INTRODUCTION
August 2016 has been a blessed month for Bear Valley Bible Institute, Zimbabwe. The month was filled with activities that added value to the school. We look back and see the hand of God in all these. In this report, we highlight these activities with gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ in whose cause BVBIZ exists to fulfil.
STUDENTS PERFOMANCE
BVBIZ finished the term on a high note. In general, we noted great development in the moral and spiritual development of students. Academically, there was a great improvement. With the results out, we congratulate the students and staff for a job well done. Students also passed their practicals, that is, in Personal Work and Public Speaking (these two subjects also had written examinations).
THE VISIT
This month Bear Valley Bible Institute was blessed by the coming of Donnie Estep, the regional coordinator of Bear Valley Bible Institute International’s extension schools in Southern Africa. He taught the New Testament Church, one of our short courses. Donnie was joined four days after by Darren Rainesand his son from Woodlands Oaks church of Christ. It was indeed a blessing to meet this team. They interacted both with the staff and students. Donnie Estep had an opportunity of preaching in one of the rural congregation where students had gone to carry out their evangelism and also during one of the midweek services.
BVBIZ CONGREGATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS
BVBIZ’s core business is to train faithful men to become preachers and workers in the vineyard of God. In her effort to contribute to the growth of the church, BVBIZ trains congregations in important issues geared towards the same. This is done during weekends and or during holidays. These programs are expected to fund themselves. In August, the school was privileged to launch this program with the youths at Dzivarasekwa church of Christ in Harare. It ran for 5 days from the 18th to the 22th of August . The objective is to produce youths who will be effective for the Lord. BVBIZ hopes to do the same for the adults and leaders with unique subjects geared for each group. The following subjects were taught;
- New Testament Church
- Youths in Ministry
- Introduction to Denominational Doctrines
- Career Guidance
- Christian Ethics and Moral Development
HEALING HANDS TRAINING
A product of BVBIZ should leave the school with survival skills that may help him as he preaches the word. These skills are intended to help the preacher supplement his income as he preaches. From the 8th-9th of August, students were trained in small garden skills and the use of drip irrigation. The training was done by John Dube, the local facilitator of Healing Hands International.
ADVERTISING OF BVBIZ
With BVBIZ being new in Zimbabwe, it is always necessary that people and congregations are made aware of its presence. This month we had an opportunity of advertising the school at 2 major events. The first was the national youths lectureship which took place at Nhowe Mission. The director and 4 students made it to the lectureship. The director delivered 2 lessons. Over 11 people were baptized at this lectureship. Charles Jokonya, the provincial ambassador of the school for Mashonaland East professionally advertised the school. About 700 youths attended the event.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support,
In His service,
Mathew Muchingam
Director, BVBI-Z