Let me begin with the best news of all. Sunday I was privileged to baptize my sister into Christ. We have been studying for several months, looking at a number of areas regarding God’s word and our relationship to God through His word. It was an incredible feeling to have the opportunity to immerse her into Christ and know the hope she has because of the cleansing power found in the blood of Jesus.
Monday begins the first of two days where the staff of the Extension program comes together to discuss matters relating to the various schools. Our goal is to continue taking a few steps each time we meet to improve the overall working of the program. We will be discussing several areas over the next few days which I know will provide growth in the work. I am always encouraged by the opportunity to gain insight from the depth of wisdom these men, who have served the Lord in various capacities for many years, bring to the work.
As well, this week includes a trip to Guatemala to participate in the annual ITL lectureship. I will share more about the lectureship in next week’s report. The lectureship is one facet of the work being done by Byron Benitez and Hawatthia Jones with the Latin-America Theological Institute. Bear Valley is privileged to assist in their efforts of training men to preach the gospel in Central America.
Following the trip to Guatemala; Donnie Bates, Ralph Williams and myself will be traveling to Asuncion, Paraguay. We will meet with various staff members who make up the team of missionaries working in this area. As well, we will meet with the local leadership of the congregation in Asuncion to discuss their desire to be involved in training men to preach the gospel in South America. I look forward to reporting more about the development of this possibility in future reports.
As you will read this week, the work continues to be a blessing. I love reading about the development of the work as men prepare themselves to fulfill God’s plan for the salvation of the world. I hope you enjoy reading them this week.
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/
Jerry and Paula Bates recently returned from a trip to India to participate in several activities within the work of India and the Extension Program. Click here to see the complete report.
Chad Wagner’s report is attached below. Chad and his family are making final preparations for moving to Chimala this summer. Read more here.
Josh Austin’s monthly report about the Extension work in Cameroon and his activities with the Bear Valley congregation is located here.
Extension Reports
Short Course Teachers In Cameroon: Two teachers from the USA recently began short course classes with the CBIW. The impact has been encouraging.
Opportunities To Be Gained Or Lost: Work in the mission field presents many opportunities and sometimes those opportunities are lost. The work in Arusha faces the same.
Final Thoughts
I always enjoy closing with a word of thanks. Saying thank you does not seem near enough to express the depth of gratitude I have for all you do to make this work possible. I know your desire is to see the kingdom of our God expand through training men to preach the gospel. God has and continues to bless our efforts as we serve him around the world.
I pray you will always know how much you are appreciated. Make a great day!
God bless
Bob