Teaching Through 1st Corinthians And Weekend Evangelism In Nigeria...

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ ,

Greetings and appreciation for your partnership and brotherly love.

I taught throughout the Sundays in the month of June from 1st Corinthians chapter 16. “Five Principles for Church Finances, God’s Instructions for the Church Today: Love the Brotherhood, Be Benevolent, Seek and Save the Lost.” I taught on “What the Lord’s Money is For” at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan and I also taught Monday through Thursday (June15-18) at SWSE Ibadan main campus during our early morning devotion (5:00am - 6:00am) on “The Secret of Happiness.” 

At the campus church, by God’s power, brother Benjamin Okon taught on “VIP” on June 7, brother Adedoyin Sola Rotimi taught on “Ambassador of Christ” on June 14, brother Abraham Idu Yeje (the campus minister) taught on “The Purity of the Church” on June 21, while brother Akinade Oluwaseun taught on June 28 on “The Key to the Kingdom.”

WEEKEND EVANGELISM / GOSPEL CAMPAIGN: The students and staff of the SWSE Ibadan main campus evangelized Oluwo town via Egbeda, Asejire-Oyo state, Asejire-Osun state, Jago and Butubutu villages on Saturdays in the month of June.

As the result of our continuous evangelism at Jago town, one of SWSE graduates, brother Oladapo Ishmael, brother Kayode S.Eniafe, and brother Adedoyin Sola Rotimi started another congregation of the Lord's church at Jago Isale on June 21, 2015. There were 15 in the first worship.

REPORT FROM SWSE INSTRUCTORS: Brother Abiola J.Olusoji reported the conversion of a soul at the Agege congregation, Lagos state during the month of June while brother Dairo Joseph and brother Ezekiel Okorougo continue their daily morning campaign using the Mission Printing materials.

REPORT FROM SWSE GRADUATES: Brother Ajiteru Olufemi, the evangelist for the Ikare congregation reported the birth of the Lord's church at Oka-Akoko in Ondo state with two converts. Brother Adeyehun Raphael, the evangelist of the Igbotako congregation in Ondo state reported the conversion of two girls and the restoration of three brethren, while brother Matthew Adeyemi of the Igbesa congregation in Ogun state reported the conversion of a young lady on June 21, 2015.

SWSE STUDENTS TEACHING PRACTICE: All year-one and two students of the SWSE -Ibadan and some from Agrge satellite campus are to embark on a month of teaching practice from July 10 through August 10, 2015. The thirty-six students will be serving in Taraba state, Kwara, Kogi, Abia, Imo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Lagos states. This year’s one month teaching practice will cost us $500 and $1,500 for the forth coming 13th Annual Bible Lectureship & 12th Graduation of 25 men.

Those willing to help us financially with the students teaching practice or the annual Bible Lectureship should contact brother Doug Wheeler or brother Steven Ashcraft (BVBI - West Africa Regional Director) or brother David Ballard (BVBI - Cameroon & Nigeria Coordinator) before or on July 25, 2015.

4TH SEMESTER LECTURES AT SWSE IBADAN MAIN CAMPUS: This fourth semester is the longest, toughest, and most costly semester, due to students teaching practice and several practical presentations by students. I am teaching on LOC- 4, Research Methods, and Revelation & Discipleship Training; brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe is handling the Book of Romans, OT Prophets - Major, Evangelism 3 and Homiletics 3; brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji is handling Pastoral Epistles, Evangelism 2, and Psychology / Christian Disciplines, while brother Isaac Olaniyan is teaching on Church Admin / Leadership, Methodology and Practical Homiletics. All classes end on July 3, 2015 in preparation for the July 6-10 examinations. Revision comes up between 7:00pm through 9:00pm daily from June 29 through July 3, 2015 Lord's willing.  

Thank you so much for your faithful commitment for the cause of Christ.

Your fellow soldier of Christ,

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

Developments In Nepal, Growth, And Preparations...

Students are on break in Denver. While students enjoy the break, a new class of students prepares to arrive in Denver over the next six weeks to begin the new quarter of studies in August. Twelve men are planning to be prepare for the work of preaching the gospel in the next class. We ask that you pray for them as they leave home and travel to Denver. Several still need financial support, so we ask that you pray their needs are provided.

Throughout the extension program, students continue to study and use their skills to reach out with the gospel. This week’s report shares news about the latest development in Nepal since the devastating earthquake. Additional reports share news about the work of staff and students in various locations. Their activity for the kingdom continues to witness the hand of God blessing their efforts in growing the church.

As we move through the next few weeks, additional schools prepare for graduation while others continue their journey. Please enjoy reading through the individual reports this week and learn about God’s powerful hand at work around the world.

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 

Visiting Coordinator Assists In Bringing More Souls To Christ In Cameroon: David Ballard is visiting the work in Wotutu and Mbanga, Cameroon. The result is the increase of God.

Preparations For Graduation Are Nearly Complete In Tamale, Ghana: Staff and students prepare for the upcoming graduation July 3rd and a special dedication.

Monsoon Has Arrived And The Need In Nepal Is Pressing: Among all the challenges facing the people of Nepal, monsoon season has begun and increasing the critical needs.

Faculty Meeting To Plan, Gospel Meeting To Plant, God Gives The Increase: The work in India continues to demonstrate the benefits of godly men working in the kingdom.

Reflecting On The Results From The Safari For Souls Campaign: The report from Arusha shares the incredible news of how God has blessed the recent campaign. 

The Gospel Spreads More Than Ever In Tanzania: The latest news from the staff at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching indicates the power of the Gospel spreading near Arusha.

Final Thoughts 
Another week of incredible blessings provided by God. Thank you for your willingness to help support the work of training preachers. As you read through the reports, you are able to see how many lives are touched, just in one week, through the proclamation of the Gospel. We appreciate your involvement in this partnership with the Lord.

God bless
Bob

Reflecting On The Results From The Safari For Souls Campaign...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

It is with joyful hearts we greet you. God continues to bless His work here in Tanzania in a very powerful way. We could never thank you enough for all you have and continue to do in the Kingdom. 

As I reflect on this year’s Safari for Souls campaign efforts, I remembered the words of our Lord when he said; “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39). Have you ever asked yourself, “who is my neighbor?” When you consider Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:43; Lk. 10:29, it is very clear, our neighbors are all who we come in contact with in this life. Yes, the church family. Yes, those who live near us. Yes, those who live in our town, city, state, country. Also, all those who live on planet earth.  

Often, while traveling and visiting the many congregations who support the Lord’s work here in Tanzania or those wanting to learn more about God’s work here in East Africa, I will hear comments along this line, “Why should we go halfway around the world, or spend all that time and money in other parts of the world when we have so many people here in our city, state, country, lost and in need of the Gospel?” I have struggled over the years to give a short, on the spot, response to such a question. In brief, it really is not an “ either/or ” matter, but both/and. 

For our God so loved the “world” that He gave His only begotten Son.” His only begotten Son said, “Go ye into all the world.” Yes we are to go to our brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage and edify. Yes, we are to go to our neighbor, those next door in our home town, state, and country. Yes, we are to go into all the world as we see the first century doing. If we are the children of God we claim to be, we are to be “goers!” If we love God, as He loves us, we will be lovers of the lost of all this world. I am often tempted to reply to the statement, “Why go, spend, etc.” when we have a city, state, country here where “I” live, lost in sin, with “are you going to your neighbor with the saving message of the gospel? Again, it is not an “either-or”, but both-and, in “all” the world (Acts 1:8). 

Over the past four weeks we have had no less than twenty-five of God’s finest, supported by a countless number of faithful servants who have prayed and supported these Christian warriors as they brought God’s truth to the lost of this community. God has and continues to give the increase. Thirty plus souls have been added to the Lord’s church, so many more still studying and getting closer to the Truth. Elders, preachers, teachers, grandfathers, fathers, sons, daughter, granddaughters, and more have come and given of their lives that others might live. 

To all the godly grandfathers and fathers who “walk in the light” (1 Jn. 1), living a godly example, we say thank you and may our God continue to bless you all as you strive to do His good will. Let each of us look to these good examples as we strive to please our God through our lives in Him. 

Thank you all for all you do making this work of God possible here in Tanzania, East Africa. 

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Visiting Coordinator Assists In Bringing More Souls To Christ In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. I am writing this very short report while in Mbanga where I will spend one week with the coordinator of Bear valley schools in Cameroon, where he will be teaching and doing evangelism.

He spent one week in Wotutu teaching “The New Testament Church” and it was great with the gamma batch of students.

Still, in this week we had the second graduation ceremony of Brightland Christian Academy. It was great as many came to watch and it was an opportunity to continue to expose many to the value of Christian education.

God blessed the week by adding five precious souls. It was great to see how far we go for souls, some during heavy rainy days and even at night. Keep the Wotutu congregation in your prayers and these new souls.

Plans
We shall go to the west coast of Cameroon by next month to get a new congregation established.

Appreciation
God bless you for all you are doing here for the work. God bless you and keep you strong. Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director BVBIC-Wotutu

The Gospel Spreads More Than Ever In Tanzania...

“Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. …. Believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. When the disciples were increasing in number…….” (Acts. 2:47,5:14,6:1).

The disciples went out and shared the good message of Jesus and many obeyed the gospel. Through their diligence of sharing the gospel, the gospel spread MORE THAN EVER. That’s why many obeyed (Acts. 5:14). Though that was in the first century, the same can be spoken of by many of God’s servants who are laboring day and night to spread the message, which can save people’s souls here in Tanzania.

We thank God for wonderful blessings which He has been pouring on us. One is that through His providence He provides us with co-workers from various parts of this world. We thank Him for the brethren from Hoover, Alabama and Elk City, Oklahoma who worked hard in His vineyard here so that many lives can be reached by the gospel. These brothers, with the help of many servants who are here, were able to set up many Bible studies and helped 18 souls obey the gospel these past two weeks. GOD IS SO GOOD. His message has power to save lives for every one who believes (Rom. 1:16). Even our brother, Saidi, obeyed the gospel. Saidi was formerly a Muslim who was taught and obeyed the gospel this week in the Manyire area. Please continue to pray for us as we continue in following up on the studies established, and also building up those who have been added to our number.

We thank God for providing such a faithful and generous partner to work with in His Kingdom, like you. Thank you for your prayers and support. All this could not have been possible without your prayers and support. Many souls will be in heaven one day because you decided to share. THANK YOU SO MUCH. May the Lord of peace give you peace beyond our understanding.

Your servant in His Kingdom,

Charles Mwanga,
Assistant Director
Andrew Connally School of Preaching
P.O. Box 14041, Arusha - Tanzania

Preparations For Graduation Are Nearly Complete In Tamale, Ghana...

Great is our joy here at Tamale. After two years of academic work, we are thankful to the Almighty God and Father for the life, protection, care, strength, wisdom and all that through His mercies, staff and students have enjoyed.

As we approach Friday, July 3, 2015, preparations toward the Graduation is our main concern and prayer. As mentioned in our previous report, our late sister Avril Keoughan will be honored for her commitment and love for the Lord’s work. The main lecture hall of the Institute is to be named after her.

By this report, we wish to remind all invited guest that we have put everything in place to cordially receive you all. Also all who wish to be part of this very important occasion are assured of the lovely reception and hospitality of Christianity.

The Institute, which is currently on recess, will resume on Monday, June 29, 2015. So far, (12) twelve applicants have been interviewed and given admissions. It is our prayer that more will apply since the Institute still has vacancies.

Some of the activities which are currently going on are painting and decorating of the buildings. 

Baah Joseph Okyere

Faculty Meeting to Plan, Gospel Meeting To Plant, God Gives The Increase...

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

We hope this email finds you all good and being thankful to our mighty God for His kindness and mercy through which we are dwelling in this world with a hope of eternity to be spent with Him in heaven forever.

Dear brethren, we are thankful to God for blessing us to expand our ministry through the preachers who are being sent out. We not only witness the number of people being added to the church, but we also hear that our students go to remote places to establish congregations. We, with humble hearts, praise our mighty God for blessing all of us.

Faculty Meeting
e held another meeting with the staff where we encouraged each other to keep on and keeping on. We are so thankful to our faculty members who remained in the team for their continued efforts as team members. We did have some change in our faculty members, unfortunately my brother Vijaya Kumar is not able to be in our crew because of his family problems. Brother P. Balaram is in the process of pursing a secular job due to which he is no longer working with us. This gave us an opportunity to add Bro. S.R. Kavitha as one of the faculty members. For the last couple of years he has been serving as the minister at the congregation that meets at the School facility. He has been a minister for the last 30 yrs and he did have experience as a Bible School teacher at a preacher training school in Vijayanagaram District, unfortunately this school was closed years ago. We are hoping to see his seniority add up to our team effort in training the men more effectively. 

Gospel Meetings
Brother Satyanandam, one of our graduates from the first batch, is an enthusiastic evangelist. He is working with a couple of congregations. Besides many financial difficulties, he is ministering to the Lord without losing his faith. We admire his enthusiasm towards proclaiming the word of God. Besides his personal financial problem, he has been encouraging the congregation to hold gospel meetings to proclaim the word of God. In the second week of May, I was invited as one of the speakers for this wonderful gospel meeting. The congregation hosted about 450 people for those three days of meetings. We, along with faculty and students, attended these meetings to proclaim the word as well as to encourage the congregation. We witnessed two souls being added to the Church at the end of the meetings. These meetings have given a great opportunity to spread the Good News in that area. The local congregation was very much encouraged by this success. Of course there is a debt of money, which the Church has to pay, as that money was spent during the meetings. We admire this congregation for being courageous to carry out the gospel in spite of the financial circumstances. 

Brother Ramu, one of our recent graduates, is extending his efforts in bringing more souls to Christ. As a preacher, he began the ministry at his home first. As a result, his older son and his wife were baptized for the remission of their sins. Brother Rama Raju, one of our faculty, was instrumental in this effort. We were blessed to witness this couple being baptized at our school premises. We do hear from some of our students about the adding of souls to their congregations regularly.

Library an Asset
Wow….what a blessing….!! I always love visiting you brethren, at least once for every two years. It not only gives me an opportunity to present the results of our efforts, but it also gives opportunity to make the work known to several others who never heard about such work. One of the benefits is acquiring books for the Library. Since this is an asset, adding of more books always increases its value too. We firmly believe all the books we are adding to our Library are very valuable. This time we were able to add the BVBID Annual Lectureship books to our Library. We must thank brother Bob Turner who was instrumental in getting these books into my hands. We are also thankful to brother Jerry Bates (World Evangelism) for transporting them to India. Another set of valuable books were FHU Annual Lectureship, and Christian Counseling. We are so thankful to all those who are behind this addition of books to our Library.

Preachers’ Fellowship Meeting
These meetings have been very helpful in gathering the preachers at a certain place to encourage the preacher in that village. A Preachers’ meeting was recently held where one of our graduates, brother Jaya Raju has begun preaching. Like this, each month we hold a meeting at one of the villages where our graduates are working. This gives us an opportunity, not just to encourage the local preacher, but also the preachers in that area. During these meetings we provide the local preacher with some Bibles, Hymn Books and other gospel literature.

Fresh Batch of Students
We are grateful to our God for being able to send 3 batches of students successfully into the full-time ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. Right now, in consideration of the 4 batch, 14 students currently applied and were selected. We currently have 12 students enrolled and attending the school. Next month, Brother Bruce Ligon will be teaching two short courses for these students. We are excited about this. We recently received the suggested BVBID curriculum; we have made some changes that is moving these subjects according to our time convenience. We did receive the material to be studied and distributed to the students. We are very lucky to get such wonderful material. With this new development we are happy to be equal with rest of the Bear Valley International Schools across the world. What a blessing.

Gratitude
As always, we must thank the brethren at Lake Houston for their charity and the elders at Strickland for their oversight. Through their cooperation we are able to do this blessed work. We do thank the Bear Valley Bible Institute for allowing us to use their course material, as our students are truly blessed with this. We keep way head of several preacher training schools in India. We thank the elders of Bear Valley for their continued dedicated efforts to encourage preacher training across the world. We pray the Lord’s richest blessings upon you all. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. Please greet all the brethren for us. Thank you very much. Kindly share this report with your church family. God bless.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24-25 

In Christ & His services

Samuel Raju & John Dean Muppidi

Monsoon Has Arrived And The Need In Nepal Is Pressing...

One week after the initial earthquake [April 25] we had three teams on their way to priority areas. Every trip included a delivery of needed products plus an assessment of damage. The most heroic team crossed a 17,0000-foot snow-covered pass and scrambled over avalanches that covered trails more than 50 years old. The end result is that we have first hand eyewitness facts as well as the personal voices and requests from these hardest hit and most devastated areas. 

The devastation is extreme. The needs seem endless. Your prayers and generosity will help us meet these needs. 

Our approach has been to set emergency goals, pre-monsoon [June 15] rain priorities, end of year projections, and long-term [2-4 years] estimates. We re-evaluate these every three weeks from our experience and new information. We were told that the wisest decisions that lead to effective actions are made weeks and even months after the initial disaster. This is a work-in-progress that needs critical examination as things change. The problems in Nepal won’t be solved soon.

On Sunday, June 7th, I traveled by helicopter to visit and bring supplies to villages beyond the 17,000-foot pass. Due to our proven 18-year record of humanitarian and spiritual service throughout the country, we were able to charter a helicopter from Mission Aviation Fellowship at a greatly reduced rate. The day prior to our flight we sent two trucks loaded with tarps for weather protection and food supplies to the end of the road in Rasuwa District. Needed goods were distributed to the villages in Rasuwa. From this staging area additional goods were flown to the inaccessible villages in the Dhading District. On Monday, June 8th, a third truck delivered 600 bags of rice plus salt and cooking oil to Rasuwa.  

Our Rasuwa team returned to Kathmandu on Wednesday. Thursday we had our meeting to review, learn, re-evaluate, and refine our goals. Our next outing will be to some high hills in Makawanpur, an area southeast of Kathmandu. The monsoon rains will make this area inaccessible in a few weeks. Our learning curve tells us to order fewer tarps and provide more tin [aluminum] sheets. This is better for weather protection now and will also serve as roofs when we can build a more suitable house for the winter.

Nepal Center For Biblical Studies has been the hub of relief and aid activities within the church in Nepal. We have hosted, fed, and provided beds for numerous aid workers from many countries. Our students have been active in delivering blankets, food, weather protection, as well as giving spiritual encouragement.

NEEDS …. GOALS: Food. Better housing and weather protection. Goal #1 is to survive the first monsoon and winter with the fewest casualties. Goal #2 is to provide some level of decent daily existence to life in these devastated areas. The long-term goals are to restore some normalcy to their lives with housing, self-sufficiency, school for children, and to meet their spiritual needs with [a] Bible classes in their area for all Christians, and [b] having their leaders gather in selected sites for special classes and encouragement.  The ultimate goals are spiritual food, maturity in righteousness, and eternity in heaven.

We all have a greater appreciation for how good life has been to us. We have a deeper understanding of the meaning of “count your blessings.” It is a humbling experience to see both the smile and the tear as a mother says “dhanyabaad” [thank you]. That smile of gratitude, the tear of relief and the soft “dhanyabaad” are meant for you because of your compassion and generosity.

In love and service to God and His kingdom, 

UPDATE: 
Last Thursday Parsuram, Gajendra, and I met to review the past expenditures [time, work, and money], the results, the present needs and priorities, and our plans for the future.

The next ten days present a unique opportunity. Mike Brooks has been averaging one or two mission trips to Nepal for the past 20+ years. Sometimes he will visit a certain area and other times he will gather leaders together in central locations.  

Mike will have a meeting in Kathmandu beginning tomorrow through Wednesday. Christian leaders from the mountain communities [Rasuwa, Dhading, Thanahun] will be the primary visitors at this meeting. Later this week he will meet with Christian leaders from southern Nepal in the city of Narayangadh. Each of these meetings will focus on [a] the present spiritual health of the church in these areas, [b] the earthquake damage and the needs, and [c] having Bible lessons, fellowship, and giving encouragement.  

Parsuram, Gajendra, Shanti, Kaziman, and Depak will accompany Mike and actively participate in the meetings. Through group sharing and discussion during the meetings, and by personal conversations with Christian brothers, they will learn many things about the conditions in all the Districts that have suffered the greatest damage. This will help us to make wise decisions and to work closely with good cooperation to maximize our efforts.  

We plan to deliver 300 bundles of metal sheets during these meetings. These metal sheets are called tin, zinc, or aluminum, but every term refers to metal siding useful for weather protection. The size is usually 9 ft X 3 ft or 12 ft X 3 ft. They also vary in thickness and quality. There is such a short supply that we are getting whatever we can get our hands on. This is desperately needed because of the monsoon.

The monsoon has arrived!
While the monsoon would not wait for us to get ready, neither will winter. We will also be talking about safe and warm housing for the high mountains [Dhading and Rasuwa] before the snow comes. Villages are 5-10 miles south of the Tibet border, which is also the 20,000 feet spine of the Himalayan Mountains. We are limited in time, money, and proper materials. However, there is no limit to the problems and needs. That is why we must act wisely. The voice we will hear from our brothers in the next week will be a great asset and help leading to good judgment. Our greatest help is our God. His wisdom and power are limitless and endless.  

Our next meeting will be after Mike leaves [July 2]. Please pray for Nepal.

Gajendra Deshar        gajendra_deshar@yahoo.com
Parsuram Sunchuri        psunchuri@yahoo.com
Jerry Golphenee         jrgx21958@gmail.com

Day-To-Day Activities And Evangelism Reaching Souls...

Graduates from Denver and several other locations in the extension program are now located in their respective places and beginning to serve the church. After two years of intense study, these men and their families are prepared to help the local church grow numerically and spiritually. We are encouraged by their desire and pray God will bless their efforts for His kingdom.

Moving through the summer months seems a little more quiet than usual. We do have a few more graduations scheduled throughout the extension program and we know God will continue to bless those who are studying during these months. We are encouraged by the diligence and dedication of each of these men who “press on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” as Paul identified in Philippians.

Reports this week describe the current work of students in their day-to-day activities in the classroom and their evangelistic involvement. We know that you will be encouraged when you read through each report this week and see how God continues to give the increase to the Gospel preached by these brethren. The kingdom grows on a daily basis, as these reports indicate.

Please pray for these good brethren as they prepare and preach. One report addresses the nature of the work from the local prison in Cameroon. They face numerous challenges each day and willingly endure because of the good news about our Savior. Our prayer is that God will help us pursue the cause with the same level of commitment, reaching out with the Gospel to the people in our own country.

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 

38 Souls Added To The Kingdom And 23 Restored In Cameroon: The results from the latest campaign in Cameroon continues to show the power of the gospel preached.

The New School In Mbanga Is Reaching Out Locally And In Prison: The students from the new school and graduates from Wotutu joined in a local campaign to share the gospel.

One Of The Student’s Wives Is Baptized In Togo: One of the students at the Center for Biblical Studies, a recent convert from a local denomination, baptized his wife.

Grand Opening Of A New Congregation Near Arusha: The news is exciting as a new congregation is planted in Tanzania as a result of the recent Safari for Souls campaign.

ACSOP Students Hard At Work, Results Included Below: Sean Hochdorf’s report shares results from the recent campaign in Arusha, Tanzania. The news is worth reading.

Visiting Brothers And Sisters Encourage The Church In Tanzania: Short-term missionaries encourage the brethren in Tanzania and souls are added to the kingdom.

Final Thoughts 
Thank you is never enough when considering the debt of gratitude we owe each of you for your involvement in the extension training program. As the program grows, God continues to bless the work through you to provide what is needed during each step of the process. Thank you for your willingness to serve in such great ways. We need you and appreciate the blessing you are to each one in the program.

God bless
Bob

Visiting Brothers And Sisters Encourage The Church In Tanzania...

Dear Co-Laborers:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19 - 20).

As I was thinking what to write to you brethren, nothing came to my mind other than what is taking place in Njiro Chini and Manyire in Arusha town. We have a multitude of brothers and sisters who traveled thousands of miles from the USA (Oklahoma & Alabama) to East Africa to preach and save the lost souls. Surely this has reminded me of the words from the apostle Paul saying, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:20). 

These fellows are a real encouragement to us and to the lost souls that they are able to be meet. As of Saturday, June 13, 2015 two precious souls have been lead into the kingdom through baptism in Njiro Chini and four in Manyire. Apart from that, there are numerous promising Bible classes in both areas that need a serious follow up for more harvest. Please take one minute to pray for them, and pass the prayer request to brothers and sisters in Christ so that the prayer chain will not be broken.

I wish you all the best weekend, plus a wonderful worship on this Sunday.

Your fellow worker in the Kingdom,

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

ACSOP Students Hard At Work, Results Included Below...

Students now paired with local congregations
ACSOP students have now been organized and connected with one of thirteen congregations in the Arusha area. These future preachers will work alongside the local evangelist, all of whom are ACSOP graduates, to help and be mentored in the practical aspects of local work. In addition they also participate in one-on-one evangelism, working alongside brethren from the congregation. Our brother Godfrey Mngoma, ACSOP Dean of Students and preacher for the Arusha church of Christ, recently shared the results of last month's efforts:

New Bible Studies - 103
New Correspondence Courses- 153
New Converts - 17
Restored Brethren - 21

We praise the Lord for the souls that are being reached with the gospel of Christ and for the teamwork and unity between local members, preachers and preacher students.

SUMMER CAMPAIGNS UNDERWAY
Please keep the summer campaign efforts in your prayers that many will come to know Christ. This year campaigners will be coming from Oklahoma, Alabama, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas and Mississippi. In addition to conducting hundreds of one-one-one bible studies the campaigners will also be signing up those interested in Bible Correspondence Courses. Concerning literature, this years goal is to hand out several hundred bibles and over 300,000 tracts. 

CONCLUDING REMARKS
I am happy to report that my neck surgery went very well. I recently had my first followup visit with my surgeon and he was pleased with my progress. I have my next appointment in two weeks and am hoping, yeah, fervently praying, that he will clear me to travel. Anita and I cannot thank each of you enough for the way you have prayed and given of your means to see us through this process. We hope that the way we go forward with the Lord's work will be evidence of our gratitude for you and for our benevolent Father.

In August I will be attending Polishing the Pulpit. If you are interested in getting together at the conference or at a meal during the week to discuss the work, I would love the opportunity. Also, if you would like us to come and visit your congregation to give a report and share the good news about the work in Tanzania, drop me a line and we'll get a date on a calendar. 

Until next time, take care and God bless.

Yours in Christ,
Sean and Anita

Grand Opening Of A New Congregation Near Arusha...

With 3 groups of campaigners in town, operating campaigns at two different locations, last week was a very busy and rewarding time. Numerous people have been exposed to the gospel, and several brothers and sisters have been added to the body of Christ. The campaigners that were working in Njiro Chini head home to Alabama today. We loved having them here, and we pray for their safe travel.

Today I taught and worshipped at the Manyire congregation along with our remaining campaigners. Following services, we rejoiced to go down to the river where we witnessed the baptism of a former Pentecostal preacher. We welcomed him with great joy into the church family at Manyire.  

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Karatu. There we visited with the local preacher about some needs of the local church. We also had the chance to visit with two of our students who are home on break. One of them, Jeremiah, operates a children's home supporting a handful of orphaned children. They also train impoverished members of the Karatu community in the skills of sewing and weaving, giving them a trade with which to make a living.   

The other student we met with that day, Martin, told us of the grand opening of a new congregation that he was planting in the area. We discussed some ways that we could help get the congregation off to a good start. I appreciate so much the caliber of men that come to us for training. It is always a great pleasure to hear of the good works that they are a part of. I thought you would enjoy hearing about a couple of them as well.

Daniel Gaines

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

One Of The Student's Wives Is Baptized In Togo...

Gospel Chariot Visits Villages
Students of CBS in Kpalime spend sometime each week visiting nearby villages to distribute tracts and conduct Bible studies. 

Student’s Wife Baptized
The wife of Mawunyo, one of our students, was baptized. Until recently they were members of the “Good Shepherd Church‟ in Kpalime. About two months ago, the name of the  church was changed to Church of Christ. The congregation is now worshiping as a New Testament Church. In recent months, Mawunyo got the opportunity to introduce the “Good Shepherd Church‟ to the New Testament Church, several members were baptized while the teachings continued. Instructors from CBS have been visiting on Sundays and Wednesdays to teach the Bible class. Let us continue to pray for this new congregation that all will accept the teachings and eventually become part of the church. 

2nd Annual Kloto Lectures  
The churches in the Kloto area organized a one day lectureship under the theme “The One Another Experience.” This event took place on the Sunday May 24th. Thirteen congregations were present with a total attendance of 272. Topics discussed included: “Love One Another,” “Forgive One Another,” and I was assigned to speak on “Encourage One Another.” The program was hosted by the Hanyigba Church of Christ. 

Meeting with Students
I had the opportunity during my recent trip to Kpalime to meet with the student body. They requested this meeting to discuss some pertinent issues with me. The key issue had to do with the relationship between instructors and students. Students were allowed to state their grievances and the misunderstandings were resolved. This was a learning experience for both students and instructors. The meeting also dealt with some doctrinal issues agitating their minds. We then ended the meeting with plans for the forthcoming graduation in September. 

WBS Office in Zomayi, Kpalime
We recently acquired a shop, renovated it, and turned it into a WBS and Literature center. The facility will also be used to conduct group studies and personal Bible studies. Such an office became necessary because it is taboo for some denominations to enter places of worship of other churches. This office is considered a neutral ground. The office will be equipped with a computer, projector, screen, white board, and various kinds of teaching aids. The office will also have tracts displayed in front of it for distribution. 

Because of its location, after our weekly radio broadcast, listeners will be directed to this office should they have any questions. This facility will also serve as the Gospel Chariot’s contact office. 

by H. Willie Gley

The New School In Mbanga Is Reaching Out Locally And In Prison...

With the love of God upon our lives, we extend our greetings from this part of the world. Evangelism is our mission and our mission is Evangelism.This was really a week for evangelism, as students at the school were out for field work and ex-students from Wotutu were also out for evangelism. The alumni worked in Nkamlikum, a big quarter around Kumba Town and left with one soul been added to the Church.

The students just finished their first internship program yesterday from their various congregations. So far we have not received all their reports because some are areas were there is no work connection. But so far we have recorded two (2) baptisms. We are now on holidays and students will return next week to begin short-courses on Monday eight (8) a.m. prompt.

Ititi

Calvary greetings. Brother Naoussi Albert, who is one of the students in the French Bible School in Mbanga, was with me in Kombe for a two-day campaign, from Friday to Saturday the 5th to 6th of this month. We moved from door to door preaching the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Lord blessed His work by adding two souls in His kingdom, Kango Mirane and Onngah Frida.

The congregations of the churches of Christ in Cameroon, most of them have every few members. However, there are some with more than 150, with a higher figure of 220 in Kumba. The church has been in this country for about 67 years and there are about 250 congregations. There are 10 regions in Cameroon. The French speaking regions consist of 8 and in these regions we have 36 congregations, plus the one in Kombe and Mbanga making 38, while the English speaking regions consist of 2.

In the Southwest Regions there is one having a strong base of the churches of Christ in Cameroon, especially Meme Division, Kumba being its capital. In the French zone, there are regions where the church does not exist and in the Far North region we have one, Adamawa region one and South region two. Most sincerely, a lot is still to be done in the French zone. Some Bibles were given to prisoners in Mbanga donated by the Pattoville church of Christ (33 Bibles). May God bless us as we struggle in this field of wilderness.

Etongwe Etienne Nicholas

38 Souls Added To The Kingdom And 23 Restored In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters in Cameroon. We are doing better and we praise God for that. We are happy to be part of the rainy season here, whereby it rains some days the whole day. This will help the crops and there will be food in the future.

We do hope everybody there is doing okay. We are happy to welcome our coordinator, minister David and deacon Jonathan to come and teach in the school of preaching here. They made it safe to Cameroon and they are doing well. Keep them in your prayers to remain healthy and strong. Please keep them in your prayers that they will remain strong so as to accomplish what brought them here.

Our students were out for their second mission work in 21 different locations. God used them greatly to accomplish His purpose. They are all back on campus safe and sound except for brother Valentine, who had a car accident on his way back to school. Keep him in your prayers.

Students were going house to house reaching out with the gospel to many they will meet. Tracts were handed out to people who are eager to study further in their absence.

Brother Oponde Daniel was in a dying congregation because members are fighting for leadership. He did his best to calm down the situation and to nurture.

Gladson shared the gospel and tracts. Many thanks to Mission Printing for allowing these tracts to come our way that we can use them to ease our evangelistic efforts.

Sister Martha obeyed the gospel in Ebie village. Brother Oponde baptized sister Liza into Christ in Lykoko village. Brother Gladson baptized brother Laza. A total of 38 baptisms were recorded. God added these souls in His different congregations. 

I believe in nurturing, so we shall keep sending our students to those areas for them to continue to nurture because 23 souls fell from grace and were brought back to the fold. Keep this effort in your prayers as we have the means to continue helping the church to grow.

Minister David and deacon Jonathan made their way to Cameroon, Wotutu safe to teach and to see how the work and different ministries are going on here. They visited the prison ministry in the Buea central prison preaching the gospel.

I am a dreamer and my dreams are full with the thoughts of how to better grow the church of Christ in Cameroon. Thank you for standing by me. I know we can do it for the glory to go to God.

We stood in Buea central prison, standing where we would have been doing baptism because this is where we are able to baptize in prison, but today there was no water and because we are not allowed to take the inmates outside for them to be baptized.

Plan
This week is set aside for the short course, “New Testament Church” until Friday.

Brightland Christian Academy will celebrate their second graduation ceremony. We are doing our best to help many see the importance of Christian education.

Appreciations
God bless you and replenish from where you are to make sure this work is in progress. God alone will reward you. From the bottom of our hearts we say “thank you for all you are doing.”

Do your best to share this with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

The Difficult Challenges In Extension Training...

One of the realities of working in the extension program is the need, at times, to address difficult situations that lead to withdrawing our relationship with a school in a specific location. This was the situation that occurred over the past week in Uganda. We do not intend to go into all the details, but due to a lack of meeting specific criteria, the overseeing congregation and the Bible Institute made a decision to withdraw from the work. These types of decisions are never made easily or quickly. They are made after much time, prayer, and discussion concerning the best way move forward. We ask that you pray with us regarding the situation and the future for those affected by the decision and for wisdom in moving forward.

After graduation in Denver and other locations, students are moving into a number of areas to begin their ministry. We are excited with the development of each area where they serve and pray God’s blessings on them as they strive to lead the lost to Jesus. We know their efforts will strengthen and build up the church, as well as, provide a variety of ways to reach out to others with the gospel.

The reports point to another wonderful week of God blessing those preparing to share the gospel with others. While there will always be unpleasant areas associated with the work, the overall nature of God’s activity in the program explains why the work continues to be worth the time and effort invested. Please remember our efforts in prayer.

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 Jerry Bates can be read here.

The latest report from Howell Ferguson can be read here.

Extension Reports 

Trip To Ghana Proves Beneficial For Study In Church Growth: A visit to Ghana for a lectureship on Church Growth results in growth as souls were added to the church.

Recapping Graduation At ITL In Guatemala: The third class of graduates in Guatemala were honored in their recent celebration. The report this week shares the entire week of activities.

Graduation And Other Activities At The West Coast School Of Preaching: The report and pictures from the recent graduation in Ghana speak for themselves.

Students Receive Good Reports From Local Congregations: Students in Kenya are gaining a good reputation for their work among local congregations near Kisumu.

Graduation In Ukraine: While there are several reports on graduations this week, the challenge of the class recently graduating in Ternopil, Ukraine is encouraging to read.

Safari For Souls Reaches A First In Tanzania: A local congregation in Arusha will host the first Safari for Souls in July. The report this week shares the incredible growth of the Lord’s church.

Just Another Sunday In Arusha, Tanzania: The report from Daniel Gaines this week shares activities about the work Sunday and its impact on the Kisongo congregation.

Denominational Preacher Converted In Tanzania: The power of the gospel is encouraging to see when a denominational preacher becomes a Christian and begins reaching others.

Final Thoughts 
As we close out another week, we thank you for your investment in this work. Your time, abilities, and resources are the lifeblood of the program. You continue to be a blessing to us and thousands more reached with the gospel through training preachers. Thank you for making it all possible. We pray God’s richest blessings on you.

God bless
Bob

Just Another Sunday In Arusha, Tanzania...

Today I had the pleasure of introducing the Spiritual Disciplines seminar to the brethren at the Kioga congregation. There was a full house, and the lessons were well received. Afterward, I enjoyed visiting in the home of one of the local evangelists as we encouraged one another. 

Start Fragment
Those of you who have followed the work here for a long time might remember the interesting story of how this congregation was established thanks to "Blind-man Moses". One day two young men showed up at the church in Arusha saying, “Moses sent us down from the mountain to be baptized.” Sounds very biblical, doesn't it? Those men were baptized, and one went on to graduate from ACSOP and is now the preacher at the Ilkiurei congregation. It turns out that there was a brother living on Mt. Meru who had gone blind due to diabetes. Thus he was unable to make the difficult journey down the mountain alone. For awhile, the brethren would go and get Moses, but that soon became impractical. So a church was planted in Blind Man Moses’s 9’x8’ goat shed. Soon it could no longer hold the growing congregation, and a building had to be built. Moses has since gone on to receive his reward, but the congregation continues to thrive. Despite its remote location the Kioga congregation is the second largest in the Arusha area.  

We're looking forward to a very busy week this week. There's a large campaign group that arrived a couple of days ago. They're joining a small group that was already here working in the Njiro Chini area. Tomorrow evening another group will be arriving to work in the Manyire area. It is exciting times as there is so much activity and energy being dedicated to the Lord's service. Keep these efforts in your prayers.

Josiah Update: The family has made it safely back to the States, and has gotten the process started of seeing doctors and scheduling tests. At this point we don't really know any more than that, but we're confident that he's in good hands. Thank you so much for the countless prayers that are being offered on our family's behalf. 

Daniel Gaines

Safari For Souls Reaches A First In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We thank God for the many blessings He bestows upon us. One of the greatest blessings is our Christian fellowship. God continues to do mighty works through your prayers and support here in East Africa. Thank you and please know, we love you and we thank God for each of you for your part in “fighting the devil,” as our good brother Kambarage often says. 

We had a busy week, preparing and continuing our Safari for Souls campaigns. Thus far, our God has blessed our efforts with the addition of 19 souls. Our good friends and co-workers from the Hoover, AL congregation arrived (12 in number), led this year by our good brother Chuck Webster. They (we) will be working at the newly planted Njiro Chini congregation here in Arusha. The pre campaign efforts produced several new converts and dozens of personal Bible studies. 

Our good friends from Elk City, OK will leave the States today, arriving in Tanzania tomorrow night. Brother Danny and his wife, Cathy, (leading the group this year - both are dentists) will be offering their services for several days taking care of the dental needs of the good people of TZ. What an amazing way to use your gifts to glorify our God and serve our fellow man. The group will join our Tanzanian brethren working at the Manyire congregation where our brother Jackson ministers. 

This year we will have a first. The Arusha city church will host a SFS campaign at the end of July. This will be supported by good brothers and sisters  throughout Tanzania. It thrills the soul to see the church in this area grow and see the need to reach out to the lost of their community with the saving message of the gospel. Please pray for all outreach efforts here in the Arusha area, that our God will be genuinely glorified, souls will be saved, and the lives of all who give of themselves, from supporters to participants, are built up in the most Holy Faith. 

Gasper Julius writes: “Good afternoon. We thank God for two souls have been added to the Kingdom today.”

Yusuph Mdaki writes: “We are doing well, one soul has been added at Mganza.”

The year was 1998, we began working here in the Northern part of Tanzania, in the city of Arusha. At that time there was one congregation of the Lord’s people meeting, about 30 souls. Fast forward to 2015, in the city of Arusha there are now eight congregations with an average attendance of 439 souls meeting to worship the one and only living God of Heaven. Between the eight congregations there are currently 143 active home Bible studies ongoing. Through this evangelistic attitude and activity, God has blessed His Church with 59 new souls this year alone. 

When the church has Her priorities in order, God gives the increase overtime. Let each of us pray for the church around the world that we might all be “soul conscience.” Our family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors need God, His word, and our genuine love. Is it really possible to say, “I love God,” and not “love our neighbor?” For, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man should lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Amen!

Your prayers are solicited and we invite each of your to continue, hand in hand, with us as we strive to do God’s will each and every day. Until all have heard…

In Him, 
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Students Receive Good Reports From Local Congregations...

Receive our greetings from Kenya in the Lord. We trust you are doing well, as we are doing well here. There has been heavy rains in many parts of Kenya causing flooding and loss of lives and destruction of properties. We thank God Kisumu has not been affected with flooding nor with terrorism acts that has been affecting the Eastern part of Kenya.

We had a great third quarter with the 20 students. They have continued to grow in the knowledge of God's word and this was proved by the good reports from local congregations that they have been visiting to help in evangelism and ministering. Some of the local church leaders called the school inquiring where the preaching students were and why they were not getting to worship. They have been good servants and their presence and absence is always felt by all. 

During the quarter, the students were taught seven classes, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Matthew by Elias. English II, Joshua - Ruth by Charles. The book of Job by David Wasonga and two short courses on Leadership and 1 & 2 Thessalonians by Mike Rowand and Ralph William respectively from USA. We also had bad power blackouts that interferes with learning and the school is in real need of a power generator. The students are breaking for three weeks before coming back on June 26 to begin the fourth quarter. 

During the time that brother Rowand was teaching at the school, another group of his team, led by David Thompson, were busy visiting former KSOP graduates to see and know how they are doing. This brought excitement and great encouragement to the former graduates to know they are still loved and cared for. The places we managed to get to within the short time we had speaks volumes. The former graduates are doing well and active, leading worship and evangelism. Some who come near Kisumu have been very active also in gospel campaign meetings. This is a vote of confidence that the training of preachers is not in vain here. 

We continue to thank all the brethren and churches who believe in training men accurately to "rightly divide the word of God".

We now look forward to great reports that will be brought by the students after the break. Keep them in your prayers. 

Blessings to you all for the work you do on your side. 

His servant, 

Charles Ogutu
Director Kenya School of Preaching 

Trip To Ghana Proves Beneficial For Study In Church Growth...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings in Jesus name to you and your entire family. God is faithful to His children daily. I am happy to say hello to you in Cameroon after a short visit to Ghana. I do hope this report finds you healthy and sound in faith.

I met my family doing better, except for my wife who has ill health. I met the Wotutu congregation doing fine and healthy in all that was going on in my absence.

I met the campus of BVBIC-Wotutu empty because all the students were gone to 21 different locations for evangelism and I await their return within the week as they start short courses with the coordinator, David Ballard, on the 15th of June, on “The New Testament Church.” Keep them all in your prayers.

I left Cameroon to be part of a one day Bible lectureship in Ghana on Church Growth. The lessons were good for me and I will do my best to teach it also to many in Cameroon. I was also to attend the graduation ceremony of the students of Ateiku School of Evangelism. Keep this work in your prayers.

15 men graduated and are now in 15 congregations for nurturing, so as to provoke growth. I was blessed to witness it and to add more to what we are doing in Cameroon.

It was time to pray for the newly graduated evangelists. The ministers’ presence were allowed to exhort, pray, and lay hands on them. It was a great event. Pray for the new evangelists as they start exploring the world to harvest souls for Christ.

I also stopped by a congregation in the city of Accra, where I was cut by their theme for the year 2015 Rescuing Perishing Souls. Our calling into the ministry is to rescue souls who are perishing and souls who are rescued, so that they will be nurtured and be prepared for heaven. Keep me and many others in your prayers, so that we stay focused to this.

The Wotutu congregation again this week was blessed with a baby boy by the name Princewill. A community that witnesses births has a posterity. Our congregation has a bright and wide future. Keep praying and be part of our dreams.

Last Sunday, I was given the privilege to preach a sermon on the topic, “Who are You in the Business of Church Growth?” (Acts 19:15) It was great and I was blessed to preach in a different pulpit and different geographical location, but the same message of the Bible that has the power to save. I enjoyed the “3 E’s lesson: Exposure, Experience and Example.” Wow! It was awesome for me to be there and I am thankful to God for using me to contribute my part to the development of His kingdom on earth.

After my 30 minute sermon, it was time for the call for baptism and 9 precious and energetic souls gave their lives to be used by God for the growth of the church. It was amazing to witness that far away from home, but I was satisfied that our family is big. Glory to God.

I spent a couple of days in an orphanage where I saw how it is being run there to see how to add to the Brightland Christian orphanage in Wotutu. Traveling is good if you can afford it. I benefitted a lot from that trip and it will do good to my work here in Cameroon and that of my wife. Keep our ministries in your prayers.

Plan
1) Next month will be our trip to the west coast of Cameroon.

2) Lebialem mission is moving ahead. I am planning a re-visit trip there soon after sending students for mission work and weekend evangelism to evaluate and see the progress of the work and provide possible input. Pray for this young congregation in Menji town.

Appreciations
God bless you, keep you, and replenish from the source in which you are using to make sure this work in going on well. Thank you for your prayers and support. God will reward you in due season. Share our work with others who may love to be part of the different ministries here.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director of BVBIC-Wotutu