Although we are moving into the summer throughout the U.S. there continues to be growth and progress in the work throughout many parts of the world. It is encouraging to read about the work among the schools where men are training to preach, as well as, the campaigns where many are teaching the gospel and God is giving the increase.
I continue to be encouraged by the dedication of these men who study all week and then spend their weekends evangelizing areas around the school, or in villages where they live. Our God is blessing those who are serving in His kingdom. I have heard it presented that we may not see the magnitude of our labors are in this life. This could very well be true. However, God seems to know how to keep us encouraged by allowing us to share in the fruit that is being born through the work of Extension Training.
We had opportunity to visit a congregation in Branson, Missouri yesterday. The preacher, Tim Kidwell, referenced business cards for the congregation and asked all who were visiting to take these cards with them. The purpose was to encourage the large number of visitors who were visiting various areas of Branson to take cards and hand them out to everyone. To date they have distributed over 8,000 cards. I was impressed, took a stack of cards and thought, this is exactly what we need to do with the weekly Extension report. So, I am encouraging each of you to share the report with everyone you know.
As I visit with various congregation about the work of the Extension program, I love adding more people to the list who want to read about this work. I urge you to share the report with others and if you know of anyone who would like to receive the report, please send me their e-mail address and I will see they receive it each week.
Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/
Howell Ferguson reports about the work and need in Chimala. Please take time read about the Chimala Mission and the Bible Institute working in the southern part of Tanzania.
Donnie Bates recently returned from Honduras. His report shares information about the situation in Danli.
Extension Reports
The Lord Adds To The Church In Cameroon: Even though the students have returned home for a short break, the work continues and God adds to the church through the evangelistic efforts in Cameroon.
Fruit Born In Honduran Campaign: This may be a short report, but the news is long on greatness concerning the growth in a recent campaign.
Returning Home: The students are returning to their homes to plant crops in Tamale, Ghana and Tony Johnson prepares to return to the U.S.
Reaching The Lost In East Africa: The work continues to grow in East Africa as several prepare to participate in a large lectureship.
Planting, Watering, And God Gives The Increase: The more I read about the work in Arusha, Tanzania, the more encouraging the information is about the work. Take time to read this powerful report.
Training Africans To Teach Africans: In the midst of this report, the Gee family speaks about the growth in the Arusha congregation taking responsibility in the work.
A New Class Prepares To Begin: With graduation behind them, the Visakha Valley Bible College prepares students who are beginning the second class of students.
Final Thoughts
I simply want to close with saying thank you. A common thread throughout the reports each week, and all of these today, is the gratitude expressed by everyone involved in this work. I do not know of anyone involved who takes for granted the value of your sacrifice to make this work possible.
Your sacrifice to help us in the Extension Program is producing fruit around the world. The reports included today show the kind of growth God is supplying through the preaching of the gospel. The men who are going out to preach and teach are equipping themselves adequately to do the work when they finish school.
Please remember them in your prayers. Again, your sacrifice is noticed and appreciated. I pray God will bless you all richly for the gift you have supplied.
God bless
Bob