The return home has been good and I am enjoying getting somewhat back to normal, for what normal is worth (for those who do not know me well, that is my attempt at a weak joke). Classes in Denver continue to progress toward the next graduation which is only six weeks away. With the graduation of one class there is always the excitement of beginning a new class of students and 2013-2014 enrollment is shaping up to be a very good year.
The reports this week are filled with wonderful news about growth within the Extension program. There is always a great sense of joy related to reading about souls being added to the kingdom from the message shared by students through weekend evangelism, campaign, or just talking with others. Joy describes the feeling associated with knowing there are more than 300 students around the world are studying to better equip themselves for work in the Lord’s kingdom.
We know joy through the directors and teachers on the ground who are sound in the faith and dedicated to the work. Their endurance is an encouragement to us all. Our joy is made complete by seeing the achievement of students who spend two years of intense study plummeting the depths of God’s word. Joy is also the result of knowing those who work through the challenges of living in another country because of their love for God and people of the world is a thirst that can only be quenched by fulfilling God’s mission.
This week is a special week as the Extension staff involved with the Bear Valley Bible Institute will meet to examine a number of areas within the program. We plan to look at what is working and what is not. We need to continue to focus on how we can achieve growth and development in the years ahead. We desire to improve the overall program and further strengthen our abilities to provide the best possible support of the work.
Please pray for us as we meet and for the safety of each member who will be traveling to and from Denver. Also, please pray for each of the schools this week as they continue to labor tirelessly in the Lord’s kingdom.
Now on to the other reports...
Coordinator Updates
Reports from the coordinators are now located on the website, under Staff Reports. The address is /extension-schools/
The latest report from Donnie Bates can be read by clicking here.
Extension Reports
One Amazing Campaign In Cameroon: The numbers from the recent campaign to over 20 villages in Cameroon shows the powerful hand of God in giving the increase.
Short Holidays With Purpose: Gajendra shares the purpose of a short holiday for the students and staff of the Nepal Center of Biblical Studies.
Lessons on Giving: The Southwest School of Evangelism is involved in teaching each week and they are involved in a series of lessons on giving.
Tanzania Chronicles: Sean Hochdorf sends news about the development of the work in the Andrew Connally School of Preaching and on the home front.
Back Home In Tanzania: After a productive furlough, the Stafford’s are back in Arusha preparing for the upcoming Safari for Souls.
Thou Shalt Not Steal: The Gee family shares some of the difficulties of living in another country as someone tried to steal their cell phone, while talking on it.
Final Thoughts
From all of us to all of you, thank you. I never get tired of expressing gratitude for the tremendous ways all of you continue to keep this work successful. You are the true heart of the program. I am referring to you! As you read the report, you already know who you are and why we are thankful. Without you there would be no one to teach, no one to pray, no one to share the reports, no one to encourage, no one to support. We love YOU!
God bless
Bob