HARARE EXTENSION UPDATE
INTRODUCTION
Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe continue to grow, make a difference and leave a mark in the life of the church in Zimbabwe. The Harare Extension School likewise, continue to make strides in its quest to train men and women for ministry and adding manpower at the local congregation.
GRADUATION - SEPTEMBER 2018 CLASS
In September 2018 eleven men and two women enrolled for the program. They started on a high note and together we set out for the learning journey. Along the way seven fell by the wayside and come October 29, 2022, six graduated from that class plus one who failed to graduate last year, graduated in Gweru. A moment of praise to God the Almighty and a thanksgiving moment to the graduates for the commitment and dedication till the end.
Among the achievements received we are happy that the Best Leadership Award and the Barnabas Award (given to one who managed to be an inspiration and encourager) were given to Tonderal Kafile (see Photo 4); Edson Julius (aged 54) was given the Melchizedek Award (an award given to the eldest student who couldn’t let age be a barrier in his quest to study). Some who also received awards are Kudakwashe Simemeza and Simbarashe Chitanda.
RESEARCH PAPERS
The graduates also managed to write research papers as part of their learning and below were their topics:
1. Simbarashe Chitanda (an entrepenuer) - Sustainable Approach to the Support of Preachers in the Churches of Christ in Greater Harare.
2. Isaac Chipendo - An Analysis of Causes and Effects of Drug and Substance Abuse Amongst Youths In Chitungwiza
3. Edson Julius (works for Chivero Orphanage) - The Impact of Ethical Misconduct Among Churches of Christ Leaders: A Case of Chingwere Church of Christ in Mhondoro
4. Tonderai Kafile (an Assistant Inspector in the Zimbabwe Republic Police) - The Impact of the Church of Christ in the Uniformed Forces: A Case Study of Makoni District, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe
5. Method Moyo (a qualified music teacher) - The Role of Music in Church Development: A Case of Highfield Church of Christ in Harare
6. Kudakwashe Simemeza (an entreprenuer). His topic choice was influenced by his own life and marraige - The Effects of Interdenominational Marriages to Church Growth
7. Tawanda Tinofa - Exploring Factors Affecting Church Growth: A Case of Churches of Christ in Harare
SEPTEMBER 2021 CLASS
This class started with seventeen students, with four being ladies. Currently seven men and two ladies form the class. They are doing their lessons during weekends (two weekends per month) and we also introduced a ten day continuous learning period held in April, August and December in Gweru. This December the class will run from the 05th to the 18th of December.
Courses done to this end are:
Old Testament Law/Pentateuch Denominational Doctrines
How We Got the Bible Music
Scheme of Redemption
Personal Evangelism
Public Speaking
Life of Christ (Synoptic Gospels)
New Testament Church
The students are as follows:
Kware Douglas Nhamo Mandebvu Masarakufa Witness
Manjeya Wilbert Manyati Muhura Nyevero (F)
Suwari Philip Nyahuye Maxwell Fadzai Kufa (F)
APPRECIATION
Our sincere gratitude to Bear Valley Bible Institute International for the work in Zimbabwe. Your partnership is always applauded and thank you.
A total of eighteen graduates have been produced by the school and we are so thankful and proud of contributing such workers into the LORD’S vineyard.
Brother Keith and Brother Donnie, the foot soldiers on the front, we are so thankful for working with us and physically being here. Thank you fellow soldiers in Christ.
APPEAL FOR PRAYERS
We always appeal for your prayers. Life in Zimbabwe is tough and not pleasant at all. The state of the economy continue to cause problems and challenges for us the ordinary citizens.
It was announced that the elections for 2023 will be held in July or August and the political environment is sliding into the tense mode as seen by the violent trends taking place now. Help us pray for peace, harmony and love.
We sincerely appeal for your prayers. May God help us.
CONCLUSION
As we continue to serve God through the school we commit ourselves to the cause of the Cross and we appeal for your prayers for the work we are doing.