Ladies Classes, BCA, And BVBIC-Wotutu Make An Impact In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brethren here in Cameroon, we are doing great and God is blessing the work we do. We do hope you are doing great. That is our expectation, that you be of health even as your soul prospers.

The “Back to the Bible” early morning program continues to make waves, as our students proclaim the gospel to the hearts of many in Wotutu community, as early as 5 am while people’s minds are still fresh and empty.

A man called my mobile number and asked a question for us to show from the Bible where John the Baptist was baptized as we are calling on all to obey the truth and be baptized.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu was free for our students as they were done with exams and the week was spent sharing the gospel daily from different locations as the van that takes students and keeps them there, goes back in the evening and get them back to school , it was great .Because their wives were in school studying for one week. It was great to have them sit down and study and ask questions to build them up.

Current students’ and instructors’ wives were in Wotutu again for the second edition of their class. This time around it was for a class on “General Bible Knowledge.” It was really rich, as it took the ladies through the entire Bible books and wonderful day to day topics that every Christian is supposed to live with. I taught the class and it was great. Many thanks to sister Robin from STC congregation who took her time to compile the notes. It was practical for preachers’ wives to keep those words in their hearts and manifest them in their ministries.

Because the class was short and the level of their reasoning was also, we needed an aid which will help the ladies gather as much information as is required of them. We bought a new flat screen TV to place in our church hall with a DVD player. This serves the sisters to listen and follow the many songs that the sisters at STC put together for them to sing the books of the Bible and others. This TV will serve double purposes as students can watch many DVDs from world video evangelism DVDs. They will equally watch news and know what is happening in Cameroon and around the world.

The vision to empower preachers’ wives to be part and parcel of the the ministry is coming into the lime light gradually. It is a joyous thing for the ladies to move to Wotutu and spend one week studying the word. They sat on the seats hours upon hours. Because of that they can really appreciate their husbands for the courage and determination to be well cooked, prepared, and avail themselves for the masters use in two years. Their week in Wotutu was memorable. Thanks to all who helped make this possible. God will bless you wonderfully.

As their wives took their seats, students were out sharing the truth, boldly telling many that only Jesus can set people free, Jn 8:36. I am happy with the program here in Wotutu because it gives the students plenty of time to practice house to house evangelism. It exposes them to many carnal philosophers and our students used just the Bible to help others see the reason to come over to Jesus. Students went to our newly established congregation in Likomba and the Lord added 4 souls to His kingdom. The urgent needs I discovered from these preachers’ wives are that all of them need a good study Bibles that will help them prepare lessons for women and children. These two group of people in the church are vital, women and strong pillars to help in many other aspects of the church obeying Bible views about them and also the children are the church of tomorrow, so if we must have a strong church tomorrow, then the women who are teaching these children must also be well equipped. That is why I plead if any one can donate either study Bibles or funds to get them here.

It is a good thing to see someone undergoing the transformation of his /her life as the person obeys the truth. One woman was happy to have found the truth in Wotutu, many thanks to her child that attends Brightland Christian Academy. Many kids in that school admire and will cry on Sunday mornings if their parents try to take them to their denomination. It is amazing what God is doing in the lives of many here. Thanks you for all your love towards what is happening. We have a nursery, primary school, and school of preaching to teach and help fight against illiteracy and by so doing, the truth is being planted as errors is being wiped out in the hearts of many. The Brightland Christian Orphanage (BCA) is there to give real hope to the hopeless. Many children’s homes give them food, shelter, and clothing to make them feel better in this life, but at BCA, the story is different. The kids know that even the food they are blessed to eat comes from God. Nurturing for eternity is our ultimate goal. You need to see these children say the 66 books of the Bible, the 12 Apostles of Jesus, and see them during worship singing with loud voices alongside other children. Oh what can I say and what will I not say. I give glory to God for all He is doing here. You can be a part. Thank you. God will not pass you by James 1:27.

One sister just found Jesus because her little daughter, less than 5 years of age, will always say, “Let us go and worship with the church of Christ. She, as young as she is, came to know about the Church of Christ because of the Christian school. We plan to move to another level, as we can also capture the bigger youth in our communities when we move with secondary school. We still teach adults, mostly women who have never been to school. Maybe, if more are put in place, we can do more to touch the lives of many in all ages. The gospel is sweet, Rom 1:16.

Plans
​1) Lebialem mission will be this week from Wednesday to Sunday. Keep us in your prayers.

2) Keep the work at Likomba and other young locations as we reach out to in your prayers.

3) Keep brother David and brother Todd in your prayers. They are in Cameroon to teach in school and to evangelize.

Appreciations
God bless you and keep you strong for all that you do. Without you, it would have been difficult to get to this level.

Prayer Request
Please, I write this with tears. I am crying as I write this request. On the side of our van it is written THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE CAMEROON-WOTUTU. This write up has helped us in many places over the years to see members of the church who live in villages where we pass and the church is not there. Because of that we have succeeded in establishing some congregations like that. But today I write about something that happened, that is why I am crying. A lady, who is not member of the church of Christ read the write up as we were driving past a bush. She shouted, “Please, please, church of Christ people help me with my children; we are hungry.” We stopped the van and she came closer. We almost left thinking she was insane because of the way she was dressed. But she said, “Pastors, don’t go; help us.” We stopped and she came and expressed herself to me saying she always see our van pass by and she thought within herself that we could possibly help her if she succeeded in stopping us, just like the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible. She said her husband abandoned her with her 3 girls and the landlord drove them out of the house because they don’t have money to pay rent any longer. As I talk with you I was not with my camera. I would have love to show you where this lady lives with her 3 girls, all less than 12 years of age. The worst of it is the future of these children, women to cry loud, no food, no shelter, nothing; if rain comes where will they go to? Pray for sister Embolo. She really needs help. She can read well and she speaks English fluently. I gave her some Mission Printing tracts and she demanded a Bible. I said our Bibles are for new converts only. She said no problem. She needs even food now as I write this mail. Please always pray for her. The little girls are exposed to prostitution, rape, and bandits. Boko Haram leaders look for such girls to use them for suicide missions. Wow, wow, what shall we do now? My heart goes out for them. My home is full with 14 people under my roof. Our government has no policy towards situations like this. There is actually nowhere for them to run too. God brought them to us. What shall we do now? Abandon them, or welcome them ?

Share this with others. God can use anyone anywhere to do His will. Sister Embolo needs Christians love now. I will surely share her pictures with you if I take it where they are.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Encouraging News All Around...

UPDATE: The news this week about Cy Stafford is wonderful. Earlier in the week we received news that the bone marrow tests came back and Cy is cancer free. This means that the leukemia is in remission. While he still has a long way to go for recovery, we give thanks to our God. Please continue to pray for Cy during this time. Also, remember to pray for his family as they take this journey with him.

Students in Denver near the end of the quarter in their studies designed to prepare them to preach the gospel. After they complete their final exams, they will travel to various places around the country to participate in a campaign. These campaigns provide an opportunity to strengthen and encourage the church where they visit. This time also allows them a chance to reach out with the gospel by using what they learn with those in need of hope.

The reports from East and West Africa continue to provide encouragement. Seeing how God works through these men in spreading the gospel demonstrates the reason this program is exciting. Reports from other locations also demonstrate the power of God at work. From staff to individual school reports, we invite you to read through the news this week and pray for each of these locations and the brethren involved in the work.

The year ahead is one that will see new schools open in several locations. We ask you to pray with us in the growth and development of the extension training program. With God, all things are possible and we see just how true that is in preparing men to preach the gospel.

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 Steven Ashcraft can be read by clicking here.

Extension Reports

Preaching The Same Jesus From Nigeria To Cameroon: As both directors from the schools in Cameroon visited Nigeria, their work in Nigeria and Cameroon focuses on sharing Jesus.

Continuing To Pray For Cy Stafford Until He Stands Preaching Again: Reports from the staff of ACSOP indicate how much Cy Stafford is loved and missed with the work in Tanzania.

Farming Projects And Evangelism Continue To Build The Work: As the Maynard family grows in the work of Tanzania, they see results that are both physical and spiritual.

Final Thoughts
We close with a note of thanks. We are all thankful to be fellow-workers in such a great opportunity, and we thank you for all you do to make it possible. Without you, we could not share in the development of extension training as we do. You are needed and you are a blessing in every way. Thank you. 

God bless

Bob

Farming Projects And Evangelism Continue To Build The Work...

Farming: 
There are currently several projects going on at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. We are working hard at getting the one-acre raised beds ready for the long rains. We have also tilled up another three-acres to plant corn and beans in for the long rains.

One important work that has begun this month is educating the preacher students in the different farming areas. As part of their schooling they are helping in the garden, with the cows, and with the chickens. Our goal is for them to be able to take this knowledge back to their villages and be able to support themselves and their families and also help the community around them.

Every month brings new challenges and more blessings. We are thankful for all of the rain (that is out of season) and the success we accredit to God. Please continue praying for this project, especially as it continues to grow in the continuing months.

Evangelism: 
Every month we are blown away by the open hearts here in Tanzania. The opportunities for evangelism are endless. This month has proved fruitful and we are giving all of our thanks to the Creator.

Justin began preaching at Ilikiurei (White Rose) Kanisa la Kristo last month and continues this month. He is also teaching the youth at Kisango every Saturday.

Samantha continues with her children’s class at Kisongo Kanisa la Kristo. This week they finished the book of Genesis and are so proud to be able to tell you what happens in every chapter, the line of Jesus from Adam to Judah, along with their weekly memory verses. The children are truly excelling and love learning about Jesus. Her class began with around 15 kids the first week of January and this last week she had more than 35! 

Anna’s women’s Bible class continues to go well. The women are eager to learn and are beginning to make the connections from Old Testament to New. Every week they discuss a different patriarch in Genesis and then Anna shows them scriptures about those characters in the New Testament and you can see on their faces as understanding finally sets in. 

The second Saturday of this month also brought with it our monthly children’s seminar. This one was in N’Gordoto at the Lerai Kanisa la Kristo. The pre-campaign leading up to the seminar had 3 baptisms! At the seminar itself we had around 130 kids! Samantha taught the books of the Bible while Annataught them about Mungu (God) and the days of creation.

We were blessed to have help with this seminar. Daniel and Tiffany Gaines accompanied us, along with Anita Davidson from the Bear Valley Church of Christ. We had somewhere around 50 adults come to study the Bible. Daniel Gaines studied the Bible for more than two hours with this large group while the children’s classes were going on. 

After lunch, Tiffany taught the women about unity. This is a cultural problem (American’s can relate, I am sure) and one the Church was struggling with at Lerai. She also talked to the women about how to teach children and resources we have available for them. 

While Tiffany was teaching the 60 or so women who came (!), Justin and Daniel had two different groups wanting to study the Bible. To God be the glory, these studies went on for another two hours.

We thank all of you for your love and support. The Lord is working here in Tanzania and we hope you will keep us and the work in your prayers. Please remember brother Cy Stafford in your prayers, also. He continues to fight his cancer we are praying the Lord heals him fully and returns him to the work here.

Maynard Family

Continuing To Pray For Cy Stafford Until He Stands Preaching Again...

We hope you enjoyed your weekend. Ours is bright and sunny! Thank you so much for your interest in the TZ 2000 Mission Work. We appreciate you reading our report. So many good things are currently going on in East Africa. It thrills the soul to see God working through His faithful to the saving of countless souls.

On the other hand, God is still showing how powerful He is through our beloved brother Cy Stafford. As it’s well known that Cy has been admitted to the hospital for at least two months now, but the current reports that we have been getting from his family are very comforting as we can see on these quotes: 

Stephanie Stafford reports: “Thank you all for your love and prayers during this extremely difficult time. Please continue to pray for Cy that he will overcome with God's healing power.....we know whose hands Cy is in. They are already calling him the miracle man in the hospital. He still has a long way to go, but with our Christian family, your love and support, we will overcome. May God bless each of you. Thank you for expressing your love to our family.”

Jeremiah Stafford reports: “Good Evening All, Dad had a good day today. He is still improving slowly, but he is gaining strength each day. His colon seems to be doing better each day that goes by. We are praying for good results tomorrow as we anxiously wait for the results of the bone marrow testing. We thank you all for the continued prayers and words of encouragement. We couldn't ask for better friends and family!”

Paul Stafford reports: “Cy had a good day!! He started the day first by having his trach removed and then even better receiving the news that his leukemia is presently in remission. This is going to hopefully allow him the time he needs to get stronger so that he can work toward being cured from this cancer. He was able to be up in a wheel chair for the first time today. We are greatly encouraged, and ask for continued prayers for his colon to heal and for him to get strong enough to go into rehab.... We are so very thankful for every prayer uttered on his behalf. We as a family give God All glory and praise knowing He, in his infinite wisdom, has worked all things out and we have no doubt that He will continue to cover us with His loving care. Psalms 91:4”

Thank you all for your endless prayers and fasting for Cy’s healing. I urge you to keep praying and fasting till we see him standing at the pulpit preaching and teaching. Amen.

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

Preaching The Same Jesus From Nigeria To Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the globe. We do hope you are doing great. Life is favorable for us this time around. Many continue with their farming activities, as the rain will come soon.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu was characterized by examinations, as the students were busy writing their exams. Because it was examination week, we closed from school early and spent more time in evangelism.

Students returned from weekend evangelism safe and sound, as they continued to preach and teach. Keep these students in your prayers for the great work they are doing with happiness.

Our weekend evangelism is characterized with house to house evangelism and nurturing. Students are always very happy to go because that is a direct command for us all to go there teaching souls perishing. We were able to visit our newest congregation, which is our mission field now as we send students there every week. This congregation is getting to a month now.

Our students will sit on a stone for long hours as they continue to share the gospel to prospects. The truth is bitter but it must be spoken is a common language here and our students are aware of it, that is why whether a chair is given or not the truth must be preached .

Our brother in Likomba, Robertson, is having serious problems with his leg, so he could only support himself with a stick. He stood with his stick ready to obey the truth, even in such condition.

He happily obeyed the truth and he is happy to be part of the New Testament family. Wow! Many stood at a distance to see what is happening with these people. Keep the work in your prayers that many will be convinced to see the truth as we preach it weekly.

This morning I preached on the topic “That Same Jesus.” It was great to expose the impact Jesus did in touching our lives daily. The Wotutu congregation were blessed to have me back after last week where I was in Nigeria. All the pictures, without numbers, are from Nigeria during the last week of mission work there. I went along with brother Ititi Benedict, a graduate from our school during the first batch, and he is now directing the French-speaking school of preaching in Mbanga. It was his first trip, but he enjoyed the fellowship and evangelism there with the brethren in Nigeria.

Plans
​1) The wives of our current sisters started coming Wotutu again, as they have the second edition of their class beginning tomorrow. Keep their travels and stay in Wotutu in your prayers.

2) While the wives will be in class, the men will be in Likomba doing house to house during this week, so that as their wives are getting done with their class by Friday. On the 2nd of March to the 6th of March, we shall travel to Lebialem for mission work with our coordinator who will just be making his way to Cameroon.

Appreciations
We can only say thank you. Thank you Lord for your help and also thank you for your love and sacrifice towards the work here. Only God will reward you.

Do your best to tell others about this work. Pray for the events that will be in our congregation by the end of this year.

God bless you and keep you till we meet again.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Preparing For The Weeks Ahead...

UPDATE: The only area new to report on Cy Stafford, as of today, is a bone marrow test tomorrow. He continues to battle the issues associated with his colon and leukemia. Please remember to pray for Cy, Stephanie, and their family. The road ahead will be long and hard, but God continues to show His power with this wonderful man and his family. 

Students in Denver return to the classroom Monday after a week of research. Last week allowed students to focus on the numerous research assignments associated with the six classes they work their way through this quarter. At the end of the quarter students begin a campaign week where they travel to various congregations to use the tools they are equipped with in reaching out with the gospel. We will report more about their efforts as the time draws nearer.

There are fewer reports this week, but they are packed with wonderful information about the direction of the program in various places. We were encouraged to see that 30 new students began their journey through the program in Arusha, Tanzania. We also appreciate the determination of a student in Arusha to begin a task that was eight years in the making. The work in Cameroon and French-speaking Cameroon are both making an impact on the communities where the students minister each week. 

We ask you to read through the reports and pray about each of these situations. The work here is only a glimpse of the program overall. The continued focus and determination of the staff and students in each location are worthy of your prayers before the Almighty. Thank you.

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

National Youth Day In Cameroon Makes A Huge Impact: The staff and students from Wotutu, along with Brightland Christian Academy, participate in a national event with great influence.

The Work of God’s Hands Touches Lives In Mbanga, Cameroon: The school in French-speaking Cameroon is making a difference as God works through them to reach others.

Thirty New Students Begin The Program At ACSOP In Tanzania: Everyone is encouraged and excited about the large number of students to begin the two-year journey of training in Arusha.

Accomplishing A Task That Was Eight Years In The Making: One of the new students in the program at ACSOP begins his training after being approached more than eight years ago.

Final Thoughts
This week’s report concludes on a note of gratitude. Thank you for your involvement in extension training. Everyone in Denver and each location around the world recognizes the value of what all of you contribute to the development of the work. Without you, the work would not enjoy the same success. Thank you!

God bless
Bob

Thirty New Students Begin The Program At ACSOP In Tanzania...

Greetings Fellow Workers,

It's been another wonderful week in Tanzania. The students returned to the Andrew Connally School of Preaching for a new year of study. We were happy to welcome about 30 new students into their first year of training. Meanwhile, it was great to see the familiar faces of our returning second year students after their break.  

The Njiro Chini congregation is between preachers right now, so Daniel is doing a lot of teaching there to help out. Also, Justin is guest speaking at the Ilkiurei congregation for the quarter, while Anna and Samantha continue with the children's class at Kisongo.  

Saturday, both missionary families went to the Lerai congregation to conduct a seminar. There were a couple of sessions for the children with about 130 in attendance. There were also lessons for the ladies. One was a lesson on unity, and the other was about how to better teach the Bible to their children. Meanwhile, Justin and Daniel conducted Bible studies with the other adults. You can enjoy some pictures from the day here: http://tanzanianmissions.blogspot.com/2016/02/short-report-feb-16.html

In other news, Cy Stafford continues to hold on. He has had some small improvements, but still has a very long way to go. Please continue to be diligent in your prayers on his behalf. They are making a difference. By the way, you can read a post that I wrote about Cy here: http://tanzanianmissions.blogspot.com/2016/02/a-tribute-to-cy-stafford.html 

Thank you for your prayers and support. Your partnership is helping to make some wonderful things possible.

Till all have heard...

Daniel Gaines

Accomplishing A Task That Was Eight Years In The Making...

It’s my hope this finds every one well in the Lord’s vineyard. God is good for all the things which He is doing for the church and His work. We have seen God working with us, especially in this hard time working without our friend and brother Cy. In fact the team is still strong regardless of the plan of the devil to reduce our power by trying to separate us from brother Cy, but we trust God for what He has done until now for us. As the Bible says, “The fear of the Lord prolongs days: But the years of the wicked shall be shortened.” 

Moreover, the Andrew Connally School of Preaching quarter started this week with thirty students from the first year class. We all believe things will work out very well with the help of our God. I was very happy on the first day in school for our brother Mwinyi from Arusha church this week. He told me,“brother I have come to accomplish what you asked me eight years ago.” Brother Cy and I, around eight to ten years ago, studied with brother Mwinyi who was a Muslim. After a long time in Bible class he obeyed the Gospel, although he knew very few things in Christianity. I started inviting him to the new converts Bible class I was teaching for two years at Arusha Church. His speed to catch things was very low because he was raised in an Islamic society. After two years he showed a desire to study the Bible more. I asked him to join the ACSOP. He responded that it was hard because of his family. On Monday of this week he reminding me of all those things, although I did not even remember some of the things we did together, but he remembered them all. Just to give you more information on Mwinyi, he has a problem with one of his legs. He was born lame in that one of his legs cannot walk straight, and he leans to one side as he walks. Please continue to pray for ACSOP’s efforts that all these men can one day graduate and go and preach the Gospel. I have seen many brothers in Christ who have the gospel fire burning in them, but when they go straight to preaching without going to Bible school, they preach a different gospel. Their heart may be pure, but without knowing they find themselves as false teachers.

We thank you all our brothers and sisters that are sacrificing for the work here. Whatever you do for this mission efforts is for the glory of God. God will not forsake you, He will do greater things as you are still concerned with his work.  

Let’s continue to fast and pray for our brother Cy, that God may completely restore him. And also remember his wife Stephanie for the hardship that she is passing through now. Thank you my brothers and sisters for taking your short time reading this.

In His service

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

The Work Of God's Hands Touches Lives In Mbanga, Cameroon...

Warm greetings from this part of the world where the week was characterized with a lot of festivities in and around our country with the celebration of our National Youth day. It was so special this time with the 50th Anniversary. We thank God all went on successfully with no major incident in our locality.

I am sorry for the lateness last week, which at the end could not make it due to poor network communication and a lack of electricity in our locality. I am also sending this one ahead of time because I will be out for mission work starting from tomorrow.

We appreciate the work of His hands this time around again in the life of those He has touched, like that of our beloved sister who is liberated from prison after spending a few months in jail with her pregnancy, which she will soon put to bed. Please keep on praying for her. 

There is great gain in evangelism and distance is not a barrier. The young assembly in the north where one of our students worked tiredly to implant it during his long term campaign, including his period for vacation. It is progressively growing and souls are being added as they communicate to us. We are requesting another turn because "one good turn deserves another.” Oh beloved if means be, we are going to send two of them come our next evangelism campaign.

Today is the 11th of February, where we took advantage to talk to the youth of our sub-division as they came from various villages for the youth day celebration, just like the Jews who gathered in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, where Peter took opportunity to proclaim the first sermon and about 3000 souls were added. So, too, about 3000 tracts were distributed both in French and English. This preparation started in the worship house where we prepared our tracts with the address and contact number of the church. Some of you will see where students were taking some Foleri, that is a kind of soft drink, under a fig tree after working under the sun for long time. This practice has been successful for some time, as we met prospects in and around Mbanga who contacted us again through the address found in the tract. We pray our work should have a positive impact on the lives and souls of all who collected tracts. By the grace of God, we wish you would commit all the students in your prayers.

Remain blessed 
Ititi

National Youth Day In Cameroon Makes A Huge Impact...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. I am happy to share this report with you early before Sunday because I am making a short trip to Nigeria for a few days of evangelism in some villages around Obot Okara villages. I will return on Sunday, so I may not make it home to get this report to you on time. That is why I am reporting in now.

This week in BVBIC-Wotutu was the last week for long courses, as all the instructors successfully finished their courses and we are doing revisions. The students will start exams for the first quarter in their second year of studies this Monday. Keep them in your prayers to remember all they have studied within the period.

Also, last week was the usual youth week in Cameroon because every February 11th in a National Youth holiday. So all schools are involved in the celebration which is characterized by choral singing, traditional dances, quizzes and a lot more. BVBIC-Wotutu is the only school in our area for higher learning, so one of our students was recognized by the local government. Etongwe Theophile was recognized for his brilliant academic excellence since he came to BVBIC-Wotutu last year (2015).

We give thanks to God and to you for your prayers that nothing serious took place in our youth day center. All the activities went on smoothly until the end without any disturbances, as we were all watchful for the threat of Boko Haram in the northern part of Cameroon.

My sons, Ray and Breedlove, were ready for the day with other children at the Brightland Christian academy. The clothes they wore was not their normal daily wear in school nor the occasional clothes. These clothes were a new fabric introduced by the government for the celebration of the day.

Our students dressed with their normal matching black suites and passed the stand in which government officials were sitting. They raised their Bibles up towards heaven indicated a silence message that this book contains instructions from God that all need to follow if they wish to spend eternity with God some day. They received lots of appreciation from the crowd and the journalists there present as they made comments of the importance of the Bible in our communities. The youth in Cameroon are almost unemployed as the unemployment rates in Cameroon are at 77.79 % which shows that many youth are not employed, and the population of Cameroon is dominated by the youth. Many politicians criticized the government by calling on the youth not to take part of the celebration because of their present conditions. They termed it a “dark celebration.” 

We paid attention sharing the good news that gives real hope. Most politicians will tell communities what they will never do in their lives, promising fake promises, and many are fed up with their promises. Our students, however, spend hours under the hot sun sharing the good news with lots of real promises from the faithful God who will fulfill His word at His will. They distributed hundreds of tracts about the great question, “What must I do to be saved?” Thanks to Mission Printing for their help so we might place in the hands of someone a guide that will take the person many times to the Bibles to do verification about their eternal destiny.

We not only shared the good news with mouth and handing tracts over to prospects, but we took our time to open the pages of the Bible. Many could see and read the Bible for the very first time because many Roman Catholics do not bother to own a Bible, so they were amazed to see things that they have never practiced in their lives because of their ignorance.

Some Bible passages were opened for people to read with their own eyes. It was amazing for many to see the things they saw today. We were purely in the campus of a Roman Catholic school, as we strive for many of our brethren to have a copy of the Bible in their hands. It will help many share with others.

It was sad to me that some will take many precious minutes to open a place in the Bible quoted by our students, but it was fun for our students to help many see the need to study the Bible. Many confessed how they have never bothered to think about studying the Bible. Many pick interest to start worshipping and studying with us. Keep their desire in your prayers.

The kids of Brightland Christian Academy were not left out. They showed their patriotic spirit as they marched past with the flag of Cameroon, with our board showing their motto which is, “Excellence and Trust Built In God.” We do our best to showcase the importance of Christian education, which for many years was dominated by the Roman Catholic educational system, forcing kids to do as they do no matter their spiritual background. Many thanks for the coming of Brightland. Many more things are still to be done to touch the lives of many through Christian education. Our hands are tied. We have the vision, but the means are not there to realize many things in a greater extent to expose more faster, as we shall continue to preach Christ and His church through this media.

The kids of Brightland Christian Academy displayed the Bakundu culture through the traditional dance. Cameroon is known by its socio cultural influence on the African continent: Africa in Miniature. Our kids performed well in choral singing which was purely vocal, away from other schools that used drums to add to the song. It was a day filled with smiles, as Brightland carried the day by their performances. Keep praying for this work; it will do greater things in the future. Come join us.

They copied the Bible college by raising thumbs up meaning, “We are not alone.” Please, may our God touche you to be part of this vision.

Plan
Pray for our students as they prepare to start exams on Monday, February 15.

Pray for the coming of our coordinator to come over and teach the book of Romans.

Appreciations
God bless you and keep you. Thanks for all your help to make it happen here, only God will reward you. Do your best to share with others our story.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Keeping Evangelism The Focus As Students Grow...

UPDATE: Cy Stafford continues to struggle through various health issues. The latest report indicates he made some improvement this week, but suffers with additional intestinal problems. As each day brings new challenges, we ask you to continue praying for Cy, Stephanie, and their family. We will do our best to keep you updated on his condition.

Everything continues to progress with the students in Denver. The week ahead is a research week for the men in Denver as they use this time to work on numerous assignments from the six classes they have this quarter. The dedication of these men continues to be an encouragement to all who know the level of work they complete in the short period of time for each quarter. Please remember to pray for the development of their faith and service as they complete each step of their journey through the Bear Valley program.

Reports this week are also encouraging as the men in the extension program demonstrate their dedication to studies and outreach. We ask you to take the time to read each report and pray for the development of these schools. There are always various needs presented by each location and we ask you to consider how you might be involved in meeting these needs. Without your willingness to help and your generosity to the program, the work would be hindered.

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

The Work Is In Great Progress As A 50 Year Celebration Approaches: Caution and excitement characterize the attitudes of staff and students in Cameroon as a big day nears.

Souls Are Added To The Church As Students Evangelize Daily: Students in Mbanga demonstrate an evangelistic spirit in reaching souls with the gospel.

Vocational Studies Continue For Students In Nigeria: One of the benefits for the students of the school in Nigeria is the opportunity to learn a skill that helps provide for their families.

Conflict Continues With The Work In Eastern Ukraine: While the staff of BVBIU is encouraged by the school’s development, the conflict continues to cause issues in Ukraine.

Planning The Future And Celebrating The Past In Paraguay: The work continues to progress as staff plan for the future, while reflecting on the success of the past.

Shaking The Cobwebs Off To Resume Studies In Arusha: As students return to their studies, the numbers are exciting for the direction of the first and second year classes.

Students Look Forward To Starting Classes Monday At ACSOP: The week ahead brings students back to the classroom in Arusha, Tanzania for the new quarter.

Final Thoughts
With heartfelt thanks, we want you to know how much we appreciate all you do for this work. We know without any doubt that this work progresses because of your prayers, encouragement, and support. To say you are a blessing to the program is an understatement. Thank you for helping make the training of preachers a great success.

God bless
Bob

Students Look Forward To Starting Classes Monday At ACSOP...

Those who are familiar with computer programing language, we normally have a word GIGO, which simply means Go in Go out. This expression shows a great truth to the teaching of preachers in preaching schools. Last year, fifteen men graduated at ACSOP and all of these men are outside there working with their local congregation. They have been trained as disciples to make other disciples. As I have been following their reports, it makes me glad since all of them have devoted their time and effort to help the congregations grow and plant other churches in the area. More reports of our graduates will come to you as you follow and read our reports.

As these have gone and are busy working in the vineyard, a group of 33 students have completed their application. These men will be in class on Monday, receiving necessary training for two year. Both full time and par time teachers have prepared themselves with enough material just to cover what is needed in the first quarter. The total number of students in both first year and second year will be 41, that will include 12 students from second year.

As faculty and team here we have never stopped praying for our mentor, brother Cy. There is always a need for a person when he is not there, and therefore we constantly pray for his quick recovery and the Lord willing to join the team soon. Many souls have been won to Christ over the past few years. Congregations have been established and others restored just because of the efforts of our brother. It is our prayer that he returns home and continues with the second phase of his mission plan.

God is Good always.

Thank you again for your time in reading this news and do not forget to pray for more open doors and therefore many can hear the gospel. Your prayers and financial support to the work of the Lord is so important.

In Him,

Godfrey Mngoma
Dean of Students, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute - International of Extension School
Arusha, Tanzania

Shaking The Cobwebs Off To Resume Studies In Arusha...

Greetings fellow workers,

The rains are falling here in Africa. The grass is green and the flowers are blooming. It is truly a beautiful time of year to be here in this portion of God's creation.

The Gaines family is safely back in Tanzania, and back in the groove. Furlough was great, but it feels good to be back in the field. We've missed this place and its wonderful people.

The new school year begins tomorrow. Students are shaking off the cobwebs from their break and preparing to resume their studies. We look forward to welcoming in a fresh class of Swahili students who are eagerly beginning the journey that their predecessors just completed. One of the great joys of this work is knowing that it is never finished. We have yet to run out of willing men who are seeking to strengthen their service to God, and the kingdom here is blessed for it.  

On a more somber note, our beloved brother, Cy Stafford, continues to have serious health problems. It seems that one day brings bad news, but the next brings rays of hope. During this turbulent time, a schedule for fasting and prayers of intervention has been organized. We invite you to participate in this to whatever degree you would like. 

Fasting Schedule:
-Bear Valley: February 1-10
-Churches of East Africa: February 11-21
-U.S. churches: February 22 - March 1

Thank you brothers for your prayers and support. This work wouldn't be possible without the participation of good people like you.

You can see this report with pictures at: http://tanzanianmissions.blogspot.com/2016/02/short-report-feb-7.html

Till all have heard...

Daniel Gaines

for Cy Stafford

Planning The Future And Celebrating The Past In Paraguay...

It is looking like 2016 will be a real “leap” year in more ways than one, if you consider it in the sense of church growth. It promises to be the year that the Iglesia de Cristo of Asuncion begins stepping out on its own. What a milestone to celebrate!

Every missionary’s job is to work himself out of a job. That is exactly what is taking place in Paraguay! At the first Men’s Business Meeting of the year, I announced to the church that Andrea and I will be ending our duties as resident missionaries and will be returning to the USA in March of 2017. Why such long notice you ask? Simply put, preparation time. Since this congregation was planted in 2004, there has always been someone on the Asuncion Mission Team that was involved with making decisions for the church, or handling church business on one level or another. For the past three years, the church here has been taking on more and more of its own responsibilities. The time has come for the church to now handle each and every aspect of its own business. This means I will no longer do things like handle payroll for the church secretary, nor handle construction projects, nor other such items that the church previously leaned on the missionaries to do. It will be as if I were already back in the USA. I will, however, certainly continue to fulfill all my duties as Director of the Asuncion Bible Academy until graduation and I will be happy to preach, teach, and conduct personal Bible studies as needed just like any member of the church at Avenida Sacramento. The men responded with great enthusiasm to the news and at the end of services that day they announced, “If we want the church to continue forward, then we must become more responsible for ourselves in fulfilling our duties - because this is our congregation!”

Brethren, these are exciting times! When the first mission team planted this congregation in 2004, it was this moment that they were working toward!

Praise the Lord it has come!
We were also blessed to have Karen Bennett, from the Central Avenue church of Christ in Valdosta, GA, return to Paraguay this past month and be our guest speaker at the Annual Ladies’ Retreat. Her lesson was about “Prayer” and they also watched the movie, War Room. Karen has become really close with many of the brethren here so lots of visits were in order, even though she was nursing a sore throat the whole time. We always enjoy her visits and greatly appreciate her servant attitude!

Developments at Asuncion Bible Academy
As part of our quarterly campaigns, the students of the Asuncion Bible Academy made a special survey trip to the city of Hernandarias (near Ciudad del Este) with the purpose of gathering information and exploring the possibilities for planting a church in that area. They were able to talk with many of the local citizens and with several people at the local municipality offices. As a group project, they will now take all the information and compile it into a report that will be delivered to the men of Avenida Sacramento to help them make some sound decisions. The Margaret Street church of Christ in Milton, FL, has also been working with the brethren in Paraguay to help them accomplish the goal of planting new congregations.

This information will be useful for determining next steps in moving forward with those plans, as well. This is now the third survey/research trip that the Academy has made in the past year and a half in our efforts to see more churches established in Paraguay.

Since many of the students had never even been to the other side of their own country, much less into one of their neighboring countries, we took advantage of the opportunity to go see the enormous Iguazu Falls in nearby Brazil (which, at one time, was once part of Paraguay). The students were really excited and thoroughly enjoyed the excursion. It was a well deserved reward for lots of hard work they have put in for the past few months.

This is the last quarter of the first year of the two-year program. The students are finishing up with short courses with Luis Camacho (1 Corinthians), Osvaldo Rodriguez (1 and 2 Samuel), Ike Yegros (Acts 2), and a research week. This will be followed by a month long break before diving into their second year of studies. We couldn’t be more pleased with the progress of the students, along with their good attitude and their diligent work ethic. Please keep them in prayer.

Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities / Opportunities
We were able to have another Bible study with Juan and Natty Candia. We have started a study on “Fundamentals of the Faith” that we will be using over the next few months.

Our interns from AME - Brazil, Italo Rocha (pictured, above) and Pablo Yuri, have completed their commitment for one year of service with us here in Paraguay and have now returned to their homes in Recife and Joao Pessoa, Brazil. It was a real blessing to the church to have them here and they served in many areas, especially in helping develop an adolescent youth group. They would frequently visit our widows and other brethren, helped Eliezer in Ñemby, organized a weekly soccer game and devotional, and would preach or lead singing whenever needed. We appreciate all the work they did and wish them God speed!

Personal Developments and Activities
I know it may seem hard for many of you to believe by just looking at her, but we celebrated Andrea’s 50th birthday this past month! (I know, she certainly doesn’t look 50!) We wanted to do something special, so we invited 30 of her closest brethren and friends to one of her favorite restaurants. We rented out the entire room and Andrea made all the decorations for the occasion (those of you who know her know how much she loves to make things!) The festivities included an 8-course meal, brought out in stages, and a Cirque du Soliel style show with live music and acrobats. It was followed by lighting the candles on her cake (I have never seen so many candles on a cake before!) and singing “Happy Birthday” both in Spanish and English. It was a wonderful evening for such a wonderful lady!

We also had a nice, traditional American New Year’s meal on January 1st. In the past we’ve celebrated this day with others, but this year it was just a special meal for two, complete with a delicious Pork Roast, Hoppin’ John, Sweet American Cornbread, and some local greens. Mmmm mmmm!

Discovery Paraguay
“Chake! Bache!” is a phrase one often hears when traveling down the busy streets of Asuncion. It means “Watch out! Pothole!” and you should definitely heed the warning, because some of the potholes have been known to swallow the whole front of a small car! With all the rain we’ve had the past few months and the constant flow of traffic, Asuncion has turned into a mine field. There are literally thousands of potholes throughout the city. Also, it’s not like the USA where cones or warning barriers are set up to signal drivers of the danger. Here, one must keep an eye out for a constant threat. At times someone might drop a tree branch or wooden crate over a real bad pothole to warn others. Regular car maintenance obviously requires changing the oil, filters, and perhaps rotating the tires. But, in Paraguay, we also add suspension parts to the list because the roads are so bad that something will inevitably be destroyed in the course of just a few month’s driving!

Personal Studies: Currently Reading/Have Read:

“Planting Churches Cross- Culturally in North America and Beyond,” by David Hesselgrave

“The Book of Philippians” by Wayne Jackson

“A New Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon” by Wilbur Fields

My current Bible reading: Matthew - John.

I have also begun preparing my lessons for classes for next quarter and I am still working diligently on the “Fundamentals of the Faith” workbook in Spanish to prepare for sending it to the publishers. The last details are almost finished!

Troy and Andrea Spradlin

To see their report with pictures, please click here.

Conflict Continues With The Work In Eastern Ukraine...

Hello dear brothers and sisters.

We had quite the cold weather in January. Unfortunately, military actions continue to take place in the eastern part of the country. It is due to the fact that Russian invaders do not want to leave their positions. Persecutions of religious leaders continue in Donetsk. One of the heads of the governmental department of religion, Igor Kozlovskiy was arrested recently. There was a time when he was working with the churches of Christ and wrote articles about the history of the church in modern Ukraine. As you can see, the DNR society is strongly prejudiced against true Christianity. The so-called “Russian World” uses its tricky propaganda to promote Russian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchy. These events make us think that any missionary work on the occupied territories is dangerous and threatens the life. I’m asking you to pray with us for the future of God’s church in Eastern Ukraine.

We have a tradition to spend the beginning of the January with our families, because we have national holidays for almost a whole week and all offices stop working. It was a wonderful time spent not only with physical family but also with a spiritual one. In January we tried to invite as many Christians and their families to us as possible. It was indeed an amazing time. I’m glad that despite all the troubles we can find time for joy and fellowship.

The classes at the institute started on January 11. Everything goes according to the schedule. First-year students had courses on Joshua, Judges, Ruth and 1-2 Samuel. Second-year students had Homiletics, World Religions and Romans. The teachers from Ukraine taught these classes. We are looking forward to Denton Landon’s visit in the middle of February. Also Johnny Mack Young and his son-in-law Walter Rayburn had to come to Ukraine in March. Unfortunately, Johnny Mack Young, our faithful teacher and one of the best Christian examples passed away. We believe he is in a better place now. I will teach his classes this semester. We will be looking for a worthy substitute for this course in the future. As far as I know Walter hasn’t changed his plans, and we are looking forward to his and Garth Hilton’s visit in March. It is a great blessing for us, when we can train ministers for God’s work together. 

Potential students contact me from time to time. Right now there are three men and one lady willing to start studying in September. With the help of our BVBIU co-worker Alex we try to be in touch with those people who got interested in the future studies. I’m asking you to pray for student recruitment for the Bible institute. 

We have launched an evangelizing program at the local congregation. We give announcements at online services about free Bibles and materials for children. People who are interested send us their contacts to receive literature. Then we contact them and send a short Bible course “How to get the forgiveness of one’s sins and become a Christian”. We have just started the process, and we’ll see how this method would work in future.

We are still publishing our Christian periodical “Sound Life”. All workers of the institute participate in this work. Some teachers write articles, Oksana Heohdzhayeva edits the periodical and translates articles for it and sends it to me. Then we print it and send to all churches of Christ. Some local congregations try to order as many copies as possible. 

I still preach from time to time and teach Bible classes at Bila Tserkva church of Christ. We have very good relationships with this congregation. The Lord has opened their hearts to us, and they have received well the presence of the school at their building. We are also trying to show a good attitude. I hope and pray that in due time the institute will have a building of its own, as it was the case in Gorlovka.

We thank all those who support the work of the institute, its staff and students. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to spread the gospel. We are making it possible due to your help and prayers.

Your bother and co-worker,
Dennis Sopelnik

Vocational Studies Continue For Students In Nigeria...

Beloved in Christ,

Greetings from Nigeria. Second semester classes come to an end on January 29, 2016. The students will now undergo another month of vocational studies in Ibadan, Asejire-Osun state and Lagos state between January 30 - February 27, 2016. Our intention is in line with Nigerian culture that says "If you give man a fish, he will have a single meal, but if you teach him how to fish he will eat for the rest of his life.” The majority of our students are learning Electrification, Fashion designing and NAPPMED (Selling of medicine and application). 

At last we fixed particle board to help chill our Doug Wheeler event hall at the school’s main campus.

We really appreciate the unexpected gift of N225,000= from brother Doug Wheeler on January 27, 2016 that made our dream come to past. I loaned the sum of N190,000= from two of my friends and add the balance of N1,000= from my purse to complete the job by direct labour.

 The whole job cost us the sum of N416,000=. Below is the breakdown:

*150 pieces of particle board - N255,000=
*5 pack of tie rod - N25,000=
*150 of 2 by 2 inches wood to complete the lodging - N48,000= 
*Nails (1.5; 2 & 3 inches) - N25,000=
*Transportation - N8,000=
*Workmanship - N85,000=

Brethren, I taught on "The Walk of Faith" from Hebrews 11 on the Lord's day of January 31 at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation while brother Samuel Oladokun, a graduate of SWSE in year 2012 admonished the church on "Faith in Action" from 2 Kings 5. 

Lord willing, I will teach for four Lord's day on "Church Growth" at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan starting from February 14, 21, 28 and on March 6, 2016 before extending the topics to other sister congregations within and outside Ibadan.

In conclusion, we thank you all for your brotherly love and concern. May the Lord keep on using us for His glory is our fervent prayer.

Yours in His service,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Minister)

Souls Are Added To The Church As Students Evangelize Daily...

Greetings in the name of Jesus.

2016 has come and we are still very happy to do the work of the Lord, and souls are being added to the church, as students keep doing evangelism on a daily basis, most especially during weekend evangelism in Mujuka and in other places. Our students are all ready for mission work at any giving weekend because they are in great love with evangelism and nurturing the assemblies, but the laborers are few, while the field is vast and assemblies keep on demanding their assistance. Our week was a blessed one, and we had joint evangelism with a student from Wotutu. We joined forces and stormed the Tripe people who are in that community.

Studies are going very well and each instructor is doing his best to meet up with his course. May a safe journey be given to these able men who travel every week to make sure that they be around to come fill the students with the gift that is in them, just like brother Todd and David who will travel to Cameroon come February 27 by the grace of God. Upcoming events include preparation to establish a new congregation in Sancho and to restore a new one in Njombe and others where need be. Join us in supporting this work both spiritually and financially. Let French Cameroon be evangelized like other parts of the world.

The northern part is being evangelized and two of our students might go again this time around if the means are there, like to revisit the new congregation that was established last December by one of our students with the assistance of some members that way. The last baptism done by brother Rene was in Mbanga, and students prepare for weekend evangelism.

Ititi

The Work Is In Great Progress As A 50 Year Celebration Approaches...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the globe. We do hope this reports meets you all over there in peace. We are doing better, but just that lots of children in our congregation are sick. That is why I am sending this report late because I am just returning from the hospital to visit with those parents whose children are hospitalized. Keep them in your prayers.

The work is in great progress and we are thankful to God daily for His care and leadership. Students continue to grow and they continue to reach out both in and out of Wotutu weekly.

Keep Cameroon in your prayers as we celebrate our youth day, most at time the Boko Haram will see opportunities like this when many are busy and excited to go to gatherings to do suicide bombings. The youth of Cameroon will celebrate 50 years of our independence. The kids of Brightland will be there as well as the students of BVBIC-Wotutu. In the Bonjongo court area where we belong, our Bible college is the only higher institution. We shall be there as usual with lots of tracts, so that after the match pass our students will be busy sharing the good news to many other young people and government officials. We shall give out hundreds of tracts to the ready educated or educating population. We already have above 5 Christians who live in the Bonjongo area to come down to Wotutu for worship, as the evangelistic efforts are going there by one of our graduates Ngoue.

In Likomba village, we continue with our house to house evangelism, as many are still eager to see the truthfulness of the church of Christ. We preached to them and many are still scared that others not fall victim again from different denominations.

Brother Chu Elvis prefers to stand and share the good news with one lady because she said I want to listen to you but I don’t have a seat. That was an indirect way to send the brother away, but he said I can stand up for hours as long as you give me your ears and open your heart for the good news. She was amazed by the humility of our brother. Today she was in our worship and was also surprised from the start of the worship till the end that there was no period where people were asked to go and pay their tithe. She seems to be doubly interested in the church.

The Likomba Tiko congregation is the newest congregation around us now. It is one week old and the waves about the work are going like wild fire. |We keep sending two students weekly to make sure things are correct from this point.

The young Christians are happy to be part of the family of God. Pa Nange, who was baptized since 1975, considers our efforts as God’s divine plan for him and his house to reconciled back to God. He made sure our students were well fed while there on house to house.

The Teke congregation is also young in age. They are in dire need of a preacher who will lead them aright. Our students do not go there weekly because of the distance and because of many other younger and newly revived congregations. We also watch our means to meet up with all the demands of the congregation. The laborers are few and the means are not there all the time.

Keep brother James in your prayers as he started a new walk with Jesus this week.

Yesterday we had a first of a kind meeting with all our graduates. Many came except for those who were really far from Wotutu and the means were not there for them to make the trip. Also some had serious assignments in their congregations.

It was a time to go back to the drawing board to bring to our conscience the goal of our calling and the intention of the establishment of CBIW now BVBIC-Wotutu. Many expressed the joy of serving the Lord with joy even though with lots of difficulties because of the nature of the church in Cameroon. Many were happy to come back to the educational womb in which they stayed two years and were born as servants of the Lord, slaves of Christ, evangelists, ministers, preachers, or any way you wish to address them.

It was also time to rekindle love, share passion, and visions.

It was also time of asking questions about the work in different locations and how they are doing the work of evangelists by enduring hardships as a true soldiers of Christ.

It was also time to laugh, embrace one another, and it was also time to cry and time to wipe the tears of others.

It was time to sing songs of praise and time to pray. We pray for you as you read this mail because you are a pillar in the work here, and it was also time to pray for betters days as the Lord permits. It is not easy with our brothers in the field. Please, please there were some pertinent issues discussed that could help enhance the work here among the alumni, such as a powered PA system for all their evangelistic efforts as they agreed to meet quarterly in a location to preach and teach. At times this vision is being hindered because of the means to convey the message on open air in a village when people will hear the loud speakers and light shining. It draws the crowd to come and see what is happening, by song, the gospel will be preached. Please, your kindness is needed here.

Plans
​The Lebialem mission is coming again on the 2nd of March. Keep these plans in your prayers.

Appreciations
Thank you very much for all that you for the work here. Only God will reward you. Keep praying for us as we pray for you.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

The Potential For Growth Brings Exciting Future...

UPDATE: Please continue to pray for Cy Stafford and his family. News this week was discouraging as doctors did not give Cy much hope of surviving the day. At this point, Cy continues to fight for his life and the initial diagnosis of a perforated colon was a misdiagnosis. Treatment for Cy has started again. We give thanks and ask for your continued prayers for Cy and their family to endure the days ahead.

Students in Denver approach their midterm exams over the week ahead. This time is followed by a period of research where students focus on assignments for the six courses of the quarter. The past week was encouraging as chapel was filled with opportunities for students to put into practice their preaching skills. Listening to the improvement of these men as they continue to prepare themselves for preaching the gospel is an exciting part of the program in Denver.

The extension locations continue to report on the progress of students preparing themselves in the same way. Weekend evangelism and preaching with various congregations also provides encouragement and excitement for everyone reading about their efforts. Reports below continue to show the hand of God working through the lives of these men. 

The months ahead will see new schools in several locations. The new school in Malawi will begin classes in February. In order to meet requirements for the government and have everything ready, the new school in Fiji will open its doors in May. The new school in Zimbabwe will begin training men to preach sometime this spring, and the potential in other locations grows. It is an exciting time to see the growth of the program.

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

The Restoration Of A Brother And Sister In Cameroon Encourages All: Recent weekend evangelism in Cameroon opened the door to restoring a family baptized in 1975.

History In The Making With The Great Workshop In Nigeria: The report from Nigeria shares news about the impact of powerful speakers at a recent event known as the Great Workshop. 

The Church Is Maturing In Siem Reap, Cambodia: The goal of any work, and the exciting news from Cambodia, is the steps to maturing the church in their own financial support.

Campaigns In Ghana Face Challenges In Restorations: Students continue their campaign efforts, but experience numerous challenges in striving to restore brethren to the church.

Farming And Evangelism Impacts The Work Of The Church: The Maynard family continue to see the development of the work in Tanzania through farming and outreach.

God’s Laborers Continue To Work In The Vineyard To Bear Fruit: The report this week from Arusha, Tanzania shares news of how the gospel is bearing fruit in the kingdom.

Faithful Men Growing The Kingdom In Tanzania: The news from ACSOP is exciting as faithful men continue to contribute to the growth of the church in Tanzania.

Final Thoughts
Thank you for your continued encouragement and support in the work of training preachers. Your involvement in this program is the backbone of what is accomplished. The souls affected by the preaching of the gospel can only be numbered in heaven. There will be souls we may never meet this side of heaven that will be thankful for the effort put forth to train men to preach the gospel. Thank you for making it possible.

God bless
Bob

History In The Making With The Great Workshop In Nigeria...

Dear Brethren,

Greetings from your fellow workers in the vineyard of Christ in Nigeria. We are very grateful to you all for your love, prayer, financial support, and goodwill you have extended to us in Nigeria for many years ago.

January 26-29, 2016 was epoch making in the history of Great Workshop and Nigeria as a whole. The just concluded Great Workshop was the first in history since its inception in 1997 by brother Tex Williams and brother Steven Worley. Over 700 evangelists / WBSFUW and friends of brother Doug Wheeler from 17 Southern States of Nigeria and some from Abuja (FCT), Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna graced the four day workshop at NCBC Ukpom-Abak, Akwa-Ibom state to spiritually edify and witness the sending forth of brother Doug Wheeler, our brother, friend, and counselor who started his mission work in Nigeria in 1984 and was sent forth in January 29, 2016.

It seemed we should have brother Doug Wheeler forever in Nigeria because many souls were converted by the Lord through our joint effort. Many were edified and many local congregations were planted by his encouragement. Really, we shall miss his annual speech and lectures, encouragement, jokes, cares, and lastly his hands of fellowship. May the Lord continue to use him and every one of us for His glory is our fervent prayer in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

The four day workshop centered on “Church Growth.” Several lessons were addressed to remind us of the need, principle, and ways of Church Growth. Able and seasoned brothers were chosen as speakers while people like then were appointed to moderate the program.

On Thursday morning, the whole assembly trooped out to evangelize Ukpom-Abak and neighboring towns and villages. A soul was converted while many more prospects were identified. In the evening of Thursday, some brethren were recognized for their tireless efforts in the brotherhood with awards of excellency along with brother Doug Wheeler who really is a soldier of Christ, accommodative, disciplinary, and lover of God and lover of good things.

At the end of the workshop on Friday evening, brother Doug Wheeler through brother Sylvester and brother John Dania freely shared hundreds of Bibles to all the invited guests, while I and brother Kayode shared 6,000 VOTI vol. 86 and leftovers of volume 84 & 85 and 5,000 WBS introduction lessons to over 700 participants.

Brethren, we brother Doug Wheeler would ever be remembered by all the graduates of SWSE-Ibadan, the WBSFUW and by brethren in Nigeria.

We thank you all for your support in all ways for him when serving in Nigeria. We thank his wife, sister Diane too, for permitting her husband to come to Nigeria even though the kidnappers are operating day and night in the East, Boko Haram in the North, and Sooka (Ritualises) in the West. Really, we are grateful to him and his wife, associates, and to you all for your love and concern for souls of men in Africa, Nigeria in particular. May the Lord keep us fit in His loving way till death in Jesus name, Amen. 

I remain yours in His grace as a servant,
Brother Makinde Ebens Olufemi (Minister)