An Ethiopian Experience At The Andrew Connally School Of Preaching...

There came a woman of  Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” (John 4:7,15)

This is the occasion whereby Jesus was speaking to the Samaritan woman there at the well. She came to draw water as one of her daily activities, but she found Jesus, the Man with the living water. 

The Gospel has the power to bring people to God through many ways we cannot imagine. This week I had two visitors at my office here at the School of Preaching, Angelina and Luke. They both work as gardeners who go around town looking for somebody with a garden or backyard that needs to be cleaned and decorated. As they came to my office, they asked me if there is any job that they can do. We did not have a place for them to work. Angelina started by asking, what are we doing as the school in this area. That is a good question, which opened the door for more preaching. I spent two hours studying with these two gardeners. Luke knew some about the Lord’s Church, but Angelina did not know anything. After much discussion with them, as we have heard from the Samaritan woman, Angelina asked the most important question which has ever been asked, “What must I do to be a Christian who is following just what the Bible says?” I was thrilled to hear that question because it sounded like the one that the Philippian Jailor, Jews on the day of Pentecost, and the Ethiopian Eunuch asked. We continued with the study on one faith (Ephesian 4) as taught by Jesus and Paul in the Bible. We have planned to meet next week and continue with our study. I believe Angelina is one of the good soil the Lord spoke about. 

This is but one event done through the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. Many lost souls have been in contact with the blood of Jesus just because the school exists in this place. Thank you for making this possible.

May the Lord of Peace bless you beyond measure as you strive daily to support this school through your prayers and finances.

Your servant in His Vineyard,

Charles Heberth
Assistant Director
Andrew Connally School of Preaching
An Extension of Bear Valley Bible Institute
P.O. Box 14041. Arusha- Tanzania

A Special Graduation Day At Visakha Valley Bible College...

Dear Brethren in Christ,

Greetings to you in the precious name of Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Hope this message finds you all well.

We are extremely blessed to work with the preacher training school in Visakhapatnam. It is such a blessing to see our men who has a desire to learn and preach the word coming to the school and willingly go through the school for two years in order to receive the diploma for successfully completing the course.

‘Go into all the world’ is an authoritative command issued to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus sent His 12 equipped apostles to fulfill this ministry. Likewise, we are able to introduce the 12 preaching students who completed their two-year course of study and ready to sow the seed of God’s word. These men are effectively trained both to be evangelists and for doing every good work, as every man of God ought to be.

“I can do all things in him that strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

Our association with Bear Valley Bible Institute International has been our strength.  Actually, standard of teaching  and training methods are strengths of our school, but our strength has been increased as our faculty that has enhanced their biblical knowledge by completing the MA course offered by Bear Valley Bible Institute.  Also, there was a tremendous development in our teaching system since some teaching aids were brought to use in the class room.  Noticeable strength is our teamwork attitude; our combined efforts with a proper guidance through the director of our school has provided some inspiring results. Together, we were able to share our ability and strength in a great capacity to educate these young men and equip them to be effective evangelists. Our greatest strength of all is the output of our efforts which is the 12 graduates who successfully completed the course and are going to be effective instruments in spreading the Good News across India.

Words cannot completely express our thankfulness and gratitude towards the brethren at Lake Houston Church of Christ for their continued trust and confidence in the work we are doing with the school. We are grateful to them for continued support and other encouragements. With their encouragements we did a massive Hurricane Relief Program helping over 42 preachers and a couple hundred other individuals. This act of charity was published in the newspapers, helping the people of our city know that we, as Christians, care for others by sharing what we have.

At this time, we must mention the great leadership behind the oversight of the school, the elders of Strickland Church of Christ. Through helping brother Jerry Bates, they often check on the things at the school, which has been a great encouragement for us. We are so thankful for their great interest to oversee the school. This is certainly a blessing for us.

We do thank brother Jerry Bates who provided the majority of funds for holding the graduation exercises and for buying bicycles, lanterns, Christian literature etc. We must also mention sister Connie Barden who was instrumental in providing the rest of the funds for the same cause. We appreciate the elders of Colony Church of Christ for being there during the need.

We thank the elders of Bear Valley Church of Christ for taking up the challenging mission of establishing extension schools across the world. We are privileged to be part of this.

Our preaching students are doing some amazing work. So far 41 graduates have been sent out from the school, almost every one of them is involved in the Lord’s work at their capacity. We had most of them attend this graduation ceremony.

Thank you very much brother Bob Turner for your encouragements, also to the faculty who come and teach the short-courses in the school. Please continue your prayers as we also do for you. Attached pictures showing the graduation ceremony, also our students baptizing the believers of Christ. Kindly pray for their success.

Thanking you all.

In Christ, 

John Dean M
for Viskha Valley Bible College

Making A Pulpit Out Of An Ant Hill In Uganda...

Blessings from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who died for His church. On the 12th of March 2015 Churches of Christ from Busia and Namayingo District went to the Bulukuyi church of Christ for a gospel campaign.

We had to use a big lorry because of the load we had  to carry. We had to carry the chairs, mats, pans, and firewood for the camp. The gospel campaign started on Friday the 13th of March 2015. The nine congregations which participated  were (1) Nandwa (2) Bulukuyi (3) Junge (4) Bugati (5) Bukalikha (6) Namungodi (7) Buswale (8) Bwoya (9) Namagenge. Each congregation contributed beans, maze, and money to be used during those three days. The day began at 7:00 am when we all went for breakfast. After breakfast we went for the first lesson which was 45 minutes. A second lesson ended at 15 minutes to 10:00 am. From that time we went in groups of two or three from house to house or door to door and came back at 1:00 pm for lunch which ended at 2:00 pm. From 2:00 pm  we continued with classes up to 5:00 pm and went for open air preaching using a public address system. This ended at 6:00 pm and we went for supper. At 8:00 pm I started teaching the slides which I converted into powerpoint translated into Lusamia language, which was spoken in Eastern Uganda and Western Kenya. The Bulukuyi congregation was planted in 2010. The whole of 2014 they were not meeting. The Nandwa congregation just sent Joel Kizito to revive them. During these three days we reached over 300 hundred people. Please pray for these works so that some may obey and become members of the Bulukuyi congregation.

We were not able to build a platform, but God is great. He provided an anthill which was improvised and it served very well. We discussed this with brother James Olendo and he agreed to plant some grass on it so that it may be our permanent platform for future use.

The truck helped us with a place where men slept. We just connected power from the generator and it served from 7:00 pm to  2:00 am when it ran out of petrol. For me, I slept in the cabin. The speakers were placed on the top of the cabin.

Part of the group listened to the open air preaching. The theme was “Know the church of Christ from the Old Testament Anti-types.” Our sisters lodged for three days sleeping on the mats. In my February report, I spoke about the need which these brethren have. We have not received anything. They still need $5,000 dollars to construct their small church building. We are appealing to any God-loving Christian who can sympathize with these brethren.

After supper, when it was dark enough, I started teaching by powerpoint through a projector. I have been down loading images from creation to the birth of Moses. By this time I had not finished all, but now I almost finished this work. I am getting the idea from Jule Miller slides. I taught this in the Lusamia language. I nearly completed the Patriarchal  Age. I will continue to compile the Mosaic Age, Christian Age, God’s plan for Redeeming man, and last, Church History. This will take me some time but I am determined  to finish wit God’s help. In total, I will make about 500 slides. For two days  I had about 300 people at night. Pray to God so that I may have strength to finish this project.

My wife, Margaret, with her team helped us with the cooking. She has been feeding two hundred people including children at every meal.

After our Sunday morning service, we had our lunch and left. Some people left on Saturday to go back to their congregations.

The second large pond is now finished, with the remainder of shaping and stocking the fish. The water has started coming and we will be stocking at the end of April.

The two old small ponds, which we did not stock last year because of their shallowness,  this time we are going to stock them with fish and rice. The deeper area is 5m x 18m by 1m deep. It is where we will stock 200 tilapia and 70 catfish. On the higher side which is a half a meter we are going to plant rice. This is called a fish and rice culture. When the rice is up, water will be filled to cover the rice.

Our garden has not been doing well. There has been a lot of sun, and all our vegetables  dried up. Our water is salty, it does not work well with drip irrigation. We plan to dig an under ground tank where we can harvest water from the roof and use it for irrigation.

Rains have started and these brethren will soon lose the top of their building the day the storms pass around that area.

We need to buy our own public address system. The one we use we are charged 50,000 per day. This is very expensive.

It is our hope that you will read this report prayerfully and respond positively. May our God bless you and your work.

Yours in Christ

Francis and Margaret Wechesa

Nine Baptisms And Two Restorations In Recent Campaign In Ghana...

At [SIBS], our emphasis is practical training of ministers to preach the gospel of Christ. Throughout the two-year period of training, the board ensures that students not only involve in weekly campaign visits to nearby congregations, but also extensive weekly campaigns in each term.

Campaign – Akim Akropong

In the month of February, some of the students from [SIBS] traveled among a team of preachers to Akropong in the eastern region of the country. The objective was to start a church in not only this strategic small town because of its location, but also its history. This campaign meant so much to us because, besides the fact that it is located in a predominantly Calvinistic district, the Presbyterian church was first established here in the late twentieth century. Two chiefs in the town both welcomed us, and pledged their support to our mission here, provided we have come with the gospel of peace.

The campaign involved a week of personal evangelism – studying with prospects from house to house, in the market square and along the streets. Abundant tracts were distributed to as many people as could read. In the end, the campaign resulted in nine baptisms and two restorations. As a means of follow-up, an old and mature brother from a nearby congregation was charged to visit the new congregation on weekends to assist them in teaching and preaching. The seed has been sown here, and we pray that it grows to bear much fruit.

Meanwhile, the infant church now worships in one of the Presbyterian primary school classrooms. This new church needs your prayers, first to relocate and then to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.

The [SIBS] students were unusually ecstatic and encouraged.

Hope you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Seth Osae-Larbi

New School In Mbanga, Cameroon Begins Monday...

Classes begin tomorrow with the new school in Mbanga, Cameroon. This school will operate in the French-speaking section of Cameroon. Brother Ititi is a graduate of the school in Wotutu, Cameroon and he serves as the director of the new school. We anticipate hearing about the ways God is working through the staff and students at Mbanga in the weeks ahead. Please pray for this new work and the men who are part of the program.

Beginning a new month brings several reports from schools throughout the program. The exciting part of incoming reports is learning about the ways God continues to bless the work of these brethren. Students are not only diligent about their studies, but they spend numerous hours each week reaching out to others with the gospel.

The past week in Denver afforded an opportunity for returning students to share information about recent campaigns in Missouri, Oklahoma, Georgia, Tennessee, and Grand Cayman. As students spoke of the camaraderie among themselves, they shared a common thread of congregations that were encouraged, faith strengthened through gospel meetings and seminars, as well as, five baptisms and one restoration. Please remember to pray for the progress of their efforts throughout these locations.

Based on reports received this week, the news is just as encouraging around the world. Information from each location speaks to the ways the Lord’s kingdom benefited from the work done by staff and students. Pictures that accompany these reports speaks volumes to the the progress made this week in spreading the gospel.

As we work together throughout the world, we glorify our God through participating in the great task of training preachers, missionaries, youth ministers, and kingdom workers. The opportunities are unlimited as we expand the program throughout the years ahead.

Now on to this week’s incredible 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 Howell Ferguson can be read by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

Persecution Reported With A new Convert From Lebialem Campaign: News from Cameroon emphasizes persecution for one of the young ladies who recently became a Christian.

Positive, Enthusiastic, Infectious, And Motivational Staff In Nepal: The report from Nepal shares descriptive words concerning a new staff member to aid in the work at Kathmandu.

A New Brother And Sister In Cambodia: As the third class at IBISR approaches graduation, a new brother and sister in Christ plan to be part of the next class set to begin later this year.

Graduation Nears For the Visakha Valley Bible College, India: In just over a week, the next class of students will graduate from VVBC and enter the ministry of preaching the gospel.

ITL Graduation: By clicking on the link in this post, you will find an host of pictures from the recent graduation event at ITL in Guatemala City. 

Precious Sound And Need For Peace In Ukraine: Although the fighting has calmed, to a degree, peace in Ukraine does not exist, but BVBIU continues to share true peace in Jesus.

We Be The Voice Of Nigeria: Recent elections in Nigeria send a positive sound for the voice of Nigeria, but the true voice of Nigeria is sounding forth from the staff and students at SWSE.

Good But Difficult Month: Troy Spradlin’s report shares the good and the challenge parts of living on the mission field. Please remember Troy and this work in prayer.

A Glimpse Of Graduation Scheduled For Tamale, Ghana: Another graduation in the program is scheduled for July 2 at the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies, plus additional plans for growth.

“The Only True Church Found In This Area,” Please Read This Report: Recent help to a local preacher made a powerful impact on the community concerning the church. Please read.

Spiritual Disciplines’ Seminar Continues With Each Congregation In Arusha: Daniel Gaines reports on the continuation of a SD seminar, along with other activities in Tanzania.

Incredible News Of Kingdom Growth And A Brother In Need: The news from Tanzania is encouraging and we ask you to consider the need of our brother Cy Stafford.

Final Thoughts 
A closing note of gratitude. As we consider the incredible opportunities God gives each of us, we remember each of you. Thank you for your confidence in Bear Valley to share in the training of faithful men who will teach others also. We appreciate the blessing provided to participate in God’s great mission.

God bless
Bob

Good But Difficult Month...

March was a good month, but it was also a rather difficult time to be in the mission field. There were some great events and activities that constituted positive advancements in the mission work, yet these were rendered bittersweet for me due to the loss of a loved one. Being so far away from home presents many challenges for a missionary, but I believe the most difficult is the separation from family when a crisis strikes. We’ve now experienced that twice during our tenure here. Praise God that the focus for His children is not on this life, but the next. We hope you’ll understand that this month’s report is a little shorter and to the point than our normal publication. 

SPRADLIN FAMILY NEWS
As many may have heard or learned by now, my mother, A’Gatha Spradlin, passed from this side of life last month. She had been declining in health for the past four years due to a series of strokes. Last September, she suffered another stroke and was completely incapacitated, then on March 15, 2015 she went on to her reward. My mother was a faithful Christian. She grew up in the church (her father was a deacon), she converted my dad to the Lord, and she raised her children to fear God. She rejoiced in our work in Paraguay and understood well the sacrifices made by a missionary.

I was unable to attend her funeral due to complications in our schedule, but the wonderful truth of being a child of God is knowing I will see her again one day. We would like to say “Thank You” to so many who expressed a tremendous outpouring of love and encouragement during this time. We are especially grateful to our sponsoring congregation, the Margaret Street church of Christ, for providing the means for me to be able to return home and be with my family during this time.

DEVELOPMENTS AT AVE. SACRAMENTO CHURCH OF CHRIST
Annual Congregational Retreat. More than 60 precious souls gathered together in a rural campground called “Arapy” last month in order to sing, lift up praises, study God’s word, and enjoy quality Christian fellowship.

The theme for camp this year was “The Example of the Church at Antioch.” We studied the characteristics of this faithful church example in order to help us try and emulate the same thing here in Paraguay. The camp was, once again, a very encouraging and uplifting event.

We also had a guest preacher, Stan Crowley from the Shertz church of Christ in Texas, extend one of the lessons for us and then preach on Sunday morning on the subject. Stan also taught a lesson for the new students at the Asuncion Bible Academy while he was here. We appreciate Stan taking time out of his busy schedule to come and visit us in Paraguay.

DEVELOPMENTS AT ÑEMBY CHURCH OF CHRIST
The brethren at Ñemby are starting to receive lots of visitors at their services and several new contacts have been made as a result. We are praying that these will turn into new converts and the congregation will begin a new season of growth for this young congregation.

ASUNCION BIBLE ACADEMY
The “Beta Class 2015-17” has finally begun classes in their two-year commitment of studying the Bible.

The new students are: Sebastian Garcia, Alex Vargas, Natalia Osorio, Leticia Riveros, and Elvira Paredes. They seem extremely eager to learn and they have already demonstrated a pretty good study/work ethic. It looks like it is shaping up to be a great class! Please keep them in your prayers.

God bless
Troy and Andrea Spradlin

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

Spiritual Disciplines' Seminar Continues With Each Congregation In Arusha...

Our morning began just before sunrise with a few short moments to prepare for the day while watching the rising sun. However, quiet time was quickly cut short by eager little boys who had discovered their Easter baskets. Tiffany does an excellent job of trying to preserve our family holiday traditions as best she can. She has always tried to make these days special, and the family is blessed through it.

Just like back home, we had to take time before church to snap a few pictures in Easter clothes. Of course this has to be done as soon as they are dressed because within moments they will be covered in dirt, candy, and mysterious substances that we just don't ask about.

Case in point, before we even get out of the driveway, Levi has taken his shoes and socks off. Josiah has then put Levi's socks on his hands like puppets. We don't know why they do all of the things they do.

Then we arrive at church. Today we are visiting the Kisongo congregation. I am introducing the Spiritual Disciplines seminar to this congregation. Over the next 3 months, evangelists from all over the area will visit to present lessons on different spiritual disciplines. It is a terrific study and a great way for the churches to build ties with one another.

People sometimes ask us to share more pictures of everyday life. We did more of that when we first got here, and everything seemed novel. Having lived here for a year and a half, those scenes have become commonplace now. Often times we just don't think about the fact that you might be interested in seeing things that would be uncommon sights in America. So here are a few things that we saw this afternoon as we were driving.

We had reservations at a local restaurant to eat lunch and join in an Easter egg hunt. It was very nice and got off to a relatively good start, BUT then it came time to hunt the eggs. The boys had been hunting for just a couple of minutes when several of the children started being bitten by ants. Not just any ants, siafu (here's the wikipedia link).  Siafu have extremely powerful pinchers and have been known to swarm and kill small animals, even the occasional human. The Maasai sometimes use them as emergency medical sutures by allowing them to bite a wound, then breaking the bodies off. The heads can remain clamped for several days as the wound heals. 

These ants were marching right through the area where the eggs were hidden. Our family suffered a few bites, but nothing major. Needless to say, we cut the hunt short.

Never fear. We had another egg hunt all planned with our neighbors for later in the afternoon. This was much more successful and the kids had a great time. All in all it was another full, but wonderful day in the life of the Gaines family.

Daniel Gaines

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

Persecution Reported With A New Convert From Lebialem Campaign...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. We continue to stay safe in Christ through His grace. Last week went on well as the beginning of a new quarter for the Gamma batch students. We do hope you are doing great and all is working for good where you are.

I am sorry that I don’t have pictures to share about the work this week because my camera is not with me.

Most of the students are sick, maybe because of the work last week in Lebialem or so, but we praise God that all who were doing fine in health went out for weekend evangelism. They returned safe and sound with glorious news about the growth of the Lord’s work in their different locations.

One of the converts in Lebialem is facing great persecution. She is the sister that was baptized and renounced Catholic doctrine whose family was waiting for her to enroll into the sisterhood. She told them NO and today the report reaching us is that the entire family came to fight with the preacher and all the other members. She ran and stood behind the preacher. It was not easy as they were ready to harm the preacher. You know this congregation is a young one and all the members are new converts. They did not know what to do. The family has given her the option to choose either to remain in the church of Christ and they will disown her, stop paying her school fees, or she can stop attending the church of Christ and go back to the Catholic denomination and enjoy rights in the family. Please pray for sister Dorothy and the young congregation, so that they will be able to handle this situation with care.

The Lord added two souls in His church. Keep the new converts in your prayers.

Plans
1) We have an invitation to come to Idenau communities to preach and see the need to start a new congregation. We shall study this and make a move in the near future.

2) The Mudeka congregation invited the staff and students for a Bible lectureship in their congregation by the end of this month. Keep all of that in your prayers.

3) Remember we are sending our students to Lebialem and other places for weekend evangelism, which will be of great importance.

Appreciations
God bless you. Thanks very much for all you are doing with us. God alone will reward you and replenish your source because we doubt if you were not part of this work what would happen. Do your best to share this with others. I will use this email to send my report. The other email is having problems and I do not have access to it again.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director of Bear Valley Bible Institute Cameroon-Wotutu (BVBIC Wotutu)

Incredible News Of Kingdom Growth And A Brother In Need...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

Your prayers and support are making it possible for us to teach and preach the Word of God to the lost and dying of Tanzania. We are also able to “entrust to faithful men the saving message of the gospel that in turn they may teach others.” The evidence of this is seen in the recent notes received by our fellow laborers: 

Charles Heberth: “This week, our first year students did not have class, so I took them down to Kwa Mrombo. They have helped so much in setting up 13 new Bible classes. Through that effort, the Lord added three souls to His Kingdom.”

Gasper Maurice: “This last two weeks we have been blessed with the help of our good brother Ralph Williams and his wife Cindy. They were very helpful setting up 20 Bible studies, one soul being baptized.”

Fariji Paul: “I would like to inform you about the report of the Usa river church. In March, we had 16 studies, one soul baptized into Christ, by the name of Amos.”

Godfrey Mngoma: “This month we had two baptisms; brother Joel Haule and Peter Alley who was a Pentecostal preacher at Karatu. Please pray for these brothers who have obeyed the Truth of God’s Word.”

Much more has been reported and so much more is being done to God’s glory and the saving of countless souls. 

We need your help: Stephanie and I have been and continue to be blessed beyond measure. We have had a couple of financial setbacks of late and are requesting your help in getting the word out that we might find the help we need to continue in God’s work. 

One congregation who has faithfully supported us since 1992 has notified us they will no longer be able to continue their monthly support of $500 because the congregation has simply become to small to continue. 

Another financial set back came from good friends and supporters who have supported us over the years by paying our health insurance premiums (and countless other ways). They are not able to continue paying the premiums, leaving us with either raising the monthly need of $1,300 or dropping our health insurance. 

Please remember our good bothers Gene Davis and Cotton Box in your prayers as they face very serious health issues. Please remember Stephanie's mom in your prayers as well. She was admitted to the hospital with a possible very serious infection. They hope to reconfirm on Monday and, if so, she will begin 14 days of IV antibiotics. 

Thank you all for all you do and please know, we are grateful to be a part of this amazing work of God and to partner with you in this soul saving mission effort. Thank you and may our God bless you richly in your service to Him and to His world. 

In Him,
Cy

Positive, Enthusiastic, Infectious, And Motivational Staff In Nepal...

Dear Christian Brothers,

The month of March has been busy and productive in Nepal. Arun Rijal graduated from Nepal Center For Biblical Study [NCBS] last September and went to Chennai, India for a year of graduate work at the Masters level. He returned to Nepal in March and is helping at the school. His report to us was very encouraging. He said that the level and clearness of our teaching was higher than what he found in India. He felt he was better prepared when he started there [Feb '14] than most of the students were when they completed their studies with him a year later. It is always encouraging to hear that our efforts are effective and helping to prepare others to share the gospel. We hope to have Arun join our NCBS staff. His positive and enthusiastic manner is infectious and really motivates the students. He is a good translator and also a solid teacher. His value in personal work and campaign missions is beyond description. The school has been a huge blessing in his own life, and that of his family, and now he brings those blessings back to us.

Rusty Dawson also came and taught for a week. This was Rusty's forth trip to Nepal. He taught the book of Galatians. Before coming he prepared a work book, sent it to us by e-mail, and also taught it to the local lady's class in Little, Oklahoma to fine tune his presentation. Rusty teaches in a way that involves the students, even challenges them to reach a little higher and seek a little deeper, and their response exceeds what they thought they were capable of achieving. His classes are always high energy and full of smiles.

Last Thursday was the last day of classes and the students returned home for a three week holiday. This is the Nepal New Year season and a natural holiday time since the public schools close for 2-3 weeks. Gajendra, the school Director, and Arun left with four students from Darjeeling, India and one from east Nepal to do two weeks of campaign work in India. These students will be teaching and working with their own families and friends. It is beautiful to experience this series of a variety of daily teaching and fellowship activities. Gajendra and Arun will take a full week visiting other congregations, and other graduates, as they return to Kathmandu.

Sunita was also invited to join them in India and to continue the teaching that she did with the Christian women in January. She leaves today and will return next Monday. The program of WOMEN TEACHING WOMEN is growing and producing wonderful fruit.

The students will return and classes begin on Monday, April 20. This is their last holiday [two each year] until they graduate in October. We will begin our next group of new students in early November. This graduating class will be our largest, 12 students, and it will be out third group [2011, 2013, 2015]. The progress of the church in Nepal has been much greater in these last six years than in my 19 years working with the church and living in Nepal most of the year. God has blesses us greatly. You are one of our great and very appreciated blessings. Please pray for the church in Nepal.

In Christian service, 

Jerry Golphenee jrgx21958@gmail.com

A New Brother And Sister In Cambodia...

I am humbled by the experiences that I've encountered thus far in my work for Christ. I appreciate the help and encouragement from my brethren, but most importantly, I am thankful for the support from the Word of God! As I think of IBISR and what we are currently doing, I cannot help but be proud of it! Not because we are a top notch professional Bible school in the brotherhood, but quite the opposite. It is in our weaknesses that God's strength is shown (2 Cor 12:9-10)! 

I'm thankful that we have faithful men, who may or may not be well educated, teaching at the school. I am also aware of my shortcomings as the director of IBISR and, yet, when I look at how far we've come, it's so obvious that God's fingerprints are all over it! I pray that God continues to direct and guide the school through His word and not my pride and wisdom (Pro. 3:5-7). May we learn from the Israelites’ mistake in wanting a king just to be a "professional nation" like the other nations around them and "kicking" God out as their ruler. (1 Sam. 8:5-9).

To keep us from such foolish and prideful thinking, our school's theme for next year's students will stem from John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." We will be emphasizing and teaching for this life-changing principle, exalting God instead of ourselves. Please continue to keep the work here in Cambodia in your prayers.

Vanlam, our new sister in Christ, will begin as a first year student at IBISR in September! Please keep her in your prayers.

Makara, our new brother in Christ, also will be joining us at IBISR as a first year student, furthering his knowledge of God's word! Please keep him in your prayers as well.

Pros, one of our students who is in charge of the Safe Water Raft in Kompong Kleang will distribute safe water that we cleansed and purified on the raft to the nearby schools, providing safe drinkable water to hundreds of students in the surrounding area, at the same time introducing Jesus and the Bible to them via the Bible verse (in Khmer) that we selected to put on the label.

"Jesus answered and said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 NASB

Phanat

To see Phanat’s post with pictures of the baptisms, please click here.

Graduation Nears For the Visakha Valley Bible College, India...

Greetings to you in Christ’s name. Hope this message finds you all good. Thank you very much for the money that was donated for buying bicycles and other gospel tools for the graduates. We are going to have brother Jerry Bates with us for this occasion to distribute the diplomas on behalf of the Bear Valley Bible Institute.

As you are aware, on the 10th of April we are celebrating the graduation exercise of our 3rd batch two-year undergraduate students for the successful completion of their course. We are so excited about this. Students are getting ready to take their final examinations early next week. They have to write a comprehensive exam before they receive their diploma.

We are so thankful to God first, and then to you for your encouragement. Thank you very much for looking into all the matters to run this successfully. We are excited about the 13 Graduates who shall be receiving their diplomas. We are getting things ready for that auspicious day.

I am here updating you with recent developments that have taken place at our school premises. We are thankful to brother Bob Turner who recommended our school for a one time gift. With that we were able to acquire some tools for the school, one of them is a projector and screen. This is an advanced piece which can be accessed through laptop wireless accessibility. We have started using this already in the class room by displaying a couple of my lessons which I did at World Video Bible School in Texas.

Thank you, brother Jerry Bates, for bringing the set of maps for the school. These are a simply beautiful and wonderful instrument to teach the classes. We are hoping to receive the other books very soon.

Other latest developments are, repair work, painting of the school facility, and building a new baptistry. We are thankful to the brethren at Lake Houston who are supporting our school, also who helped us so much during the severe hurricane 6 months ago. 

Thank you very much for all your encouragement. Kindly pray that this occasion would be held successfully.

Please give our greetings to all the brethren who care for the Lord’s work across the world. May God continue to bless you all.

In Christ

John Dean M

Precious Sound And Need For Peace In Ukraine...

Hello dear brothers, families and churches. 

May our Lord Jesus Christ grant you peace. This word “peace” has become very precious for us. There are still sounds of shooting in Eastern Ukraine, though it is obvious that they use heavy artillery not so often now. Nevertheless, this area is still dangerous to live in. For the last 3 months, there were more than 60 children killed in that area. We urge you to pray for Ukraine and for the future of God’s church. 

Bear Valley Bible Institute in Ukraine 
In March, we had brothers in Christ from the US, Johnny Mack Young and Garth Hilton. They had been teaching at the Institute for two weeks. It was a wonderful time to visit with old friends and good teachers. These brothers visit Ukraine every year and share their experience with our students. 

Also, we had a planned evangelism campaign; students and their families participated in it. We were divided into several groups. One group of students went to spread the gospel to Dnipropetrovsk, the second group went to Chernivtsi, and the third group stayed in Ternopil. We used different methods to reach the hearts of people. In the city of Chernivtsi, our students and BVBIU secretary, Oksana, stood by the table and spread Christian literature, inviting people to come to the church. There was one baptism during the campaign there. In Ternopil, we had been inviting people to evening Bible classes, spreading Christian literature and posting announcements for 3 days. Unfortunately, there were no new visitors during the time of the campaign. I think though that any work for God won’t be fruitless. It might be that we were sowing God’s seeds in some people’s hearts. 

This week is the Spring Break, when students have to finish their written assignments, and starting April 6, classes will resume. 

We continue looking for a better place for the Institute. It’s not easy. Due to the military actions in Gorlovka, terrorists took our building there, and we had to move to the territory of Western Ukraine, though many of our teachers stayed in Eastern Ukraine. This school year we had many classes taught via Skype. We are looking for such a place that would be a good and convenient location for both teachers and students, being close to the main roads and an airport. That’s why I visited Bila Tserkva at the end of March and discussed the possibility of cooperation with the local congregation, considering moving to their facility. I ask you to pray for the future of the Institute. 

Institute Church of Christ 
For the last three weeks we have been blessed with visits of guests not only from the US, but also from different parts of our country. We had services when attendance would be 28 people. Maybe some would consider this number insignificant, but believe me, for a war-torn Ukraine, suffering through economical and political crisis, this number sounds very inspiring. 

Now we are working in different spheres trying to attract more people to God and to His church. My wife and other ladies from the church organized a workshop for kids and their parents at the beginning of March. Such classes are quite successful, and we had 12 new visitors at our building. Johnny Mack Young gave a brief introduction, telling about the church and its purpose. We have also continued the program of teaching English via Bible. Right now mostly, our students attend these classes, but we hope that soon we’ll have new people. 

We continue meeting during the week at Christian homes and encouraging one another. In April, we plan to have a one-day youth conference and invite Christians from local congregations. 

Thank you for supporting the Institute and my family. If you have any questions or suggestions, please write to me. 

Your brother and coworker,
Dennis Sopelnik 

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

We Be The Voice Of Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ,

Greetings and appreciation to you for your prayers for us in Nigeria. Thanks to God for granting us a peaceful election on Saturday and Sunday (March 28 & 29). We hope the result will be favorable to the suffering masses of Nigeria or to rightly put it, “We be the voice of Nigeria!”

Yesterday at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, brother Destiny Elijah, one of the SWSE year-1 students, taught on “Love One Another,” while brother Emmanuel Makinde, a year-2 student of SWSE, Ibadan interpreted for him and I admonished the church from Luke chapter 1: “How to be a vessel unto honor.”

At the secondary class, one of our year-1 students. named brother Moses Bamidele, taught on “Remember the Lord Now that You are Young” (Eccl.12) and brother Emmanuel Makinde taught on “How to Develop a Sermon” at the youth development class after the morning worship.

At the campus church, our campus minister and one of the SWSE Ibadan instructors, brother Abraham Idu Yeje, taught on “God's Plan to Redeem Mankind,” while one of our year-1 students, named Benjamin Okon, admonished the church from Gen.3:1-9 and brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe taught on “The Kingdom of Christ on Earth” at the Egbeda congregation, Ibadan.

Sunday morning, brother Adeniji Joseph of the Asejire congregation in Osun state and brother Matthew Adeyemi of the Igbesa congregation in Ogun state phoned me to inform me of a convert each in their area. To God be the glory!

At the Southwest School of Evangelism, Ibadan main campus, brother Isaac Olaniyan taught early Monday morning during our morning devotion on “The Divine Call,” brother Augustine Odoh spoke on “Walking in the Light” at the Tuesday morning devotion. Brother Ilori Gbenga spoke on “Bearing Fruit for Christ” at the Wednesday morning devotion, while I spoke on “Growing in the Grace” at the chapel period at the Thursday morning devotion. Brother Nwaorji Emmanuel spoke on “Arise and Shine” and brother Tsado Jonathan spoke on “How do we Quench the Spirit?” at the Friday morning devotion, and brother Abraham Idu Yeje spoke on the “Wrong Reasons for Following Christ” on Saturday morning before the staff and students embarked on the last weekend evangelism of this semester.

Brethren, we appreciate your love and partnership and we are praying for you all. May the Lord continue to bless all our joint effort in Christ name, Amen.

I remain yours in His grace as a servant,

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

A Glimpse Of Graduation Scheduled For Tamale, Ghana...

Greetings from Tamale.

Everyone here is doing well by the grace of the living God. The Institute is fervently preparing for the graduation ceremony which is slated for 2nd July, 2015 at the Institute's premises. We wish to invite all to come and be part of this very important day since it is the same day late sister Avril will be honored for her committed service to the Institute in which she died. May her soul rest in peace.

Another activity the Institute is planning is a Sector Fellowship Meeting for all women in the three northern regions. This is being organized in collaboration with Sister Asabea, a member of Ashiama Church in Accra. The Institute is doing everything possible to offer a uniform growth among both men and women in the Church in the Northern sector of Ghana.

Everything is on course, and by his grace, we hope to bring the needed spiritual development in the Church of Christ in Ghana. At a workshop organized for preachers and leaders during the short break, it was resolved that henceforth  the gospel will be preached at all places and to everyone regardless of the presence of a Christian at such places. In order to edify the congregations yet to be established, preachers have been grouped to work at their district centers to teach basic topics which leaders need to man the congregations till a preacher is gotten for such a congregation.

It is hoped that these developments will bring positive growth in the establishment and sustenance of the congregations. We pray that these plans can be supported to a successful end.

Baah Joseph Okyere

"The Only True Church Found In This Area," Please Read This Report...

It’s my hope that this finds you well with the same motive of serving the Lord of our God Jesus Christ. I, myself, would like to give my special thanks to you for being a part of this work, by your prayers and by you donating funds for the Lord. I am very impressed by things which are done by you. Brother Charles wrote about preacher Koimere from Monduli juu, whose throat was swelling. Immediately you responded, then Koimere made an appointment with his doctor at KCMC hospital, and brothers and sisters at the Kilimanjaro church, which is closer to that hospital, served him. Now this action has brought a big impact to the Monduli Juu church where Koimere is preaching. As I went last weekend to see him, he had a big smile on his face, telling me about what is happening to the people who knew him before the surgery, especially non-believers.They are visiting him by groups, and say we have seen the church that has unity. These people thought this young man was going to die. On my way back, I met one elderly man. When he realized I was a stranger in that area, he asked, “Where are you coming from young man?” I answered him, “From the church of Christ.”Then he said, “Where Koimere preaches?”  When I said, “Yes,” he said, “That is the only true church found in this area.” Please continue to pray that he can recover soon.

ACSOP Programs
Next week ACSOP will start another long quarter after finishing a short-course taught by Godfrey Mngoma, Clement Mebanya, and Wilfred Masawe from Morogoro. Thursday, we took first year students to the clinic for a check up of any communicable disease.

Kisongo Church Programs Improvement
The Kisongo church has improved programs by dividing children into two groups: from babies to six years old and from seven years to the time of baptism. Also we have added a new class for teenagers. Kisongo Bible school is helping to recruit some of the members to teach in some of these classes.

The Up Date From Spiritual Discipline Seminar
Two weeks ago I was at Mtowa Mbu. We had an amazing seminar there with a number of people. Last Sunday, Isaac Kusupa was at Mtowa Mbu, Maurice Gasper was at Arusha, and Charles Hubert closed the seminar at Ilkiurei. From the coming Sunday, the Seminar will shift gears to the Kisongo church. The first speaker will be brother Daniel Gaines, with an introduction of the seminar. I can’t wait to hear him.  Please pray for all these.

In His work,

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

Excitement Is In The Air As Expansion Is Set To Begin...

After an exciting graduation in Guatemala last Sunday, the week that followed continued to emphasize the power of God, who continually gives the increase to the gospel proclaimed. The reports this week share how souls were added to the church, Christians were strengthened in the faith, and new congregations were planted where no church existed before.

Students in Denver return to classes on Monday. For seven special men, this is the last quarter of their studies at the Bear Valley Bible Institute. These men and their families traveled from numerous states to share in the two-year program of study in Denver. They endured the challenges and they are prepared for the home stretch to graduation. We ask you all to pray for these men as they leave Denver at the end of May to enter ministry work across the country.

Additionally, the new school in Mbanga, Cameroon (French speaking Cameroon) is set to open doors to the first class of students in one week. Brother Ititi, a graduate from the school in Wotutu, serves as the director for this new school. He was groomed while at CBIW and has a heart for evangelism. We anticipate reports from him that relate the outreach efforts of these new students as they prepare themselves to serve in the kingdom.

Excitement is in the air as the Bear Valley Bible Institute expands the extension program in new places around the world. If the congregation where you worship is interested in a specific area of the world and would like to expand their mission work in the area of preacher training, please contact us and we will sit down to discuss how this is possible. You can write me at bturner@wetrainpreachers.com.

Now on to this week’s incredible 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 Incredible Week In Lebialem And Wotutu, Cameroon: If you read nothing else this week, please read this incredible report from Elangwe about their campaign last week. 

Eager Students Work, Study, And Learn More Of God’s Word: The news from Haiti is exciting as students exemplify the Berean spirit in learning from God’s word.

Prayers Answered For Sean And Anita Hochdorf: In the midst of what appeared to be an end to missionary work, the Hochdorf family will begin working in the Extension Program.

Student Outreach Program Is A Success: Students from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching continue to demonstrate how a recent outreach program is making a difference.

Final Thoughts 
Thank you for continuing to read the weekly reports and thank you for your continued support of this work. As you read through each report above, our prayer is that you will be encouraged by the ways God is blessing the efforts of students who are reaching out with the gospel while preparing for kingdom work. 

God bless
Bob

One Incredible Week In Lebialem And Wotutu, Cameroon...

Dearest In Christ,

Greetings and love from your brothers and sisters in Christ here in Cameroon. We do hope you are doing great in all that you do for the family and the church. God bless you and all your efforts for His work here on earth.

As I am writing this report, we just returned from the long trip where we spent five days on house-to-house evangelism in Lebialem. God went ahead of us and fertilized the land for the seed to germinate as we sow it. It was another huge success as we saw the power of God’s word changing lives and giving hope to the hopeless, and above all rescuing many from the captivity of Satan.

Two 30 seats vans were hired for the trip to Lebialem because both current students and graduates of CBIW were part of the trip to take the gospel to Menji for the very first time. God gave us a safe trip to and from. We thank you for all your prayers.

Our mission in Lebialem was for evangelism, as we do our best to practice our motto: Evangelism is our Mission and our Mission is Evangelism. The people were happy to welcome us. They were so receptive, as they were hearing something new from the Bible away from their Roman Catholic teaching.

Both current students and graduates from CBIW were happy to be part of that history making event, to establish a new congregation in Menji, the administrative capital of Lebialem.

The CBIW family is growing, as the trip was an opportunity for the current students to meet with their seniors who were in CBIW before them. Contacts and other fellowship was part of the trip.

We moved from one house to another, from one market place and office to another, and a total of more than 20 cartons of tracts from Mission Printing were shared, meaning thousands of copies in the hands of people who love to read and are eager to study some more. Keep this effort in your prayers so that it will bear fruit soon.

I was privileged to share the gospel with an educated icon in the Menji community. He is a retired mayor. He was happy to know the steps of salvation from our tracts. He said he will study more. I saw a bright tomorrow from him, as he was taking his time to read the tracts. Many thanks to Mission Printing for the ocean container that was sent to us, which is helping us accomplish much, to God all glory goes.

The chief of Menji was part of the whole program. He hosted us in his palace, something which I have never seen in my life, that the chief would allow the church inside the palace and right into the conference room, and allow us to cook in his kitchen and sleep in other rooms in the palace. He also worshiped with us today, with his wives. We gave him the tract on polygamy, and he said, “hahahaha.” I love the Lord and the word he has heard, but it will be difficult for him to remain with one wife because he will be laughed at by other chiefs. Many wives exposes your wealth. Keep chief Fomenki in your prayers, as I saw open doors in him.

The house-to-house evangelism exposes the truth to entire Roman Catholic dominated communities. The word, which is more than atomic bomb, went into the hearts of many who looked down on their positions in denominations, like one sister, who was the president of a denominational group with the Presbyterian organization. She was overjoyed to obey the truth and also to move around and tell her members what has happened in her life. With tears, I saw how the gospel is amazing. Keep her in your prayers, as she is pregnant. The husband said, “let my wife keep going, I will watch her and follow if need be.”

Our intention was to go and establish a new congregation in Menji, but God had something more than that to accomplish in Menji. We baptized a lady pastor of the Deeper Life denomination in another village. Our students were preaching and teaching the gospel inside the market and they met her. She was aggressive from the beginning and told our students to go to unbelievers who don’t know Christ. They pleaded with her that she can even take a tract and read. She took a reply to a denominational preacher, just the caption attracted her and she started reading there in the market. She called them to come and that opened close to 3 hours of study with her. She later apologized for her behavior and told them, “I have almost led many to hell including my poor old mother.” They told her repent and be baptized. She obeyed in the market and invited some of them to come to her village and preach the same message. The next day we went there and baptized the other adult of that denomination and placed the name Church of Christ, Belehngeh. So we have another congregation, making two congregations established during this trip. God is faithful and the field continues to be wide and laborers are few. One of our graduates, who is already working in two congregations near to these, will work in all 4 congregations, but that will not be possible and it will not help keep these souls alive. We need to start from this weekend sending our students to go and help. It will cost us 23.000 frs to make this happen weekly. If not, our efforts may be down. Keep this in your prayers and your thoughts.

A student, Atem Gladys obeyed the gospel with joy. She said, “I am happy to know Christ at my age, 18.” Keep her in your prayers to grow, so that her growth will attract many to come to the Body through her lifestyle.

Dorothy is 17 years old and she also obeyed the gospel. She is also happy that she did because her parents wanted her to join the sisterhood of the Roman Catholic church when she finished from school in two years time. She said I have seen the truth and I cannot drop it off for something which is baseless and unscriptural. My eyes were full of tears as I hear this type of confession from young soldiers of the cross. My heart poured out and we cannot afford to leave these souls only in the hands of evangelist John Nkemnkeng who will not be able to handle these four congregations. Many things are needed to be put in place: we need benches, Bibles, a sign board, and a motor bike to help this work stay alive. These are emergency needs, keep praying for the work. For 5 days the Lord added 27 precious souls and we fished out 3 brethren who moved to that area. Because the church was not there they stayed like that without worshipping. Please, please come join us to keep this work going. It will spread to many other communities. The news about us is on everyone’s lips now. We have planted enough seeds. We need to water it more, so that God will continue to give the increase in time. Last week ended like this:

27 baptisms
3 restorations
2 new congregations established
​More than 20 boxes of tracts shared
Many Bible studies conducted

Some of our new converts were smiling with us. In the presence of God there is joy and there is fullness of joy. Keep praying for us.

After my sermon this morning another six souls obeyed the gospel and moved in front of the congregation.

Plan
We start classes tomorrow in Wotutu for the second quarter. I will teach on Tuesday and thereafter take a short vacation to get myself refreshed. I was planning to travel to Nigeria, but may be the insecurity of the election may not warrant me do that. Keep me in your prayers.

Appreciation
God bless you double fold for all that you are doing. Thanks for your prayers and support towards the work here. God will bless you and keep you safe and strong. If not for you, we doubt what would have happened here with the work. Keep it. The one that wins souls is wise.

Do your best to share this with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director
Bear valley Bible Institute Cameroon-Wotutu

Eager Students Work, Study, And Learn More Of God's Word...

Greetings in the Name of Our Lord,

I want to thank each of you for your support, prayers, encouragement and interest in the work of Haiti. It is because of concerned congregations and individuals like you that we are now in the second half of the school year at the International School of Theology (IST) in Haiti.

Our students are eager to work, study and learn more of God’s precious word. As this class progresses, I can see that some of these students will have a great impact on the work in Haiti.  Please pray for each of them as continue their studies.

The Students at IST
We are blessed to have these men as preacher students. They are dedicated and have a longing for more knowledge of God’s word. As the first year is quickly coming to an end, they want to continue with their studies. We do plan to have some special classes during the summer to focus on specific needs and issues that face the church in Haiti. You may not know the names of these men but God does and I am asking you to please pray for them.

He Fought the Good Fight
He Finished the Race
He Kept the Faith

George I. Brown, a faithful and hard working servant of God, has departed this world to be with his Lord. At age 95 he was still active in the San Nicolas church of Christ in Aruba. His dedication and service was an example for others to follow.  

There were times when brother Brown and his wife were the only members of the congregation   in attendance. He would teach the Bible class, lead the prayers, lead the singing, preach the  sermon and serve communion. Sister Brown would listen, ask and answer questions during Bible class and at times would respond during the invitational song, even though they were the only two present. On one occasion sister Brown said, “He needed me to ask for prayers as much as I need them.” Two great servants of God!

I first met the Browns when I worked with the church in 1981 as a student at International Bible  College, now Heritage Christian University. Our loss is heaven’s gain. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Devotion and Bible Study at the Son Light Children’s Home
Roberta Edwards serves as the Director for the home-mom as she is called by the children in the home. While some may call it an orphanage–it is not. This is a home where the children are loved, nurtured, educated and when necessary, disciplined. Roberta has served in Haiti for more than 18 years. Roberta serves under the oversight of the Estes church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee. Roberta is one of the hardest working ladies I have ever met. Her dedication to the  children, the work and the Lord is an encouragement to all who know her.  I have had the privilege of working with Roberta for the past five years and count it an honor. In addition to her work in the home, she also directs a nutrition center that feeds 150 children two hot meals each  day. Between this and the home, approximately 400 meals are prepared daily. She does have some Haitian ladies who assist her but she is the one who oversees the work.

These are just two of the many works that are taking place in which Roberta is involved. When  medical, construction or teaching teams go to Haiti, Roberta is there to assist and help in any way she needed. Take a moment and say a prayer for Roberta, the Son Light Children’s Home and the many works that she is doing. As Roberta would say, “To God be all the glory”

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17

The preachers and elders conference has become a regular part of our work at the International School of  Theology. At least once per quarter we invite the preachers and elders to come and share in the study of God’s word. A representative from each congregation has the opportunity to give a field report, sharing the activities of the congregation. This is always a highlight of the conference because we hear of the many great works taking place. It is also a great time of fellowship between congregations. This is one element that had been missing in the past. The unity and love is growing among the Lord’s church in Haiti. More and more we see and hear of congregations joining efforts to reach the lost of Haiti. We had about 65 in attendance with several congregations represent. May God continue to work in the hearts and the lives of these men who truly seek to do His will. Several members from the Sycamore congregation in Cookeville, TN were able to be with us for the conference.  

This group has made several trips to Haiti. They work at the children’s home, the Santo church and the Santo Christian school. We are thankful to have them as partners in the work. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11, 12

Distant Teaching - Becoming a Reality
We now have the equipment installed and expect to have the Internet issues worked out soon. We have mounted an outside antenna to give us the extra boost in power that ‘should’ allow us to make the connection. 

When this final stage is completed, we will be able to teach classes from here in the USA. This will give us the opportunity to use some great Bible scholars who might not be able to travel to Haiti. This will also save a considerable amount of funds which can be diverted to other needs. We are so thankful for the individuals and congregation who have made this possible. 

Your Help is Needed
Because of your kind donations, a large portion of the rent has been paid! Nicolas, our landlord has agreed to let us pay the monthly payments of $600 per month until the rent is paid in full. I must say, Nicolas has worked well with us and has helped every time we needed it. If repairs or modifications to the building were needed, all we had to do was asked and it was done. This being said, we still owe about $3,600 in rent.  

Monthly Support
Why is monthly support needed? Like any school, there are needs that must be met. There are bills that have to be paid and supplies that must be purchased. Most of the students do not have jobs and those who do, do not make very much money. The majority of  the people in Haiti live on one or two dollars per day. Most of the Haitian people – including our students – only eat four or five times per week. A congregation of some 300 people may only have a contribution of $10. This is not because they don’t want to give, it is because they simply do not have it to give. So yes, I am asking you to give and help these men prepare to preach the gospel. It is the gospel message that can turn a nation around morally and financially. As I have stated before, we are not simply trying to change a few lives – we are trying to change a nation! We need your help to train the preachers and teachers at IST. We are asking congregations and individuals who are able, to contribute only $100 per month to help support our students. While the overall cost per student is about $300 we know this amount may be difficult for many. Please let us know if you have questions about any of the work we are doing. Please pray for our efforts.

Larry Waymire

Contact Information:
Larry Waymire
Email: lwaymire@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook, Tweeter and LinkedIn
731-798-0136

All Funds Should be Sent to:
Broad Street Church of Christ
Caribbean Ministries
131 North Broad Street
Lexington, TN   38351

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

Prayers Are Answered For Sean And Anita Hochdorf...

Perhaps you are like me in that when circumstances change for the worse I tend to almost wallow in the negative. I spend some time trying to talk myself into a positive attitude. After a few days of darkness and despair I usually make up my mind to look at all the options to determine how I am going to pull myself up by the bootstraps and fix whatever problem I am facing. I spend hour after hour deep in thought, strategizing, planning, exhausting, what I think, is every angle to solve my dilemma. Minor things are magnified and exaggerated. Without fail, when I pursue this course and leave God out of the equation, I always end up back in the mud pit of negativity more desperate than when I started.

I must confess that I found myself in this situation just a few weeks ago. Life was going great. Anita and I were living an incredible life, a dream life, doing exactly what we wanted; reaching the lost, edifying the brethren, and training preachers in Tanzania. Then, an unexpected neck injury changed things. “What are we going to do?” “How will we make it?” and a host of other questions were on my mind 24/7. Unlike times past, this time, finally, I decided to put my money where my mouth is and trust my Father to provide the answers to our concerns. I prayed that if there were anyway that we could continue to work with our brethren in Africa and/or elsewhere in the world that God would afford us the opportunity. When life is in a holding pattern minutes sometimes seem like years and weeks, well, you get the idea. As is always the case, God wasn’t on my time schedule and so, because we have an obligation to keep you informed, I reported to you of our circumstances and asked that you support us for 6 more months while we tried to figure out our future. The compassion and kindness with which you responded has been absolutely humbling.

Good news! Shortly after sending that last report Cy Stafford and the staff at Bear Valley Bible Institute asked me to consider being the coordinator for the ACSOP. “Are you kidding me?! Yes, yes, absolutely, YES!” Thank you Father! Indeed the solution the Lord has provided is better than anything I could have imagined. The Bear Valley staff is sensitive to my surgery needs and will allow me to carry a workload that keeps me busy, but doesn’t overdo it, while I recover. While we are super excited about this opportunity we need to ask the one thing we hoped we could avoid. Will you please continue supporting us in this work? We know the work is worthwhile and we feel certain from your dedicated loyalty to the Lord that you believe the work is worthwhile too. We simply can’t do it without you.

As supporters you have been fantastic and have greatly encouraged us in every part of the work the Lord is doing in Tanzania. We hope that we are able to report for many years to come the results of our team effort abroad; God, you, and us - an unbeatable force against the prince of this world.

We will continue to keep you posted. If you would, please offer a prayer of gratitude on our behalf since God has provided us a way to continue in His service. We don’t feel like we can tell Him thank you enough. Please know that we love each of you for your dedication to the cause of Christ.

Until next time, take care and God bless. 

With deep appreciation,
Sean & Anita Hochdorf