March Newsletter

Travel Plans

Since my return from Honduras last month, I have been preparing for classes I will be teaching in the future. Noma and I will be traveling to Fruitland, New Mexico next week to teach a 6-hour class to a group of men on the Navajo Reservation. We are excited about that trip. As of this minute, I am continuing to schedule trips to congregations who are involved in our work for reports. On April 4 I will be reporting on the school in Danlí, Honduras to the congregation in Pryor, Oklahoma. On April 18 I will be traveling to Bagwell, Texas to give a report on our work the past year; I will also be giving a report to the congregation in Slim, Oklahoma, but I have not finalized the date for that report yet.

Beginning in May, my schedule will pick up somewhat for a while. On May 8 I will be speaking at the 11th Annual Hugo Lectureship. On May 22 I will be traveling to Guatemala to teach Old Testament V. I plan to stay over the next weekend to attend a lectureship planned for that date. I will return on Monday, May 31. On June 3 (tentatively) Noma and I will be traveling back to Guatemala for a few days and then over to Honduras for a few days before returning home. On July 29 I leave for Vishakaputnam, India where I will be teaching for two weeks there, return home on August 14. I will leave off there on my schedule. I do have other events scheduled after August, but I will save them for future newsletters.

Personal News

Noma and I are doing well. Next week is Spring Break and that is why she will get to go with me to New Mexico. We are also glad to see some warmer weather make its way here, even though today is a bit cool with the wind. We thank all of you for your prayers and support of our work.
If you would like any further information about our work, I encourage you to contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, you can visit our website at: www.WeTrainPreachers.com.

A new source of information specifically dealing with the extension program is a new blog: http://extensiontraining.wordpress.com.

You may contact me at:
2013 Rushing Meadows
Edmond, OK 73013
Cell Phone: (580) 326-1914

...praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ... (Colossians 4:3).

Thank you and God bless you all.

Donnie Bates

February 10-11, 2010

February 10, 2010

After such a hot day, today began with a lot of sun. It looks like it’s going to be hot again today, too. We had a good day of classes. I believe the students are ready for their final exam tomorrow. Tonight I have free. I’m grading quizzes and I have to write the quiz for tomorrow. Until tomorrow, God bless you!

February 11, 2010

We completed the class notes today. The students came out very well in their last daily quiz. After finishing the notes, they took time to study a little more in preparation for the final. At 6:00 p.m. we are going to the house of the man whose family we studied with last Saturday for our worship; the one who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. After the worship, I’m going to have supper and send my last reports from here this trip. The next time I communicate with all of you, I will be home, if God wills. I would like to say how much I appreciate your prayers for me and my family in my absence from home. This trip has been a very good trip, productive and filled with blessing. I miss my family right now, but I know they have been in the loving and capable hands of God. Thank you, friends, for lifting me to the throne of God in your prayers. May God richly bless you!

Donnie Bates

February 8-9, 2010

February 8, 2010

After a very hot day, we arose to a fresh, cool morning, but that did not last for very long. After a few hours of sunshine, the temperature began to rise. Today was the first day of classes over Psalms. We had a good class. Before ending the day, we studied a little about how to develop an expository sermon, using Psalm 1 as an example. In the evening, I met with the teachers that live here in Danli to speak about things concerning the Institute (the future; how are we going to find more students? Etc.). We realize that there are only 14 months left until the second class starts (Beta Class). We enjoyed a good supper and meeting. I returned to the hotel and did some things on the computer and put myself to bed. Until tomorrow, God bless you!

February 9, 2010

The second day of classes and it was another good day. Brother Luis David Argenal preached a good message in chapel to begin. We reached the halfway point in the material, and we spent more time in developing the psalms so as to preach them as sermons, and also, how to study them so as to give encouragement to the discouraged. The Psalms have much to teach us concerning this point. Tonight, I am going to the worship service of the congregation for a class on singing (we’re learning a song in English) and a period of prayer. The brethren of the El Zarzal congregation pray in this period for between 30 and 45 minutes. I have heard individual prayers that lasted for between 10 and 15 minutes. Many of those who are praying, kneel and remain so during the whole period of prayer, and, I tell you, that is a hard floor. I did it once, but my knees cannot not do it now. Until tomorrow, God bless you!

Donnie Bates

February 6-7, 2010

February 6, 2010

This morning I accompanied brother Nery and his children to a Bible study with a family. The husband of the family suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and cannot get out of bed. We had a good study. I believe this man understands what he needs to do, but wants to study a little more. Afterward, we went to a Chinese restaurant and enjoyed a great plate of fried rice. At 6:00 p.m. I went to the worship service of the El Zarzal congregation for another class on the subject “The Great Tribulation.” Brother Nery is a very good teacher. Until tomorrow, God bless you.

February 7, 2010

Today is the last Sunday that I will be with my brethren of the El Zarzal congregation. I had the blessing of preaching to them and they received me well. This afternoon I have papers that I must grade from the classes we have already had, and, also, I have to prepare myself for the class over Psalms that begins tomorrow. Until tomorrow, God bless you!

Donnie Bates

February 4, 5, 2010

February 4, 2010

Today was an extraordinary day! We studied the examples of leadership of Jesus, and the apostles Paul and Peter. It was a very productive exercise and we learned how to take the message from the passage and how to follow the examples that are found therein. For me, it was like preaching for five hours during the day, so I was a little tired, but I felt very good afterward. At 6:00 p.m., I went with some of the brethren of the El Zarlzal congregation to the house of one of the sisters. One of the students (Hector Viera) preached a very good sermon. I returned to the hotel for supper and to greet some friends on the computer and, finally, to bed. Until tomorrow, God bless you all.

February 5, 2010

The last day of the week and of our study of Leadership! Today we have no more than the final exams. The students have worked hard this week. They all did well in the exams. I am very proud of them. Also, I have listened carefully to their sermons in the chapel with which we begin every day of study. These men, these brethren and friends of mine preach powerful sermons and faithful to the Word of God. After next week, they will have reached the half-way point of their studies in the Institute. I am sure that they are going to be ready to preach (they already are) and the church will be healthier and stronger with what these men of God will be able to do. Until the next time, God bless you!

Donnie Bates

February 2-3, 2010

February 2, 2010

Today began cloudy and the temperature was nice. There is a preachers’ meeting in the town of Trojes, approximately two and a half hours from Danlí, higher up in the mountains. Because of that (the altitude), it rained all day there. Brother Luis David went to this meeting and took seven other preachers with him in his truck. Because of that, he was not with us in class. It was a good class. We ended early today so the students could study more and also so that the material for the class would last for the week. In the evening I went to the worship of the El Zarzal congregation. We practiced some new songs, including a short one in English. I appreciate so much the desire to make the “gringos” (North Americans) feel comfortable in the worship service of the church by singing a little in their own language. These are very good brethren and friends. Until tomorrow, God bless you all!

February 3, 2010

Another cloudy day! Today, we are going to finish the material (written notes) in the workbooks. I have a plan to complete the week of instruction. We had another good class. I must write, also, that the wife of brother Oscar Morgan (one of the students) has done a very good job in cooking for us this week. Every day the food is very good. Since there is no worship on Wednesday, I am going to work tonight in writing the quiz for tomorrow and the study afterwards. Until tomorrow, God bless you all!

January 30 - February 1, 2010

January 30, 2010

Today was a day to rest. I took my computer to a strip mall near the hotel where there is a free wi-fi network and checked my email and sent some messages. Later, in the afternoon, I went to an internet café and after that, I walked to a restaurant where I had a frappucino, and then returned to the hotel. All together, I figure I walked about 3 miles. At 6:00 I went to El Zarzal where brother Nery taught a very good class on the subject: The Great Tribulation. There were not many people there because the majority of the congregation had attended a youth rally down on the southern coast. The return to Danlí about 9:00 or 10:00. There were 15-20 in the class. Until tomorrow, God bless you all!
January 31, 2010

This morning I accompanied brother Jesús to a small village called La Union, to attend worship with them and to deliver some food. We climbed pretty high into the mountains near the town of El Paraiso (Paradise). Afterward, we returned to Danlí for lunch and rest before services tonight. At 4:30 Jesús and his family picked me up and we went to El Paraiso again. I had the blessing of preaching to the congregation gathered together there. There were about 77 people. I returned to the hotel about 8:30. I am ready for the week of classes to begin. Until tomorrow, God bless you!

February 1, 2010

Today was the first day of classes. We are studying Leadership this week. We had a good beginning to the study. We ended a little early today. Tomorrow there is a preachers’ meeting, so brother Luis David will not be with us, but he is a good student and can do the work. It is a little warm today because the sun is shining, but the rain is not far away. My plans for this evening are to make a quiz for tomorrow and rest a little. Until tomorrow, God bless you!

Donnie Bates

Danlí, Honduras - January 27 - February 12, 2010

Day 1 – January 27, 2010: The day began early (3:30 a.m.) since the flight out of OKC leaves at 6:30 a.m. I am so thankful for Kenny Hixson for driving me to the airport. This time of year, the flight leaves Oklahoma City before daylight. I read for just a little while on the plane, but was soon asleep. We arrived in Houston without problem. The connecting flight leaves Houston at 9:15. I was able to sleep some on this leg of the trip, as well. I had known for some time that today was inauguration day for the new president of Honduras. My good friend Jesús Pagagua had told me just Monday that the government was anticipating a very large crowd of people to descend upon the airport today to wish former president Manuel Zelaya “bon voyage” as he and his family left the country for vacation in the Dominican Republic. Because of this news, I had no idea what to expect when I arrived in Tegucigalpa. My flight might be cancelled; Jesús told me that it was very possible that he would not be able to get to the airport to pick me up for several hours. The worst case scenario (other than having the flight cancelled) was that I would have to spend the night in the airport. Well, after a comfortable flight, I arrived safely and only had to wait a few minutes before spying brethren Jesús and Nery Irías at the door. The police had barred anyone from coming into the airport terminal who was not a passenger, so they could not come in, but there was no problem getting out to them and getting my luggage loaded up in Jesús’ pickup. The problem was outside. Several thousand people had indeed descended on the airport awaiting Zelaya. We were able to stay on the upper level so we had a great view of the street below where the crowds were. We did not know, however, when the former president was leaving. After waiting three hours, the announcer below on the street, who had kept up a constant monologue, with some music and other speakers sprinkled throughout, announced that former president Zelaya would be entering the airport at another entrance; so, everyone started off from the main entrance which left us to get to the pickup and get out of the airport. We went across the street and had a late lunch. After lunch we headed out; 45 minutes later we were two blocks away. It seems this great multitude of people was now walking back toward us and they completely filled the street. There was never any sense of fear in being surrounded by such a crowd, although the pickup was jostled from time to time and on one occasion people climbed into the back. Eventually, we were able to get through the crowd and then the horrible traffic jam that was left after the disruption. We arrived in Danlí a little before 6:00 p.m.; a long day. I was able to have dinner with Denton Landon and we visited for some time before retiring to our rooms. Tomorrow I will accompany him to class and will return to the room for some work here. Thanks to all who are praying for us on this trip. ¡Que Dios les bendiga!



Day 2 – January 28, 2010: I had a good night’s sleep last night…almost eight hours! It was cool this morning and it was obvious that it had rained during the night. The temperature drop to the upper 50s during the nights this time of year; very pleasant. I met Denton for breakfast in the hotel restaurant at 6:30. I then accompanied him to class where I sat in one the study and discussion until a little before 10:00 when they took their first break. After the break, I returned to the hotel. After lunch with the students, brother Nery and I went downtown to buy some things, including a gift for brother Denton for his service to the institute. Denton concluded the class on Christian Ethics and he and I went downtown to walk and for him to buy some gifts to take home. At 6:00 p.m. we went to the home of brother Nery for a worship service with the brethren of the El Zarzal congregation. I had the pleasure of preaching to the brethren gathered there. After this meeting, Denton and I had supper at Chester’s Fried Chicken. We talked until late into the night, but, finally, we had to stop and try to sleep.


Day 3 – January 29, 2010: I almost did not get up in time to meet Denton for breakfast, but I was able to arrive on time. This morning the students take their final exam. Brother Nery presented brother Denton with a gift and a certificate of appreciation for his work here in the institute. Around 9:30 brother Jesús Paguaga arrived at the hotel to take Denton to the airport in Tegucigalpa. Brother Cesar Tábora and I accompanied them. After buying some things for children to help brethren so they can attend school, we returned to Danlí. We have tonight and the majority of tomorrow free.

New Short Courses Begin

I am happy to report that I have received news from Danlí, Honduras that brother Denton Landon has arrived safely. After a few hours of delay in Houston, he was able to arrive safely in Tegucigalpa, where he was met by brethren Jesús Paguaga, Nery Irías and Cesar Tábora. Denton will be teaching Christian Ethics to the students of the IBH (Bible Institute of Honduras) next week. I will arrive, Lord willing, on Wednesday, January 27 and beginning on February 1, will teach Leadership for that first week and then on February 8 we will begin our class on the Psalms, which concludes Friday, February 12. Please keep Denton and me, as well as, the students and faculty of IBH in your prayers.

Donnie Bates

January Newsletter - January 9, 2010

News of the Work

On December 20 I was able to give a report of our work to the good brethren of the 7th & Beech congregation in Durant. This congregation has been very good to us and we were happy to worship with them again.

Tomorrow, January 10, I will be giving a report to the brethren in the small rural Arkansas community of King Ryder, another congregation that has been good to support us in many endeavors. In the evening, another great congregation of our supporters, the Lynn Lane church of Christ in Idabel, Oklahoma will host me as I give a report of my work in 2009.

I will be traveling to Denver, Colorado on January 15 for a meeting, returning the next day. On January 27 I leave for a two and one half week stay in Danlí, Honduras. I will be teaching Church Leadership and Psalms while I am there. I return on February 12. Late in May I return to Guatemala City to teach a one week short course there. I do not have a specific date or subject yet, but later in the year I am excited to announce that I will be traveling to the Himalayas to teach in our new school in Katmandu, Nepal. I will pass along more details as they are known.

I am also still scheduling report and fund raising trips in the meantime. Thank you all for your continued support.

Personal News

I trust that everyone has had a wonderful holiday season. My family traveled to spend Christmas with my parents and sister and had a good visit. We did have some adventure on the way back home, however. You may know of the Christmas blizzard that struck Oklahoma City, and much of the rest of the state this year. Just outside of Henryetta, Oklahoma I lost control of our car when I hit chunk of ice frozen in place, which through us into a spin. We wound up in the ditch, but thankfully there were no injuries; the car wasn’t even dented. We spent the next two hours, however, waiting for a wrecker to pull us out. Later in the evening, we were stuck behind a jack-knifed semi for a little over 45 minutes. The driving conditions were terrible; in fact, when we were not stopped, we could drive little more than 35 or 40 miles per hour. Normally, the drive is four and one half hours. On that day, it took us nine. We were very thankful to arrive home safely and for the prayers lifted up on our behalf during our journey.

If you would like any further information about our work, I encourage you to contact me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, you can visit our website at: www.WeTrainPreachers.com.

A new source of information specifically dealing with the extension program is a new blog: http://extensiontraining.wordpress.com.

You may contact me at:
2013 Rushing Meadows
Edmond, OK 73013
Cell Phone: (580) 326-1914


...praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ... (Colossians 4:3).

Thank you and God bless you all.

Donnie Bates