PRAYER REQUEST: Please continue to pray for our dear friend, brother, and fellow-worker in the kingdom, Cy Stafford. While continuing to fight leukemia, he also faces additional health issues that threaten his life. We ask you to fervently pray and ask others to do the same in these difficult times for Cy and his family. Thank you.
The months pass by so quickly and reflecting on the previous year is always an exciting and encouraging part of the work. At the end of the year, Keith Kasarjian accumulated information provided from each of the schools within the extension program. The report below was written by Keith and highlights the results of the information provided over the last few weeks. We pray you are encouraged by the report.
It is hard to believe, but 2016 is here and at Bear Valley, we have just finished an outstanding year! This past year has truly been wonderful in the history of the Bear Valley Extension Program and we want to share some of the excitement with you - our friends, partners, and supporters.
There are now 18 extensions, in 15 different countries around the world, with 264 full-time, preacher training students! This year has also witnessed 120 men graduate with their degree or certificate from Bear Valley. Just think of all the potential in those men and their families in the years to come, especially since the vast majority of them are serving in the most fertile parts of the world. This is truly exciting!
But at Bear Valley, we know that we aren’t doing this alone. We depend on partners and supporters to help us train preachers and church leaders around the world. In addition to our all-important supporters, 72 different local teachers taught in Bear Valley extensions this year and another 45 men made the journey to an extension to teach a “short course” to our students. This truly is a team effort at every level.
In addition to teaching these men how to preach and live, we want to instill in them a passion for soul-winning. This is borne out in the many studies, campaigns, and gospel meetings that they are involved in throughout the year. As a result of these efforts, we know of at least:
1,979 baptisms
61 new congregations
173 campaigns and gospel meetings
10 restored churches
To God be the glory!
This has truly been a remarkable year, but we are not resting on our laurels as we look to an exciting future. There are already many new students set to enter the program this year and more new extensions are in the works. 2016 promises to be the most exciting year yet!
At Bear Valley, we thank all those who support us and partner with us to carry out the mandate of 2 Timothy 2:2. What you are doing is making a difference and we literally could not do it without you. Thank you for the confidence you have placed in us and we look forward to continuing to serve together as long as the Lord allows.
Now on to this week’s incredible 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/
The latest report from Howell Ferguson can be read by clicking here.
Extension Reports
The New Year Already Sounds Forth Plans For Evangelism: As the leadership in Cameroon plans for the year ahead, evangelism in several locations, including Nigeria, are considered.
The Outreach In Nigeria For 2016 Begins With Souls Added: The news from eastern Nigeria is exciting as souls were added to the Lord’s church through the preaching of the gospel.
Reflecting On 2015 And Planning For 2016 In Nepal: Several exciting events occurred in Nepal last year and the new class of 2016 promises to bring more exciting events.
The Year Begins With Plans For A New Class Of Students At ACSOP: The growth of the work in Arusha, Tanzania is encouraging and the new class for 2016 introduces more to the program.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for your continued trust in Bear Valley to train men to preach the gospel. Without you this work would not be possible. You are a blessing to us and thousands of others who are influenced through the people trained in the extension program. We cannot express enough how much we appreciate each of you and what you do to make this program successful.
God bless
Bob