Bear Valley Bible Institute — Cebu, Philippines — 2024 1 st Half Report
In-Depth Biblical Courses in 2024
The school in Cebu has entered another year of learning and we are blessed to have Keith Kasarjian (Director of International Studies) and Mark Reynolds (Assistant Director of International Studies) mentoring our students and teaching the Bible in-depth. In January, Keith Kasarjian taught the book of Romans and the students had a great time studying this book, especially from brother Kasarjian, who did a wonderful job explaining this epistle.
In February, we had an honor to meet a first-time teacher in Cebu and learn from an instructor who has a great knowledge on Biblical History. Dr. Jonathan Moore taught the students the 12 books from the Old Testament called the “Minor Prophets” and we had a great time learning from these prophetic books and learn the history of the nation of Israel from these writings.
The students took a short break in March to attend a Summer Lectureship held in Tinubdan, a town on the northern tip of Cebu Island. The theme of this lectureship was Biblical Leadership and the lecturers from the US, brothers Wayne Barrier, Mike Norwood and Robin Dunaway did a great job explaining their assigned topics. There were local ministers who took part in this lectureship and two of our students, Luisito Oliveros and Danilo Torniado were given the task to preach.
We resume our class in April, and Mark Reynolds (Assistant Director of International studies) taught the course from Hebrews and he did a great job teaching from this interesting book. The students learned from this book the preeminence of Jesus Christ, His covenant, sacrifice, priesthood and ministry. We appreciate the greatness of our God and His Son more as we study deeper His word.
In May, I have the opportunity to teach our students two books from the Old Testament, Jeremiah and Lamentations. We study the life of Jeremiah, on how God used him to preach repentance to the nation of Israel and called them back to God. We studied how God destroyed His people because they never listened to His prophet and never repented.
Last month, we had a great week studying the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament. We covered the 4 wisdom books (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes & Song of Songs) in 5 days and I highlighted some of the prominent lessons and themes we can find in these books.
We always give thanks to God for our international instructors travelling miles to teach our students and also grateful for the opportunity to learn more of His word. All glory and praise to our God for His goodness.
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1 NKJV)
Neil Emperado
Director – BVBI - Cebu, Philippines