Leadership Seminar in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus.
Greetings from BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan and fellow WBSFUW in South West States of Nigeria. 
Below is the summary of the 15th annual leadership  Seminar held at Doug Wheeler Event Hall, Butubutu village from March 12 through 16,2018 .

The participants trooped in on Sunday evening and the class took off on Monday morning immediately after the welcome speech by me, the Director of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria and Southwest School of Evangelism, Ibadan.

The class was divided into two session, the diploma and advanced diploma between 8:00am and 11:00am followed by an hour break and classes continue from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm and general class by 4:00pm to 6:00pm and 7:30pm to 9:00pm daily. 

The theme of our five days lectures is How to study, interprets and preach The Bible. Our speakers are :Bro.. Isaac Olaniyan, Bro. Abiola Joseph Olusoji, Bro. Kayode Solomon Eniafe, Bro. Ezekiel Okorougo, Bro. Mfon Etim and myself, Bro. Makinde Ebens. 

The program was attended by about 95 brethren from the Lord 's church in Oyo, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Kwara, Kogi, Delta and Akwa Ibom states of Nigeria. The remaining 3,500 VOTI volume 95 from World Evangelism / Voice of Truth International, USA and Bibles from Bro. Doug Wheeler and associates was freely distributed to 88 church leaders .

Brethren, we thank you all for your partnership and love toward the growth of the Lord 's church in Africa. May the Lord keep on using you and us for His glory in Jesus Christ name, amen. 

Your fellow soldier of Christ, 
Bro. Makinde Ebens (Director of Studies and Chairman of Administrative Council, BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan and fellow WBSFUW)

Good news in Ghana

The beginning of the year 2018 saw 23 preachers meeting in a village called Agona Namanwura. The church in this village was established a year ago with an average attendance of 18 adults. The week-long stay in the village saw dawn preaching, where the loud speakers were used. There was daily house to house preaching and distribution of tracts. There was a nightly street preaching which most time ends at 12 midnight, those evangelistic activities resulted in 22 baptisms and 3 restorations. This congregation was highly blessed and pleaded with us to make it a yearly program to the church there.

Bible School

The beginning of the year 2018 marked the beginning of another school year of the Accra Bible School. It is a 2-year program. Over 20 brethren were interviewed but 12 have now reported. This is a boarding department and the students stay in the school for a term of 3 months and then go home for a month holiday. About 6 of the 12 are already preaching for congregations. I am teaching the “The Cost of Discipleship.

The part-time department is having 38 students, whereas the regular program is two years, this part-time program is for 4 years and currently we are in the third year. Classes are held on Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. As the moment, I am teaching “The Scheme of Redemption.” The Tamale School has students’ population of 18 and currently they are on holidays for a month. This holiday is for the students who are mostly farmers to prepare their lands for planting. They are coming back on March 19, 2018.

Children – School: The re-opening of the school in January is the second of the three terms in a year. Currently, the children are using three of the six classrooms, down-stirs of the story building. We are yet to put a stir-guard on the steps as a guide to the three top floor classrooms. We have gotten new students since the re-opening of the school in January, 2018.

Baptisms: Our Mission congregations reported 6 baptisms and the Campus Ministry also recorded 4 baptisms.

We are blessed to have brother Travis Hardesty, Minister of Oak Street Church of Christ visiting the school in March. Oak Street Church is instrumental in helping the school get permanent building. We wish him a blessed stay in Ghana.

We are planting a new congregation in March in a village call Immuna on the coast, south of Mankessim.

Please pray with us, we really need it. Thanks.

Kojo Acquah Beenyi,    Minister,   Church of Christ,   Agona Swedru,  C/R,  Ghana,  West Africa

Upcoming courses in Myanmar

Dear brethren,

Greetings. I hope and pray that you are doing well and has been busy in the work of the Lord.

I am happy to inform you that our school begins on March 19 and ends on April 20, for five weeks in this session. The students are coming and we will have ten students. Five subjects will be taught in this session by three visiting instructors: NT Church and Life of Christ I by Dr. Steve Christian, Acts and Personal Evangelism II - Church Planting by Jerry Bates and The Godhead by John Lucius.

We are expecting and praying to have a good school again and covet your prayers.

After this school session, we plan for campings again with the students who can join and those who cannot join, they may have their own plan of evangelism.

Yours in His service

Philip Van Biak Lian

Director, BVBI-Myanmar

A guest teacher in Sierra Leone

Hello Brethren in Christ,

We salute you in the name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ Amen.

We are pleased to send pictures of our activities undertaken for the month of February this year in which a lot has happened. Students sharing the undiluted word of God to the people in the community where we are planning to take our next campaign. Students holding group studies from house to house as they reason together with community members about Jesus.

Learning in the classroom ended with a short course conducted by Bro Robert Dahn Jr of Bear Valley Bible Institute of Liberia who is also acting on behalf of Bro Steven to see that there is uniformity in the three schools: Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea in terms of teachings, comportment and spreading of the gospel in these schools

Bro, Steven held a brief meeting with students and staff of Bear Valley in Sierra Leone with Bro, Robert Dahn who reiterated on the teachings and method to be used by all the Bear Valley Schools in order to be on the same standard of learning the undiluted word of the gospel.

He also reemphasized the importance of Bear Valley Bible Institute certificate requirements for the course. The meeting ended with a review of the Budget and setting up of a proper filling system for the school by recording all properties of the school and works to be done by individuals for a proper book-keeping record of the school assets.

Thank you,

Submitted: Bro, Ishmael S. Bangura

Good work in Malawi!

The Bear Valley school started here at Mzuzu Bible College in February 2016.  We have two full time teachers, Clegynton Harawa and Patrick Nsalira, who was interviewed to take over from Francisco Wabuda Phiri, (though we don’t tell that these are special for BV and these for MSOP, as we all work together as a team. All teachers can teach in both departments),and two voluntary staff which includes the school’s director.

 First Graduation 2016-2017

 At the end of October 2017 our first Bear Valley class graduated.  We are proud of what they achieved and thankful to all of the Bear Valley sponsors for making this happen.  Since the graduation, two new congregations have been established by some of these students.  Indeed, one student who failed his first year and was not going to continue, then made a real turnaround in his attitude and dedication.  He caught up with his studies and assignments; he is one of the students who has, after graduating, has gone out and established a thriving new congregation of the Lord’s church! This congregation is in the Mzuzu city and is called Mzuzu airport Church of Christ.

The 2018-2019 Student Intake

The new academic years started at the beginning of February 2018.  We have a class of 15 new students from up and down Malawi, and two of them are in their late 60s which shows people are having zeal and eagerness to study and learn God’s word.

The next few months up to the end of May, the students will proceed with academic work only.  We ensure that they have a basic solid foundation before we take them out into the field with gospel preaching work.

Gospel Preaching

During 2018 the students will be involved in 6 gospel preaching campaigns in all three regions of Malawi.  Last year (2017) the BV students were involved in baptizing over 276 souls and the establishment of three new congregations of the Lord’s church.  We were facing some problems with transport for gospel preaching work during 2017 as the Malawi government refused to allow us to continue transporting students using our truck.  This significantly increased the costs of doing this work to the point that we were thinking to cut back the number of campaigns. 

However, the Lord helped us in our need and a generous donor purchased a bus for us so we could continue this vital work.  All of us here are committed to training preachers and while the academic side of this is important; it is also important that practical experience be gained by these students.  Fear is the great weapon which Satan uses to shut the mouths of Christians, the only way to help students not having this fear is to send them into a practical work, after almost four months of theory work in class.

We are thankful to be part of this work! We also do appreciate those who support the school financially. Special thanks should also go to Brother Donnie and his family for the work they are doing in Africa (Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia). They are few people of his heart that can sacrifice themselves to come and help in the work of training preachers in a far distanced place from home like this. We hope that we shall all be rewarded when our Lord appears on that day, if we indeed remain faithful, steadfast and unmovable.

Students regards!

Ephron Vincent Mbano (Local Director, BVBI-Malawi)

(On behalf of the BVBIM - staff) 

Big news in Ukraine!

In Bila Tserkva, Ukraine to school continues to do very well. This month's report contains some especially good news that now a Ukrainian congregation has begun supporting the school! This is an important step and these brethren are to be commended. You will enjoy reading the rest of the update HERE. 

38 students in Arusha

It’s my hope that things are going well with each one of you, and that you are all working hard in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope that the gospel is being preached and taught by the faithful servants all over the World. This is only possible because of the ability that our God supplies through His faithful sons.

At ACSOP things are going well. We started our first quarter on February 5, and it will conclude on March 9, 2018. The total number of students in ACSOP this year is 38, and includes men from Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

We started teaching them the book of Genesis and Life of Christ 1, taught by Desdery Massawe, “How We Got the Bible” and “Intertestamental Period” taught by Godfrey Mngoma, “Biblical Interpretation (Introduction to Hermeneutics)” and “Public Speaking 2” taught by Ahimidiwe Kimaro, “Spiritual Disciplines” and “Godhead” taught by Charles Herbeth.

My fellow teachers and I are working hard to mold and strengthen these students by imparting to them the skills of the Word of God.  We really appreciate this great effort which is being undertaken here in this part of the world because of your prayers, and great financial support which helps make these things possible. May our God of our Lord Jesus Christ supply all your needs as you do to us. Amen.

Your servant in Christ Jesus,

Losotwa Michael
Dean of Academics,

Andrew Connally School of Preaching

A Bear Valley Bible Institute International extension school

Arusha, TZ.

Plans for the future in Zimbabwe

INTRODUCTION

Many exciting things are happening at BVBIZ. God’s favour continues to be seen with the passing of each month. February had her share of these. Space may not permit to detail all. This report is a summary of what transpired in February together with some upcoming future activities and programs.  

CLASSES CONTINUE

Classes at BVBIZ are progressing well. All short courses have so far been completed. These includes; Geography of the Bible, Foundation of Missions and Community Development and Poverty Alleviation. The following courses are still in progress;

·         Revelation

·         Minor Prophets

·         Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics

·         Preacher’s Life and Work

·         Elementary Hebrew

LAUNCH OF STRATEGIC DOCUMENT

BVBIZ now has its blueprint. This strategic plan document was commissioned on the 24th of February 2018. This was done during a board meeting that took place on the same day. This document was produced after many hours of intensive work by the board, management and other stakeholders in the period from December 2017 to January 2018. Keith Kasarjian, the Bear Valley Bible Institute International Director was there to witness the commissioning. The following pictures show what transpired.

KEITH VISITS BVBIZ

BVBIZ was blessed to have Keith Kasarjian from the 24th -27th of February. He last came into the country 2 years ago to survey the possibility of having a school in Zimbabwe. It was a blessing seeing him back to see the school for the first time and assess its progress. He had an opportunity to meet the students and teachers. On the 24th he was part of the Board meeting, that saw the commissioning of BVBIZ’s strategic plan. On Sunday, the 25th, he preached at Nashville church of Christ. On the 26th he taught students, preached in chapel and had a meeting with the teachers.  BVBIZ was indeed blessed by this visit. 

APPRECIATION

Our appreciation goes to Brother Noel Nyemba in East London, South Africa for donating a projector to the school. This has been one of our needs for a long time. Thank you Noel for standing in the gap.

FIELD PROGRAM

BVBIZ emphasizes on practical. This has been done through a number of ways which include weekend evangelism and field program. The first filed program was done for eight weeks in 2017 from 10 July-10 September. During last year’s eight week program, there were 40 restorations, 56 baptisms, 1223 prospects reached with the gospel one on one besides other methods used. This year’s program shall take place in April and May. Applications from congregations are already in for the program.

GRADUATION

This month we repeat a notice which was in our January report. The proposed graduation date for our current class is the 2nd of June 2018. Details regarding this ceremony shall be furnished as time progresses. This first batch of students will be ready to work anywhere (in existing congregations or starting new ones) starting in June 2018. If there is a congregation in need of a preacher (either married or single) please contact the school.

CONCLUSION

We thank God for what He has been able to do for the school in February. We look back and see God’s favour following us. This would not have been possible without your financial, moral and spiritual support.To the partners and sponsors, may God continue to bless you.  We always look to the future with hope that indeed, through these efforts, the gates of hades will not prevail against the church (Mt 16.18).  To God be the glory!

Your brother,

Mathew Muchingam, Director BVBI-Z

Another new school!

Dear brethren,

We are glad to inform you that Bear Valley has officially established another extension school in Guinea. The opening ceremony was successfully held on last Sunday, 25th February 2018 after the regular worship service in the town of Gueckedou.

Besides the Bear Valley personnel – Steven of America, Robert of Liberia and Peter of Sierra Leone, various government personalities including the head of the prefecture, the city major and his assistant, the press and a large number of invited guests and other religious leaders all attended this historic program. 16 of the 18 students and 7 of the 9 staff present at the ceremony.

Steven, Robert and Peter assisted us in designating the facilities for the various work areas such as the class-room, the dormitory, the library, visiting instructors' room and the director' office.

Other preparations are being made to ensure the start of classes on Monday, the 5th of March. We are grateful to the US administration of Bear Valley. Our appreciation equally go to Steven and his able men from Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Brotherly,

Francis Sahr Musa, Director, BVBI-G

My visit to Zimbabwe

It has been my pleasure to be with the staff and students at Bear Valley Bible Institute - Zimbabwe. I first began working on this new school in 2015, made the survey trip in January 2016, and the school began June 2016. It has impressed and excelled every step of the way. 

Director Mathew Muchingami and his team of Howard Suwari, Ishmael Mutichu, and Hope Karigoka are doing an outstanding job of making this school reach its fullest potential. They are hard-working, driven, and have a great vision for the future of this school and how it will benefit the church in this country.

I was also able to sit in on a school board meeting and was so impressed by the seven men who came from different parts of the country to attend the meeting, because they believe in the value of the school and what we are doing. 

The students are set to graduate in early June, after finishing a 2 month (April and May) practicum. I was able to share encouragement and admonition with them, as they will soon be beginning their respective ministries. 

Please continue to pray for these good brethren, this school, and the new group of students that will soon begin their journey

See the video of the students and staff singing in the local language of Shona.

From Gweru,

Keith Kasarjian

The Great Workshop in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus, 
Greetings from BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan and fellow WBSFUW in South West States of Nigeria. 
Our two weeks break / vocational training weeks end on Friday, February 9,2018. The two weeks break and vocational training results in to conversion of 13 souls and restoration of 15 erring brothers. Bro. Anana Abasiama Effiong and Bro. Emmanuel Godwin recorded three conversions each while Bro. Ukori Godwin Johnson and Bro. Agbefa Dickson recorded the highest restoration of five each. TO GOD BE THE GLORY AND HONOR !

Brethren, this year Great Workshop 2018 held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State between February 6-10 witnessed the present of over 600 brethren across the country, Nigeria. Our guest speaker, Bro. Chad Wagner was another blessing to the Workshop and he spoke on REPOSITIONING THE CHURCH TO BUILD RELATIONSHIP AMONGST OURSELVES...... while our elderly brother, Bro. Monday John Akpakpan admonished the brethren on PREACH THE WORD on February 8 before we went out to fished for the souls of men and women for the Lord. 

On Thursday evening, the remaining 4,000 copies of VOTI volume 94 and 3,000 three powerful doctrinal books written by one of our best friends in Africa, Bro. Jerry Bates (Worship, Bible Covenants and Godhead),over 1,000 WBS correspondence courses and 400 BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan 2018 Calendar were freely distributed to all the participants while all the participants went home with copies of Bible, books and the Workshop materials sponsored by Bro. Doug Wheeler and associates and The Bill Pennell family at the end of the programs. 

Beloved, we thank the Almighty God for granting us safety to and from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Also, we appreciate you all for your moral and prayers supports. May the Lord keep on using all of us for His glory in Jesus Christ name, amen. 

I remain your fellow soldier of Christ.....

Bro. Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies  Chairman of Administrative Council, BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan and fellow WBSFUW)

Nearing the end of the 4th quarter in Mbanga

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

How precious it is to be in the house of God. We give God all the glory for He is the reason we are living. Accept greetings from our lovely family in Mbanga and that of the church in Kiboum that God added to His kingdom some weeks ago.

We request a series of prayers for our country Cameroon, for our school of preaching and for the congregations in the French speaking part of our country, as well as for my family.

The work in the Bear Valley School of preaching in Mbanga is growing as we are rounding up with long courses of this fourth quarter. This will mark the end of year one. How time flies! Very soon we shall be inviting you again for our second graduation ceremony and to our third matriculation ceremony come March 2019. Plan to come and be part of this great event in Mbanga.

Recruitment is on-going for those for male Christians who are bilingual or speaks just French who will love to be trained in our school of preaching in Mbanga. The forms are now available. You can contact any of the staff for more information.

Our students are growing both in preaching and in administration. We can observe them now and begin to compare and picture their first days on campus. Our computer lab is also helping the students to study and get details on some lessons and courses. The few books from the library are helping as well. We have more books and tracts on the way from Mission Printing and French World Outreach.

Weekend evangelism is the key to training and success of our students as they will not pass by a week without going to many, even some very remote, areas where they may travel for very long distances just to go and preach to young converts or to make some prospects or new converts.    This really brings out a lot of motivation both intrinsic and extrinsic.

This year started with lots and lots of blessings as many souls are already added to the church and with the assistance of our students. New congregations are being established. One new congregation is in Awing village were seven souls were added to church and another in Kiboum village. These were established the same weekend. Kiboum is a village in the central region of Cameroon. We have a congregation only in capital city in the central region. This could be the first village in the central region to accept the undiluted gospel. Nine souls are already baptized into Christ in that village and as of now, 32 persons are worshipping with the Kiboum church of Christ. We pray this will be a new beginning in the central region. Two were added last week in at Mbanga who will worship with the Bonaberi assembly in Douala.

We are planning for another mass evangelism in two other villages during this dry season. We pray that you commit us in your prayers to have the funds and the technics to go about this work. Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism.

I thank the almighty God for his grace and strength and I thank the many great teachers and mentors whom God used to help bring me into this great work in Cameroon, for which I was trained and prepared since the days of my youth.

Shalom to all from evangelist Ititi Benedict, the slave at work.

More progress in Takoradi

Dear Brethren,

Again, we are very much thankful to the Almighty God for leading us safely into another year, 2018. It is our prayer that as He did to us in the recent year past, He will continue to grant us peace, wisdom, strength and desire to be able to go through this new year successfully. We also trust that just as He granted our supporters all they needed to assist this school, He would continue to grant them His will and enable all our supporters receive double portion of His blessing. Very thankful to Him again.

CLASSROOM WORK

We returned into session after the end of year break in the middle of the month (January). As has been our usual practice classes for both the regular and part-time students commenced immediately. We are glad to say that teaching and learning have continued successfully as both instructors and students have been present and on time to go though the time table.

PART-TIME SCHEDULE

Before we went on break, brother Steven Ashcraft had made us aware that this program must conform to the schedule of the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, which the school in Accra is also following. Instead of all the instructors reporting to teach a class this day, (Saturday), one instructor must complete his course and another continues in that order. The Director, Matthew Ackah has begun to take the first schedule, continuing for twenty Saturdays. While fulfilling the schedule of Bear Valley, we also have observed that this has also given our students better concentration on the course

EVANGELISM/BAPTISM

Both instructors and students’ effort contributed in the conversion of twelve (12) souls during the break. The students, upon their return to school are continuing with their evangelism in the villages around the school. They continue to preach also in the village’s information Center. We stated this in our last report.

HHI SUPPORTED POULTRY PROJECT

We are glad to report to you that this project is going on successfully. As we send this report, about a hundred of the two hundred and seventy one birds have been sold. We continue to search for market to sell the remainder. We remain committed with our plans to keep the project running. We have booked another three hundred (300) day old chicks to be delivered in the third week of March, 2018. We pray plans for our suppliers do not change.

MOTORCYCLE

The donation of the motor bike had helped our course tremendously. While providing transportation for our evangelism in the areas around the school, it has also supported some urgent needed errands of the women in the kitchen. It also has helped the school carry sick students to the nearby hospital even at odd times. We once again wish to thank the donors. It has been a wonderful assistance to the school.

Finally, we again thank you all, especially our most cherished sponsors for your readiness and willingness to you all and pray the Father to grant you all your heart desire to be able to see us all through another successful year. Once again we say “THANK YOU” and our special greetings to the entire brethren.

CHARLES MENSAH

Director, West Coast School of Preaching

Personal Evangelism in New Zealand

We are happy to report on another busy month for the students and staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute-New Zealand. This quarter is very demanding for the students. For one, they will be taking two biblical language courses (not at the same time!), plus they are also taking my Personal Evangelism course, which requires them to close the books, go outside, and talk to people! In addition to that, next week, we will begin a local campaign to help up to four different congregations drum up some contacts for follow up work.

I am currently teaching my largest class yet with Personal Evangelism 1. I have thirteen eager students. The word training may be a more appropriate word, rather than teaching. Training requires doing that which is taught. The students are having to step out of their comfort zones this week to begin spiritual conversations with at least three people using the tools we have given them in class. I am taking them through the Make Disciples Training Program.

As always, we are very thankful to be a part of this work, and we’re thankful you are, too! We hope this brief report has encouraged you. Please continue to pray for us. 
 
Lance Mosher, BVBINZ Director

Classes resume in Fiji

BIBLE INSTITUTE AT RAIWAQA, FIJI REPORT

17 February 2018

By: Rocco Hugh Pierce

Things are shaping up for a good year.  School starts back on Monday the 19 of February 2018.  We are looking forward to a great year.  Debbie and I arrived back in Fiji on February 10th and have been very busy settling in and trying to get ready for the coming school year.  

We have two new international students enrolled for the 2018 school year.  Alphonsus comes to us from the Solomon Islands.  He brings with him his wife, and two children ages 9 and 5.  Alphonsus has been preaching for the Honiara Church of Christ and comes to us highly recommended by Rod Kyle, a missionary to the Solomon Islands.  We have been busy helping him to find a place to live and started the process for his student visa. 

Our second new student comes to us from the island nation of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia, Asher, is a single man in his fifties and an active leader in the church in Pohnpei.  Debbie and I are headed to Nadi this weekend to pick him up from the airport, along with Wayne Parker, the missionary to Pohnpei who is traveling with him.  

We should have 7 returning students from last year.  We also expect to have 2 students readmitted to the program that had to drop out last year due to family or personal issues.  All total, we are looking at 11 students for our first term of 2018.

In this first term, I will be teaching three classes: The Sermon on the Mount, Congregational Development, and Beginning Greek.  Jason will teach, Old Testament Prophets 1, General Epistles, and Christian Evidences.  The subjects this year are upper division and may serve as a bit of challenge for our students, especially those who are entering the program this year.  I know our students would appreciate your prayers! 

I just got word from Healing Hands International, that our books for our library have been picked up from their warehouse in Nashville, for their journey to a sea port in the U.S.A (either New Orleans, San Francisco, or Los Angeles).  The shipment contains nearly 2,000 pounds of books in 72 boxes.  Cargo ships leave the U.S. every two weeks heading for Fiji.  Once the books are stowed in the cargo hold of the ship, it will take another 45 days for the transpacific voyage.  Hopefully, they will arrive by the end of April or 1st of May.  Our students are very excited about having access to the resources that these books will provide.

We are so grateful to God for the opportunity to serve in this work.  We are also thankful to Bear Valley for their support and encouragement.  We appreciate the dedication of our students to learning Gods word.  Truly, God has been gracious! 

Graduation in Togo

THE 5TH BVBI GRADUATION IN TOGO.

It was a great joy and relief to see the students march down the Isle at Crystal Hotel where the ceremony took place. This ceremony was scheduled to have taken place on November 11 2017 but had to be postponed indefinitely due to the political tension in Togo. However,  in December the date was tentatively set for January 27 2018.

The occasion was graced by Keith Kassarjian (the director of extension studies at Bear Valley Bible Institute), Steve Ashcraft( Coordinator of Bear Valley extension schools in West Africa) and Dr. Augustine Tawiah( former director of the Ghana Bible college and a member of Parliament in the current government of Ghana), he was also the the guest speaker.

 Among the special guests were preachers and elders from Lome and several church members. There were four hundred and fifty people in all who came to witness the ceremony. At the end of the program seven men received diplomas.

Some of the invited guests posed for a picture with the graduates. Keith handed the diplomas to the students and Steve, the coordinator, also delivered a speech. 

TWENTY (20) MEN ENROLLED AT BVBI IN KPALIME,TOGO.

This has been the most difficult enrollment exercise we have organized so far. We were not certain we could get even eight men to attend. For the first time we had to use radio announcements running for over a month, visit congregations, make announcements during our weekly broadcast etc. The response this time was very good because we have introduced livestock and organic vegetable farming as an encouragement to those who will enroll in the Bible Training Program. However, the ultimate goal of introducing the livestock and the organic vegetable farming is for the school to become self supporting in the near future.

Brotherly,

Willie Gley 

Mike Reese visits Kenya

God Continues to Bless the Work in Kenya

The Kenya School of Preaching is alive and well and continues to equip faithful and able men for works of ministry under the careful guidance of Charles Ogutu, director, and Elias Omallo, academic dean.   I was in Kenya January 4-19, 2018 (along with Dr. Denny Petrillo) and was able to teach two classes at KSOP: one Master’s class, “The Spiritual Formation of the Preacher” to nine students and “Education Program of the Church” to the 18 undergraduate students.  Both classes worked extremely hard in their respective classes.  While all performed in the classroom these men are applying what they are learning in “real life” ministry.  Let me share some of the most recent works of KSOP graduates and current students.

Raphael Okuma (2016 KSOP graduate) conducted a campaign January 26-28 at the Kibuye  Church of Christ in Siaya, Kenya.  Preachers who joined in this campaign were David Wasonga (Andrew Connally graduate and KSOP short course teacher), Joseph Patric Tuju (elder at Ahono), Paul Odemba (2016 KSOP) and John Paul Ochieng (2016 KSOP).  The Lord blessed their efforts with ten baptisms.

Victor Boy current KSOP student has committed to working with the newly planted church in Bondo, Kenya.  After several weeks of Bible study God gave the increase of two souls being baptized into Christ January 20.

A short evangelistic campaign January 14 by four current KSOP students and Elias Omollo (academic dean) at the Malele Church of Christ resulted in God giving the increase with four baptisms and two restorations.

Zachary Ouma (current KSOP student and former street boy) continues to minister to those living on the street in Nakuru.  Having been a former street boy himself due to being orphaned at a young age, Zachary knows what these “street boys” and “street girls” are experiencing.  His personal success and faithfulness to God serves as a bright and guiding light to those he is teaching and mentoring who have been outcast by Kenyan society.

On Saturday, January 27, Simon Bett, Philip Langat, Nehemiah Molel and Gilbert Langat (all current KSOP students) traveled to their home area in the Rift Valley and met from 2 p.m. – 8 a.m. with 18 elderly men from five different congregations.  The agenda was restoration to faithful worship practices of the New Testament.  Simon Bett reported, “after lengthy discussions they agree to stay faithful to (the) Gospel.”

In January 2018, eighteen  KSOP students, two American teachers and two African teachers visited 19 local churches, preached 34 sermons, taught 38 classes, performed 26 baptisms, restored 7 area churches to the New Testament pattern of worship, were involved in 22 individuals being  restored, participated in 17 evangelistic trips to local churches and around Hellena Court and preached in 6 gospel meetings. Elias Omollo, KSOP Academic Dean commented, “If this is what we can accomplish in a month, how about in a year's time? God knows our plans and goals!”

This is just a small sample of the mighty works being done by current and alumna of the Kenya School of Preaching.  It is an honor for me personally to be associated with these men. To God be the glory great things He hath done!

Michael P. Reese Ed.D.

Coordinator Kenya School of Preaching

A new class of students in Arusha

The year 2017 existed and ended marvelously with a lot of success at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. Many encouraging report have been written by Faculty members and missionary and to give you updated of what the Lord has been working through his ministers here at Arusha. My Gospel ministry and entire mission work was amazing especially working with my fellow preachers and faculty members at ACSOP.  We have been able to accomplish much for the Lord and His kingdom for the past year. 

We are very happy everyday to read reports from our graduate students who are always working faithfully in their local congregation. Over the past 15 years a total of 172 students have graduated in which out of these 163 are still faithful in the Lords church. As you have been reading on our recently report, we are glad to have a group of 36 students in both Swahili and English program. Please continue to pray for these faithful men who have left their family to come and be trained for two years.

This is our first quarter and classes are in session, instructors are getting very busy everyday in teaching and grading students quizzes. We are expecting to have our student working with congregation around the area. This program is very helpful to both our students and these congregations. Please continue to pray for this work. We will never stop to thank you with all your support. 

 In Him,

Godfrey Mngoma

Dean of Students, Andrew Connally School of Preaching

A Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver extension school

Arusha, Tanzania

Mass evangelism in Cameroon

How precious it is to be in the house of God ,we give God all the glories for He is the reason we are leaving. Accept greetings from our lovely family in Mbanga and that of the church in Kiboum that God added to His kingdom some weeks ago.

We request a series of prayers for our country Cameroon,to our school of preaching and to the congregations in French speaking part of our country and to my family.

The work in the Bear Valley school of preaching in Mbanga is growing as we are rounding up with long courses of this fourth quarter and this will mark the end of year one,how time flies very soon we shall be inviting you again for our second graduation ceremony and to our third matriculation ceremony come march 2019. Come and be part of this great event in Mbanga.

Recruitment is on going for those who will love to be trained in our school of preaching in Mbanga for male Christians who are bilingual or speaks just French . The forms are available you could contact the management board for information.

Our students are growing both in preaching and in administration.we can observed and begin to picture their  first days in campus.our computer lap is also helping the students to study and get details on some lessons and courses including the few books from the library.

Weekends evangelism is the key to our students as they will not pass by a week without going even to some remote areas were they will travel for very long distances just to go and preach to young convert or make some prospects and this is really brings out a lot of motivation both intrinsic and extrinsic.

This year  started with a lot and lots of blessings as many souls are already added to the church and with the assistance of our students,new congregations are been established.one in Awing village were seven souls were added to church and the other at Kiboum village that same weekend.kiboum is a village in the centre region in Cameroon.we have congregation only in capital city in the centre region and this  could be the first village in the centre region to accepting the undiluted gospel.9souls are already baptised to Christ in that village and as of now 32 persons are worshipping in Kiboum church of Christ.we pray this will be a new beginning in the centre region,2 should were added last week from mbanga and will worship with the bonaberi assembly in Douala.

We are planning for another mass evangelism in two other villages in this dry season.we pray you commit us in your prayers to have funds and the technics to go about this work.evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism.

We thank the almighty God for his Grace and strength to be a part of this great work in Cameroon from the days of my youth.

Shalom to all from evangelist Ititi Benedict the slave at work.

New Director in Accra

Great is He who has made seasons always new with full of strength, glory and merciful. Indeed with the Lord all things are possible. Happy New Year to all the brethren, the board and the instructors both in USA, Ghana, Togo and other countries, we always hear from you and your endeavor in remembrance in your prayer.

STAFF MEETINGS

Structure Academic Activities: such as having chapel period, periodic evangelism on school premises.

Reaching the past students in contact: This was to check on how they are doing as to whether they are making headway in their preaching work. The instructors could visit their congregation as means of knowing their activeness. Also, to create a database for all their contacts details.

Soul Winning: Concerns was discussed and that the Year End Numbers were not encouraging therefore more effort should be put in order to have the gospel preached all round and to win more souls.

NEW APPLICANTS

We are grateful to receiving application for the Third Batch. Twenty (20) students applied for admission for the academic year 2018/2019. Among these, we currently have Eleven (11) students for Regular Department and Four (4) for Weekends / Distance Learning Department.  We are firmly hoping that the rest of the Five (5) would be reported as we endeavor to reach them in contact daily.

Currently, we have in total of Thirty-four (34) students for Distance Learning / Weekends and Eleven (11) for Regular Department. In total, there are Forty-five (45) students currently for Accra School excluding those we are preparing for the graduation.

BEGINNING OF CLASS

School resumes on 22nd January, 2018 and we have our first term study with full curriculum. The curriculum in the first term captures Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics, How We Got The Bible, Cost of Discipleship, Pentateuch, Communication Skills and Introduction to Computers. All the Instructors are healthily present on the period assign them and having their classes effective. Our students are very active desiring to study what’s the truth though they are few days old in class.

DONATION

School Van: The Southern Institute of Biblical Studies, Dobro – Accra has successfully received a Van which could hold 18 persons. This will enable us to make trips to various places for our evangelism activities. For instance, that which is coming forth 5th March, 2018 in Central Region of Ghana. The staffs together with the new students say may your kindness be blessing to you and the church.

Information Center For Our Public Preaching Activities: having put forth the authorities about P. A. System for preaching, gadget such as horns, microphones, amplifier and cable has also reach the school for constructing Information Centre which is about to be done. This will aid our down preaching and other evangelistic ativities

Projector: A brand new Epson Projector has been donated to SIBS – Accra Campus to facilitate teaching in class, evangelistic activities and other activities that will demand for its use.

Other Donation: Much has been received from you in kind or cash which is helping for the progress of the school and more excellence for glorifying the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

CHANGE IN DIRECTORSHIP AND HANDING OVER

As authorized by the National Coordinator, Br. Steven Ashcraft proposed that with effect from 1st January, 2018 bro. Seth Osae Larbi, the former Director for SIBS in Accra to be changed to bro. Emmanuel Odeng Larbi, the Assistant to Brother Seth.

Currently, we have our new director for Accra School, namely, bro. Emmanuel Odeng Larbi.

To add to the above, bro. Kojo Acquah Beenyi has been asked to serve as the Regional Coordinator for all the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Ghana with effect from the January 1st, 2018.

Hand over activities has been made to the new director and his administration. All ministries are effectively in progress for the year.

Samuel Sasu Ntim

STUDENT’S PROFILE

This is Samuel Sasu Ntim. He is a young of age 32 and a student of the second batch 2016/2017 academic year. He is single. Samuel is the evangelist of Panpanso No.1 local congregation with 33 believers. 18 members within two years were added to the church. Though they do not come in full number due to traveling and unemployment matters yet regular members of 26 meet weekly. Samuel is always proud of SIBS for the wonderful studies he has had through the Devine guidance and the knowledgeable instructors.

To add to his achievement, Samuel has been able to write a Bible Tract in Twi language which is titled “}kwan a Onyankop]n nam so de gye onipa nkwa” (the Scheme of Redemption) with the help of the institution.

Currently, he has devoted to transport and tracts sharing evangelism for the glorification of God.

He says may you, the Southern Institute of Biblical Studies and all the brethren be blessed.

From the staff at SIBS