New Missionary In Tanzania Assists In The Plan Of Sustainability...

Farming: 
We spent our first week becoming acquainted with our surroundings and learning about where we would work for the next year. We met with Rodrick, he takes care of the kuku (chickens), Abraham who takes care of the ng’ombe (cows), Ritchard and Kushumba who take care of the shamba (garden), and we had many meetings with Agustine, who is the local in charge of the farming project. We held many meetings with Agustine to discuss finances, nutrition, housing, and future plans. 

The first thing needing our attention was the situation with the laying hens. The 100 layers were in very good condition, but were not producing the way they should. We quickly noticed several problems and set out to fix them. The first thing we noticed was that for 100 layers there were only around 8-10 laying boxes (all of which were on the ground). There needed to be 1 box for every 4-5 hens and they needed to be off of the ground. Layers do not like to lay in dirty boxes and since chickens like to roost, they were roosting on top of the laying boxes creating a mess.  We quickly set about to build new laying boxes, thanks to the generosity of our brother, Sid Aultman.

I spent the time showing Roderick and Agustine how to build the laying boxes and why they needed to be built that way. What would have taken an hour in America – took all day. With no electricity everything had to be done by hand. It took a long time. The final thing we told them we needed to do was to put golf balls in each box. This is a trick we learned back in America if hens fight over one box or you want them to start laying in a new place. They think the golf balls are eggs and will begin laying there. The locals thought we were kicha (crazy), but the next morning when they had more than double the eggs – they were thrilled! We now get approximately 95 eggs a day! 

Many other things have happened this month; we sold a cow and are currently looking for another milk cow. We met with a man who taught us to make our own silage, so we will begin that too. Roderick has already grown out one set of a 150 broilers and slaughtered them for the school and is now growing out 150 more for the school. We hope to eventually sell the chickens. Already, in the month we have been here we bought all of the feed (layers, broilers, and cows) with the money made from selling eggs! We are moving in the right direction thanks to the Lord God Almighty.

Another goal we have while we are here is to substitute the food at the school with our shamba (garden). They have several small gardens planted and have been successful thanks to Healing Hands raised bed drip irrigation system. We helped finish get the 1 acre raised beds ready for Healing Hands to install the drip irrigation system! All of that was done this past week. We are so excited about the opportunity this presents and our hope is to get beans planted before the short rains start (which is soon). We then hope to plant corn and beans during the long rains.

Evangelism
I had the opportunity to speak at the Tanzanian Leadership conference. Brethren from all over East Africa, Cambodia, and America traveled to attend. God was glorified! To read more about that please see Anna’s blog: goatgirlgazette.wordpress.com. 

November 1st I taught class at the Kanisa La Kristo (Church of Christ) in Monduli. In December I will preach at Magi ya Chai. Anna will teach the monthly preacher’s wives class the first Saturday of November. Also, in December is the Future Preacher Training Camp for local boys 15-26 years old. I will teach during that week. The following week will be the Christian Youth Camp! Justin, Anna, and Samantha will all teach classes for the boys and girls. Lots will go on here and we appreciate your prayers. 

All three of us will work with Desdery and Jane Massawe the second Saturday in November and the second Saturday in December. We will help them start a children’s seminar. Every month we will go to a new town, spend the morning teaching children different Bible lessons and then Jane and Anna will hold classes for the local women on how to teach the Bible to children. This is a problem here. Children are just mini-adults and so the locals think they should sit and learn like they do. We hope to show them the benefits of story-telling, crafts (we have a small craft room for the local churches to use), and Bible songs. If you would like to help with any of this please let Anna’s mother know. We currently have members in the states providing Bible materials but we also need funds to feed the children and adults every month during the seminar. Depending on how many show up this could cost between $100-300. Ebeth Edwards 706-397-8358 or spriggie@aol.com. 

Samantha is working on organizing the library at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. It is a big undertaking but hopefully she can have it organized, color coded, and someone trained to take her place before she leaves in March!

There is so much going on here in Tanzania.  Please keep all of our brothers and sisters here in your prayers.

Justin Maynard

To see Justin’s report with pictures associated with the information above, please click here.

Evangelists Resume Their Monthly Meeting In Arusha...

Elections, Etc.
This past week, Tanzania experienced the most closely contested election in it's national history. The election came and went (relatively) peacefully in our area. The results were controversial with both candidates claiming victory. Many Tanzanians are feeling quite upset with the political process. The situation warrants keeping an eye on, especially in Zanzibar, but for now peace is reigning. Thank you for the prayers this week. Please continue to keep the country in those prayers. 

Wednesday Series
During the months of October and November, I have been asked to do a special series of studies on the books of Acts and Romans at the Arusha church. Attempting to survey those texts in that time period is proving to be an interesting study. I'm enjoying it, and I hope the congregation is as well. I appreciate the invitation.

Evangelism Meeting
After taking a hiatus due to a packed calendar, the area evangelists resumed their monthly meetings this week. On these occasions the brethren hold each other accountable for their efforts, and make plans for future collaborations. It is one of the things that I like most about how the churches here cooperate together.

4th Quarter
Meanwhile the 4th quarter of the school year continues. I'm teaching a course on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. It has been a joy to watch these men grow throughout their first year of study. By this point they have a good idea of what is expected of them and how the school works.

Spiritual Disciplines
This week I have the pleasure of kicking off the Spiritual Disciplines Seminar at the Monduli congregation. This will actually be the first time that I've had the opportunity to visit with the brethren there, so it is an extra-special treat for me. Our new teammate, Justin Maynard, is coming along also. I'm training Justin to take my place in the seminar when I go away on furlough. During that time, he will have the opportunity to take the seminar to Maji ya Chai and Kwa Morambo.  

Furlough Schedule
Furlough is coming up soon, so if you would like a visit, then please contact me so that I can get you on the schedule. I'd love to tell you about the great things that God is doing here.

Daniel Gaines

To see Daniel’s report with pictures, please click here.

God's Spokesmen In The Lord's Vineyard Of Tanzania...

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of the wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent like doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues.” (Matthew 10:16-17)

As Jesus knew that His disciples would be facing hardship, He sent them to the field so that they could learn what it meant to be “God’s Spokesmen.”  As they went out, He cautioned them that they would face hardship even if they were working for the Almighty God. That being the case, these people were ready to go out and practice what they were taught and what the Spirit would bring into their remembrance. Being disciples of Jesus, we learn that principle, apply it to ourselves and use it to train others to be better equipped as hard workers in the Lord’s Vineyard. The ACSOP started a program of sending out students, two by two (which is also biblical principle) to the surrounding congregations. We trained them and told them as the Lord did to His disciples, they should be shrewd as serpents and innocent like doves since the world is against us.

Through these efforts, the students have been able to conduct 56 Bible studies, distribute 106 Bible correspondence courses and convert to Christ 16 souls. The Lord is good always if we use and apply His principles. The ACSOP is greatly thankful to the Almighty God for His power and wisdom, which enables all these things to be in place. We thank Him always for you, our dear friends, beloved brothers/sisters for your selfless desire of sharing your blessings with others in supporting us spreading the gospel and bringing the lost to Him. THANK YOU so much. May the Lord continue to keep you under His protection.

Thank you for all that you mean and do in His Kingdom.

Your servant in His Kingdom,

Charles Mwanga
Assistant Director,
Andrew Connally School of Preaching

First Semester Classes Come To An End And Evangelism Is Fruitful...

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from our great Sustainer, Jesus Christ.

END OF FIRST SEMESTER CLASSES: We finished all classes and tests for the first semester classes at BVBIN-Ibadan main campus on October 16, 2015 and started a month of vocational studies for all our students. Sixteen students now in year one and seventeen in year two successfully passed the first semester tests with 70% and above.

Second semester classes begin, Lord willing, on November 16, 2015 at BVBIN, Butubutu campus in Ibadan, Oyo State with thirty-three students.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM: This month, weekend evangelism took us to Laboro, Kuede, Asejire-Oyo and Osun State, Sooko and Moronfolu villages of Lagelu Local Government of Oyo state. The weekend evangelism of October 3, 10, 17 resulted in the conversion of a Pentecostal church at Kuede village with five of their key members and their pastor-Oladele, Mr. & Mrs. Sabitu Adeyemo, Mrs. Latifat Adekunle, Mrs. Oladele Deborah, and Mrs. Ishmael. 

I taught on Spiritual Challenges, October 4 at Mile-12 congregation, Lagos state and on the Communion with Christ, Oct. 11 at the Onikokoro congregation, Suffering of the Saints, October 18, and Does Christ Care…Part 1, October 25, 2015. 

WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL: Our campaign team in Oyo, Osun and Ondo states of Nigeria recruited over four hundred names for free WBS correspondence courses that will be posted next week to our WBSTC office in California, USA. As designed in the Great Commission by our Master, Jesus Christ, Christ 's church grows when we (disciples) make other disciples through the spreading of the gospel of our Lord Jesus! And one of the ways of spreading the gospel is through the WBS correspondence courses. Therefore, if you are willing to reach more souls with the pure and undiluted Word of God, please, feel free to contact brother Joel Coppinger of WBSTC or brother Ron Pottberg of WBS of Texas, USA for details.

REPORT ABOUT SOME OF THE YEAR TWO STUDENTS: Brother Emmanuel Nwarorji continues his service at the Ilisan -Remo congregation in Ogun state, while brother James Oseni continues assisting brother Rufus Shotayo of the Alagbado congregation in Lagos state. Brother Destiny Sunday Elijah and brother Gabriel Ishom continue serving with brother Makinde John (year one student) and brother Moses Abidemi Bamidele (year one student) as the youth ministers at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation-Ibadan, and brother Godwin Ede is still active as the village evangelist at the Wasinmi congregation in Osun state, while our young evangelist, brother Isaac Phillip is working hard to bring the church at Erinmo-Ijesha, Osun state to maturity, and brother Lucky Meya and Ishidaomen keep on working for the Lord at Edo state. Brother James Olaosebikan Akanni continues assisting the church at Agoro in Ogun state and brother Ozobor Godwin continues his service as one of the evangelists of the Maryland congregation in Lagos state. The Lord has been working wonderfully through these men to increase the numbers of the true believers and in edification of the saints.

CAMPUS CHURCH AND OTHER BVBIN INSTRUCTORS: Brother Abraham Idu Yeje assisted by brother Akinade Oluwaseun Akinleye (BVBIN-year 2 student) continue ministering at the campus church while brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe, assisted by brother Ishukwu Samuel Chukwunikwe (year 1 student), continue to nurture the just converted denominational church at Kuede village, and brother Shotola Segun, one of our year two students and brother Balogun Stephen, one of our year one students is assisting the Egbeda congregation and brother Olorode Samuel continues to assist the Asejire congregation in Osun state.

Reports from brother Adeyehun Raphael shows the conversion of two souls in Ayede and Igbotako of Ondo state, while brother Matthew Adeyemi, who is now assisting one of the old congregations in Ondo town, reported the restoration of four brethren, and brother Biola Joseph Olusoji reports the conversion of two souls at Agege, Lagos and restoration of one. To God be the glory.

Beloved, we thank you all for the hard work you are doing for the Lord in Africa, most especially in Nigeria. Keep on moving toward the heavenly goal!

Your co-laborer in Christ Jesus,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies & Chairman of BVBIN Administrative Council)
Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria, Ibadan

Preaching In Cameroon Is Growing In Faith...

Greetings in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ. Great is their faithfulness. We appreciate our Lord for another great week of nurturing souls. Evangelism is our Mission and our Mission is Evangelism.

Even though the rainy season has made mission work difficult, we still go around preaching the gospel from place to place. We are happy for brother Philip who returned safely from a far away village call Abang. The journey was not easy, but he made it even though late at night. He went on encouraging fallen Christians in which they finally worshiped with about 24 of them. We commit all of these into serious prayers for not go back in the world anymore.

The preaching in Mujuka is growing in faith, but will need a lot of follow up as fast as possible. That is why we mostly visit after studies at times since as it is really closed to us.

Two of our students will travel to Tonga this weekend in the western region and another to Bangante where a lectureship will take place in French speaking Cameroon. Assignments have been given to present. We appreciate your hard work in our country as the students are growing and advancing in their preaching and helping assemblies to be strong.

We are preparing to carry out a 4-day campaign in our young congregation in Mujuka that will begin probably by the 11th of next month.  

We beckon on you to commit the students into your prayers for them not to be discouraged as they face crisis with their families and their studies. By His grace we are going to train faithful men for a faithful work.

I am happy to share with you our weekly report and thank you very much for your great concern in the assembly at Frisco, Panttonville, etc. The work in our school is preparing faithful men for a faithful work of our Lord. The world mostly believes today in evolution and the world is really evolving, but the Word of God remains the same.

We had a very busy week with classes and mission work both in Mbanga and out of Mbanga, as some of our students are still on their way.

Whenever the dry season is approaching, Africans and Cameroonians rush to follow up most of their undone work from the last rainy season, that is why our congregation and school were invited to attend the lectureship program in three areas of the country, but the work is plenty the laborers are few as six of our students could not go to every where. But we did our best to do what we can do.

Above all, two precious souls were added to the congregation in Tonga where two of our students visited this week and it is really far off from our region. That is why they are still on their way home in which they be commencing with midterm exams by tomorrow. Please commit these in your prayers. I went to the Kumba zone and another student to Mujuka, but all was successful.

Worship with our congregation was great this morning as the number keeps on increasing. One of our young converts, by the name of sister Brenda, has been in prison for about 6 weeks and her file will be open for case studies by tomorrow. She is pregnant, about six months along. We wish to join our prayers towards this direction.

Brother Benjamin, one of our students, will go for a medical text tomorrow (Monday). He suffers for an illness we thought was malaria, but after taking some drugs from our first aid there is still to no improvement, so he will have to visit a physician so that he will pass through a lab and the result will tell us what to do next.

Let us build the world in Christianity, most especially the French speaking world. May the spirit of the Lord give us grace, long life, and to prosper in His vineyard.

Remain blessed in Jesus name,

Yours in the Lord
Ititi Benedict

For The Love Of Evangelism In Wotutu, Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ

Greetings from Cameroon, where your brothers and sisters are doing better in health and studies. We do hope you are doing great and God is blessing you for all that you are doing. Give our hugs to those around you now.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu went on well, even though some students were sick, but they were able to get medicine from our medicine box. Brother Oponde Daniel got sick seriously and we sent him to see the doctor and he was not getting better, so we decided to send him home to meet with his wife who will be able to give him more care at home. He is diabetic, please keep him in your prayers.

Students continue to grow in many ways. Thanks be to God we have many avenues in Wotutu where our students can continue to learn from classroom, like during our early morning radio program “Back to the Bible, Wednesday Bible class, Friday prayers meeting, and weekly evangelism within and out of Wotutu. Thank you for making all of these possible for the work here.

This weekend was great for us as we have more than one invitation for lectureships. The lectureships in Cameroon are characterized with evangelism and indoor lectures. We were ready to sit on motor bikes to travel to Munyenge and Manyemen villages respectively where our school van cannot take us because of the bad roads. We must go for souls are perishing.

In BVBIC-Wotutu we learned in leadership that leaders don’t point the way, we show the way. We do our best to lead by example. I was part of the house to house evangelism. Teaching people the truth from the Bible is amazing because many will confess their errors.

Our students are always happy when weekend is approaching because it is always a time to rob from the strong man’s house if God wills. Our students stood hours upon hours with these people who were ready to give them their time and ears, but have no seat to give them. They stood up and they were humbly sharing the good news which can transform someone’s heart and make the person a new person before God.

The lectureships were a time to meet other preachers and share passions and visions with them. They were also time for us to reason together over other issues which can help us do more for the Lord.

We grow our students with habits to point the word of God to a prospect who may later become a convert. One lady came around our church premises to study circular education because we open our doors for students to come and study as they prepare for their public examination. Our youth are doing same, so they are inviting their classmates and friends and this has turned out to be an open door for us, as they will be part of the evening devotions with our students. One lady took interest to learn more about the church of Christ and we gave her a tract: The Church of Christ, Who are These People.” She read through it and came back to us and asked a series of questions. Today she was in my office after worshipping with us for the first time. sShe thought we were poor, that is why we don’t have musical instruments, haha. I laughed and that paved the way for more studies. She was really impressed with our discussion and the simplicity of New Testament worship. Keep Sonita in your prayers as we study more with her.

Sister Odilia obeyed the gospel in Wotutu. She has been studying with our students for more than a year now. The Beta batch of students started with her and she continues with the Gamma batch. She is married to a brother who is my closest neighbor now. They can listen to the truth every morning and can ask questions to me or the students anytime of the day. Keep her in your prayers. She speaks both French and English, but she is from a French background.

Brother Gilbert is my neighbor. The wife studied and gave some English tracts to him, he read them, and allow the wife to start being closer with us in studies. “What Must I Do to be Saved” is doing great things in the lives of many and our evangelistic efforts are blessed by the tracts and many others. He obeyed the gospel at the same time with the wife. It was amazing to hear him say, “I know my wife cannot bring to me what is bad.” It was amazing to me to see deep confidence over his wife that made it easy for him to allow the truth to penetrate his heart. Keep praying for the work.

This couple obeyed the gospel same time. The ease of the church to grow without much problem. When we see couples obeying together it is great because no one will persecute the other. Lately, when the lady obeyed first, it led to persecution from the husband. We are blessed to have people obey the truth without any doubt or fear.

This weekend, the Lord blessed and added 6 souls into His church in Munyenge, Manyemen and Wotutu respectively. Many thanks to Mission Printing for the number of tracts that is helping do evangelism. God bless them and keep them strong.

Plans
​Our van continues to evangelize with the name church of Christ on it. In Likomba, we saw a brother who called us to come to the community to evangelize so that by the grace of God some souls will be added to His kingdom. Keep praying for us as we move for the mass evangelism.

Keep our first ever student-wives’ course, which comes up the end of this month, in prayer. Sister Robin Martin, with elder Randy come to BVBIC-Wotutu for the first class of its kind. We are excited to see that our wives will be trained to train others in women ministry. Keep the work in your prayers.

Appreciations
God bless you and keep you strong. Thank you for your help and prayers for us here. God alone will be the one to reward you for your deep love and sacrifice to make things happen here. We keep you in our hearts and pray daily for you. Do your best to share this report with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

An Incredible Harvest Sunday...

The last Sunday in October each year is an incredibly special day. One of the most mission minded congregations I know hosts their annual “Harvest Sunday.” Similar to what many refer to as “mission’s day,” Sunday, October 25, 2015 takes the concept to a completely different level. The Levy congregation came together on this day and achieved reaching a goal of $315,000 to support various mission works around the world. 

After attending the last seven Harvest Sundays, my appreciation for this beautiful congregation continues to grow deeper. Their generosity toward the work, commitment to the cause of Christ, and love for the Lord, His church, and the lost of the world, exemplify the kind of faithfulness to the work that is worthy of emulating by us all. Thank you Levy for the opportunity to share in this day and to learn from your example.

The first full week of the second quarter in Denver was encouraging. Students spent time adjusting to the new schedule and the work-load required, but they continue to excel in achieving the assignments. Amidst the challenges, these men demonstrate the character to finish the program and provide benefit to the Lord’s church.

Reports this week span the globe from East and West Africa to Nepal. The growth in each location reporting shows God’s providential work through the preaching of the gospel. We consider a privilege to work in partnership with these men and women of God.

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/

Extension Reports

Robbing From The Strong Man’s House To Reach The Lost In Cameroon: For the cause of Christ, the staff and students in Cameroon continue to reach out to the lost.

HHI In Togo, The 4th Graduation, And Souls Added To The Kingdom: Teaching in agricultural sustenance helps the program in Togo, along with growth associated with the work of the school.

Eleven Graduate In Third Graduation Of Nepal Center Of Biblical Studies: Amidst the challenges lingering from Nepal’s earthquake, NCBS held their third graduation.

Tanzania Chronicles Point To Successful Leadership Conference: Sean Hochdorf highlights the recent activities associated with this year’s Leadership Conference at ACSOP.

Getting Back To The Bible At ACSOP Tanzania: This week’s staff report from Arusha, Tanzania shares news about the work of staff and students from the school.

Alumni And Six Countries Participate In Leadership Conference: Graduates from ACSOP and men traveling from six different countries gathered to participate in this year’s conference.

Final Thoughts
Thank you for your time to read this week’s report. We always pray you are encouraged by the information shared from each reporting location. This work continues to move forward and experience success because of each of you. As you read this report, know that we give thanks each day for your contribution to the program. Thank you!

God bless
Bob

Alumni And Six Countries Participate In Leadership Conference...

This year's Tanzania Leadership Conference was a great success. Participants came from the United States, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and even Cambodia to be a part of this event. Speakers focused on how Jesus modeled 21 Laws of Leadership, and how church leaders today can emulate that example.  

With so many alumni present, we took the opportunity to have an alumni meeting and dinner together. Since its beginning, the Andrew Connally School of Preaching has graduated 120 students into the field, 35 of whom were in attendance at the meeting. Mike Hite gave a keynote address to the assembly. Then over dinner we were able to catch up on some of the great work being done across East Africa by our graduates. It was very encouraging.  

In other news, the 4th quarter of our school year is now under way. May God bless our students as they approach the finish line of this year's studies.

Daniel

To see Daniel’s report with pictures, please click here.

Getting Back To The Bible At ACSOP Tanzania...

We hope you are enjoying your weekend. Ours is bright and sunny! Thank you so much for your interest in the TZ 2000 Mission Work. We appreciate you reading our report. This week is seriously busy in Tanzania in political arenas; the rallies have gotten a serious momentum as each party is trying to end up their campaigns with a big hope of winning the general election tomorrow, October 25, 2015. We need your prayers so that might go well.

Back to the Bible, My Lord said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Mt. 5:16). The best I can tell, there's no limitation to this. In other words, shining forth a good example is not restricted to the church building, or to Sunday service, or just when around church folks. Truth be told, where it's most important to let our lights shine is at home, on the job, at school, and even on social media sites. True Christianity radiates from within and is on display everywhere, and all the time. I mentioned all of these because most of the time I do feel more comfortable after encouraging others. 

On the other hand the studies are going well here at ACSOP. The first year class had a wonderful short course on the book of James taught by brother Mike Benson from the USA. The long courses are going on as usual. To the first year class I am teaching the books of 1 & 2 Samuel through 1 & 2 Chronicles, plus 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. Daniel Gaines is teaching 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Godfrey Mngoma is teaching the books of Ezra through Esther. 

To the second year class, Ahimidiwe Kimaro is teaching a course on the Preacher’s Work, Josephat Massawe is teaching the books of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, Desdery Massawe is teaching Public Speaking [Advanced Homiletics], Godfrey Mngoma is teaching the books of the Minor Prophets part II, and Bernard Kulanga is teaching the book of Revelation. The first year will end up their courses on November 20th and the second year on November 13th.

I wish you a great weekend as well as a wonderful worship Sunday!

Losotwa Michael
Dean of Academics, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver extension school
Arusha, TZ

Tanzania Chronicles Point To Successful Leadership Conference...

Over 150 attendees from 5 different countries
I wish there were some way to relay with words the overwhelming excitement and pride I experienced at this year's Tanzania Leadership Conference(TLC). The ACSOP faculty: Ahimidiwe Kimaro, Charles Mwanga, Losotwa Michael, and Godfrey Mngoma, planned, organized and directed the conference from start to finish. With each passing day, I watched like a proud older brother, the way each of them carried out their various roles in the conference. Brethren, it is such a thrill to witness the effects of all your years of support coupled with years of work by missionaries, both past and present. These four men selflessly submitted themselves first to the Lord and have since gladly received instruction on how to mature in Christ as leaders, teachers and administrators. The conference went off without a hitch.

As is the case with any successful program, the four mentioned above could not have carried out the logistical tap dance on their own. The staff at ACSOP did a phenomenal job of making sure that the campus was clean and that the guests had good meals, clean rooms, and clean laundry. Speaking of guests, there were over 150 in attendance and 5 countries represented - truly amazing. The speakers did a good job of sticking to their assignments and were a great blessing to all who listened. Overall it was a good week of fellowship, education and edification.

LEADERS HELPING LEADERS
En route I linked up with Bear Valley staffers Michael Hite and Wes Autry in Amsterdam. Wes is the coordinator for the work in Cambodia and was visiting Tanzania for the first time. Wes has worked closely with Phanat Ouch (pronounced panot ooch), director of the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap. Phanat traveled to Tanzania so that he and Wes could spend time observing how the ACSOP operated and to spend time interviewing the faculty. Wes, Phanat and Michael were speakers for TLC as well and did a fantastic job.

While Phanat is a native Cambodian he was actually raised and educated in America. In fact, he went to High School just outside of Austin, TX (my high school played his high school in football - who knew?) and then went on to receive a finance degree from Texas State University. He later decided to attend the Southwest School of Biblical Studies. Phanat's desire was to travel to Cambodia and work with his native countrymen, a desire he has been fulfilling for the past 8 years.

I can't tell you how encouraging it was to see the ACSOP faculty sharing their wisdom and experience with Wes and Phanat. Who could have ever imagined that brethren from two developing countries on opposite sides of the world would ever come together to help each other mature in their work?! What a super example of global, kingdom, cooperation!

CONCLUDING REMARKS
I apologize for the time between reports. I generally try to get a report out on a monthly basis however we have had some distractions in the form of illness and medical procedures. Anita continues to struggle with her back but we think there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Shehad a steroid injection that gave her some temporary pain relief. Since she received some relief the doctor believes he now knows the source of her pain, her sacroiliac joint, and will seek to sever the nerves that cause the pain by performing a rhizotomy. If successful, she could have pain relief for 2-3 years. We are hopeful she will be scheduled soon.

The future for the work in Tanzania, and the other Bear Valley schools, is very exciting. I am anxious to share with you some very ambitious plans that our Tanzania team is currently working on. Hopefully I can reveal them next month. Trust me when I say that, Lord willing, the future is very bright and there is much, much more work to be done.

On behalf of Anita and myself, we want to express our deep gratitude for your continued support. As we enter into the holiday season and enjoy the family time and the good meals together, let's keep our brethren around the globe in our prayers as they continue their journey toward heaven.

Until next time, take care and God bless. 

Yours in Christ,

Sean and Anita Hochdorf

To see the Hochdorf report with pictures, please click here.

Eleven Graduate In Third Graduation Of Nepal Center Of Biblical Studies...

Dear loving brothers and sisters in Christ,

Warm greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May the grace of God, love, and peace always be with you.

Graduation:  We finished our third group of classes last week and did our graduation service on the 13th and 14th of October, 2015. We had an audience of 100+ for our lectureship and graduation program. We invited all our preachers, graduated students, and family members of our current students. Almost all participated. Due to a shortage of petrol, diesel, and kerosene a few people and guests were not able to come. Eleven students graduated from this group. We have new applicants of students. We did entrance exams and interviews last week. We will select good and dedicated students for the new class. Thanks all of your help, regular support, and love toward God's people in Nepal. We would like to continue working together in the coming days.

Seminar:  We held three days of a Bible seminar from the 15th - 17th of October, 2015. Brother Mike Brooks from Highland Park Church of Christ, Alabama taught for that seminar. He taught us about the "Life of Christ.” Almost 80 people participated. People were really encouraged by his lessons.

Youth program is cancelled:  Due to a shortage of fuel, very light transportations are running on the highway. It is impossible to travel back and forth by our youth in this time. We have talked with our Christians leaders regarding the present situation of strikes and problems in Nepal. All preachers were in agreement to cancel our youth program this month.

Vacation trip:  Brother Jerry and Gajendra decided to revisit East Nepal and India from the 24th of October to 2nd of November 2015. We will encourage our brethren by God's word. We will concentrate our time with God's work and future plans. Brother Jerry will return back to Kathmandu on the 2nd of November. I will return back to Kathmandu one week later than Jerry. I will spend some more time in selection of good and dedicated students for the next class from other parts of Nepal where we have our graduates. If things go smoothly, we will begin our new class on the 16th of November, 2015.

My engagement: I will engage Rejina Thapa from India on the 1st of November, 2015. My marriage date will be the 14th of December. 2015. Please kindly remember us in your daily prayer.

On behalf of Nepal Center for Biblical Studies, once again, from the bottom of our heart we would like to say, "Thank you to all.”

Brother in Christ,
Gajendra Deshar

HHI In Togo, The 4th Graduation, And Souls Added To The Kingdom...

Bear Valley Bible Institute in Togo is in Kpalime, located about 2 hours from Lome, the capital city of Togo.

Togo is a West African French speaking country. This particular workshop provided me an opportunity to try out my “French language vocabulary.” It was a very interactive workshop for 78 people; most of them were preachers of the gospel; students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute; Agricultural Agency workers; church and community members.

Willie Gley, Director of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Togo, and his team did an excellent work of putting everything in place for the workshop. We observed devotion times and shared knowledge and experiences in effective sustainable agriculture using Biblical principles. I can say that the participants comprehended the lessons based on their excitements and intellectual questions they asked. We also demonstrated all the techniques during the field demonstration seasons. At the end of the workshop, the participants formed an Association ready to go out to the communities and demonstrate the new techniques.

Ebenezer

Bear Valley Bible Institute Holds 4th Graduation Program
Eighteen men received certificates for successfully completing a two year program at Bear Valley Bible Institute Togo, formerly Center for Biblical Studies. Fourteen of these men started as denominational “Pastors” or church leaders in 2013. However, by the close of the second year, all fourteen men were baptized and added to the Lord’s church. 

The director of BVBI (H Willie Gley) used the occasion to tell the story of the institute- how it all started in 2005, where it is at present, and where it intends to be. 

The guest of honor was Samuel Ayim, a banker and a lawyer with Ecobank. He encouraged the graduating class to understand that leadership is influence. They were encouraged as preachers to influence their followers for Christ. 

Steve Ashcraft, on his part as the coordinator, used the occasion to speak on behalf of Bear Valley and Gabriel Oaks Church of Christ, sponsors of BVBI in Kpalime. 

This year’s graduation program saw the largest attendance of over 700. 

New Preachers Conduct Worship Service
The new preachers organized and conducted the worship service on September 6. The service was attended by over 250 worshipers. 

One of the students taught the Bible class and one delivered the sermon. One student is going to work with the chariot and another one will be working with the churches in Cinkase, Northern Togo. 

Joseph Weds Ellen
Joseph is a lucky man, graduated on Saturday and got married on Sunday. I had the opportunity to join Joseph and Ellen together immediately after the worship service. 

Final Word To Preachers
I spent a few minutes with the new evangelists to encourage them to always continue to preach the word in good times or bad times, with or without financial support. 

Leadership Seminar
One of our activities leading to graduation was a leadership seminar. We invited all our past students who are now preaching in different parts of the country, current students, church leaders and staff of BVBI. The two topics discussed included: “The Contrast of Leadership,” in which we looked at the leadership qualities of Moses from the book of Exodus and contrasted that with Aaron. The second lesson centered on “How Preachers are to Pay Attention to Themselves and Their Ministry” instead of forgetting about their own spirituality. 

As part of our tradition at BVBI, we always organize dinner for the graduating class and their families, preachers and church leaders. The occasion is used to encourage them and wish them well in their endeavors. We had time for optional speeches, too. Above all we enjoyed the company of each other. 

10 Baptized During Kpele Campaign
Though the work in Kpele Beme started a couple of years ago, it was faced with the challenge of denominational influence in the town. Several were baptized but due to modern day persecution, they quickly left the church. Beme is a predominantly Evangelical Presbyterian community. About two years ago, we had to move the church from Beme across the street to Tutu, which is more moderate and tolerant to the existence of other churches. We were fortunate to have a family head donate one building plot to the church. By God’s grace we were assisted to build a place of worship on the land which was provided. 

It is against this background that we decided to organize a three day campaign in Tutu and invited prospects from Beme and an adjoining town, Atime. During this campaign, 10 were baptized.

BVBI Receives Another Motor Bike
God has blessed BVBI in Kpalime with another bike. This brings to two the number of bikes the school has to facilitate, visitation, evangelism and other outreach programs of the school. Students use the bike on Sundays to visit local congregations. 

The French Version of Bear Valley Bible Institute: 12 Men Enroll at BVBI
Just after the graduation, another batch of 12 men started a journey that will take them between 2 and 3 years. There are plans to enroll this batch of students in an apprenticeship program to acquire some skill before they graduate. Should this plan work, we shall extend the duration of academic work to three years instead of the regular two years. The interesting thing about this group is that out of the twelve men, only two are not members of Church of Christ. However, it may interest you to know that one student was baptized after one week of classes. 

Report by:
H Willie Gley

Robbing From The Strong Man's House To Reach The Lost In Cameroon...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings in the name of Jesus. I do hope you are doing great in all that you do. We are doing better, although some students and Christians of the Wotutu congregation are sick. Keep many here in your prayers.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu went on well. Studies are going well and our students continue to grow. We can significantly see their growth from the way they handle the word now as compared to the time they came into the school. Thanks for your prayers and deep concern for the work here.

There are places that our van cannot take us because the roads are bad with much stones and mud. However, we walk happily as we go for souls. Robbing from the strong man’s house is our ultimate goal and that is the reason we exist, and that is why BVBIC-Wotutu was established.

As we preach Christ and Him crucified, we realize that many are still paying attention to their gods and ancestral belief. We traveled to the entrance to Wokoka village. They believe that a half-man half-stone image protects anyone that enters the village. If you have evil you will remain standing still. It was our first time to go there and the gospel penetrated the hearts of many as they compare the doctrine of Christ with their mixed denominational and traditional beliefs. When I see things like this with my eyes I continue to praise God because I can see our dream of training men to preach come true.

A young girl of 15 years could read and write among others in the community. Wase Pauline decided to obeyed the gospel and was baptized by brother Abanda Edwin.

She was buried with Him in baptism. Keep her in your prayers as through her devotions, many will continue to love the Lord and obey Him also. She worshiped today in Wotutu.

A brother traveled the whole night from Ndob in the Northwest region of Cameroon to Wotutu when their congregation heard about the coming of the mission printing tracts. He said, “Oh brother Elangwe, we are praying for you and those in anywhere who made these tracts possible t come to Cameroon. Many will import what brings them physical gains, but these tracts are amazing and will touch the lives of many in their community.” He was very happy and this is the first time we sent that quantity of tracts to that part of Cameroon. It will go a long way to boost the evangelistic efforts of that young congregation. Keep this work in your prayers because it is making waves.

Plans
​1) This weekend, we split our student body into groups because the invitation for weekend evangelism and Bible lectureships are more than one. Some of our students will go to the Manyemen congregation where one of our graduates, Evang Orock Yanick, will be organizing a Bible lectureship in that area. Our van can only take us to a certain extent and we continue the rest of the journey with other means of transport because the roads will not support the van. Only four wheel vehicle can do business on that road. Other groups of children will be going to the Munyenge congregation to help in house to house evangelism. Please keep these plans in your prayers as we go to rob from the strong man’s house.

2) We shall start training our student wives who are married, and we shall continue to do that at the end of quarter courses. The current students who are married are eleven, so by the end of November, their wives will travel to Wotutu to spend one week and have the maiden training with sister Robin Martin from our overseeing congregation. Keep this new program in your prayers that will help the church in Cameroon greatly. Preachers and their families are supposed to be part and parcel of the work, that is why I am happy because another dream is coming to the limelight for fulfillment.

Appreciation
Most at time we lack words to say, but we shall not stop to say thank you. Thank you and God bless you for all that you do to make things happen here in BVBIC-Wotutu and the work in Cameroon. God will reward you greatly in due season as you continue your work.

Do your best to share with others this report.

God bless you and family. Make a great week.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

A Partnership With HHI To Prepare Preachers With Agricultural Sustainability...

West Africa’s extension schools received instruction recently in areas of agricultural sustainability. Healing Hands International works to help provide training in these areas and we are thankful to partner with them in this effort. Assisting men who are training to preach the gospel with an understanding of ways to sustain their families is adding a powerful level to the work at Bear Valley. Below is an excerpt from Ebenezer Udofia (training instructor for HHI in Africa) about the work in Ghana and Togo.

Day one of our workshop at the West Coast School of Preaching, Takoradi - Ghana was very successful. 55 Preachers and Church leaders are participating in the workshop . We are having a "super active" group this time. The group also want to learn some skills in animal production (poultry, fish, ruminant etc), so we had a deal that if we finish the current activities on time, we will be able to discuss some of the effective animal production system before we conclude tomorrow. Surprisingly, we completed composting and Raised planting bed construction today. So we will create some time to discuss some aspects of animal husbandry tomorrow.

The third workshop in the series of our training in West Africa began today at the Southern Institute of Biblical Studies, Dorobo, Accra - Ghana. The School is one of the Bear Valley Institutes in Ghana. 

It is one of the most interesting workshops we have had in our recent past with Agricultural Extension Officers from all the Stations around Accra and the Regional Coordinator of Agricultural Extension services also participating. We had about 85 people taking part in the workshop today. We had fun, shared knowledge and demonstrate the sustainable skills.

Ebenezer

Several photo albums are attached here for you to look through and see all the work accomplished in these West African locations. Thank you Ebenezer, Healing Hands International, and all who helped make this a success. To God be the glory…

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/

Extension Reports 

An Open Door Opens The Heart To A New Sister In Christ: The teaching of the gospel in Bonjongo Village, Cameroon opens the heart to a hospitable lady with four children.

Help Us God And Save Souls That Are Perishing In Mbanga, Cameroon: Students continue to press forward in the evangelistic efforts of the mission for BVBIC-Mbanga.

God Crowns Long Years Of Evangelism With Conversions: The efforts of staff and students in Ibadan, Nigeria are blessed by God as an entire Pentecostal church is converted.

Bicycles Make A Difference In Spreading The Gospel In Ghana: Students at Bear Valley Bible Institute Ghana-Tamale received bicycles to help take the gospel in Northern Ghana.

A Recent Visit To Gorlovka Strengthens The Church: Director of BVBIU, Dennis Sopelnik, travels to Gorlovka to encourage the brethren, and he shares news from the trip in this report.

Tension In Nepal Causes Rebellion Among Self-Interest Groups: With the Nepali government implementing changes in the constitution, self-interest groups make their voice heard.

A Recent Campaign And New Library Benefit The Lord’s Work In India: Students return from a campaign with news of God giving the increase and a new library aids the school in India.

Leadership Conference In Tanzania Hosts Participants From Around The World: From Cambodia to the US, participants traveled to Tanzania for the annual Leadership Conference.

Good Will Trip Encourages Current And Former ACSOP Students: Staff from ACSOP travel to see students and graduates to encourage these men to attend the Leadership Conference.

Final Thoughts 
​One final note of gratitude: we cannot thank you enough for the sacrifices made by each of you to see the work at Bear Valley grow. The advancement of the kingdom through the process of training men to preach the gospel continues to be an exciting adventure. The opportunity to partner with you makes the value of this work immeasurable. Thank you.

God bless
Bob

Help Us Go And Save Souls That Are Perishing In Mbanga, Cameroon...

The glory of the Lord is upon every soul. Salutations from the staff and students. We are happy to let you know that we are moving on smoothly with the third quarter, even though one of our instructors is on bed-leave. We had a nice week with our studies and worship as we continue to sow the seed and nurture some of the mature fruit in the vineyard.

We traveled yesterday with all the students to Buea to witness the graduation ceremony of the Buea College of Biblical Studies that is working in partnership with Sunset International school. Thank God we all came back safely.

Our upcoming event, that will last for about four days in our new congregation, will begin with a campaign and will take place next month in Mujuka, from the 5th to the 8th. Please keep on praying for us to realize this dream. You can help us in any way possible to go and save these souls that are perishing in this locality. This will be with the help of some preachers who will come and spend the four days with us. They will stay in Mbanga, then go down to Mujuka with a transport bus twice a day that is the morning and evening section. 

This end of year quarter will have a lot of evangelism, most especially as we enter the dry season and that the school in Mbanga is exposed day and night. That is how brethren in congregations invite us to send our students to their assemblies to come and preach the word and that we will need to respond if means and the time is available. Thank the Lord for your great sacrifices, bothphysically, morally, spiritually, and financially. Our mission is evangelism and evangelism is our mission. 

Ititi

Good Will Trip Encourages Current And Former ACSOP Students...

I greet you again in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am happy again to write you about things of the kingdom that are taking place in this part of the world. Our all mighty God is giving more chances to those who serve Him to see the beauty of His kingdom and serve Him more. As the Gospel of Christ spreads to multitudes here, we develop more techniques of leading those who were saved though the Tanzania Leadership Conference. Last week we ended up with an amazing worship on Sunday. Bible class was taught by Daniel Gaines and our brother, who is a missionary from Malawi, Dale Kastner, preached the sermon in the worship service. We had 172 adults and 56 children. We are now kind of coming back to the normal schedule. 

My intention in writing you this short report is to tell you about one graduate by the name Juma Omai Juma. In our “Good Will” trip, in which we met with current and former students of ACSOP, we were able to meet Juma. This friend graduated from ACSOP in 2008. He had a zeal to take what he received from school to the church and to nonbelievers. The church that he is preaching for is a village church. When we met in Kenya, he told me how he worked hard to put the church in good condition spiritually and numerically. Charles and I encouraged him to attendthe Tanzania Leadership Conference, but it was difficult for him to respond with the answer “yes” because of his financial problems that he was facing. Instead he told us, “I will do whatever I can to come.” Despite many challenges which he is facing, this good brother was able to attend the conference. The place where he is serving and life circumstances could hinder him. I was very happy to see this brother attending the conference because of his seriousness of life. Finally he admitted that if it could happen for him to miss conference, he could miss big things in his life.

Also this week the school sessions take place. The first year class is being taught a short course on the letter of James by brother Mike Benson. I am very happy for his coming to help and teaching at ACSOP.  Moreover, he stays for hours with the students after class time, which helps to create a good relationship between students and their instructor. 

On the other hand, brother Brian Horner and sister Diene plan to stay two more weeks, during which they plan to do evangelism at Ilkiurei, which is a new congregation. Up to now, three people have been baptized through the hard work they are doing there.

Please remember to pray for all efforts and good brothers and sisters working hard for the kingdom.

In His service,

Ahimidiwe Kimaro
Assistant Director, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute International extension school
Arusha, Tanzania

Leadership Conference In Tanzania Hosts Participants From Around The World...

Greetings Fellow Servants,

We hope and pray this short report finds you all doing really well in your walk with the Lord. Stephanie and I are so very grateful to partner with you in the great work of God in Tanzania. October has been a very busy month with much good being done to His glory. Never forget, your prayers and support are bringing forth much fruit in the Kingdom, many souls being added to the church daily. 

This year’s Tanzania Leadership Conference was a complete success. This year we studied the over all theme of Leadership Laws as seen in the life of Christ. Around 150 participants from all over East Africa came together enjoying each others fellowship as we learned together how to better lead in the work of the Kingdom. 

This was a special year in the fact that we had speakers from Cambodia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and the United States of America. A very special thank you to Mike Hite, Wes Autrey, Phanat Ouch, Dale Kastner, Mike Benson, Brian Horner, and Sean Hochdorf for joining us in this year’s TLC. I also want to commend Ahimidiwe, Charles, Michael, Godfrey, Justin and Daniel for stepping up and doing an amazing job. I was able to be at the conference on the first day, but had to leave that evening, returning to the States for a medical issue. It is such a thrill to see the TZ team grow and take on the leadership as God would have it. We have been working on this for going on 18 years and it is simply amazing what our Great God can do when we let Him have His way in our life and work. Yes, what God Controls, Grows! Every time, every where, with every one!

The second year students are in their “final stretch.” They are in their final quarter and will finish their undergraduate studies with a short course on “Leadership” to be taught by our brother Jay Galloway. Graduation will be on November 28th. We solicit your prayers on their behalf as they begin a new chapter in their lives and ministries. We eagerly anticipate our new intake and pray our God will open the hearts and hands of you, our donors, that we might be able to take in a full complement of 24 students. If you are currently sponsoring a student, we say thank you and please continue if you can. If you are not currently supporting a student and would like too, please let me know and I will give you all the information you need. 

A very special thank you to Brian Horner and Diane Huffines who have come to work with us and the Ilikurei congregation. Three souls obeyed the gospel and several have been restored. The Lord’s word continues to be blessed by our many co-workers who join us throughout the year. The TZ team is of one mind, one spirit, unified in the cause of Christ to His glory. 

In closing, we want to ask that you please pray for our little friend, Quin Merryman. Quinn is 16 months old and had a malignant tumor removed from his brain stem and is now going through chemo treatments. Your prayers are coveted and welcomed on behalf of this young boy and his family. 

Remember, God loves you and so do we. Until all have heard…

In Him,
Cy, Stephanie & Granny

A Recent Campaign And New Library Benefit The Lord's Work In India...

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  Acts 1:8

Dear Brethren, 

Greetings to you in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. We thank you all for your prayers and encouragement through which we are able to what we do. Thank you all so much for being a big part of this expanding Lord’s ministry in our part of India. May God receive the glory and honor.

Recent government statistics show the least growth of Christianity in the country as a whole, but where as in our state it is growing steadily. We are not so much excited or surprised about it, but we rather see what we can do help with the growth of the churches in our part of the nation.

Campaign Week:
ill area Preachers’ Fellowship meeting: this is the first time ever we visited this remote place in this part of our State. Reaching the Unreached: this was our slogan during the campaign week. Our graduates worked as a team to fulfill what our Lord said ‘you shall be witness unto me in the uttermost part of the earth.’ Certainly these places are in a very remote place, high among the mountains. There was no cell phone service, no regular electricity, and no pure drinking water available. This is one of the reasons these people often suffer with typhoid, also due to mosquitoes, they suffer from malaria and other viral fevers. We often hear such health problems from our students too.  Only very few have TV facility.  They are not uncivilized but they are far away from all kinds of modern facilities and living style. Of course they are good number of young people who had High school education, some even college, which really benefits the efforts our students.  We have students coming from Lambasingi, Lothu Gadda and other nearby villages, where you can only go by walk, you are lucky if you have a motor cycle. They speak three Languages; Telugu is our state language, Odiya (language spoken in the neighboring state of Orissa) and their local Tribal Language.

Before we went to this place we stopped at Narsipatnam to meet with the preachers gathered there. We have taken that opportunity to help the preachers to understanding Word of God and presenting it rightly. There was gathering of 60 preachers for this meeting. We have explained about our School program inviting them to encourage their young men to go through Preacher training for the benefit of the Church as the present government is trying to shut down the missionary activities.

After finishing this meeting we reached our destination ‘Chithapalli’ which is about 2700 Ft above the sea level, 110 Kms from Visakhapatnam.  We were invited by our Bro. Satyanarayana who is preaching in the near by village ‘Kalaparri’, we preached that night about the Church that the Bible Teaches, encouraging them to remain faithful. This congregation is building a Church building but their financial backwardness held it to complete.

Old Students, when they heard about us coming to their hill area, they invited over hundred young people to attend the Preachers Meeting. We had all the students who are graduates of the school were present along with the other young men. That was a great gathering of young people who are interested to learn the Word of God. Our faculty and other preachers who joined with us has done a great job teaching the word of God.

In all our conversations and preaching we emphasized the fact of learning the Truth and Teaching it efficiently to establish the True Lord’s Church in their area. We are thankful to God because through this program we were able to present the need of being trained to become efficient preachers to the young people in this area as a result we have 2 more students enrolled in this batch. After visiting these brethren who are living far away from this modern world, we have decided to make regular visits to the congregations who are being established by our graduates. As our Graduates go to new places and establish congregations great need of encouragement is increasing too.

This encouragement requires time, money and effort, kindly pray that we would be able to form up into teams to encourage the congregations in this area through our regular visit. Certainly these congregations need encouragement as they are in the infantry stage. 

M. Rama Rao: Preachers Fellowship Meetings were giving a great opportunity to meet with the Preachers (some of them are our Graduates) to gather together. We had one full day preachers Fellowship meeting, several preachers have delivered some good lessons from the Epistle of Jude. After the Preachers meeting is over, 3 responded to the invitation and brother Rama Rao Baptized them.

Later, we went into the streets of this village proclaiming the True God and Savior and pleaded the people of this village to believe in Jesus for the remission of their sins. While distributing the gospel tracts in this village we had faced an unique situation, that is there were group of men who are playing brackets/gambling, we stopped by them and encouraged them to realize the value of life and advised them their life would be changed if they believe in Jesus, to our surprise they heard the Word and received the gospel tracts we distributed.

Library:
We are thankful to Brother Jerry Bates who has been very instrumental in gathering more books to our Library. Sister Doris Ford of Grand Prairie, TX donated some books of brother J. Monroe Tharp, who taught Greek at Bear Valley Bible School. Our students are really blessed to have all these books. We are so thankful to  During the hermeneutics class they have learned in detail about using the Library for a better understanding the Scripture. As the number of books are increasing and so as the number of students we are thinking about extending the Library facility so that we would have more room for the students as well as to the books.

Special Guest:
We were very excited to hear about the proposed visit of the Preacher ‘Brother Kevin Hahn’ from Lake Houston Church of Christ in the month of Jan’16. We have met this brother before there was any relationship established between the Lake Houston Church and our Bear Valley Extension School. This brother was very instrumental in establishing the connection between the School and the Church. We are very much looking forward for his visit, hoping to see that we would be blessed with his visit. This is not his first time to come to India, but this is his first time to visit with our school, very much looking forward for that.

Once again we thank the brethren at Lake Houston for their continued trust and confidence in the Lord’s work at Visakhapatnam, we do thank the Elders at Strickland Church of Christ for their concern to oversee the Lord’s work here. Kindly convey our greetings and gratitude to the brethren at your congregations. Greetings from all of us at Visakha Valley Bible College.

In Christ,

Samuel Raju, Director
John Dean M, Dean
Visakha Valley Bible College,
Visakha Patnam
Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Tension In Nepal Causes Rebellion Among Self-Interest Groups.

Nepal Tension: Eight years ago Nepal got rid of it's king, which meant a new constitution was needed. 7.5 years and millions of dollars later they ratified a new constitution a couple of months ago. It is horrible. Due to a very unpopular public reception, amendments were being proposed within two weeks by the same people who wrote it.  

Many self-interest groups [political parties, ethnic and tribal groups, geographical areas, castes] are in rebellion. Within the past five weeks we have witnessed mob violence that has included hanging one police commissioner, burning a police building with officers inside, and many casualties on both sides. These mobs will never agree or cooperate in a positive way with one another, but they are joined together in this deadly protest. All highways leading into Nepal are basically closed.  India has closed her side of the borders to all international traffic.  The result of border closures, blocking major roads of commerce, and violent mob riots has crippled the whole country. We have no petrol for motor vehicles, no cooking gas, and a dire lack of food supplies. Fuel products are just NOT available. Food and some other items now cost 500% more than they did two months ago.  Many businesses have closed their doors and people are out of work. School are closed because their buses can't bring the children and the staff can't get transportation.

I could go on and on with other details but it will not change things. The unknown end is not in view at this time .... BUT ..... I'm confident there will be an end to the present mess. Nepal is staggered by the earthquakes and followed by this political corruption and ignorance that has exacerbated every area of life with the mob violence cutting off needed supplies.

Keep us in your prayers.
Jerry

A Recent Visit To Gorlovka Strengthens The Church...

Dear friends, 

I want to share with you my thoughts after visiting Gorlovka. Thank you for your prayers. I made it home safely on Saturday. The Lord kept me safe during my time staying in the unrecognized Donetsk republic. I guess the most difficult thing during the whole trip was to see the eyes of Christians who met me with joy. We spent several hours reminiscing of the peaceful times and being strengthened by God’s word. We used apartments of Christians as places for gathering. We read many psalms of encouragement during this short period of time. Some Christians cried. I was touched by what I saw. Despite everything they’ve been through, they didn’t lose their faith. They’ve lived for weeks in a row without water, electricity, and gas. Oftentimes they had to go down to cellars of the apartment buildings, hiding from shelling. Many of them had their homes and windows broken and utilities damaged. Some of them still haven’t replaced the broken glass. They’ve learned to put thin plastic film and fix it with duct tape. But they don’t see it as a problem. They still put their trust in God and see their protection only in Him. 

Thank you, all brothers and sisters who sent me words of encouragement for Christians in Gorlovka. I told them about your love and care. They pray for all those missionaries who came to them. We thank Johnny Mack Young, Shackle Island Church of Christ, Steve Housley and Bear Valley Church of Christ for the financial support for these Christians. Many of them have admitted that this help is essential for them. Even now the social services do not work well in this unrecognized republic. Even though the pensions are being paid, it’s not enough to live by for the whole month. 

Christians in Gorlovka are looking forward to Andrew Zhuravlev’s visit, and want him to come back. I also managed to visit several non-Christian families; their children used to attend our Bible school for kids. They asked about the church and about God, but they are afraid to become Christians, since this pro-Russian republic acknowledges only Moscow Orthodox church. 

Thank you again for your prayers. I hope my trip would be an encouragement for all Christians on both sides of the frontline. There are still so many Christians staying in Donetsk and Lughansk areas without their ministers. I urge you to pray for them. 

Your brother and coworker,
Dennis Sopelnik

If you want to see Dennis' report with pictures, please click here.