Farming Techniques Up And Down, But Benefit The Work In Tanzania...

Farming: 
This month we have had our ups and downs with farming. However, we are learning patience and to be thankful. To pick up where we left off last month – we planted beans in 6 of the 30-something rows in our 1-acre raised bed drip irrigation plot. We are only planting 6 rows for the short rains. We have a cut off after the sixth row so that the water does not go to all 30- something. It would cost us too much money to try and water the entire acre during the short rains, but during the long rains, Lord willing, we will receive enough rain to plant the entire acre. 

We are currently working to improve the milk production in our two dairy cows. We are also looking to purchase a third dairy cow. We met with a local man who raises dairy cattle and he taught us a lot. He pointed us in the direction of planting napier grass and using it to make silage for the dairy cows. After more research, this will help up their milk production. The local veterinarian brought us napier grass and we were able to get it planted this last week. We have also educated the locals in the importance of deworming, minerals, and proper nutrition for the animals. 

Justin was asked to travel to Mosquito River (a village approximately an hour away) and hold a seminar for the locals on raised bed drip irrigation. We are so happy to say that this way of farming (so far) works and it is a way that the locals can farm themselves. They are very eager to learn this new technique. 

As I said previously, we have had our ups and our downs. This month the door to our layers was not locked at the end of the day. This accident led to the slaughter of 25 of our 100 laying hens. When the guard dogs were let out for the night, they eventually noticed the unlocked door and that led to the demise of some of our layers. With that being said, the issue has been addressed and we are thankful it was only 25. However, this was a huge blow to our progress. We have been using the eggs we sell to buy all of the feed for the layers, broilers, and cows. We use that money to buy medicines for the animals when needed, pay the vet to deworm the cows, and purchase new broilers every 4 weeks. Losing 175 eggs a week is a big deal. However, God will provide; of that we are sure. 

Many have asked how we are going to replace the lost hens. At the moment we are not going to. We would have to build a separate place to grow them out and then it would be 6 months before they were laying. (Unless we can find 6 month old hens – our one lead on that lost 1200 layers in a recent storm. See - our problems aren’t so big.) 

Evangelism: 
Many evangelistic opportunities have arisen this month. Justin went out with the locals to conduct Bible studies in Niroshini. 

The same day that Justin went to Niroshini, Samantha and Anna attended the monthly preacher’s wives Bible study. Anna had the opportunity to present the lesson for the women that morning.
Her lesson came from Ruth chapter 1 verses 1-16. The lesson focused on walking by faith and not by sight and how often we want to take matters into our own hands instead of trusting in God to provide. She also discussed how we need to be in a place to receive God’s blessings – not merely hear about them as Naomi did when she fled Bethlehem during the famine. She was not in Bethlehem when the Lord lifted the famine and did not get to experience this blessing from God – only hear about it. 

Justin has also preached at Kisongo this month. He had a wonderful lesson on The Prodigal Son. He presented the Sunday morning Bible study at the Monduli Kanisa La Kristo introducing the topic of Spiritual Disciplines. 

Samantha and Anna led several children’s Bible classes at Kisongo. They covered Joseph and his coat of many colors and the lame man from Mark 2 whom Jesus healed. 

We will send out one more report this month. I hope to send it out by the end of next week. The entire report will be on the Children’s Seminar we helped conduct this past Saturday. It was incredibly successful with more than 150 children and we praise God for the amazing day. However, before next month’s seminar we need to raise some more funds. Be looking for the report! Thank you for everyone’s continued support and prayers. We are eternally grateful. To God be the glory forever and ever. 

The Maynard family

A Temporary Location Brings Tent-Meetings To Njiro Chini...

For the nearly two years of its existence, the Njiro Chini congregation has met in the home of Elly Martin, who has been a very gracious host. The church has continued steadily, but has longed for a place to call its own and for the perceived legitimacy that comes from having a distinct location. The congregation has finally been able to move to a new "temporary" location where they put up a tent. And you thought that "tent-meetings" and "tabernacle worship" were things of the past!  

We are very excited to see how God makes use of this new tool in the work of the church here. It is an exciting step in the life of our young congregation.  

I had the opportunity to travel up to Kisumu, Kenya to teach a short-course on Marriage and Family at our sister school, the Kenya School of Preaching. One of our graduates from ACSOP began the school just a few years ago. This was my first visit to the school, and I was very glad to see the ways that the Lord's kingdom is continuing to spread across East Africa. I found 20 eager students waiting for me, and we enjoyed the week together.  

We may never know all of the exponential good that comes from the work of preacher training. This is 2 Timothy 2:2 in action, "The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Daniel Gaines

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

Rains Bring Amazing Changes To The Work In Tanzania...

I hope that you are doing well. We, too, are doing well here in Tanzania. Just a couple of months ago the land here was so dry that you could not see any green leaves on the branches of trees. But an amazing rain rained for the last three days and made everything look different. The soil turned to black and the trees are starting to bring forth new green leaves. This is a great blessing that God granted the locality of this part of the World. 

Also, this week brother Cy and sister Stephanie arrived back to their home away from home. We were so glad to see them come back safely to increase the effort in the Lord’s field.  This couple has been a great tool in the work of the Lord here in Tanzania and east Africa in general. They have been supporting the work of the Lord spiritually, physically, and financially. There is no way we can talk about the church in Arusha and the ACSOP without mentioning Cy and his family.

At the end of last week Daniel Gaines went to Kenya to teach a short-course on Marriage and Family at the Kenya School of Preaching. Also, Charles Heberth will go to Kenya at the end of this week to teach a short-course on the book of James in the same school. We wish them the best for the great task they offered themselves to do for the cause of the Lord.

Back to ACSOP, things are going well, as usual. Last week the first and second year students completed their fourth quarter. Thereafter, they moved into their short-courses. The first year had a short course on Personal Evangelism taught by Godfrey Mngoma. And the second year students had one on the book of Hebrews taught by Charles Heberth. Both classes are expected to have two more short-courses next week before the graduation for the second year students on November 28, 2015. 

We hope you have a blessed week. Thank you for caring for souls in Tanzania and for us as we labor here.

Your fellow worker in the Kingdom,

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

Eleven Graduate From The Nepal Center For Biblical Studies...

Dear respected brothers and sisters in Christ,

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

Our almighty God, through His people around the world, bless us. We would like to share our few words of report from the month of October and November 2015.

Eleven students graduated from the Nepal Center for Biblical Studies at Kathmandu, on October 24, 2015. The day of graduation was really encouraging to all. We had to cancel our yearly youth camp at school in this year. We didn't have cooking gas, sufficient food, and transportation was full of problems and danger due to a strike and political unrest.

Brother Jerry and I decided to visit our brothers and sisters in East Nepal and India during this vacation. We traveled to East Nepal on October 24 and returned back on November 2, 2015. We had Bible studies, fellowship, and a worship service at East Nepal for two days. Then we went to West Bengal of India where we have four of our recently graduated students. We spent four days and nights with three full days of Bible study and other evening devotional classes. It was really encouraging for us as well as the Christian communities. There are two congregations that have 100 members. We had helped them to construct two church buildings for fellowship and worship. That construction work was already completed. We spent another three days of Bible study and devotional time at Mirik of Darjeeling district. I was engaged with Rejina Thapa on November 1, 2015. If the Lord is willing I will marry her on December 14, 2015.

We were planning to begin our new classes on November 16, 2015. However, we had to postpone for another two weeks. We don't have cooking gas and food for groceries. The political strike goes on in the south (Terai) part of Nepal. The Indian government sealed all borders. Nepal is facing really big problems. Please kindly remember us in all of your prayer.  

I would like to revisit our graduated students and their local congregations before beginning our new classes. I don't prefer to take any other brothers with me due to transportation problems. I am thinking and planning to go at Tanahu, Chitwan, and Makwanpur for one week. My time will be from November 17 - 24, 2015. The purpose of my visit will be to encourage our graduated students and establishing them in God's ministry.

Thank you all for your regular prayer, love, and concern about us. May God continually bless you all.

Thank you.

Brother in Christ
Gajendra Deshar

Preaching The Word In Nigeria, From Worship To Endurance...

Beloved in Christ ,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. The students and some staff and members of the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan evangelized Gbongudu / Sooko junction on Saturday of November 14, 2015, where I spoke on “Worship in the Patriarchal, Mosaic and Christian Dispensations,” while brother Dada Lawrence and brother Emmanuel Okpachui spoke on “Marks of True Worshipers” and the “Benefits of True Worship” respectively.

On Sunday, November 15, I taught on “Pressing Toward The Goal” from Philippians 3:12-21 at the Kute congregation, Ibadan, while brother Sunday Samuel Adegoke, one of the graduates from the former Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE), Ibadan admonished the church on “Endurance.”

At the Onikokoro /Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan, one of our Saturday prospects was baptized by brother Dada Lawrence.

Second semester classes began at BVBIN-Ibadan with thirty-four students, eighteen students in the diploma program and sixteen students in the advanced diploma program from November 13, 2015 through January 29, 2016.

I (Makinde) will be handling the following subjects for this semester: Homiletics 1 & 2, Preacher's Life and Practical. Brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe will handle OT History-1, NT Church 2, and OT Wisdom 2. Brother Abiola Joseph Olusoji will handle Hermeneutics-1, Hebrews, and Denominational Doctrines. Brother Isaac Olaniyan will handle Life of Christ-2 and Galatians, while our campus minister, brother Abraham Idu Yeje will handle Acts of the Apostles and Prison Epistles.

At the campus congregation in Butubutu village, brother Abraham Idu Yeje taught on “Individual Challenges,” while brother Victor Dominic Edet, one of our year-one students admonished the church on “God’s Power.” Brother Shotola Segun, a year-two student taught on “The Challenges of Life” at the Egbeda congregation, and brother Akinade Oluwaseun Akinleye, another year-two student taught on “Spiritual Challenges” at the Kuede congregation, while brother Kayode S. Eniafe admonished the church at Kuede village on “Pressing Toward the Goal” (Phil.3:14).

Brother Benjamin Okon, a year-one student reported the conversion of two souls during their door-to-door evangelism at Lekki on Saturday, while brother Ezekiel Okorougo, one of the graduates of SWSE and BVBIN, reported the conversion of three souls (Elechi Olugu, Mrs. Ugo Blessing, and Nnenna Inya) during his mission work to Afikpo in Ebonyi state. He also reported that he attended three burials during his one month preaching trip to Ebonyi state, visited Afikpo and Abakaliki prison and used six cartons of Mission Printing tracts during his mission trip.

Brother Matthew Ikape, one of our year-one students will be assisting the church at Erinmo -Ijesha in Osun state as the the evangelist from December 18, 2015 till August 2016, when he hopes to complete his year-one courses and move to the advanced diploma certificate, Lord willing.

Brethren, always remember us in prayer as we do for you. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all your endeavors in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.

Yours in His grace, as a servant,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi

An Exciting Week Of Graduations And Outreach...

Another exciting week unfolded over the last seven days with Bear Valley Bible Institute International. Students in Denver continue toward the half-way point in their second quarter of studies. As they prepare for mid-term exams, they also complete assignments for each class. They continue to be an encouragement in the dedication they display and determination to complete the program in Denver. Next month, Gary Pollard and Jesse LeMay will finish their journey. Please remember to pray for them as they leave Bear Valley and serve in God’s kingdom.

Two graduations are highlighted in this week’s report. One graduation recently occurred at Chimala Bible Institute (CBI) in Tanzania. Coupled with the exciting news of their graduation is the announcement of the incoming class they prepare to train. With more than thirty applicants, the need for help at CBI is pressing. Please read about the needs in Chimala for the upcoming class in January 2016.

In two weeks, Andrew Connally School of Preaching (ACSOP) will host their next graduation. Having graduated 140 men in the past, adding fifteen (15) more to this number continues to encourage everyone as the influence of the gospel spreads throughout the northern regions of Tanzania and surrounding countries. Remember to pray for CBI and ACSOP as they faithful train men to share the gospel of Jesus in East Africa.

Other reports below also provide news of the great work accomplished throughout the world. We urge you to read through the reports and pray for the work in each area. As God continues to bless the efforts of these men, we know Satan is working to stop the growth of His kingdom. Join us in prayer to strengthen the faith of all involved in our efforts to train men to preach the gospel to a lost and dying world.

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

Students And Staff Return From Great Weekend Of Evangelism: After a grueling trip to several villages around Wotutu, the staff and students in Cameroon saw fruit born.

Weekend Evangelism Brings Three Souls To Christ In Nigeria: Staff and students alike take the gospel to various locations near Ibadan, Nigeria and three souls are added to the church.

News From SIBS In Ghana Exemplifies Growth In The Program: This week’s report features various events that occurred over the last three months at SIBS in Nsawam, Ghana.

Northern Sector Annual Women’s Fellowship Hosted By TIBS, Ghana: Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies hosted a women’s fellowship event that brought women from northern Ghana.

Graduation At CBI And Excitement About The New Class: Students recently completed their studies in Chimala and the upcoming class indicates a record number of potential students.

Outreach In Kenya Sees Fruit Born In The Lord’s Kingdom: As students address issues in several locations, four souls obeyed the gospel as an outreach of Kenya School of Preaching.

Upcoming Graduation Brings Excitement To ACSOP: Fifteen more students graduate in two weeks from ACSOP joining the 140 previous graduates who are preaching the gospel.

Final Thoughts
Thank you for your continued trust and support of the Bear Valley Bible Institute. All you do for the work in Denver and around the world is making a global impact. Souls are saved, the church is strengthened, and the growth is encouraging. Without you this would not be possible. Although the words fall short of expressing the depth of our gratitude, we hope you all know how much your trust and support is appreciated. Thank you.

God bless
Bob

Students And Staff Return From Great Weekend Of Evangelism...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. I am sure this report meets you well and sound in all that you do. I just returned from mission work, weekend evangelism now. It is after 1 am in Cameroon and I started struggling from the villages I was during the weekend and praise God I just entered my house now with my family deep asleep. Only my wife was up to open the door for me.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu was awesome as our students developed in many ways of their lives they prepare for ministry. After classes we jumped into the van that takes us out of Wotutu to a reasonable distance and stopped for us to continue with motor cycle as we go out for weekend evangelism. This week, weekend evangelism took me and some students to 8 locations. It was fruitful as we could nurture congregations and bring some new souls to the Lord. Join us to celebrate the greatness of God in this work.

Some of our students alongside the students of Mbanga prepared for open air public preaching to the community of Mujuka.

Getting into mission fields now is not very easy. That is why in order for our van to last longer we cannot take the van to some places, even though we must go there to preach and teach. Like one van that blocked the way because of the mud on the road and we stayed hours to help get it out till a truck came and helped tool the van. All is a result of rain.

After being weary on the way to get to the village for work our spirit was rekindled as we got to villages safe and sound and we saw souls who were ready to listen to the truth, even though you will meet them busy doing their domestic work after a hard day work in their farms. One of them is married to her husband as a second wife. She asked us many questions regarding a tract about polygamy was given to her. Keep Valery in your prayers, so that she will see the truth and come out of error.

I left Mujuka to Nguti to meet with the church there. I exhorted the congregation this morning, it was my maiden visit and I was welcomed with love and smiles. The church will grow as long as we put preachers in empty pulpits. BVBIC-Wotutu has the dream to do that and as the years go by we realize this visions little by little. Keep us in your prayers.

Erecting church buildings, either wooden, which is cheap, or blocks is not easy with most congregations here in Cameroon. I look up to the mountain, where will my help come from?

Some believe that they have positions. The community feels it a type to worship in a place which is compared to where goats and sheep are being kept. People make a mockery of the church in this way.

One of our former students, now an evangelist in that area, is serving the Lord there with great joy, but he is in misery. The gospel is powerful; that is why many will overlook their predicaments and continue tirelessly to reach out to souls and nurture the souls, as we wait patiently for their maturity. Your prayers as needed daily for the work here.

Some leaders in the congregation of Nguti were happy as they were blessed with my message and a soul was added there. Six precious souls were added into the kingdom this week. Keep the young converts in your prayers as our students keep the routine of going back for proper follow up to keep them in the faith.

Events
1) Elder Randy and wife will be in Cameroon this month to teach a short course. Keep them in your prayers.

2) We shall be part of the annual Bible lectureship in Cameroon next year. Wotutu will host the national annual event, it will be great as many are looking forward to make it to Wotutu for graduation. Also, the lectureship at the Wotutu congregation will be 10 years old. Wow it will be time for taking stocks and dreaming more for the growth of the work. Please pray as you see how you can fit yourself to be part of the program, so that we shall record success and glory will go to God.

Appreciations
God bless you for all that you are doing towards the work here. We thank you for your prayers, concern, and support. Without you the work here would not have even seen the work done of the day. God alone will reward you in due season if you don’t faint.

Do your best to share this with others.

Keep me in your prayers. I returned with lots of pain in my body from this trip. The motor cycle threw me on the ground 3 times. I have pain now.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Weekend Evangelism Brings Three Souls To Christ In Nigeria...

Dearest in Christ ,

Greetings from students and staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria - Ibadan and my fellow WBSFUW in Western states of Nigeria (brothers Dele Shotola, Emmanuel Onabanjo, Sunday Samuel Adegoke, Adediran Williams, Akinyoola Femi, and Akinyoola Gabriel).

Our weekend evangelism at Laminin, Bamisinde, and Kuede villages on Saturday, November 7, 2015 resulted in the conversion of three souls (Adeyemo Aminat, Adekunle Kadiyat, and Kamilu Gbadamosi) on Sunday at the Kuede congregation by brother Kayode Solomon Eniafe.

We went on the just repaired school van. I concluded my three weeks of Bible studies at the Kuede congregation on “Worship in the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian Dispensation” on November 9th, 2015.

Also, I concluded my three Sundays teaching on “Does God Care?” from Luke 15 at the Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation Ibadan with a sub-topic titled “How To Survive The Storms Of Life?” on Sunday, November 8th. Brother Makinde Emmanuel, one of our August 2015 graduates with BVBI certificate on Biblical Studies, led in songs, brother Makinde John, one of our year one students, admonished the church on “Attitude,” while brother Gabriel Ishom served as youth minister.

Brethren, Lord willing, we will evangelize another city in Lagelu Local Government of Oyo state this coming weekend. We thank the Lord for counting us worthy to be among His ministers and we thank you all for your moral and financial supports. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all your undertaking in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

I remain your co-worker in Christ's vineyard,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi

News From SIBS In Ghana Exemplifies Growth In The Program...

SIBSREP – AUGUST, 2015

Both of our two programs –the regular full-time two-year Preacher Training and the Master’s program are making steady progress. So far, the eleven students in the full-time program are working hard to complete their studies. We also continue to receive enquiries and applications concerning the Master’s program.

Master’s Program
The recent Master’s class held with Jerry Bates was equally a great success. Two preachers, Ebenezer Makinde and Isaac Oluwol, continued to attend from Nigeria, and overall student participation was very encouraging. There was a preacher, Alfred Beeyan, from Liberia who attended for the first time to enquire about the admission. This time around, nineteen students participated in the class excluding five brethren who were present to audit the class. Four other local preachers have since then submitted completed application forms to enroll in the program, and others are making more enquiries hopefully intending to enroll.

Part-Time Program
As information continues to get around about our school, some brethren are expressing a deep interest to enroll, however, they are unable to attend because of their work. At a meeting with Steven Ashcraft and the staff of SIBS, the issue of part-time classes was extremely considered. We noticed that since some wanted to enroll, but except on part-time basis, we thought a week-end program must be considered. In that case, interested candidates could have the time to do so. Classes would be organized on Friday afternoons and the whole of Saturday. A total of ten hours of classroom work per week was required to obtain a BV diploma, while any study time less than BV requirement could attract a certificate or award from SIBS.

Admissions For 2016/2017
As the final school term for the current students is approaching, it has become very demanding upon us with the second batch of students. We continue to visit and talk to some congregations, depositing enrollment forms in specific locations and at seminars. Although there have been some responses, we are working on more students. We plan to hold interviews during the first week in December which will determine who are going to be our next batch of students. Please, continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Brethren Donate To [SIBS]
The church at Achimota College in Accra showed their kindness to [SIBS] when they donated some food items to the school. Received with appreciation, we also asked them to continue with this kind gesture and hope other brethren would emulate such kindness to support to the school.

Hope we are always in your thoughts and prayers.

SIBS REPORT – SEPTEMBER, 2015

The main purpose of the establishment of [SIBS] is to proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus. This gospel reveals God’s power of love and grace in the sacrifice of Christ to save the lost. Although [SIBS] plans to at least establish one church each year, we are so thankful to God, a third church has been established in our second year.

New Church Planted – Pokuase-Amanfrom
Pokuase-Amanfrom in the Greater Accra region is virtually a place of new settlement, where mostly the working class in the city are re-locating and building a new township.  New churches – both Orthodox and Pentecostal are mushrooming rapidly. [SIBS] plan is to identify towns and villages where other churches are, but the Lord’s church is not to preach the gospel in these places.

In a week’s campaign here with [SIBS] students, several people were reached with the gospel, and heard of the church for the first time in their lives. However, their problem here, as elsewhere, was making an instant decision to be baptized into Christ. With some already affiliated to some church, they felt reluctant to “leave” their church and “join” another church so instantly. They thought they needed more time to make a decision.

As we went round studying the gospel with people, we also met some members of the church who have re-located to this place. While some of them ride back and forth to attend worship in their former congregations, others could not afford to attend worship because of the distance and their new location.

By the close of the campaign, there were ten baptisms, and two who placed membership, and twenty-nine in attendance at the first worship service.

Third Church - Bole- Upper West
About this same time, another group of our students and some of our instructors traveled to Bole in the Upper West region on a second mission trip.  Blessed with three baptisms, four restorations, and a couple of old members here, the believers started meeting as a congregation for the first time. We are so thankful to see a third church started in the second year of [SIBS], the church at Dobro, being the first one to be established. 

SIBSREP – OCTOBER, 2015

Perhaps the unanticipated Agricultural Workshop sponsored by Healing Hands International came in as a timely response to some concerns raised here concerning livelihood of our students and preachers. There were about eighty-four participants at the workshop. This comprised three main groups. Besides students from SIBS, students from the Hope Training Institute [HTI], and Agents from the Department of Agriculture were invited to the workshop.

Providing Sustainable Skills
As the goal of the workshop was to provide sustainable training skills to participants, students from the HTI embraced the program with exception. According to the Managing Director of HTI, the school has always been anticipating an Agricultural program of this kind to support the Institute’s feeding needs. HTI’s response to participate in the workshop was overwhelming.

The government is giving some priority to the Agriculture sector, hence our invitation to the Department of Agriculture in the municipality, who responded so favorably. About thirty Extension Agents and workers led by the Municipal Director, Mrs Ruth Woode, participated. 

The two-day workshop which aimed at introducing SIBS students and other interested participants to improved farming techniques was more than a success. The workshop centered particularly on compost making, and drip irrigation. Since SIBS students depend on generous support of brethren for livelihood, the program was found to be a motivation to get us involved in vigorous backyard gardening to supplement our feeding needs.

Positive Impact
All participants fully appraised the program. Brethren from the HTI could not help entreating the resource person to visit their campus. This was to observe the great need there for further future training or support that could be given them to sustain their feeding needs. The Agents from the Department of Agriculture were not an exception in their own evaluation. Although these officers receive periodic training, they did not hesitate to admit learning additional techniques and deriving immense benefit from the workshop. They thought the government should have provided this kind of training periodically to promote farming locally. Consequently, they requested for any further possible collaboration with HHI in the area of further workshops and technical assistance to improve farming in the municipality.

At SIBS, our plan is to apply the new technique on our just acquired two-acre land to support the schools feeding. In that case, there would be the need for a technical assistance – the need for services of an Agricultural officer to guide and supervise the school farm. What is more, some of the students at SIBS thought they could take the technology back home after graduating from school to support their livelihood.

School Property
[SIBS] has been able to acquire a two-acre plot of land for our school campus. We have just made a small down payment until we ascertain the authenticity of all the land documents, when we can go ahead to make the total payment.

Hope we will continue to be in your thoughts and prayers. 

Seth Osae-Larbi
Southern Institute Of Biblical Studies
(BVBI)

Northern Sector Annual Women's Fellowship Hosted By TIBS, Ghana...

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Tamale – Ghana, in collaboration with the two congregations in Tamale, organized the maiden meeting of women for the three regions in the Northern Sector of Ghana.

This program is one of the dreams of the Institute: empowering women to be self- sufficient in their effort of propagating the gospel and edifying themselves and we are glad that the two congregations in Tamale are championing that course.

The aims for organizing the 3-Day meeting dubbed “Northern Sector Annual Women Fellowship,” which were slated for the 22nd of October, 2015 to the 25th of October, 2015 were to:

•Learn the scripture
•Foster friendship among the women
•Share life experience
•Seek for solutions to marriage/family problems
•Build up the confidence of one another

The theme of the meeting was “Let Us Rise and Build the Church” and the topics which were discussed under the theme were as follows:

• The Role of Women in the Great Commission
• Building through Faithful Christian Living
• Building through Vigorous Defence of the Truth
• Building through Devoted Fasting and Prayers
• Things Destroying Our Marriages
• Supporting the Church Financially

Very experienced women Bible teachers in the various congregations in the Southern Sector of country were invited to handle the topics. These included:

• Mama Salome – Dansoman Church of Christ, Accra
• Mama Kate Ansah – Bethlehem Church Church of Christ. Accra
• Mama Aboagyewaah – Medina Church of Christ, Accra
• Mama Beatrice Asante- Lashebi Church of Christ . Accra
• Mama Margret Appiah Agyei- Oforikrom Church of Christ , Kumasi
• Mama Esther Asante – Nkwakwa Church of Christ, Offinso

The 3-Day Program was attended by (126) one hundred and twenty-six representativeswomen from (39) thirty-nine congregations in the country.

 During the worship Brother George Dassah, Preacher – Tamale East Congregation led the Bible Class and discussed the life of Queen Esther. In his concluding remarks, he urged the women to emulate the good Character of Esther.

Brother Baah Joseph Okyere, Preacher – Tamale West Congregation led the Lord’s Supper.

The Guest of Honor was brother Nathaniel Adams, an elder who preached the sermon on the Sunday worship and also presented a talk on the “Importance of Hand Washing” with water and soap.

In his speech he encouraged members to devote theirtime to voluntarily educate their communities because, according to him, the washing of hands helps prevent a number of diseases.

At the end of the meeting, two elderly women were given gifts for their exemplary devotion to women developmental activities in Ghana.

In all, the meeting was very successful and all participants went home with joy and excitement and expressed their willingness to attended next year.

The Organizers also promised the women that, God-willing, they will have a more educative and interesting meeting.

Baah Joseph Okyere

Graduation At CBI And Excitement About The New Class...

On November 6, 2015 the Chimala Bible Institute celebrated another graduation sending seven men and one woman back into the Kingdom of God to work and serve the church throughout Tanzania, including one from a Congolese refugee camp. The school wishes God’s blessings upon them in their new service to the church.

2016 Incoming Students
The Chimala Bible Institute is preparing for the 2016 incoming class. There are 31 students that have applied for the Swahili program. Originating from all over Tanzania, the CBI staff is currently busy interviewing potential students including taking a trip to Mwanza, a city in the Northwest of Tanzania. Combined with our current students, we could potentially have 38 students in 2016. This is a bold endeavor, but we are launching out in faith that the Lord will provide support for all of the students. The Chimala Bible Institute will start on January 18, 2016.

Urgent School Needs
Combined with the lack of funds in the past and the large number of incoming students for 2016, the preacher school buildings are in serious need of repairs. The tin roof is rusted and leaking through into the classrooms. This has caused damage to the wood and ceilings in the classrooms. The cost of doing necessary repairs to the buildings and dormitories is $2,330.   

The mattresses and mosquito nets are destroyed and unusable. They will need to be replaced at a cost of $1,086 for all. Also, many pieces of furniture are broken due to use and age and will need to be repaired or replaced. Please consider how you can help us in preparation for a new class of students who desire to preach the gospel in Tanzania. Thank you.

Chad Wagner

Outreach In Kenya Sees Fruit Born In The Lord's Kingdom...

I trust you are doing well and your family also. At KSOP we are OK. Just a note to say thank you for the money to send the students out to help the local churches. They are true ambassadors of Christ and also of the school. I feel encouraged to hear from the congregations that they are doing well in leading worship service and door to door evangelism. 

We sent 10 students to five congregations in Rift Valley and Kisii and response was amazing, the students tackled hand clapping and women leadership in the church which is a problem. Next quarter we would love to send them again at least twice. 

In Oct 1st I joined Maurice and John Bosco in Ikumu CoC where we worshiped with a small group of Christians who have been struggling with a lot of errors. We led worship service and showed them the bible worship. Four souls obeyed the gospel and were immersed. Last Sunday Oct 8th, Maurice visited them and led bible class and worship and one soul later obeyed the gospel. Maurice plans to plant a new congregation in a town near by and I suggested he help this church to grow spiritually before he moves. We also learnt that there are many churches of Christ in the villages with the name "Church of Christ" but with no bible worship. There is need to have Maurice and another person visiting and studying with these people more even during the break and reaching out to other groups.

Blessings to you for being part of this work.

His servant and yours,
Charles

Upcoming Graduation Brings Excitement To ACSOP...

Its my hope that this short report finds you well. It’s my prayer that you are continuing well with Lord’s work. I want to share with you my joy for participating and seeing preachers preparing for their graduation on November 28, 2015. It is a pleasure to witness their zeal to reach lost souls. The next two weeks are busy weeks because of preparation for the second year graduation. We have fifteen well-trained preachers who will be in the field after two weeks. Their names are:

1.    Amri Lubalati from Magomeni Dar Es Salaam
2.    AshersMbasha From Hai (Boma ng’ombe) Kilimanjaro
3.    Daniel Karerafrom Bonga Babati
4.    Elias Kwilasa from Kilimahewa Mwanza
5.    Emanuel Barton from Kyela Mbeya
6.    Emanuel Darema From Kateshi Babati
7.    Emanuel Josephat from Maji ya chai Arusha
8.    Ezekiel Mark from Engarenaiboru Longido Arusha
9.    Joseph Juma from Michungwani Mwanza
10.    Lairumbe Ndoosi from Monduli Chini Arusha
11.    Lemali Ndwala from Monduli Juu Arusha
12.    Otieno Dismas from Mererani Simanjiro Manyara
13.    RenatusAnthony from Singida town
14.    Samson Tarimo from Mbeya town
15.    Winny Mapunda from Dar Es Salaam

You may wonder why I listed all of these name. I believe in the power of prayer, and these men will not be successful without your prayers. And some like to mention them by name. Please don’t hesitate to mention their names in your prayers. This is one of the works of faithful men who sacrifice their time and their money to make sure it is completed.

I don’t have words strong enough to express how much your prayers and support have done to help accomplish all of this.  You have seen how these fifteen preachers are coming from different locations in Tanzania and East Africa; the gospel will now be preached to all those areas.

Thank you all for your efforts, and may God bless you.  

In His service,

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

A Month To Be Thankful...

November is a month that provides an opportunity in the U.S. to celebrate Thanksgiving. Other countries around the world also celebrate a time of Thanksgiving, some earlier in the year and others near this time. Regardless, we know the value of expressing our gratitude. We also know that an attitude of thanksgiving is not a yearly event, but daily. During the next few weeks as we lead up to this special day, we will focus on a few areas where we are thankful.

We are thankful for the dedicated staff who serve in each location. Whether talking about BVBI in Denver or the eighteen locations where we are privileged to work along side those who serve in the extension program, the dedication of these staff members is worthy of emulating. Without them this program would not function at such a strong level. The time spent preparing for classes, teaching students, providing an evangelistic example, and working with local congregations to grow exemplifies the dedication to the Lord that demands our gratitude. We thank you and we thank God for you.

Students in Denver continue to plow their way through the coursework of all six classes and they near the mid-way point in the quarter. Students in each extension location also make their way through coursework as they approach the new year. Reports below indicate the level of activity they demonstrate in their work both in and out of the classroom.

With the approaching new year, two new locations will begin training preachers: Fiji and Malawi. Please pray for these areas as we work together to provide training for men who desire to share the gospel. We look forward to sharing news about the development and progress of the students throughout their journey. 

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

Taking The Gospel And Teaching Others To Read And Write: The past week was filled with evangelism in Cameroon, along with efforts to help others learn to read and write.

After A Trip To Gorlovka, BVBIU Focuses On Evangelism: After a heart-wrenching trip to war-torn Ukraine, staff and students spend time evangelizing areas in Western Ukraine.

First Year Student At ACSOP In Tanzania Is Filled With Gratitude: One of the top students at ACSOP expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to attend school and serve in the kingdom.

Thoughts On Inviting Missionaries To Speak At The Local Congregation: A wonderful article by Daniel Gaines highlights reasons for inviting missionaries to speak to the church.

Final Thoughts
Closing out the reports this week with a focus on why we should invite missionaries to speak to our congregations was encouraging. Our prayer is that each of us will see the value of the God-given role of helping brethren who dedicate themselves to go to various locations around the world preaching and teaching the gospel of Jesus. According to scripture, we are to send them in a manner worthy of God, and by our support we are fellow workers with the truth (3 Jn. 6-8).

God bless
Bob

Taking The Gospel And Teaching Others To Read And Write...

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. I am sure this mail will get to you late because it is already 10:30 pm in Cameroon. It was not easy for us to return to Wotutu from our different weekend evangelism mission fields because of bad roads, but thank God we are all here safe and sound even though with pains.

I am sure you are doing great and God’s blessings are evident in your life and that of your family and the church family.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu went on well. The brother who was sick returned to school stronger. Keep praying for brother Oponde Daniel.

We were set for mission work over the weekend. If you were to look around us well you would see that climate change has really affected us as now in November rain is still falling. That is why mission work is expensive because the roads are bad.

The news about reading glasses is still moving and evangelists from different congregations and different villages continue to come to Wotutu to get theirs, like evangelist Etah Edwin from Bekumu, which is about 2 hours on the Atlantic Ocean to Idenau.

The tracts from Mission Printing keep going out from Wotutu to different ministers in different places, which will go a long way to enhance their evangelistic efforts. I got a message from a village far away from Wotutu where one man read through our tracts and called to say he has seen the truth and has many questions to ask. His appeal has been directed to a nearby preacher who just opened a study with him. This will surely be an open door for that community to get the truth because the church of Christ is not located there. Keep this in your prayers. Three precious souls obeyed the gospel this week in the Wotutu area.

Education is the bedrock that will help the church in the future. In Wotutu we know the value of Christian education and we are doing all within our ability to make it known in the communities around Wotutu for many to benefit from it. We started with the very young and empty minds of the kids in Brightland Christian Academy and now we are taking it gradually to the parents with what we call Adult Literacy Classes. Some people know how to read and write. Through our visions we are teaching people for free to come and learn how to read and write in the evenings after they return from their farms. Many are eager to learn as you will see them running to the class after a busy day in their farms. It shows that they have interest. Through this media we are sure to penetrate those who believe in our visions and they are being part of it either through their kids who are attending our school or now through the parents as they get songs, prayers and Bible devotions, along side teaching the circular subjects. Please, I am confident this way we shall go far in reaching out to many.

Learning is great. I know that reading opens you to the world. One lady showed her exercise to my wife who is teaching them and once she said you are correct it provoked smiles and happiness for someone who has never had opportunity to write anything. Women and girls are really happy with this program because they have always been, in history, victims of no access to school because of either early marriages or their parents looked upon this as a waste of time to send women to school. Please, you can come and help us change their lives with the gospel as we improve on their intellect.

Plans
We still have mass evangelism in Bomaka congregation, as they have invited us to come and help in house to house evangelism.

I will also be in another far away village for weekend evangelism.

The school in Mbanga and the church in Mujuka are also inviting us to be part of house to house evangelism next weekend.

Appreciations
God bless you for all that you do for us. God will reward you in due season, so faint not. Thank you for your prayers, deep concern, and support.

Do your best to share this with others.

Elangwe and family
By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Thoughts On Inviting Missionaries To Speak At The Local Congregation...

There are some congregations that are reluctant to have missionaries speak during their worship services because they fear that attendance will go down for that service. I admit that I can't relate to that at all. I've always loved the days when missionaries would come to visit. We would turn off the lights and look at slideshows while hearing about the Lord's work with people in an exotic land. It always felt like an exciting change of pace that was greeted with the enthusiasm of a "movie day" at school. 

However, if the attendance is off some places, then why would that be? Who is indicted by that trend? I recognize that now days, multimedia sermon presentations are so ubiquitous that the audio/visual presentation of a missionary doesn't have the same novelty that it once did. In fact, we might sometimes be behind the curve in that area because it's not useful in our daily work. (I hear guys talking about using periscope in ministry and I assume they are submarine chaplains.)

It might also be the case that people have been exposed to poorly done missions presentations. Some presentations do have the random feel of flipping through a photo album while being told disjointed stories about the pictures that are happened upon. I've seen missionaries that seem just as surprised to see what's on the next slide as their audience is. Missionaries do their works a disservice if they fail to put together a well-organized presentation that thoughtfully and strategically presents the vision and reality of their mission. 

Or perhaps past presentations have been too lengthy. We missionaries tend to be passionate about our mission. We have to be. Otherwise we would have never set out on such a journey. Our passion might lead us to behave as though hearing about our work is more important than anything else you might have to do with your time. Many of us also work in cultures that are not nearly as time-sensitive as America. We become accustomed to taking whatever time is needed, and might forget that our home culture is not quite as forgiving of that. Or we might just get excited about what we're saying, and lose track of time. When we far exceed our time allotment, then we run the risk of diminishing the audience for the next guy. On behalf of my fellow missionaries, we're sorry about that, and we need to work on it. To my fellow missionaries, hey guys let's work on this. 

Could it also be that the leaders of the local congregation haven't properly emphasized the importance of missions? Have the members been given the impression that a missions presentation is an event to look forward to, or is it treated as an afterthought - almost a commercial interruption in the regularly scheduled programming? Consider how you might influence the culture at your congregation to be more mission-minded. 

Allow me now to suggest six reasons why you should invite missionaries to your congregations:

Reasons to Invite Missionaries to Speak to Your Congregation

1. For the Sake of the Children
Each time I make my rounds on furlough reporting on our work, several children of various ages will come up to me afterwards and express interest in becoming a missionary. I doubt that all of them will follow up on that desire, but perhaps some will. At least they will have given some serious consideration to the possibility. They will think about it because they saw a real-life, flesh and blood human being stand in front of the church and describe the work that they were actually doing. This wasn't somebody in a book or on TV. Mission work is something that actual people do. So maybe they could too.

The church has always needed missionaries, and it will always need missionaries. For that to happen, then we're going to need some of our children to grow up seeing that as both a desirable ambition, and a realistic possibility. If one child from your congregation grows up to be a missionary, then it will be well worth having yielded some time to missionary presentations. 

2. For the Sake of a Broader Perspective of the World
People tend to assume that their own experiences are fairly typical. This can lead to a narrow-minded view of the world. Many missionaries work in cultures and places that are unbelievably foreign to a lot of Americans. Hearing about these people and places can give people a better grasp of their own place in the world. Spending a little time reflecting on the "less fortunate" can increase a person's gratitude for their own life situations, and put a little perspective on some of those "first-world problems" that cause such aggravation.

For example, I tend to get very frustrated because we often have to go without electricity for 12 hours a day. Then I remind myself that 2/3 of Africans don't ever have electricity. Suddenly, I don't feel quite as deprived. 

3. For the Sake of a Broader Perspective of the Kingdom
The church as described in the Bible is a kingdom that cannot be plotted on a map because it knows no political boarders. Some Christians need to be reminded that they are citizens of that kingdom first, and of America second. The church is not an American invention, nor an American institution. 

It is vital that foreign mission works be regularly set before the eyes of the congregation to remind them of the interconnectedness that the body of Christ has. Each part of the body is important. When you strike your shin against the coffee table, your hand reaches down to rub the hurt away while the eyes helplessly squeeze shut in sympathetic agony. Likewise, what happens to Christians across the globe should matter to the local Christian. Whether he can offer help or just sympathy, he still cares.

4. For the Sake of Motivating Your Members
No missionary is perfect. They are flawed individuals, and are not necessarily "better Christians" than anyone else. However, despite their imperfections, most missionaries that I know are authentic Christians who are doing something bold in the name of Christ. 

Exposing your members to these servants of God and their stories just might motivate some of them to be a little bolder themselves. Impressed with the needs of the work, they might give more boldly. Inspired by something being done elsewhere, they might decide to serve their own local church and community more boldly. Reminded of the importance of evangelism, they might just decide to evangelize their own area more boldly. 

More than once, I've heard members say, "Why can't we do that here?" Well, you can. You just need the commitment and dedication to get it done. 

5. For the Sake of Being Biblical
After Paul's first missionary journey, he went back to his "sending congregation" in Antioch. Acts 14:27 says of this return, "When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles" (emphases added). There we see a biblical example of a church assembly featuring a missions report. Being the pattern-minded people we are, this provides ample biblical authority for the practice. 

Some seem to view missions presentations as unsuited for a worship service because they're not "real lessons" and must be relegated to a bible class setting or some other gathering outside of the regular worship service. Now I am very happy to acquiesce to the desires of local leadership in this area, and I find bible class to be a perfectly acceptable time to do a missions presentation. I only wanted to mention that it is just fine for worship services as well. The purpose of a missions report is to proclaim what God is doing in the world (i.e. to praise God). Also it would be almost impossible to give such a report without a real lesson coming through about the work of the church, evangelism, benevolence, discipleship, thankfulness, sacrifice, and yes, giving too. 

6. For the Sake of Connecting
Having missionaries that you support come to visit your congregation also helps to connect members with that work. "Oh, that's the guy listed in the bulletin." "Oh, that's the reason this work keeps showing up in the budget report." 

People need to know and feel that they are a part of the works they support. They need to know what things are made possible when they give sacrificially to their local church. It inspires confidence in the leadership and in the way they're spending money when members hear good reports about the works they are helping with. The reports help people to remember that their money is not going down some black hole, but that they are making a difference in the world through their support. 

Conclusion
None of this means that you need to invite every missionary at every furlough. That's neither practical for the congregation nor the missionaries, depending on the number of invitations and the length of furlough. Basically, this is just an appeal to you to ensure that world evangelism is being featured prominently in your congregation. It's good for the local church, and it's good for the world. 

Daniel Gaines

First Year Student At ACSOP In Tanzania Is Filled With Gratitude...

Let us today hear from one of our first year student

I found it necessary to share with you one of the exciting stories that comes from one of our continuing students in the first year class, and this is what he says…

“My name is Abraham Kiptum Tanui, I was born on April 14, 1974. I am a Kenyan citizen. Both of my parents were members of a denominational church because the church of Christ had not yet been there. As soon the church was planted, they were the first members to be baptized in the year 1988. I have also been a member of the church since then. This is the true New Testament Church that was prophesied by Isaiah and was established on the day of Pentecost. I knew that this was the church that Jesus purchased with his blood. So I keep on being faithful to the Lord until his return (Rev. 2:10).

I am married to one wife who is called Nancy Tanui, God has blessed me with three children (one daughter and two boys). I thank God for his blessings. I have been working with my congregation by teaching the youth. As time went by, the church saw a need for me to assist them in preaching. God blessed us, and we planted another church nearby. As a result I was sent there to preach. The congregation is called Usalama church of Christ. This is my current congregation where I am worshipping and serving as a preacher. Besides preaching, I am doing other works. For example, small-scale farming sustained my daily life. I also was able to show compassion to other people in need.

About my education: I attended my primary school from 1982 to 1990 at Kipkabus primary school. The following year I joined the Secondary school from 1991 to 1994 at Chepngoror secondary school. After completing the high education and preaching in my local church in the year 2012, I got an opportunity to join the Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute, where I attained a Diploma in Theology.

I knew the school of ACSOP through a former student who trained there. He came from the same church where I worship. This student is called Kennedy Ngetich. He assisted me to apply and come to learn. This was a special privilege for me because I wanted to know more about the true New Testament church. I also wanted to help others to understand the doctrines of church. I thank God for this chance that he has enabled me to be here at school. Also, I thank the management of the school. Much more, I want to express my appreciation to sponsors who assisted me daily. May God bless you abundantly. The school continues to build my skills with biblical knowledge, so that I can evangelize within my entire community. I want to preach and to reach many lost souls in my local area. Thank you.”

I hope you enjoyed reading the story of Abraham Tanui. This is one of the best students we have in the class. He has given himself in studying and preparing to go back to preach in his local area. Your prayer and support are very important to our students and staff of ACSOP. 

In Him,

Godfrey Mngoma
Dean of Students, Andrew Connally School of Preaching
A Bear Valley Bible Institute - International of Extension School
Arusha, Tanzania

After A Trip To Gorlovka, BVBIU Focuses On Evangelism...

Hello dear brothers, families and churches.

Yet again I’m grateful for your prayers. It’s a great blessing to be a part of God’s team and do ministry for Him on earth. October was full of interesting events. 

Trip to Gorlovka
After shootings in the unrecognized republic ceased, I decided to travel to the occupied town and encourage Christians there. The trip was safe; however, I’ve experienced some constant internal tension. Christians met me with joy and love and didn’t want to let me go. I was the first one to visit them after the long period. During my stay in Gorlovka I visited 9 Christians (i.e. all of those who stayed in Gorlovka). They send their greetings and thanks for your help and prayers. 

Situation at the Institute
During this month, we had Victor Semikoz, Albert Bagdasaryan, Vitaliy Rodichev, Terry Harmon and me teaching at the Institute. We are thankful for all of the teachers who make sacrifices of their personal time and comfort of home and come to teach at the Institute. They do a great job, because together we train future preachers for God’s Kingdom. Students are getting a lot of homework. Their schedule is intense. I hope that the knowledge they receive here they will use at the local congregations of their future ministry. 

Right now we have an evangelizing week at the Institute. This time we divided the students into two groups. One of them participated in a campaign in Bila Tserkva. Alexey Mitskutis guided their efforts. He is BVBIU graduate of 2014, and I recently invited him to be my assistant at the Institute. Alexey will also be responsible for recruitment at the Institute. The other group of students went to Dnepropetrovsk. They will help to start a new congregation there. 

During the evangelizing campaign, our goal is to invite people to come to Bible classes. During the week of campaign we host Bible classes every evening and try to provide the most important information, telling people about Christ and His plan of salvation. We don’t have any new visitors yet. We continue praying for the souls of those who are not yet saved. 

Last Sunday we continued the process of recruiting new students for the next semester. Alexey, Bogdan and I visited the Vinogradar church of Christ in Kyiv. It’s a nice cozy church. I preached there, and we also did a short presentation about the Institute. I hope that our search for the new students will be successful, and we will find people willing to study the Holy Scriptures. Please pray for that.  

We finally reached the long awaited moment when we sent a team of evangelists to the western part of Ukraine, to the city of Lviv. Three of BVBIU graduates: Bogdan Chigvintsev, Stanislav Kuropiatnikov and Dmitriy Kuropiatnikov decided to plant a new church at the biggest city of western Ukraine. They are very determined. Their wives will support them. Thus the church there would already have 6 members. And if they evangelize persistently, then the church would have a growth of prospects. Please pray for this young team that is willing to sacrifice their comfort to spread the kingdom of God. 

This week we have our Masters program starting their last course for the students. This year we have three students graduating from this program: Stanislav Kuropiatnikov, Ivan Skoleba and Vadym Tymchenko. Unfortunately, they had to study longer than was planned. As a result of military actions, we had to cancel classes for Masters program last year. And the students had to wait for another year. I hope that some of them will be teaching in the Bachelors program.    

The church in Bila Tserkva started growing. Some Christians who lost interest in the church now are gradually coming back.  The church schedule is getting full of events. There are classes almost every day. On Wednesdays we have Bible classes; on Thursdays there are classes of learning English through the Bible; on Fridays there are youth group meetings and classes for ladies; on Saturdays there is Bible school for kids, and of course there is a Sunday worship. 

We thank those who pray for us and support our work financially. I’m grateful for my family for supporting me in ministry to the Lord. 

If you have any comments or questions, please write to me. I will be happy to answer. God’s blessings! 

Your brother and coworker,
Dennis Sopelnik

To see Dennis’ report with pictures, please click here.

Studying In Conflict Management And Problem Resolution...

Settling in for another quarter of studies might be one of the most challenging thoughts for the students in Denver. The intensity of the training in Denver cannot be overstated. These men work long and hard hours each day to learn the material and prepare assignments for each class. The organizational management required to keep the assignments for six classes straight is significant. We urge you to continue praying for these men and their families.

The week ahead is one of the school favorites as brother Dave Miller will be here to share his expertise in the area of conflict management and problem resolution. Dave teaches this subject for the police department in the Pennsylvania area. Each year he travels to Denver for the purpose of teaching this subject in the Leadership class and conducting a related seminar for the entire student body. We are always thrilled to host brother Miller who assists staff and students alike in a much needed field of study.

Reports from each location this week indicate numerical growth in the kingdom. Reading about the souls added and restored to the church makes this work exciting. We pray that as you read through these reports you will also find the news encouraging and up-lifting. Because of your efforts to help the Bear Valley Extension Program the salvation found in Christ continues to be preached around the world. Thank you.

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

For The Love Of Evangelism In Wotutu, Cameroon: Witnessing the growth of the church in Cameroon is exciting and this week’s report demonstrates their love for evangelizing.

Preaching In Cameroon Is Growing In Faith: As the gospel spreads throughout French-speaking Cameroon, the faith of Christians continues to grow.

First Semester Classes Come To An End And Evangelism Is Fruitful: Once classes were completed, staff and students in Nigeria see God’s increase as souls are added to the church.

Regeneration And Rejuvenation In Paraguay: With growth occurring in the Lord’s church, missionaries from South America came together for a special conference that encouraged all.

God’s Spokesman In The Lord’s Vineyard Of Tanzania: Students working in the fields of Tanzania conduct 56 Bible studies, distribute 106 correspondence courses, and more.

Evangelists Resume Their Monthly Meeting In Arusha: After a short break, local evangelists head back to various congregations to help strengthen the faith of Christians.

New Missionary In Tanzania Assists In The Plan Of Sustainability: Justin Maynard and his family now live in Arusha to assist the development of sustainability in the work.

Final Thoughts
We close each week with a simple note of gratitude. Even though the statement is not long, we wish the intent behind it could be magnified in some way to truly show each of you how thankful we are for the opportunity provided us to do this work. Without you, the program could not exist. Thank you for making it all possible.

God bless
Bob

Regeneration And Rejuvenation In Paraguay...

What a great month October was! Another soul was added to the Lord’s body. Praise God! Many missionary men from all over South America had an opportunity to come together for a special conference to be rejuvenated and encouraged. Also, Andrea and I celebrated 20 years of marriage this October. It’s been a month full of blessings and we give all the glory to our Creator! We hope you will enjoy reading this month’s report from the mission field of Paraguay. We appreciate your support, your love, and your prayers for us. 

Developments at the Ave. Sacramento Iglesia de Cristo
Baptism! Mario Atteta was baptized on October 4th by his father, Diosnel Atteta, who is our brother in Christ. Mario has been studying with his dad for several years and thinking about his baptism. He just wants to be pleasing to God and to be a good person. You might remember that in September 2013 we reported that Diosnel had been restored to the church after a very long absence. We praise God for the spiritual growth we see in both of them!

Every two years there is a special men’s conference, or retreat, that is offered to English-speaking missionary men who are serving all over South America. It is called

“Connections” (formerly known as “CCC”) and is designed for missionary care. A special team of elders, teachers, preachers, and counselors come down to a retreat site in Brazil, where everyone meets up to offer their services and support for these good missionary men. The idea is to help them develop better connections with:

(1) God, (2) other missionaries, and (3) the serving team. This was my third time to attend and each one has just gotten better. I come home feeling completely rejuvenated and excited to get back to work, laboring in the Lord’s vineyard! I would like to thank all those who made this retreat possible. It is a truly valuable service that is greatly appreciated!

We have started a new series of Bible study lessons focusing on “The Christian Home” and have divided the lessons among the brethren for teaching. The first few lessons went very well and, since we have several new families among the congregation, we pray these lessons will provide some necessary, spiritual nourishment that will help them grow.

The students of the Asuncion Bible Academy have been busy with several short courses this past month. We had our brethren Enrique Morales and Osvaldo Rodriguez teaching their classes from the USA via the video system, and Ave. Sacramento’s own, Ike Yegros, teaching “Romans” here in the classroom.

“Crime is pretty high here in Paraguay, but most of it has been relatively non-violent. However, the incidence of violent crime has been increasing and we've been getting reports that have been a little unnerving, including an email from our own US Embassy. Troy decided to teach me some self-defense moves, then word got out and it turned into a class for all the ladies in the church. We had our first class yesterday and it should last about a month. I look forward to practicing throwin' 'bows as my homework for this week!”

Contacts / Bible Studies / Activities / Opportunities
Andrea has continued her weekly “Searching for Truth” Bible studies with Rosa, Belén, Claudia, and Andrés, and with her “Learn English Using the Bible” student, Alejandra

She also had a special project helping Gabriel Desvars with the scholarship application and interview process for a university in Korea. He made it to the final round which included a personal interview in English.

I had the opportunity to preach at Ave Sacramento this past month on “The Church’s Responsibility Toward Her Missionaries.” It was focused mainly on how we can properly support Eliezer, our missionary for ASIDC, in his work that he is doing in Ñemby.

Andrea has started a fitness program to help one of our members that lives nearby. The idea was just to help with her physical problems, but spending 6 mornings a week together, it has also become a great time of spiritual bonding and encouragement. The two of them are also using it to evangelize a neighbor and have plans to reach out to others that visit the park!

Personal Development and Activities
We celebrated twenty years of marriage!!! I was in Brazil on the actual day, but we had already taken a vacation earlier in the year to celebrate. Then, once I returned, we enjoyed a nice dinner at one of Andrea’s favorite restaurants in Asuncion.

Andrea’s “Las Amigas” club - Andrea has been quite busy in her role as Vice-President, organizing several social and fundraising activities for “Las Amigas”, including a special viewing of the local Paraguayan film, “La Chiperita” to raise money for their projects.

Post from Andrea’s Facebook page: “Since going-out date nights never seem to happen for us (except for special occasions), we are trying to start a new tradition of stay-at-home-and-cook- together date nights. Last night was the first and we made Steak Tacos with Homemade Tortillas. We had SO MUCH FUN doing this!!! Crazy how cooking together is how we started out dating, then we never thought of it again in 20 years of marriage!”

My sweet grandmother, Aileen “Mimi” Spradlin, passed away this past month, on October 8th. She was 92 years old and was my last living grandparent. She was a wonderful lady - a loyal wife, a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and a successful business woman. She was laid to rest in Chandler, Texas. According to my Aunt Shara, the day she was buried was also the day she had married my grandfather, 75 years ago.

Discovering PARAGUAY - Local movies: “La Chiperita”
Andrea and I went to see one of Paraguay’s latest locally produced movies, “The Chiperita.” It was produced by Hugo Cataldo Barudi, the son of one of Andrea’s friends from the “Las Amigas” club. Here is a summary of the movie:

“In a small town in Paraguay lives a young lady named, Virgilia. She is a “chipera” (someone who sells chipa – a Paraguayan cheese bread) and she is in love with Walter, the cute kid who works in the toll booth in her town and who has been her best friend since childhood. Juanita, her best “girl” friend, lives in a world of soap operas and advises Virgilia that she should confess her love to Walter, but Virgilia doesn’t dare do so because she is afraid he will reject her.

Meanwhile, Virgilia's mother, Candelaria, is worried about her son, Anselmo, who is living in Spain. She hasn’t heard from him for quite some time and his disappearance has caused a lack of money that is needed to pay the bills, which he would send them monthly to help.

Virgilia decides that she must face reality, letting go of her illusions of love and recognizing that without the help of anyone else but herself, she must support her family.”

Personal Studies: Currently Reading/Have Read:
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl

“A Response to Grace: Putting Baptism in its Place” by Boyd Lammiman

Current Bible reading: Jeremiah, Lamentations, Philemon - Hebrews

João - Novo Testamento (Portuguese).

I have been preparing my lessons for classes for the next quarter: “1 and 2 Kings,” “History of the Church,” and “Church Planting.”

I am still working on reconstructing the Spanish workbook I wrote, “Fundamentals of the Faith,” with its newly edited pages, to prepare it for sending to the publishers soon! Hopefully by this January.

Andrea attended a fundraising luncheon for the Las Damas Internacionales to raise money for a place outside the city that helps children with cancer. The event was an Indian theme and Andrea was used as a model to demonstrate how to put on an Indian Sari.

“THANK YOU!” to all of our generous supporters!

God bless!
Troy and Andrea Spradlin

To see their report with pictures, please click here.