our joint effort in Christ name, Amen.

Sincerely in Christ,

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

Nothing Short Of The Greatness Of Our God...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We thank you and we thank our God for you, your prayers, support, and partnership in the gospel. God’s universal family is visible in the lives and good deeds done in His name and for His glory. The result of such generosity is nothing less than saved souls. 

Great News: You did it! God did it through you! Each year we ask of you to show your love and care for the lost of East Africa via the “Thanksgiving Challenge.” The idea is that we as God’s children have more to be thankful for than any in this world. We asked you to join us in expressing this blessing and gratitude by supporting Tanzania Missions. 

This year was very special by the blessing of our good brother and sister in Christ who “challenged” each of us with a donation/matching funds in the amount of $57,500. Well, the Good News is, you did it in a most powerful way. As of this report, you have donated or committed, $65,165. The good that will be done, the souls that will know of God’s love, the souls that will be saved, God alone knows, but, we praise Him and we Thank You, for stepping up and making this a reality. A very special Thank You to our good brother and sister for their love for lost souls and for their amazing example in Christian generosity. A very Special Thank You to each and everyone who came through in a most powerful way. 

Having now lived in Tanzania for the better part of twenty years, we are beginning to see multi-generational growth, spiritually and numerically. These brief report illustrates this point:

Fariji Paul (Usa River congregation) “In November we studied with 14 people, one of them was baptized into the Kingdom of Christ, Nelson Sango. He said, he desires to serve God in His kingdom. He has just completed the Bible correspondence course and asks us to pray for him. The church is planning to set up a congregation at Tengeru, please pray for that.” 

Yusuph Mdaki: “Six souls were added to the Kingdom last Sunday, part of a new church plant.” 

Matthew Laizer: “Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, today is the end of our efforts and one soul has obeyed the gospel. The Lord is indeed good.”

Gaudence Kilewo: When I asked Gaudence what the greatest challenge the Ngordoto congregation was facing he said; “First, we do not have enough places to sit. Second, we need workers, we have more bible classes than we can get to.” This new church plant now has 70-80 souls worshiping each Sunday and had five souls to obey the gospel last month. 

Prayer Request: After several weeks of efforts, prayers and discussion, we have decided that Stephanie and Granny will be heading to the States the first week in January. I will follow a month later. Stephanie has already booked several doctors’ appointments for Granny. We (Stephanie and I) do not believe Granny will be returning to Tanzania. This will be a difficult time for the family as we face some really tough decisions in the coming weeks. Please pray for Granny and her health and for Stephanie and I as we are challenged with some difficult decisions. We know and believe God is able and are fully trusting in Him. 

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

A Recent Bible Camp Designed For Women Proves Encouraging In Nepal...

Dear all respected brothers in Christ,

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

We all are doing well in our regular school and local church activities at NCBS and Kathmandu Valley. After our five weeks of long holidays we began our classes on November 3rd of 2014. All  our classes are going well.

We had six days of ladies Bible camp in the month of November. We had three full days of classes. Sister Sunita (women's teacher), Usha (wife of graduated student Surya Tamang a local teacher at NCBS), Monika (Christian member), Tina (college student c/o brother Jerry), Srijana (school cook) and myself as guide went into our graduate student's home congregations. The sisters taught simple and good lessons that encouraged many women in the village. They received a warm welcome. Their learning desire, fellowship, friendship, talking, laughing, sharing, and caring for each other were amazing. They invited our sisters to visit and have a women's Bible class again in future. I am happy and glad to say that our sisters can teach, encourage, and prepare lady teachers in different communities. 

Thank you all of your guidance, help, and prayer toward Nepal and the Nepal Center for Biblical Studies.

Once again thanks to you all.

Brother in Christ,

Gajendra Deshar
gajendra_deshar@yahoo.com

A Boost In The School Library Aids The Work In Kenya...

Dear brethren,

It has been such a huge honor for me to be part of the great team that is involved in training preachers from the Kenyan soil. I take this opportunity to thank God for bringing all the like minded heads together for a greater cause in the Kingdom. Thanks to all the short course teachers who sacrificed their busy schedule to come over to teach and lead gospel meetings which have been very fruitful.

In August, we had 13 out of 20 students graduate and are now out in the field working, we have been hearing of their active roles in various areas. 

At KSOP, the second class of 20 students is headed for home for the December break having studied 7 courses in their year-1 quarter-1, plus basic computer class. We look forward to having them back for the second quarter on January 9th, 2015 with great reports from the Lord's field. 

Some of the students have been trained at the Nairobi Great Commission School extensions and have been amazed by the errors they were taught. They are very open-minded students and ready to have false doctrine uprooted from them. 

Through their evangelistic efforts, three have been baptized and two are attending worship services at Hellena court where we meet. We pray they will obey the gospel. 

The KSOP school library got a boost from ACSOP Arusha. They gave us 26 boxes of books. Any school is as good as its teachers and the book references they have in their library. We are still building the library and still in more need of books.

Next year, we look forward to continuing with the training and having the students get more involved in gospel campaigns and evangelism as well as visiting the nearby local congregations if funds will be available.

Keep us in your prayers as we look for funds to buy land and put up a school building.

Thanks again for your prayers and generous support of the work. Without you, we would not have been able to achieve the successes.

Brotherly Love,
Charles Ogutu

More And Effective Laborers For The Lord's Kingdom In Ghana...

In the fourth quarter of our first year, we deem it by the sheer grace of God. This is because of a couple of reasons: Firstly, SIBS actually had insufficient time at our disposal to announce the commencement of our school among the brotherhood before taking off. Secondly, SIBS was co-incidentally located in the area where already, a more established preacher training school – the Heritage Christian College is located. Although this initially caused some strain, and apparently posed “indirect challenge” to us, we think so far, it has been a blessing to have come this far by the immeasurable grace of God. Nevertheless, our focus and emphasis continue to be on: more and effective laborers for the Lord’s kingdom.

However, one setback so far, was one of the students coming from the Volta north area of the country, Forster Delali Adjamoa, has withdrawn from the course, due to family problems as he said. Besides the family problems, and perhaps what was equally disturbing to him was the long distance to travel from his home town to Accra, which could not allow him to visit back whenever that became necessary. From what we are hearing, he is continuing his training at the Preacher training school in Ho, in the Volta region. This place is nearer to his home town, and in that case, we wish him well.

Photocopier Machine
We were so grateful to purchase a new photocopier machine for the school. This is to help with the making of photocopies of students’ lesson notes and we trust that it will actually go a long to facilitate the academic work.

Academic Board
SIBS has thought of instituting two boards –first, an Academic Board and an Advisory Board or Board of Governors. We just initiated the Academic Board which comprises the Director, Administrative Assistant, two other teachers and a leading member of the church. Among other things, the Academic Board will be responsible for the academic issues of the school including: directing and regulating all teaching and making sure that the teaching schedule is followed, monitor academic performance of students; and besides, assist with the admission of new students, as well as to deal with disciplinary issues as and when it becomes necessary.  

Appreciate you sacrifice and commitment. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers continually.

Seth Larbi

2014: A Time Of Change, Test, And Hope In Ukraine...

Hello dear brothers, families and churches,

I want to share with you some news of the events that happened in Ukraine, the Bible Institute and Ternopil Church of Christ.

The year 2014 became a time of change, test, and hope. We still personally feel the pain and sorrow of what is going on in our country. Unfortunately, the military actions continue to take place in the eastern part of our country. Gorlovka is still on the occupied territory, and we can't return there. The building of the Institute and the church has been made into the headquarters of the terrorists, and it is wishful thinking that this conflict will end any time soon. We continue praying for peace. Many families are left with no place and no means to live, and there are thousands of them. A month ago, we sent help to those were in dire need of it (food, replacing broken widows etc.). I know many American brethren continue helping those who went through all this suffering, and it is very important and needed. We thank those who participate in this ministry.    

Institute Church of Christ
As far as I know, we are the only congregation that was formed in Western Ukraine because of the military actions in the East. Of course, all new beginnings require additional work, and we try to remind and invite people of our neighborhood to come to Sunday services. Our brother in Christ and BVBIU graduate, Bogdan Chigvintsev, tries to go out, staying with a Christian literature stand in front of our building at least once a week. Yes, many people know about us already. We have made contacts with people working at near-by shops, pharmacies, and post-office. In the next few days, we will hang a big banner that will inform people about the church that meets at this place. As Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 3:6-7, we continue working diligently, but it is the Lord Who gives the growth. 

Our church gathered a good team that consists of students, individual Christians, and several families. We try to spend as much time as possible studying God’s word and having fellowship. We have mid-week Bible classes both at the Institute and at homes. Recently, we celebrated fall birthdays and baptisms, and it was a wonderful time of fellowship. The average attendance of the Sunday service is about 20-22 people. 

Bible Institute
In November, there was an addition to our program: our brother in Christ, Klim Krisanov, joined the first-year course. His father is our second-year student. Their family is from Dnipropetrovsk, and that is the city where BVBIU graduate, Alexander Rodichev, preaches now. Currently we have 9 students total in our program. There were only Ukrainian teachers having classes in this month. First-year students had such courses: Godhead and Angels (Vitaliy Rodichev) and Exodus-Deutoronomy (Eugen Tebel). Second-year students had an opportunity to study 1-2 Thessalonians (Dennis Sopelnik) and Acts (Vladimir Paziy).

On November 29, the Institute held its annual youth conference in the fall. This year we had fewer visitors due to our location. The topic of the conference was “God’s Will in Our Life.” However, those who attended our event received additional knowledge and experienced lots of positive emotions. 

The Institute will have classes until December 19, then the students will have some time for research work and winter break.  

We continue publishing our monthly journal, “Sound Life.” Now we are sending it electronically to all available e-mail addresses all over Ukraine and Russia. The journal contains articles from our American brothers, but we have grown our local authors as well. BVBIU secretary, Oksana, and staff translator, Julia, continue translating books and needed teaching materials for the school. As a result of our building being seized, we lost part of our library and teaching materials, and now we try to add what we are lacking. 

The church, along with BVBIU students and staff, send you their greetings and gratitude for your prayers and financial support. We appreciate your help and care. 

Your brother and coworker,

Dennis Sopelnik

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

Reflecting On The Past Year Shows God's Hand At Work In India...

Dear brethren,

Greetings in Christ’s name. How wonderful and marvelous it is to see the blessings being shared with the brethren who were devastated by ‘Hurricane Hudud’ in the month of October. Certainly it was a heart-breaking incident in the lives of thousands of people living in the Visakhapatnam area and some parts north east of that place. There were people who lost homes, crops, cattle, business, and even some of their dear ones, it was a catastrophe.

We are truly blessed with the greatest concern shown by the brethren at Lake Houston. It indeed helped these preachers and congregations who were affected by the hurricane very much.  As I see, and from what I heard, it was a big occasion when all the material was distributed. After the materials were purchased, they were transported to Visakhapatnam last Friday (for the US it was Black Friday). Local political & public leaders were invited as guests for this occasion. This is indeed giving an opportunity to help the leaders understand that we as Christians are not trying to spread the religion, rather striving to share the love of God by caring for others. “Absolutely,” this is one of the remarks by those public leaders attending this occasion. They are very appreciative of this charitable activity.

Thank you very much brethren for sharing your love with us. Our Lord God is glorified by this…..

Material Distributed were:

500 bed sheets & blankets
500 sarees for women
200 pairs clothing for men
Bibles - This is what made this occasion unique, because we were the only ones who distributed 500 Bibles, 750 New Testaments
2 - bicycles to the preachers
3 - tricycles to the older women who were injured during the Hurricane.
Rice bags including the Blankets were distributed to some of the people living in the coast of Visakhapatnam. We are mindful of the verse Gal. 6:10. 
Monetary gifts to the preachers whose prayer sheds and church building were damaged. Some of these gifts were given to those individuals whose houses were damaged. 80 preachers benefited from this.
Books & Stationary to the students 
120 families were benefited from our efforts, glory to God.

Mission accomplishments in this year 2014 so far:

Villages visited – 126
Bible classes & gospel meetings conducted – 148
Preachers seminars – 2
Leadership workshop – 1
Preachers fellowship meetings conducted – 20
People obeyed the gospel – 387
Number of preaching students graduated - 13
New congregations established – 18
Church meeting places dedicated – 2

We  thank you brethren for your kind concern towards the preacher training work in India. By the grace of God, the Lord’s work is progressing. We are excited about the 14 students who will finish their school by March 2015. We are excited about the graduation program that is scheduled for the 10th of April.

Persecution: Please be mindful of the religious take-over by the predominant religion in our country. Recent incidents taking place in our country compel one to believe that those people want to show their dominance. On average daily, one congregation is being persecuted in the nation of India. What I mean by congregation is Christian believers in general. Kindly pray that our government performs the duty of keeping peace. We pray that our country continues to have religious freedom as a democratic, secular nation. We appreciate your kindness.

Ref: http://persecutedchurch.info/2014/11/08/karnataka-hindu-fundamentalists-attack-innocent-christians/

In Christ,
John Dean M

Students Near The End Of The First Year In Uganda...

We are almost coming the end of our second quarter of our first year. All students are doing fine. Brother Tulenake, who went to Congo for the funeral of his child who died, has not come back due to lack of money for a new visa a temporary passport. This quarter ends on the 12th of December 2014. The students from Congo, Kenya and Tanzania would like to go home during this holidays. Short-courses will be January 5th 2015. They wanted us to help them with transport for going and coming back. The cost will be as following:

8 students from Congo: round trip will cost $300 for each. One student from Tanzania: round trip will be $200. Five students from Kenya: round trip will cost $140 dollars. If these funds can be available now, that means by the end of the year, that is in the month of June 2015 we will just give them one week and they will just stay at school.

The Nandwa Church of Christ has started using our students for evangelism every Sunday afternoon. We finish our worship at noon and come back at the church building and later go in a group of four people. We go in groups of four because most students do not speak the local language “Lusamia,” so we make sure in every group there is a translator.

The Nandwa church also has a house to house program, which is conducted on every Friday from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.  Every member invites the church into his or her home. While there, we sing, pray, and hear the word of God from one of the members. In each house we visit, we eat “Amaengere.” This is maize and beans cooked together. We accompany this food with tea.  Our students, also being members of Nandwa congregation, invite members of the church at the school where they live for the Friday house to house fellowship that meets in their house.

On Friday our students wake up at six and have their chapel at 6:30 a.m., and after chapel they go for agriculture activities. We distribute them in different departments of agriculture. Group A goes in the garden to plant or weed vegetables, pineapples, tomatoes, onions, and other greens, while some clean our trees. Group B goes to piggery and poultry. Group C goes to clean the fish ponds and the trenches. The group that goes to the fish ponds takes care of the cows on that day. This work is done up to 11:00 and then they go for breakfast.

On Saturday our students wake up and do general cleaning around the school and also clean their clothes. After lunch they go for recreation. In this intake we have many young men and they usually play soccer (African football). They usually do practice behind our classes. They desire to make the U.S.o.E  football team. Due to that need, we request for some funds from any interested individual to support this team. We need things like shoes, uniforms, and balls.

The Uganda church of Christ, being the name of the church in Uganda, since it was registered, has not received approved premises and approved men to conduct marriage ceremonies according to the laws of the Land. Most marriages of members of the church of Christ are considered to be fake by the government of Uganda. If there is anyone in the church legally  married, they must have received that certificate outside of Uganda or in one of the denominational churches around.

The Nandwa church of Christ has seen this as a problem and has started looking for the way our place of worship can be licensed as a place where marriages can be conducted and also to submit names of some men who have qualifications to be licensed.

To get an approval from the Government of Uganda, one has to start applying to the district’s local government and then the Minister of Justice constitution affairs of Uganda.  After   applying through the Busia District, the resident commissioner came and inspected our place of worship and asked us to make it look decent. It forced us to plaster and paint our building.  

I took the photo of the building and they recommended us for the registration. I will be working on this. I think it might be ready by next year.

One of the requirements was to have a nice latrine. We also tried to work on the latrine. Members of the Uganda Church of Christ will now have a place where they can conduct their marriages.

The Uganda School of Evangelism’s Annual Lectureship is due. Everything is ready for the lectureship to begin and most teachers have submitted their lessons. We will be studying the  sixteen chapters of the book of Romans. Each teacher is assigned one chapter. Accommodations and food arrangements are ready. The only problem might be with transport for those coming from far. Members of the churches where our graduates came from desire to attend. Those from far places like Western Uganda and central Kenya are requesting that we help them with bus fare back to their homes. Churches in the Busia area will be transported with a lorry at a small fee of  a dollar and a quarter to put fuel in the lorry. We put a better engine in the lorry and it is running well for now, and it helps us a lot in carrying firewood and other school needs.

We wish you well during the holiday season and a prosperous and happy new year.

Yours In Christian love,
Francis and Margaret Wechesa

The Lord Is Adding To The Kingdom In Paraguay...

Seasons Greetings!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all our dear friends and brethren! We pray you have a happy, safe, and memorable holiday season. November was another busy month in the Lord’s kingdom here in Paraguay. We have several things to report. We hope this month’s mission report brings you a little extra joy during these festive days! May God bless you and yours!

Baptism!
Clara Magnolia Soria, has put on Christ in baptism. What great news! Here is what our fellow missionary, Brittnea Yegros, wrote about Clara in her report from July earlier this year: “Please pray for Clara, a sweet fifteen year old girl who is the niece of our dear sister Rosalba Alfonso. Clara’s heart is tender and is searching for the Truth. Our next study will be on how to become a Christian, per her request!” We rejoice as Clara’s search has ultimately brought her to the foot of the cross where she then “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” which saves! Praise God! 

Developments at Avenue Sacramento Church of Christ
Studies! We have just wrapped up a series of studies for our Sunday morning Bible hour over the “Deity of Christ.” In December we will have a brief study about the Holy Spirit. Meanwhile, Pedro Vera has been continuing to teach “Christian Fundamentals” to several of our new converts and plans to wrap up by mid-December. For the New Year, we will be starting a new
series on “Personal Spiritual Development.” The series will teach about how one can make application from personal Bible study, develop a better prayer life, and increase involvement in individual ministry. 

New Songbook Project. We are still working on the new songbook. It has been fun learning the new hymns! We hope to have the corrections, additions, and changes completed by the end of the year. We will then have it printed and bound for the church to use. We currently use “Cantos del Camino” as our main songbook for worship, but this new one will be smaller, contain many newer songs, and will available to use in devotionals and activities away from the building, thus, preserving our standard hymnals for our regular Sunday worship. 

Developments at Ñemby Church of Christ
There are several of our brethren who are experiencing some real crises (plural) in their lives. They are greatly in need of support and healing, so we ask that you please lift them up in prayer to our Father. 

The brethren at Ñemby have been making several repairs to the rental facility that they use and doing lots of painting. It is looking really nice! 

Asunción Bible Academy    
Here is what Andrea posted on Facebook this past month which pretty much sums up our excitement: “Today is the first day of class for the final quarter of the Asuncion Bible Academy! WOW... I can't believe how fast the time has gone by! I remember clearly the looks on the faces of the students as they began their first day with two daunting years before them. They were excited, but scared... and without a clue as to what to expect or what they would learn. Now, with a verse-by-verse study of the entire Bible nearly complete, as well as several topical studies (not the least of which is GREEK!), they are much more confident and with a "we got this!" look and attitude. I am so happy for them! Please continue to keep our students in your prayers! “ 

Quarterly Report. Be sure and look for the latest Quarterly Report that was recently published! You can access it at: www.paraguaymission.com/asuncion-bible-academy/ 

Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities: 
For the past four years, Andrea and I have spent the holiday season here in Paraguay because, well, it is extremely expensive to return home during this time of year and travel certainly isn’t easy. Be that as it may, we still miss our families and just “good ‘ol American tradition.” Especially the fabulous meals! Well, this year we were blessed to have TWO American style Thanksgiving dinners thanks to the Las Amigas Club and also some of our American “Ex-Pat” friends! You really don’t realize how much you miss home until you taste those familiar holiday season flavors! 

Bible Studies
We have never had a month without several Bible studies going on. This month was no exception! I have been studying with Alex Vargas, Sebastian. Garcia, Javier Zaracho, and Beatrice Ortiz. 

Andrea has been studying with Oscar and Adriana. She has also been setting new English studies for this next month which may lead to Bible studies real soon! 

What an incredible blessing the New Video Conference System has been for the Asuncion Bible Academy! We not only have been able to connect with our brethren, but we also use the system for our regular classes sometimes. The mounted projector is great for presentations and the TV has been used for watching instructional videos. The next academic year will have several teachers using the system to teach their classes live from their offices in the United States! 

I was recently asked to preside over the wedding nuptials for some of our friends from Ñemby. Juan Candia and Naty Santander were married on November 15th, 2014 in Fernando de La Mora. It was an outdoor ceremony and everything, including the weather, was just perfect! They are a cute couple! One peculiar aspect of a traditional Paraguayan wedding is that dinner isn’t served until about, oh, midnight! Whew! That usually makes for a long, late night!

Coming Up: 
Andrea will be hosting the “Ladies Tea” at our home this month. 

A Men’s Planning Retreat to discuss future plans for the church in Paraguay is being scheduled. 

Graduation for the Asuncion Bible Academy will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2015. 

Karen Bennet will be returning to Paraguay for the Annual Ladies Retreat. 

Personal Development and Activities: Activities/developments: 
Andrea’s recent Facebook post: “HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my family and friends!!! Although we are working today, we are blessed to have had the opportunity to celebrate twice this year and eat turkey with friends (and at ~$100 for a bird here, that is QUITE a treat to have had it twice)! My thoughts are with my family back home b/c I miss so much being with them, especially when I know they are together for a holiday. But my thoughts and prayers are also with all the servicemen, policeman, fireman, and health care workers, etc that also work on holidays to keep the rest of us safe. Happy Thanksgiving!” 

We got to see the “Nutcracker” this year ... in Paraguay! One of the local universities performed the holiday season favorite and, I must say, did an outstanding job! The orchestra was really good. Andrea invited some friends and it turned out to be a really nice evening together. 

I have been dealing with lots of little maintenance, installation, repair, and construction projects at the church building and also at our house this past month. Getting things done around here is relatively easy (providing it doesn’t rain ... and it’s been raining a LOT lately), but getting a job well done, well now, that’s the real challenge! Thankfully, most everything has turned out quite well. 

My mother, A’Gatha Spradlin, has been moved to an assisted living center where she will be under 24-hour nursing care. The doctor has told us that she will never walk again. She is also still struggling to swallow, but is beginning to respond a little, verbally. Please keep my family in your prayers. We would greatly appreciate it. 

Andrea and I have started a new personal goal of us each writing down 1,000 things for which we are thankful. We simply write down three things a day for one year. It certainly doesn’t take long to see that God has truly blessed us in many ways. 

Personal study: 
I have been reading (or, still reading): 

“More Than Conquerors” by William Hendriksen 
“Select Studies from Revelation” by Wayne Jackson
“Comentario del Libro de Apocalipsis” by Willie Alvarenga 
“Roman Catholicism” by Lorraine Boettner 

I have also been studying about the Indwelling and Influence of the Holy Spirit 

Preaching/teaching opportunities: 
I preached one Sunday this month at Avenida Sacramento and one Sunday at Ñemby. 

I am currently teaching “Revelation,” and “Catholicism,” in the Bible Academy. I also taught several classes during our Wednesday evening Bible study hour over “Examples of Faith from the Old Testament,” and one Sunday morning class over “The Holy Spirit.” 

Paraguay Featured in “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” 
Anthony Bourdain is an American chef, author, and television personality known for his currently popular TV show, "Parts Unknown" where he travels to places that are not tourist attractions and thought to be unknown to most people. Bordain recently added Paraguay to his "Unknown" repertoire. The sketch did a nice job of presenting Paraguay's unique (albeit rather bizarre) history, it's rich culture, it's very traditional cuisine, and it's distinctive citizens. It also revealed that Bordain, himself, has a family connection to Paraguay as his great (x4) granddad died in Asuncion and was buried in the famous Recoleta cemetery. Our friend and author of "Paraguay Travel Guide," Natalia Goldberg, also appeared on the show and assisted Bordain and his crew with many details about Paraguay, including research regarding his family's history. Learn more about the episode at this link: anthonybourdain.tumblr.com/ 

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.

What Would We Be Willing To Do Just To Learn The Gospel?

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). This verse is the driving force of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching, with the idea that men from Africa will be trained and then in turn, they will go to their local congregations and commit/teach God’s word to those who have never had the opportunity to come to preaching school.

This statement has been true both in the first century and in our present age. This week the Lord added to our number a new brother named Peter. Peter traveled for four hours so that he could further study with Amri and Stephen, two students at ACSOP. How valuable was learning the gospel to Peter? He paid his own bus fare and left behind the income from his work all for the sake of learning the truth; the truth which has now set him free (John 8:32). Amri Lubarati is a student from Magomeni church of Christ in Dar es Salaam and Stephen Odwori is from Namaingo church of Christ in Uganda. Both of these men are fully supported at ACSOP by you, our wonderful sponsors. Were it not for your generosity Stephen and Amri may have never had the opportunity to teach Peter. 

May the Lord continue to bless you for your sacrifice, prayers, and donations so that all may come to know the truth and go on their way rejoicing; rejoicing the same way the Ethiopian eunuch did in the first century and Peter did this past week in the twenty-first century.

Your servant in His Kingdom,

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

An Exciting Graduation Event In Arusha, Tanzania...

Greetings Friends!

We are excited about keeping you up to date concerning the work being accomplished at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. This past Saturday we graduated 8 men from ACSOP. There were almost three hundred people in attendance including the local village leader and our special guest from America, Dale Jenkins.

Dale is the preacher for the Spring Meadows church of Christ in Spring Hill, TN and man is he a preacher's preacher! If you spend any time around him at all it becomes very apparent that he has a great love for preachers and a passion for preaching. I'm certain if he were cut, he would bleed sermons! Dale spent the week before graduation teaching a short course (a whole quarter in one week) on 1&2 Timothy and Titus. He did a fantastic job and we all benefitted from his presence. Dale was our keynote speaker at graduation and he has written a blog post that contains most of his speech. You can find it here. 

Our valedictorian, Stephen Odwori, from Uganda, encouraged his fellow classmates that they should continue to be disciplined, dedicated, diligent and docile. As with any work, but especially preaching, the reality after school is much different than what most expect. Please pray for them that they will stay strong and overcome the difficulties and temptations they most certainly will face.

Also partaking in the commencement exercises were the students who graduated from Arusha Bible School, Kilimanjaro Bible School and Kisongo Bible School. These three schools offer basic bible curriculum that is taught over a two year period. While the schools are free, students must show their dedication by faithfully completing the curriculum. They must provide their own transportation and receive no support while attending. This year these three schools graduated 10 students. The bible schools are operated as an evangelistic effort to reach those within close proximity of each school.

As we wrap up this report we want to express our gratitude for the many brethren who support the ACSOP. It doesn't matter what country a school of preaching is located in, it is always a costly endeavor. These men would have never been exposed to the level of education they have received at ACSOP were it not for you. Thank you.

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

Finishing Strong...

December brings us into the last month of the year. Amidst all the ideas of how quickly the year went by, we need to remember the importance of finishing strong or finishing well. Athletes in every field understand the necessity of this thought. Leaders at every level know the value of starting well, but more importantly, finishing well. As we finish out the year over the next few weeks, let us keep in mind the importance of making the end of the year better than the beginning.

After a short break for the Thanksgiving holiday, students return to their classes this week in Denver. There are three weeks left in this quarter and the need for them to finish strong is emphasized. They are doing well in their classes and ready to complete their studies. We ask you to pray for these men as they finish out the quarter.

These last few weeks will complete the two-year program for five men who will enter the ministry in the new year. Corey Sawyers, Diondre Hensley, Andrew Warnes, Jonathan Picon, and Remington Afre are five examples of a strong and dedicated group of men who worked to help one another and help others through school. We look forward to sharing news of their success in the Lord’s service in the years ahead and ask you to pray for them as they enter the work.

Within the Extension schools, others are preparing to complete their two-year program of study. Students in Cameroon will graduate in a few weeks after they complete their final short-course study of the Pastoral Letters. Randy Martin, an elder with the overseeing congregation in Minnesota, and his wife, Robin, are there to see the work and participate in the graduation activities. Randy is also teaching the course for these men who will soon enter the ministry. More reports on their work is coming in the weeks ahead.

The Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Arusha, Tanzania celebrated a wonderful graduation ceremony last week. Details of this event are recorded in their report below. Please read about their activities and pray for these men as they begin their service to the Lord. Other news is exciting, so please read on about the ways God is blessing the work.

Now on to the other reports...

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

Extension Reports 

The Last Campaign Before Graduation Yields 14 Precious Souls: Students traveled to Mamfe, Cameroon for their last campaign, which resulted in 14 souls obeying the gospel.

A Time Of Thanksgiving From Cambodia: The International Bible Institute of Siem Reap talks about the areas they are thankful for this time of year as we work together.

Evangelism Continues To Be The Focus In Nigeria: Staff and students alike participate each week in the evangelistic efforts guiding the purpose and work in Nigeria.

A “Wonderful” Day Characterized The Recent Graduation In Arusha: This week’s report from Tanzania shares seven wonderful reasons for the work of training preachers in Arusha.

Final Thoughts 
Even though the Thanksgiving holiday is behind us, it does not diminish from the fact that we continue to express our gratitude to God for each of you and all you do for the work of Extension Training. We know this program thrives because of the time, ability, prayer, encouragement, and financial resources provided by you. Thank you for helping train men to preach the gospel around the world.

God bless
Bob

A "Wonderful" Day Characterized The Recent Graduation In Arusha...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

What a joy it is to be a part of God’s family, knowing we have you as our faithful friends and supporters. God is blessing His work here in Tanzania continually and mightily through answered prayers and by the power of His gospel. We thank you for your partnership in the gospel, bringing salvation to countless souls every day. 

Yesterday, was a very special day. We were blessed to witness eight men at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching graduate, along with ten others from three of our Bible schools. A very special thank you to our brother Dale Jenkins for coming to teach the final short-course to these eight men and for being our keynote speaker, a truly wonderful labor of love. 

The Seven Wonders of the Day:

1.    Sean Hochdorf, director; Ahimidiwe Kimaro, assistant director; and Charles Heberth, assistant director; did a wonderful work yesterday making this the best Andrew Connally School of Preaching graduation ceremony ever, by far. 

2.    Anita Hochdorf and her sisters in Christ at the ACSOP did a wonderful job decorating and setting up for the best graduation ever here at the ACSOP. 

3.    The eight men who finished their two years of study looked wonderful in their new caps and gowns, with smiles that said it all. Stephanie and Agnes made two of the most wonderful cakes you have ever seen or eaten. 

4.    The Arusha Bible School, the Moshi Bible School, and the Kisongo Bible School did a wonderful work graduating ten souls after two years of a study of God’s wonderful Word.

5.    It was so wonderful to have our brothers Charles Ogutu and David Wasonga with us. Charles is one of our graduates, who is now serving as the Director of the Kenya School of Preaching in Kisumu, Kenya, and doing a wonderful work. Before becoming the director of the KSOP he was an active church planter, having planted eight congregations before accepting his new responsibility at the school of preaching. David is doing an amazing work at his home village of Ahono, Kenya. He, too, is active in church planting and a part of a congregation that now has elders. 

6.    To see around twenty alumni present at the graduation was also a wonderful testimony to the love and appreciation these men have for the Lord’s school of preaching here in Tanzania. 

7.    The most wonderful reality of the day was seeing God’s hand at work through His many faithful servants, prayer partners, supporters, friends, and co-workers. We are so humbled to be a small part of God’s amazing plan to save the world from their sins. We are so thankful to each of you for making this a reality. We are so blessed to be a part of such a great family, the family of God. 

We hope and pray everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with lots of family, fun, friends, fellowship, and yes, food. We, as God’s children, have so much to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving Challenge Update: I continually stand amazed at the love of God and the generosity of God’s family. As of this writing, we have received, or have commitments for, $49,675. We are only $7,825 away from reaching our goal of $57,500. The good that will be done in 2015 through these blessings, God only knows. Thank you all so very much.

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

P.S. Please continue to remember Granny (Stephanie) in your prayers.

Evangelism Continues To Be The Focus In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you and all the saints there in Jesus Christ name.

The students and staff of the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan main campus evangelized Kupalo village on Saturday, November 29, 2014, with our visiting minister brother Guda Mishi.

Brother Guda Mishi shared Christ in the Tiv language with 14 Tiv people at Kupalo village. On Sunday, at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregations, Ibadan, I taught on “Caring for the Needy Saints” in continuation of my four weeks Bible studies which center on the Model Church, while the second son that my wife, Esther, and I received from God, John Makinde, admonished the church on “Self-Control.”

At the Egbeda congregation, Ibadan, brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe taught on “Sin and its Effects,” and brother Adedoyin Sola Rotimi, one of our year 2 students, taught on “Forgiving One Another” at Jago congregation, Ibadan, and brother Akinade Oluwaseun taught on “Christ, The Only Way to Heaven,” at the SWSE campus church.

Brother Matthew Idowu reports the conversion of a soul at Oke-Afa Isolo, Lagos state, while brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji reports the restoration of one at the Agege congregation, Lagos.

Beloved, we thank you all for the vital role you are playing toward the growth of the Lord’s church in Africa, Nigeria in particular.

May the Lord continue to bless our joint effort in Christ’s name, amen.

Yours in His grace,

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

A Time Of Thanksgiving From Cambodia...

Happy Thanksgiving to my brothers and sisters around the world! I hope you enjoy your time with your family and reflect upon the source of all good things, God, (James 1:17) and give Him the thanks that He deserves on a daily basis! 

The church here in Siem Reap has a lot to be thankful for in this month. First and foremost, we want to thank God for adding Sopheak and Virak to His kingdom, giving them new life and saving them from their sins. We also want to thank the University church of Christ in Phnom Penh for organizing such a powerful camp in dealing with how to have a successful family and marriage. The church in Siem Reap benefited much and relationships have strengthened because of the camp. 

We want to thank our supporters who financially gave to us to make the camp possible and also to help renovate our school grounds and do other various benevolent and evangelistic work that helps us to grow spiritually. We are thankful for the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap in continuing to produce capable, sound, men of God's word to preach and teach the lost in this part of the world. We are thankful for the children of Hannah's Hope who provide us the opportunity to show God's love to them and to grow them in the nourishment of His word. 

Last, but certainly not least, we are thankful for all our 'behind the scenes' givers, those who take Matthew 6:1-4 literally. We appreciate you and thank you so much for your selfless acts time and time again for the betterment of His kingdom. We love you and ask God to continue to shower greater blessings upon people like you. You are truly the unsung heroes and are laying up treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21).

Students of IBISR served the children of Hannah's Hope on Thanksgiving! We had chicken legs, ribs, clams, shish kebobs, sweet potatoes, red snappers, tangerines, apples, and leechee fruit! It was a bountiful meal and everybody was full that night!

Phanat

To see Phanat’s report, with pictures of the baptism and fellowship, please click here

The Last Campaign Before Graduation Yields 14 Precious Souls...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters here in Wotutu. We do hope this report meets you all in good faith. We are doing better, even though many people are sick here. As we transit from the rainy season to the dry season, it makes many sick. I slept in the hospital with my son, Breedlove, who was sick of severe malaria.

We thank God that we were happy to welcome elder Randy and his wife, Robin, to Wotutu. Elder Randy is from the overseeing congregation for CBIW. He is here with his wife to teach the Pastoral Letters. This will be the last course that will get our students into the field for harvesting. The prayer of Jesus is being answer daily, “The harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few. Keep your prayers going to God for more workers. We shall graduate 25 evangelists to go into the field, whereby they will implement all that they studied in school to depopulate hell so as to populate heaven. We shall be matriculating 22 freshmen come next week during our graduation, which is always a twin occasion for both matriculation and graduation.

Keep praying for these programs.

My wife and our students traveled with some members of our congregation on our way to Mamfe for our last mass evangelism. We all returned safe and sound without any problem.

I also rode as part of the hired van, moving to Mamfe. The trip took us 11 hours from  Wotutu.

My wife and a sister in Christ traveled with our student, Elangwe Crispus, on house to house evangelism. This ended up with the Lord adding 14 precious souls in the congregation there. Keep them in your prayers.

Elder Randy and his wife attended our worship this morning with the Wotutu congregation. It was a blessing for us to have them, as I was assigned for Bible class today. Brother Randy helped teach the class for me, as I was tired because of the sleepless night with my son in the hospital.

Sister Robin taught our sisters today during the sisters class in Wotutu, providing good songs and lessons to teach children.

Plans
Our graduation is at hand. Keep praying for the success of the program.

Appreciations
Many thanks to you and the entire congregation for their support towards this work faithfully. God alone will reward you for all the sacrifice.

Do your best to share our reports with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director CBIW

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.