BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
TAMALE - GHANA
MARCH 2023 OPERATING REPORT
March 2023 was a blessed and a joyful month for us in Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies, Tamale, as it marks another milestone in the life of the Institute. It was a month of celebration for the immediate passed students and that of the current students and the instructors, coordinators and all who have interest in the development of the Lord’s Kingdom and the preachers’ training school in Northern Ghana.
VISITATION AND CHURCH STRENGTHERNING
We started the month with our usual visitation and church strengthening mission. In the month of March, Brother James Bisong Legend made a visitation journey to Kpinkpanyoung to participate in a preacher’s appreciation ceremony that was organized by the congregation. Brother James taught the adults Bible class as well as gave the sermon. This event took place on the 19th of March, 2023 which was the first day of the week. He taught a lesson entitled; “How the Christian should use their resources.” Brother James took his driving scripture from Psalm 24:1-2. The event was an inspiring one, which many brethren admitted that they were edified and needed to repent and redirect their resources towards the things of God as God is the owner of all things. Many of the brethren made different kinds of donations to support the efforts of their preacher and did also pledge to help him with his farming activities this year forth. An undisclosed amount of funds were also donated to support him. Brother Paul Laar is the preacher of the Kpinkpanyoung Church of Christ.
Brother James also did speak to the congregation to consider the possibility of supporting the preachers’ school in Tamale that produced Brother Paul, who has become a blessing to the church in Kpinkpanyoung and other congregations in the area. The church was so grateful to the school for its contribution to the Lord’s church and work in Northern Ghana.
7TH GRADUATION AND 8TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY
One of the greatest events that took place in the month of March 2023 was the 7th graduation ceremony of the school which happened on the 29th of March, 2023. Brethren of the Lord’s churches across Northern Ghana came together to celebrate with brothers who in the past two years dedicated themselves to studying the word of God, so they could become vessels for the Lord’s use. It was a great event, as it drew both Christians and non-Christians together to witness and celebrate this joyful moment. People from all the four regions in the North did participate in it.
The director, Daniel Adjei Mensah gave the opening address to begin the ceremony. He recounted the establishment road map of the school into the period of the graduating students. He also recounted the challenges encountered in recruiting the graduating batch as well as the loss of one of the students. A one minute silence was observed in memory of him (Brother Philemon).
Seven students graduated successfully. Five of them qualified and received a Diploma certificate from Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies. Two of these students however, could not meet the pass mark, hence, were given a leadership or recognition certificate from the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies.
Some great exemplary brethren who have laboured in the Lord’s field for several years were also present to grace the occasion. Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, the Coordinator for Bear Valley Schools across Ghana was present. He has been a great blessing for the work of the Lord in Ghana and beyond. Brother Steven Aschraft, who has consistently and sacrificially stood out for the work of the Lord was also present. But for Brother Steven, we cannot phantom how the Lord’s would have been in Ghana and precisely, Northern Ghana. He is indeed a game changer for the Kingdom of God in Northern Ghana where we have great knowledge of. His presence was greatly needed and he did fill in the gap as usual. He gave a brief and a simple sermon to charge the graduates and the preachers as well as all who participated in this event.
Delivering his charge, Brother Steven stood on the counsel Paul gave to Timothy the preacher in II Timothy 2:1-3 and II Timothy 4:1-5 respectively to stir up brethren. He stated the need for men who go through training to not go through it in vain. One cannot become a preacher or an evangelist just by name. Stating his point, he pointed out that, being a preacher or an evangelist is as a result of the work you do. Therefore, a preacher is simply a person who preaches Christ, likewise an evangelist. The evangelist simply evangelizes and not just possesses the name. Further illustrating his point for clarity's sake, he stated, by a rhetorical question, whether one can be called a farmer if the person doesn’t farm or has a farm. Indeed, this was a lively and a seasoned charge that was needed and was presented at the right time to the right audience. We give God the glory for his life.
All permanent staff of the school were present, including some of the short course instructors. We had a great and unique event.
Declaration by graduates and the students who matriculated were led by Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi (Ghana Coordinator). They affirmed by declaration that they will at all times preach and defend the doctrine of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Hallelujah.
Some awards were also given to deserving students by the school. Emmanuel Balefam claimed two prestigious awards; Best Student academic and Best Student overall. The best servant award went to Abraham Bambile, while the well behaved student award was received by Balaboni Npoanbeni Collins.
Demonstrating their appreciation to the school by the graduates, they presented some plastic chairs and two bags of maize to the school to support the feeding of the incoming batch of students. We praise the Lord for all that has happened in this special graduation and matriculation ceremony. We hope and pray things like this get better moving forward.
STEVEN AND JAMES TO TOGO
The following day after the graduation, which was the 30th of March, with evangelism and souls being the driving force of all his actions, Brother Steven continues to create avenues in order to link up Bear Valley Schools and brethren together to collaborate to bring the Gospel to all men. With this in mind, Brother James Bisong Legend was taken to Togo, precisely, Kara, to have some healthy discussion with some of the brothers working with the schools in Togo for the purpose of coming up with ideas that will help promote church plantings between the border towns between Togo and Ghana.
One of the issues considered was also for him (James) to get some information on how the brethren in Togo do to convert denominational preachers into the church. Indeed, there was a very fruitful discussion and we are working on getting things in their rightful place. We thank the Lord for the life of Brother Steven and all who give a helping hand in his sacrificial efforts.
The Lord blesses us all,
Bear Valley, Tamale