13 Baptisms in Aweil, South Sudan
Only God could do what has been done in South Sudan during the past month. No human being could have pulled it all together.
At least five WEI Internet teachers have been teaching students in Aweil, South Sudan this year. Four of their students have been waiting four months for someone to come and baptize them, and it turned out that three WBS students in Aweil were waiting to be baptized as well. Marcella Bailey and Lola Crouch practally turned the world upside down trying to find someone willing and able to go. For one thing, Aweil is located 500 miles northwest of Juba near the border of Islamic North Sudan. Moreover, most people are afraid to travel in South Sudan due to hostilities that still rage in the wake of the recent civil war.
Finally, however, God removed every barrier. By the grace of God, Lee Allen called his friend Daniel Nordstrom of Mt. Juliett, Tennessee. Daniel called Dennis Kady of Wichita Falls, Texas who called two of his staff members (John Gai and John Paschol) at Jonglei Christian Vocational School in Bor, 130 miles north of Juba, the capital city. The Mt. Juliett church offered to pay their travel expenses, and the two Johns made plans to drive to Juba and fly to Aweil with Bibles and Bible study materials.
Before they left, Daniel called Barry Smith, the Director of Sudan Project, to let him know what
was happening. Barry replied, “I started making arrangements three weeks ago with our two South Sudanese brothers in Uganda [Elias Odongpiny and John Jock Reath] to make a journey to Juba to work with, teach, and encourage the churches there. I then told them that I had names from WEI and WBS of people in Aweil State who had requested baptism. I offered to send additional funds and fly them to that state to follow up on all of these prospects. They agreed to go and were excited about it. They already have received the funds for their trip as well as sufficient funding for some dialect Bibles in Juba to carry with them for distribution.
“Additionally, they will be investigating the potential for starting a gospel radio broadcast in Juba and one in Aweil State in the Arabic language. We hope to start these within 60 days. Collaboration with WEI and/or WBS would be welcomed on these broadcasts.“
This is a perfect example of God using WEI, WBS, and Sudan Project to work together with a common goal to send four well-qualified men to Aweil to teach, encourage, and baptize thirteen precious people into Christ. If these thirteen babes in Christ are able to meet for worship and Bible study, along with former WEI students Jacob Mou Deng Mou and his wife who baptized each other, God will have planted a new church in South Sudan. Furthermore, the good news about Christ will soon be brodcast in Arabic near the border of Islamic North Sudan.
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity“ (Psalm 133:1).
The Guseks‘ Amazing Mission
Chuck and Cathy Gusek of Hanceville, Alabama, have been using WEI to spread the gospel of Christ since 2009. This, they have done, in spite of gnawing physical pain.
As a young man, Chuck served in the U.S. Army in the 1st Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division. Chuck says, “I was what they called a ‘line dog‘ or a ‘Boonie rat.‘ I spent most of my time in the jungle on patrol. “Specifically, I was a combat engineer, a demolitions/jungle war expert. I participated in many airborne jumps and heliborne (air assault) insertions either jumping from the helicopter hovering close to the ground or rappelling down a rope to the ground with the helicopter hovering above the top level of the jungle canopy—all with a full combat load of gear (70 to 100 lbs.).“
Chuck’s time in the Army took a heavy toll on his body. Now, every bone hurts—from his skull to his ankles. In spite of the pain, however, Chuck spends much of his time and money using WEI to lead people to Christ in West Africa.
Cathy’s body has also taken a beating. After walking on a hip without cartilage for five years, she had hip replacement surgery in 2000, and it failed in 2009. Chuck says, “the failure resulted in the complete removal of her femur and replacement with a donor’s bone. This replacement resulted in her left leg being 1.5 inches shorter than her right.“
To make matters worse, in 2015 Cathy was in a terrible automobile accident while on her way to pick up homeless Veterans in Birmingham to take them to church. The driver of the other vehicle was killed, and Cathy was trapped in the wreckage with her right ankle broken in two. Since then, she has taught hundreds of WEI students while sitting in a wheelchair in pain. Chuck says she has done this “without complaint. She‘s a trooper.“
Under these conditions, Chuck and Cathy have taught WEI students in West Africa by postal mail since 2009. At first, Aniefiok Akpan helped them recruit students in Nigeria. Then, they worked with Joseph Kaipumoh in Bo, Sierra Leone. At the same time, they teamed up with Alexander Ofori in The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, and Senegal.
Chuck says, “Joseph and Alexander are on the front lines. They are the combat troops for the Lord, and Cathy is their Gunga Din [courageous supporter].“
Joseph Kaipumoh in Sierra Leone
Joseph Hindolo Moses Kaipumoh, a resident of Bo, Sierra Leone, started working with Chuck and Cathy in 2013. He immediately proved himself to be a hard-working evangelist and a capable organizer.
In addition to teaching WEI students and recruiting postal students for Cathy and Chuck, Joseph follows up on students who come to faith and want to be baptized. Many of these students live in rural villages where there is no Internet service and where residents are often illiterate. Joseph teaches them by translating the WEI Bible lessons into the local language. He has baptized numerous WEI students in ponds, lakes, rivers, and irrigation canals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Joseph and local Christians have distributed bags of food to hungry villagers who are facing starvation.
Alexander, a Modern Apostle Paul
When struggling Christians in the Islamic Republic of The Gambia invited Alexander to come up from Ghana to help them, he went. Even though 94 % of the people in The Gambia were Muslims, Alexander preached the good news about Jesus on the radio, debated Muslims publicly, and used WEI to lead Muslims to Christ. He writes, “Today, to the glory of God Jehovah, we have five congregations in The Gambia, thanks to the WEI lessons and the encouragement of Charles Gusek and his wife over the years. In The Gambia, we have also used the WEI lessons to train preachers in our School of Religious Studies.“
While in The Gambia, Alexander journeyed to the French colony of Senegal. He reports, “There, we used WEI lessons to explain the importance of Salvation in Christ and the judgment to come, and we planted a congregation in the Cassamance region of Senegal. Not only that, through the WEI lessons, we planted the Lord’s church, for the first time in history, in the country of Guinea Bissau.“
Alexander has now returned to Ghana to continue his WEI ministry, enrolling people, teaching them, and planting congregations. Recently, Alexander and his assistant, Ebenezer Asiedu, baptized sixteen people in two days.
Alexander writes, “ A TV ministry would be the best method for me, knowing how Ghana is, but a lot of funds are needed for that. Preaching on National TV thirty minutes every week would be enough for me to explain the WEI lessons in detail.“
W.E.I. NEEDS YOUR HELP!
More and more national preachers around the world are using WEI courses in their local outreach ministries. National preachers are our most efficient and productive partners in world evangelism. Additional funds for printing and mailing these materials are needed.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
Doctor in Mid-East Forsakes Islam
Katheryn Haddad has taught more than 7,000 Muslim students since she became a WEI Internet teacher. Here is her most recent article:
“Am I a Christian now?“
These are the first words he said after reporting to his WEI teacher that he had been baptized. He was so proud! His teacher, as she does for all her converts, gave him his new Christian name—Philip.
Philip enrolled in our English course during the COVID-19 pandemic this summer, deciding this was a good time to learn English. He was curious about Christians too. He told his teacher when she introduced herself, “Oh, dear teacher, Mum, I am so happy to receive that letter from you. I can teach the Arabic purity soul about you.“ Philip is a young doctor who faced the problems of the pandemic in his country every day. His country had closed down schools, suspended sports, closed businesses, and denied travel between provinces. Still, cases continued to grow. But Philip‘s studies with us gave him courage.
About two months into Dr. Philip‘s studies, and after being introduced to Jesus in his lessons, he wrote, “Jesus is the Spirit of God on earth, and we have to carry Jesus inside us and in our souls and doings. He is the one chosen by God to represent him on earth.“ Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet, but that is all.
When he learned more he announced, “Jesus is the Son of God. He had unlimited abilities as God. He was divine from God. He was an unnormal person with great gifts. The light always wins. Jesus was the light, hope, love, and peace that spread all over the world against the evil.“
In the meantime, the economy of his country was collapsing, and the government opened up businesses again. Cases grew and health care workers started to become infected.
Still, Dr. Philip found time for his English-Bible lessons. Three months into his studies, he said, “Enlightenment that we all search about exists by following Jesus, the Son of God… We cannot separate from him. He is life, light, knowledge. God is Jesus being on earth.“
Two weeks later, he was baptized into Christ and wrote his teacher, “Am I a Christian now?“ Later he said, “Everyone should follow the light deep inside by believing in God and his plan on earth. He is the truth, and he wants us to be pure and reborn again to a new holy life in his kingdom by baptism.“
Today, his country is reporting over 100 new cases a day. Some hospitals are seeing panic with health workers making frantic calls to secure beds with ventilators for their patients. The struggle has been compounded by a lack of protective equipment for medical professionals. By the end of the summer, nearly 100 healthcare workers had died.
Our young Dr. Philip does not complain, but he knows he is being prayed for by Christians. Let us keep young Dr. Philip in our prayers that he will survive this terrible time and will somehow be able to spread the light of Jesus to others, and somehow NOT be in danger for doing so.
Katheryn Haddad
God Blesses Dick Towell with Fruit
Dick Towell, Bob Towell’s younger brother, has taught hundeds of WEI students during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of his students is a government official in an Islamic nation whose name we won’t mention for security reasons.
On September 14, Dick received the following email from his student: “I be baptized this morning in the Indian Ocean water.
“As you told me, just when I be baptized, I kept in my mind and heart to forgive me God, in the name of Almighty God, Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
“I wish God to accept my prayer and forgive all my sins. I really don’t know appropriate words that I measure for your kindly helping me.“
Dick Towell concludes, “I need someone to share my excitement. The WEI platform is an amazing tool. It is just amazing how many people you come across that really want to engage.“
Wouldn’t you like to lead someone to Christ?
Chances are you can. Become a WEI Internet teacher by logging on to our web site and signing up at
www.worldenglishinstitute.org/register/teacher.
Filipino’s Ministry a Success
Edwin E. Vicente, a WEI graduate who was baptized in February this year, has just graduated as his first WEI Elementary student in La Union, Philippines.
Edwin has taught English and the Bible to thirty children and young people during the past few months, but some parents have withdrawn their children due to fear of the COVID-19 virus.
Certificates of Completion were given to the following students: Luis Nathan B. Estocapio, Alexa Brienne G. Caacbay, Rhianne Mae Flores, Jamaica P. Sansano, Zabreanna Meashel L. Wong, Alexander Jacob G. Ealdama, Trisha May R. Macugay, Aidan Jhey D. Abuan, Mark Alexander U. Garcia, Gilbert Derequito, Von Matthew D. Montemayor, and Cyrus E. Campos.
Pictured below, four of the children’s class graduates pose with their medals of merit and Certificates of Completion. From left to right: Edwin E. Vicente (WEI teacher), Luis Nathan B. Estocapio, Trisha May R. Macugay, Alexander Jacob G. Ealdama, Alexa Brienne G. Caacbay (learners), Mrs. Mary Rose B. Estocapio (Bungro Class Coordinator), and Mrs. Laila P. Sansano (Pagdalagan Class Coordinator). Eight of the graduating WEI students are not in the picture.
INVITATION:
We invite you to include WEI in your 2020 church budget. Please join us in a concerted effort to lead the whole world to Christ.
Okeke Is Baptized in Jos, Nigeria
In an email dated 9/26/2020, Aniefiok Akpan wrote, “It pleases us to bring the good news to you that [Deborah Hubble’s] WEI student, Okeke Anthony Emeka in Jos, Nigeria who requested baptism since the month of May this year, has finally been baptized by our WEI-IDEA field worker, Wabomba George.“
When Wabomba George first contacted Okeke, he was living with relatives in Bukuru, outside the city of Jos. He said he would meet George when the lockdown eased. However, he decided NOT to wait. He met George at the Jos church building and was baptized into Christ.
Four New Births in Juba, So. Sudan
Vicki Murphy had something equally exciting to say about her WEI student in Juba. Vicki said, “We now have four new brothers in Juba, South Sudan. All four are WEI students, but only one of them is mine. My student, Athual, a single twenty-five year old soldier, is half way through the advanced lessons.“
Barry Smith played an important role in this story too. He put Vicki in touch with Sudan Project workers, Elias and John, who were in Juba at the time.
Vicki says, “When Athual went to meet Elias and John, he took three friends with him. All three were WEI students but had not gotten very far in the lessons. While at the meeting [with Elias and John], the friends were persuaded to be baptized also. This upset Athual. He told me that they had not done nearly all the lessons that they needed in order to understand what they were doing.“
On the evening prior to their baptism, Athual took his friends aside and taught them the way of the Lord more completely.
The next day, all four students were baptized into Christ. Athual was referring to the picture above when he said, “I am the one in white shorts in the water. I didn’t come with the clothes to change, so I had to took off all the clothes except shorts and got baptized in bareback.“
W.E.I. THANKS ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
WEI would not be able to reach people in all nations with the word of God without your support, contributions, and donationsTwenty New Christians in PNG
Arthur Tatara, God’s WEI teacher and preacher in Papua New Guinea, reported July 20 that “In spite of COVID-19, I was invited last week to speak at a youth camp in a rural area, and I traveled with my youth and spoke at the camp. Twenty people were baptized, and 10 restored back to the church.“
Arthur is an effective teacher and evangelist. Recently, six congregations in Waria Valley (120 miles south of him) cooperated and invited him to come in December to preach a gospel meeting. The problem is, Arthur and his family are barely surviving during the COVID-19 shutdown. They are on the verge of starvation. They can’t work, and they have almost no income.
An airline ticket from Lae to Waria Valley costs $500. Arthur is praying that God, in His providence, will somehow save his family and allow him to continue teaching WEI students and preaching the good news about Jesus.
New Christians in Korça, Albania
On August 31, Albert and Jona Cepi wrote, “We want to share the amazing news with you. Yesterday Kevin and Sara Xhemollari (brother and sister) decided to embrace Christ in baptism, causing rejoicing both in heaven and on earth.
“Kevin (21) and Sara (18) have been studying the WEI courses and the Bible with me for the last four years. Kevin was the skeptical one, leaning more toward atheism, but thankfully he allowed God’s word to be planted in his heart, and God gave the increase. Sara was a more serious student of the word and was progressively opening her heart to God. She was praying and waiting for her brother to realize the truth. Finally, Kevin approached me saying he believes in God and wants to be baptized. It was then that Sara stepped forward saying that she too was ready to be baptized.“
Albert and Jona are now hoping to study with Kevin’s and Sara’s parents.
Honorariums and Memorials
In Honor of Tom Bonner
Winebarger, Dennis & Fredia
In Honor of Dale Gifford
Caswell, Lisa
In Honor of Glenn and Sara Sargent
Dixon, Allen & Mary Jo
In Honor of Mike and Andrea Soto
Hastings, Audrey
In Honor of Yahweh- Thank you, Father
Ross, William
In Memory of the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Ross, William
In Memory of Bascom Allen
Adams, John & Ginger
Bishop, Joy
Cable, Greg & Kasey
Cable, Steve & Janie
Dean, Jerry & Brenda
Harris, Randall & Judy
Scott, Robert & Netta
Seamon, Jonathan & Barbara
In Memory of Homer Benson
Benson, Norma
In Memory of Sandy Blankenship
Dean, Jerry & Brenda
In Memory of Dorothy Brewster
McClellan, Bruce & Brenda
White, Diane
In Memory of Gladys Burcham
Burcham, Ralph
In Memory of Wayland Byrd
Smith, Jim & Alice
In Memory of Judy Clarkston
Hale, Ruth
In Memory of Marissa Cuneo
Edwards, Art & Bonnie
In Memory of Jim Gentry
Dean, Jerry & Brenda
In Memory of Micah Gifford
Caswell, Lisa
In Memory of Debbie Hayes
Burrow, Gerald & Linda
In Memory of Tom Hazelwood
Gallaher, Roy & Carolyn
In Memory of Cecil Hearon
Adams, John & Ginger
Bishop, Joy
Gallaher, Roy & Carolyn Harris, Randall & Judy
Haynes, Rodney & Linda
McClellan, Bruce & Brenda
Rush, Terry
White, Diane
Winstead, Randy & Wendy
Biszmaier, Bill & Mary
Outlaw, Judy
In Memory of Clara Vee Johnson
Johnson, Lyle
In Memory of Ronnie Lynn
Dean, Jerry & Brenda
In Memory of William McClellan
Edwards, Art & Bonnie
Gallaher, Roy & Carolyn
Langley, Tom & Angie
In Memory of Jim McTeer
Dean, Jerry & Brenda
Draper, Ann
Edwards, Art & Bonnie
Gallaher, Roy & Carolyn
Harris, Randall & Judy
Haynes, Rodney & Linda
McClellan, Bruce & Brenda
Winstead, Randy & Wendy
In Memory of Lon Mohundro
Mohundro, Barbara
In Memory of Maxine Ogle
Smith, Jim & Alice
In Memory of Morgan Outlaw
Outlaw, Judy
In Memory of Wes Paddock
Gallaher, Roy & Carolyn
In Memory of Jimmie Pittman
Adams, John & Ginger
Dean, Jerry & Brenda
Edwards, Art & Bonnie
Harris, Randall & Judy
Haynes, Rodney & Linda
Winstead, Randy & Wendy
In Memory of Myrna Rockwell
Smith, Jim & Alice
In Memory of Don Smith
Winebarger, Dennis & Fredia
In Memory of Haymar Stumpf
Stumpf, Lorelei
In Memory of William Stumpf
Stumpf, Lorelei
In Memory of Vlashi Valca
Dean, Jerry & Brenda
Edwards, Art & Bonnie
Winstead, Randy & Wendy
In Memory of Flavil Yeakley
Yeakley, Maydell
