The annual staff retreat is one special weekend. We all returned to Denver Sunday afternoon and several are already on their way home. Our time together was well spent. We laughed and cried together. We also grew closer in fellowship. This weekend is always a “shot-in-the-arm” for everyone who is able to attend, and this year we experienced the largest gathering in the history of the retreat. We were blessed to hear from men who are associated in one way or another with every school in the program where we are working together around the world.
When the retreat ends and we all return home, there is such a feeling excitement. We receive encouragement, we plan, we discuss various angles of the work, and we strive to leave with a sense of God’s power at work through each of us. The most common thread throughout the few days we are together is the truth that the entire program is not about any one of us. This program we are privileged to share in is for the glory of God. He is the reason we do what we do.
We pray that the beauty of this weekend is something we can bring to the entire program as we expand the development of the work around the world. We want each location to share in the same encouragement and excitement of knowing the ways God blesses each area of the work. We hope everyone shares the same joy for the opportunity of serving in the task of training others to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus.
Reports this week also share news of how God is blessing the proclamation of the Gospel. We are thankful to be fellow-workers with these men and the sacrifices they make to help others see the power of God’s word.
Now on to the other 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/
To read the latest report from Donnie Bates, please click here.
Extension Reports
Weekend Evangelism Experiences Challenges In Cameroon: As the students participate in door-to-door evangelism, at times the weather introduces several difficulties.
The First Graduating Class In Kenya: After two years of diligent studies, thirteen men were honored with diplomas for their completion of the program at the KSOP.
An Interesting Twist To The Ice-Bucket Challenge: The Gaines’ family provided everyone a challenge that will truly improve the quality of life for Tanzanians.
Final Thoughts
To say “thank you” is inadequate to express our level of appreciation. We want to thank each of the individuals who came to share in the retreat, especially those who worked so hard to prepare food for the weekend. We also want to thank each of you for sharing with us in this work. We only wish it were possible for all of you to hear the same reports and enjoy the fellowship of this type of event. We love you and want you to know what a great blessing you are to us and the work.
God bless
Bob