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Testimonials

Spotlight WEI Student

Prabhu Kumar WEI-India

On November 4, 2007, a faithful Christian man and WEI teacher, the late Mike Hale, kept on sowing new seed by claiming more WEI Internet students. Unknown to him he just happened to claim an exceptionally good WEI student from India. His name was Prabhu Kumar. Prabhu had been surfing the Internet looking for a free course to improve his English. Prabhu was a Bible professor at the churches of Christ World Bible School in Chennai, India. He was thrilled to learn that WEI was a combination English grammar and Bible course written by a Brother in Christ, Dr. Richard “Dick” Ady. Prabhu was an outstanding student and completed the course in record time and achievement. He quickly realized that WEI would be a powerful evangelistic tool in the country of India. He had the vision to offer WEI classes to students in cities, towns, and villages all over India. Many of his former students were now active preachers in churches of Christ, and Prabhu would use them as year-round WEI teachers. He recruited 55 former students, friends, and colleagues to teach WEI in various villages, cities, and towns where they were serving the Lord. They easily gathered eager new students every year from within each of their respective communities.

WEI materials were printed in India and distributed there to save money on shipping. Each class of new students would be called a batch and two batches of students would be taught the full course of WEI each year. Prabhu himself left his teaching position at the Bible School in Chennai. He planted a church near Punadipadu, India to serve as the pulpit minister and devote full time to WEI-India. Just as Prabhu envisioned, many of these WEI students from the 55 year-round schools learned the truth of the Gospel for the first time and the results have been amazing.

Since the first WEI-India school began operating in 2008:

 

  • Approximately 20,000 students have studied the Bible in these WEI schools.
  • There have been well over 700 baptisms, of which 30% were either friends or relatives of the WEI students who attended these year-round schools.
  • The WEI-India ministry has now expanded to include a ministry training school in Punadipadu called the Mike Hale School of Theology in honor of Prabhu’s WEI teacher. As Timothy encouraged in his 2nd epistle, verse 2, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others…”
  • Prabhu directs this Bible-teaching ministry school with 12 to 15 students each year who are taught Bible and trained in Christian ministry. Several American ministers serve on the faculty and teach via web conferencing.

TEACHERS, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO CLAIM MANY STUDENTS TO FIND ONE GOOD SEEKING SOUL WHO WILL PRODUCE A HARVEST 100 TIMES WHAT WAS SOWN.

WEI-India is sponsored by the Maryville Church of Christ, TN.
This ministry is not fully funded. Please contact Tom Langley or elder, Artan Xhaferaj if you would like to partner with us in supporting this very fruitful ministry. 

tom@worldenglishinstitute.org axhaferi2@gmail.com

January 9, 2021
New Evangelistic Effort in Portugal

Paul and Debbie Pinckley are committed to beginning a new work in Tavira, Portugal, and the surrounding region. Lord willing, their plans are to move to Tavira in January 2021. After serving on the Ship of Life and teaching WEI for 3 years in Cambodia, they returned to the States 6 years ago and have since been seeking opportunities to once again serve full-time in the mission field.

While visiting southern Portugal on vacation they fell in love with the people and culture and observed an absence of the Lord’s church throughout the entire region. They agreed to house sit for a new friend in central Portugal for 6 months and spent the first part of 2020 getting to know the city, people, culture, and surrounding region better.

Inspired by an active evangelical ministry in Berlin and Prague called, “Open Door Libraries”.

Moses Born Again in Malawi

The Pinckleys have conceived of initiating a similar plan in Tavira, which will also be an outreach ministry to nearby cities and towns of that region. They will call this unique ministry, Tudo Bem. The Pinckleys wrote this in their promotional brochure: Tudo Bem is Portuguese for “It’s all good,” or “Everything is fine.” It is our hope that this friendly and encouraging phrase will put people at ease and draw them in. Tudo Bem will be an inviting setting with comfortable furniture, pleasant Christian music, good literature (English and Portuguese), and good coffee – espresso is a vital part of the Portuguese culture. The Christian reading room can be a home for believers, seekers, and observers. All of this is provided at no cost/obligation. The targeted opening for Tudo Bem is summer 2021, which is in the thick of the tourist season. Activities of Tudo Bem will include these, as well as other programs, as different opportunities arise:
  • Christian literature lending library.
  • English language instruction using the Bible (World English Institute).
  • Evening Bible study, as interest grows.
  • Bible story time for Children.
  • Christian reading room.
  • Periodic lectures on subjects of community interest, utilizing a Biblical basis.
  • Choral performances in the community, hosted by Tudo Bem.

FINANCING TUDO BEM

The Pinckleys will take no salary or supplement, as they are receiving personal retirement funds. Any funds raised are specifically focused on the establishment and operation of Tudo Bem. After the initial start-up costs (approximately $4500), the regular monthly expenses are estimated to be less than $1,100. A bi-annual financial report will be included with the Tudo Bem newsletter, which will be sent to all partners.

The Pinckleys believe this project is an excellent way to help the Portuguese “find and follow Jesus.”

If you would like to be involved in helping support this
new and exciting evangelistic ministry in southern Portugal,
please contact Paul at :

p_pinckley@yahoo.com

SPONSORING CHURCH:
Simi Church of Christ, 1554 Sinaloa Rd.Simi Valley, CA 93065
Donations may be made to them
with the memo notation: Pinckley – Tudo Bem.

Moses Born Again in Malawi

MORE ABOUT THE PINCKLEYS

Paul and Debbie are retired academicians, who currently live in Greeneville, Tennessee. Paul worked in higher education as a faculty member, administrator, and executive, and still serves as an adjunct at the local community college. Debbie chose smaller people to work with, teaching grades K-4. The Pinckleys passionately believe that books can change lives. With the addition of a spiritual emphasis, it is believed that books may change eternities.

Paul served as Deacon with the Henderson (TN) Church of Christ and Eder with the Simi (CA) Church of Christ. Both have taught numerous Bible classes, led and participated in small groups, and mentored undergraduate and graduate students. They served on the Ship of Life, a medical ministry of Partners in Progress, on the waterways of Cambodia for three years. They are the proud parents of Paul, Allison (daughter-in-law), and Matthew. And they are the ridiculously proud grandparents of Tripp, Cooper, and Maggie. WEI is extremely excited about the possibilities of partnering with the Pinckleys in this unique evangelistic (Great Commission) endeavor. The Tudo Bem concept might prove to be ideal for hosting a 4-week team of WEI teachers. If you have two weeks to travel and teach the Bible using the WEI materials on a short-term mission team to southern Portugal, please contact us at tom@worldenglishinstitute.org or weiady@aol.com.
E. S From Giza, Egypt
“God has been working on me. I was born in a Muslim community but God has saved me from their evil teachings, while studying in their schools (which force students to read Quran and study it) had probably confused me, But at the same time that has given me a clear idea about how evil religion looks like, Islamic teachings urge its followers to discriminate against others in every possible way. So when I read the Bible especially the life of Jesus I felt different , for the first time in my life I feel peace and secure . I loved Jesus as a person who had never sinned, and as a God who loves his children and looks after them . As it’s not allowed in my country to sell or buy any religious books except Islamic books. I couldn’t had read the Bible if I didn’t have a laptop and connection to the internet . Somehow God has provided me with the means to know him and hear his message. I feel that God understands my situation more than anyone else. I am sure that God will help me and lead me toward the new birth as I am in the course of changing my heart and life, but being baptized would be the difficult part of it , because it’s not allowed in my country to express my new faith in public . Being a Christian would remain a secret as long as I live in a country that enforces Sharia law.”
January 6, 2021
Boris M From Bogota, Columbia
Dear WEI Team, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of you. So far, this course has been a great experience where I have had the opportunity to learn about many things and share different and opposite ideas with the wonderful teacher who was assigned to me, Ms. Laura H., a talented educator with such a warm personality, who opens up her heart to everybody, following her beliefs and teachings, no matter who they are in terms of religion, opinion or culture. I must say proudly that I feel very happy to have obtained those two diplomas. I cannot wait to have them printed and framed. I really did my best and endeavored to complete this course as a major aim. Thanks to the support and guidance of my teacher, that goal became a reality. I want to conclude by sending you a bear hug from Colombia, where the official language is Spanish and not many people master English. But thanks to programs like this one, that situation is changing. Thanks a billion. Please do not stop. Your job has a huge positive social impact. Sincerely, Boris M.
Testimony of a Dance Instructor

Edwin E. Vicente, the famous dance instructor in the Philippines, has an amazing testimony about his spiritual journey with WEI.  He writes, “During 24 years of teaching dancing, I was made famous by local and international achievements.  But I felt empty.  I had not found my fulfillment.

“Then, one afternoon, in my search for an affordable online course in dance, I found World English Institute.  I went to the website and, surprisingly, the institute was offering a  free online English course at no cost at all.  That encouraged me to give myself another try at refreshing my English knowledge.  

“In the end, I found that it was not only an English course but a road to meet God and to become closer to Him—something that was missing in my spiritual life.  It [WEI] opened my eyes and enlightened my mind about the disappointments, hardships, and failures I had encountered.  This worthy course helped me find the way, the truth, and the life with Jesus.  It made me become a more mature person.

“Thank you, teacher Rocky Thurman, for your patience in assisting me in my study and supporting me during my weak moments when I almost wanted to give up.  Thank you WEI for returning me to the right way.  I like most the chance of returning to our Creator, the Almighty Father”

Edwin E. Vicente with His WEI Diploma

Editorial note: Edwin is currently studying with me via email and has just completed Lesson 9 in my latest book, Blessed Assurance, even before the book has been printed or posted on the WEI website. He has indicated that he is ready to be baptized. Arrangements are being made for his baptism.

December 3, 2019
Testimonial from a WEI Student

Commenting on the lesson about Abraham, one student wrote, “God sometimes calls us out of false religions to step out in faith to a new way of worshiping Him. I was thinking this morning about where I was this time last year. I was visiting my family and went to [worship] with hen never dreaming I would ever worship differently.”

“I am not sure how Abram communicated with God in the midst of all the idol worship, but somehow he must have had an open heart to hear God’s voice.”

“When I left [my old religion], I was scared of how my family would react. I had fears about being rejected, but I knew God was calling me to something different. I wonder if Abraham/Sarah had similar feelings when they left Ur and their families and familiar idols to step into the unknown.”

It is never easy to make such a leap of faith.

June 16, 2017
Quote from a WEI Student

“I will continue with the course until it is over. I will also be disappointed for it to end. I have learned so much during these studies, not just the English course, but I’ve learned so much about the Bible. This course has truly been a blessing to my life, and I thank you. I got so caught up in the Bible studies aspect of it that I lost touch with the English aspect (smile).”

May 6, 2017
Internet Ministry
Bob and Jan Towell

Since January 1, 2016, more than 5,000 potential students gave registered to study on the WEI website. As of this writing, 1996 have submitted answers to the Introductory Lesson and have started their lessons.

During that time, twenty-six new teachers have started, Two have died. A few have had to stop teaching because of ill health, and some have reached the limit of what they can adequately accomplish.

In 1946, the Harding College lectureship featured several speakers who passionately pled for workers in the war-torn nation of Japan. Two of those who heeded the call were Joe and Rosa Bell Cannon, along with fourteen others. In January 1948, they set sail for Japan. The Cannons had only been married seven months, and Joe celebrated his 21st birthday on the voyage.

In the ensuing years, they served in Japan, Okinawa, and in areas of New Guinea where the gospel had not been preached. The day they decided to leave Okinawa for New Guinea, Joe wrote the following poem:

“There is someone out there waiting who has never heard of Christ. There is someone out there dying who must face eternal loss.”

“Can I sit in easy comfort and ignore the plaintive cry? Can I live for self and safety when the world’s about to die?”

“Can I turn from bloody Calvary and seek the easy way—when He died for me and saved me, changing all my night to day?”

“No! I’ve got to face the issue of work yet to be done. Yes! I’ve got to take my cross until the victory is won.”

“So, hold on, Oh child in bondage, for the Word is drawing nigh! You shall hear the gospel story, and no longer shall you die!”

The world is certainly as much in need of the Gospel now as it has ever been. In 2016, we have tools not available in previous generations. What will you do with them? Perhaps we should read again the conversation between God and Moses (Exodus 4).

God bless us all as we fulfill the Great Commission. ---Bob and Jan

Joanna concludes, “This experience has helped me to understand the Parable of the Sower so much better.  Many seeds were planted, but it took time for the plant to grow.”

January 1, 2016
A Heart-warming Testimony

A policeman in Haiti named Emmanuel has been studying with Deannie Smith of the Southwest Church of Christ in Tigard, Oregon. Recently, he wrote these inspiring words:

“Dear teacher, Thank you very much for your study. May God, in His love, reward you back. “I feel ready now for the kingdom of God. Every day, I preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to someone like an evangelist. I didn’t do it before because my faith was weak.

“And I was really shy. Now, I am even ready to die in preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ like Stephen, the apostles, and other Christians. I am ready to give up the Police in order to devote myself to benefit the word of God. What a favor to die for Jesus! I feel it inside of me!”

Here is a policeman whose mission has been to protect the innocent and to restrain the lawless. Now, his mission is to share his faith with others even if it costs him his life.
Let us praise God. A shy policeman has been transformed into a bold advocate of the Crucified One.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED

including WEI in your will? By naming WEI in your estate,
you will accomplish two important things:

1. You will lay up treasures in heaven.
2. You will help others get to heaven, too.

October 22, 2014
Steve Foltz

Steve Foltz, a WEI teacher, writes, “I thank God for the WEI Internet work which gives so many people a chance to fulfill the Great Commission.”

October 4, 2013
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Read more posts

Update 189
  • January 26, 2026
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  • December 18, 2025
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  • December 15, 2025
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  • November 13, 2025
Cebu City, Philippines Mission By Tom Langley
  • October 25, 2025

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“The Oregon office of WEI is overseen by the Gresham, OR Metro Church of Christ elders and the Tennessee office of WEI is overseen by the Maryville, TN Maryville Church of Christ elders.”
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  • Tel: (503) 621-2334
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