AUGUST 2024 NARRATIVE REPORT
INTRODUCTION
The Institute continues to thrive in its mission to train preachers and leaders for the Lord's church in Zimbabwe. Our focus remains on equipping students with biblical knowledge, practical skills, and spiritual growth. We are pleased to share with you the latest updates which includes; the impact of our interns and staff, preparations for our upcoming graduation ceremony, and the return of our current students from holiday. We are grateful for your continued support and partnership in our mission to train and equip effective leaders for the Kingdom.
1.0 STUDENTS ON INTERNSHIP
We are excited to report that our students are currently on internship across Zimbabwe, gaining hands-on experience in preaching, teaching, and evangelism. They are serving in various congregations, applying the skills learned in the classroom to real-world ministry. Our interns, set to graduate in October, have made a significant impact in their assignments, demonstrating: Exceptional preaching and teaching skills, effective leadership and organization of community outreach programs. Through all this, they have shown potential to become future leaders in their communities. Their contributions have enhanced our school's reputation and brought spiritual and physical growth to the communities they serve. From the August statistics, there 25 baptisms, 2 restorations, 47 sermons preached, 142 lessons taught to prospects with over a 1000 hours put into the work.
2.0 UPCOMING EVENTS
2.1 GRADUATION
Preparations for the October graduation ceremony are underway where 20 students will receive their certificates. The event will take place on the 19th of October We are excited to celebrate the achievements of our students. To ensure a successful and memorable event, we have begun preparations in earnest. We are finalizing exam scores and assessments, confirming guest speakers and dignitaries, graduation program and schedule, arranging for catering and logistics, and preparing student robes and graduation certificates. We are excited to celebrate the achievements of our graduands and are working diligently to ensure a memorable and successful graduation ceremony.
2.2 PREACHER’S RETREAT
From the 16th to the 18th of October, BVBIZ shall host its annual Preacher’s Retreat under the theme “TAKING PLEASURE IN SELF DEVELOPMENT” from Proverbs 12.17. A number of topics are lined up with the objective of inculcating self-development skills and attributes in preachers relevant to the ever changing world preachers are working in. The fee shall be $15 per person.
3.0 STAFF INVOLVEMENT IN PREACHING AND TEACHING
Our staff members played a significant role in the recently concluded Annual International Gospel Meetings, held this month. The events, attended by hundreds of delegates from around Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Malawi and Mozambique provided a platform for our staff to serve through preaching and teaching thereby enhancing the event's overall quality and impact. Their contributions enhanced the lectureship experience, providing spiritual nourishment and inspiration to those who attended. Ishmael Mutichu, Howard Suwari and Kudakwashe Madyira ministered at National Youth Gospel Meeting at Nhowe Mission where they shared inspiring messages with the young people. On the other hand, Howard and the director taught and preached respectively at the men’s gospel lectureship, which was held at Mutare School of Preaching in Mutare. We are grateful for these opportunities to share the Gospel and inspire others. Please continue to pray for our team as we seek to serve and make a positive impact in our communities.
4.0 NEW TERM
Our current students are on holiday, returning on the 9th of September. We expect them to come back refreshed and ready to tackle the new term with enthusiasm and dedication. As we are preparing for the new term, we ask your prayers for safe return of our current students and a smooth start to the new term. The following subjects are going to be done; Homiletics 1, Hermeneutics 1, Acts of the Apostles, OT History (Joshua-Esther), Galatians (SC), Godhead (SC), Entrepreneurship Skills Development 1(SC), Introduction to computers, Sign Language and Horticulture (SC). There shall be seminars/workshops on Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (Seminar), Sustainable agriculture and Chaplaincy.
5.0 PROJECTS
The school’s motto remains “where spiritual integrity, empowerment and academic excellence intersect.” The aspect of empowerment is key in the learning process. Students are empowered with knowledge, improved nutrition and life survival skills. At the same time, some produce is sold to enable the school to earn an extra dollar towards the school’s operations. Projects actually provides a hands on approach to the learning process besides the theory which is learnt in class.
5.1 CATTLE PROJECT CAMPAIGN
In the previous month, we reported on a $100 donation that was made by brother Isaiah Machingura so that BVBIZ can kick start a cattle project. At least $300 was needed to purchase one cow. From the amount that had been donated by brother Manyati earlier in the year towards electricity and through his permission, $200 was taken and added to brother Machingura’s donation and the first cow was bought. The school is looking for $200 -$300 more to purchases another cow. If we get more, then more beasts will be bought.
5.2 OTHER PROJECTS
Besides the cattle project, other projects have been running as well. In terms of horticulture, there are 800 plants of cabbage in the greenhouse, ordinary leafy vegetables (covo, rape and tsunga), carrots, green paper and about 1500 plants of tomatoes planted on the 15th of August.
In terms of animals, the school has broilers, layers and goats. The number for layers currently stands at 243 with an average of 180-200 eggs being picked every day. This translates to an average of 80% production. In the month of July, the school introduced the black astrolope (road runner/free range) birds. We have a total of 45 and we hope to see them laying eggs soon. In terms of bee keeping, three beehives were set up though they are yet to receive bees inside.
6.0 EXTENSION STUDENTS
The month of August, as all the school holidays/vacations, those on the prarallel program converge in Gweru for their lectures. This is besides the weekend classes they meet. Of these students, 8 are set to graduate this year. The following subjects were taught; African Traditional Religion, Church Administration and Governance, Advanced Homiletics, Teacher Training and Biblical Counselling. The following pictures are a capsule of what the students went through as they went through their classes.
Conclusion
We are grateful for the blessings and opportunities we experienced this month. Our interns have made a significant impact in their assignments, and we look forward to their graduation in October. We are also excited to welcome back our current students and launch the new semester. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in our mission to train and equip effective leaders for the Kingdom. May God bless and guide us as we continue to serve Him.