A Powerful And Fruitful Week...

As we make our way forward in this first quarter in Denver, freshmen students are settling into the routine and working on assignments designed to prepare them for the work of ministry. The week ahead for these students will provide them with a short break over the holiday weekend that allows them an opportunity to do the additional research required for their assignments in all six classes.

The reports from the extension locations this week are powerful. As you read through the reports, our prayer is that you are encouraged with the number of souls who were added and restored to the kingdom. From the reports this week, if the math is correct, there were 129 baptisms and 51 restorations. How can it get any more exciting than to read news of this nature? Awesome! Our God is Great!

Additionally, the school in Nigeria graduated another group of men headed into the harvest to share the good news of Jesus. The results of their outreach while in school indicates a powerful beginning. Graduation at the Southwest School of Evangelism in Ibadan, Nigeria is coupled with their annual lectureship, which this year focused on “The Mission Of The New Testament Church.”

Also, a new class of students begin their journey in Cambodia. The program at IBI in Siem Reap will implement a new curriculum specifically designed for the work in Cambodia and the challenges they face living in a Buddhist culture. Staff and students alike are excited to see the development of the curriculum, which also includes training in areas that will help in the sustainability of these students when they graduate.

One final piece of exciting news: a new school opens its doors this week in Luanshya, Zambia. Students arrived last week to begin classes and we look forward to sharing reports about the program in Zambia as it develops. The foundation is in place and students are ready to begin. Please pray for these men as this new program starts.

Now on to this week’s incredible reports...

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

The latest report from Howell Ferguson can be read by clicking here.

The latest report Gary Fallis can be read by clicking here.

Extension Reports

An Influential Conversion To Be Praying About In Cameroon: One of the teachers at the Brightland Christian Academy obeyed the gospel and is a strong influence in Wotutu.

Second Semester Exams And Evangelizing French Cameroon: After completing their second semester exams, students at Mbanga are reaching out to French Cameroon with the gospel.

Preparing For A New Class In Cambodia: The morale is high and everyone in Cambodia is excited about the beginning of a new class of students and a new curriculum.

The New School In Zambia Is Set To Begin This Week: We are excited to announce the beginning of a new school in Zambia. See pictures and read about the start of this program.

13th Annual Lectureship And 12th Graduation Of SWSE, Nigeria: The moral is high as a recent lectureship and graduation promoted students into the ministry in Nigeria.

Earthquake, Landslides, And Flooding Relief In Nepal, West Bengal, And India: The relief efforts provided by the Nepal Center for Biblical Studies is a strong influence for Christ.

Final Thoughts
Concluding thoughts from such a wonderful week can only be summed up by saying “thank you.” Again, we pray you were encouraged by the information shared in this week’s report and we hope you know how much we appreciate you making it possible for us to work together in this effort. May our God be glorified.

God bless
Bob

Second Semester Exams And Evangelizing French Cameroon...

We are grateful to read about the graduation ceremony from BVBIN-Ibadan. We thank God for taking good care of you in your trip from the US to Ibadan and now to Wotutu. Without sufficient rest you are going to start preaching over the Radio at 5:30, then start teaching at 8:00 the book of Galatians. I wish you the best, by His grace.

We are thankful for the support team and their sacrifices, traveling thousands of miles for this mission work and back is something we really need to thank God for that big work done by His Hands.

Students went through their second semester exams successfully and are spending their third day with different congregations right now for their second field trip. They went as far as Bangante in the western region and Abang in Mboe Bakossi, the brethren with whom we discoursed with when we went like that in Tombel.

A few students went to six different congregations and from feet back they are doing great. I went with one of the students on Friday just to see how they are doing.

Brother Galis will be coming for the short-courses and we are ready for the interpretation just as it works out with brother Ballard. We are sure it will work out the same this time around.

The work of the Lord is growing rapidly and we believe even the most difficult zone in French Cameroon will become as soft as the softest part in English Cameroon were the church has some grounds. Souls are being torched with the gospel every day in our lives most especially as we go around and answer some difficult questions from the minds of the lost.

By His grace we shall keep on changing the hearts of sinful men with a sinless word of the Lord Almighty.

Remain blessed,
Ititi

Earthquake, Landslides, And Flooding Relief In Nepal, West Bengal, And India...

Dear respected one,

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

Nepal Center for Biblical Study including all our Christian brothers and sisters at Kathmandu Valley are doing well in the school, in the local congregations, and ministries.

I visited six different congregations in East Nepal, West Bengal, and Darjeeling district of India. Many houses were destroyed and people died due to heavy rain fall and mudslides in West Bengal and Darjeeling district. Nepal is suffering from the earthquake and India is having problems with landslides and flooding. Because of this reason I made immediate plans to visit those congregations and encourage our brethren spiritually and physically. I left Kathmandu on the 1st of August and returned back of the 14th of August. I took Bibles, song books, and children Bibles for classes. I used some of our earthquake fund to help immediate needs of the congregations. I shared classes in those congregations in their convenient time. People were encouraged. We built one Church hall at West Bengal and provided metal roofing sheets, blankets, and stones for a wall, and food materials in other places. Nobody died from flood and landslide. 

I had time to talk with one of the Christian family members regarding my marriage. I am going to get married to Reajina Thapa from Mirik village of Darjeeling district of West Bengal. If the Lord wills we will be married in the month of December 2015. She is faithful and dedicated Christian. Please kindly pray for me and my future marriage plans.

Thank you all of your regular prayer and support for our work in Nepal.

Brother in Christ,
Gajendra Deshar

An Influential Conversion To Be Praying About In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

It is always amazing for me to stay back every Sunday to make what makes news here to you who live thousands of kilometers away. Our greetings go to you and we do hope you are doing fine.

The work here continues to make progress as we go out to do what the Lord has commanded us to do. We train preachers and at the same time nurture those the Lord has put under our care, to show them and encourage them to stay on the track that leads to heaven.

Moving around weekly and sharing the bread of life to many on our way free of charge is our business. The free bread is always available, but unfortunately many don’t know it. This is why rain or sun, we must reach out with this word to hearts that are searching for it.

Last week was examination week in BVBIC-Wotutu. The students went through their exams without any major problem, except for brother Oponde Daniel who lost his father and could not make it for weekend evangelism. He was home as the eldest son to make preparations towards the funeral. The father is laid in the mortuary, as he must go through the short course first, what a faith we have here. Keep him in your prayers and his entire family.

Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism. The four Gs are gaining ground in BVBIC-Wotutu, as we make sure the work is just as God intended it to be. You can see our students feeling free, happy, and blessed as they share the truth going house to house.

Our students continue to gain ground, as one of them, Njikeng Cyprine, officiated on the Lord’s table. Keep praying for them as they gain knowledge to serve in the near future.

Praise God our coordinator is here. He came in safe and sound to teach the book of Galatians. Wow, what a great book that our students will benefit from a good instructor. They start the short course tomorrow. Pray for their health and for knowledge to understand the work and their business here in Wotutu will be accomplished.

I was at the Bova congregation last week and two little kids saw me giving out Bibles to new converts. They moved up to me and said, “We are not up to the age to be baptized, but we really need a Bible.” I was so impressed to see their desire not just to hear the word, but to see the word of truth with their own eyes. It was amazing to me and I gave them a New Testament Bible in my bag. I will give them a complete Bible when next I visit that area.

This is what baptism can do. She smiles in the water pool after her long study with the church of Christ. She is called Franca Endoh. She has been a teacher with Brightland Christian Academy for the past 3 years. She has been studying with us being part of the devotionals and like that, she met me privately to ask some questions about the New Testament church. We show her and you would think she is getting it, but she just says, “thank you.” I just added some more knowledge to my learning. But join us to praise God that she obeyed the gospel within last week. Keep her in your prayers that her faith and devotion to God and the school will create an impact to the church here. She is very influential.

Plans
Keep our students in your prayers as they start short-courses this week. And after the short courses they will move for their third campaign of this year.

Appreciations
God is faithful and He can see our hearts how we are not only thankful to Him, but we are thankful to you for all that you are doing to make this work smooth. God will bless you and keep you strong. Thank you for loving the Lord and the old rugged cross. Without you and your prayers and support I personally doubt what would have happen to this work. Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

13th Annual Lectureship And 12th Graduation Of SWSE, Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ,

Greetings from Nigeria. We deeply appreciate all the Lord has been doing to us here at Southwest School of Evangelism, Ibadan, Nigeria.

One Month Student’s Teaching Practice: 
The one month teaching practice of all the students of SWSE from July 10 through August 11, 2015 resulted in the conversion of twenty-five souls and the restoration of forty brethren.

Ghana Trip: 
I was privileged from August 9 through 20 to meet with a thousand of faithful and zealous brethren in Ghana. Brother Seth Larbi, delegated brother Nicholas to pick us (myself and brother Isaac Olaniyan) at Tudu motor park by 1:30 am on August 9. We left Nigeria in the early morning of August 8 (Saturday), but due to the current security challenges the whole world is experiencing, the journey of twelve hours from Nigeria took us over sixteen hours. All six checking points were mounted by heavy armed security men from Nigeria to Ghana  and from Ghana back to Nigeria.

Brethren, nothing relieves a traveler better than being received by dedicated brethren at the point of his / her arrival in a strange land. We thank God for the leadership skills of brother Seth Larbi, which resulted in our safety at Tudu Park, even though we arrived late on August 9, 2015.

From August 10 through 20, our guest speaker, brother Jerry Bates, was busy rightly dividing the Word to the students of Bear Valley Bible Institute Ghana Graduates School, Accra. The instructors of the master’s program organized by BVBI for West Africa evangelists are so powerful because their teaching is very clear, informative, inspiring, and instructive. We are now looking forward for next class in early 2016.

Southwest School of Evangelism Updated: 
In answer to our long time prayer, the SWSE is now upgraded to Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria-Ibadan as of August 27, 2015 to enable us to operate as an international school of preaching hence forth. We thank brother Doug Wheeler, brother David Ballard, brother Steven Ashcraft, brother Keith Kasarjian, and brother Bob Turner for all their efforts, which finally make these upgrades.

Annual Lectureship and Graduation: 
We just concluded our 13th Annual Bible Lectureship & 12th Graduation ceremony, which was attended by about three hundred brethren and families of graduates. The theme of this year Bible Lectureship centered on “The Mission of the New Testament Church.” I introduced the subjects followed by brother Steven Ashcraft, brother David Ballard, brother Isaac Olaniyan, brother Augustine Odoh, brother Abiodun Owolabi (President of WNCC), and lastly brother Ayobami Akanji (an elder of the Isheri-Oshun congregation, Lagos and SWSE Board members). Three thousand VOTI vol. 84 were freely distributed to all the participants from the six geographical states of Nigeria. A carton of preaching books from Mission Printing was distributed as working tools to all our BVBI certificate graduates, while the ten students here for the Diploma in Theology also went home with a package of books by deceased brother John Waddey and books from World Evangelism.

Gratitude: 
We commend brother Joel Coppinger and associates, brother Doug Wheeler and associates, the BVBI family and you all for your unflinching support and contribution toward the development of this school over the years and we promise you our best to the glory of God. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless our work together in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

Yours fellow soldier of Christ,

Brother Makinde Ebens Olufemi (Director of Studies)
Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria-Ibadan

The New School In Zambia Is Set To Begin This Week...

Greetings from Zambia,

For the first quarter, the course list is as follows: Old Testament 1, How we got the Bible, Christian Evidences, and English as an elective.

Brother Cephas Mwamba is teaching Old Testament 1 and English.  Fred Kanangu is teaching Christian Evidences and How we got the Bible. Then brother Kennedy Mukuka will teach short-courses.

Two students did not report to begin classes, but even if they decide not to report, there is a great possibility that two other men might take their place. And we will still maintain the budget for ten students.

We have noticed that most of the prices of essential commodities have slightly gone up. For instance, the price of Mealie Meal was ZMK 70.00 and now is ZMK 78.00. Beef has gone up by ZMK 2. Cooking oil has gone up by ZMK 12. Kapenta has gone up by ZMK 5. Sugar has gone up by ZMK 3, etc.

We wrote Noel and Pearl. We really poured our humble hearts in thankfulness to them. We are very grateful and thank you!

We have so far seen a much cheaper copier going at ZMK 10,000. This can really be ideal for the work that it is suppose to do.

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

Preparing For A New Class In Cambodia...

As we approach our new school year there is much preparation that's needed. From renovating the school compound to rearranging the curriculum to best meet the needs of the local Christians here. We owe a debt of gratitude to Bob Turner for helping out with our new 3 year curriculum that we are extremely excited about. We can't wait to see the result of the success of this program. 

By going to the website link below, please click on the school button to the left of the web page to see what our new program looks like! We have also revamped our school grounds with a new bridge, complete with color! The students will also each have their own desks as opposed to sharing. This year we have 9 total students confirmed, seven men and two ladies. We ask that you keep them in your prayers as we journey through God's word for the next three years together! Thank you for your support and encouragement!

This is the building that will be responsible for housing and training 9 new souls to serve God! 

Phanat

To see the report with pictures of the new look of the building and bridge, please click here.

A Week Of Encouragement And Edification...

About 3,500 Christians from all over the United States are gathered this week in Tennessee for one of the largest lectureships in the country, Polishing the Pulpit, or as it has come to be known, PTP. Several from Denver traveled to share in this lectureship, both as lecturer and listener. Brethren will be encouraged and built up in the faith as they spend time each day digging more deeply into God’s word.

During this time, students continue their studies in Denver. The past week was a busy one for students, as they participated in a “Rapid Recharge” seminar on Tuesday and then the “His Shoes, Her Shoes” marriage seminar over the weekend. While students spend each day studying how to prepare themselves for ministry, these seminars benefit the development of each student involved. It is all part of the training process.

Students around the world also make their journey through the extension training program. The excitement witnessed in their progress is evidenced by the numerous souls added to the kingdom. This week is no exception. Reports continue to emphasize the ways God provides the increase to the planting and watering of the seed. Each report below indicates the evangelistic effort of the staff and students in changing many lives. We believe you will be encouraged as you read about the progress made. 

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

God Is Doing Something Great In Wotutu, Cameroon: This truth is seen in all the schools and this week a husband and wife obey the gospel adding to this truth in Cameroon.

Souls Obeying The Gospel And Churches Planted In Kenya: The effort put forth by staff and students at the Kenya School of Preaching is making a difference.

Committed People Working Together Toward A Common Goal: While announcing the progress of the work in Arusha, ACSOP staff express gratitude in our working together.

Final Thoughts
Thank you for another week of standing behind the work of training preachers. We can never express the depth of our appreciation enough. You make this work possible. Thank you for being the tool in God’s hands you continue to be for this work. We need you and we pray God’s greatest blessings on you for all you do in the kingdom.

God bless
Bob

Souls Obeying The Gospel And Churches Planted In Kenya...

Greetings from Kenya School of Preaching, we are doing well here. 

The students are headed for a four week break. We had 18 students after 2 left for personal reasons. We expect to have 20 next quarter as we begin the first quarter of the 2nd year in October.

The students did great in evangelism which resulted into 3 baptisms and several Bible studies. 

I had the opportunity to work at a gospel campaign and meeting as a preacher and teacher. We had 9 baptisms. Elias is at a gospel campaign as I write this and we know the word of God will not be in vain. 

We were blessed to have Peter Ray who taught “Foundation of Missions” and Mike Reese who taught the “Gospel according to John.” We are happy they came. 

We are thankful they addressed some immediate needs of the students, Bibles, and song books. We hope we will be able to continue meeting these needs. 

Next quarter I am teaching “Greek” and “Church history.” I love this, while Elias will teach “Romans to Galatians” and “Psalms.” 

We met some graduates who are doing great in the Kingdom. Joseph is riding his bicycle 30km one way every Sunday to preach to a young congregation that he helped to plant. Laban is working with 5 congregations teaching them to be sound. These are just to mention a few. It is wonderful that the first graduates are setting things right in the field and we pray the second class will emulate them. 

We thank you all for your prayers and support of this work. 

Blessings 

Charles Ogutu
Bear Valley Bible Institute, Kenya

Committed People Working Together Toward A Common Goal...

I hope that you are doing well in the kingdom of our Lord. Our God is so good to us here at ACSOP. On August 10, we started our third quarter for all students. There are 12 students in the first year, 15 in the second year class, and 10 in the masters program. 

Since then, the first year class learned the book of “1 Corinthians” as I taught the short-course in the first week, and “World Religions” in the second week was taught by Adam Evans. The second year students learned the books of the “Minor Prophets” as a short-course in the first week, taught by Desdery Massawe, and I taught the book “Romans” in their second week. The master’s class learned the books of “1 & 2 Timothy” in their first week, taught by Ralph Williams, and in their second week they learned “Advanced Homiletics” taught by Ralph Williams.  

The rotating Spiritual Discipline program went well last Sunday. As a part of it, I went to Kioga to teach in the Bible classes as well as in the worship. The topic was “Journaling for the Purpose of Godliness.” I was really encouraged to see about 35 men and women plus children in worship there listening to me teach that topic.

Two weeks ago I read 2 Co. 8:1-5 before the prayer for the contribution.  As I was reading, it reminded me of you, our supporters. If you don't know it by heart, please look it up and read about saints who sacrificed for the cause of Christ. Please accept our deep gratitude for all you have done to help us in this mission work. When committed people work together toward a common goal, great things happen and success is inevitable. We continue to be thankful for the privilege of working in the kingdom of God, teaching people who really desire to know and obey the Truth.

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

God Is Doing Something Great In Wotutu, Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the globe. We do hope you are doing great. We keep you in our prayers and we will wish you all well. We are doing our best here and our health are better.

The rainy season is on, but for a few days now we had a weather that was not rainy. As I type this email, however, rain is up the sky in Wotutu.

The past week in BVBIC-Wotutu went on well. Even though some are sick, it is not severe enough that we need to send them to see the doctor. Keep me in your prayers as I continue to recover. I am in need of some medication that will continue to help me through. Students were busy doing revisions as they prepare for examinations this week.

I went on a mission trip this weekend with some students. It takes a great deal to make mission possible. We must be prepared to walk on foot long distances because of bad roads. The bad road is making mission work extremely expensive, but because we know and recognize our calling, we must go. Many are perishing in sin and need the light of the gospel to shine in their dark world. Because of this, we cannot afford to relent our efforts no matter the weather conditions or bad roads.

In Wotutu the Lord is doing something great. Last week, a couple obeyed the gospel at the same time and this week, brother Amaboh and his wife both accepted the gospel. Our students pointed out the truth to them using an umbrella to protect their Bibles.

Brother Mendel baptized brother Amaboh into Christ. Today was his first time to worship God in the New Testament pattern. He was very happy to be part and pleaded with the church to hold his hands so that he will be strong and help many come in.

Sister Florence obeyed the gospel as well. They are married for just three months. They are eager to know more about Christ. We need a copy of the Bible in their hands, which will be the tool for them to use and fight the devil, as the devil will come many times to derail them. Keep them in your prayers as their family will see their growth and love of the church and that they may come to be part of this great family.

The husband and wife obeyed the gospel and it was awesome to see both of them having the same mind to follow the Lord.

Plans
Idenau mission was postponed because of the very bad weather to take students a virgin land like that.

Keep our students in your prayers as they start exams tomorrow. Next week, they will start short-courses on “Galatians” and the “Prison Epistles.” Keep praying for the instructors who will come and teach these books in your prayers.

Keep Brightland Christian Academy in your prayers as they start a new school year on the 7th of September. Brightland Christian is doing well.

Appreciations
​Many thanks from our hearts for your love and deep concern over the work here. God bless you and replenish what you took to make sure this work is smooth. We continue to use our words because when we look around we do not have anything to pay you back. We know our God will reward you as He rewarded other faithful servants in times past and the time to come.

Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace Director BVBIC-Wotutu

Spotlighting Growth In The Kingdom...

Another week and the progress made by students in Denver continues to encourage everyone. These students are hungry to learn and they are eager to use their abilities to help one another and reach out to the lost in this area. The excitement of each student, along with their willingness to do the work, will make the greatest difference in their service in the Lord’s kingdom. Please continue praying for these men as they move forward.

Extension news continues to be a spotlight in the news each week. This week is also encouraging as students in each location reporting are growing and moving forward in their preparation to preach the gospel. We are excited to read about the souls added to the kingdom in Cameroon and Tanzania. We enjoy reading about the church being strengthened and built up in the faith. We also love learning how God is blessing this work on every level.

As we move into the middle of the month, there may be a few less reports, but the news packed in them is powerful. We ask you to take a few moments each day and bring this work before the throne of our Father and ask for His help in this effort. May He be glorified.

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

Providing Practical Grounds For Students In Cameroon: The church in Wotutu provides students an opportunity to put into practice what they learn in class and the result is growth.

Praising God By A Life That Glorifies The Lord: The necessity of a life lived to the glory of God is essential to the growth of His kingdom and the brethren understand this in Mbanga.

Short, Sweet, But Some Kind Of Special News: We rejoice with the brethren in Arusha, Tanzania with the addition of a new sister in Christ. 

Planting, Watering, And Watching God Give The Increase: Staff at ACSOP remind us of the plan God outlines in His word and how it works in Tanzania.

Final Thoughts
A million “thank you’s” will never be enough to express our gratitude to each of you for the role you play in the extension training program. Our prayer is that God will bless you richly for your involvement. We also pray that you are encouraged with the progress you read about every week. We know that together we are making a difference around the world.

God bless
Bob

Short, Sweet, But Some Kind Of Special News...

Greetings from Arusha 

One more soul was added today in the kingdom. Pray for our new sister, Angel, as she begins her new spiritual journey.

Work hard and you will be crowned.

Mtumishi Godfrey

Planting, Watering, And Watching God Give The Increase...

I greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s my hope that everyone is doing well in the Lord’s work. Please, I would like share with you in this short time what God is doing in East Africa. This is the second part of the “good will trip” in Kenya. Every faithful Christian has the privilege to serve Him. There are many ways that you can serve Him and still be counted as serving. All who are faithful are privileged to plant seeds or to water in His vineyard. 

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one; and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

As many people take a quick view of serving, they think the one who is in the field is the only one serving and forget those who are praying, funding, or helping in any other way. All are the same in serving as Paul said! Then whatever you have done in the Lord’s vineyard, whether you prayed or whether you funded you are counted the same. I was examining these things when I was in Eldoret, Kenya in evangelism after we met with many Andrew Connally School of Preaching graduates who are working hard in the Lord’s vineyard. In that moment, I remembered specifically those who sent money for all two years for them to make it possible to graduate, which has resulted in many churches being established. This is exactly what Paul is talking about. By just working in one area you will not be able to see what God Has done. Many preachers and evangelists have graduated from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching and are busy looking for lost souls. I was able to meet Kennedy Munubi, Juma Omai Juma, Fredrick Bwile, Kennedy Ngetch, Pius Bwile, and two current students, Pius Ngetchand Ibrahimu Tanui. These were only on the Eldoret side. But on the Kisumu side, where the ACSOP has more students, we met Elias Omolo, Richard Randiek, Charles Ogutu, David Wasonga, Vincent Wahungu (the first Kiswahili stream student from Kenyan), Bernard Kagaga, Veroon Kagaga, and Rechard Aroko. Also I was able to contact by phone Julius Manyuru, Barackand Geofrey Ondieki. We were able to work with most of them, and for all these two weeks 14 souls were baptized. The reason to meet with them is to encourage them to see if the ACSOP trained graduates are in the field serving the Lord, recruiting new students, and making good relationships between churches in East Africa and ACSOP. 

Again, this all would not be done without your efforts, also ACSOP faculty, and the best missionary team we have. God is blessing the church abundantly on this side because of your efforts. Please continue to pray for us as we serve Him together.

In His service,

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

Praising God By A Life That Glorifies The Lord...

God is worthy to be praised by the living and I will always glorify the Lord. Among the two congregations that has elders and deacons in Cameroon, one of the few deacons just passed away and was buried yesterday. Deacon Ameli Celestine from the Buea Town congregation is no more.

Special greetings from our young assembly in Mujuka where students go for evangelism every weekend. The church is blessed to start worshiping again in that same building after they were sent away by the land-lady, but now we are doing a concrete agreement and maybe we start paying rent that will only be after our negotiation with brother Nelson and the land-lady.

Oh my beloved, how time flies. We are on our last week of studies for the second semester and instructors are already submitting their exams. Also, they are preparing to wind up their courses and make final revisions if possible.

A new list for the second semester internship is out and new congregations have called for the attention of the school to send students to their congregations. The field is vast but the laborers are few. I pray the next in take should be more than these with committed workers.

This weekend was characterized with weekend evangelism. Two students went to Muyuka, two in Nkonsamba, and three in Mbanga, even thou with the nature of our climate now, serious rains go for a long period, but we are still succeeding with our prospects.

Upcoming Events
We are thinking of making the school known to the public through a short wave TV station that is in Mbanga and to have a PA system that can be used to preach open air early in the morning and late at night if and only if the government will grant us the authorization.

Remain blessed in your congregation as you keep on thinking about the work in Mbanga in your prayers and also in your mind.

Ititi

Providing Practical Grounds For Students In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Calvary greetings to you from your brothers and sisters here. We do hope you are doing great in all that you do. We are doing better here in health. The rainy season continues to make history for the past 6 weeks now. The rain is still on and many cannot do their regular activities with ease.

The gospel and the mission to reach out to souls still tops our agenda because we know we are supposed to think souls and go rob from the strong man’s house. Heavy rain and sickness can only disturb for a while, but it cannot stop us to discharge items on our agenda.

Reaching out to souls provokes lots of persecutions and difficulties. As the rainy season is bad, so too is the means to send students out for weekend evangelism. Roads are bad and prices of transportation are high.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu went on well, as we were winding up studies for long courses and we shall give exams. Thereafter, we shall start preparing for two short courses which are coming up in September: “Galatians” and the “Prison Epistles.” Students are growing and we are thankful to God. We can see with our own eyes how God continues to raise His workers through our hands daily.

The Wotutu congregation continues to provide practical grounds for our students. This morning brother Etongwe Theophile lead us in songs. It was great as he provoked and kept everyone in the mode to worship God in the beauty of His holiness.

Because of severe rain our Christians can still make their way to the worship hall. Everyone paid attention to see with his or her eyes what the Bible says about.

Mr. Gregory Ncho, his wife Mrs. Tawi Frida, and their family friend obeyed the gospel the same day. It was wonderful for them to worship with us today for the third time and decide to obey the gospel and put on Christ. It was a remarkable history. This makes it easy for growth because most of the time when one, mostly the lady, obeys the gospel the husband can bring persecution. Keep them in your prayers so that their children who were in worship today will see great changes in their lives and they will follow also.

Brother Gregory smiled in the water pool of baptism. Keep praying for him to lead his family now with a difference.

Sister Tawi Frida obeyed the gospel also. Keep her in your prayers.

Pointing to the word is our business. Students at the riverside pointed to the word of truth, “here is some water, what hinders me from being baptized?”

Brother Edube baptized brother Shudifor all from the same family. Keep them in your prayers.

Plans
Students will begin their third quarter exams soon.

We prepare for short courses and exams in September.

Appreciations
God bless you and keep you strong. Thanks for all your love shown and deep concern for us and the work here.

Do your best to pray for us as we pray for you. Please share our report with others.

Elangwe and family

Reports Overflowing With The Increase Of God...

Classes are in full swing at the Denver campus of the Bear Valley Bible Institute. Sixteen new students began classes last Monday and are on their way to a wonderful two years dedicated to preparing themselves for ministry work. This group of students is impressive. Nine of the students are married with a total of fourteen children. When these thirty-four family members graced the stage at the Bear Valley congregation, along with the current student body behind them, it was an incredible sight. We are encouraged, to say the least, with this intake of students and their potential for future service in the kingdom.

Amazing news continues to flow from the reports received this week in the extension program. The report from David Ballard about the work in the Mbanga prison is exciting as twenty men were baptized into Christ. Troy Spradlin shares news about the leadership growth within the church in Paraguay, Howell Ferguson talks about the development of the mission in Chimala, and news from Ghana discusses the advancement of the program of study at the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi. And this is only the beginning. Additional reports share more about the continual blessings of our God on the efforts of these Christians.

As we continue to move forward with the development of the work in each location, we will share news from new locations where Bear Valley is privileged to begin training men to preach the gospel. A new school begins this month in Zambia and we are preparing the ground for new locations in Malawi and Fiji around the first of the year, and more in 2016. We look forward to sharing the development of this program as it grows in the months and year ahead.

Now on to this week’s incredible reports...

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

The latest report from Howell Ferguson can be read by clicking here.

Extension Reports 

I Cannot Fight With God, So Allow The Church Of Christ The Word Of God: This is a beautiful story of God working through a public official to allow the gospel to be preached.

Angels Rejoice As God Gives The Increase At Mbanga Prison: An outreach program to the prisoners in Mbanga witnessed the increase of God as twenty men obeyed the gospel.

Attempts To Move The School Opened Doors For A New Location: Recent attempts to move to a new location in Ukraine were met with resistance, but a new opportunity flourished.

The Gospel Proclaimed Produces Much Fruit In Ghana: The West Coast School of Preaching is learning how to sustain the work and see the fruit of preaching the gospel.

Short-Term Missions, Long-Term Plans For Paraguay: The leadership in Paraguay is rising to the challenges of planning long-term for the church and the future of the work.

The Work Of Evangelism And A Man Of God Make A Good Combination: The report from Arusha shares the results from a graduate of ACSOP doing the work of evangelism.

Final Thoughts 
Thank you for taking time to read through the reports this week. We always hope you are as encouraged as we are with the development of the work. Additionally, we are constantly expressing our gratitude to God for your involvement. We consider it the highest privilege to be fellow-workers with you and God in advancing the kingdom of our Lord on earth.

God bless
Bob

The Work Of Evangelism And A Man Of God Make A Good Combination...

Greetings Fellow Servants;

We rejoice in the knowledge that our God is a loving God, able to do mighty works in and through His people. Your prayers and support for God’s work in Tanzania through the Tanzania Mission effort is appreciated beyond our ability to adequately express in words. With all that we are and all that we hope to be, we say thank you. Thank you for all you do. 

The Bear Valley congregation working with and through the Bear Valley Bible Institute International leadership is doing a mighty work in the Kingdom. They understand the need and our responsibility to share the truth of God’s word to all people. Our God desires that all people come to a knowledge of Truth. Our desire is to be God’s desire, therefore, we too desire that all come to a knowledge of the Word of God. 

One way that will ensure Kingdom growth is through the teaching and training of faithful gospel preachers/evangelist. The Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Arusha, is one of 17 preaching training schools around the world under the leadership of the BV congregation and BVBII. 

As of this writing, the ACSOP has graduated 140 evangelists who have gone out to do some really amazing things in their own counties and with their own people. These men, their families and the church family they are serving, are doing some really amazing works in East Africa. 

One such example is our brother Yusuph Mdaki. Here is an excerpt from his latest report:

Evangelism: “The work of evangelism continues to do well according to God’s command during this July. I had the opportunity to make evangelistic trips to the following congregations: 1) Bukoba, one soul added to the church; 2) Lulembela, four souls added to the church; 3) Ushirombo, one soul added to the church. I have worked with these congregations discussing how we can evangelize the great lakes zone. 

Our plan is to have a crusade, house to house evangelism. This effort will include one month of prayers, with fasting and a program to edify the local congregation in the area of spiritual growth and Kingdom growth. 

To ensure much success we need your help with the following: 1) 2,500 Bible Correspondence Courses. 2) We need 200 Bibles. 3) 5,000 Bible Tracts. Please help us share God’s Word to the lost souls of this area. 

The crusade will include the following congregations: Katoro, Mganza, Kazibizyo, Lulemela, Nyamigota, and Mtiga. Lastly, we need your prayers, God’s blessings and your participation.”

This man of God has proven himself to be faithful, effective, and an amazing example as to who we should be. Please pray for him and his family. Please help him as he gives of himself sacrificially to the lost and dying world in East Africa. 

We celebrate with the Gaines family in the good report little JoJo received. We thank all who have prayed and supported this family. We are very grateful to have them on our team. 

Until all have heard….

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

Attempts To Move The School Opened Doors For A New Location...

Hello friends, brothers and churches,

I know that many of you are praying for the Institute and its future constantly. Thank you for your care and continuous prayer support. As you remember, in the previous report I wrote about the Institute moving to Dnepropetrovsk. Surely, this city has many advantages: it’s big and comfortable, there is an airport here, etc. However, it did not work out, and now we are in the town - Bila Tserkva (80 km south from Kiev). Most likely we will start our school year there. At the very last moment, brethren from the Dnepropetrovsk congregation refused to provide any assistance with the building for the Institute and said that they disagreed with us on some doctrinal issues, though they had been saying that everything is ready for our moving and that our presence would be a blessing for them. It might be the case Luke is describing in Acts 16, when Paul and his team wanted to preach the gospel in Asia and Bithynia, but Holy Spirit didn’t allow for that to happen. However, doors were opened for them to spread God’s Word in Macedonia. Now we are actively getting ready for the beginning of the school year. We need to find apartments for my family, the students, and teachers. Classes will begin on September 7.

In June, my family and I attended camp Americraine, where we visited with many friends, BVBIU teachers, graduates and students. Then we spent a week of vacation at the seaside and two weeks in Dnepropetrovsk. I hoped we would be able to stay in this city, so I was looking for a building to rent for the school and the church. Yet the city is big, and there was little time left, so my family and I moved to Bila Tserkva at the beginning of August. This town has a population of 200,000 people. There is a church of Christ there, which was founded in the 90s. Konstantin Kisilenko preaches there. We plan to have the next school year there and see how it works there for us. Please pray for our stay there and effective ministry to the Lord.  

There is a joyous event that happened recently; it’s a wedding of our brother, BVBIU graduate and a preacher, Stas Kuropyatnikov and Anna. It’s nice to see that the church is growing and there are marriages among the Christians. About 10-15 years ago there was a tendency to look for a spouse outside the church. Many young people were saying that there are so few of us and we could not find friends among the Christians. Now there is an evident progress. Young people are looking for friends among Christians only. Many young Christians are dating and enjoying the fellowship of Christ’s body. It is good progress. I was asked to do the wedding ceremony. Almost all Ukrainian teachers of BVBIU were able to come. These wonderful moments God gives us to enjoy and recharge. 

Thank you for your prayers and support of my family, students and teachers. In 2 Thessalonians Paul thanks God for the growth in love among the Christians. We also thank God for your patience and financial support of the Institute.

Your brother and co-worker,
Dennis Sopelnik

To see Dennis’ report with a picture, please click here.

Short-Term Missions, Long-Term Plans For Paraguay...

What an exciting and busy month! We had a visiting short-term mission team come down to work with the church in Paraguay and then other brethren who came to help make plans for the future. It has been a real blessing to see so much activity taking place among the brethren and to see them thinking about the future! We hope you find this month’s report encouraging. Thank you for your love, prayers, and support.

Developments at Avenida Sacramento  
What a blessing it is to have brethren with servant’s hearts take time out of their busy schedules to come and help the church in Paraguay! This month we had several members of the Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ come and help with evangelizing local neighborhoods, visiting church members to encourage them, and assisting with several projects and needed repairs around the building. They did an outstanding job and the church in Paraguay greatly appreciates their service.

We also had brethren from the Margaret Street church of Christ come visit this month. They brought some great ideas to propose to the church and to challenge them to think more seriously about the future. We pray that these plans will result in many souls being added to the Lord’s church!

The churches of Christ at Avenida Sacramento and Ñemby in Paraguay do not have a “located preacher” like many congregations in the USA do. Instead, we have several, capable men who take turns filling the pulpit on Sundays. Also, we regularly have guest speakers come in, or visit, that have preached for us. Such was the case this past month. Brother Phil Porter, from the Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ spoke for us on one Sunday morning and Adam Seal spoke on a Wednesday evening. We also had Preston Silcox from the Margaret Street church of Christ speak for us this month along with Ed Temple speaking on a Wednesday.

Next month, my dad and brother, Dwayne and Lance Spradlin, will be speaking for us.
What a blessing to be able to hear various, faithful men present the Word of God. It is truly a spiritual banquet!

Asunción Bible Academy 
This past month was full of activities, classes, and lots of homework for the students. They participated in the campaign with Palm Beach Lakes and then had a full load of classes with brother Trent Kennedy teaching “Christian Evidences” and “Numbers - Deuteronomy,” as well as the classes I taught on, “The Life of Christ II” and “Exodus - Leviticus.” All of their test results, class work, and research papers have been outstanding! These five students are like sponges, absorbing everything they hear and then making application. We couldn’t be more pleased with their attitudes and the effort they put in.

Brother Eliezer Perez returned to Panama last month to get his immigration documents in order and then, when he was checking in for his return flight to Paraguay, they wouldn’t allow him on the plane for immigration reasons! We have since resolved the issue and he plans to return August 6th.

The men held another “Vision 2020” meeting this month in order to talk about one of their main goals: church planting. Several great ideas were presented and we are now praying for God’s wisdom. The men will hold another meeting real soon (without any missionaries present) so they can make some decisions on how they would like to proceed. It is so exciting to see them working out these challenges!

God bless

Troy and Andrea

To see the Spradlin’s report with pictures, please click here