Short Report

 

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Grace and Peace to you friends.  I wanted to share a few encouraging updates from the Andrew Connally School of Preaching and the work taking place through the school. Evangelism at Kilimanjaro Church of Christ On September 26, the staff and students traveled to Kilimanjaro Church of Christ for a day of evangelism. The group conducted an open-air gospel meeting and participated in house-to-house evangelism, providing opportunities to share the gospel with people throughout the community. The effort resulted in 65 new Bible studies being established, and one person obeying the gospel! That is an encouraging beginning, but the work does not stop there. Please pray for these studies and for those who will be teaching them. Our hope is that the seeds planted will take root and produce lasting fruit. Andrew Connally Leadership Conference October 1–4, the Andrew Connally School of Preaching hosted its annual Tanzania Leadership Conference. This year's theme was "Seek First the Kingdom of God." The conference brought together 102 participants representing 40 congregations from across East Africa, as well as South Sudan in Central Africa. Those attending included preachers, teachers, their wives, and other men and women interested in growing in their ability to serve the Lord and strengthen their congregations. It was encouraging to see such a broad representation of congregations and individuals come together around this important theme. Although some who hoped to attend were prevented by various obstacles, the conference was a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, teaching, and spiritual growth. Developing faithful leaders and strengthening local congregations are important parts of the work at Andrew Connally. Opportunities like this conference help equip men and women to serve more effectively in the places where God has called them. Current Needs and Opportunities to Help As we look ahead, there are several needs connected to the work in Tanzania that we would like to bring to your attention. Each represents an opportunity to help strengthen the work of local congregations and support ongoing mission efforts. Bondeni Church of Christ – $6,500: The congregation at Bondeni is facing the possibility of losing its current meeting place. The owner is selling the property where they have been meeting, and the congregation has an opportunity to purchase the land and existing structure. If they are unable to secure the property, someone else may purchase it, leaving the congregation without its current meeting place. We are hoping to help them raise the $6,500 needed to purchase the property and provide a more permanent home for the congregation. Andrew Connally School of Preaching Truck Repairs – $1,900: The school's truck is in need of a new set of tires and several additional repairs. This vehicle is an important part of the school's daily operations, helping with transportation and various ministry activities. The estimated cost of these repairs is $1,900. 2027 Tanzania Mission Campaign Support – $10,000: I am also working to raise $10,000 in campaign support for my family's mission work in 2027. These funds will help provide for the travel and expenses associated with our ongoing work in Tanzania. We are grateful for those who partner with our family in making these efforts possible. If you or your congregation would like to help with any of these needs, please let me know. Every contribution makes a difference in helping these efforts move forward. Thank You We are grateful for the congregations and individuals who continue to support this work. The opportunities described above are possible because people believe in the importance of teaching God's word, training faithful workers, and helping congregations grow. Thank you for being a part of this effort. Please continue to pray for the students, instructors, congregations, and all those involved in this work. There is much to be done, and we are thankful to have you as partners in it. Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions

Donations Can Be Made Out To: "Hoover Church of Christ" - be sure to mention TANZANIA MISSIONS in the Memo line and  Send To: 3248 LORNA RD. HOOVER, AL 35216 Copyright (C) 2026 Bear Valley Bible Institute International. All rights reserved. Your are receiving this email because you were part of CY STAFFORD'S TANZANIA SHORT REPORT list of email contacts OR because you have requested to receive e-mail updates. Our mailing address is: Bear Valley Bible Institute International 2707 S. Lamar Street Denver, CO 80227 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

Work Update

 

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Grace and Peace to you friends.    I’m happy to share this update from the faculty at ACSOP:     The Andrew Connally School of Preaching is one of the oldest preaching schools in East Africa. Each year, the school receives many students from countries throughout East Africa. These students are sent by their home congregations for the purpose of learning the whole truth, applying it to their lives, and teaching it to others. Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me.’” Ezra 7:10 – “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”     The school has four quarters of classes each year. The classes are taught by both local and foreign instructors. For example, last year Mike Hout was one of the foreign instructors who taught at the school. The school also offers master’s-level and leadership classes over a three-year period. YEARLY ACTIVITIES     The Andrew Connally School of Preaching conducts several activities throughout the year for the purpose of helping and equipping the saints. SEMINARS     Each January, the school conducts a ladies’ seminar. Last year, more than 50 ladies from different congregations attended the seminar, and this year the number of attendees increased. In June of last year, the school also held a youth seminar at the Kisongo Church of Christ, bringing together young people from various congregations throughout Tanzania. More than 200 young people attended.     Each October, the school conducts a leadership seminar. From October 2–5 of last year, the school held the leadership seminar, with 187 people in attendance. This year, the seminar will be held October 1–4. It is our hope that the number of participants will be even higher. EVANGELISM     The school conducts evangelism programs during the school term and holidays. During the school term, students, instructors, and some staff members participate in personal evangelism, especially among young congregations. The purpose is to strengthen these congregations and help them develop their own programs of reaching people through personal and house-to-house evangelism.     Last year, several churches invited the school to participate in evangelism efforts. More than 200 Bible studies were established, more than 50 souls put on Christ through baptism, and more than six souls were restored.     This year, the school has already participated in this program with more than four churches. More than 100 Bible studies have been established, more than 20 souls have been saved, and one new congregation has been established, known as the Olgn'oswa Church of Christ. VISITATION     Each year, the school conducts a regular visitation program known as the Goodwill Tour. During this trip, instructors have the opportunity to visit second-year students in their home congregations and with their families. The purpose of these visits is to encourage the students, express appreciation to their families and congregations for the support they provide while the students are in school, and help recruit new students for the next intake. CAMPS     The school conducts two camps each December. The first is the Future Preachers Training Camp, and the second is the Tanzania Christian Camp. These camps are designed especially for young people who are in school, beginning at approximately age 10 and above.     Last year, 66 young people attended the Future Preachers Training Camp. More than 150 children attended Tanzania Christian Camp, and 10 of them obeyed the gospel and put on Christ through baptism.     Please continue to pray for and support the work of the Lord through the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. These are some of the updates from the past year up to the present. On behalf of the staff members of the school, we sincerely appreciate everyone who makes an effort to support the school and help ensure that everything continues to go well. May God bless you all. In Christ, The Faculty of Andrew Connally School of Preaching AN APPEAL FOR HELP As we continue this important work, we are writing to ask for your assistance with two urgent needs that the school is currently facing. First, the government has been improving the roads in our area, which is a positive development. However, during the road construction, our water line from the well was destroyed. We initially expected the government to return and repair the damage they had caused, but unfortunately, that did not happen. We wrote a letter to the government regarding the situation, and their response was that they would not take responsibility for repairing the water line.   We now need to repair the water system ourselves. The project will require 12 rolls of pipe, connectors, and labor for digging and installation, at a total cost of approximately $7,200. Second, the roof of the school is leaking. Water is flowing through the walls and into areas where electrical wiring runs. This creates a serious concern, and we need to address the problem before the next rainy season. If it is not repaired, the damage could become much more serious and costly. The estimated cost to repair the roof is $3,083. Together, these two projects will cost approximately $10,283. We are thankful that one generous donor has offered $1,500 in matching funds toward these needs. This means that every dollar given toward these repairs can help us take full advantage of this matching opportunity. Would you prayerfully consider helping the Andrew Connally School of Preaching meet these urgent needs? Your contribution will help us restore the school's water supply and protect the building from further damage, allowing the school to continue its work of training preachers, strengthening congregations, and equipping Christians throughout East Africa. We are grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and financial support. May God bless you for your continued partnership in this important work. Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions

Donations Can Be Made Out To: "Hoover Church of Christ" - be sure to mention TANZANIA MISSIONS in the Memo line and  Send To: 3248 LORNA RD. HOOVER, AL 35216

March Short Report

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.  We are grateful to begin 2026 with encouraging news from the work in East Africa. The Lord continues to bless the training of gospel preachers, and your prayers and support are making a tangible difference. At the Andrew Connally School of Preaching in Tanzania, the new academic year is already underway. We are thankful to report that 16 new students have enrolled in the Kiswahili class this year. These men are preparing themselves to preach and teach the gospel throughout their communities. Classes have begun with short courses in both year levels. The first year students are studying “How We Got the Bible,” taught by Desdery Massawe. This foundational course strengthens their confidence in the inspiration, preservation, and reliability of Scripture. The second year students are studying the Wisdom Literature, from Psalms through Song of Songs, taught by Josephat Massawe. These studies are equipping the men with a deeper understanding of God’s wisdom for life and ministry. While we rejoice in this strong beginning, we also share a request for prayer. One of the instructors, Ahimidiwe, recently lost his mother. Please remember him and his family during this difficult time. Even as the work continues, we are mindful of the personal burdens our brethren carry. We are also excited to share a significant opportunity before us. We have received an offer of matching funds to build a church building in East Africa, complete with a baptistry and bathroom facilities. In order to secure this match, we need to raise $6,900. Meeting this goal will result in two facilities being established in East Africa, expanding the capacity for worship, teaching, and evangelism in areas where the church is growing. This is a remarkable opportunity to multiply the impact of your generosity. A permanent, dedicated place of worship not only strengthens an existing congregation but also provides a visible and stable base for ongoing evangelistic work. Thank you for your continued prayers and faithful support. The Lord is blessing the training of preachers, the strengthening of congregations, and the spread of the gospel in Tanzania and beyond. We are honored to partner with you in this work. Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions

Donations Can Be Made Out To: "Hoover Church of Christ" - be sure to mention TANZANIA MISSIONS in the Memo line and  Send To: 3248 LORNA RD. HOOVER, AL 35216

April Short Report

 

Grace and Peace to you friends.  We are grateful to share an encouraging report from the faculty of the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. As part of our regular monthly evangelism efforts, both instructors and students participated in an outreach on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Kikatiti Church of Christ. A total of 31 students, from both first and second years, took part in this effort. They were organized into eight groups, each guided by one or two members of the local congregation. The area includes individuals from predominantly Catholic, Lutheran, and Pentecostal backgrounds, yet the people the students encountered were open and receptive. By God’s blessing, 22 new Bible studies were established. Many of those the students met expressed genuine interest and appreciation for studying directly from Scripture. They were excited to see that their questions were answered not by human opinions, but by the Word of God. Two individuals expressed a desire to be baptized. They have requested additional teaching, and their information has been passed along to a local preacher who will continue to study with them to ensure a clear understanding of the way of salvation. We ask for your prayers for these souls and for the many seeds that have been planted. The brethren at Kikatiti expressed sincere gratitude for the school staff and for you, our supporters, whose partnership makes this work possible. Thank you for your continued prayers and support in spreading the gospel. Till all have heard, Daniel Gaines Mission Coordinator Tanzania Missions Donations Can Be Made Out To: "Hoover Church of Christ" - be sure to mention TANZANIA MISSIONS in the Memo line and  Send To: 3248 LORNA RD. HOOVER, AL 35216