Reaching the lost in northern Ghana

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA

JANUARY 2024 OPERATING REPORT

The year 2023 ended successfully on a high note; giving us a lot of anxiety for the year 2024. We give glory to God for crossing all of us through into the year 2024. In the month of January, 2024, we kicked started the year 2024 with lots of hope for the future. We started 2024 in higher grounds, praying that the year will move forward in a very positive direction as we are hoping for. We wish all a happy new year. And we hope the Lord keeps us all safe till the day appointed for eternity. Below are a series of activities we engaged in the month of January 2024.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

Leadership is one of the greatest arms of the church that can bring growth in all areas of every congregation. Leaders were appointed in the year 2023 for the Lord’s church in the local congregation in Kpalsi South. We saw it necessary, for a smooth progress of the congregation, to reinforce the leadership in January 2024 for a more effective and sound running of the congregation. New leaders were added, while some of the old ones were replaced, and some moved from where they were serving to a more suitable area. We praise God for guiding us as a congregation to run effectively.

We also in the month of January hosted a love feast that brought together members of our congregation, neighbors (most were Muslims) and sister congregations in Tamale. We took advantage of the event to share the word of God and we shared some physical supper with them. It was an admirable event.

In the month of January 2024 also, one soul was added to the Lord’s church by the grace and mercy of God. We praise God for the many blessings we continue to enjoy.

Kpalsi South congregation indeed received some extreme blessings in January 2024. Brother Steven Ashcraft was also in Tamale, and did bless us with some great spiritual meals on giving. We pray that the Lord gives long life, peace and good health. We pray not for only him, but him and his entire family.  

EVANGELISTIC STEPS

It is emphatically true without a bit of doubt that evangelism (soul winning) is the center of God’s heart. Christ died because of souls. He died to seek and to save the lost as stated in Luke 19:10. Brother Steven Ashcraft, with his absolute commitment for mission work and souls, was in Ghana in the month of January, and came to Northern Ghana, precisely Tamale to embark on some fruitful activities towards our evangelistic efforts. Haven inspired us to increase our evangelistic efforts by establishing evangelistic teams across Northern Ghana, it was necessary for him to come evaluate, strengthen and encourage us for the work ahead of us.

STAFF MEETING: Brother Steven’s first activity when he arrived in Tamale was to hold a staff meeting with the resident staff in the school to evaluate the work being done. He took time to guide and instruct us on the way things could be done more effectively for a much better result. Some of the things discussed were related to administration, recruitment for the next batch, the need for better team work, the evangelistic efforts within Tamale, and the entire Northern Ghana and also cross border evangelistic work. We had a very successful discussion with a wonderful and harmonious end.

MEET WITH EVENAGLIST TEAMS: The second meeting he held was with the evangelistic teams established across Northern Ghana. Brother Steven took time to define our common goal, which is to save souls and establish and maintain strong congregations. He further gave some ideas and ways we could achieve this goal. Provision was made for individual teams to make a brief presentation on how each of them goes about their work in their localities. Brother Steven came back to encourage each of them and gave his comments on what they could do better for a much better result.

MEETING WITH EVANGELISTS FROM TOGO AND GHANA: Brother Steven also held a meeting with the Tamale staffs who are into evangelistic work with two evangelists from Togo to exchange some knowledge and ideas to see how possible we could collaborate to work in the border cities between the two nations and possibly other nations that share borders with us. There is also currently a denominational preacher and members' conversion lessons that are going on in Tamale that we in Tamale learned from the brethren from Togo through Brother Steven. Their presence was an opportunity for us to tap into their success stories and make good use of it. Meeting them gave us a better perspective of what works better for that and what doesn’t, with them being the pioneers. We also considered the need for us to work together in our efforts to reach out to some of the Francophone nations. It was also a wonderful meeting.

MISSIONARY JOURNEY TO SAMPA (GHANA) AND BONDOUKOU (IVORY COAST): The two evangelists from Togo (Fidele and Cephas), together with Brother James Legend (Ghana Tamale), embarked on a missionary journey with Brother Steven Ashcraft after the meetings in Tamale which all took place between the 12th and the 15th of January, 2024 to Sampa, under the Bono Region in Ghana.

At Sampa, they met with the Preach for the only congregation in Sampa and some of the sisters who were available to discuss matters of the church and possible evangelistic work. We had a very smooth discussion, where we considered the possibility of the brethren in Sampa working with the Brethren in Bondoukou for effective missionary work. It was a very fruitful dialogue, which got the preacher for Sampa (Brother Sa-Yaw David) inspired to join us to cross the border to Bondoukou to meet with the Brethren there for better conclusion.

We all crossed the Border into Ivory Coast, to meet with the brethren in Bondoukou. Brother Koffi Roger, an evangelist from Abijan in Ivory Coast also traveled to join the team at Bondoukou for the missionary journey. We met Brother Amadou Logossina Quattara, who is the evangelist for the congregation in Bondoukou town in his residence. A very fruitful meeting took place, but was inconclusive, because it was necessary to have some of the evangelists who are from that locality, and are working with Brother Amadou to contribute to the discussion.  Brother James and Brother David (from Sampa) who are Ghanaian were tasked to return to Sampa and lodge, so they hold a meeting the following day with Brother Amadou and all the concerned evangelists included to find a way forward. Brother Steven and the rest of the team lodged at Bondoukou that day, which was the 17th of January, 2024 so they could continue with the missionary journey forward, toward Sera-León, Liberia, Guinea etc.

As planned, Brother James and Brother David went and lodged at Sampa, and returned to Bondoukou on the 18th of January, 2024 for the meeting. Four additional evangelists join the meeting together with Brother Amadou, James and David. A very fruitful conclusion was drawn at the end of the meeting. The Brethren from Bondoukou were ready and did accept to team up and work as a team to help strengthen, restore and plant new congregations in their area. They also saw the need for them to train up leaders and possibly also implement the denominational program to help convert denominational pastors and leaders into the Lord’s church. We also agree that the brethren from Ghana and Togo make time and join the brethren in Bondoukou to inspire, encourage and help in their efforts. After the meeting, Brother David and James Returned to Ghana and James proceeded from Sampa to Tamale. We praise the Lord.

AIDING WORKING EVANGELIST

In the month January 2024, as part of the efforts of Brother Steven to encourage evangelists who are doing their best for the work of our master Jesus, he made funds available to purchase a motor bike for one of the committed preachers in the Upper East Region. He is Brother Elijah from Sandema, who works for the Sandema Wiega Congregation. He is also working with the Sandema Bolga Evangelistic team. Brother Elijah was very appreciative with support given to him to aid him in his work as a preacher. He pledges to do his best to use the machine for the interest of Christ. Words of encouragement were also given to him during the presentation ceremony.  

JOINT EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN

Towards the end of the month of January, we embarked on a joint evangelistic campaign to the North East Region, precisely, Bunkpurugu. We embarked on a one week church strengthening mission. The Tamale evangelistic team together with the students and the Bunkpurugu team came together to embark on this one week journey. We had a very fruitful journey. We had door to door or one on one studies with individuals throughout, as well as the public preaching in the evenings.

Topics treated at the public preaching were, the three dispensations, the one true Church, The Holy Spirit and Miraculous Gifts, Worship of the Church and the Judgement of God. Indeed, all the activities that took place were worth it.  At the end of the program, 28 souls were added to the Lord’s Church, with 5 restored successfully. We give God the glory.

It is our hope that God will help us do more for His kingdom this year forth.

Thank you,

Bear Valley Tamale

Great evangelistic work in Tamale, Ghana

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA

POST OFFICE BOX TL 925

OCTOBER 2023 OPERATING REPORT

We are marching forward by the special grace of God in Bear Valley Tamale in all areas. We thank the Lord for His gracious blessings upon us all.

EVANGELISM AT NYOJODO

We had a very successful missionary journey to the Zabzugu Tatale district in the Northern Region. It was an effective evangelistic journey put together by the Zabzugu evangelistic team and the Bear Valley Action Evangelistic teams for the first time. The program brought together 36 valiant men with a few women in addition.

We were at Nyojodo to revive a dead congregation. The community is a great mission field with the majority of its inhabitants being youth. The community is dominated by Paganism, Islam, and two denominational bodies (Roman Catholic and Church of Pentecost). We had a great time there and hope to build a good leadership in this congregation to help us grow the congregation. The community has a population of about 1400 people.

We had both public and door-to-door preaching at Nyojodo. A great conversion was also made. We had 23 souls added to the Lord’s church, with 7 souls restored also. A beautiful evangelistic journey it was. You could see great love playing among the entire group of evangelists who took part in this missionary journey. It is very possible if things are well handled with this congregation, we could get some workers for the Lord’s church.

There were some natural challenges we encountered which were normal. The rains didn't give us enough time to preach. Some of our days were disturbed by the rains, notwithstanding, we still had some success. It is our hope that this congregation will grow to become a self-supporting and existing one. Oh yes, it is possible and we will work hard to achieve that with the help of God.

VISITATION AND SEMINAR

In the month of October 2023, Brother James Bisong Legend embarked on four days visitation journey to the Zabzugu Tatale District again in an effort to strengthen some of the congregations. He hosted a two day seminar with the Jomoni congregation to deal with the issue of paganism. Haven received a message of some mysterious deaths and sickness of some indigenes of the community that has brought fear on many of the believers. it was necessary to go and educate them on the power of God. Many of the members were living in fear, as the deaths and sickness was linked to one sorcerer in the community. The situation left many of the saints in the Jomoni congregation living in fear, which warranted the seminar. Many were empowered to depend on our Lord Jesus Christ for protection and guidance in every situation. The preacher of the congregation, Brother Shei-Laboir David, encouraged himself, as he was also battling with snake bites. We praise the Lord that after the program, many confessed to being liberated from going back to the dark world. Praise the Lord.

Brother James also took the opportunity to visit and to address another issue at Nagbindo congregation under the Sanguli area of the Zabzugu Tatale District. The issue relates to Christians living with women who are not their legitimate wives. In some of the tribes and traditions in Ghana, it is allowed for one to stay with a woman and have children before performing the marriage rites. These traditions were moving into the church, becoming a normal thing. We had to go sit with the leadership of the congregation to address those issues. Christ won at the end of the day, as many admitted after us reasoning with them from the scriptures that they needed repentance, and did produce the fruits of repentance by sending their women away until the marriage rites were performed. We give God the glory for His grace and guidance.   

ANNUAL WOMEN SEMINAR

The annual seminar hosted every year on the campus of the Bear Valley Tamale by the women across the Northern Region took place successfully in the month of October 2023. Women of several congregations took part in it. On the final day of the event, which was the first day of week, all the congregations within Tamale came together at the Kpalsi South Congregation to worship. Brother James Legend taught the adult Bible class on the Topic: Youth and Substance Abuse. Brother George Dassah gave the sermon on the topic: Holding Firm the Doctrine of Christ.

The event and the worship was a successful one.

ACADEMIC AND CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Students resumed back to campus to continue with their academic activities in the month of October after spending a good number of days with their families. Brother Albert Tamanja Malir took them through Old Testament 2. All of them were back to campus on the scheduled reopening day. We give God the glory for their commitment.

 SCHOOL GARDEN

We harvested the last batch of our crops from the garden. We are hoping to get not less than two bags of maize from what we harvested to support the feeding of our students. As we have finished the harvest, we are moving forward to continue preparation for the dry season farming. We are determined to put things in place to deal with some aspect of feeding our students. Yes, and yes, we are determined to do so. We know it’s a matter of time and we will successfully handle it.

We give thanks to the Lord for His blessings. Amen.

Thank you,

Bear Valley Tamale.

Tamale staff work to convert denominational souls

Another milestone has been reached in the journey of the Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies, Tamale in the month of September, 2023. The month of September brought us great memories and encouragement in our efforts to push the agenda of God forward. Indeed, the month of September, 2023 is a memorable month for us in Bear Valley Tamale.

UPDATE ON ACADEMIC ARRANGEMENT

Students were on break in the whole month of September, 2023. This break is in line with our academic arrangement for the year. 

DENOMINATIONAL PROGRAM FOR CONVERSION

We give glory to God for the successful beginning of the denominational program put in place with the help and collaboration of Brother Steven Ashcraft and the resident staff in Tamale. In our efforts together to go the extra mile to make an impact in our evangelistic work, especially in Tamale town, we all saw the need to come up with a program where we recruit some denominational Church leaders, pastors and members into the school, for a special free lesson, directed towards converting the campus. It is our hope and prayers that we succeed with ours too. Currently, fourteen people have been recruited into the program. They have so far had five meetings.  It is our hope and prayers that conversions take place, some of them could be migrated into our next recruitment for the Diploma Course when they are converted.

SCHOOL BUS PURCHASE

One of the major transformational events that took place in the month of September 2023 was the purchase of a bus for the school. Getting a bus for the school has always been a top issue for us as an Institute. We struggle almost all the time we embark on evangelistic journeys. So, getting a bus has always been a great deal of matter before us in our meetings. We give the glory that this dream has been fulfilled successfully, by the help of Brother Steven and that concern for Kingdom Business. A sprinter Bus was purchased in the month of September to aid our work and movements, especially, our evangelistic journeys. We give God the glory for all the individuals who have made any kind of sacrifice to make things easy for all the time, especially, helping us have a bus for our evangelistic work. God bless you all for your great service to God. We also thank Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi for always standing for our interest as an Institute, anytime we are on the right direction. God bless you all.

VISIITATION AND SEMINAR

In the month of September also, Brother Albert stood in for Brother James in a three days seminar hosted under the Zabzugu District by the Jomoni congregation. The seminar brought together four congregations dealing with the issue of True Christian living. Emphasis was placed on the Christian relation to the society and that of the family. Brother Albert Tamanja was the main speaker, and it was a very successful event. He took the opportunity to advertise the school to the participants. We praise God.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

As one of our efforts and strategies to keep our youth and children active and ready for the future, the church has programs in the course of the year that give the youth the opportunity to lead in worship. In the month of September, we had a three days program, where lessons directed towards the youth and children were taught. We also gave the youth the opportunity to officiate in worship on the third day, which falls on the first day of the week.

Furthermore, after worship, the children were given the opportunity to play some Biblical drama and recitation of scriptures and books of the Bible. It was a very inspiring moment, as little kids were able to memorize Bible verses and recite Books of the Bible from Genesis to Malachi, and from Matthew to Revelation. Indeed, we believe the future is bright for our congregation in Kpalsi South.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

28 years old Dickson Anonzah Akumbila is the person we briefly profiled in the month of September, 2023. He was born on the 4th Day October 1994 in Bolgatanga, in a community called Sumbrungu Amogerebiisi Kunkuam. Brother Dickson is Single, living with his mother and sisters in a house known as Amoah guure yire. He completed S.H.S in 2015, baptized into the church on the 4th day of March 2021 by Brother Jacob Awintoya, preacher for the Sumbrungu Congregation. Having the desire to work for the Lord, he enrolled into the Bear Valley, Tamale preaching school.  He is part of the current 2023/2024 batch.

We thank God for how far He has brought us. Amen.

The Lord blesses us all,

Bear Valley, Tamale.

Working to keep the church pure

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA

JULY 2023 OPERATING REPORT

We had very fruitful activities in the month of July 2023 by the special grace and mercies of God. We continue to move forward in the right direction with all events relating to the school and kingdom business. Indeed, one cannot downplay the efforts of our sponsors and all the prayers made by brethren for our noble Institution. We give God the glory.

DOCTRINAL CORRECTION JOURNEY TO KOKA

We started the month with a move to address a doctrinal issue in one of the congregations in the Upper East Region. A strange doctrine cropped into the Koka congregation that we needed to go and address. The Koka congregation is handled by one of the graduates of Bear Valley Tamale by name Jacob Nichema. This false doctrine from the information gathered was introduced into the church by his son, called Peter Nichema. Due to the inactiveness of the father to activities of the congregation, he took advantage and began to introduce the workings of so called miracles, prophecies, miraculous tongues and many other practices alien to the doctrines of Christ. Preachers in the area never bother addressing issues. We had the information and to go make an effort to address it.

During a meeting with Jacob, his son and some of the leaders, we were told those things they practice have made them able to build a mighty building for the church. It took very serious arguments before addressing the issue with Biblical proofs. Peter who was deep into such practices with the youthful leaders was not willing to listen till we had to raise our voices before. We praise the Lord that he ended up admitting to being at fault. We have since then been trying to convince him to come to the Bible school to be educated. It is of a truth that one of the biggest challenges confronting the Lord’s church is the issue of doctrine. Many are moving away from the truth or adding to the truth that we have received from our Lord Jesus and His apostles. We pray the Lord give us more sound preachers and watch who will be willing and defending the truth at all times without fear or favor. This journey was embarked on by Brother Francis Ayine and James Bisong Legend. May the Lord help us. Amen.

TWO STORES BEING BUILD ON CHURCH LAND

Two stores are being put up on the local congregation in Kpalsi South Congregation plot of land to support the business of Brother Bisong Legend’s wife migration to Tamale. Sand was bought in the Month of July; Blocks were moulded towards the work. We give glory for the life of our senior brother, Steven for his consistent determination to making all brethren stand strong to serve their maker. The Lord Bless him greatly. Work is going on speedily on these stores and will soon be ready for usage.

ACCADEMIC WORK AND PRINTER PURCHASED

Students are back to campus, and lectures have resumed successfully with three course taught in the month of July, 2023. We praise the Lord for the smooth running of lectureship in the school. No course is skipped for any reason as all courses are handled sufficiently. The New Testament Church was taught by Brother Adjei, Hermeneutics two by Brother Albert Tamanja and Life of Prison Epistles by Brother James Legend respectively.

We give God glory for showing mercy once again by blessing us with a new Canon printer to aid our printing work in the school. We thank God for His gracious grace towards Bear Valley in Tamale all the time. God Bless all who have us and the Lord’s work in their hearts.

KPALSI SOUTH CHURCH BUILDING WORK, BENEVOLENCE AND EVANGELISTIC WORK

The local congregation in Kpalsi South continues to make efforts towards growth in all areas necessary. Concerning its building, the congregation through its giving was able to engage the services of a carpenter to work on the ceiling joints. The giving habit of the congregation continues to increase to the glory of God.

Also, in the month of July 2023, the church embarked on a neighborhood benevolence activity in efforts to show the love of Christ to some selected need persons in the community. Being an Islam dominated community, those who benefitted from this kind gesture of the church gave praises to God. We took advantage to share Christ with some of them.  

One soul was added to the church in the month July 2023 to the glory of God. We wish to thank God for standing the Kpalsi South Congregation in all the activities that are going on our effort to keep the church strong and growing. We thank you Jesus.

VISITATION AND SEMINARS

Visitation is a key tool to dealing with false teaching and strengthening our congregations. As we also want to start our recruitment journey early for the next batch, we wish to continue to prioritize visitations. Brother James Legend was able to visit some congregations in then month of July in the Upper East Region and Northern Region respectively. He visited the Kugashegu, Denugu and Garu congregations in the Upper East Region. He also visited the Kanodor congregation, Sanguli, Bikpajab and Gbogundo congregations respectfully under the Zabzugu Tatale District. It is our hope God will bless our efforts.

Brother Albert Tamanja Malir attended and participated in a seminar at Duuni in Northern Region. It was a three days seminar that brought together preachers and leaders and members of various congregations across the Chamba, Bimbila, Salaga and Yendi areas. This event was well participated by all. The school was marketed by Brother Albert who was one of the key speakers of the event. Eleven souls were baptized at the end of the program and added to the Lord’s church. Hallelujah.

The congregation in Kpassar invited Brother James Bisong Legend for a three days women seminar in the month of July 2023. He was the main speaker for the event. It was a wonderful program. He spoke on the duties and responsibilities of the Christian woman.

It is our prayers that the Lord continue to give us the strength, wisdom and good will stand for things of God and not self.   

We praise His name,

Bear Valley, Tamale.

Quarter Break is Being Maximized in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA

JUNE 2023 OPERATING REPORT

Some very significant events took place in the month of June, 2023 in the Bear Valley preaching school in Tamale. These events have given us the confidence and hope that great things lie ahead of us as an Institution. We are excited to report them to you so you can move along with us.

BRIEFING ON CAMPUS

All properties of the Institute are well kept and properly monitored and used to the best profit of the school. The compound is well kept as well with all its facilities. The Pajero is doing very well, but needs some small maintenance work. The shocks are weak and need to be changed. The toilet facilities for the three rooms of the staff quarters have been fully completed.

Students are also on break to work on their farming activities, congregations, care for their families and personal issues.

TREES IN THE COMPOUND

We continue to emulate our able coordinator, Kojo Acquah Beenyi in planting profitable trees in the school garden. Some more trees were planted in the month of June, 2023. Trees like coconut, Guava and pawpaw were planted in the garden.

EVANGELISM WORK

We reported in the month of May of the conversion of Brother Emmanuel Yobe Kombat, who was the founder of Jesus Revelation Ministries. With his assistance and that of our director (Daniel Adjei Mensah), and the staff, 13 members of his church have been converted into the Lord’s church. All sign posts of his church have been taken off with plans ahead to convert it into the Lord’s Church. They have also currently taken away instrumental music from their worship and started following the worship pattern of the New Testament Church. Brother Emmanuel has also enrolled fully into the Diploma Course and is doing very well. It is our prayer that all who have relations with him will be converted for Christ.

MOTORCYCLES PURCHASED TO AID EVANGELISTIC WORK

We praise the Lord for the life of Brother Steven Ashcraft and all the faithful men who are backing him to help push the Lord’s work in Ghana, Africa and the World at large. There was great joy in the school as three preachers/evangelists that are products of the school (Samuel Saakuu from Upper West Region, Isaac Akumoliga from Upper East and Simon Egnanpiin from Northern Region) received three brand new motor bicycles to aid their work in the field. All staff of the school were excited with this great gesture made possible by our dear Brother, Steven. The brethren who received these machines could not hide their joy and feelings. With joy, all three of them were very appreciative of the sacrificial work done for them. They were also grateful for being the ones counted worthy of such blessings. Considering the number of preachers who need motors to aid them, they considered themselves privileged to have benefited from the machines.

Brother Daniel Adjei Mensah, the Director, on his part also exhorted them to use the machines effectively to promote Christ and not self. They should see it as a great opportunity and make good use of it. Brother James Legend also admonished them to be ambassadors of Christ and the School through which they have got such a great opportunity. Albert Tamanja Malir, the preacher, on his part complemented them for being counted worthy of such a great blessing. He also reminded them of his days when he was a student in the same school, and made them aware that they were indeed privileged to have such great aid and encouragement from the school through our dear Brother, Steven.

The brothers were indeed grateful to receive the motors. These three Motors that were purchased brought the total number of motors bought to aid evangelists to five (5) in total.

We wish to humbly appreciate Brother Steven for all his efforts towards the work of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ in Northern Ghana and all other localities in the world that he is doing such things. The Lord Bless him with all he needs to remain a great blessing for the body of Christ, his family and the world.

VISITATION

Brother James Bisong Legend made a journey to the Upper East Region in the month of June, 2023. He visited and worshiped with the Agatusi congregation. He also met with the Bazua and Kpinkpanyoung Congregations respectively. He met with the evangelistic Team to see the way forward for their evangelistic work in the area with the challenge of the Bawku conflict that is on the increase. Several proposals were made that could help the evangelistic work of the Team. Prominent of the proposals was for them to concentrate on areas around Bolga till the situation normalized.  

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

The local church in Kpalsi South is progressing steadily by the grace of God. We have prepared a small place under the Mango Tree in the church land for the children to have their studies. In the month of June also, two souls were added to the church. We continue to do our part as a church, as the Lord also does His part.

We praise God.

The Lord blesses us all,

Bear Valley, Tamale

Evangelism efforts have great results in Tamale, Ghana

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA

MAY 2023 OPERATING REPORT

It is by the grace of God that we are not consumed. We give Him the glory for His grace upon our lives. May His name be praised now and forever.

LECTURES AND ACADEMIC WORK

Four courses were taught successfully in the month of May, 2023. These courses are Godhead, Christian Evidence, Life of Christ 1 and Homiletics 1. Brother James Legend taught Godhead, Ernest Adjani handled Christian Evidence, Life of Christ 1, Albert Tamanja Malir and Isaac Akumoliga taught Homiletic 1 respectively. God be praised for the lives of these Brethren.

TREES IN THE COMPOUND

We wish to celebrate Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, the Coordinator for Bear Valley School in Ghana for his efforts in helping to plant different kinds of useful trees in the compound of the school. We have started benefitting from these trees.  Four of the Mangoes planted by him have started bearing fruit. In the month of May, we had a bountiful harvest of Mangoes that brought smiles to the faces of students and all inhabitants in the compound. We Thank the Lord for that.

EVANGELISM WORK

We wish to give God the honor for the gradual successes we are making in our evangelistic efforts in Tamale Township. Due to the collective efforts of the staff of Bear Valley Tamale, a founder of a denominational Church (Jesus Revelation Ministry) was converted into the Lord’s Church. His name is Emmanuel Yobe Kombat. Efforts have been made after his conversion to help convert the rest of his followers for Christ. He is very cooperative and submissive. He has also picked up form to join the preaching school in Tamale. We wish to thank God for the life of our Director, Daniel Adjei Mensah who has taken up the responsibility to study with the followers of Brother Emmanuel Yobe Kombat. We believe the Lord will surely help us together with the efforts of Brother Emmanuel himself to convert these prospects into the Lord’s Church.  

REPAIR OF WATER PUMPING MACHINE

The water pumping machine that help us pump water into our tanks for usage broke down towards the ending of April 2023. Efforts to get it fixed were not possible. We thank God that our able regional coordinator, Steven Ashcraft gave us the go ahead to purchase a new and an advanced one to help us continue to supply water for the school and the community as well. We wish to praise the Lord for all who in diverse ways makes things work successfully for us in our efforts to serve our make in this deprive part of Ghana. God richly bless you all.

We will continue to pray with you all as you pray with us.

The Lord blesses us all,

Bear Valley, Tamale.

"Any congregation that fails to evangelize fails on its responsibilities"

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA

POST OFFICE BOX TL 925

APRIL 2023 OPERATING REPORT

Several activities took place in the month of April that brought good progress to the preaching school in Tamale. It is necessary to report them for us to have a full view of school and the different things going on in the school.

STAFF QUARTERS

The three bedroom staff quarters that have been on construction for some time is now 99% completed. Everything has been done including the painting, wiring, and finishing work with the exception of the tile work and one of the toilet seats for one toilet facility. We wish to give God the glory this great being has done. We also praise God for the lives involved in getting it done.

VISITATION TO NEW CONGREGATION ESTABLISHED IN SUSU

One Brother James Bisong Legend embarked on a visitation journey to the new congregation that was established by the collaborative evangelistic efforts by the Accra and Tamale bear Valley Schools in the early part of this year. Brother Kwesi Owusu Odame who was left to support the congregation for some months has done great job in inspiring the congregants towards growth. As a matter of fact, the congregation is growing steadily. The joint campaign saw 27 souls brought into the Lord’s church (both new baptized and restored). By the end of April 2023, which was the end of Brother Odame’s stay with the congregation, the congregation had a consistent membership of 36 in number, with some permanent visitors. The congregation has also secured land for the construction of a building for worship. The congregation currently worships in a government classroom. We pray the Lord helps this young congregation to continually grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Amen!

ACADEMIC WORK

Two courses were taught in the month of April 2023 as the students resumed to full classes on the 17th of April, 2023. Old Testament 1 and the New Testament Church were taught successfully. Brother Albert Tamanja Malir taught the Old Testament 1 While Daniel Adjei Mensah taught the New Testament Church. Lectures continue smoothly to the glory of God.

SCHOOL GARDEN

We are determined to work hard to eliminate the financial burden of certain food crops in the feeding of the students. We are determined to eliminate food components like maize, groundnut and its past and some vegetables. We have already sewed groundnuts, with the hope of good rain so we can harvest them and sow some maize again. We pray the good Lord helps us in the journey.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

The congregation in Kpalsi South has in its plans this year to host some number of public preaching in its efforts to preach Christ to the people in Tamale. Being an Islamic dominated community, it sometimes looks discouraging in embarking in evangelistic activities. Notwithstanding, evangelism remains the spirit of the church. Any congregation that fails to evangelize fails on its responsibilities. The Kpalsi South Congregation had some three days of successful public preaching at the Kpalsi last stop to mark the beginning of our evangelistic campaigns journey for the year 2023. It is our hope to have several of them this year forth. We praise that, in the month of April 2023, two souls were added to the Lord’s church.

We bless God for gradual processes being made towards the development of the school and the church in Tamale and Northern Ghana.

The Lord blesses us all,

Bear Valley, Tamale.

Graduation in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES

TAMALE - GHANA

MARCH 2023 OPERATING REPORT

March 2023 was a blessed and a joyful month for us in Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies, Tamale, as it marks another milestone in the life of the Institute. It was a month of celebration for the immediate passed students and that of the current students and the instructors, coordinators and all who have interest in the development of the Lord’s Kingdom and the preachers’ training school in Northern Ghana.

VISITATION AND CHURCH STRENGTHERNING

We started the month with our usual visitation and church strengthening mission. In the month of March, Brother James Bisong Legend made a visitation journey to Kpinkpanyoung to participate in a preacher’s appreciation ceremony that was organized by the congregation. Brother James taught the adults Bible class as well as gave the sermon. This event took place on the 19th of March, 2023 which was the first day of the week. He taught a lesson entitled; “How the Christian should use their resources.” Brother James took his driving scripture from Psalm 24:1-2. The event was an inspiring one, which many brethren admitted that they were edified and needed to repent and redirect their resources towards the things of God as God is the owner of all things. Many of the brethren made different kinds of donations to support the efforts of their preacher and did also pledge to help him with his farming activities this year forth. An undisclosed amount of funds were also donated to support him. Brother Paul Laar is the preacher of the Kpinkpanyoung Church of Christ.

Brother James also did speak to the congregation to consider the possibility of supporting the preachers’ school in Tamale that produced Brother Paul, who has become a blessing to the church in Kpinkpanyoung and other congregations in the area. The church was so grateful to the school for its contribution to the Lord’s church and work in Northern Ghana.

7TH GRADUATION AND 8TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY

One of the greatest events that took place in the month of March 2023 was the 7th graduation ceremony of the school which happened on the 29th of March, 2023.  Brethren of the Lord’s churches across Northern Ghana came together to celebrate with brothers who in the past two years dedicated themselves to studying the word of God, so they could become vessels for the Lord’s use. It was a great event, as it drew both Christians and non-Christians together to witness and celebrate this joyful moment. People from all the four regions in the North did participate in it.

The director, Daniel Adjei Mensah gave the opening address to begin the ceremony. He recounted the establishment road map of the school into the period of the graduating students. He also recounted the challenges encountered in recruiting the graduating batch as well as the loss of one of the students. A one minute silence was observed in memory of him (Brother Philemon).

Seven students graduated successfully. Five of them qualified and received a Diploma certificate from Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies. Two of these students however, could not meet the pass mark, hence, were given a leadership or recognition certificate from the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies.

Some great exemplary brethren who have laboured in the Lord’s field for several years were also present to grace the occasion. Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, the Coordinator for Bear Valley Schools across Ghana was present. He has been a great blessing for the work of the Lord in Ghana and beyond.  Brother Steven Aschraft, who has consistently and sacrificially stood out for the work of the Lord was also present. But for Brother Steven, we cannot phantom how the Lord’s would have been in Ghana and precisely, Northern Ghana. He is indeed a game changer for the Kingdom of God in Northern Ghana where we have great knowledge of. His presence was greatly needed and he did fill in the gap as usual. He gave a brief and a simple sermon to charge the graduates and the preachers as well as all who participated in this event.

Delivering his charge, Brother Steven stood on the counsel Paul gave to Timothy the preacher in II Timothy 2:1-3 and II Timothy 4:1-5 respectively to stir up brethren. He stated the need for men who go through training to not go through it in vain. One cannot become a preacher or an evangelist just by name. Stating his point, he pointed out that, being a preacher or an evangelist is as a result of the work you do. Therefore, a preacher is simply a person who preaches Christ, likewise an evangelist. The evangelist simply evangelizes and not just possesses the name. Further illustrating his point for clarity's sake, he stated, by a rhetorical question, whether one can be called a farmer if the person doesn’t farm or has a farm. Indeed, this was a lively and a seasoned charge that was needed and was presented at the right time to the right audience. We give God the glory for his life.

All permanent staff of the school were present, including some of the short course instructors. We had a great and unique event.

Declaration by graduates and the students who matriculated were led by Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi (Ghana Coordinator). They affirmed by declaration that they will at all times preach and defend the doctrine of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Hallelujah.

Some awards were also given to deserving students by the school. Emmanuel Balefam claimed two prestigious awards; Best Student academic and Best Student overall. The best servant award went to Abraham Bambile, while the well behaved student award was received by Balaboni Npoanbeni Collins.

Demonstrating their appreciation to the school by the graduates, they presented some plastic chairs and two bags of maize to the school to support the feeding of the incoming batch of students. We praise the Lord for all that has happened in this special graduation and matriculation ceremony. We hope and pray things like this get better moving forward.

STEVEN AND JAMES TO TOGO

 The following day after the graduation, which was the 30th of March, with evangelism and souls being the driving force of all his actions, Brother Steven continues to create avenues in order to link up Bear Valley Schools and brethren together to collaborate to bring the Gospel to all men. With this in mind, Brother James Bisong Legend was taken to Togo, precisely, Kara, to have some healthy discussion with some of the brothers working with the schools in Togo for the purpose of coming up with ideas that will help promote church plantings between the border towns between Togo and Ghana.

One of the issues considered was also for him (James) to get some information on how the brethren in Togo do to convert denominational preachers into the church. Indeed, there was a very fruitful discussion and we are working on getting things in their rightful place. We thank the Lord for the life of Brother Steven and all who give a helping hand in his sacrificial efforts.

The Lord blesses us all,

Bear Valley, Tamale

Ghanian schools combine efforts in gospel campaign

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE - GHANA

POST OFFICE BOX TL 925

FEBRUARY 2023 OPERATING REPORT

February 2023 was a very active month for us in Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies, Tamale, both within the school and externally. Indeed, it is a month that must be accounted for.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

We had one soul added to the Lord’s church in the Kpalsi South congregation to God’s glory. The church is growing gradually in all areas of it by the grace of God.

Also in the month of February, one soul was added to the Lord’s church in Kpalsi South congregation. We praise the Lord for the conversion.

JOINT EVANGELISM TO UPPER WEST REGION BY TAMALE AND ACCRA SCHOOLS (LAWRA TANCHARA SUSU)

On the 30th of January, 2023; the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies (TIBS) in Collaboration with the Southern Institute of Biblical Studies (SIBS), embarked on a one-week evangelistic campaign to Tanchara Susu under the Lawra district in the Upper West Region of Ghana. We left Tamale around 10:00am of the 30th of January, and arrived at Tanchara Susu around 9:30pm of same 30th. It was late for any activity to take place, so we rested.

Work started on the morning of the 31st. We started with morning devotion, breakfast, and then divided ourselves into groups and went out for the door to door studies. We return for lunch around 12pm and went back till around 4:45pm.

A movie on the passion of Christ was showed around 6:00pm to 8:00pm, followed by the public preaching. Preacher Thomas Donzie Preached on “sin and it’s punishment.”

We continued with same plan on the 1st of February, 2023 with Brother Ebenezer Amoasi giving the evening sermon on God’s Plan of Salvation. On the 2nd, same plan was followed with Brother John Acquah teaching on the Church in the evening public preaching. The same plan was followed on the 3rd with Brother Abraham Bambale speaking on Worship of the Church.  Brother Silas Adjei preached on the 4th of February, 2023 in the public preaching after the door to door studies in morning movie in the evening on God’s Judgement. All the brethren who spoke, we excellent on point and were clear with their messages. The programme was indeed great and profitable us who participated on it. We also had a good number of baptisms. Among these souls was youth dominance. We had young men who are capable of working for Lord if properly trained. We had two (2) baptisms on the first day, seven (7) on the second day, one (1) on the third day, 8 on the fourth day and 5 on the 5th day. This gave us a total number of 23 souls. Three (3) souls were also restored respectively. Worship on the first day of the week was a spirit filled one.

Brother Snell Kwesi Owusu Odame stayed backed to care for the congregation under our mission minded preachers plan. We thank God for the great grace released upon us all to fulfill His command given to us His followers in the gospels.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

We returned back from Tanchara Susu to continue with our academic activities with the new batch of student smoothly. Upon returning, Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, the Coordinator, was already in to take the students through the Cost of Discipleship. Brother Albert Tamanja Malir took them through How We Got The Bible after Brother Kojo, followed by Personal Evangelism one by Brother James Forkuor, Scheme of Redemption by Director Adjei Mensah and Research and Writing by Brother James Bisong Legend. These courses, coupled with Hermeneutics one which was treated in the month of January were the courses taught in the first Quarter for this batch of students.  

COORDINATOR’S VISIT

Brother Kojo’s visit was very essential and fruitful as he taught the Course of Discipleship as well as dealt with other issues too. He had a meeting with the staff to encourage us and also discuss some of the pertinent issues necessary for the development of the school with us. As is his culture, he went round the whole compound and the garden to visit all the trees and flowers and also correct some wrongs around the compound. We were edified having him with us in the month of February.

 We thank the Lord for the month of February, 2023.

Thank you sirs,

Bear Valley, Tamale.  

Tamale, Ghana school celebrates harvest of souls and vegetables

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE - GHANA

JANUARY 2023 OPERATING REPORT

January was a very productive month with several activities taking place, as our new batch of students also were due to report to school to start the new academic year. There were also several events that took place successfully.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION LOVE FEAST

On the 1st of January, 2023, the congregation in Kpalsi South hosted a love feast where brethren had the opportunity to fellowship and socialize together. Meals were prepared by the congregation as well as exchange of gifts by members. This event took place on the evening of the 1st which was the Lord’s Day.

Preachers and some leaders of sister congregations in Tamale town were invited and they did participate. Our neighbors around the congregation were also invited and they did attend, including some Muslims. This event brought together all manner of people to rejoice with the church, especially, the less privileged. Brother George Dassah gave a brief sermon at the event on the need for individuals to take a good examination of self as we begin with another year. Many were happy being part of this program. Indeed this event gave many the opportunities to network with other brethren in other congregations as well as make contact with non-Christians to study with them in the future.

Also in the month of January, one soul was added to the Lord’s Church in Kpalsi South congregation. We praise the Lord for the conversion.

SCHOOL GARDEN

We have had a very successful harvest in the irrigation work we did with the help of Healing Hands International who supported us with the water system and that of drip kits. We had a good harvest of garden eggs, cucumbers, okra, some corn, bra, which are our local vegetables, onions, fresh beans, etc.  We still have some few vegetables that are helping with the feeding of our current students, however, we have prepared the land again to transplant and sow some tomatoes, okra and some cucumbers on it to complement our feeding efforts.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Students have reported in the month of January, 2023 to begin with the new academic year. We had 10 students reported on the 14th January, 2023 for this batch. Though we had several people pick up forms, these 10 are the prospects that have so far qualified and have been enrolled into the 2023/2024 academic period. Classes began on the 16th January, 2023. Between the 16th and the 27th of January, 2023, two courses were taught successfully. Brother James Bisong Legend took them through Hermeneutics 1, while Brother Albert Tamaja Malir taught them How We Got the Bible. They after these two courses had a joint campaign with the brethren from Accra at Lawra-Tanchara Susu where a congregation got planted.

 PERSONALITY PROFILE

Laar Frederick Mon, one of our current students who was with the last batch in their second year is the person we profiled in the month of January. He is from Konchian Gberuk in the North-East Region of Ghana under Bunkpurugu District. He is 30 years old. He was born on the 5th of March, 1992.

He is a Senior High School graduate who couldn’t continue due to financial challenges. He is married to Nindabi Freda Dammigu, who is 28 years old. They are blessed with two children, both girls; Laar Yvonne Feidiib, 4 years old in KG2, Laar Lois Lanansoa, 2 years old.

He and his wife both became Christians on same day, 6th March, 2016 in Konchian Gberuk congregation. They were both baptized by Preacher Niipaak Laar, after the gospel had been preached to them. After being baptized, he got enrolled into Project Timothy at Saboba. He went through leadership training with Project Timothy for four years, where he graduated with a certificate in leadership.  

He started working with the Konchian Gberuk congregation, which is his hometown, while working with them, he heard of the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies (TIBS). He took advantage and came to Tamale for an interview and got enrolled into Bear Valley, Tamale. He is currently pursuing the Diploma Course with the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies. He is also currently preaching for the Bunkpurugu congregation. He also does some farming and reeling of animals to support himself as a preacher of the Lord’s Church.

We continue to praise the Lord for mercies and blessings towards us.

Thank you sirs,

Bear Valley, Tamale.  

Tamale students conduct their final campaign before graduation

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE - GHANA

NOVEMBER 2022 OPERATING REPORT 

We had some great successes in the month of November, 2022 at the Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies in Tamale. These successes were both within and outside of campus. We hereby wish to report them.

LECTURSHIP

We had a visiting instructor from our sister school in Accra (Southern Institute of Biblical Studies) to teach the last course of the 2021/2022 batch of students in the person of Yaw Amoo Gyimah. He taught Church History and it was our joy to host him.  

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

The local Church in Kpalsi South took a step further in appointing some brethren to serve in some committees to help the preacher in steering the affairs of the church. We had some committees like; The Evangelism Committee, Benevolence Committee, Administrative Committee and the Finance Committee. It is our desire to hold fast to the doctrines of Christ and to work collectively to grow the church. We are positive of the future of this congregation, and will do all we can to protect and defend the doctrines of Christ. It is our desire to create room for all persons, especially men who are faithful to serve the Lord in accordance with scriptures. Room is also made to continuously include students who are capable in these committees to also serve as a learning process for them. We were privileged to have the director of the school in the person of Brother Daniel Adjei Mensah to give us a wonderful sermon. We give God the glory.

CAMPAIGN AND EVANGELISM

In the month of November 2022, the school embarked on an evangelistic campaign to the Upper West Region, specifically, Kogri under the Lawra municipality. This was the last evangelistic exercise done by the 2021/2022 batch of students as part of their course requirements. It was a wonderful and successful journey. We were privileged to have Brother Thomas Donzie of the Jirapa congregation with us.

 We embarked on this journey between the 7th and the 14th of November, 2022. All eight students, in addition with some past students, were part of this journey. The director of the school was also involved in this evangelistic journey. 

We left Tamale on the 7th of November, around the hours of 8am in the morning. We arrived at Kogri around 11:46pm on the night of the 7th, almost into the following day. 

We began our work on the 8th of November, 2022. We divided ourselves into groups and went out on our door-to-door evangelism. In the evening, public preaching was done to complement the door-to-door evangelism. The people were very receptive and welcoming. The community is dominated by idolatry, Islam and Roman Catholics. 

The good news was that the chief of the community, who is a very elderly man, is a member of the church. It was his joy hosting us in his community to give strength to the church. He supported us with a goat, a fowl and an amount of Gh₵20.00 cash as a sign of his appreciation and joy of our presence there. He also made announcements to the community to create an awareness of our presence. This made the work a bit easier for us.

From the 7th to the 13th of November, we had the door-to-door evangelism during the day and public preaching in the evenings. The men who did the public preaching were; Thomas Donzie, Baaba Elija, Emmanuel Balefam, Daniel Adjei Mensah and James Bisong Legend. The event was very fruitful. On the 14th of November, which was the first day of the week, we worshiped with the church. Brother James Legend did the Sunday School Adults Bible Class, while Brother Abraham gave the sermon. We recorded an attendance of 97 people in total. 

After the worship, we met with some of the men who were capable of leading in the church to encourage them as well as give them some guidance on how to help the congregation to stand. We also told them the need for those who have the desire to preach to attend the Bible School. Brother Samuel Saakuu Baaro, who is a past student of BVBI Tamale campus, is the one overseeing the running of the church along with Brother Alfred and Tuokyen who are all past students of BVBI. 

At the end of the one week evangelistic campaign, 16 new souls were added to the church, and 8 souls were restored. We thank the Lord and the sponsors who made this journey possible.

VISITATION, RECRUITMENT AND INTERVIEWS

Brother James Bisong Legend in the month of November embarked on a two days visitation journey to the Yendi Bimbila road in an effort to strengthen some congregations and to also recruit students. He took advantage to worship with the Duuni congregation on the 20th of November, where Brother Francis Waajah, a graduate of BVBI Tamale serves as a preacher. The church was very happy with his presence.

We have also started interviewing potential students for the next academic year as the 2021/2022 batch of students is done with their course. We are hoping to improve on many things as we move forward as an institution.  

ANNUAL WOMEN SEMINAR

The Northern Women annual seminar that brings together women across the breadth and length of Northern Ghana this year took place in the premises of the Bear Valley Campus in Tamale. The Kpalsi South church building was used for the event. It brought together a number of women from different congregations across the North. It was a success as they lectured themselves on marriage and the home and other relevant topics. The event ended with a joint worship service that brought together all the congregations in Tamale Township. 

God be glorified for all these successes. 

Thank you sir,

Bear Valley, Tamale.  

Sowing the seed in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE - GHANA

POST OFFICE BOX TL 925

OCTOBER 2022 OPERATING REPORT

Several activities took place in the month of October, 2022 in Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies; Tamale Campus. We owe God praises for all things that happened in this great month. We give God the glory for our special sponsors and servants all over the World that work to make good things happen to us in Bear Valley Tamale.

VISITATION AND MARRIAGE REPRESENTATION

Brother James Bisong Legend visited the congregation at Gbingbani and Bazua respectively. He also on that same journey assisted Brother Baaba Elijah in his efforts to get married to a sister in the Gbingbnai congregation. Things were very smooth and successful. The issue of evangelistic team formation for the Bonkurugu area was also finalized on the journey. God be praised.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

The plastering and painting work for the external and part of the internal work on the local congregation in Kpalsi were completed successfully in the month of October, 2022. We wish to use this opportunity to appreciate all who contributed sacrificially in getting a place of work for a great beginning of this great congregation. We can see a great light ahead of us as a congregation. We pray that in the near future, as the church continues to grow in its giving capacity, we will resume work on the windows, electrification, plumbing and the completion of the toilet and wash rooms, plastering and other finishing touches. We humbly thank our brother Steven and his family as well as Brother Kojo for their extraordinary work towards this young congregation. We are on course towards the direction of our mission as a church, in evangelizing our locality and everywhere our strength will lead us to. In the month of October also, we recorded one baptism to the glory of God. We thank you Jesus.

INSTRUCTORS QUARTERS

The roofing working for the three bedrooms of the quarter where the residence instructors are residing have been roofed successfully. Funds were released by Brother Steven, and the job has been successfully done. However, there is still more work to be done on it.

LECTURESHIP

Four courses were successfully treated in the month of October as the students were almost through with their term for the two years Diploma Course. The courses are; World Religion (Daniel Adjei Mensah), Congregational Development (James Bisong Legend), Church History (Yaw Amoo Gyima) and Logic and the Bible (Daniel Adjei Mensah).

SCHOOL GARDEN AND IRRIGATION WORK

The maize cultivated on the compound of the school land was harvested in the month of November to aid the feeding of the new incoming students. We are yet to thrash them for proper storage purposes.

We have also started with the irrigation work being sponsored by Healing Hands International on a similar effort of complementing the feeding expenses of the students. We have raised the beds on a portion of the land, one of the poly tanks has been installed and the drip kits fixed and transplanting have been done.

Things are working appropriately in Tamale by the grace of God.

Thank you sir,

Bear Valley, Tamale

Evangelism campaigns in northern Ghana

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2022

We continue to enjoy countless blessings and successes in Bear Valley Tamale as the Lord almighty continually releases His unmerited favors and mercies upon us. The month of August 2022, was a month of another great sign of encouragement of a great future for the preaching school in Tamale and the local congregation respectively. We indeed had a very eventful month that gave us hope for the future. May God be praised forever, Amen.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

Donation: The church witnessed many signs of maturity in the lives of the members as we continue to grow as a congregation. A female member of the congregation donated ten (10) pieces and children chairs to the congregation to help our children have good seats to sit on. We bless the Lord for her life. She asked the church not to disclose her identity, thank you Jesus.

Building project: With support of our Brother and friend Steven Ashcraft and others as well as the efforts of the church, construction work is speedily advancing to the glory of God. Wiring pipes are laid internally for wiring work in the month of August, while plastering work is speedily done as well. We pray for long life, good health and both spiritual and physical blessings be released into the lives of all who are making efforts for the growth and development of the Lord’s Church in Tamale Kpalsi South and all other places.

SCHOOL FENCE WALL

In the month of August also, funds were released for the continued plastering work on the school building fence wall. The school building as we know is in a square land, which is fully fenced nicely. One and half portions of the fence has already been plastered. In the month of August, the other half and another full portion of it was plastered successfully. We hope in the near future, the Lord will make a way for us to finish with the last part of it to complete all the eternal plastering work of the fence wall.

CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS AND VISITATION

We embarked on a major campaign for students and a visitation journey in the month of August across some major areas in Northern Ghana. It was a very fruitful Journey as many congregants, leaders and preachers of the Lord’s church were strengthened. This journey was done by Brother Albert and James respectively, who are both resident staff of Bear Valley Tamale.

We began the journey from Sogon number one and two through to Chamba. From Chamba, we came to Salaga District where we touched on places like Koani, Kulpy and its environs where congregations are located.  We continued our journey through Kpandai to Bimbila and its stretch through to Yendi. We proceeded to Zabzugu, Tatale, Sanguli, Mbolado and its localities where we spent the first day of week which fell on the 21st of August with the Mbolado and Jomoani congregations. While Brother Albert worshiped with the Jomoani Congregation, Brother James was with the Mbolado congregations respectively. Nearby communities that have congregations all came together at these two congregations to receive strengthening from these two brethren. The participation at these two congregations was great, encouraging and edifying respectively.

We continued with the journey on the 22nd of August to Yendi through Gushiegu to Gbingbani in the NorthEast Region, where we had another great evening Bible studies with the congregation and lodged there till the following day. We moved through Bunkurugu through Konkyengbura congregation to Kpinkpanyoung Congregation in the Upper East Region. Indeed it was a great experience to us who were privileged by the grace of God to be part of this wonderful and inspiring journey that was done in the interest of Christ. We met with some preachers at the Bazua Christian Mission to share some little information on our mission with them, but promised to be back on another well scheduled visitation to meet with congregations and leaders of the Church to edify and strengthen them.

Our messages were all centered on; the need to have strong leaders and preachers for the Church, the need to support working preachers to be effective for the Lord’s work, our willingness as a school to assist all congregations with the human resources at all times if seminars or programmes are organized by any congregation or group of congregations and need our assistance, the need to form evangelistic Teams to work together evangelized and strengthen our congregations and most importantly, recruitment of new students for our next academic year. All these messages were largely received with joy and appreciation to the glory of God.

Out of these subjects, Christ was also preached to congregants and non-Christians present in our gatherings to persuade them to come to Christ in Baptism. Two souls were added to the Church, at Chamba and Sanguli. Hallelujah.

OBSERVATION

We observed that:

1.      Consistent visitation to congregations and our passed students are working across the breath and length of Ghana is very instrumental in the future our noble school and the congregations

2.      It is necessary to build a very strong and close relation with the congregations in Northern Ghana by encouraging them to organize seminars and programmes in their locality and have us participate in them to build a very strong bond between the school and some of the congregations, if not all

3.      The proposal of the Evangelistic Teams that has been proposed by Brother Steven and that is been implemented in some areas in Northern Ghana is great idea that needs to be pushed to most areas where brethren has interest in evangelism

4.      We also saw the need to have time to time Biblical empowerment seminars in the school with our passed students and all other church leaders that wish to participate in them.

We are very positive of the future of Bear Valley Tamale and the Church in Northern Ghana as we hope all who have the opportunity to work for the Lord will do it sacrificially to secure their salvation.

God bless us all,

Bear Valley, Tamale

Doing very well in Tamale

OPERATING REPORT FOR JULY, 2022

We continue to give glory to God for the extraordinary blessings we enjoyed in the month of July, 2022. His blessing and grace upon us in Tamale Institute of Biblical studies is unmeasured. We praise Him also for all Bear Valley Schools across Africa and the World at large. We pray He continues to keep us all in peace and help do all things to promote him. Thank you Lord.

SECURITY DOGS

When Brother Steven visited Bear Valley Tamale campus, we came to an agreement to purchase two security dogs as safety, one of the safety measures for the protection of the campus. Funds were made available by Brother Steven to get them purchased. They are doing very well.

EVANGELISM AND CAMPAIGNS

The visit of our daddy, brother and good friend Steven as reported in the month of June stirred us up in the right direction as initiatives that have the potential to help us position the church and school in the right across the breath and length of Northern Ghana and Ghana as a whole possibly. As reported last month, Evangelistic Teams establishments were proposed by Brother Steven and were strongly accepted by all and one was instituted in the month of June in the Zabzugu area. Another was successfully instituted in the Bawku area in the month of July. These Teams have all scheduled to go strengthen one congregation each in their areas in the month of August. We pray the good Lord encourage and strengthen these men who have made this strong decision to work for the Lord and make an impact for the Lord’s Church. Brother James was delegated to go and help form the Team.

VISIT BY COORDINATOR AND JOSEPH

We were privileged to have Brother Steven in the month of June to empower us as well as Brother Kojo (the Coordinator) in the month of July for similar purposes respectively. These men make a lot of good additions to the school in Tamale anytime we have them with us. Brother Kojo’s coming was very fruitful also, as he taught the course of Preacher and His work, and also counseled us on many things. He spoke to us on keeping the environment clean, the best way to raise the security dogs that we purchased for the school, proper running of the school administratively, as well as working hard to grow the church in Kpalsi South. He also had time with the church as he taught in our Wednesday Bible class on “Some Ways to become a good Christian.” We pray the good Lord bless you people for your strong concern for the school, the Kpalsi South Congregation and God’s Kingdom. We appreciate your efforts.

Brother Joseph Traugott who is in Gushegu visited us in Tamale in the month July, 2022. According to him, he came to Tamale to visit his wife, who happens to be worshipping with the Tamale East Congregation and took the opportunity to come and see where the school is. We had a very warm discussion, and he invited us to also try to visit him at Gushegu. We praise God for his life.

ACADEMIC WORK

In the month of July, we had three courses taught to the glory of God. This current batch is almost done with their time for the Diploma course they are embarking on. The Book of Revelation was taught in the month of July by Brother Albert Tamanja, Christian Leadership by Brother James Legend and Preacher and his Work by Brother Kojo respectively. After these courses, the students went for a break to attend to their congregations and family issues and come back for their term. We are scheduled to have an evangelistic campaign when they are back for their last term as well as a three days seminar that brings together past students and preachers as well church leadership in the Northern sector.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

We continue to grow gradually spiritually, numerically and physically. In the month of July 2022, one additional soul was added to the church to the glory of God. Praise God. We thank the Lord for the lives of all who are helping us in areas to become good servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Modestor Afia was born to Mr. Gmayann and Mrs. Mafoti in the year 1985 at Chamba. She grew to become a member of the Church of Pentecost in 2005. Baptized in the Church of Pentecost, she was a strong Pentecost member. She got married to Albert Tamanja Malir in 2007.

Brother Albert who was a member of the Lord’s Church persuaded her till the year 2018, she finally got added to the Lord’s Church in Chamba. She has been a faithful member of the Lord’s Church till date.

She and Brother Albert Tamanja are blessed with four Children, three boys and one girl. She is currently pregnant with the firth child to the glory of God. We pray the Lord helps her through this journey successfully once again.

Madam Modestor currently works with the Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies as the chief servant who serves the students with the meal to enable them to study the courses. She has been a good cook for the students since she took this responsibility on herself. Her husband also works with the school currently as a resident instructor.

Sister Modestor also serves the local congregation of Kpalsi South faithfully. She prepares the Lord’s Table every first day of the week for us to partake. We give God glory for her life and pray the Lord continues to be merciful to her and her children and husband. Amen!

Thank you,

Bear Valley Tamale

Tamale school encouraged by Steven Ashcraft's visit

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, 2022 

It is a great joy and blessing being productive and rendering services to mankind and to God our maker. This was how we felt in the month of June, 2022 being a month that brought a lot of promising futures for us in Bear Valley Tamale in our line of work as servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. We praise His wonderful name now and forever.

ACADEMIC WORK

Students were back in full school in the month of June, 2022 and we were active with our academic work as we tried to finish strong. This batch of students have nearly finished their two years Diploma course successfully. We give the Lord glory for their lives and for what God has so far done with them. These are the courses that were taught in the month of June; Christian Ethics (Daniel Adjei Mensah), Research Work and Writing with basic grammar work (James B. Legend), 1, 2 and 3 John and Jude (Daniel Adjei Mensah) and the Book of Romans (James B. Legend). These courses were successfully taught to the glory of God.   

SCHOOL FARMS

As we did last year with the help of Brother Steven Ashcraft to help the school in Tamale find ways to complement the feeding expenses of our students now and in the future, we have reinvested the funds of what we made from last year’s farming produce into cultivating another farm, hoping for a much better return. Last year, we made a farm of five acres of maize and five acres of soybeans with a sum of five thousand Ghana cedis. The maize couldn’t produce well due to where we farmed it and the raining pattern at that area. However, the soybeans were able to complement the maize to help us make some profit. After sales of all the produce, we had a total sum of seven thousand five hundred cedis. This year, we have expanded the farm a bit. We have made nine acres of soybeans and two and half acres for maize respectively. We are hoping and praying the Lord adds His blessings for it to bring some good rewards. 

 SCHOOL GARDEN

We have harvested the groundnut successfully and the land is being prepared to sow some maize, beans, and also use part of it for our irrigation project. We thank Brother Keith, Kojo and Steven for working with other people to help us gradually deal with some of the major challenges we have in Bear Valley Tamale.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

The Kpalsi South Congregation continues to stand firm in worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ with sound doctrine as well as working hard to continually grow numerically, spiritually and physically.  

Thanks be to God, Brother Steven Ashcraft, our Brother, friend and father in the faith was with us in the month of June to strengthen us. He taught us on our Wednesday teaching service, which was on the 22nd of June, 2022. He gave us a wonderful and a very persuasive, inspiring lesson on our mission as Christ followers. He spoke extensively on Discipleship and the need for us as a church to make efforts and to go out and disciple others by studying with them in order to get them converted into the church. We bless the Lord for His life and all the sacrifices he is making for Africa and the world. 

EVANGELISM AND CAMPAIGNS

The visit of Brother Steven to Bear Valley Tamale brought a lot of encouragement and some ideas that look very promising to revive the strength of the churches and the school in Northern Ghana on our strategies in evangelizing our communities and the unsaved in Northern Ghana. We had some great discussions and ideas that we can work with in making our preachers across Northern Ghana who are into evangelistic work be more productive. And that is to assist them to form evangelism teams to evangelize their communities by strengthening existing congregations and also establishing new ones when possible. And the second work of these evangelism teams is also to teach these congregations to be fully involved in planting new congregations or evangelistic work continually. We believe this will also be an avenue for us to make some good recruitment of students for the school. 

Furthermore, the visit of Brother Steven also saw him give us some guidance on how we can keep better records and also some more effective ways of running things in the school to help us as individuals and as a team. We very much appreciate him for his efforts and concern for us and the school in Northern Ghana. God bless you sir.

EVANGELISTIC TEAMS

We have by the grace of God in the tail end of June after the visit of Steven been able to start the process of organizing the evangelistic teams proposed by him. We were able to meet with some preachers in the Zabzugu, Tatale and Sanguli area to share the idea of the evangelistic team to them. They quickly embraced the idea. We are therefore hoping the Lord guides them in all that they will be doing towards this topic.  

All thanks to God who made the heavens and the earth for all His mercies and blessings upon us. Amen!

 Thank you,

Bear Valley Tamale.

Tamale school students and staff visit and encourage congregations

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2022

There were a series of successful events that took place at the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Tamale campus in the month of April, 2022. These events were successful by the direction and guidance of the Almighty God, who made both the heavens and the earth. We praise His name forever.

ACADEMIC WORK

The doors for the Kpalsi South congregation building were fixed and painted in the month of April by the support and help of God’s servant Steven Ashcraft, who made the funds available. We continue to pray that the good Lord bless him and his family and all the people who consistently make things possible sacrificially for the body of Christ across the world especially, Northern Ghana. We in the Kpalsi South Congregation are grateful for all the kind gestures shown to us.

We are currently working on ways to do the outside and inside plastering of the building. For now, we are able to move in and start worshiping as we work on the other things that are left to be done. We give God the glory for how far He has brought us. We continue to do our door to door Evangelism as we schedule to do some mini public preaching and events with the view of persuading people with the Gospel of Christ.

 SCHOOL GARDEN

We have successfully harvested our corn from the garden we did. It produced very well and the ground-nuts are almost ready for harvest. It has worked successfully and we are ready for a garden takeoff. 

The rains have also started and we have cultivated ground-nut and some vegetables on the school land. We are hoping to harvest them in a few months’ time and cultivate maize again. We are determined to do all year-round farming on the school land in an effort to leverage some of the feeding expenses if possible. We believe the Lord blesses the steps of a good man and He will bless our efforts. 

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Samuel Saakuu Baaru, born on the 4th of March 1978 in a traditional home in the Lawra municipality in the Upper West Region is the person we profiled for the month of April, 2022. 

He is the first born boy of his parents. Being a traditional home, he was to inherit all the idols and properties of the family. To the dismay of his parents, he disappointed Mr. Baaru and the family in 1991 when he got baptized into the church. Three months after his baptism, the leader, Anthony Ferah left for the Bible school in Accra, and at that time all faithful Christians were women with a few casual male members.

Brother Saakuu was taken through some leadership training by nearby congregations like the Wa and the Tumu congregations and was asked to lead the congregation in the absence of the preacher till he completed his program. 

When the preacher returned, Samual Saakuu enrolled for project Timothy. He was an SHS graduate at that time, which was the year 1998.  After completing project Timothy, the District Assembly sponsored him from 2001 to 2004 to go and do an NVTI grade one and two courses. He also completed and graduated from Methodist University College in the year 2011. He went further to do his National service with MOFA (Ministry of Food and Agriculture). He applied again for voluntary service with MOFA after his national service, where he was sent to Ullo (A city in the Upper West Region)

While he was on voluntary service, he had a job appointment with OLAM Ghana LTD (A Cotton and Food Processing Company) as a cotton production officer.  Through that work together with his desire to serve the Lord, which he did, he went around and helped establish the Kogri Congregation, the Ullo, and Genvuori congregations around the Lawra area. He is currently working with the Kogri Congregation as well as working with the Ghana Culture. 

VISITATION AND CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS

 Sogon 1 and 2: Brother Albert Tamanja embarked on a visitation journey to Sogon number 1 and 2. He took the opportunity to encourage these congregations to work hard to serve the Lord and to also encourage the youth to take up their responsibility by enrolling into the Bible school to help with the work of our Lord. He stressed the importance of working for the Lord. He spent quality time with both congregations to strengthen them. They appreciated his presence and expressed the importance of the school having a good relationship with them by visiting them consistently.  

Lawara: Brother James B. Legend in the month of April made a visitation journey to the Upper West Region in the effort to create opportunity for the recruitment process of our next batch of students. On this journey, he visited the Lawra town congregation as well as the Tovuori area where Brother Samuel Saakuu lives. There were discussions on the need to establish a new congregation at Tovouri. He further went to the Nadoli and Busie congregations as well as the Jirapa area where he met with Brother Donzie Thomas. 

Yua: On a similar purpose in the month of April, Brother James B. Legend made a visitation journey to the Yua congregation in the Pormoligu Segrigu municipality in the Upper East Region. The Yua Congregation has a membership of 21, out of which only three are men. They have no trained preacher, as they struggle to worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ with the help of Baaba Akolgo James. Baaba James is in his 70s and has no formal education and cannot read, nor write, and yet is the one that leads the Congregation. He is very zealous and enthusiastic about serving the Lord.  Baaba James is the Father of Baaba Elijah who graduated from Bear Valley Tamale Campus some years ago and also benefited from one of the two motorcycles that were bought to aid some of the preachers in Northern Ghana. By the grace of God and with the help of Brother James Legend of (BVBI Tamale) and Baaba Elijah, Brother Baaba James is able to successfully lead this congregation for two years now. Baaba James Appealed for help from the school to come and assist them to evangelize the community and also help them with a trained preacher to make the work more effective in the area. He appreciated the school coming to encourage them through Brother James Legend.

Indeed, visitation is very essential for the future and the growth of our schools, especially in Northern Ghana.

We thank the Lord and all brethren who are making these activities possible by sacrificially making the funds available to support. 

 God Bless everyone.

Bear Valley, Tamale.

Great work in northern Ghana

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2022

We greet you all from Bear Valley Tamale in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, who died to give us the opportunity to reunite with our Maker. We, in Bear Valley Tamale also thank God for granting us the opportunity to serve in His Kingdom. As is required by us monthly, we wish to report on events and activities that took place here in the month of March 2022 both within and outside of campus

ACADEMIC WORK

Lectures were very successful in the month of March with all our resident staff teaching. We are also working collectively together with our able coordinator to bring on board additional visiting instructors who are sound in doctrine to handle some of our short courses. As it stands now, there are three resident instructors (Brother Albert Tamanja, Adjei Mensah the director and Brother James Legend). We also have Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, our Coordinator as a permanent visiting instructor, and Brother Steven Ashcraft as one of the visiting instructors also. Some of the sound trained preachers in Northern Ghana are also sometimes appointed to come and teach some of the short courses. We are working to bring some more sound and qualified visiting instructors for some of our short courses as some of our instructors are aging and are not that strong enough, especially those in Northern Ghana to help with the teaching.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

A lot of progress is going on with the Kpalsi South Church of Christ, both on our church building and that of our evangelistic work. Your support and our efforts as a church collectively are producing fruits gradually.

Evangelism: The month of March was a joyful month for us as our evangelistic work saw the Lord through the Gospel added three souls to the church. Two sisters and one brother got baptized and were added to the church. Praise God, Amen.

Church Building: As projected in the month of February report, the inside flooring of the church has been done successfully as well as the fixing of the burglar proofs. We have also received funding from Brother Steven to fix the doors also. The Lord bless you all who are helping to make things a bit easy for us here in Tamale in our efforts to worship our maker.

PURCHASE

As it’s generally said by many, “cleanses is next to godliness,” and for that matter, it’s necessary to keep our compound need and hygienic for our own health sake. In the month of March, some detergents were bought as well as toiletries and durable buckets to aid our students. We appreciate our sponsors and all the Christians who are playing different roles in the running of things in Bear Valley Tamale and all the other campuses across the world. The Lord blesses you all.

GRADUATION

In our efforts to create a very good relation and friendship across the length and breadth of Northern Ghana and also link up with churches for smooth recruitment for our next batch of students, we attended a graduation ceremony for Project Timothy in Yendi in the month of March, 2022. Project Timothy is a leadership program that is run around the Yendi and Saboba area in Northern Ghana. Having one of our current students (Laar Fredrick) who were part of the grandaunts, we saw the need for us to attend the event and to also network with congregations who participated in the event. It was worth it as some relationships were built.

IRRIGATION

We are succeeding with the small piloted garden we did. As reported last month, we harvested Okro, Cucumbers and some other local vegetables successfully. It has been very encouraging to be honest. We also harvested watermelons successfully. We are currently waiting to harvest our first fresh dry season maize and groundnut. All glory to God.

We are now hoping to get some funds to set up a proper irrigation system for the growing of permanent vegetables and other crops.

We thank the Lord for all His mercies and kindness towards us.

Bear Valley, Tamale

Tamale school has many irons in the fire

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2022

Once again, the Lord who has the power over grace has shown His grace to us here in Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies in the month of February 2022. We acknowledge that not all mankind has had these special blessings of peace, unity, mercy and all the providential things we enjoy as His people here in Bear Valley, Tamale. We glorify His name unconditionally. Many activities have also taken place in the month of February that we need to report to you.

ACADEMIC WORK

The month of February was effectively utilized for academic activities. Students were on campus and a series of courses were taught through almost the whole month. Between the first and the 25th of February, all attention was on full academic activities. Courses taught were: Pastoral Epistles by James Legend, Denominational Doctrine by Daniel Adjei Mensah, 1&2 Peter by Thomas Donzie and Research and Writing by James Legend respectively.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

The church out of its giving has made burglar proofs for the windows of the chapel which we are working on. We have also arranged to have a mason in the month of March to come fix the burglar proofs and work on the inside ground floor plastering work.

We are hoping to start worshipping in the chapel while we work on it in the month of April. Our major challenge now is the doors and the outside plastering work. We pray and hope the Lord makes a way for us to get this also done. For the inside plastering and the windows and the other finishing work, we can take our time and do them. The doors have become one of the big challenges because, almost every night, we must go chase people away from smoking inside the chapel. We are hopeful the Lord will see us through.

 IRRIGATION

The aim of the great support Healing Hands International has given us in the area of water can’t be forgotten. Indeed, the water has benefitted the school greatly and given us a double assurance in the area of water supply. It has also served the community very well. We believe it’s a tool of showing Christ to the people. One of the roles of this water also is to serve us in the area of irrigation. Because of the weather condition in Northern Ghana in the dry season as reported in earlier reports, it has made it difficult for us to do irrigation in the past two years since this well was drilled for us and its subsequent being mechanized.

We have been looking for ways to make this irrigation work become a reality to help cut down some of the expenses of feeding the students. In January of this year, we gave it a hard try in a small way, and it seems to be working successfully. Currently, though not much, we are harvesting some okro, Ayooyo (local vegetables) and cucumbers.  We have sowed some maize and watermelons that are doing very well. We are therefore confident now and are trying to seek help to set up a good irrigation system.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Brother Snell Kwasi Owusu Odame is the man we profiled for the month of February 2022. Odame is one of the grown and matured students of the 2021/22 batch of students. Owusu Odame was born on the 4th of July 1976 in Accra, Maprobi in Dansoman area. Mr. Odame is married to sister Evelyn Owusu Odame with four children.

Brother Owusu Odame did his basic education in Accra, Dansoman at St. Anthony Basic school. He proceeded to do his secondary education in the Central Region at Fijai secondary school. He continued from there to the Takoradi Technical Institute where he studied electrical installation and came out with an intermediate certificate. He also did his tertiary education at the Takoradi Poly where he graduated with Electrical Engineering Technician 1 and 2. He proceeded with the Technician 1 & 2 certificates to work a bit and came back to the same institution to complete the Technician 3 certificate.  

Brother Odame has some great working experiences. He has worked with the West Africa Woods Industry as an administrator between the years 2002 and 2005. He has also worked with a multimedia group, specifically, Love FM in Kumasi between 2005 and 2007. He also worked with the Electricity Company of Ghana in the period of 2008 to 2018.

Mr. Odame was baptized into the church in the year 2000 by one brother Kingsley Edu in Kumasi, precisely, the Bomso Church.

He is currently offering the Diploma Course with the Bear Valley Tamale campus, hoping to work fully for the Lord.

Glory be to our God. Amen.

Bear Valley, Tamale.

Evangelism in northern Ghana

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY, 2022

The year 2022 started in a very positive mood for us in Bear Valley Tamale campus. The month of January started in a very highly spirited way for us as we had some positive things happening to us just right at the beginning of the month. We began the month with smiles as one of our major challenges was addressed successfully.

PA. SYSTEM FOR EVANGELISM AND MISSION WORK

The Lord Jesus continues to smile at us at Bear Valley Tamale campus. Our missionary journey to Sogon number 1 in the month of November 2021 encountered a lot of challenges, especially with our sound system. At some point, we had to rely on just one speaker to preach at the public preaching. All the same, the Lord still did His work successfully. Notwithstanding, having a listening and a God centered coordinators and men who care for the Kingdom of God, our cry was heard and this challenge has been addressed efficiently. We took delivery of a powerful sound system (two speakers and two horns, two microphones with cords and one complete cordless microphone). We give glory to God for the lives involved in solving this all-important challenge for us, especially Brother Kojo who is always working behind the scenes to get things done. We can never forget our hard and strong Brother, Steven, who has an unending sacrificial life and passion for the work of God across Africa and the world. The Lord bless all who made it possible for us to consistently have a smooth running of activities in Northern Ghana.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

The Kpalsi South Congregation is indeed growing strongly in all areas that are concerned as we continue to teach the undiluted doctrines of Christ. One of the members (Brother Godson) presented a 43 inches television set to the Church to be given to the school for the students to have a current television to be able to watch news and relevant information as ministers of Christ. God bless him greatly.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Classes began for the year 2022 on the 10th of January, 2022 where Marriage and Home and Old Testament 5 were taught by Brother Daniel Adjei Mensah and Brother Albert Tamanja Malir before and after the joint campaign with our brethren from Accra Doboro campus. Apart from one student (Brother John Mbing-Wajah) who couldn’t make it back in January because of health challenges, all of them resumed back successfully. We also had a new student coming from the North-East Region by name Laar Fredrick.  We are working hard to add some few students to this batch so they can be a foundation for our next recruitment.  

JOINT EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN AT SOGON NUMBER 2

We left Tamale on the 17th of January, 2022 around 11:28pm to Sagon 2. We got to the location around 3:14pm. We rested and did the necessary protocols and prepared the grounds to begin the work the next day.

On the 18th of January 2022, as we were preparing in the morning to go for the door-to-door evangelism, the brethren from Accra joined us and together we went out and studied with many. In the evening we went for public preaching. After showing the passion of Christ movie a bit, Brother Emmanuel from Accra preached on “Sin and its effect.”

On Wednesday, 19th January, 2022, we continued with the door-to-door studies with the people of Sagon 2. God willing some were baptized and, in the evening, we did the public preaching on “The Plan of Salvation” by Brother Elijah Baba, one of past students who benefitted from the motor cycle support last year.

On Thursday, the 20th of January, 2022 dawn we went for dawn broadcasting and afterward continued with the door-to-door studies and in the evening, we continued with the public preaching where “The New Testament Church” was made known to the people by one of the Accra brothers (Brother Dominic). Some people also were baptized on this day.

On the 21st of January, 2022 which was Friday, after morning devotion and other preparation, we continued as usual with the door-to-door sharing of the Gospel. Later in the evening preacher Godwin from Accra preached on “Worship of the Church.”

On Saturday, 22nd January 2022, we went round to visit and encourage brethren who made the right decision and have been added to the church and also reminded them of our meeting on the first day of the week to worship God. We also discussed some of our prospects and invited them to the public preaching. In the evening public preaching, Brother James Legend spoke on “The Judgement of God”, bringing our public preaching to a close for Sogon number 2. Haven closed a bit early, we on that same night went to Nayeli, a village around Sogon number 2 where they were inviting us to come to them and we showed part of the passion of Christ to them and also shared the Gospel with them. And that brought our work for this missionary journey to a close.

On Sunday, 23rd January, 2022, after morning devotion we split ourselves into three groups such that, some worshiped at Chamba, others at Sogon 1 and the rest with Sogon 2. 

At the end of the whole campaign, twenty-one (21) souls were baptized within the week. Eight (8) other souls were restored.

At the point of departure, we saw the need to let some brethren stay behind to help set things in order as we search for a preacher for the congregation. Two of our past students who are preaching for Agatusi (Elijah Baaba) and Sanguli (Alex Mabi) stayed back to help strengthen the congregation. As at the point of completing this report, they had also baptized 20 souls in addition to the 21 we baptized on the missionary journey, making a total of 41 souls with 8 restored. Leaders have since been consecrated to help in the running of the congregation before they left. The chamba congregation and the preacher for Sogon number 1 are tasked to collectively help the leaders at Sogon number 2 to stand firm and to maintain the doctrine of Christ as we search for a permanent preacher for them.

By all standards, we had a very fruitful evangelistic journey.

 We give the glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Bear Valley Tamale

Reaching northern Ghana for Christ

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 2021

The author and finisher of our faith began, and also finished well with us the month of December, 2021 successfully. Students went on holidays immediately after the campaign at Sogon Number 1. We (the staff) continued to work on relevant things administratively to keep the School and the Church in order. There were activities that also took place both within and outside the campus.

STAFF MEETING

Our periodical administrative and staff meeting came on, on the 1st of December, 2021. This was to help us review the year 2021 in general and to make amends where necessary. Indeed, we realize we have a long way to go in meeting up with our responsibilities and tasks towards the work in Northern Ghana and the school. Some have to do with our strategy for recruitment of new students, farming to support the school, especially, how to put up the gardening system for the school on the school land. We realize, putting up a garden in the North, especially on our land, will need a heart resistant vegetable as well as a proper watering system. We concluded that we all needed to double our efforts in the year 2022 to bring much productivity.

SEMINAR AND BIBLE CAMP

Bazua Seminar: Brother James B. Legend had an invitation to speak at a two days seminar at Bazua on the 3rd and the 4th of December, 2021 which he honored. The event brought together preachers and church members both males and females across the length and breadth of the Upper East and the North East Regions respectively. The Theme of the program was “The Christian Responsibility”. It was organized by the churches of Christ around the Bawku area in collaboration with the Bazua Christian Mission center. Two topics were treated under the theme. “The Christian Responsibility in the Family and in the Church” were the topics that were taught. These topics were taught by brother James B. Legend of Bear Valley Tamale. At the end of the program, one soul was baptized to the glory of God. We also took the opportunity to sell the school to the participants as well.

Northern Bible Camp: Brother Albert Tamanja Malir also in the month of December 2021 Participated in the Northern Region annual Bible camp held at Salaga-Lolotu community on the 17th of December, 2021. The Theme for the event was; "Repackaging the Church to The Current Society." Topics treated were: "Christian Influence" by Salaga preacher (Ulanja Emmanuel and his translator was Albert Malir Tamanja), "The work of the holy spirit" by Preacher Dawuni Ishmael (from Zabzugu-Mbolado and his translator was Alex Jabado) and "Christian unity" which was also taught on the second day which was on the lord's day by Preacher George Talafor and his translator Ishmael Dawuni, whiles the Lord supper was led by Albert Malir Tamanja. 

Another topic covered was "The Responsibility of The Members to The Preacher" by brother and leader from Saboba Church of Christ namely Tilako Adolf. There were questions in every lesson and seasonal preachers like Owusu, Nipak, Alex, Dasah and the like helped with the support of scriptures. This camp was the ever successful one recorded according to participants and the enthusiasm one could behold.

The school sent Brother Albert Malir Tamanja to attend purposely to use the occasion to campaign for more students, I arrived on the very 17/12/21 and was also involved in every activity that took place for three. I announced the presence of the forms, one form was taken by Preacher Nipak before I went, he already told me that he has a prospective student. More assurance was given as members gave their concerns about the inadequate number of preachers.

Preacher Owusu reminded me about the leadership training in the Salaga area, he has had four more candidates.

Attendance for the camp was 364, and the Sunday giving was 638.00

The northern region annual Bible camp for 2021 was encouraging and inspiring thus the leadership met and proposed Saboba as the next year camp venue God's willing.

There were six souls added to Loluto Church of Christ in the course of the camp.

SOUTH KPALSI CONGREGATION

The roofing work for the Kpalsi South Church of Christ chapel was completed in the month of December. Indeed, it looks beautiful and very spacious for a good foundation or starting congregation like us. All thanks to God and Brother Steven and his wife, our dear mother and all the individuals who have contributed to bring this building this far. We can’t forget Brother Kojo who Nicodemusly added his efforts to push this work forward until now. The Lord bless you all.

We are in another stage and the local Church has seen all the sacrifices being done and we are equally standing up to the task to do what we can do as the Lord shows us mercy.  The congregation out of our giving has also taken steps to get a welder to make the burglar-proofs for the windows while we look for alternative measures to get the doors fixed as well as the screeding work done for the inner floor for us to move in there and start worshiping. We believe God has been graciously good to us by bringing men and women who understand and love the work of God around us as a congregation to sacrificially support us this way. All praises to Him alone. Amen.

We are also scaling out strategies to do a strong and effective door to door evangelism consistently, taking advantage of the students on campus to send the Gospel out to all the neighborhood again. We know we have a very hard ground here, yet, our God is stronger and harder than any ground being the creator of all things.

The Lord bless us all, Amen.

Thank you,

Bear Valley Tamale