I trust everyone is enjoying the holiday season, spending time with family and friends. My wife and I always enjoy spending time with our children and grandchildren. We look forward to spending as much time with them as we can at every opportunity.
As we reach the end of 2011 and begin a new year with the next report, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past and press on to the future. The past year witnessed much growth in the Extension Training program. In addition to getting a new school off the ground in Cameroon, we were able to grow in our understanding of some of the issues challenging this work and how to address these challenges.
As we press on into 2012, we are excited about the possibilities of establishing several new locations for training men to preach, connecting with a school presently operating on a one year basis, and continuing to address areas in the program where there is need.
The greatest challenge tends to be financial in nature. The economic situation of this country has caused several schools in other countries to lose support. We are trying to determine the best way to address these situations. Our fear is the loss of students, present and potential. We know Satan does not want us to train men in this program, and we know he will use whatever possible to stop the work. However, we trust God is greater and will provide what is needed.
We ask you to pray with us about these needs and share the report with others. If you know of someone who is able and willing to get involved with helping satisfy these needs, please drop me a note at bturner@bvbid.org. I would love to discuss these matters in greater detail and work together to resolve these issues.
The reports are fewer this week as we approach the end of the month, but they are encouraging.
Now on to the reports...
Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/
Extension Reports
Growth For Students, Staff And The Church: The news connected with the Center for Biblical Studies (CBS) demonstrates growth for everyone involved.
It’s All About Multiplication: Cy Stafford captures the whole of Extension Training in his final report of 2011 from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching In Arusha, Tanzania.
Kisongo Field Day And More: The first annual event brought much to the work in Arusha. The Gee report shows how the work in Tanzania is developing.
Final Thoughts
The year must not end without taking opportunity to thank you for all you have done over the past year to make this work successful. As well, let me thank you, in advance, for all I know you will continue to do in the year ahead.
It is an exciting time in the world to be involved in training men to preach the gospel. The opportunities are growing each week and plans for development are aligning with the goals for the overall program.
Thank you for making it happen! We hope you have enjoyed a great holiday season. We look forward to the year ahead.
God bless
Bob