Introduction
We have watched the movie called the "passion of Christ" it is a very powerful movie about the last 12 hours of Jesus' ministry here on earth. Its very graphic but lets you see how much Jesus suffered for us, and now what has remains is “the passion of Christians”. We at BVBI-Zambia believe and ask how are we going to conduct ourselves in light of His glorious love and His immeasurable sacrifice?
The month of February, 2022 continued to be very fruitful in evangelism and other programs of the school. Teaching and preaching Christ to others has indeed made a tremendous impact upon our lives and those around us.
Back in class
All the students have reported back for their final year. The classes are in full swing. They started this year’s school calendar with a short course on “Marriage and Family Life” taught by Kennedy Mukuka. They are now learning five regular courses. These courses are: Church History, Old Testament IIIb and Elementary Greek being taught by Cephas Mwamba. And they are also taking “Life of Christ III and Inter Testament History” being taught by Fred Kanangu.
Two souls saved
Donald Chimbin and his wife prudence Chimbini were added to the Lords church on 18th February 2022 this happened on Friday. We continue to pray that may these two souls walk with God till death.
And the following are the other vital statistics that were recorded during the month of February 2022.
I. Major Activities
A. Evangelism
1. Indeed as we discover Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 4 the absolutely vital role that is played by apostles, prophets, evangelists shepherd and teachers. Without their ongoing preparation of the Lord’s people there would be very few God’s people. BVBI-Zambia has produced other good teachers, we so glad to report about Vincent Kawala who has been given opportunity to serve in the church and now teaching others; Scheme of Redemption, Homiletics, Christian Evidences and mission in the southern part of Zambia. It is refreshing to us as well as to you brothers and sisters as we share same mind of Master Jesus. In the picture attached you will see Vincent teaching.
2. We would love to share also Clive Kabika in the rural outset of Kabwe central province another vibrant preacher doing a great job and he needs all our support in this area, in the picture you will see Clive preaching in homes and fields wherever he meet people, five souls has been added to the Lord’s Church in the month of February as the result of him preaching.
3. We have continued to work closely with Nicholus Mulubwa and has done a great Job before resuming classes in February, we have recorded 17 baptisms from Luapula Province of Zambia. We have also recorded 15 people who have been restored back to the Lord. This happened when he preached in five congregations in two districts. He is very confident that the work in his area is indeed prospering.
4. We have Daniel Kapata who is very evangelistic and this time lead men in the congregation in making pews for the Church in the picture attached you will see Daniel spearheading the work, and during the visitation program, Daniel has managed to restore seven men and two women Daniels’ work is highly recommended by all of us. On the same development Gershom Chansa and Matthews Mwale before resuming classes in February combined forces in Luwingu district of Luapula Province of Zambia preached and converted nine souls and restored two. We have come to know that training is indeed essential if the church is to function as God’s wants it to: “for the equipping of the saints for the works of service, to the building up of the body of Christ. Apart from teaching and preaching on Sundays they conduct bible studies on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They have also trained others to preach and teach during bible studies in their absence.
II. Goals and activities for the upcoming month
i. We are looking forward to seeing Brother Mark Reynolds and Bother Norman Light as they visit BVBI- Zambia very soon. During their visit they will teach a short course on the Book of Romans. They are scheduled to arrive in Zambia on the 10th March, 2022. They are traveling to Zambia for their very first time. We cannot wait to meet these brothers.
ii. We are also looking forward to having Brother Ebenezer Udofia to come and teach on poultry at the end of March, 2022. We are told that he is highly knowledgably about poultry and he is an expert in it. We cannot also wait to meet him and having him around.
iii. We are focusing on meeting the youths on the Copperbelt and men’s meeting to be held in North-western province of Zambia. on this meeting men to sharpen each other for the service in the Lord’s church and BVBI-Zambia is invited.
III. Statement on covid-19 in Zambia
After surviving the devastating impact of “omicron variant” Zambia continues to record low caseload and deaths of Covid 19. There is still a threat of yet another unknown wave of this pandemic. And the song that the health authorities keep on singing is on preventive protocols of Covid 19. Very Few people in this nation have so far been vaccinated. Our prayer is that may our God continue to keep our nation safe and the rest of the world.
IV. Reports from our alumni
Andrew Mwila graduated in 2017 here at BVBI-Zambia. After his graduation he did not go back to Mansa district of Luapula Province where he came from, but he opted to go and settle in Lusaka the capital city of Zambia. He has had rough time as far as preaching the word and maintaining his character as a preacher. He almost stopped preaching and concentrated on whatever he was doing. But for the past few months we have seen him rejuvenating for his desire to preach. He is now a regular preacher at one of the congregations in Kafue district of Lusaka Province. He and his wife are now building up well for the service of our master. We continue soliciting for your prayer for young men like Andrew. Because we know the potential that this young man has and the positive influence that he can bring to bear in his area.
Austin Musonda one of the best students who graduated in 2021 with a distinction is a dedicated servant in Baluba District. A team of leaders from his home congregation visited the Institute on 23rd February and we had a good refreshment in the Lord together, we have recorded thirteen souls who are added to the church at church in Baluba. Austin is now in his second year doing forestry at the government college here on the Copperbelt and has continued to be a faithful servant. When Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are special people he says “that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” when we speak the truth in love we grow up in all aspects into Him.
Conclusion
Indeed Calvary has showed us in no uncertain terms that Christ is the master and His sacrificial love demands that we go do likewise. Take up your cross and follow Him. We are eternally grateful for the partnership that we have with you in the Lord and the financial support that we have continued to receive from Woodland Oaks Church of Christ.
The way of the cross leads home! May God continue blessing you in all your endeavors!
In His Service,
Cephas and Fred