Evangelism work in Guinea

Our fraternal greetings to Bear Valley International and to all our donors who financially and materially support God's work in Guinea.

Please receive our report of activity for the month of March 2024

Introduction. 

This report is a summary of all the activities, events, and highlights of the 31 days of March 2024.

I-Teaching in class room 

During the month of March, we had a 2 week break. We resumed class on March 25, 2024. During the rest of the days of the month, Fara François Tenguiano taught local church development for over 35 hours. The teaching results are satisfactory.

II- Rapid training

A fast-track training session for congregation leaders was organized from 15 to 25 March 2024. A total of 10 people received basic doctrinal and leadership training to lead the local congregations. Among them were 4 people from denominations, but after two days of teaching the 5 elements of true worship that God accepts. Three of them obeyed the Gospel of salvation and were immediately baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.

On the last day of training, the remaining person decided to follow Jesus in his church, and was also baptized to become simply a Christian.

III-Evangelism 

In this section we talk about the results of all the activities directly linked to the conversion of lost souls as follows:

1-Evangelism campaign

The first week of the month devoted to the evangelism campaign with the aim of saving lost souls edified brothers and sisters of the congregations concerned.

The villages of Gbolonin, N'Diafassou, and Yende Bawa were visited by evangelism teams. The results of the campaign is 3 baptism.

2-Work of evangelism teams.

We report on the evangelistic efforts of the teams during the 31 days of March. Under the coordination of Brother Francis Musa, teams from Conakry and Gueckedou made a missionary journey along the Dabola, Banko, and Kissidougou route. For a eleven days starting on March 06, 2024, they evangelized, exhorted, publicly and personally the communities they passed through. They edified and encouraged the brothers and sisters in Christ of the congregations in the towns they visited.

They did not record any baptisms, but they sowed the good seed in the hope that God, through His Spirit, would cause the truth to germinate, leading to conversions later on.

Then, the Yaradou Kongonani and Tekoulo evangelism teams, led respectively by Eloi Tolno and Malaya Simbiano, have succeeded in planting two new local congregations in different area: in the village of Yombou, with 5 converts, and in the village of Bandikoulo, with 9 people baptized.

IV-Black page

It is with bitter hearts that we inform you of the untimely death of our brother in Christ Justin Malaya Simbiano on March 05, 2024

Biography: Justin Malaya Simbiano was born in 1986 in Ledoumboulo, father of 5 children, including 2 daughters. He was one of the first graduates of the Bear Valley Institute in Gueckedou on 14/3/2020. He became an evangelist preacher for the Ledoumboulo congregation. 

With his courage and commitment to God's work, he was chosen as evangelism team leader for the Tekoulo zone. He led the planting activities of the Bandikoulo congregation on 20 to 23 March 2024

He also participated in the closing of the rapid training on March 25, 2024, lovingly exhorting and encouraging new evangelists to embrace the Lord's work. That same day he was honored to officiate the baptism of one of the students who had not yet been baptized into the Church of Christ. See photo.

Our brother Malaya Simbiano died after a short illness with tears in his eyes for God's work and for his family responsibility.

Conclusion 

With regard to the above-mentioned evangelism results of 17 people baptized and two new local congregations established.

We thank God for his spiritual guidance.

We also thank our coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his financial, material and managerial support in the progress of the church in Guinea.

We also thank the coordinator of the evangelism teams, Brother Francis Musa and these different teams for their commitment night and day at every season favorable or not in evangelism and the planting of local congregations.

We would also like to thank Bear Valley International, through whom all this has seen the light of day in Guinea.

We thank the brothers and sisters who contribute to the flourishing of church of Christ in Guinea.

We end this report with this passage from the Bible which says << For God is not unjust, to forget your work and the love you have shown for his name, having rendered and still rendering service to the saints. We desire that each of you will show the same zeal to keep full hope to the end, so that you don`t grow slack, but imitate those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.>> Hebrews 6:10-12

Niouma 2 Kamano

Administrative Assistant 

Souls being saved in Guinea

To you our fraternal greetings in Christ

Please see below the report of activity for February 2024

Introduction:

We, Bear Valley of Gueckedou have the duty to inform you in the smallest details the result of the activities carried out in the vineyard of God in Gueckedou. 

As you know, for the vineyard to be productive, there are various activities that need to be carried out by third parties using different methods and strategies.

In the rest of this report we'll be talking about.

1. Classroom teaching

2. Evangelism in all its forms

3. Restoration of the Church of Bardou 

4. History of the Church in Sandia 

And finally, the conclusion.

I-Teaching/Class room 

The only way to avoid apostasy or to fight against it is to teach holy doctrine to faithful men who are able of dispensing it rightly to others.

During the month of February 2024, a total of 3 courses were taught:

1-Biblical Geography taught by Francis Lavalay. For a week, students literally traveled around Israel, visiting in spirit the strategic points where God's children lived from Abraham to Jesus.

2-Biblical principles and advice taught by Antoine Fasse, Dean of Students.

3-Comparative study of religions taught by Niouma 2 Kamano.

II- Evangelism.

The epicenter of all our activities is evangelism, by which we reduce the kingdom of Satan to enlarge that of God. To carry out evangelism successfully, we use financial and material resources, as well as various methods and strategies, and then the right people.

One of the methods that has won us a lot of souls is  composing of evangelism teams coordinated by Francis S Musa and initiated by our coordinator Steven Ashcraft. 

In February 2024, the evangelism team of Yaradou Kongonani led by Eloi Tolno, a graduate of Bear Valley in Gueckedou, went to Sandia to evangelize. After the Gospel proclaiming by Francis S Musa followed by public interactions, a total of 42 men and women believed and were baptized in the Boya River on 05/02/2024. This means that a new congregation born in this village. The following week after the Sunday service 11 people accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior, and were immediately baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

P.S: When the news arrived, that the village was delighted by the strong mobilization and massive adhesion of the population of the village of Sandia to the Church of Christ. The Protestant church, which was the first to join, disturbed, so they dispatched a mission of 8 motorcycles to intimidate people into not subscribing to their former church (Protestant). But their move was in vain. So they demanded by force the portion of land offered to them to build the hall of worship.

To avoid arguments, the entire village, now mostly members of the Church of Christ, agreed to cede the compromised plot. Noted that the Protestant church has a portion of land in Sandia, but no members. 

For according to information, only 3 persons remain as their members.

In the same vein, we also note the conversion of 3 persons through the personal evangelism of certain current students, namely Balla Frangadouno in Kendessoua and Saa Jules Simbiano in Yassadou. 

He also had baptism of a young couple from the family of our brother Saa Robert Kamano, following his exhortations.

III-Restoration of the Bardou church

In 2022, during an evangelistic campaign, a team led by Emmanuel Kamano visited the village of Bardou. 

For three days, they evangelized door-to-door and held a public meeting. With the support of the Holy Spirit, 24 people believed and were baptized in the name of Jesus. Thus began the church of Christ in this village. 

But due to a lack of preachers, the congregation faltered. 

On 24/02/2024, the evangelism team of Koundou Lengo Bengou , coordinated by Francis Musa, went to restore the church. During 2 days of exhortations, they succeeded in convincing and reanimating their faith. 

There were also 5 people who obeyed the Gospel baptized, and the Lord added them to his Church.

IV- History of the Church in Sandia 

Sandia is a village located about 5 km north of the town of Gueckedou, at an elevation of 200m.

The population is Kissi and their main activity is agriculture.

 Before the arrival of the Church of Christ, the majority of the population had been Protestant Christians since 1990. 

Following visits by Eloi Tolno the preacher of the Fassaba congregation, who held religious debates with certain people, they became interested in the doctrine of the Church of Christ. As a result, his evangelism team, accompanied by Francis S Musa and financially assisted by our coordinator Steven Ashcraft, went out to do a public evangelism on 05/02/2024. Resulting in the conversion of 42 people, and the beginning of a new congregation of the Lord's church.

Conclusion

February was a very productive month for evangelism. 

A new congregation was planted and 60 people received their passport to the kingdom of God through baptism in the name of Jesus.

We are grateful to God the omnipotent for his assistance through the Holy Spirit in the successful realization of our evangelistic programs.

We would also like to thank Bear Valley International, our main financial partner, who ensures the smooth running of the school both financially and materially.

We also thank our coordinator Steven Ashcraft, for his strategic management of evangelism and administrating of Bear Valley School in Gueckedou. He is always ready and willing to provide for the financial and material needs of evangelism.

We thank the coordinator of the evangelism teams in Guinea Francis S Musa and the team leader of Yaradou Kongonani Eloi Tolno for their commitment to the Lord's work.

We thank Barry Baggott and his team for the biblical literature they send us for evangelism and useful for the edification of the members.

We also thank the brothers and sisters of the congregations from near and far who contribute whatever they can to the progress of the Church of Christ in Guinea.

We close by quoting this passage from the Bible which reads<< So, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, working better and better at the Lord`s work, knowing that your labor will not be in vain in the Lord>>. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Off to a great start in Guinea

As always, we extend our warmest greetings in Christ.

Here is the activity report for January 2024

Introduction

One year passes, another follows with different events and realities. This report is the first of those that will follow for the rest of the eleven months of 2024. In the three following parts, teaching, evangelism, working visit ,we Bear Valley of Gueckedou give you the essence of the activities carried out during the 31 days of January 2024.

I-Teaching

After a 3-week vacation, we resumed classes on January 10, 2024.

Two courses were taught by two different teachers, one of whom was a visiting teacher.

The 2 courses are :

The Preacher and his Work, taught by Niouma 2 Kamano.

Ethics of Preachers taught by Balla Kamano.

Note that, Saa Michel Kamano was absent due to illness.

II-Evangelism

We are happy to see that every day, there are new citizens entering the kingdom of Christ through water baptism after believing in the Gospel of Jesus.

Many efforts, methods and strategies are deployed to carry out this activity, through which mankind can gain access to the kingdom of God.

A total of 10 persons men and women were baptized in the following villages

-Gbolonin, a village about 30 km from the northern town of Gueckedou.

-Yende Bawa, a village some 55 km from the town of Gueckedou in the south.

Through this report, we welcome the new converts to the kingdom of Christ.

III-Working visit

A people is strong when it is united in good cooperation.

This month we were visited by our coordinator Steven Ashcraft with a team of three Bible school Director :

Fidèle Bedjelsi from Togo

Cephas Nyemanta from Togo

Koffi Roger from Ivory Coast.

Their stay was very beneficial for us in Guinea.

During four days (25 to 28/01/2024), we shared our work experiences, and they were also able to resolve certains problems or misunderstandings between the brothers. That's also the beginning of good new season for the progress of God work in Guinea especially in Gueckedou.

IV-Suggestions and recommendations

We ask all our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us in prayers for unity and peace, without which we won't be able to do God's work effectively.

Let us also pray for the steadfastness of the new citizens of Christ's kingdom, so that nothing will shake their faith.

Conclusion

In view of the above-mentioned results, we continually give thanks to God for health and his protection in the spiritual warfare we are waging under his control.

We also thank Bear Valley International for their financial, material and spiritual support.

We also thank the brothers in Christ Fidèle, Cephas, both Togolese, and Koffi Roger from Ivory Coast for all their efforts during their stay to exhort and motivate brothers and sisters to work hand in hand for the progress of the Lord's Church.

We sincerely thank our coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his love in mobilizing financial and material means to boost evangelism in Guinea.

We would also like to thank all those who contribute in any way to the development of the Lord's Church in Guinea.

Finally, know that all the churches of Christ in Guinea greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Administrative Assistant 

Big goals for 2024 in Guinea

Greetings from Bear Valley of Gueckedou, Guinea.

Please keep read our annual report for 2023.

Introduction 

This report covers all the activities carried out by  Bear Valley Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea, which operates mainly in the southern Guinean Forest region. This region includes seven (7) prefectures: Kissidougou, Gueckedou, Macenta, N'Zerekore, Lola, Yomou and Beyla. For this year 2023, the bulk of our activities have been focused on the prefecture of Gueckedou.

The Prefecture of Gueckedou is located in south-eastern Guinean Forest region, with a total surface area of 440,000 ha or 4,400 km². Founded by the Kissi ethnic group, its population was estimated at 310,602 in 2014. It comprises 10 Communes or municipality (Bolodou, Fangamadou, Gueckedou-centre, Guendembou, Kassadou, Koundou, Nongoa, Ouende-Kenema, Tekoulo, Temessadou Djibo).

According to our analysis, this Kissi community is very receptive to the Gospel.

This report presents the activities carried out by Bear Valley Institute in Gueckedou, Guinea during the 12 months of 2023. It is structured in four main parts: the first presents the Institute in general, covering its goal, vision, mission, and motto, while the second looks back on the Institute's essential activities by theme: training, evangelism, planting new congregations, the third summarize the prospects for the next 12 months and fourth the report's conclusion.

I-Presentation of the Bear Valle Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea

Bear Valley Bible Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea is a religious organization, created on February 25, 2018 at Gueckedou, Republic of Guinea following the collaboration of Steven Ashcraft, Francis S Musa and the brothers of the church of Christ 

Born in the context of Bear Valley International's extension in Guinea precisely in Gueckedou. 

Our: goal is to promote Bible teaching for Christians in Guinea.

Mission is to contribute to the improvement of the biblical knowledge of Christians in Guinea so that they are able to fill leadership positions in the Church.

Vision is to extend Christian teaching activities to the national level.

Motto is found in 2 Timothy 2:2

And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who are able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2 LSG).

II-Overview of  Activities 

This report provides an overview of all the activities carried out by the Bear Valley Institute in Gueckedou, Guinea, in collaboration with Bear Valley International and its technical and financial partnership during the year 2023. The activities focused mainly on the training of evangelists, evangelism, planting of new congregations...

Our objectives are to seek ways and means, strategies, appropriate and necessary support for the promotion of the integrated and sustainable development of the Church of Christ in Guinea through : 

- The training of evangelists or preachers for two years full-time from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with about 48 courses taught including the 66 book packs of the Bible;

- The evangelism of communities through evangelism campaigns, public evangelism, door-to-door evangelism and radio broadcasts;

- Planting new congregations to extend the kingdom of God in our community;

Results achieved :

In terms of results achieved, we have on:

1. The training of evangelists or preachers: we currently have 12 students who are in their 7th quarter and will complete their Bible courses at the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Another training method initiated by our coordinator Steven Ashcraft is called Rapid Training for Church Leaders, which is highly effective in converting denominations, multiplying leaders and planting new congregations.

This year, we trained 50 persons across Guinea.

2. In terms of evangelism, we converted 223 men and women over the past 365 days. This result is the combination of all our efforts: graduates, students, school staff, evangelism teams in putting into practice the different methods of evangelism: personal, door-to-door, public, and campaigns(we did 4 evangelism campaign).

3. In terms of planting new congregations, we were able to establish 5 new congregations namely: Yende Bawa, N'Wokouma, N'Diafassou, Gbolonin and Kokossou under the guidance of God through his Holy Spirit.

4. In terms of Bible seminar

To end the year on a high note, the Gueckedou churches of Christ organized a Bible seminar from December 22 to 24, 2023. During these three days of fellowship in Christ, participants were edified by the following themes:

1-Religious feasts taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno.

2-The life of the early church, taught by Eloi Tolno, a graduate of the second batch of Bear Valley in Gueckedou.

3- Responsibilities in the Christian home, taught by our brother Venecious Fallah from Foya, Liberia.

4- Supporting God's work by Niouma 2 Kamano. 

The event went well, with God's support, despite the fact that our country was going through a difficult period due to the fire at the hydrocarbon depot.

III-Our Outlook and Target Villages 

Outlook

The prospects for the year 2024 are many and ambitious, but we will be focusing our efforts on priority themes in line with our vision and mission. Specifically, these will be:

- Promoting the training of evangelists, preachers and churches leaders; 

- Promoting evangelism in all its forms, aimed at converting pagans, including dénominations, into the Lord's church.

- Promoting the planting of new congregations and their edification through Bible seminars.

- Improving the skills of our evangelism team members.

Target villages

Here are the villages target to establish locales congregations in 2024 by the grace of God.

1 Karima

2 Sembessou

3 Bandikoulo

4 Boboela 

5 Bakama

6 Gbonbou

7 Kolessoua

8 Bakouma

9 Fandou 

7 Banko restoration

8 Yenguela

9 Descendu

10 Douaha Moundeke

11 Menian

Conclusion 

It's true that two thousand and twinty-three was a special year for the joy we felt for the baptism of 223 personsin the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins. It should be noted that we had experienced moments of sadness due to the death of some of our brothers and sisters in the congregations, in particular the death of one of our students Antoine Tolno, the death of Tamba Nestor Kamano a graduate of the first batch as well as the cruel death of Tamba Emmanuel Kamano evangelists at the same time instructor at Bear Valley of Gueckedou, Guinea. 

In terms of activity, in view of all that has been said above concerning the implementation of our various activities presented in this report, we must acknowledge that, we have been successful in evangelism and planting new congregations. 

For this reason, we will continue to invest effectively in training young preachers full of energy to work  in evangelism and in planting more local congregations...

We plead with Bear Valley International, brothers and sisters in Christ, congregations of churches of Christ: people of good will to continue incessantly to support us spiritually morally financially and materially in the implementation of our 2024 action plan.

Then, we would like first thank Almighty God for the health and the grace that accompanied us during the 365 days of successfully carrying out the above-mentioned activities.

We also thank Bear Valley International and all the donors who continue to support the church of Christ in Guinea.

Special thanks to Keith Kasarjian and Steven Ashcraft, respectively Extension Director and Coordinator of Bear Valley International, for their technical support in the management of the school.

We would also like to thank Ken Stanley, Barry Baggott and all those who contribute in any way to the development of the Church of Christ in Guinea.

We conclude by saying that all the churches of Christ in Guinea salute you.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Administrative Assistant 

Reaching souls in Guinea

Greetings from Bear Valley of Gueckedou, Guinea.

Please see below our report of activity for November 2023

Introduction

We pleased to update you on all the activities we carried out during the month of November 2023. The result is satisfactory, as you will see from the rest of the report, which is divided into eight parts.

 Please read with interest and favor so that we share the same sense of satisfaction.

I-Teaching Class room.

Day after day we follow the program of teaching the Scriptures established for inspiration, instruction, edification and correction, so that our students may be accomplished and fit for every good work.

During the past month we taught the following courses:

1 Paul's Epistles to the Thessalonians, whose teaching began at the end of October

2 Christian leadership   

3 The Epistle to the Hebrews.

II- Evangelism

The gospel has always been a power endowed by God for the salvation of people of all nations. That's why Jesus sent us to proclaim the good new and baptize those who believe. In fact, we went to Kokossou to announce the gospel with the  evangelism team of Tekoulo, made up of Bear Valley graduates. Glory be to God, 14 men and women believed and were baptized, which means that the church of Christ is now in this village.

Door-to-door and personal evangelism also bore fruit in Fassaba, for 3 young accepted Jesus as their Savior and were baptized by their evangelist Eloi Tolno.

We should also mention the following baptisms: 2 in Kendessoua by Alain Mano one of the current students, 1 in N'Dendessou and 2 in Yende Bawa.

III- Rapid Training of Churches Leaders.

This method is also effective for multiplying disciples and churches leaders.

From November 20 to 30, 2023, we trained 14 people, 7 of them came from the denominations. After two days of teaching, the 6 people from the denominations understood the saving truth and immediately decided to convert. We baptized them in the name of Jesus to become simply Christians. It should also be noted that 4 of them expressed a desire to follow the two-year training program of Bear Valley for the next class.

IV- Graduation and Evangelism Team Meeting 

In the interest of advancing God's work in Guinea, our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft convened a meeting in Koindou,SL on 03/11/2023, all graduates and some current students from Bear Valley of Gueckedou were present to discuss work and plan evangelism activities with the goal of converting many lost souls to Jesus and planting new congregations. We also attended the graduation of students from Sunset Bible  College in Koindou.

V-Graduation and Meeting with Keith.

We took part in the graduation ceremony of Bear Valley students from Kenema on 16 to 18/11/2023. This gave us the opportunity to meet for the first time Keith Kasarjian Extension Director of Bear Valley International , who after our introduction and briefing on the school's progress in Guinea congratulated us and encouraged us further to continue the work with the same vision of having many harvesters for God's field.

VI-Work Equipment...

We're delighted with the acquisition of an electronic library initiated by our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft. During his last working visit at the beginning of November, he show us how to use it and he also gave us 3 computers and their connection accessories. As soon as he returned to the USA, he approved our request to pay a battery for the power supply. So please be informed that we had the nucleus of an electronic library which we hope to increase in hardware (computer and accessories).

VII-Black Page

Saa Votala Kamano member of Bouliedou's congregation, one of the students of the last rapid training session on 20/11/2023 mentionned below, died of a short illness. The third day of training, he suffered intense headaches that took his life after three days.

With the assurance given to us by the Scriptures in Revelation 14:13, we believe that our brother Saa is now happy to die in the Lord.

VIII-Suggestions

We ask all our backers, brothers and sisters in Christ, to continue support us spiritually, morally, financially and materially. Let us also pray for the family of our brother who pass away, that God may comfort them.

Conclusion

The various evangelism results, with a total of 25 people baptized, show that the dry season is shaping up well.

We thank God and the entire administration of Bear Valley International, for with their help we are becoming productive in the Lord's vineyard.

In particular, we thank Keith  Kasarjian and Steven Ashcraft, respectively Extension Director and Coordinator of Bear Valley International, for their love of doing God's work every where in the world, come rain or snow.

We also thank Ken Stanley and Barry Baggott for their support in the progress of the church in Guinea.

We thank every person or group of people, as well as all the congregations that support God's work in Guinea.

May God's grace accompany us all.

We conclude by saying that all the Churches of Christ in Guinea greet you.

Niouma 2 Kamano 

Administrative Assistant

19 baptized in Gueckedou, Guinea

Introduction.

We are aware that information is a means of guaranteeing a relationship. That's why we take the time to report monthly to our backers, who continue to support us financially and materially. We urge you to read the following report carefully.

I- Teaching.

Biblical teaching is a means of arming Christ's ministers, especially those involved in preaching. For the month of October, 4 courses were taught:

Christian Management because we must be good stewards of the treasures of God's children.

Paul's Epistle to the Church of Rome

The General Epistles

Epistle of 1,2 Thessalonicians.

II- Evangelism.

Evangelism is the activity that enables us to save lost souls, implanting new local congregations of Christ. To do this successfully, various methods are used, teams are mobilized and material and financial resources are deployed. We are pleased to report that the result of all these efforts is 19 people baptized, including 1 in Bandalo Bengou, 3 in Koindou KLB, 3 in Yende Bawa and 12 in the New congregtion of Kango established by Francis and his fellowship Saa Nestor.

The Kango congregation is the new assembly established on 22/10/2023 by the combined efforts of Francis S Musa and Saa Nestor Millimouno assisted by the Spirit of God.

Note the nocturnal baptism of our sister Finda Leno  from Bandalo Bengou, which is rare because some people always put off until tomorrow without understanding the urgency of saving the soul.

III- Radio program.

This program is very important to us because it enables us to reach a wide and varied audience in the defense of holy doctrine, in evangelism, in exhortation and in teaching people to return to the Bible. This program is broadcast every Tuesday from 6:45 p.m. on 104.1 from Sandia Penbetyo.

A new radio station has also been installed in the community, broadcasting on 103.6 covering an area far from 300 km

IV- Suggestions.

We ask all our donors to accompany us in prayers for success in carrying out our evangelism plan to establish new congregations during the next 6 months of the dry season.

We are also asking for financial support to pay our broadcasting costs, which amount to 1200,000 FG per month on 103.6 broadcasting from Makona FM.

V- Conclusion.

Considering the results of the activities carried out, we can conclude that the next dry season will be very productive. We thank Almighty God who is with us in our spiritual battle against the Devil's cunning. We also thank the staff of Bear Valley International for their strategic management of the Bible schools. We are eternally grateful to Steven Ashcraft, our tireless coordinator, for his concern to see the Lord's church grow in Guinea. We also thank Barry Baggott and his team for edifying us with biblical literature. Our thanks go to Ken Stanley and all the Churches of Christ who support God's work in Guinea.

We conclude by saying that all the churches of Christ in Guinea salute you.

Niouma 2 Kamano 

Administrative Assistant 

Fruitful seminar in Guinea

We saluate you in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Please see below our report of activity for September 2023

Introduction

God's work is an excellent work whose blessing is shared between those who support it financially, materially and those who carry it out in the field. We, the Bear Valley of Gueckedou, reassure all our donors that their efforts are not in vain.

We humbly ask you to read the five points of our report as follows:

I- Teaching

We resumed classes on the 3rd day of September after a three-week vacation. In turn, three subjects were taught to edify the students and their spiritual growth.

Christian leadership was taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno to engage them in their role as leaders in their respective congregations.

They received courses in Church History.

Balla Kamano begun teaching the so-called Minor prophets books, which will run until the beginning of October.

II- Rapid training

This working method, initiated and supported by our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft, is sincerely beneficial for the church in Guinea. For in short time we convert fervent members of denominations to be valiant servants in the Lord's church. This time, two able-bodied young men, Abraham and Faya, working in the denominations, accepted Jesus as their savior after understanding the biblical truth of their salvation. We focus on Abraham's conversion, which was truly courageous. For he was the piano player in the denomination, so he was one of the popular entertainers. But he preferred eternal salvation to the ephemeral prestige here below promoted by denominations.

This rapid training provided leaders for congregations in need of evangelists to administer the five elements of worship.

Some of these students immediately aspire to follow training at the Bear Valley Institute in Gueckedou for the two years program.

III-Bible camp

In the August report we informed you of a Bible camp at N'Zerekoré in the Mohomou congregation.

With God's grace, the planned program was successfully completed. The seminar resulted in three interests.

1- Brothers and sisters from different congregations received common teaching from one speaker per theme.

2- The fellowship of brothers and sisters in the church as mentioned in Acts 2:42.

3-In all sincerity, remember that this meeting was a way for God to highlight the importance of Bear Valley in Guinea through the brilliant teaching of one of the Institute's graduates, who amazed the audience. Many people understood that Bear Valley is blessing source and a driving force to boost God's work in Guinea.

We note the financial support of our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft for the rental of a mini bus to transport the 25 members of the congregations and the 12 students of the school.

IV-Radio Program

Radio is one of the means of spreading the gospel that reaches a very wide audience. The preaching team, led by brother Saa Robert Kamano, is always at work exhorting, rebuking and reminding apostates to return to the Bible and pagans to repent and follow Jesus Christ.

Meeting at Foya 

The penultimate day of the month was devoted to the meeting of the administrators of the respective Bible schools Bear Valley of Gueckedou, Sunset of Koindou and 21st Century of Foya. A number of evangelists working with these schools also took part in the meeting . The aim of the meeting was to: - come up with a common plan to evangelize the Kissi country,

- Share experiences in school administration and church development.

- Censure certain practices that do not benefit the Lord.

A work plan will be communicated to us in the next few days.

V- Suggestions

We are asking all people of good will to help us with an additional motorcycle to replace the one we bought in 2018, which is in a state where the maintenance expenses are more than the work. The acquisition of this motorcycle is a way for us to do the work efficiently.

Conclusion

Considering the above information, we can say that Bear Valley is a source of blessing for us to intensively do the Lord's work.

This is why we thank Bear Valley International for their commitment to activating the growth of church  Christ in Guinea.

We will never cease to thank our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his determination to accompany Bear Valley International's program in Guinea.

Our thanks to all those from near and far who support God's work in Guinea spiritually, morally, financially and materially.

May God of mercy give us the health, peace and wisdom to do his work.

Amen.

Niouma 2 Kamano 

The Ashcrafts visit Guinea

Introduction

Lack of information creates confusion.

To avoid this confusion, we at Bear Valley of Gueckedou have a monthly obligation to report to our supporters on the completion of activities.

In a few words, you will find the following information in six points.

I-Teaching

In August, there was no theoretical teaching. However, the students did put the theory they had learned in class into practice during their time off. More on this later in the report.

Il-Evangelism.

During the three-week break, the students were not idle in God's vineyard.As mentioned above, they did door-to-door evangelism, according to the instructions they received before joining their respective congregations.

Three of them namely : Balla Frangadouno, Alain Mano and Lambert Kamano succeeded in convincing three lost souls to confess the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Next, Justin Malaya Simbiano, a graduate of Bear Valley's first class, tells us with joy that he has finally succeeded in converting his own mother to the church of Christ after three years of exhortation.

III-Personal profile

It gives us great pleasure to introduce you to Balla Kamano, a teacher at Bear Valley of Gueckedou.

He was born in Gbangbadou in 1972. He converted on 5/1/1994.

After two years (1999-2001) of training at the Bouaké Bible School under Barry Baggott, he returned to Guinea to serve as a preacher. He began his ministry in Gueckedou in the Solondonin congregation, eventually moving to his hometown of Kissidougou to serve in the same function in the local church to the present day.

We present him as a humble and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. His gentle, patient character is a great asset to his preaching ministry.

IV-Training women in Kenema

In an effort to teach children the way of the Lord, Steven Ashcraft and Karen Ashcraft spent two days, training Sierra Leonean women in Kenema, and two Guinean women took part.

During this training workshop, our Coordinator Steven met us with some of the leaders of the Sierra Leone congregations to discuss the progress of the church in the three countries: Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, especially starting in the Kissi area, namely Gueckedou, Koindou and Foya, which is very receptive to the gospel. A meeting of leaders from the said area is scheduled for 29/9/2023 in Foya to discuss and plan evangelism activities in the zone.

V-Bible Seminar in N'Zerekoré

We would like to inform you that the congregations of the Churches of Christ in Guinea are organizing a Bible seminar from September 20 to 23, 2023 in Mohomou, N'Zerekoré. On the following themes:

1- Church History

2-Importance of being a member of Church of Christ

3-Church Organization.

VI-Suggestions.

We ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to support us in prayer for the peace and social tranquility in Guinea and understanding between us brothers in Christ for the progress of the church.

We also ask for spiritual support for the success of the above-mentioned Bible seminar.

Conclusion.

In the image of what we have as a result of evangelism. We can believe that our students are obeying Bear Valley's mission.

We thank God for his protection during the 31 days of this month and for the various tasks he has enabled us to accomplish.

We are grateful to Bear Valley International for their gratitude in supporting the training of evangelists in Guinea.

We would also like to thank our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his personal efforts in the development of the Church of Christ in Guinea.

We also thank everyone who contributes in any way to the growth of the eternal kingdom in our country.

May God bless each one abundantly in the Lord.

Saving Souls in Guinea

Introduction.

July is a month of heavy rains, people are more focused on field work than any other activity. In any case, rain or shine, we must do our duty of the training, the evangelization, the edification and exhortation to save the lost and strengthen the weakened. You will see in the rest of this report, all the activities carried out by the Bear Valley Institute of Gueckedou in five points.

Please keep reading until the end.

I- Teaching.

Like all schools, our main activity is teaching. It should be noted that for the edification of future leaders of local congregations, three subjects were successively taught one after the other.

1- The Inter Testament Period, taught by Saa Robert Kamano.

2- The Pastoral Epistles taught by Niouma 2 Kamano

3- The Christian Home taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno.

Each teacher has completely exhausted the timing set by Bear Valley Institute.

Il- Evangelism

July was not successful as the previous months of the year. This was due to heavy rains and field work. Two people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. They were baptized in the water in Jesus' name for the forgiveness of sins. 

We pray for their spiritual growth and their perseverance in the faith in Jesus.

III- Gospel campaign

At the end of the month, we began the evangelism campaign, which will run until the beginning of August. Three teams are deployed in these differents areas: Pova, N'Wokouma, Dento, to evangelize and edify members of our congregations. We also had video projection during the nights.

IV- Radio.

The preaching team led by Saa Robert Kamano is still preaching messages on 104.1, broadcasting from Sandia Penbetyo. The team is accompanied in turn by students, to teach them how to do radio preaching.

Conclusion

We thank God for the life, health and protection he grants us in Jesus Christ.

We never cease to thank Bear Valley International for the spiritual, moral, material and especially financial support contributing to the exponential growth of the Lord's church in Gueckedou in particular and in Guinea in general.

We also thank our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his sacrifice in serving God on every saison favorable or not.

Many thanks to all the brothers and sisters in Christ who continue to support God's work in Guinea.

May the righteous God, who never forgets the blessings of these children, reward each and every one of us. 

Amen

Niouma 2 Kamano

Gueckedou, Guinea school mourns the death of a student

Greetings from the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea.

Please receive our Activity report, June 2023.

Introduction:

Every day that God permits for us is an opportunity to do His work for the conversion of lost souls to Christ in His eternal kingdom. As we work with Bear Valley International, our strategic partner, it is our duty to report to here the result of all activities of the month as follows.

I-Teaching:

This activity consists of entrusting the word of God to students in the hope that they will be able to pass it on to others for their edification leading to salvation.

Indeed, 3 subjects were taught in June namely:

1-Homilitics 2 by Niouma 2 Kamano

2-Gospel according to John  by Fara François Tenguiano

3- Books of the Major Prophets by Antoine Fassa Tolno

Due to their volume, 1/3 of the days in June were devoted to teaching the books of the major prophets.

Il-Evangelism:

Our primary objective is to redeem lost souls from Satan's yoke and to lead them to eternal freedom in Christ. In this spiritual battle during the month under review, 25 people were saved after being baptized in obedience to Christ our Lord and Savior in the congregations of Gbolonin, Yabema and Kendessoua.

Thanks to the Holy Spirit who helped to convince the sinners and to achieve these results.

III-Construction:

Two congregations have reached wall hight with their worship hall construction work and have received financial assistance for roofing. These are, Kendessoua and Kölöadou.

The rainy season which is now in full swing has slowed the work, but not stopped it.

IV-Black page:

We regret to announce the death of brother Antoine Tolno, one of our current students at the Bible Institute. He was born in 1985, a father of 2 children who fell sick and had left us on the 2nd of June 2023 to undergo treatment in his village. In less than 2 weeks later on the 11th of the same month, his family called to inform us of his death. Indeed, we have lost a brillant student. With the financial assistance of our coordinator Steven Ashcraft, the administrative staff, his fellow students and some church members travelled to Kolibada Tolo, his native village 35 km from Gueckedou town, for the funeral. Although he died young, we are happy that he was in the Lord which gives us hope that the soul of our brother will rest in peace. Amen

V-Documentation:

It is with great pleasure to inform you that we have safely received the study materials sent by French World Outreach /Barry Baggott, Mission Printing and other brothers in Christ residing in the US. We assure you that these documents will be put to good use for study, evangelism and edification. May God bless you abundantly in the Lord for all your efforts to build up the Church in Guinea.

Conclusion:

We bless God for His grace to give us life, health and to do his work.

Next, we sincerely thank Bear Valley International for their unceasing spiritual, moral, especially financial and material support in the growth of the Lord's Church in Gueckedou and elsewhere.

We especially thank our coordinator, Steven Ashcraft, for his sacrifice of time, materials and finances in God's work in Guinea.

We also thank Barry Baggott, Karen Ashcraft and other brothers in Christ who have sent us teaching, evangelism and edification materials.

In short, we thank all those who contribute to the flourishing of the church of Christ in Guinea.

May God bless each one according to his or her good works.

Amen.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Many successes in Guinea

I salute all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is the report of the activities for May 2023

Introduction

After 31 days of varied activities, we here at the Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute are grateful to Almighty God for all that transpired despite the challenges and would like to share with all our supporters the following events of the period.

I - Teaching

During this month of May, which marks the end of the first year of the present batch of 13 students, 4 subjects were taught as follow :

1- Hermeneutics 2 and 2 Corinthians by Antoine Fassa Tolno

1- The Prison Epistles by Niouma 2 KAMANO 

2- The Gospel of Luke by Francis Lawaley.

Results of the evaluations were satisfactory.  

Il- Evangelism

The joy for this activity is immense because our efforts were fruitful yielding a total of 30 people who obeyed the saving gospel. Of these, 26 of them are the first fruits in the village of Gbolonin where an assembly of the Lord's church was planted. 

This great success was the result of a 2 days evangelistic campaign following the rapid training of church leaders organized last April. A "rapid training" of church leaders is a program designed (by Steve and the school staff/evangelists)  to prepared men to be able to lead congregations planted following the training. 

 III- Construction

It is important to point out that the construction of worship halls is having a positive impact on the Lord's church in Guinea as a whole and particularly in the Gueckedou area which has the largest number of congregations in the country. May God be glorified for this and we are grateful to you, the Bear Valley Bible Institute International supporters and to all who are in  partnarship for our success. 

That's why our people are continuing the work, despite the difficulties and natural constraints (rain) that congregations encounter in building the walls even before receiving financial assistance. You will see attached below the Dento house with the roof, the walls of the Kendessoua and Kissidougou buildings.

IV- Sad news

This part of the report is divided into two sections

1- Desolation in Yende Bawa:

 We are sad to inform you that there is was a great desolation in the village  of Yende Bawa where we planted a congregation on February 22, 2023. Following a violent wind that occurred on 17/5/2023, about 40 houses collapsed 35 of which were for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Besides the buildings, huge other material damage was also recorded, with 12 persons injured but not life-threatening. We are truely thankful to God for His grace. 

2- Deaths

We regret to inform you of the death of our brother in Christ, Tamba Nestor kamano on May 28, 2023 as a result of a brief illness. He was a graduate of the first Bear Valley class in Gueckedou (2018-2019) and was now the preacher at the Ouende Kenema congregation. We have lost a brother and a vacuum is created!

 V- Suggestions and recommendations / Appeal:

With this report we ask all our brothers and sisters of good will and for the love of God, for your spiritual (prayers), moral, material and financial assistance for the consolation of our brethren at Yende Bawa and for the family of the deceased, Tamba Nestor kamano.

Conclusion

To God be the glory for his grace that sustains us. To the Bear Valley International, and in particular to our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft, our gratitude and thanks for your unconditional support of God's work in Gueckedou, Guinea. Lastly,  to all our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere, sincere thanks for your every contribution to the growth of the church in Guinea. 

May God bless us all.

Amen

10 more baptisms in Guinea

Dear Brethren,

We salute you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is the report of activity for April 2023 of Bear Valley Bible Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea.

Introduction

We are pleased to report to our donors all the activities carried out once again in anoher month, April which contributed to the blossoming of God's work in Gueckedou as well as in other areas of Guinea. See details of these under the subheadings that follow.

I-Teaching/ Class room:

It should be expected that there was no classroom teaching for the students in the regular two-year program during the month under review. This is because as indicated in our last report the students were on an evangelistic campaign which was followed by a 3 weeks break period. 

Il-Evangelism campaign

The first five days of the month were devoted to evangelism which was commenced in the previous month, but we were confronted with social constraints at the village of Yende Bawa where the Lord's Church is rapidly and amazing growing.

Nevertheless some other efforts were applied and the result of the different evangelistic sessions came up to 10 persons baptized for the remission of sins.

III-Radio program

The preaching team now led by brother Saa Robert KAMANO is still engagaged in a hard work to realize the broadcasting of the programs on the waves of 104.1 in frequency modulation. For this month, due to the demand of the listeners, the theme developed was on "the qualities of a good woman" and it has gone on well.

IV-Rapid Training 

Here is another strategy that contributes to the growth of servants or church leaders and the multiplication of local congregations for which they are trained. 

After realizing success of the first experiment last January, another team of 13 people were trained during the last two weeks of April 2023. This again is in the hope of planting new congregations where the trained leaders can serve and to strengthen older congregations.

The first result of this second batch of training was the obedience to the gospel of 2 persons who were yet unconverted among them.

It is also worth mentioning the presence of two brothers, Pokpa Kalivogui and Desire Sakouvogui from the city of Macenta through whom we will explore a new area.

The city center of Macenta and the village of Gbolonin are the two places at the top of the list for Evangelism that must follow the rapid training of churches leaders just completed .

V-Construction

Through this report we wish to convey to you the sentiments of satisfaction of the congregations receiving assistance for the construction of worship halls. There is a great amount of appreciation for this offer. We also appreciate this individual or persons for not differentiating between the Christians as God intended and reported by Paul in Galatians 3:27-28. 

For besides the congregations established by Bear Valley, other congregations across the country also benefit from this assistance in the construction and rental cost of buildings to worship our Lord like Kissidougou and Dabola.

Attached are photos of some of the buildings that are covered and others that are in the process of being built.

VI-Personal Profile.

In this section we present our brother in Christ Saa Robert KAMANO.

He is 70 years old. He spent 28 years in the Protestant church also serving as treasurer, before being converted to the Church of Christ in 2010 after attending correspondence courses conducted by Brother Francis Musa.

Although he is advanced in age, he had enrolled and followed the training at the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Gueckedou from 2018-2020. With the love of saving lost souls and extending the kingdom of God, he established a congregation in Dento with the support of the Institute before the end of his training.

Because of his comprehension of the doctrine, dedication and ability, he was retained as a temporary teacher at the Institute .

He also leads the preaching team on the radio.

 May God grant him more healthy days to do his work.

VII-Suggestions and Recommendations

We ask all our donors, brothers and sisters from all parts of the world to pray for the unity of evangelists and members of the congregations in Guinea.

Conclusion

We thank God for all the good works we are doing under his control for the progress of the church in Guinea.

We thank Bear Valley International in general for their unconditional support and in particular our coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his good management in boosting God's work in Guinea.

Great thank for the person who support financialy the building of the worships halls.

We also thank Ken for his financial support of the radio program and all those who support God's work in Guinea.

May God bless us all in the Lord 

Amen.

Mourning losses in Guinea

Hello brethren.

Hope you all are doing well. Here is the report of activity for the month of March 2023.

Introduction

Every day that God makes is an opportune day for us to do His work. We are sharing with you what has occupied us during the 31 days of March 2023 in the vast field of the Lord. The activities took place as follows:

I - Teaching

In this month of March 2023, the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea taught 3 lessons to edify the students, so that they are able to function in the required capacity of evangelistic mission for the salvation of the world.

The lessons taught were the following:

1-  1 Corinthians by Antoine Fassa TOLNO

2- The Gospel according to Mark by Niouma 2 KAMANO

3 - The Poetic books by Balla KAMANO

Il - Evangelistic campaign

To put into practice the biblical theories learned in class, we started the evangelistic campaign on March 28, 2023 which should extend until April 5, 2023. We have video projections in the evenings followed by preaching the following day.

The days are being dedicated to a door to door evangelism and with the support of the Holy Spirit of God, a total of 14 people thus far have obeyed the gospel having been baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.

III- Construction .

Before the heavy rains started, five local congregations seize the opportunity offered and started to build their worship halls. But due to some difficulties, only one congregation among 5, the assembly at Fouedou was able to reach the level of roofing in March to benefit the required assistance.

IV- Black page

The experience of life shows that there is not only happiness or good things and events that happen, but that man some times expect the undesired surprise. Job had answered his wife by the question "...Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" - Job 2:10.

Indeed if last month, February 2023 left us with a smile and gladness in our hearts, then the month of March 2023 surprised us with sad news that brought down our joy.

Firstly, on March 01, 2023 we learned of the death of brother, Emmanuel Foko who was the Assistant Director of Sunset Bible lnstitute in Koindou, Sierra Leone.

Secondly on March 03, 2023 we were shocked by the cruel death of Tamba Emmanuel KAMANO in Gueckedou, Guinea.

He was an instructor at Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou, Guinea

Subsequently, Abel Lelano, one of the graduates of the 2nd class, was severely hit by a vehicle. He was in coma for 7 days in the hospital at Gueckedou before he was evacuated to a special hospital in Zao, N'Zerekore. We thank God for his case, because he is recovering little by little.

V- Suggestions and recommendation

We want  to take advantage of this report to ask all people of good will to take a positive look for possible support at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou. The reason is that we are in a favorable area for the gospel of the Lord.

We ask all the brothers and the sisters to pray for brother Abel Lelano who is till sick.

Conclusion.

In the image of all that precedes, we thank God for having kept us alive to do his work.

We thank Bear Valley International in general for their incessant spiritual, moral, financial and material support and in particular we thank our tireless coordinator Steven Ashcraft for the strategic management of the school.

We also thank the one who is financially assisting the construction of the houses of worship in Gueckedou.

Finally, we thank all those who contribute in any way to the development of the Lord's church in Guinea.

May God render to each one according to his works.

Amen.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Gueckedou, Guinea conducts successful leadership seminar

Introduction

Since the Bear Valley International lnstitute is our main supporter in this noble work of training preachers, as we share the updates, it remains our duty especially to faithfully and sincerely report to them the activities that we do. Thus, below are the works realized here during the month of January.

I-Classroom

After a month's break for the end of year season, we resumed classes on January 10, 2023 to continue our work and the following courses were taught:

1- Christian evidences. From 10 to 23 January 2023, by Niouma and Kamano.

2- Hermeneutics 2. From January 23 to 27, 2023, by Antoine Fasa.

The evaluation results of the written and oral exams were notable and they proved to us that the students have understood the lessons.

II-Evangelism 

The month of January 2023 is certainly the beginning of another year of great previlege for us here at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute to make Heaven rejoice. We are pleased to inform you that by His divine power, the Lord  translated 8 precious souls into his Kingdom  having confessed His Name and going through the waters of baptism. This is the result of the different evangelistic efforts of brothers Eloi Tolno, the preacher at Fassaba, Francis Musa and the staff at the Institute.

III-Training of local congregational leaders.

After a meeting with our coordinator, Steven Ashcraft, when he came here in October 2022 and then in an audiovisual conversation last December, he encouraged us to do a rapid training program for the leaders of local congregations for their edification.

With his material and financial support, we had this training done from January 15 to 29, 2023. Twelve individuals took the training and were taught the following courses:

1- The 2 covenants by Francis Musa from 16-18/01/2023

2- The New Testament worship by Antoine Fassa from 19-21/01/2023

3- The New Testament Church by Emmanuel Kamano on 23-24/01/2023

4- Overview of the Bible by Robert Kamano from 25-26/01/2023

5- Homelitics (public speaking) by Niouma 2 Kamano from 27-29/01/2023.8

With regard to the result of this training it has been such an interesting program of edification and production of leaders capable to lead local congregations. We are eager to manifest all our appreciation for it.

This program is very beneficial for the churches at Gueckedou and will no doubt be for all the country of Guinea in that:

- Men are edified and turned into leaders or preachers in a short time.

- Some of these leaders are put on the waiting list for a full-time program of 2 year study. 

- It encourages and promotes the establishment of new assemblies.

IV-Construction of Worship halls 

Through the good management of our valiant Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft, the churches in Gueckedou continue to enjoy the grace of God through the willingness of a brother in the Lord to assist the local congregations in the construction of houses for worship. After the 2 congregations of Damas and Bandainin in 2022, three other congregations - Fassaba, Ledoumboulo and Dento began to build in January 2023.

V-Suggestions

While we engage to climax the remaining activities of the first batch of those who just completed the rapid training, our suggestion is for another of the same program to be organized for other leaders of local congregations from March 1 to 15, 2023.

Conclusion

As usual, for all the above, we thank God first, because without him we can do nothing. Then we thank Bear Valley International for the spiritual, moral, financial, and material support for the advancement of God's work in Gueckedou and in Guinea. We also thank our coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his unwavering love in technically supporting the Church of Christ in Guinea.

Finally we say thank you to Ken, Barry and to all other people of good will, for supporting the work of God in Guinea.

May God render to each one according to his works. 

Niouma

More progress in Guinea

Introduction

In order to maintain a good collaboration, there must of necessity be a good communication. That is why we at the Bear Valley extension lnstitute in Gueckedou report to the International school the results of our activities at the end of each month. Now for the month of November 2022, you will see below the activities carried out by the Gueckedou, Guinea school.

Teaching / Classroom

In 1 Corinthians 11 :1 Paul tells us to « be imitators of me as I am of Christ » and later in Acts 19 :9 we learn that Paul taught daily in the school of a man named Tyrannus. In this same spirit, the Bear Valley Extension School in Gueckedou teaches students daily for edification. During the 30 days of November we had the following 4 lessons taught : 

1- Old Testament 2 – History By Saa Robert Kamano

2- Life of Christ 1 – Matthieu by Antoine Fassa Tolno

3- Godhead, french by Niouma 2 Kamano

4- The New Testament Church 1 (One True Church) by Antoine Fassa Tolno

Evangelism

In order to multiply disciples, the Lord has commanded us to go all over the world preaching the good news and baptizing those who will believe for their eternal salvation. In obedience to this commission we have adopted several methods in the process including mass evangelism, door-to-door and public evangelism. Thus, it is our pleasure to inform you that the results of these different methods mentioned above yielded a satisfactory result because 20 persons accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and were born again in the waters of baptism.

Of this total;

 2 souls are from the village congregations of Kendessoua,

4 from N’Dendessou and

12 other people from the village of Kole Kama which formed the nucleus of a new congregation in that area.

 It is important to note the contribution of 3 plus 1 graduate of the second and first batches of the Gueckedou Bear Valley school namely : Abel Lelano, Elie Dembadouno, Alexis Dembadouno and brother Justin Malaya Simbiano respectively. This dynamism shows that the Bear Valley Gueckedou Extension School and her graduates are working as a team to rescue lost souls to the Lord.

Building

We wish to inform you that the local congregations established here as a result of our evangelism are now on their feet gathering materials to build worship shelters. Among these we can mention the villages of Fouedou, Fassaba, Dakadou, Koindou and Ledoumboulo.

Agriculture

Through this report, we wish to reiterate our commitment with Healing Hands International to resume her agricultural activities with the Gueckedou Bear Valley lnstitute starting with the training of personnel. This is important for the development of the school and the church.

Personal Profile

We would like to introduce you to a brother in Christ, Eloi Tolno, a graduate of the 2nd class of the Bear Valley School in Gueckedou, Guinea. He was a leader in the Protestant Church before his conversion to the Lord’s Church. Today, we are please to testify of his faithfulness, his love and his motivation to serve the Lord. Brother Eloi played a great role in the planting of the Church in his and the neighboring villages of Fassaba and Dakadou respectively. He is a prospect in whom we see a lot of potentials for the growth of the Church of Christ in his community.

Other information

We will like to inform you that evangelistic teams are being formed in Guinea for the growth of the church of Christ. These teams, though independent of the Bear Valley school nevertheless have the same goal, the saving of lost souls and it’s through the Bear Valley West Africa Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft that the supports are being obtained. Hence, there are times when we not only exchange ideas with the men of these teams, but also collaborate. It is for these and other reasons that we are giving you a briefing and to let you know that funds were provided to purchase 3 motorbikes plus an additional amount to complete for a fourth one to facilitate the movements of the evangelic teams in Gueckedou and Conakry. We are grateful to those generous men who desire to boost the work of God in Guinea. The beneficiaries with joy commit themselves to use these machines in good faith for the work of God.

Thanks / Appreciations

As in all things, God must be the first to give thanks to for his mercy in making us live to serve him. Then, we thank the Bear Valley International for their spiritual, moral, financial and material support through our valiant coordinator Steven Ashcraft. We also thank  Ken, Barry and all the other people who are working for the flourishing of the Lord’s Church in Guinea.

We humbly ask that you continue to also support us spiritually – in prayers for the flourishing of the Lord’s Church in Guinea.

Guinea school conducts their second graduation

Introduction

The greatest work that man should embrace in this world is to serve God, not only to save his own soul, but also to help other lost souls to be saved.

This is also how the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute is and we work together with the same feeling and spirit in carrying out the various activities that are detailed in this report.

Teaching / Classroom :

To build up and enlarge the church, we must first train and or edify evangelists; and to edify the evangelists, we must teach them the word of God. That is why during the 31 days of October, the Gueckedou Bear Valley school taught the following subjects :

-The plan of Salvation by Balla Kamano from the 26th/9/ to 3th/10/2022

- Hermeneutics 1 by Antoine Fassa Tolno from 4th to the 10th/10/2022

- Homiletics 1 by Niouma 2 Kamano from the 11th to the 17th/10/2022

- The Gospel of Matthew by Antoine Fassa Tolno from the 18h to the 21th /10/2022

A written evaluation was done at the end of the teaching of each course and the results were satisfactory.

Evangelism :

The heart of our activities is evangelism. This is so because evangelism is the mission that the Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to the disciples to lead lost souls on the way to eternal salvation.

During the month under review, this mission was carried out in several forms, namely, door-to-door personal evangelism, the radio gospel broadcast and the gospel campaign all of which yielded to the conversion of 20 precious souls who accepted Christ under the following descriptions :

1. A new congregation was planted in the village of Kendessoua. This was possible as a result of a strong contribution of student Balla Frangadouno, one of those currently in studies here at the Bear Valley school and through the support and preaching done that night resulting in 7 baptisms by our brother, Francis Musa.

2. The productive presence of our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft who gave a strong hand in the conversion of 9 souls – 6 and 3 on Sunday October 30, 2022 in the villages of Kendessoua and Bouliedou respectively.

We are proud to mention and appreciate the great courage of our Coordinator, Steven who despite the bad state of our roads went with us to the distant villages to preach the good news during his brief visit.

Graduation ceremony

As it is customary with Bear Valley, at the end of the training of each class, a ceremony must be organized for the official presentation of the diplomas to the graduates.

Such a ceremony was therefore held on October 29, 2022 for the graduation of the second batch of students from the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Guinea. This ceremony was preceded by a day of Bible teaching in a seminar on October 28.

We are pleased to inform you that the ceremony was successful to the glory of the Lord. About 850 persons were present among which were the representatives of the Prefectural and Communal authorities.

Thanks

We thank our God the Alpha and the Omega for his infinite love to help us in our weaknesses through Jesus Christ our Savior.

We thank and give appreciation with special emphasis to our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his courage and determination to be available night and day in seasons, favorable and unfavorable conditions to serve Christ in the context of flourishing the church of God in Guinea.

We also thank Bear Valley International for their unconditional support of God’s work in Guinea through its extension school in Gueckedou.

In short, we are thankful to all those who contributed in any way to the success of the graduation ceremony of the second class of students here at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou, Guinea.

May God abundantly bless each one of you according to your works of labor.

10 more baptisms in Guinea

September 2022 Activity Report

Introduction:

The Christian's work is one of imitation of the Lord's way of life recorded on the pages of the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the apostle Paul said to imatate him "even as l also am of Christ". Thus, the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute composed of staff, students and other workers is no exception. In the month of September, we have amongst other activities endeavored to imitate the Lord in teaching, in prayer and in charitable works as outlined below. Follow with us as we enlighten you in a 6 points report of what transpired here in September.

I- Teaching / Classroom:

Since we are to entrust the word of God to faithful men who will be able to teach others also, and as part of our obligation for which we are supported, our staff members engaged the students in the following 4 courses:

1- Discipleship from 01 to 07 September, taught by Tamba Emmanuel Kamano

2- Personal Evangelism from 08 to 15 September, taught by Niouma 2 Kamano

3- Hermeneutics 1 from 16 to 23 September, taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno.

4- Scheme of Redemption from 26 Sept to 03 Oct 2022 taught by Balla Kamano.

Due to the necessity of required credit hours, the last course extends until October 03.

There was an evaluation of the students following the end of every course and the results were satisfactory.

II- Evangelism:

One of the major activities which we as Christians can and should do to imitate the Lord who went about everywhere preaching the kingdom is to evangelise for the salvation of lost souls. In the month of September, the Bear Valley Bible Institute conducted various preaching activities in different areas all of which resulted to 10 baptisms. May God be glorified for this.

III- Youth Bible camp:

To express our heart felt desire for the oneness in faith and practice as examplified by Jesus with the Father, the Gueckedou Bear Valley students also attended the "Youth Bible Camp" in N'zerekore. Indeed a number of participants of several congregations in Gueckedou responded massively to the invitation of our brethren, the Bellevue church of Christ - N'zerekore to share the word of God on the theme "Salvation and the Christian's Responsibility".

A 20-seated minibus vehicle and 4 motorbikes each carrying 2 persons were made available through financial support for all the above named participants by the top administration of the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute.

A special prayer period was observered before the trip and the gracious Lord answered it to his glory. It was such a favorable time so that the evangelists who were present ceased the opportunity to preach peace and unity in the faith.

IV- Spiritual working materials /Bibles:

In order to facilitate further research work for our next coming graduates, we have asked and received 12 copies of the "Thompson Chain References Bible". These will be a general award or gift, an encouragement to the 12 students who will be certificated on graduation day.

V- Graduation:

We will like to use this means through this report to inform and cordially invite you to the graduation ceremony of the second batch of students from the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. The program is scheduled to take place here at the Institute's premises at Bambo Antenne in Gueckedou on 29th October 2022.

We also solicit your spiritual, moral, material and especially financial contributions for the success of the ceremony.

VI- Thanks and Appreciations:

We thank the God that we serve for his infinite love.

We also thank the Bear Valley International for the unending moral, spiritual, material and financial support by which we are further motivated to work for the salvation of lost souls.

Our appreciations to our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his love and determination to grow the church of Christ in Guinea.

We thank brother Francis Musa for his willingness to share with us his technical and spirituel experiences in the work of God.

Brothers Barry Baggott, Ken Stanley and all other brothers and sisters are to be commended for their every support in the work of the church of God in Guinea

We pray that God will bless you all abundantly and that God may use us mightily in His vineyard for the glory of His name.

Preaching the gospel in Guinea

Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Report - August 2022

Introduction

We rejoice greatly for the good things which the Lord has done through his generous servants who finance the work of Christ in Gueckedou.

The Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute is pleased to report and share those glad events of various activities as articulated below.

1. Teaching / Classroom :

Following our last report that a new batch of students have been recruited to start another 2 years of study, we are pleased to annonce that with the help of God we have started the training of the third batch on August 04, 2022 with 15 students.

Two courses were covered in August namely :

Research and writing from the 4th to the 12th - taught by Niouma 2 Kamano.

Pentateuch, the 2nd course was taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno from August 15 to September 31, 2022.

Each course was followed by an exam to evaluate the understanding of the students and the results were satisfactory.

2. Evangelism

Almost everything we do here such as teaching in various assemblies and the planting of new congregations is measured and accounted for the evangelization of lost souls. For the month of August though with heavy rains, food shortage etc. we baptized 4 persons which the Lord added to his church. Within the framework of mass evangelism, the radio program through public gospel proclamation is reviving the defense of the holy doctrine.

3. Building

Even though the worship hall construction program is of paramount importance, yet due to heavy rains at this time we are constrained to suspend those activities. However, many congregations are getting ready to resume work right after the rains. Main while construction aggregates are being assembled.

3. Work Equipment

Here is one of the reasons for our joy as highlighted earlier in this report. To carry out the activities of evangelism, congregational teaching and the plantating of new congregations, we have received the sum of $4,500.00 for the purchase of three (3) motorcycles with all legal documentation. This donation has moved our hearts with exceeding gladness and we wish to assure you the donor for the correct use of these motorbikes in the work and fear of the Lord.

4. Booklets and tracts Needs

We want to use this opportunity in reporting to remind our brother in Christ, Barry Baggott whom we appreciate for previous offer that again we need the following French documents which are not for sale else where, but produced only by the brethren of the Lord's church:

- Bibles Nouveau Testament avec petite index

- L'église du Nouveau Testament (J C. Choate)

- Culte du Nouveau Testament (JC Choate)

- Nous étions Catholiques (tracts)

- Noël (tracts)…

5. lnvitation lnformation

The Gueckedou Bear Valley school administration wishes to inform everyone that the lnstitute is invited and is pleased to take part in the Bible camp organized by the congregation at Bellevue, N’Zerekoré from September 08 to 10, 2022. By the grace of God we shall be with our brethren to promote the gospel work in that area.

6. Thanks, Appreciations and Prayer Request

Firstly we thank God for his goodness, his infinite love to sustain and protect us in his vineyard.

We thank and appreciate the Bear Valley International for the spiritual, moral, financial and material support to us in order to save lost souls.

We equally thank our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his tireless efforts day and night for the growth of the church of Christ in Guinea.

Great thanks to the donor(s) of the three motorcycles, as well as Ken Stanley and the church at Niceville for the support of preachers and the radio program.

In short, we thank all those from near and far who contribute to the peace, unity and growth of the church of Christ in Guinea.

Our Request for your prayers is for a successful outcome of the forth coming graduation ceremony on 29th October and for the new batch of 15 students to remain focus and in good health.

May God bless each one accordingly.

Gueckedou, Guinea school holds graduation and begins new year

Report of Activities for July 2022

Introduction 

According to the apostle Paul, we have the obligation to preach the word, to be ready in season and out of season. To convince, rebuke, exhort with all gentleness and instructing. This, we have done even though the months of July, August, and September are rainy months are difficult. Nevertheless, we are happy with what has been done as you will see in the content of this report.

Teaching / Classroom 

The month of July had fewer classroom activities than the previous, because there was only 1 course, the book of Revelation left to end the training of the second batch. Brother Emmanuel Kamano took 10 days to teach and complete the material. The outcome was successful with all the students. 

Evangelism

Just after the classroom session, the team of evangelists accompanied students in two different areas for the evangelistic campaign for the month under review. This evangelistic campaign has two beneficial results, especially for the students. The first one is the practical application of theoretical training. The second is equal and seems even more important for this month because 7 persons accepted Jesus as their Savior and were baptized in Christ. In addition and even before the evangelistic campaign, we also do door-to-door evangelism and radio broadcasting which is also to defend the holy doctrine of Jesus.

Construction of worship halls

It is important to point out that the need for worship halls has been a paramount issue, a problem that has affected many congregations. Now with this help rendered there is a positive impact in the Lord's church in the Gueckedou area, strengthening those who are like the apostle Thomas.

Because this construction program started here at the beginning of the rainy season when brethren were active on their farm work, only two congregations, Damas and Bandainin, were able to reach roof level which is the requirement before BearValley will be involved to assist.

However, several other congregations are in the process of gathering all the necessary materials (sand, gravel, stone blocks) to begin construction after the period of heavy rain (July to September).

Recruitment / lntake of New Students

With the completion of the course study of the second batch, the need to recruit new men for the Lord's army is evident and the Gueckedou Bear Valley school administration had been on the search. There were some 23 candidates who applied, but when it was time for the written evaluation or test and interview which was conducted on 20th July 2022, 17 candidates responded present. Others were prevented by some social or cultural reason, but some wish to follow soon for the training. By the grace of God, classes started with this new batch on August 4, 2022.

Thanks / Appreciation

We thank God for his mercy in accepting us in our weaknesses and forgiving us our transgressions through Jesus our advocate.

Thanks to the Bear Valley Bible Institute International for their moral, spiritual, material and financial support to the church of Christ in Guinea.

We sincerely thank our coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his willingness to seek resources to boost the work of God in Guinea for church growth.

We thank brother Ken Stanley and the Niceville church. 

Finally, we thank our brother in Christ who through our Coordinator financed the covering of worship halls.

We also thank our donors who are joyfully supporting the work of God.

May God bless everyone abundantly in the Lord.

Big improvements in Guinea

I-Introduction

Every day that God gives for us is an opportunity for us to glorify, worship and serve Him. Although each day's outcome of activity was different depending on the circumstances, in all the average result has borne us fruit as you will see in the content of this report. The writing of this report is articulated as follows:

II-Teaching / Classroom 

This component which contributes to the edification of the students took place during all the working days of the month with four teachers handling the following subjects:

Development of local assemblies - taught by Antoine Iffono; the Epistle of James - taught by Balla Kamano from Kissidougou;

Principles of Biblical Counseling - taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno and 1, 2 and 3 John which were taught by Niouma 2 Kamano.

The students' evaluation result of each course was successful. 

III-Evangelism

Evangelism is at the center of our mission. We are happy of the fact that there is harmony amongst the staff to carry out this activity in several forms.

Firstly, we do door-to-door and personal evangelism in homes not only to convert new members, but also to edify older ones.

Secondly, the radio program is our mass evangelism broadcasting the gospel every Tuesday in defense of the faith and announcing the Lord's Church to all. This activity has a possitive impact in the Gueckedou area. 

The result of all our evangelistic sessions resulted to 11 baptisms that the Lord Jesus has added to his church.

III-Building / Worship hall construction 

We are glad to hear from our Coordinator and to express our gratitude that a certain American brother (unknown to us) has expressed his good will and has committed to finance the cost of a good number of worship hall roofs. In response to that good news the congregations are full of joy and even though we are presently in the wet season, some have begun to put up structures. The congregation at Damas immediately started and has now reached the roof level.  We are optimistic that in the days to follow other congregations will also reach wall height.

IV-Suggestions and Recommendations

By the grace of God, the Almighty who has granted us life and health, we will do His will by serving Him according to the gifts He has accorded us. 

Notwithstanding, as humans we are limited. That's why we need your spiritual /prayers and material support. We also have need for Bibles for the new converts as well as some means of transport - motorbikes to facilitate our movements. Your moral and technical support is as well expected.

Lastly, but not least we need your prayers for our brother, Francis' evangelism plan to be commenced soon in the Kissidougou area which is less evangelized. Pray that the plan be realized with great success to the glory of God

V-Thanks/Appreciations 

We thank God first of all for his great love to give us breath and health and to serve him. We also thank the Bear Valley Bible Institute Administration for the spiritual, moral, material and financial support in order to train evangelists to save souls and to build the church of the Lord in Guinea. We say thanks to our kind and able Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his love and effort for contributing to the growth of the church of Christ in West Africa and especially in Guinea. We also thank the cheerful donor for his willingness to help the congregations to make permanent metal roofs.  Barry Baggott and Ken Stanley are to be thanked for their commitment to God's work in Guinea.

Finally, we thank all who contribute in any way to the growth of the church in Guinea.

May God bless each one accordingly. 

In Jesus name.

Amen