Reflecting On The Youth Seminar And Spiritual Disciplines Classes...

It’s my hope that this short report finds you well. God is always great. I have witnessed how God’s providence works through His children. Last week there was a great youth seminar that was held at the Kilimanjaro Bible school building. There was at least one hundred and fifty youth in that seminar. I was scheduled to teach on Saturday morning on how the Lord’s church can be self-supporting. I taught a sermon that had many questions from the youth because they had seen a lot struggles in the church. This is a one week seminar which rotates among the churches of Tanzania each a year. These young men came from many churches in the country. The greatest news is that six young men who attended seminar were baptized, and one of them was from the Kisongo church. It was surprising to see a young boy from the Kisongo Church leading songs and praying while I have never seen his hidden talent. I met with various teachers and preachers from all over the country using their talents to help young men.

Also, last Sunday I was at the Kioga church teaching in the spiritual discipline seminar, while Charles Hebert ended the same seminar at Kisongo. As you may know, edification is necessary for the children of God. This seminar has had a big impact on the church, as there is big growth due to the teachings of this seminar. The efforts of individual Christians participating in various activities in the church is evidence of the growth. At the Kioga church, there are many older people and I was amazed with their great love and compassion. The people seem to understand the lesson by asking many questions after Bible class and after worship. 

These great efforts would not be possible without a great team which you are a part of. God is the great leader of that team. Please remember the ACSOP team in your prayers as they are planning things for the glory of God, also without forgetting the missionaries who are not sleeping thinking about this work. May the God of heaven be with you.

In His Work,

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

Help Needed To Keep A Congregation Working In Babati, Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

It is a joy and a privilege to be called a child of God. To know we have a family without borders and a home prepared for us in eternity brings true peace to the soul. If it is true, and it is, that God desires all mankind everywhere to know Him and come to a knowledge of the Truth, then we as HIs family must know, He has chosen us to make known the “unsearchable richest of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). Let each of us be a person who not only go to “church,” but the “church” who go to the world. 

Since May of this year we have been a part of no less than five “Safari for Souls” campaigns. Hundreds of souls, if not thousands, have heard the truth of the gospel and the Lord continues to give the increase. It is such a blessing to see our fellow Christians from America come and give sacrificially. To see the “light” go off in their eyes as they witness firsthand, some for the very first time in their Christian lives, the true power of the gospel in the lives of those desire to hear and know the truth. To be a part of God’s Kingdom growth here in Tanzania, East Africa, witnessing the nurturing of the various new church plants, well, it is simply amazing. 

The Arusha congregation is finishing their campaign. A campaign they planned and executed with 75 faithful workers. They invited evangelists (and their wives) from all over Tanzania. They have done a great work and in so doing, four souls were added to the Church, forty-seven bible studies established, 56 Bible correspondence courses set up, and more then 2,300 Bible tracts distributed. 

The Ushirombo congregation, where our brother Yusuph Mdaki ministers, just completed a week long seminar as well. They had elven congregations and 130 workers present. To see our graduates from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching grow and lead in the growth of the Lord’s church is so encouraging. 

I received a visitor this past week by the name of Thobias Lupagalo. Thobias is married with one child. He is a High School teacher at Babati (a couple of hours southeast of Arusha). Thobias was introduced to the Lord’s church at a young age here in Arusha. He moved to Dar es Salaam to complete his High School education as well as his college degree education. He is a strong servant of Christ, godly husband and father. 

Thobias came to Arusha begging for help. He, along with the Babati congregation, have worked hard to secure a location for the church to meet. The city of Babati is growing and now one of the largest cities in Tanzania. The congregation has saved around $1,000 to help purchase land. The place where they are now meeting has a small house where they can worship. The owner has given them to the end of July to either pay the balance of $2,500 or they will lose the $1,000 they have given and will be forced to vacate the property. 

This is the ONLY congregation of the Lord’s people in this huge city of lost souls. PLEASE consider this opportunity and help us help them help themselves. 

On behalf of the entire Tanzania Missions team, we say thank you to all who have played a part in making this work of God possible. Until all have heard…

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

The School In Ukraine Is Moving To A More Permanent Location...

Hello dear brothers, families and churches. 

Thank you for your prayers and the help that you offer for the work of the Institute and for my family. Last month, we ended our school year in Ternopil. And most likely we will start a new school year in a different city. We've had time to think about what place would be the best for the Institute. When considering different locations we had several criteria in mind: 1. It should be a big city with convenient transport connections; 2. There should be a sound church of Christ congregation there; 3. It should be convenient for Ukrainian teachers to travel to; 4. It should be convenient for American teachers to travel to (international airport); 5. It should be city with no language barriers for both Ukrainian and Russian speakers; 6. It should be safe for students and workers of the Institute. I’ve sought counsel from both American and Ukrainian brethren, and we prayed for the future of the Institute. As a result, we all had but one option, which was agreeable for everyone – the city of Dnepropetrovsk. There is a church of Christ congregation there, where BVBIU graduate, Alexander Rodichev, preaches. The congregation in Dnepropetrovsk is willing to provide us with a place to have classes and school events. I’m asking you to pray for our plans and the future of the Institute. 

The situation in Ukraine is still unstable. Unfortunately, the towns near the frontline suffer from shootings. Gorlovka is one of them. There are bomb explosions and shootings in town every day, and many people can get back to their homes. The only good thing is that the borders are the way they were decided in Minsk in February. Ukrainian army strengthened their positions all around that territory, and it seems it won’t be easy for the Russian army to move as easily as they did last year. 

It is summer vacation time at the Institute and the period of evangelizing practice for the students. Students received assignments for each summer month: they have to preach, teach Bible classes, evangelize on the streets, and visit those who got sick or left the congregation. 

My family and I are in Kramatorsk at our parents, and we witnessed how the church of Christ in Kramatorsk distributed humanitarian aid among the refugees. I have also preached at the Slavyansk church of Christ last Sunday. It’s so nice to be back to my hometown and have fellowship with brothers and sisters that we haven’t seen for so long. The atmosphere in Kramatorsk is peaceful. There are many soldiers and military machines on the streets. Right now there is a VBS at the Kramatosk church of Christ, which is the usual camp that Jeff Abrams and his team does. We are grateful for his ministry. 

We plan to move to Dnepropetrovsk in July. I will have to move the Institute’s and my personal belongings there in the time remaining. I will have to find a place for the students to live and continue looking for the new students for this school year. I’m asking you to pray for our plans to work out. 

My family, our students, and teaching staff sends you their greetings. We thank every person who prays for us and supports us financially. I know God has prepared the best for us. 

Your brother and coworker for the Lord’s cause,
Dennis Sopelnik

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

Adversity Brings Forth Opportunity And Reveals Maturity!

The wisdom that we attain through trials and suffering in our lives is such a wonderful blessing from God (Jas 1:2-3)! As we mature in our walk with God, we learn to see and adjust to adversity for the better. We trust that God is involved and that he is trying to grow us to be mature children of His. Whether it be losing your current job or the government unexpectedly demolishing your property unjustly just to spite you, you learn to take it in stride and look for the positive. Maybe losing our job opens up new opportunities to serve God in a different way. Joseph lost his job as a servant of Potiphar only to be second in command to Pharaoh and ultimately bring the children of Israel to Egypt. 

Do we have the same patience and forbearance as Joseph and trust that God knows what He's doing? When people in authority misuse their power against us unjustly, do we remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:11-12 and of Paul in Romans 13:1-7? How we react to these circumstances demonstrates our maturity as God's children. I am pleased to say that the church in Siem Reap has met such adversity and responded with such maturity. We came together, encouraged one another, and showed our growth as children of God. We realize that sometimes we don’t see eye to eye with each other, but we can always look forward together in Christ. We are so thankful for the local work that's producing mature and capable leaders through the Bible school and orphanage. We are thankful for our brethren overseas who are supporting us both financially and spiritually. Please continue to support and pray for the work of Christ here in Cambodia.

Hout's mother finally putting on Christ in baptism. We are so happy for Hout!

The church in Siem Reap shared its blessings with the villagers in Sambu. Thanks to our brothers and sisters in Bear Valley, we were able to provide some food for over 100 people at a village where two of our future graduates will work at!

Phanat

To see Phanat’s report with pictures of Hout’s mother being baptized and the food provisions at Sambu, please click here.

Students Return With News Of Baptisms And Restorations...

We bring greetings from this part of the world. We hope all is well in Jesus’ name. We appreciate brother David Ballard for his great visit, the good time we spent together in class teaching, and at home. For the matriculation ceremony, you played a great roll as a coordinator.

To my elders and deacons of Frisco Church of Christ, we had a very busy week with brother Ballard teaching and my translating, going up and down for mission work, which was really fruitful.

Students returned from vacation with 4 baptisms an 12 restorations reported, but only 8 could come back with good health. The 9th person is still sick, but with us taking treatment. We plan to send him back to his family. We are still waiting for the family members to come pick him up. Students just finished their first quarter with short-courses on “Discipleship” taught by brother Beassem Julien, the preacher of the Dakar assembly in Douala and on “The New Testament Church” taught by the coordinator, brother David Ballard. On the 27th we officially opened the school in the presence of the coordinator who made the declaration in the presence of some elders of the church, directors of other preaching schools, the chief of our local community and his notables, members of the church, and other invitees. The event was great. Students are doing great even though with some difficulties because is was just the beginning, but we believe it is going to be ok. 

Weekend evangelism is also going on well, even though this weekend was characterized with festivities. We still remember that evangelism is our mission an our mission is evangelism. A visibility of studies was carried out within the week in a neighboring village that has never had a congregation and we are happy to tell the world that there is a congregation today in Mujuka village. It is close to Mbanga and we were able to worship for the first time last Sunday, the 28th, with about 15 persons. Oh God is great. Keep this work in your prayers, the students, and the staff of the Institute.

Students preached in door-to-door work and in the church at the new congregation in Mujuka.

Ititi
Director of BVBI-Mbanga

Pray For The Health Of Elangwe And His Son In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. I do hope this report will meets you healthy and sound in all that you do. We are better here, but I am sick and my son also. We were both at the hospital to see the doctor and now we are home. Please keep us in your prayers. I have severe gastric problems with bleeding in my stomach.

Last week went on well in BVBIC-Wotutu, as all our students were back ready for the third quarter, which is interesting because of the course lined up for them.

Last week also our coordinator left Cameroon. As I write this report now he is back home doing well.

Do your best to share this report with others.

God bless you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Preparing For Ministry In God's Kingdom...

While this week may not share as many reports as in the past, there is never a dull moment when it comes to extension training. Even though students in Denver enjoy a break from their studies, training continues around the world. Extension training thrives as students prepare themselves for ministry / service in the Lord’s kingdom. We are excited to learn about and share the results of their activities.

We ask for your continued prayers concerning several areas within the extension program: 1) pray for the brethren and people of Nepal as they work to rebuild their lives, 2) pray for the situation in Ukraine, as staff and students try to determine an opportunity to return to Eastern Ukraine, 3) pray for the souls who obeyed the gospel over the past week in various locations reporting below, and 4) please remember to pray for the development and growth of the extension program through the end of this year and the years ahead. We will report more about new schools in the weeks and months ahead.

We are thankful for each of you and the wonderful way you continue to encourage and support the work of extension training.

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 

Outreach With The Visiting Coordinator In Cameroon Brings Forth Fruit: David Ballard’s visit to Wotutu and Mbanga brings benefit to the work of the schools and church.

Teaching Through 1st Corinthians And Weekend Evangelism In Nigeria: The church is growing spiritually and numerically through the work of staff and students at the SWSE.

The Good News Continues To Come our Way In Arusha: Several field reports from Cy Stafford continue to demonstrate the power of the gospel preached by the brethren in Tanzania.

Many Good Souls Have Been Won To Christ In The Past Few Weeks: Reports from the staff at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching indicates a fruitful Safari for Souls campaign.

140 Young People Gather For The Tanzania Youth Seminar: A recent youth seminar in Tanzania not only sees a record number of participants, the Lord also added to the kingdom.

Final Thoughts 
Thank you for your continues involvement in this program. Only God knows the number of souls touched by the power of the Gospel proclaimed each week. We express our thanks to God and you for the opportunity to work together in this endeavor. Reading about the growth of the kingdom each week is encouraging for us and we pray it is for you also. Thank you!

God bless
Bob

Outreach With The Visiting Coordinator In Cameroon Brings Forth Fruit...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this end. I am sure you are doing okay in all that you do, as we are doing great and God is blessing. We are in the rainy season and rain is doing its best now in Cameroon.

After the short-course with our coordinator we sent out all our students for vacation because we re-schedule our programs just to make sure. We meet up with the program of the coordinator and it all went well.

As I am writing this report, all our students, except one who lost his son, are now back in school to start the next quarter which begins tomorrow.

They return from their vacation with great news about growth and appreciations from their home congregations about their spiritual growth. Our students are handling and preaching better now than before they came to the Bible college in Wotutu.

In Wotutu, our students took the final after a week of intensive studies. It was great to have the coordinator stand in front of the Gamma batch of students to teach. This was the first time for the Gamma batch of students to stay in class and learn from the him.

After the week of teaching in BVBIC-Wotutu, we moved to the new BVBIC-Mbanga for another week of teaching. I was with the coordinator for the one week, so as to make sure he is fine and safe because the director there needed to learn how to accommodate visiting instructors. I was there to help if any help was needed, but it was great until yesterday that they did their matriculation.

Evangelism is our mission: After 6 hours in the class, we still went out for visiting and meeting people. We went on a train ride to Kumba and later Tombel for visiting and also to be part of a youth forum. It was great for us to do that so as to encourage the youths who are the church of tomorrow.

We encouraged and discussed the possibility of a new congregation in this village, called Mujuka. Today, a new congregation was born with 16 souls worshipping God with the New Testament design. Join us in praise to God because this village is nearer to Mbanga. The school in Mbanga will take care of nurturing this young congregation and bringing it to maturity. Please pray for the work there.

Several sisters in one of our newly established congregations are zealous to know more about God and to share the message with their husbands and the community. Many continue to ask for Bibles as we must point to the truth only through the lines of the Bible. I salute their zeal and I pray we can be of help to empower them with adult education for them to know more on how to read and also explain the truth the way it is suppose to be. Pray for our sisters in Cameroon, as many of them need empowerment in many vocational things which will help them balance many situations in our societies. There is a saying that “if you educate or empower a woman, you have empowered entire communities." Our goals are high for our sisters. Maybe you have an idea as to what we can do to realize this. If so, then feel free to get back to me.

Many of them were reading tracts and keeping what is inside, so that they will share it with others. Many thanks to Mission Printing for sending the tracts to us and we pray and wait for the next container that will be shipped to us. This helps us take the tracts to many more communities that the first container could not serve fully.

Our students return from vacations with this precious news: 3 souls were added in two villages where they were for vacation. The spirit of BVBIC-Wotutu will always remain with our students as they now know the importance of reaching out to souls at any giving time. We share the gospel and God gives us opportunity to rob from the strong man’s house.

Plans
e still plan to go with all the students to Idenau, the west coast region, to establish a new congregation which will be the second in the entire west coast of Cameroon.

Keep our students in your prayers as they start their third quarter tomorrow, that as the days are going by, they will continue to grow for His glory and services.

Appreciations
I thank God for you. God has been so kind to us through all that you are doing to make this work a reality. God bless you and keep you strong and safe. You are in our prayers and we trust God that it is well with you. Do your best to share our reports with others.

God bless you and your entire family.

Elangwe and family

140 Young People Gather For The Tanzania Youth Seminar...

This past week about 140 young people from all over Tanzania gathered in Moshi for the Tanzania Youth Seminar. This was one of the largest turnouts ever for this traveling event. The hand shaking line after services this morning was so long that it circled the whole yard and spiraled inwards two-deep. We also had the opportunity to welcome 6 young people who were baptized during the week. 

This week the Arusha church will conduct a campaign of its own. There are no visiting foreign campaigners this time. They will just rely on the efforts of local evangelists, members, and missionaries to reach out to their community. All in all, it is a good time to be a Christian in northern Tanzania. Join with us in thanking God for the successful youth event, and petitioning His blessings on the Arusha campaign. To God be the glory!

Also, if any of you are interested in having me visit with your congregation at some point this year, then let me know, especially those of you that we didn't get to visit with during our furlough last year.

Daniel Gaines

To see Daniel’s report with pictures from the youth seminar, please click here.

Many Good Souls Have Been Won To Christ In The Past Few Weeks...

You can’t imagine how happy we are, after a long and busy month of June here at Arusha. As the old American saying goes, “happy to see the headlights coming, happy to see the taillights leaving”. As you have heard from many reports of the past that the Lord has been accomplishing many good things through his servants who came to Arusha, from the USA and from different places in this country. Precious souls have been added to Christ and His church. The ministers of these congregations are continuing to nurture these little babies in the word of God as our Lord instructed us “… teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…”.  And those good bible classes that have been established by our brothers and sisters have been set into a closer follow up to make sure that no one is left behind in this journey to Heaven.

House to house evangelism in Arusha town
Pre-campaign in Arusha town congregation has started bearing fruits. Two souls have been added into the church by the Lord through baptism this week. Beginning next week the congregation is going to be blessed with another busy week of House-to-House evangelism (as we now call fighting the devil). Every necessary preparation has been put in place for the children’s bible classes. As usual, we are expecting to have more that 100 children every day. About twenty preachers from different congregations have already been confirmed to come and participate in this big event of making disciples.  This makes me more happy because I will also have an opportunity to meet with one of the very first people (Mr. Lenkosi Mkwana) who obeyed the Gospel when the first missionary (Brother. Andrew Connally) came to Tanzania.

Youth seminar in Kilimanjaro
The Tanzania youth seminar is in progress. I had a privilege to attend a youth seminar that is going on in Moshi. About 120 youth from all over the country came to learn the bible. On the very first day, one brother was baptized. I was amazed to see a young boy leading songs (Hamisi) who had been a Muslim, but was baptized  two years ago through their seminar. There is nothing impossible to the Lord. Let us not grow weary to in prayer, and as brother Cy always says, “work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work.” May the Lord God bless you as you read and pray for this great ministry in Tanzania.

In Him,

Godfrey Mngoma
Dean of Students, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver extension school
Arusha, Tanzania

The Good News Continues To Come Our Way In Arusha...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

What a joy it is to be a part of God’s Kingdom work. We are family and we partner in the greatest cause known to mankind. We take comfort in the fact that our God is able and through your continued prayers and sacrificial giving, souls are being added to the Church day by day. 

This has been a “bitter-sweet” week for me personally. I put my sweet bride on the plane Wednesday night, the “bitter” part of my week. She was able to come and for the better part of June, allowing me to stay longer, one of the “sweet” parts of the week (month). 

The good news continues to come our way:

I met with several of our evangelists this past week to map out the plans for the follow-up work left from the recent campaigns. It is so encouraging to see the zeal, commitment, and love for God’s work in these men. Thank God and thank you for making their ministry possible. 

Field Reports: 

Michael Losotwa: “I have some good news for you, last Sunday Neema Nicola, Mary (Jeremiah's wife), and Editha Damiano obeyed the gospel. And we (Jeremiah, Michael & Clement) baptized them into Christ for remission of their sins.” 

Godfrey Mngoma Reports: “The Lord has blessed us with three more souls here in Arusha”. 

Oh, it gets even better…

Today, Daniel and I had the privilege of worshiping at Moshi as they concluded a week long “Tanzania Youth Seminar.” I believe the lessons taught speak highly as to the caliber of the young and their teachers here in Tanzania. For Bible class they heard a reason on the “Triune Nature of God,” and for the worship hour they had a lesson entitled “Ten Lessons I wish I had known when I was a teenager” (from a grandfathers perspective). What a joy it was to worship and fellowship with 140 teens from all over the country of Tanzania and the Kilimanjaro congregation. When services were over, we had the privilege of welcoming and shaking the hands of the 6 new Christians from the youth who put Christ on in baptism this past week. 

And just when you thought it could not get any better….the Arusha congregation will begin their Safari for Souls campaign tomorrow. Yes, our American bothers and sisters have returned to the States. They left much to do, many Bible studies and contacts to follow up with. The good brothers and sisters of Tanzania continue carrying the light of the Gospel to the lost of their nation. 

Over the next three weeks the Andrew Connally School of Preaching staff will be traveling throughout Tanzania and Kenya on a “Good-Will” tour. They will be visiting the home congregations of many of our students and some of our graduates as well. They will share the good God is doing through the school and recruiting future students as well. 

Please pray for all these efforts, that God’s will be done, and that many will come to know Him as their God before it is eternally to late. Until all have heard…

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

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