Graduation in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Compliments of the season to you and your family. We do hope the season is treating you well. We are very grateful to God for His guidance and protection for us from January to December as we are left with just a few days until the end the year 2024. This report, will mark the end of the reports concerning the 7th or ETA batch of students that God placed in our hands to train and to help to transform, in the Bear Valley Bible Institute Cameroon -Wotutu.  Their graduation ceremony was a huge success. All glory goes to God!

The 7th valedictory night took place in the new chapel hall. Bear Valley students, their families, and others, congregated in the hall by 6 PM on the 11th of December 2024, for a session of prayers, and to usher the students into the wilderness for full time ministry in the Christ. It is always a solemn time, to be able to give a profile of each student to the congregation, and for them to be encouraged and advised by other preachers, by elders, and by the instructors of the Bear Valley Bible Institute. It is time for us to give a final word to them, and to say good-bye as they go to preach the gospel, and develop the church of Christ, in the country of Cameroon. Please keep them in your prayers as they enter the field.

  Everyone always has a great time during a portion that has been a tradition in the Bear Valley Bible Institute. That is graduation morning when the coordinator and director organize a special breakfast for the graduating class and many others who will join us and benefit from it. The aim of this event is or us to serve our students with breakfast, so as to follow the example of Jesus, washing the feet of His apostles, and then telling them to go and serve people and not to go to be served by them. The 2024 graduation ceremony had the theme, “IT’S TIME TO GO,” from Isaiah 6:8. We started having a graduation theme and a breakfast during the alpha batch and the process has continued. We served breakfast alongside our visitors from Schrader Lane which included two elders, one preacher, and two sisters from that congregation. Please keep them in your prayers as they fly back home today. Brother David Ballard is already in Chad, as they will have their first graduation ceremony there this week.

God is faithful, as we have now successfully trained another class of preachers. This batch started with 22 students, but 4 of them fell along the line because they could not cope with the studies. By His grace, this batch of 18 graduates have brought the total number of men that we have graduated from Wotutu to 132. Some have passed away and a very small number have fallen away, but we thank God that the greater part of them, are still very active in the field preaching and teaching.  The church is ever growing under their care. These soldiers of Christ are ready to storm 18 different locations in the country of Cameroon to diminish the kingdom of satan. They are prepared and ready. They are not only ready for the work, they are excited to have the opportunity to work, for the Lord. They will always have at the back of their minds, or motto which is “EVANGELISM IS OUR MISSION, AND OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM.”

Plans

We have from now, until the beginning of next year, 2025, to rest small and then to start preparing for the next class of students in the Bear Valley Bible Institute Cameroon -Wotutu. Please continue to keep this work in your thoughts and prayers.

Appreciations

Thank you! Thank you very much for all you are doing for the work entrusted in our hands. God is watching, and will reward you in due season. Don’t give up! Please again by sharing our reports with others.

We wish for you, a new year, that will be full of His grace and blessings. We will see you in 2025, God willing.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director of the BVBIC-Wotutu

A great year in Warri

OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2024 

INTRODUCTION

It is that time of the year when we take statistics of the journey through the year. All thanks to the Almighty God for grace to recount. It has been a very challenging year ranging from economic to spiritual battles both within and without. However, thanks be to God for the grace to survive. We appreciate the Bear Valley Family for enabling the churches in Nigeria and Africa to wake up to the call. May the God of all grace bless everyone who is working on the field, the international coordinators who fly from one country to another preaching and supplying the needs of the brethren as well as the very ones providing the funds to continue this great work.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

DSC CENTER

In the month of October Solomon Usim continued the studies in the book of Revelation II. The study showed that regardless of what the Red Dragon (the Old Serpent) and the Beast, both the Land and the Sea Beast, the persecuted Christians had comfort in ultimate victory. That the Lamb would be victorious in the ensuing battle of Armageddon. It was a comforting study for all the students in the presence of the current challenges. A total of 20 students sat for the exams.

Classes resumed in the month of November. Iduh Odike explored various themes in the Minor prophets. The Minor Prophets are not minor in their work for God but by their writings and for the purposes of classification. The study related to an understanding of God's love, anger and punishment for Israel and other nations. A total of 17 students sat for the exams.

PTI CENTER

Abiola Ojoade resumed with the students in the month of October. The course was Minor Prophets. The Minor Prophets are minor in their volume of writings but not in their work for God. The course demonstrated God's love, mercy, anger and Judgement upon Israel and other nations. A total of eleven (11) students sat for the examination.

In November, Solomon Usim discussed the course Intertestamental Period. It was an exciting experience as the students were led into the history behind the New Testament. The Old Testament closed without any mention of the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Sanhedrin. The role of the Maccabees and the introduction of the feast of dedication. A total of eleven (12) students sat for the examination.

UGHELLI CENTER

Iduh Creed Odike discussed the course Personal Evangelism 1. The course deals with how one can reach out to individuals and groups, and evidence about the originality of the gospel for salvation. The students were excited about new methods to conduct effective Bible studies and reaching out to the lost souls. A total of 8 students sat for the examination.

In the month of November, Enite Bliss Ibuje taught the course The New Testament Church. The New Testament Church is not just a part of God's eternal purpose, it is God's eternal purpose. The New Testament church is God’s channel through which mankind can be saved in these last days. It is compared to the Ark of Noah without which no man can be saved. Exactly eight (8) students sat for the examination.

CAMPAIGN

On Saturday, 23rd November 2024, the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Nigeria- Warri students, conducted a gospel outreach at Oghara in Etiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. After the preaching exercise, the students encouraged the church of Christ that meets behind General Hospital Oghara. The congregation is small and needs help. Oghara is a very big town with little church of Christ presence. There is much to be done at that place. At the end of the program Noble Oghenegueke was baptized to the glory of God. The Warri centers continually request prayers so that young Noble remains committed to the course of Christ.

Moreover, between the 15th and 17th of November, the Bear Valley Bible Institute students embarked on another campaign to encourage the new congregation planted November 2021 at Oghior town, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. The members of the congregation have been encouraged by the exercise. As at the time of this report, no baptism has been recorded. The preacher, Philip Ayemoro expresses gratitude and optimism on the outcome of the evangelism exercise.

CHALLENGES AND PROSPECT

The challenges of life are not peculiar to any people. However, the bad leadership in Nigeria is more like the tsunami in the west. The economic hardship is telling. Some of our very good students are dropping because of the hike in transportation. This hike resulted from the exorbitant price of premium motor spirit (PMS). It has made travelling very unbearable. To this end, we must thank the Bear Valley family and the international director for encouraging our finances. It must be noted that one or two of such students, who travel from afar, could return to school if something can be done to alleviate the transportation problems.

Moreover, the DSC center of the school would be rounding off her program by March next year. To this end, we have scheduled their lectureship and graduation to be on the 28th of February and 1st of March respectively. We request that you join us in prayers to enable us to achieve this lofty agenda. 

1.  Number of Students: Fifty-nine (59), Seventeen (17) at PTI, Twenty-seven (27) at DSC and Fifteen (15) at Ughelli center.

2.  Number of Graduates (if any this year) None

3.  Number of Campaigns: Three Campaigns at Ovwor Olomu, Oghara and Oghior Villages.

4.  Number of Baptisms: 66

5.  Number of any New Churches Planted: One. (Church of Christ Otor-Udu)

6.  Number of any Churches Restored: None

7.  Number of Teachers: Seven (7)

8.  Number of Restorations: None

CONCLUSION

To God be all the glory. It is another year of grace. We are thankful that we are almost at the end of another year. The work is growing while the hardship is hitting hard. This year has been very challenging. However, we have survived to this point. The initiative of the Bear Valley Family is worthy of commendation. The schools have created a reawakening even in hinterlands. Preachers are waking up even those we supposedly have forgotten are now coming back alive. New enclaves are coming back alive. New study centers are coming up. We pray that our loving Father will keep the work going to the glory of His name. Thank you so much for your unwavering support. God bless you!

Many activities in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus.

Grace and mercy be multipled unto you from God our Father and from Christ our Redeemer.

Here is the summary of our activities for the month of November 2024.

OVERVIEW:

1. Students four weeks Vocational Training/ Break 

2. Second Semester Lectures Begin 

3. Report for fellow workers 

4. Ijero -Ekiti and Kuta church planting 

STUDENTS' FOUR-WEEK VOCATIONAL TRAINING/BREAK: The vocational training and preaching outreach by BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN first- and second-year students, held from October 11 to November 8, led to the conversion of twenty people and the restoration of twenty-three erring brethren.

SECOND SEMESTER LECTURES BEGIN FOR THE 2024/2025 SET: The second semester commenced as planned on Monday, November 11, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on February 7, 2025, God willing. Seventeen first-year students and ten second-year students returned to campus between November 8 and 12 to begin the semester. Nine instructors—Bro. Eniafe Olukayode, Bro. Isaac Olaniyan, Bro. Makinde John, Bro. Israel Tajomavwo, Bro. Oladokun Samuel, Bro. Olugbenga Ojo, and myself, Bro. Makinde Ebenezer—along with Sister Oyenuga Esther and Bro. Folorunso Richard, who continue as computer operators, will be actively supporting the program this semester.

REPORT FROM FELLOW FIELD WORKERS:

Bro. Victor Smarter reported the conversion of a couple this November in Ussa, Taraba State.

Bro. Olorode Samuel noted the conversion of a young sister and the restoration of a family of two in Ode-Ajagba, Ondo State.

Bro. M.B. Archiborn shared the news of seven conversions during this month’s Bible Seminar held in Obot H village, Ikot Ekpene Area, Akwa-Ibom State.

 IJERO-EKITI AND KUTA-OSUN STATES PREACHING TRIP:

From November 15-17, a mass evangelism and Open-Air Bible Lectureship was held, attended by over twenty brethren from various congregations. The event was organized and sponsored by BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN. Eight of us from BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN graced the occasion, which led to the conversion of one woman.

From November 21-24, a similar mass evangelism and Open-Air Bible Lectureship took place in Kuta, Osun State, with over 40 brethren attending from different parts of the country. Additionally, there were 10 invitees, excluding children, in attendance. In attendance we had above 40 members at the evangelism, some of the members there were, Bro Oluwatobi , Bro Okanlawon Rokeeb, Bro Ayobami Ogunjimi, Bro Adebayo Oluleke, Bro Gideon Olaniyan, Bro Ajayi, Bro Adekunle Ademola, Bro Banke, Bro Ayaniyi, Bro Makinde, Bro Timothy Iwe, Bro Kayode Eniafe and the BVBIN students

The program was blessed with seven conversions and many prospects . Please continue to pray for the success of these two congregations.

The program in Kuta led to the establishment of the Church of Christ in Kuta, located on Railway Road, Iloro Area

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZES BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA.

We are pleased to announce that Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria has received the *Certificate of Incorporation**from the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, issued on November 22, 2024. 

This recognition grants us official status as one of the accredited Bible colleges in Nigeria and reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in education at all BVBIN campuses.

COMING EVENTS :

1.BVBIN Degree Program is coming up between December 02 through 13,2024 Lord's willing.

2. End of the year Open -Air Bible Lectureship at Ojoku village via Badeku on December 6-8 and Badeku/ Adigbe town on December 13-15,2024.

3.   23rd Annual Leadership Seminar of February 4-6 at BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN.

Guest Speaker: Bro. Chad Wagner (USA)

THEME: IMPLEMENTATION OF MINISTERIAL COUNSELING IN THE WORK OF A LOCAL CHURCH 

Sub topics:

1. The five fold of ministry....Bro. Makinde Ebens 

2. Counselor Resource center and Person Involved in Ministerial Counseling ....Bro. Fasonu Victor 

3. The place of prayer in Counseling....Bro. Ibanga Udoh 

4. Counseling Ethics and Qualifications ...Bro.Kumayon Olusegun 

5. Key To Effective and Efficient Counseling ....Bro. Tim Iwe 

6. The language of Counseling ....Bro. Oladokun Samuel 

7. Art of open -ended questions in counseling and discussions... Bro. Chad Wagner 

8. What To Do if the family is in  trouble ...Bro. Israel Tajomavwo 

9. "Competency- Based Counseling Model ....Bro. Chad Wagner 

10. Counseling the depressed and fearful and knowing when to refer.... Bro. Chad Wagner  

11. Counselling for those who are about to get married; a prerequisite to Church Growth - Bro. Ayobami Akanji 

12. Carrier , job security and Future Plan....Bro. Adelola Adebowale

13. Christians in the Business world; financial breakthrough or Financial Management In Economics Recession....Bro. Elijah Abire.

ABOUT A STUDENT

Bro. Dami Princewill Simon,born on August 24, 1994, into the family of John Michael in Panyam District, Mangu LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria, he experienced early family changes. His parents, Mr. John Michael and Mrs. Felicia Simon Dami, separated when he was just a year old, with his mother returning to her parents' home, where he was raised. Both parents remarried, and he grew up with his maternal grandparents.

He attended LGEA Primary School in Diyes-Bwor, Panyam District, and began his secondary education at Baptist High School Twaspughal-Bwor. Later, he transferred to Balka Community Secondary School in Chakfem, Mangu LGA, where he completed his studies. Seeking a deeper understanding of God's word amidst diverse interpretations, he decided to join the Southwest School of Evangelism (SWSE) in Ibadan.

Originally a member of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), he was admitted to the Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria and SWSE Ibadan in 2022. After two weeks of study with BVBIN & SWSE Ibadan, he was baptized. In 2023, he married Sister Forgiveness, also known as Nanret, who had been added to the Lord’s church before their marriage.

By God's grace, he began evangelizing in his village, Diyes-Bwor, in early January 2024. His efforts led to nine conversions and the establishment of a congregation in the village. Today, the Lord's Church in Diyes-Bwor has grown to approximately 15–20 worshippers.

In Conclusion: We appreciate you all for your partnership, encouragement and love. May the Lord continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus name, amen.

Sincerely His and yours In His Grace as a servant,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi 

The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW 

Leadership Conference in Arusha

Not long ago, the Andrew Connally School of Preaching hosted its annual lectureship, the Tanzania Leadership Conference.  This is a major event for us each year and it well attended by Christian leaders around East Africa.  Let me share with you the observations from one of the directors, Ahimidiwe Kimaro:

TANZANIA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

“I am so grateful to our almighty God for granting us a successful conference. The Tanzania Leadership Conference Is a leadership meeting which is set up for teaching, motivating, encouraging and helping preachers to know each other. This year’s topic was timely and sensitive. The theme was “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living” and    describes a lot of the existence of life. We dove deep into the wisdom from the Psalms and applyed it in our daily life. It was great moment to see the great preachers teaching the big crowd that gathered for learning.

“This year conference included many teachers from various churches. We were happy having brother Denny Petrillo who is the former president of Bear Valley Bible Institute. Denny has not been in Tanzania for over twelve years, and everyone was happy to see him. One of his lesson was “Contentment Despite Bad Times” from  Psalms 34:17-20.  This powerful text reads, ‘The righteous cried, and Jehovah heard, And delivered them out of all their troubles. Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: Not one of them is broken.’ This is one of the passage that really impacted me from the conference.

    “This year we had a growth of the participants compared with any other year. We had participants from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda Zambia U.S.A and Democratic 0f Congo. The number of participant’s ware one hundred and eighty. The participants enjoyed lessons much more due to good arrangement and good preparation from teachers as well.

 “The ACSOP student alumni meeting took place at the same time, and we thank brother Denny for the encouraging speech. Much more were done by these folks sharing experience and work Ideas. It turns out that the attendance of alumni was also increased from forty two last year to sixty seven this year. Please continue to pray for this work that God can open more doors to His word to be preached, thank you very much for reading and supporting this work.”

Let me add that I am very thankful to those who supported and participated in the conference from the local support staff who worked so hard to facilitate the event to the speakers who traveled so far.  I pray that God was pleased and glorified through this event.

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Mission Coordinator

Students in Takoradi, Ghana, host Campaign for Christ

OPERATIONAL REPORT NOVEMBER 2024

1.     CLASSROOM WORK

We thank God for seeing us all through to the successful end of another month. Main courses for the full –time students were completed in the first two weeks of the month. All the instructors completed their teaching by the end of the second week. This term, a total of five (5) courses were taught, and these courses were the last main courses for most of the students.

During the third week of the month, we had a campaign for Christ.

The last week of the month was used to study a short course on counselling which was taught by Joshua Aidoo.

Part –time classes continued for three weekends out of four. There was no class during the weekend of the campaign for Christ. As reported last month, the part-time students are studying Christian ethics and a short course on the epistles of Peter. There are the last two courses left for some of them to complete their two-year studies in the school.

2.     PERSONAL EVANGELISM AND BAPTISM

In the just ended month, the school went for campaign for Christ at Mpintin. Mpintin is the town where Joshua Aidoo preaches. The campaign was very successful, the Lord blessed our effort with nine (9) baptisms.

The campaign was attended by the current students and some past students.

Students in Sanniqullie, Liberia Participate in Weekend Evangelism in their studies

College view Community

Sanniquellie City, Nimba County 

October 2024 Operation Report

INTRODUCTION

We are very much grateful to God Almighty for His special grace thus, reaching us this far in the last month of the year 2024. Also, we appreciate the Bear Bible Institute Family for their meaningful supports to the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Liberia extension and other extensions around the world making sure that men and women are prepared to carry the Good News of Christ to the needed.     

Gospel Campaign

As part of our practical work and most importantly bringing the lost souls to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Students of Batch Four and Instructors of the Bear Valley Bible Institute-Liberia have successfully conducted their third Gospel Campaign to establish a new congregation in Kietomom Town, Nimba County, Liberia, on October 20, 2024 with 52 persons giving their lives to Christ through emersion in obedience of the gospel of Christ. This campaign brings the number of new congregations established by batch four to three (3), since their inception in January 2024. We request your prayers for those precious souls that our good Lord will guard them as they continue in the faith.

Weekend Evangelism And Preaching Assignments 

As we continue to mode the minds of our incoming gospel Ministers/Preachers, the administration of Bear Valley Bible Institute-Liberia keeps engaging them practically as part of their training.

As a requirement, the students are involved with door knocking (house to house evangelism) and preaching the gospel in the communities and other congregations in and around Nimba County during their weekend breaks. This measure is put in place to enable students carry on the practical aspect of their training in accordance with the school’s curriculum.

To accomplish these weekly tasks in the face of various challenges that has always been concerning transportation, rain and bad road conditions, committed Brethren of the Church and instructors of the institution continue to make individual sacrifices by providing means financially to help the students go out to various Congregations during the week ends for practices. They leave every Friday to their assigned areas after school to enable them carry on their door knocking (Personal Evangelism) before Sunday Worship Service.

Since the introduction of these exercises, their works in those different locations has tremendously helped the Church. Nine (9) baptisms were recorded from four (4) congregations visited by our students and many backsliding brethren restored in October 2024. This effort is not only affecting the church positively, but helping individual students with great experiences in field work and what will be expected in the future of their own ministries.

Please keep them in your daily prayers for God’s guardians as they continue this key aspect of their careers.

Academic Works

We remain grateful to God Almighty for His protections and care He continues to bestow upon us.  Since the relocation of the school from Ganta to Sanniquellie, we smoothly continued with various operations with staff and students performing their respective duties as required. We are always thankful and appreciative to the Bear Valley Bible Institute Colorado family for their unflinching supports, making sure that men are prepared to preach the Gospel and Lead the Church.

Batch Four graciously completed year one quarter three on November 3, 2024 and quarter four started Monday November 4, 2024. Please keep us in prayers as we strive to please our maker through this medium accordingly.

Courses for Batch Four, Year Quarter Four include:

1.    Personal Evangelism II

2.    The Epistles Of Peter & Jude

3.    The Epistles Of Thessalonians

4.    Leadership

5.    New Testament Worship

6.    Galatians

7.    English/Literature

8.    General Agriculture

9.    Computer Study

 Gospel literatures / Tracts Distribution continue

In an effort to make use of those tracts and other Gospel literature received on June 29, 2024 from Mission Printing, students of Bear Valley Bible Institute - Liberia continue the distribution in the communities of Sanniquellie and its environs including various congregations of Nimba Country.

The third Saturday of every Month is set aside by the school administration for personal evangelism which provides the opportunities for students to take out copies of gospel tracts for distributions and the Good News of Christ to the needed. These efforts are tremendously helping the evangelistic efforts of the school thus, converting souls and restoring more back sliders to Christ.

Please keep us in your individual prayers as we take on the task of propagating the gospel.

Kind Regards

Fester G. Lee

Bear Valley Bible Institute - Liberia

Successful Evangelistic Work from Students in Gueckedou, Guinea

Activity Operations Report for Oct. 2024 at the Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible lnstitute 

Dear brethren, fellow readers,

We bring you greetings in the precious name of Christ our Lord. 

Here again is the report of activities which took place here at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute for the month of October 2024. As usual, we are filled with gratitude to Almighty God and it is with pleasure that we share these events which are few, but important for this month. 

Classroom: The rest of the courses which started with the church of the New Testament and New Testament worship in late September by the Director, Francis Musa, were continued and completed with the Godhead of the trinity in October. 

Then bro Antoine Fassa Tolno took on Personal Evangelism followed by the French language course.

All these went well with a high level of students motivation. 

Personal Evangelism:

Little by little we strive to make Heaven rejoice for we are commanded to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season...". Former graduates, church members, staff and students are all involved in the spreading of the good news of salvation especially where we make the difference of the one true church. Through this, conversions took place in the cities of Conakry 2, Dabola 1, and the villages of Douadou 1 and  Mandou on the 6th (4) and the 27th (7). In total these make 15 baptisms. 

Follow up work:

Through the support of brother Steven we have made several follow up works of visits to teach, encourage and to strengthen brethren of various congregations especially the weaker and newly established. During this exercice, we also destributed raisins for the Sunday Lord's Supper worship and were opportuned to contact a certain nearby village where one of our evangelistic teams grasped the opportunity for what comes next in this report. 

Evangelistic team work:

One of our evangelistic teams in the country, the Yaladou kongonani team was able through the effort of brother Eloi Tolno, one of our great and dedicated evangelists to grasp an opportunity of contact to expand the salvation message and differenciate the one true church from any other. After a few weeks of discussions, bro Eloi, by the grace of God was finally able to establish a congregation in that village of Katcho when 6 precious souls accepted Christ though baptism on 27th October. 

So all of our evangelistic activities for this month resulted to 21 baptisms for which we are grateful to God and appreciate everyone of our supporters. May God be glorified in this too. 

As we said earlier of this month, the above are the few events with which we close our October report.

Photos are attached below. 

Until then, we remain,

Trainers of evangelists and preachers of the gospel.

Bible Institute continues to work in Ukraine

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters!

Current Situation in Ukraine

As of October and early November, the situation in Ukraine remains unchanged. Russia continues its intensive attacks across the country, primarily targeting the energy infrastructure, and unfortunately, they are succeeding. These strikes have also caused significant civilian casualties. Regrettably, we do not yet see a resolution to this crisis. However, we hold hope that the change in leadership in the United States may influence the situation in Ukraine positively. Please continue to pray for the end of this war and for God’s intervention.

Updates from the Bible Institute

The Bible Institute is functioning well. Students have returned from their practical assignments after their break. Here are the highlights:

• Vadim in Poltava: Brother Vadim has started preaching in Poltava. He is conducting classes with a good number of attendees.

• Maxim in Bila Tserkva: Brother Maxim is assisting Konstantin with preaching in Bila Tserkva. Additionally, he is actively engaged in humanitarian work. His responsibilities include organizing lessons, recording sessions, and distributing food packages.

• Nikolai in Poltava: Brother Nikolai conducted his practical assignment independently from Vadim in another congregation in Poltava. This congregation has a strong youth presence, and Nikolai successfully conducted lessons there.

Currently, Vladimir Pazy is teaching the course on The Book of Acts. Next week, I will begin teaching First and Second Thessalonians. We have also started drafting the schedule for the next semester, and I will soon provide updates on the subjects for which we need teachers.

Churches of Christ in Ukraine

The work in the Churches of Christ across Ukraine remains stable:

• Humanitarian aid is being distributed.

• Some locations have witnessed baptisms, for which we give thanks to God.

While the long-term effectiveness of this method remains to be seen, people willingly come for aid and stay to hear God’s Word.

We are immensely grateful to:

• Brethren from Romania, who frequently visit and assist the church in Chernivtsi.

• Brethren from the United States, who continue to find the financial resources needed to support these projects.

Personal Update

My family and I remain in Germany, waiting for the war to end. I have started learning German, and I am making good progress.

In addition, I am leading a small home Bible study group here, composed of Ukrainian refugees from Kharkiv. Please pray for these individuals, that they may come to Christ. If they do, there is hope for church growth in Kharkiv once the war is over.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the work of the Bible Institute and the Churches in Ukraine. Your contributions make a significant difference in these challenging times.

May God bless you abundantly.

Your brother in Christ,

Denis Sopelnik

Students learn the Bible and practical lessons in Tirupati, India

December 11, 2024

Reporting Letter for the Month of November-2024

Respected director Keith Kasarjian, our coordinator Mr. Mark Reynolds and all the prayer partners greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We pray that this letter finds you in good health. We thank you very much for your prayers and encouragement for the smooth function of the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh-State, India. We humbly submit the brief report for the month of November-2024.

Weather condition:-  as we live coastal side of the Bay of Bengal (Ocean) every year in the month of November we suffer due to cyclone effect. Last week of November for  5 days continually we had heavy rains. God is good to care for our family as well the members. We provide food for the needy during this emergency period.

Classroom work:- We continually conduct the classes. Before we start the classes we allow the students to have devotion. Then we have two sessions in the morning and two sessions in the evening. In the month of November we have covered book of Job , Psalms , Godhead , New Testament church etc..

Campaigning :- In the month of November we conducted two campaigns.

Baptism:- In the month of November 2 souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ.

We involved  the students in the following local church activities

Worship service:- Regular preaching and teaching at Tirupati and Vidyanagar churches of christ and other rural congregations. We involve the students in the church service.

Wednesday Bible study:-  We have completed teaching the parables of Jesus Christ in our Wednesday Bible study, now we are studying the Christian evidences.  Students are active in the midweek Bible study.

Children  classes:-  Children are learning stories, memory scriptures, participate in bible quiz. Teachers are active  in training them (1Timothy 6:4). BVBI students are trained well how to organize the children classes.

Youth class:- Young people in the local church are studying the basic lessons. There are seven young people who are near to baptism, please remember them in your prayers. Our Bear valley students are learning how to organize youth classes.

Women class:- Every Friday at 5pm sisters meet for Bible study , prayers. singing and fellowship.  They are active in growing spiritually.  Our students learn how to assist the local church sisters to grow spiritually.

Home Bible study:-  We got a new contact for the home bible study.  Mr. Zakary, his wife Ester, his two sons Daniel and Samuel. We hope that this family will obey the gospel. Another family from a nearby town is also interested in studying the truth. Please remember them in your prayers. We take the students for home Bible studies.

Bible camp for the disabled people:-  We try to use the opportunities to share the word of God. On November 5th I preached at the District disabled meeting. A few people are interested in studying with us personally. We teach the students how to use the opportunities to share the word of God.

Visiting leprosy colony:- We regularly visit  two leprosy colonies and share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ. On November 2nd my son Timothy and I visited leprosy colony at Kadaparoad. In this leprosy ministry we show the students how to assist them.

Thanksgiving meeting;- On November 6th I preached at a Thanksgiving meeting at Thummalagunta. Mr. Jaswanth and sister Feebe are strong members in our local church. They invited neighbors, relatives and members for the meeting. We had a wonderful opportunity to share the word of God. We invited students to observe how to organize the thanksgiving meeting.

Rurual villages visits:-  we visited Poolathota-village, Gottiprolu village and Kota village for preaching and teaching the word of God. We invited students to visit the rural areas.

Memorial meeting:- On November 26th we have attended for the memorial meeting at Muchalagunta-Village. I was given opportunity to preach the word of God to about 500 people. I taught the lesson from 1 Kings 2:1-11.  I took 4 students to attend for this meeting. They have learned good things from this meeting.

Student moral value class:-  when we compare the days of our childhood and now the present children are losing the moral values than the older generation. So I visited Venkatagiri town of Wenkatagiri on November 27th. I got opportunity to gather school children and teach them human moral values.

We thank you very much for the establishment of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh state, India.  We treat it as it is blessing of God and wonderful platform to train up young people and share the gospel of Jesus christ to the dying souls in India. We need your continual prayers.

Thanking you.

Yours brother and sister in Christ.

Vijay&BVBI staff-in India

New converts in Mombassa, Kenya

Dear brethren,

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ.  we hope that this letter finds you all fine in the Lord. We are all fine, and God has been good to us all. 

We have come to the end of year four quarter 4, this year. The year also marked our first graduation since the school began four years ago. Indeed, it hasn't been easy for most students - balancing jobs, families and the school requirements.  We only thank God for those who managed to walk through these four years through their diligence. 

We are  now continuing with more recruitment, hoping to get more faithful students who will all walk a walk of faith and diligence for another four years with us again.

Through the year, the students have been doing personal evangelism, that has resulted in 8 baptisms and two Muslim converts. The student, Beatrice, who recently has been involved in Muslim outreach, is planning to bring one convert to us for more teaching in secrecy upon her request. This is mainly because the lady can't afford to face the pressure from the Muslim community and family members, lest she gets killed.

Moreover, there has been Gospel meetings on Tuesdays at Bamburi, Where Edward has been going to teach. It is our hope that many in This Amani area in Bamburi will be baptized into Christ. Paul and Francis have been in this Mission as well.

We request for prayers that more fruit for Christ may be produced in this noble work. we thank God that at least come lives are getting changed. Glory to God!

We also thank you for the support you have accorded us throughout the four years. We appreciate each of your effort, together with all the brethren who have made sure that the school is operational. 

God bless you all.

Yours sincerely,

Francis and Paul.

Accra students conduct campaign

Monthly report - November 2024

Southern institute of Biblical studies

 Overview

November was a productive month for the southern institute of Biblical studies, marked by five significant long courses and a campaign to attract new students. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing our academic offerings and expanding our student body.

School resumed on 7th October, 2024 which is the last term for most of the students marking the end of their two years of biblical academic pursuit by the end of December. We are happy to report that there has been much improvement in their personal and academic lives as compared to previous. 

Classroom activities

The normal class sessions proceeded and the following courses were taught;  Second Corinthians was taught by bro Emmanuel Amo-Gyimah on Mondays. Information Technology was taught by Bro. Samuel Sasu Ntim on Tuesdays. Homiletics 2 was taught by Bro. Shadrack Oppong on Wednesdays. Old Testament 3 was taught by Bro. Emmanuel Odeng Larbi on Thursdays. The New Testament Greek by Bro. Samuel Papa Woode on Fridays

Radio program: As it has been our custom to reach large audience with the gospel, the radio session also continued this month on the topic the church of the Bible. Listeners were moved to ask so many questions and as a result we had one baptism. We spend Ghc 200 each Tuesday which is Ghc 800 or Ghc 1,000 in the month on transportation. We are are planning to visit some of our callers who ask of personal study with them, this will also cost us Ghc 300 once in the week which is Ghc 1,200 or Ghc 1,500 in the month. We pray for sponsorship.

Donation: Bro Stephen Nyarkoh, a student of the Nsawam Branch donated fifteen sachets and one pack of bottled water to the regular students of Dobro.

Campaign for new students: The staff showcase the programs of the school on various social media platforms, went to churches to advertise and persuade men to embark on two years journey in biblical studies for personal and congregational development. This is ongoing till good results are achieved.

School Moving to New Site: The school is seriously planning to move to our new building God's willing next year December 2025, and wish serious consideration be made towards this ambition of ours. We are grateful to our donors, well wishers, teaching staff and especially Steven Ashcraft for making this a reality. May God be with them all.

NB: Our Director: Bro E. O. Larbi, lost his daughter on the 7th of October and she was buried on 23rd November, 2024. He wishes to send his appreciation to especially staff and students of Bear Valley Bible Institute and all supporters for their sympathy. May God bless us all.

We remain grateful to our partners, alumni, and friends’ prayers, encouragement, and financial contributions.

May the Lord bless our endeavors as we strive to fulfill our mission

By E.O. Larbi (Director)

New students in Kisumu, Kenya show great promise

This is to inform the brethren that we,  at the Kenya School of Preaching, have on this day of November 29th, 2024, taken a break for December holiday. This is the first recess of the first quarter in the first year of the 7th class of 2024-2026. We have enjoyed teaching new, fresh students who have shown a great zeal in their studies with no sign of boredom in class. We had not yet sent them out to local congregations for evangelism, except for few who had been invited to attend and help in gospel meetings in sister congregations. They also helped with the worship services at Tieng're, a congregation near the school. 

We waited for them to go through the first courses, especially that of The One True Church and Personal Evangelism. These courses helped them: correct unbiblical views some had towards the new birth and evangelism, see the need for evangelism, and motivated to do it individually. Six of them had been baptized, having realized that what they did before was not the biblical way of receiving salvation in Christ. They are now somehow, to some extent, equipped to begin and advance evangelism in their home congregations during this holiday. 

Thanks to our able instructors Charles, Nixon and Phabian, for their tireless efforts to instil spiritual knowledge into these yearning souls! Thanks to everyone who is concerned and attatched, in one way or another, to the great Lord's work going on at KSOP.

May each be blessed and secured abundantly during this December holiday as we look forward to resuming classes as from January 13th, 2025, with American instructors. Pray for God's will to happen!

Your brother,

 Elias Omollo.

Practical teaching in Zambia

November 2024 Report

Introduction

We are sending our seasonal greetings to you all brothers and sisters our fellow laborers in His vineyard. It is our honor to be servants in His kingdom and we continue in our determination to achieve for Jesus. The month of November 2024 continued to be very fruitful especially after twelve trained preachers were released in His vineyard after October 5th 2024. The following are some of the happenings that were recorded during the month of November 2024 here at Bear valley Bible Institute Zambia.

Work in northern province

So far we have four of our former students working in the Northern part of Zambia and we have great news, from Reuben and Levy up north in Mbala and Mpulungu districts. The two brothers have combined forces in order to strengthen the two congregations they are working with. They had at one time met with a brother from Burundi in Mpulungu and now intending to cross over for the same work.

We have in Mporokoso the two brothers Ishmael Kanyangala and Mike Kanyangala working together and have Baptized seven souls just within the month of November. Their father is an elder and preacher too. We believe as we expand in training more preachers from the Northern and Muchinga Provinces will be covered well. 

Churches of Christ on the copper belt province:

 We saw a good representation of Churches of Christ here on the copper belt province on our fourth graduation ceremony and we are making steady progress in the way the school is interacting with the church on the copper belt. One of the elders who spoke on behalf of those who were present said we pledge to work with these evangelists being trained here and we have welcomed the School here. He even asked Donnie as the coordinator to pass the information to brothers and sisters in the U. S. A.

Speaking at the same function brother Kennedy Mukuka gave charge to the graduates and encouraged the church to remain united and the message was a great encouragement to all who were present.  We the administrations of BVBI-Zambia with twenty-six leaders from different congregations here on the Copper belt met to strengthen our work relationship and meeting went on very well. call from D.R Congo – below we have attached the picture of the congregation that is growing and are very eager to meet the team from BVBI-Zambia. We have been working with this congregation through one of our former student Joseph Ilunga. The congregation reduced in number from fifteen to six and eight before our involvement, but now through our support the congregation attendance has gone up to twenty three and thirty. We have three brothers who are prospective students to our school, brother Tressor, Augaustin and Kamimbi. We supported their Trip for evangelism and the results were very encouraging, they baptized four men and three women. We want to do more but we are still very limited in terms of finances.

They are now calling to meet the team from BVBI-Zambia that more can be trained from there please pray for us that their dream may become a reality.

Practice what you preach!

As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:1 “you know, brothers and sisters that our visit to you was not without results.” Every time we come in contact with our fellow Christians we become encouraged to do good and for better results. Our students are not spared and are providing a good example in many communities where they are serving. After graduation our former students are very anxious to win many souls to Christ by putting into practice the survival skill they acquired during their training at BVBI-Zambia. In the picture attached you see Brother Cephas Mwamba working with our former students in building (to add to their ministry as to what Paul called Tent making) they are doing this in order to preach they have become examples to others.

We have two of our former students studying medicine and still doing very fine in preaching the gospel to others. We attach a picture of Simon who recently did practical work in Mumbwa district of Lusaka and worked with a congregation there. We had a good recommendation from one of the leader where he did the work. We are so proud of Him. We also have Sthembiso Magawa who worked in Eastern part of Zambia and we received a from one of the elders asking the school to help in evangelism for a week.

Baptisms recorded:

What a joy it was to see Getrude Mweshi, Jane kaonga, mulenga Naomy, fridah Mavy  obey and put on Christ in Baptism in the month of November. We also recorded three baptisms from Mporokoso through Ishmael and one from Mbala through Levy. We also recorded two baptism in Kitwe through Jally, Boyd nad Gershom, the three are working together to help the congregation get well established.  We have in total of Ten (10) souls Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they began new life with Jesus, 

Restorations recorded

We have recorded thirteen restorations of which seven came through Granton Mwela who is working with Central congregation in Mansa, six from southern through Tryvin and Abiton and four on the copper belt Luanshya District.      

Conclusion

We continue to work and pray diligently that all the work of God be a success and for you brethren “but as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good” 2 Thessalonians 3:13. May the God of Heaven, the shepherd of our souls, bless our relationship and may we grow together in grace as we work together to the glory of God.  

In His service

Cephas and Fred

Great plans lead to great results in Zimbabwe

                                        NOVEMBER 2024 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTIONS

At the end of each month, we look back and see that the hand of God continues to be with BVBIZ in the process of advancing His Kingdom. A lot was done in the month. The term came to an end successfully. BVBIZ organisational structures continue to function. The goal to have proper classrooms and offices remains alive. These and more are covered hereunder.

1.0 TERM ENDS

The second term ended successfully. Exams were written successfully as well. Grading is in progress. The following subjects were taught and completed in the term; Homiletics I, Hermeneutics I, Galatians, Godhead, Acts of the Apostles, Old Testament History, horticulture,  and Music (on going). Two workshops took place. The first was a sustainable agriculture workshop facilitated by Healing Hands International whilst the second was on Chaplaincy Studies facilitated by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). Great appreciation goes to the teachers and students for the effort they put in to make this term a success. Students are now on a well-deserved break.

2.0 HOLIDAY PREACHING

As students returned home, the school expects them to be active in church in their home congregations. Four students chose not to go home and are attached at various congregations for holiday preaching. These students are attached as follows

Name of Students                                      Congregation                                   Mentor

Tafadzwa Matanhike                             Beitbridge                                        Paul Tendaupenyu

Tobias Mureyatu                                   Beitbridge                                        Paul Tendaupenyu

Blessing Gonye                                        Riverside, Chivi                                Isheanesu Masvaya

Sumali Dinner                                       Rupange, Murewa                          Adrian Phiri

3.0 WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

In October, the school hosted the Annual General Meeting, the Preacher’s Retreat, Graduation and Fundraising program. Whilst the board and management played different roles in making these programs a success, another wing left attendees in awe.  Many were asking, “Who are these people?” These are the BVBIZ provincial ambassadors. These have been part of BVBIZ’s success story and BVBIZ story cannot be mentioned without mentioning this wing. The team directed the preacher’s Retreat besides shaping and directing it. The team was also heavily involved in the running of the both the graduation ceremony and the fundraising program. HATS OFF TO THEM! The following is the list;

Name                                                   Province

George Muhura                                 Mashonaland West

Charles Jokonya                                 Mashonaland East

Tinashe Mazhambe                           Mashonaland East

Nqobani Ndlovu                                 Bulawayo

Method Moyo                                    Bulawayo

Simangaliso Jamela                           Matabeleland South

Dzingai Mugova                                 Masvingo

Isheanesu Masvaya                           Masvingo

Ovious Kufa                                        Midlands

Godwin Marandure                           Chitungwiza

Nyasha Mukondwa                           Harare

Tawanda Chimedza                           Manicaland

James Abraham                                  Manicaland

CONCLUSION

As we look back into the progress made in the month, great appreciation is extended to you for your spiritual, moral, financial and material support that continue to be extended to BVBIZ. This support has enabled training and development of God’s workers to continue. May God continue to bless you all?

Adding To The Family

Greetings to all who are in Christ. This is a report from Siem Reap Bible School, Cambodia. We truly thank God for the work being done in Cambodia that God has given us as a part and thank you for remembering us all the time.

IBISR’s Academy: 

We continue to train our students in The book Genesis and How to study the Bible. Darat Run and I are the teachers of those classes. Our students are happy and satisfied with their studies in those subjects.

Camping :

We joined our annual Christian Camp in Kampong Speu. During that event we gained a lot of knowledge about God's words through teachers who served in different churches. It helped us to build more confidence and understanding of what we have been believing so that we can explain to someone who asks about our faith. We got to know each other better, and we learned how to be united in Christ and in teamwork. We also offered all camp members counseling and fellowship with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and problems. This years best program was the topics we learned together "Your role and responsibilities in the Church". We also created a new program; where couples get together to discuss and share experiences in marriage with each other. We also thank Brother Wes Autrey for making the logo for us every year.

Adding to the Family!
It was with much happiness that we saw 3 souls put on Christ in baptism! It is always such a joy to see souls added to our family. All of them were from Hannah's Hope Children's Home. Please pray for these new babies in Christ so that they may grow in the image of His Son Jesus Christ.

Prayer :
We still ask everyone to remember us in your prayers that we are the servants of God in Cambodia. As the leaders of the school and church, we ask for your prayers for wisdom to serve God in the best way possible. And remember the new souls who are baptized to Jesus Christ. 

Thanks :
Last but not least we would love to say thank you for your support and kindness for our work in Cambodia. We've truly enjoyed and appreciate your time, money, and motivation. As we all serve our true God and our Lord Jesus will be with us all the time.

Servants of Jesus Christ.

Piseth Rin and Darat Run.

Co-Directors of IBISR.

Students learn in classroom and in the field in Tirupati

Reporting Letter for the month of October-2024

Date:- November 1 , 2024

Respected   director Mr.Keith Kasarjian and our coordinator Mr. Mark Reynolds and all the prayer partners - greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We pray that this letter may serve us to find you good health. We thank you for your continual prayers and encouragement for the smooth function of BVBI-extension centre at Tirpati, Andhra Pradesh India. We would like to submit our October -2024 report briefly.

Weather :-  Unfortunately in the month of October  there was cyclone effect in our area, we had continual rains. Some of our members are working for the daily bread, those people whenever they don’t get work due to cyclone effect suffer a lot for the daily bread. We  have done follow-up work to check with such a families to assist them as much as possible. We taught the students how to care for the members during the disaster.

Baptism:-  We  are happy to report you that six souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ in the month of October . We request you to pray for these newly baptized souls so that they grow in the image of His son Jesus Christ.

Death:- There are few families from our local church who are living in the jungles, they are tribal people.  One of the widow sister Santhamma from this colony passed away on October 19th, 2024.  We were able to prepare the coffin and honorably do the funeral. Please pray for the family members.  Our students learned how to involve with families who are sad.

Youth class:-  Each week after the Sunday worship service  youth class students are given homework . In the month of October first week they have memorized  names of  the Old Testament books and during the, second week names of New Testament books. The third week them memorized the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13). We educate the BVBI students to learn how to help the children and youth to grow spiritually.

Members :-  each week after the Sunday worship service  all the members are given the homework . They need to write all the scriptures that were quoted in the Sunday sermon.  Bear Valley Bible Institute students witness how the members are growing spiritally.

Pinchinayudpalli-Village :- We have visited Pinchinayudpalli-Village,  this is newly planted local congregation.

Bangalore :- on first Sunday we have visited one local church in Bangalore and encouraged them. The preacher is known to our family for several years. He has been expecting us to visit them for several years. By the grace of God we were able to visit them on October 6th, 2024.  This is the preacher requesting the extension centre at Bangalore city.

Midweek Bible study:- Our midweek bible study is much useful for our spiritual growth. Last couple of weeks we are studying the parables of Jesus Christ. We request you to pray for our classes.   All the students of BVBI participate in the midweek bible study.

Zoom Meeting: - On every Thursday we conduct zoom meeting, we have completed the book of Acts, Philippians and the book of Ephesians we are studying.

Guests;- In the month of October Mr.Eno and his wife Nadine Damo could able to visit our place from Canada. They spent two weeks with us. They taught these subjects - Spiritual growth, how to handle the conflict, doing great work by humble beginning, Bible is  the inspired word of God, the importance of the women in the sight of God etc..Bear Valley Bible Institute students were inspired and motivated by their visit.

Staff meeting:-  In the month of October we had our staff meeting and discussed several agendas for the better development of the students.  We focus on these three areas for the students . Giving them information, helping them to feel and watching them how they behave. By the grace of God each student is growing.

Village ministry:- We continually visit different villages and proclaim the gospel of Christ. These are the villages we have planted village congregations. 1. Poolathota-Village, 2.Aruru -Village, 3.Microtower colony- Village,4.Jangalapalli- Village, 5.Chittedu- Village, 6.Nancharampeta- Village,7.Gunapadu- Village,8.Bathlapuram- Village, 9. Kota- Village,10.Thinnelapudi- Village etc.. We teach our BVBI students how to do the church planting ministry.

We thank you for your continual prayers and encouragement.

Thanking you.

Yours brother in christ.

B.Vijaya Kumar and Staff from BVBI-Extension Centre, Tirupati-INDIA.

Classes resume in Accra

Monthly report- October 2024

Southern institute of Biblical studies

Overview

October was a productive month for the southern institute of Biblical studies, marked by two significant short courses and a campaign to attract new students. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing our academic offerings and expanding our student body.

School resumed on 7th October, 2024 which is the last term for most of the students marking the end of their two years of biblical academic pursuit by the end of December. We are happy to report that there has been much improvement in their personal and academic lives as compared to previous. 

The school reopened on Monday 7th October. The quarter started with a staff meeting to discuss the way forward. 

Classroom activities

Staff meeting: following the vacation and most students to complete their courses coming December, our staff convened to deploy campaign messages to attract more student for the next academic term. 

This quarter lectures started with Bible geography with Bro. Shadrack Oppong from 7th -12th October as a short course. Bro. George Osafo continued the second week with another short course on Research and writing from 14th -18th October. 

The normal class sessions proceeded and following courses were taught; second Corinthians, the New Testament Greek, Homiletics 2, Old Testament 3, Information Technology. 

New students: we are happy to announce that two new students have been admitted this quarter due to the tireless efforts and the initiatives deployed by the staff.

Radio program: As it has been our custom to reach large audience with the gospel, the radio session also continued this month on the topic the church of the Bible. 

We remain grateful to our partners, alumni, and friends’ prayers, encouragement, and financial contributions.

May the Lord bless our endeavors as we strive to fulfill our mission

By E.O. Larbi

Many accomplishments in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus.

Greetings from students and staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria and Southwest School of Evangelism Ibadan located in Butu -London, Butubutu village via Badeku/Jago ,Ona-Ara Local Government Area ,Oyo State ,Nigeria .

Below are the report of some of our activities for the month of October 2024.

OVERVIEW:

i-  BVBIN SWSE-IBADAN CONCLUDED FIRST SEMESTER LECTURES:

ii- REPORT ON THE ORDINATION CEREMONY OF ELDERS AND DEACONS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST ,Mile 12, Lagos State, Nigeria.

iii- WEEKEND EVANGELISM OUTREACH AND FIELD REPORT.

iv -THE BIRTH OF THE LORD'S CHURCH IN BWOR VILLAGE, PANYAM DISTRICT, MANGU L.G.A. PLATEAU STATE .

The BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN concluded all first semester lectures on October 11, marking the start of a four-week Vocational Training program for the first-year students. During this time, second-year students begin their practical assignments on Monday(October 14), working with congregations across the Western States of Nigeria that have requested their services.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Brother Chad Wagner and his associates, Brother Keith Kasarjian, BVBID USA, Larry and Patty Goodin and Tulare community Church of Christ, Dorman and Donna Lough, Sister Cherry Lloyd, Zach and Kim Van Tassel, Gahana -Jefferson Congregation, Bro. Jerry Bates and VOTI crew, Doug and Diane Wheeler, Bro and Sister Bill Pennell and all our stakeholders for their continued support. May the Lord bless all our efforts together in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.

Second semester classes are scheduled to begin, God willing, on November 11, 2024.

REPORT ON THE ORDINATION CEREMONY OF ELDERS AND DEACONS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST No. 8, Omosebi-Olugbo Street, Mile 12, Lagos State, Nigeria:

On October 13, a significant event took place in the history of the Lord's Church in Mile 12, Lagos State. Three brothers—Michael Akerele, Olukunle Odebode, and Adetunji Oni—were ordained as elders, while seven brothers—Okedara Bode, Oyeleke Gbenga, Onaolapo Ninyo, Adegboyega Akinbade, Christian Idenu, Olaolu Olowoyo, and Abiodun Adisa—were ordained as deacons.

The ceremony was officiated by myself, Makinde Ebens, alongside Bro. Ayobami Akanji, an elder from the Lord's Church in Isheri-Oshun, Bro. Biodun Owolabi, President of WNCC & SBS in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Bro. Adisa from Onipanu COC, and Bro. Jeremiah Taiwo, Bro. Emmanuel Oguntade, among others.

The event was attended by over 300 brethren from various congregations within and beyond Lagos State. 

We pray that the Lord grants these newly ordained elders and deacons divine guidance as they lead the church in Mile 12.

ABOUT A STUDENT:

Sister Akanmu Temitope Abigail is one of our first-year students. She hails from Butubutu Village in Ibadan, Oyo State, and was born in 1995 to a prominent native doctor, Suleman Olugbode. She is married to Pastor Akanmu Abayomi Solomon, a former denominational pastor, and they are blessed with two children.

Sister Temitope and her husband converted to Christianity in 2020. The couple was admitted to our Ministerial Program in 2022. She holds a school certificate and is currently studying NAPPMEG (Selling of Pharmaceuticals) to support her family while they engage in ministry. 

Her husband is currently serving as an evangelist with the Lord's Church in Ajia Town, Ona-Ara Local Government Area, Oyo State.

COMING EVENTS:

i- A three days Mass Evangelism Outreach and Open -Air Bible Lectureship at Ijero -Ekiti, Ekiti State from November 15-17,2024. Ijero -Ekiti is one of the Lord's church the Lord restored through our efforts in year 2022.

ii- A four days Mass Evangelism Outreach and Open -Air Bible Lectureship at Kuta in Osun State from November 21-24, 2024 with the aim of planting of the Lord's church in that town.

In Conclusion, we appreciate you all for your wonderful contributions towards the growth of the Lord's church in Africa most especially in Nigeria. May the Lord continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus name, amen.

Sincerely yours in His Grace & Love as a servant,

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi 

The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW 

Reaching the lost in Ghana

OPERATIONAL REPORT OCTOBER, 2024

1.     CLASSROOM WORK

We give thanks to the Almighty God for His grace and continual blessings upon us. We have come to the successful end of another month by His mercies.

Studies continued for the courses we started last month. Students were given various topics to prepare on and present in class. This is the last term for most of them and we want to make sure that they are really ready to go out there to preach and defend the truth. The world religions instructor gave them an assignment on how to convert a Muslim to Christ. In Christian ethics, each student was given two ethical topics to research on, prepare an outline and was given 30 minutes each to present to the entire class. After the presentation, questions are asked to the speaker. The instructor for the book of revelation also gave a series of assignments on various topics in the book to them. Overall it has been a really intensive month for the students and we are convinced that they are ready for the work ahead of them. 

The part-time class also continued successfully in the just ended month. Currently, they are studying only two courses. These courses are Christian Ethics and the epistles of Peter which are taught by Douglas Armah and Samuel Owusu – Afari respectively.  

With the Christian Ethics, the students each presented a 20-minute lesson on “whether all men are amenable to God’s moral laws” in the last meeting of the month.

 2.     PERSONAL EVANGELISM AND BAPTISM

The good news about the Savior was sent out to the world in the month. Current and past students are actively involved in the spreading of the gospel. Some of our current students go out on weekends to propagate the message of the cross to nearby towns. Our alumni on the field are also actively defending the faith against error within and without the brotherhood.

The television evangelism by the school also continued in the month. 

Evangelism in Malawi

What a month! What a great joy to share! What a blessing! It is always a great joy to share the good news after an excellent event. Bear Valley Bible lnstitute Ekwendeni Malawi is thrilled with joy after being visited by four great men of God, namely, brother Dr Denny Petrillo, Donnie Esteep, Tim Murray and Mike Kidwell

Our visitors arrived through Kamuzu International Airport on the 6th of October. From the 7th to the 12th of October, it was a busy week whereby Donnie was in class for the whole week teaching World Religion course while Denny, Tim, and Mike were teaching Bible classes in village congregations. We had 3 places we visited in villages; from the 8th to the 9th of October we were at Kafukure church of Christ where about 17 local congregations sent atleast 5 people to represent the church at the Bible class. _The last classe the attendance was 84,_ including Denny, Mike, Tim, and Ephron. On the 10th, we were at Chinungu church where and on the 11th, we were at katoto Church. In all these places, brothers Denny, Mike, and Tim had to teach one after another, and Ephron translated. 

Finally, on the 12th was another busy day of graduation ceremony and farewell speeches from both visiting teachers (brothers), local directors, chiefs, and students. What a day, what an event it was. In all these things, joy was the sermon of the day . After the graduation we had to drive about 6 hours to a lodge near the airport in Lilongwe. God made everything possible .

 *Graduates on Fire!* 

After graduation ceremony ended, all the students left for their homes but just after two days, we started receiving good news from the students; William Msutu baptized 2 souls just two days after the graduation, Blessings Kavuta reported 2 souls saved, after three days of graduation Webster Zgambo reported 3 souls saved. This is proving to us that the students are putting into use what they have been entrusted by both local and international teachers. This is very encouraging news to us as teachers. Very interestingly, William had to dig a well to baptize the two souls as in his home area, there's not enough water running in the rivers.

 *Extra news!* 

We also received good news from some of our way back graduates; Brother Shadreck Chitekwe reported 2 baptisms and 2 restorations; brother Mateyu Ching'oma reported 4 baptisms; brother Takesure Nkhoma reported 4 souls saved; brother Alex and Farawo reported 7 souls saved and 9 more restored. *This has brought in a total of 24 souls saved in October and 11 souls restored* . 

We are very thankful for the partnership between Bear Valley Bible lnstitute International and the church at Hillcrest. The strong bond is making things work for good at Bear Valley Bible lnstitute Ekwendeni - Malawi. We always keep you in our prayers. The world is still lost in sin and needs Christ. You on going involvement will bring in great change. _Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls_ !

Your fellow brothers in Christ, 

Ephron and Clergynton