In

RE:

April update

OirrRNTtSstEWS UPDATE OF BRIGHT OUTREACH

April, 2000 )

THANKSGIVING

"Dear Friends,

TTiank you once again for your gracious support to the ministry of Bright
Outreach which supports the work of Tim and Twyia Bright in Ghana West
Africa. Your timely gifts are helping train West African leaders for the
Lord's Kingdom, and helping to establish a new campus. Blessings to each
of you as season of Christ's resun-ection is celebrated."
CONFERENCE 2000

Missionaries fiam six different African countries attended the West

African Mission Conference held at Tils Hotel on the beach of the Guinea

Gulf about 30 miles from Accra. Tliis is held e\ery other year to help
missionaries in their fellowship with one another, exchange ideas, and just
relax from the usual routines. Micheal Hogg and his family from
Bloomington, IN visited Ghana and was the guest vespers speaker. Gary
Brock, missionary from Kenya, brought the morning thoughts. His wife,
Linda, also was able to accompany him.
Other seminars were held throughout the day with various missionaries
leading them. TlTe theme for Conference 2000 was "Enabling the Church to
Mature." Various topics such as evengelism, leadership, health,
benevolence and contextualization comprised the seminar sessions. Each
aflemoon there was time for recreation on the beach, and each evening
after \espes there was a planned after glow with funny stories, games and a
video one time.

Tim and Twyla Bright, and Bob and Connie Sheffler were the planning
committee this year. The conference was a great success, and all who came
seem to really benefit.

GHANA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

April Break - The College is on recess until April 25. During this time
students are experiencing practical internships for two to three weeks with
churches throughout the country. Many go to their home churches while
others work in different churches. Classes resume April 26.
College Building Program -

* Faculty Houses are going up. The house that Tim and Twyla will occupy is
scheduled to be done by Dec. 2000. It is right on schedule so far with the

foundation to be poured around the middle of April. Three other faculty

houses are being built at present.
* The classroom project will resume in about a month.
* Wells are the next project, and that will insure that there will be
enough water for some time.

Printed for "Miss. Serv. Asso." <msa@misslonservlces.org>

In

BRIGHT FAMILY

At last report all the children of Tim and Twyla busy and doing well. They
are all in the U.S. working and/or attending college/university. Please
continue to pray for them.

Tim and Twyla keep their busy schedules with Twyla teaching until Easter
break. Tim, although he is on break now, is working on several writing
projects. One is a book fo class material. He is also teaching Elementary
Greek for Third Term. Break time is usually preparation time.

PRAYER TIME

* Ghana as the country enters into political campaigns, that they will be
peaceful.
* Churches and their ministers for stability, growth, and financial
support.
* Bright Children as they work and continue their education.
* Students of Ghana Christian College on break as they do their interships
in various churches.

* Tim and Twyla as they teach and prepare lesson material.

* Ghana Christian College Campus - Relocation Program - especially for
housing to finsh on time; and for funds for addtional wells, classroom and
men's dorm.

* Travels throughout the country on very dangerous roads.

STORIES - Fictious mice friends, Harriet and Victor are at it again with
adventerous acticitives. Watch for these stories coming soon. They are
suitible for youth groups, children's church, VBS mission moments, and
other activities.

A Video Update is coming soon also of the campus work. Of course, the
progress changes each week, so the video will only hi-lightsome things.
But it will be available to each church and individual who support Bright
Outreach.

Tim's Travels; Tim has preached each Sunday since Jan. 8, and there does
not appear to be an empty place until Easter. The next fisw weeks will take
him to a place near Accra, Kumasi area for the Easter Convention (Christian
Church/Church of Christ Easter Convention) and Frankadua.

Frankadua Project. The church runs about 20 now. They are clearing their
land and putting a termporary building (thatch roof). Tim goes there about
twice a month. They do not have any minister and their leaders (elders)
are in training. However, their are an enthusiastic group and progressing
well.

Printed for "Miss. Serv. Asso." <msa@missionservices.org>

In

Thank you all again and may the Good Lord see you through and gl\e his most
gracious blessings. Our Iovbto each of you. Tim and Twyla Bright.

Printed for "Miss. Serv. Asso." <msa@mi8sionservices.org>

"Enabling the Church to Mature" was the theme of the Missionary Conference 2000
held in Ghana. West Africa April 4-8. The conference was enjoyed by thirty adults and
ten children. These missionary families represented missions in Mali, Ivory Coast,
Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Kenya.
Desiring maturity was evident as missionaries from both the Christian Churches and

the Church of Christ joined in teaching and sharing to strengthen God's message of
love and hope to Muslim and animistic populations. Helping the existing churches to
a more mature, responsible self expectation was a thread throughout the sessions.

Garry Brock, Africa Coordinator for CMF, was our Keynote speaker each morning. His
excellent messages set the tone for the continuing sessions which were presented
by the various missionaires. We were challenged to grow daily and trust others to
grow as well.

Mich^^HHogg, a minister with the Sherwood Oaks Church in Bloomington, Indiana,

was -euf vespers speaker each evening. His heart touching messages were

strengthening and encouraging to all. We express euf sincere appreciation to the

Shen/vood Oaks Church for allowing us to have Michael, Marcia, and Megan come and
share with us. They were truly a blessing.
Bob and Connie Sheffler and Tim and Twyla Bright served as both the local
arrangements committee and the program committee.

The conference closed with a meeting of the Association of Christian Church

Missionaries in West Africa. Plans were made to visit the Sylvesters and their work in
Mali for the association meeting in 2001.
Wfi wnuld likp tn

--moro offoctivoly roach our world:

-PICTURE? ^

/-fs->^3
<'OOo
a.

In

To: "roger twiia Williams" <rtw@infocom.com>,

"Sharon and Jim Wale" <jnswale@bright.net>,
"Ron Swinger" <RSwinger@prodigy.net>,

"LloydJl_Sfffincgr^^s@oygc.com>,

Subjec^^-^ummer Update~~^

/ O o 0^

Dear Friends,

Your gracious gifts and prayers continue to play an important part in

providingituatlty-education-feci^ders in Ghana and West Africa. Through

your/Kelp Tim and Twyla Brigl^ontinue to equip many leaders in excellent

education, church planting and maturity. Thank you
and may God giant you His many blessings.
TIM'S TRAVELS

America - Tim traveled to America in July. During this time he

conducted a booth for Ghana Christian College and Seminary, spoke at
ten different churches, visited briefly with all six children and parents
traveling over 6,000 miles including the NACC.
"Thank you to those who hosted me for a Sunday or special time during the
week. The fellowship and response was outstanding." (Tim Bright)
ON THE HOME FRONT IN GHANA

During July Twyla hosted two young ladies

besides Tai. They traveled several places of interest. At the end of July
and first part of August (when Tim came back) there were two other
ministers staying in the Bright"hotel" who were teaching summer school at
GCC. Besides these guests the Bright's were host to a young college
student doing an intemship.

- VisitorWorking teams. These people stayed at the new campus. Most of

the time they were taken care of by the missionaries IMng there. There
were 18 to house and feed. However, one weekend there were over 20

Twyla provided meals three weekends for these people.

All the visitors were a blessing, and it was great to have Tai here
throughout the summer.

FROM AROUND GHANA

* Philip Akaisi, a recent graduate ofGhana Christian College, reports from

a church that he is working with in the northem area. There were 60
baptisms the
first couple of weeks

in August. There are a number of vllages asking him to plant a church.

What an opportunity.

* During the weekend of Sept. 2-3 Tim helped the Grace Christian Church of
Ashaiman in

their

effort for a weekend evangelistic meeting in a nearby area called Nungua.

The desire

Printed for Rflission Services Association <msa@niissionservice.

In

of Grace is to plant a new church there. As a result of the showing of the

"Jesus" film

three accepted Christ. The minister of Grace, Nicolas Otumfb, has been
holding a Bible study
in the area. These new people will be part of that group which may become
a new church soon.

Please pray for this new group and the Grace Christian Church.
NOTE: Tim visited Grace Christian Church and they had 61 present Sept. 3
SPECIAL NEED: Nicolas Otumfb. the minister of Grace Christian Church,
expresses

a strong need for funds for land on which to build thier church. They have
been located

in a very horrible place since their beginning. However, in order to grow

and develop

they need land. They must come up with about $1000 ifthey are go ha>
chance at

anything in their town. Ifyou can help, let us know va Lois Nichols.
Thanks so much.

*Frankadua. Tim has been traveling there tvnce a month when his schedule
permits. This church

was officially launched last Sept. They have 17 adults members (baptized).
The church broke

ground on land they were able to purchace some time ago. Since that time
they have put up a
small bamboo and palm branch structure. Sunday, Aug. 27 there were 26
present. Sunday, Aug.
13, Tim took two of the vsitors from America to Frankadua. Brother Ron
Savtz, a minister from

Pennsylvania, preached that moming. Continue to pray for the faithfulness

of the church.
TRAVELS THROUGH GHANA

Sept. - Dec. 17 is full. There will be 14 nights of evangelistic meetings

during various weekends. Each Sunday is scheduled as many people hava
invted Tim to speak to their church. Please pray for safe
travel to:

Kofbridua, 9/10; Accra, 9/17; Tema (a Baptist Church), 9/24; Pokoasi,

10/1; Achimota, 10/8; Accra (a Methodist Church), 10/15; Mumfbrd Christian
Church 10/22; Frankadua, 10/29; Ho, 11/5; Awoshie-Accra, 11/12; Prasso

area, 11/19; Frankadua 11/26; Faithway, 12/3; Northem Region 12/10;

Accra, 12/17.

GHANA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

SUMMER SCHOOL CLOSES WITH A GREAT SEND OFF! Tim taught Pastoral Counseling
and Evangelism during the last two weeks of August Sessions (summer school)
at the College. There were 51 students in all the courses this year.
Students who are

first, second and third year in this Certificate Course study 8 hours a day
in classes for four straight weeks.

Printed for Mission Services Association <msa@missionservice...

In

NEW REGULAR ACADEMIC YEAR BEGINS

The College has accepted 29 new students as the new year begins.
Registration Day is Sept. 11 and classes begin Sept. 12. Tim will be
teaching Advanced Greek; Life of Christ and Evangelism.
As of Wed. Sept. 13 there are 83 students for the regular temi

NEW CAMPUS

Faculty Houses - Progress continues as the third house is nearly finished

and plans are being made for occupancy in a couple of weeks. Prof. Manuel
Adjei, one of the Ghanaian Old Testament teachers and his family plan to
move

very soon.

Tim and Twyla's house that they virill occupy is coming along vary well. The
tile

roofshould start any day now. About 70% of the stone facing is on so the
house

is starting to have a more permanent look to it on the outside. There is

still much

to be done. Move in target is sometime in mid December of this year.

The scond phase of the classroom building is under constrcution. Walls are
going up.

More pipe line has been put down fiom the second well. The first well is
stili pumping
but it is very stow.

FUNDING - for the faculty house Tim and Twylawill occupy is sufficient.
More funds will continue to be needed as the campus continues to be built.
Here is

a list of future plans before students can mo>eand the actual campus can
conduct
classes;

1) - Completion of the third phase of the classroom

2) - Morewater and sewerage lines and connections
3) - Men's Dormitory

Tim is responsible for raising a portion of these funds. House building

funds

will go toward the building fund of the new campus.

Other projects on the campus include at least three more faculty houses
and an

administration-library builidng (the library already has a substantial

amount of funds raised).

Therefore your help is continually needed. A new budget for the upcoming
year will becoming

soon, and it will include what fiinds will go toward the new campus. Thank
you for your

Printed for Mission Services Association <nisa@missionservice...

In

generous support.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR UPLIFTING ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYERS AND
GIFTS. BLESSINGS AND LOVE TO YOU ALL. TmandTwyla.

Printed for Mission Services Association <nisa@niissionservice.

To: "rogertwiia Williams" <rtw@infbcom.com>,

"beck! Williams" <BECSHELLE@aol.com>,
"Sharon and Jim Wale" <jnswale@bright.net>,
"Ron Swinger" <RSwinger@prodigy.net>,
Subject: Bright Outreach
CHRISTIVIAS BLESSINGS

Thanks to all of you, your prayers, patience and great financial help, Tim
and Twyla Bright will be moving to the new campus Dec. 16. For the past
nine and one-half months the house that they have sponsored has been in the
building process. It is not nearly done at all and not hardly liveable but
this was the date (an extended time actually) that was always projected.
Therefore, moving day is as scheduled. The Brights will be camping out for
sometime but the holidays but thiCs may be the most fun-filled and
adventurous Christmas yet.
CAMPUS WORK

There is not much going on right now. Although to some degree part of the
focus has been on finishing the house the Brights will occupy there has
been a smattering of work here and there around the campus. Some cement
work is going on with the new classroom building. One of the houses in the

process of being built is the one that will be occupied by Ron Rife. Tbe
roof is slowly being put on. A smaller house is also being built. It will
serve as a guest house until a permenant staff member moves in. The second
water well is working but it is only pumping water for construction
purposes. It began to silt in before a proper pump could be installed.
Hopefully it will clear itself out in time.
TERM ENDS

The First Term of the full-time academic year ended with the usual

Christmas Party. Tim Bright served as the MC and Program planner for the
sixth time since 1991. The usual carols were sung, and the students also

participated with severai specials. A good time was enjoyed by all.

BEREAVEMENT

Christian Adjel's father died a few weeks ago and the funeral was Dec. 9,
2000. Condolences are extended to him and his family. His wife has also

been sick and hospitalized. She has retumed home now. Prayers are
extended on her behalf as well as Christian.

THE CHURCHES

Land Purchases - Accra North has just purchased land for their chapel.
Ashaiman has also obtained land. This is a particular joy since they have

struggied in a very low income and crowded condition for several years.
Theirchurch the past seven years has grown from just a handful to over 60
and they have no room where they are. Both churches will be benefit
greatly, and they are to be congratulated on their excellent efforts.

TRIP NORTH

Printed for Mission Services Association <msa@missionservice...

In

71m Bright and team traveled throughout Northem Region of Ghana the first
eleven days of December. The "Jesus" film was shown six nights to a total
of over 2500 souls. Scores accepted Christ. Tbe first Sunday, Dec. 3,
three were baptized. The final Sunday more even came and accepted Christ.
Places such as YezezzI, Ezebesi, Saboba and other vllages were the

recipients. One of the most interesting one was at a polling station, a

school, on election day. Of course, proper arrangements had been made well
in advance. The army truck came with four armed soldiers. Theirduty was
to make the the ballots were being counted fairly. They left after a few
minutes, and then came back some time later to collect the ballots and take
them to the main area center. The film and preaching were never disturbed.
The trip was a very good success. Everything went well except for a fiat
tire but that was only a minor inconvenience.

One of the main reasons for taking this joumey was to support and share
in the memorial services of father of Philip Akwasi, a recent graduate of

GCC. His father was baptized last December but died at age 70 during March
2000. By the time Philip had heard the news the father had already had the
burial servce. Now Philip had to face the ordeal of dealing with family
members who were not Christians and >0rious other problems. Tim Bright

went him last April during the break to help sort these things out. Plans
were made then to have a funeral memorial servce in December when Tim

Bright could get there. The testimony Philip and other Chritian family
members gave was that they were so happy theirfatherwhowas a fetish
priest gave his idols up, bumed them, became a Christian, and that they
would see him again. It was powerful!
CHRISTMAS WITH THE BRIGHTS

The family members are getting together at several places this year.
Nathan and Tai are traveling to Arizona via several midwestem states with
their brother Lance lives, aunts and uncles, and so on. They will spend

the holidays with their sister and her husband inArizona and also with
grandparents in Prescott. Other will be sharing with their in-law
families. Tim and Twyla hope to be set up and decorated by then, next
week
no snow, just harmmatan dust, bats, and traffic. But through
it all, the travels and peculiar surroundings, Christ will be honored, His
name lifted up, and the glorious carols will ring out. Let them ring! May
we all pray for safety, for the spirit of Christmas to shine and for our
hearts to know the joy of giving.
THEFT

Remembering the "high" Elijah felt after defeating the priest of baal at
Mt. Carmel, and then the "lovw" of having his life threatened by one Jezebel
corelates a bit with the recent theft of money from Tim Bright. After the

"high" ofthe northem trip, the next day Tim received his check from the
College, took it to the bank, cashed it, and decided to wash some ofthe
red dust offthe truck. He went to a good filling with a car wash. They

did a beautiful job, inside and out. Tim was happy but surprized when they
gave such a cheap price. He got in the truck, his hand still on the hand
bag when a young man opened the passenger side and grabbed the bag. Tim
grabbed a piece of it and held on but the bag tore and the thief ran to the
get-away car that had pulled up and away they went. Fortunately Tim did
Printed for Mission Services Association <msa@missionservice...

breacKthegoSpeiro^ne^^

- -

^stear whatG^ gave to

AND SO

This ends my saga

"^nd
.

_ , .

over 9years ago. P"**"""

the

j-

housethe Lord gave us

' .i,. 53^ Ghana Is our home.

has been our home longer than anywhere

House #1, First ""^ose ".rnk T^ano has ^ourj^

::^eTw'?-i^e,V^lnd blewthe^^^^^^

S^s'^ckCS^randbum"^^^^

eltermenf.^!Sl^-king

^"'t^^st^ant^o^''thank you great supporting

P^''

of love We took time out and watched "It's aWonderful Life. We

touch so many lives, and the li\es we touch are foundation arid link to so
many other events in life. Without these "touchings" we would not exist.
So "Thank you and Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Lovs,
Tim and Twyla

P.8.: This will not liethe last email but it might be for a little while.

We have no phone service in the new place right now. However, Iam sure we
will get that going soon. You can still email us at thecurrent address.
Iwill just tap in a phone line somewhere.

Printed for Mission Services Association <m8a@nfiissionservice...

Palestine Church of Christ

Non-Profit Organ.

P.O.

U.S. Postage

Box 86

Palestine OH 45352

ADDRESS

Paid

CORRECTION

Palestine OH
Permit No. 1

REQUESTED

Mission Services
P.O. 13111
Knoxville TN

37920-0111

BRIGHT OUTREACH

DECEMBER 2000

Christinas Blessings:

Thanks to all of you~your prayers, patience, and great financial help

Tim and Twyla Bright moved to the new campus on December 16th. For the past

nine and one-half months the house that they have sponsored has been in the
building process. It is not nearly done, and hardly liveable, but this was
the date (an extended time, actually) that was always projected. Therefore,
moving day was as scheduled. The Brights will be camping out for some time,
but the holidays this year may be the most funfilled and adventurous
Christmas yet.
Campus Work:

There is not much going on with the new campus right now. Although to
some degree part of the focus has been on finishing the house the Brights
will occupy, there has been a smattering of work here and there around the
campus. Some cement work is going on with the new classroom building. One
of the houses in the process of being built is the one that will be
occupied by Ron Rife. The roof is slowly being put on. A smaller house is

also being built. It will serve as a guest house until a permenant staff
ron^r _mpyes in. ^The se_cpnd water_well is-working,but it-is-only pumping^
water for construction purposes. It began to silt in before a proper pump
could be installed.

Hopefully it will clear itself out in time.

Term Ends.:

The First Term of the full-time academic year ended with the usual

Christmas party. Tim Bright served as the MC and Program planner for the
sixth time since 1991'. The usual carols were sung, and the students also
participated with several specials. A good time was enjoyed by all.
Bereavement:

9th.

Christian Adjei's father died a few weeks ago, and the funeral was Dec.
Condolences are extended to him and his family. His wife has also been

sick and hospitalized. She has returned home now.

Prayers are extended on

her behalf as well as Christian's.

The Churches:

Land Purchases^Accra North has just purchased land for their chapel.

Ashaiman has also obtained land. This is a particular joy since they have
struggled in a very low income and crowded condition for several years. Their
church the past seven years has grown from just a handful to over 60, and

they have no room where they are. Both churches will be benefited greatly.
They are to be congratulated on their excellent efforts.
Trip North:

Tim Bright and team traveled throughout Northern Region of Ghana the

first eleven days of December. The "Jesus" film was shown six nights to a
total of over 2500 souls. Scores accepted Christ. The first Sunday, Dec. 3,

three were baptized. The final Sunday more came and accepted Christ. Places
such as Yezezzi, Ezebesi, Saboba, and other villages were the recipients.
One of the most interested ones was at a polling stationa schoolon election
day. Of course, proper arrangements had been made well in advance. The
army truck came with four armed soldiers. Their duty was to make sure the
ballots were being counted fairly. They left after a few minutes, and then
came back some time later to collect the ballots and take them to the main
area center. The film and preaching were never disturbed.

The trip was a very good success. Everything went well except for a flat

tire/ but that was only a minor inconvenience.

One of the main reasons for taking this journey was to support and share
in the memorial services of father of Philip Akwasi/ a recent graduate of
Ghana Christian College. His father was baptized last December, but died at
age 70 during March, 2000.

By the time Philip had heard the news, the father

had already been buried. Now Philip had to face the ordeal of dealing with
family members who were not Christians and various other problems. Tim
Bright went with him last April during the break to help sort these things out.

Plans were made then to have a memorial service in December when Tim could be

there. The testimony Philip and other Christian family members gave was
that they were so happy their fatherwho was a fetish priestgave his idols

up, burned them, became a Christian, and that they would see him again.

It

was powerful!I

Christmas with the Brights:

The family members in the States are getting together at several places

this year.

Nathan and Tai are traveling to Arizona via several midwestern

states, where their brother Lance lives, aunts and uncles, and so on. They

will spend the holidays with their sister and her husband in Arizona and also
with grandparents in Prescott. Others will be sharing with their in-law

families. Tim and Twyla hope to be set up and decorated by then, next week
snow, just harmmatan dust, bats, and traffic. But through it all, the
travels and peculiar surroundings, Christ will be honored. His name lifted
up, and the glorious carols will ring out. Let them ring'! May we all pray
for safety, for the spirit of Christmas to shine, and for our hearts to know

the joy of giving.

Theft:

Remembering the 'high' Elijah felt after defeating the priest of Baal at
Mt. Carmel, and then the 'low' of having his life threatened by Jezebel corelates
a bit with the recent theft of money from Tim Bright. After the 'high' of the
northern trip, the next day Tim received his check from the College, took it
to the bank, cashed it, and decided to wash some of the red dust off the truck

He went to a good filling station with a car wash. They did a beautiful job,
inside and out. Tim was happy but surprised when they gave such a cheap price.
He got in the truck, his hand still on his bag, when a young man opened the
passenger side and grabbed the-bag.- Tim"grabbed a piece of it and held on,
but the bag tore and the thief ran to the get-away car that had pulled up, and
away they went. Fortunately Tim did not pursue on foot or do anything except
to ask where his keys were. The washing attendant still had them.

"I firmlv

^lieve two things: the Total Filling Station at Abeka-Tesano was in on the
theft, and that they really wanted the truck as well as the money." Tim used

this as an opportunity to preach the gospel to the crowd who seemed somewhat
stunned. No one can 'steal' what God gave to the world, nor the moment the

angels sang their glories, nor how the shepherds worshipped, and certainly

not the delivery by Mary, a Son who would deliver her and all who believe.
And So

This ends my saga tonight, our final night in the house the Lord gave us
over 9 years ago. Pardon us if we feel a little sad. Ghana is our hoL.
ouse #1, First Mukose Link, Tesano, has been our home longer than anywhere we
have ever lived!! We have loved this place. We have been frustrated when the
pipes broke, the wind blew the water tank cover on the roof of our bedroom

creating a large hole during a rain storm, and the house was struck by lightning
and burned the wiring. But we will miss our big room that we used as a master
bedroom, entertainment room, working room, eating room, conference and living

room. We will miss the roosters. We will miss our neighbors across the street
who are very kind Ghanaians. The place has become part of us. We both cried
tonight as we packed. Tomorrow the moving truck comes, and ready or not,

we will set up housekeeping in a new place.

We want to say 'thank you' our great supporting team, for your special

, to
uso
' many other events. So thank you, the
touch areto foundation
nd 1
link
and lives
MerryweChristmas
all...
Love, Tim & Twyla
Bright

Outreach

3900 Koons Road

New Madison OH 45346
Phone: 937-997-6718

E-mail:

loisnic@juno.com

Charles "Tim" Bright

P.O. Box 5722 Accra North
Ghana, West Africa

E-mail:

Or:

CBRIGHTAME@IGHMAIL.COM

tbright@lincoln.edu.gh