Volume: 3 • Issue 9 • October 2003                        

Conference Time !

God always hands out lots of interesting surprises as the annual CCBI Fall Conference is being planned, and this one is no exception. Camp Overton in Rock Island is a new location for most; even we who spent wonderful weeks there when it was a children’s summer camp will be surprised at the updated accomodations. This year we are anticipating at least two international speakers; Pastor Gansham from Surinam and CCBKenya Director Peter Nyagrowa from Nairobi. Both of these leaders have hosted CCBI personnel in their own countries, and we look forward to giving them a warm southern welcome. We might have surprise musicians too, but we are definitely depending on long-time favorites including the Varga/Ross family, the Tylers and Maudie Wright.

If you have not yet registered for meals and/or lodging at Camp Overton you only have a few more days to do so. Because time is running out, please contact Margaret Ridley directly to pay for your meals ($20 per person) and reserve rooms. Meals will include Saturday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Snacks and Sunday Breakfast. You are on your own for Friday night Dinner. You will need to bring your own standard double bed sheets, blankets, and towels.

Directions to Camp Overton from the Square in Cookeville:

Take US-70 (E. Spring St). Go 1.2 miles to the intersection with SR-111. Go south on SR-111 for 17 miles to the interchange of SR-111 and US-70S below Sparta. Bear right on US-70S toward McMinnville, then travel 13 miles to the intersection with SR-287. Turn right on SR-287 (Green Hill Rock Island Rd.) Go 0.2 miles. Turn Left (west) onto Pine Bluff Road. Go 0.7 miles. Turn Right (west) onto Watson Road. Go 0.8 miles. Turn Right (northwest) onto Camp Overton Road. Go 0.3 miles to the camp entrance. Address is: 1375 Camp Overton Road, Rock Island, TN 38581 Phone: 931-686-209.

Dr. Cynthia Walker, Dean of Faculty, was grateful to review and accept the application of Dr. Terry Cook to join the leadership of CCBI. In sending him an official welcome as the newest faculty member of Caribbean College of the Bible, Dr. Walker emphasized, “We are honored to have a man of your caliber and background working with us. Thanks for coming on board. God will bless you for it - I promise!”

Heads Up, Teachers!

It is an accepted fact that a satisfied customer is the best possible advertisement. We praise God for students who encourage our instructors with enthusiastic (unsolicited!) testimonies of the impact CCBI has made on them, and we pass on their comments.

Zambia: Pastor Lawrence Sitoboha - “I feel touched by your commitment to serving all Christian workers world wide and the interest in the sharpening of my skills as shown in your concern due to my uncompleted Bachelors degree.” Sitoboha’s supporting denominational leaders had wanted him to study with their denomination since CCBI makes no claim to be accredited, but after further consideration they are now encouraging him to complete his work with CCBI.

Uganda: Pastor Milton Otto-Olima - “I want to thank you for your words of encouragement. I want to thank my instructors besides academic comments. They make very encouraging remarks. May the Good Lord bless you!” Pastor Milton’s home town is Lira in Northern Uganda, which has been suffering intensely due to the civil war in that area. Please pray for him and his family.

Rev. Canon Kosia Murumba: “Praise the Lord! Greetings from my wife, Children, my Bishop and Christians of Saint Peter’s Cathedral West Ankole Diocese. Allow me to express my gratitude to you for your parental love, patience, guidance and encouragement to me, which have helped me finish the Course.”

USA (formerly Surinam student): Pastor Gansham, one of the first students in Surinam, has testified in services with CCBI leaders Dr. Cindy Walker, Dr. Charles Sanderfer, and Lance Even to express how much CCBI has meant to his ministry in both countries. He will share more specifically as a Conference speaker.

Travel Fund Initiated

News Flash! God has provided a surprise designated donation, which is being used to start a travel fund for eligible CCBI personnel to conduct necessary leadership activities in overseas divisions.

Although teachers and leaders are encouraged to continue in CCBI’s tradition of volunteering time and finances as they are able, this fund can help pay for airline tickets if needed.

Start-up for the travel fund is $2,000, expected to grow with donations from those who see the value of sending CCBI representatives to our divisions in the Caribbean and Africa. Tax deductible contributions to the CCBI Travel Fund should be sent to the Clearinghouse in Sunbright where they will be acknowledged and receipted. When the fund reaches $3,000, request forms for overseas travel will be available to CCBI administrators and instructors. Praise God for his provision!

Thank You: