BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA
FEBRUARY 2025 OPERATING REPORT
The Lord is with us, and we are determined to do greater things with His empowerment. The Lord Jesus is indeed guiding us steadily this year to greater heights considering the direction we are moving by far. Into the second month of the year 2025 (February), we are feeling very positive considering the resumption of the 2025/2026 batch of students, and the improvement of steps towards discipline in the school, as well as the level of order instilled in the school so far. We pray for His strength and grace to remain focused and consistent positively as we press forward.
RESUMPTION OF STUDENTS AND ACADEMIC WORK
The 2025/2026 academic year began on the 10th of February, 2025. At the end of our recruitment process for a lengthy period of time, 38 forms were taken by potential students. Out of which 21 of them turned in for interview and entrance examination. Out of these 21, 16 of them qualified for enrollment into the institute. 9 of them reported to school on the 10th of February, 2025. 2 more reported on the 13th and the 14th of February, respectively. We still expect about four more students to join this batch of students.
Lectures began successfully on the 10th of February, 2025, with Brother Daniel Adjei Mensah teaching the Scheme of Redemption. Other courses taught in the month of February were; Hermeneutics one by Brother James Legend, and the New Testament Church by Brother Adjei. To God be glory, great things He has done; for all things are moving on perfectly.
8TH GRADUATION AND 9TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY
One of the wonderful events and experience in the month of February was the graduation of the 2023/2024 batch of students. The Lord’s vineyard needs lots of workers, and it’s always joyful to witness men prepared and ready to take up the duty of working for our Lord Jesus. It was a precious moment to see brethren pledged to work for our Master (preach the word) at all times and under any condition. This event took place on the 19th of February, 2025. It is our prayer that these men indeed remain faithful to our God, in all their endeavors at every given moment, especially in the service of laboring for our Lord, by working to help expand the Lord’s kingdom.
In all, 10 brothers were graduated successfully. There were series of awards to motivate those who did their best during their time in school, both academically and character as well. Brother Dickson Anonzah was the best student academic, whiles the overall best student award went to Brother Paul Mpakba. The most well behaved student award went to Fredrick Laar Mon, while Brother Joshua Fooki took the best most servants’ award. It was a very simple and beautiful event.
The welcome or opening address was done by Brother Daniel Adjei Mensah. He recounted some of the events that predate the inception of the school. He also enumerated some of the great benefits the school has brought to Northern Ghana. The time, the money, suffering in time past one had to go through travelling to Southern Ghana to attend a Bible school, that Bear Valley Tamale came and saved countless number of people from. The benefits are immeasurable. Currently, across the breadth and length of Northern Ghana, about 90% of the preachers that are working effectively, are trained by Bear Valley Tamale Campus. We give God the glory.
Our beloved Brother, and Coordinator for Bear Valley Schools in West Africa and beyond, Brother Steven Ashcraft was also present at the event. He delivered the charge to the graduands. Brother Steven introduced his message by acknowledging the efforts of all the men that were present at the event and their importance and contributions towards the vision that was conceived several years ago which has now become a great reality. With many lively words, he did encourage and empowered all the gathering, especially preachers present and the graduates on the work of the Lord and our calling.
The ordination and matriculation ceremonies were done by Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, the coordinator of Bear Valley Schools in Ghana. Thomas Donzie was the guest speaker.
Students from the newly established weekend school in Jirapa in the Upper West Region were also present and were matriculated together with the Tamale students. We thank God for this wonderful program that gave us a lot of encouragement.
While Brother Steven and Kojo were there for a very short time, they managed to held series of meetings centered at encouraging the staff and addressing issues that could lead to the progress of the school.
The students also donated 8 plastic chairs to the school, to show their gratitude.
In addition, there was also another impactful activity that took place. Five new motor Bikes we purchased to aid working evangelists who are doing their best towards the lost souls. Glory is to God for the life of Brother Steven and all the able brethren who care for the souls in Africa and the world, and their desire and willingness to aid workers in God’s kingdom. Brethren who received these motor were; Albert Tamanja Malir, Samuel Lamoja, Jacob Awintoya, Waja Francis and Bambile Abraham. May the good Lord bless all those who made this possible.
WITHIN AND OUTSIDE WORK ON COMPOUND CONTINUES
We have made it a point to continue day in and out to be consistent in seeing to the effective upgrading of our school environment. The front view of our institute is very clean, and we have also erected a sign post outlining all the different things (programs or activities) being run by the school. It is our desire to work hard to make Bear Valley Tamale stand out from the crowd, both in physical appearance and in maintaining the true doctrine of Christ. We know with time, we will become one of the best, if not the best, in many things. May God help us through.
IRRIGATION WORK
We now have some local vegetables to supplement the feeding efforts of our students on campus. We thank Healing hands and our sponsors for supporting us with water that we are able to raise vegetables at this time of the year in Tamale. Currently, water is one of the most scares commodities in Northern Ghana, especially, Tamale Township. Our neighbors continue to thank God for the water we extended outside freely for their consumption.
All the praises is to the Lord.
God bless you,
James.