JANUARY 2024 NARRATIVE REPORT
INTRODUCTION
The major goal of BVBIZ is to produce highly qualified, equipped and competent servants of God who will be able to transform communities. This is not a one day job. It takes a lot of effort and sacrifices from both students, teachers and all stakeholders. In the month of January, the school continued to put more building blocks towards achieving this goal. These are seen through the various programs, practicums and subjects being undertaken. Please find these below;
1.0 NEW TERM BEGINS
The new term began on the 7th of January successfully. All students returned to school on the day of resumption. The following subjects have already been taught; Bible Geography, Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics and Strategic Management for Churches. The following are still ongoing; The Preachers’ Life and Work, Theology of Missions, Church Administration and Governance, Revelation and Community Development and Poverty Alleviation. Seminars on New Life Behaviour and Chaplaincy shall take place.
2.0 YOUTH TRANSIT PROGRAM
BVBIZ introduced a one-month Youth Transit program meant to prepare youths for college, university and adult life by instilling biblical principles in them. It is borne out of the fact that the church is losing youths when they go into tertiary institutions and as they start adult life. BVBIZ sought to stand in the gap and drill the youths toward Christian fortitude and faithfulness. The target was of youths who were waiting for their ordinary and advanced level results. The curriculum was based on the following pillars; spirituality, morality and physical development. This program ran from the 5th of January and is set to finish on the 3rd of February. Five youths went through the entire program. This pilot program was a success and is set to return in January 2025.
3.0 DRUG ABUSE SEMINAR
As part and parcel of preparing young people for university and adult life, a drug and substance abuse seminar took place on the 27th of January 2024. The seminar was opened to other youths as well. BVBIZ students and teachers were also in attendance. The facilitators were Lavert and Mirriam Zungunde. The model of emphasis was the How To Stay Sober Model. It was a seminar of its own kind and the benefits were there for all to see.
4.0 WEEKEND EVANGELISM
As per the norm, weekend evangelism started in earnest. Congregations that benefited the most in January includes Shurugwi, Kwekwe, Lot 64, Plasworth and Choto in Gokwe. The school remains grateful to congregations that host our students through the provision of food and accommodation.
5.0 PROJECTS UPDATE
5.1 HORTICULTURE
The school has several crops in its garden and field which includes cabbages, maize, beans, green paper, tomatoes, butternuts, cucumbers, okra, spinach and covo. Towards the end of the month, new sales were recorded for green mealies, green paper and cabbages. More sales are expected in February. These efforts have also improved nutrition for students as well.
5.2 BOREHOLE DRILLED
Mayfair Church of Christ, through Healing Hands International, drilled a borehole in the Plasworth area to enhance its World Bible School Efforts. The place is about four and half kilometers from the school. BVBIZ shall be making use of the land where the borehole was drilled. The land has better soils as well. The permanent site where the school is too rocky and a bit small. Previously the school would make use of other fields belonging to community members who would avail such land to the school but in small portions. The borehole was officially handed over on the 27th of January with Brother Lavert Zungunde, one of the school’s board members, being the guest speaker. The school is now targeting to plant maize and beans on the land during the next rain season. However, if the school is able to get a drip system and a fence, crops can be planted anytime.
CONCLUSION
We conclude this month’s report with the words of Paul, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil. 4.8). To God be the glory!