Special guest in Zimbabwe

JUNE 2021 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The Covid virus continues to wreak havoc in the world and Zimbabwe is not an exception. Cases continue to rise with several others succumbing to it. On the 29th of June, the government pronounced some new lockdown measures in an attempt to control the situation. Despite this scourge, activities continued at BVBIZ. We can report on the following;

1.0 IMPORTANT VISITS

In the month of June, BVBIZ had two important visits to the school. The first was from the Partners for Africa whilst the second was from Donnie Estep.

1.1 PARTNERS FOR AFRICA VISIT

On the 6th of June BVBIZ got a visit from Partners for Africa. This organisation has proved to be key in the schools agenda of developing workers for the Lord. Partners for Africa drilled a borehole at BVBIZ. A fellowship Sunday took place on this day targeting the 2 new congregations (Plasworth and Lot 64) that were established in the last quarter of last year.  Michael Houts taught the Bible class while Dorian Flynn preached. After the service, the team planted some fruit trees on campus. They also sponsored the food that was eaten at the fellowship. On the 7th of June, Brother Houts taught students from experience  on the subject “Christian Evidences.” Their visit was a great blessing to the school and the members who attended the service. BVBIZ remains grateful to this organisation. The following pictures are a summary of what transpired.

1.2 DONNIE ESTEP’S VISIT

Donnie Estep, our regional director, arrived in Zimbabwe on the 13th of June and left on the 20th. Besides visiting to appraise himself with the progress that the school has made, Donnie taught “World Religions,” one of our short courses. Students had a great time with him. From Gweru he travelled to Harare where he got an opportunity to interact with some of the students on the extension program. His visit has always been a great blessing to the school.

2.0 EVANGELISM

Evangelism is a key component at BVBIZ. Students practicum began in June. We can report on the following;

2.1 GREENVALE CAMPAIGN

From the 9th-13th of June BVBIZ  students and teachers camped at Lot 64 close to Greenvale in Gweru. A new congregation started late last year in the area soon after the death of one of our preachers Daniel Mabuya (MSOP, 2017 class).  Evangelism was done during the day and services held in the evening. Average attendance during the evenings was 80. On Saturday the 12 of June, a WBS seminar was held. 87 were in attendance.  13 people we baptized eventually. Also in attendance to give more experience to the students were two of our past students, Batsirai Tengurachepa of Redcliff and Tapiwa Madamombe of Kwekwe.

2.2 FIELD PROGRAM

Students shall be going for their first field practicum from the 25th of July to the 5th of September. This year’s program shall be shorter than the others done in the previous years. Lost days will be compensated next year. Congregations that have been approved to host the program so far include; Plasworth, Lot 64, Redcliff, Mashava, and Chiware.

3.0 PROJECTS

Projects remain key in the school’s drive to empower students with life skills and in the provision of a little more income to BVBIZ. The vision of the school is that in future, projects should be contributing a significant amount to the school’s budget. Broilers have been a success story so far. The following projects are being worked on;

3.1 MARKET GARDENING

One of the projects that is on the school’s radar is market gardening. The vision was made alive by a donation of $250 that was made by Donnie Estep and his family. The money was intended to hire a tractor to work on the land that the school had cleared. By the 30th of June, almost two acres of land had been worked on before the tractor broke down. The owner is currently repairing his tractor and we are hopeful that it will be brought to finish the work in the next few days.

The next stage will be to fence a small portion and lay a drip system on it. Between $1500-$2000 is needed to get things going.

3.2 GOAT PROJECT

Another project that the school longs to have is goat production. This will help in the provision of meat to our students and also provide some income into the school. To kick start the project a temporary goat pen is under construction together with another fowl run for the broiler project. The builders are not the usual ones that the school has been using but are students who are knowledgeable with such type of work. Making use of student skills has been very helpful  as it has helped the school to achieve much whilst keeping the costs low. Our full time instructor, Ishmael Mutichu, is also helping out as he has some experience also.

CONCLUSION

We are always thankful  to God for enabling many of you to partner with BVBIZ in its effort to fulfil its core business of training and developing workers for Christ.  These partnerships have been wonderful. May God bless you all.

Posted on July 12, 2021 .