INTRODUCTION
The period of January-March marked a great period in the history of BVBI in Maseru and the church in Lesotho as the school had its first graduation. One of the students was ordained as an elder. Donnie Estep visited and 7 baptisms were recorded. These and more are reported hereunder.
1.0 ORDINATION
On the 7th of January 2024, Likhama Leuta, one of the students was ordained in the office of Eldership. Likhama is a serving member of the Lesotho Defense Forces and holds the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1. During the ordination, the army delegation came to witness the occasion and they were pleased to see their serviceman ordained. The school and the church were praised by the army delegation for the good work of producing such great preachers like Likhama Leuta. Maseru church of Christ has 4 Elders now.
2.0 GRADUATION
The graduation ceremony was a historic event in the churches of Christ in Lesotho, the first of BVBI in Maseru. This took place on the 10th of March 2024 at Maseru church of Christ premises. The main reason the graduation was held on a Sunday was to motivate church members to join the school and also to pass the message to other congregations that this is a serious school, not Bible study. This has attracted several people who promised to enroll in April. 9 men and a lady graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies. The names are as follows:
1. Moalosi Solomon Monyane
2. Likhama Peter Leuta
3. Moshe Libe Ts’oene
4. Neo Johannes Ramonyenyane
5. Mekhoa Phiela
6. Tsokolo Anthony Moliko
7. Tankiso Raphaelo Rahlao
8. Tankiso Edwin Mohono
9. Motse Christe Kolobe
10. Paballo Mateboho Ramokhele
The school would like to thank Brother Donnie Estep for donating the funds to buy the graduation gowns. The students looked great in those gowns. The gown remains the school property.
2.1 VISITOR
The school was privileged to have a brother Donnie Estep as the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony. BVBI in Maseru appreciates the services he rendered and the sermon he preached at the Maseru church of Christ. Lesotho welcomes you all.
3.0 CURRICULUM
Three courses have been covered: In January Brother Robert taught the epistles of John, in February, Tawanda taught the New Life Behaviour, and in March Brother Tawanda also taught Old Testament 1. On average 15 students attended each of these three courses.
4.0 EVANGELISM
Students are engaged in evangelism. The school is planning to establish two more congregations in Maputsoe about 80-100km from Maseru and Sebalabala village about 75km from Maseru. The students and the instructors have gone to these two places several times for evangelism and the response is overwhelming. In Maputsoe there are about 6 Christians who are not meeting for worship. The school is mobilizing these Christians and other prospects so that they can start meeting on Sundays. If the funds allow, BVBI in Maseru would want to send four students, two to each of these congregations to help conduct services and as a way to practice what they are learning. The school is eager to have more campaigns and plant more congregations provided funds are available.
As a result of the evangelism the school is doing locally, 7 souls were added to the church through baptism.
5.0 BOREHOLE
The school requested a borehole and thank God, in March, Healing Hands International drilled a borehole at Maseru church of Christ premises where the school is operating. The school would like to thank Brother Keith for liaising with the HHI. The school and the church have access to clean and drinkable water.
CONCLUSION
The school is thankful to God and the sponsors for the great work of partnering with us to train preachers in Lesotho. Thank you all involved, the school's prayer is to engage in more evangelism and plant more congregations in Lesotho. Pray for Christians as Lesotho is currently experiencing drought.
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God bless you
In His arms,
Tawanda Mwadiya