Planting the garden in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE - TAMALE, GHANA

REPORT FOR APRIL 2020

This period indeed is a moment of reflection to reckon the indisputable activates God has bestowed on us all. We are grateful and appreciative for your gestures in turning your kindness toward us. May God keep you save and strong during this hard time of covid 19 pandemic.

 ACTIVITIES IN THE SCHOOL

We are committed to the orders of the government for its further postponement of public and private schools as well as social gathering suspension. We continue to pray with the students in their various homes to adhere to the safety protocols till the epidemic is well controlled.

We the staffs with our families meet on Sundays as a Church to reason together with the Lord with safety measures observed. We are working wholeheartedly to insure that both the school and the Church achieve its goals for the year 2020. Our communication with coordinator Kojo Acquah Beenyi on issues that will propel the progress of the school in Tamale is intact; we also keep on updating current students and incoming students through phone calls on government directives, assuring them the victory in the battle of corona virus menace. They are all responding positively as majority of them are engaged in farming activity now.

VISITATION AND CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS

Though it has been difficult globally to predict effectively into the future, we are mandated to walk by faith and not by sight. For that matter, working as a team with our coordinator Brother Kojo, we continue to find ways to strategically plan for the future and smooth survival of the school. Therefore, per government withdrawal of restriction of movements, we embarked on four days (4 days) visitation and campaign for students in the Zabzugu Tatale District and its environs. Brother James Bisong Legend embarked on this journey. James left Tamale on the 22nd of April, and returned on the 25th , 2020. Visited locations where both past and current students of BVBI are residents, either as preachers for congregations or assisting preachers. Visited Nbolado where Samson Bisigma preachers for, Osunado congregation, cared for by Eric Bintim and Simon, Jomoni, where David is the Preacher, Gmanyando, Francis Satinja Works there, Kparibontaabo, Samuel Ogan and Daniel Kolimba are helping put things in order, Bikpabjab, where Brother Kolimba Samuel is the preacher. Also visited Brother Jagri Joe at New Jado congregation and Brother Alex at Sanguli respectively.

All these brethren are current and past products of Bear Valley Tamale. Due to covid 19, some weren’t meeting for worship any longer; they couldn’t device and creative way to worship, whiles others were breaking the restrictions of government. This visitation served a very good purpose as many were encouraged to meet in smaller groups and at homes to worship whiles observing the measures given by the government. Those who weren’t observing the government restrictions were advised with scriptures to do so. All of them were excited and strengthened by my presence. Four forms were taken by brethren who showed interest in enrolling into the school, whiles six forms were left with Brother Eric Bintim for those who were undecided at that time.

SCHOOL GARDEN

The farming activities are ongoing on the school plot, herbicide is bought and the compound have been sprayed, crops sowed (e.g. Groundnut and Yam), which help keep the environment clean to chase away dangerous creatures in and around the school. Two hundred yams {200 yams} as well as groundnut are cultivated for the school.  Maize would be sowed in early July after we uproot the groundnuts. We are very happy as family of God and we guess you all are faring better than us in Tamale.

Minimal Covid impact in Sierra Leone

OPERATION REPORT FOR APRIL AND MAY 2020

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE KENEMA, SIERRA LEONE

Dear Brothers

Greetings from my family and from Brethren who are laboring with us. With continuous prayers we would say thank God for our lives and the lives of Brethren in Sierra Leone. The scaring of COVID 19 is fresh in the hearts of many.

Sierra Leone has been one of the few fortunate countries in cases of Corona COVID 19. There are 164 cases country wide. Out of this total 44 have recovered and discharged and 9 deaths recorded. The use of Face Mask and washing of hands has been strongly implemented especially in public places. As at Sunday 3rd of May, Government implemented partial District lockdown of 3 days which ends on Tuesday May 6th.

The 3 days imposed lockdown restrictions without provision for citizen was a thing to think about for future lockdowns. I keep wondering how people can survive on lockdown when they depend on daily labor to eat. For countries with large poor populations particularly in Africa Sierra Leone to be specific, the stay at home order will be very hard on the people. The news reports from around says that people are in danger of being left without access to food. This is as sad as many people are left with no alternative. Africans are now pursuing with two deaths Hunger and Covid 19. We pray and ask God to intervene and free us from this Pandemic.  

CLASSROOM

However, there is freedom of internal movement at District level. People are going to work and doing their normal businesses as they follow precautions implemented by the state. We are having our normal classes with no hindrances. We have started the Second Academic Year. Kindly keep us in your prayers.

The First Quarter session of the Second Year begins in May 2020. This quarter involves six courses. In this we have 2 short courses; These are 2nd Corinthians and Marriage and the Family. We already have the following Lecturers schedule, Alfred Koyama; Gabriel Abu; A.B Lansana; Joseph Missielie; Osman Sheke and Samuel Bangura.

Expected courses to be treated in addition to two short courses:

Church History

Old Testament IIIB

Life of Christ III

Old Testament IVA

The operation of the school will come to a close immediately the need arises. We will let you know when things get rough. Let us join hands with continuous prayers for all of our safety and a speedy remedy of this virus on the Planet Earth.

CONCLUSION

Corona virus Covid 19 is deadly dangerous and pandemic but our God is Omniscience; Omnipresence; Omnipotent and He is Jehovah Raphael (The God that heals) so Let us depend on Him today and always for it shall be well in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

We thank all those who are putting efforts in the building of God’s soldiers for His Kingdom. May they found favor in the sight of God for Christ sake…. Amen.

Keep us in your prayers and we always do for all.

Yours in Him

Jacob Sesay

Admin /Director – Bear Valley Bible Institute Kenema

The newest Bear Valley school

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE

Enugu Study Centre, Enugu State Nigeria

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Enugu Study Centre started on the first week of January 2020 with 22 students on the first Saturday and additional 3 students on second Saturday bringing to total of 25 students. The centre is located at the meeting hall of Church of Christ Garriki Awkunanaw Enugu. The 25 students are made up of 9 sisters, 15 pulpit preachers and 1 evangelist who has been with a congregation for years now.

From the month of January to March 2020, the students have studied and written exams on 3 courses which are: How we got the Bible, Personal Evangelism and Christian Evidence (part A). The centre has 3 instructors that are committed to this work.

By the end of March 2020, the number of students at the centre is 20 persons (8 sisters and 12 brothers). 5 persons dropped based on health and other personal reasons.

The centre planned having their evangelism by the month of April 2020 to practice what they have learned, but the COVID -19 pandemic outbreak thwarted the plans. The centre shifted the evangelism programme to last week of May 2020 if the situation (COVID -19 pandemic and government polices) is stabilized to normal again.

We appreciate BVBI of Denver coordinators and resource persons/churches for their great efforts and supports financially, morally and spiritually to all the study centres globally. Also to resource person/persons in Nigeria, we say thank you.

May the good Lord bless and keep you as you continue in this good work in Jesus name Amen.

Report submitted by

Bro. Patrick Makwe

Enugu Study Centre coordinator.

Preparing for the future in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings to you from your brethren here in Cameroon. We do hope this report finds you doing well and well sounding in your faith even though things are on a standstill in most parts of the world. We are trusting God to do what pleases Him because we know that God is still in control even though corona virus is ravaging humans.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu went on well. We started teaching in the secondary and elementary part of our Christian school but not full scale as the lock down by government is still on. The government has reduced some measures for students in public exams classes. We keep praying that things should get back to normal as soon as God decides.

Keep praying for many here who are hungry and sick because of the virus now and who were hungry and sick even before this time because of the crisis in our country where the French-speaking Cameroonians government army is fighting against the English-speaking Cameroonians rebel army who is fighting for secession. These two crises’ have brought untold suffering to many here. Please pray for us. It is not easy with us here.

Amidst the pandemic we are on with our mission as you can see Mission Printing tracts going to the mission fields with the students. More demands of the Mission Printing tracts are being made from different locations. That tells me that many are busy preaching and evangelizing their communities.

In different communities, we do house to house evangelism by meeting one on one. We go from one person to another, sharing the bread of life free of charge.

I am still engaged and  teaching advance Homiletics. We are concentrating on expository sermons and also helping the students be prepared to handle special occasion like weddings, funerals etc. It is very interesting. Students are getting what will help them manage congregations well. When an event like a wedding comes up, the student will know what to do from start to end.

Students in threes were given assignments to do an expository sermon from the book of Daniel Chapter 6. I was very impressed as I watched them handle the word aright. Keep them in your prayers as we will see them going to the field this December 9, fully baked and ready for the Masters use.

PLANS

This weekend we shall join with a displaced preacher to evangelize his new community of Buea Town with the aim of establishing a new congregation there.

This Saturday keep our prospective students, who will be traveling far and near to make it to Wotutu for the entrance exams for 2021-2022, in your prayers. There is a lot of insecurity in other parts of our country. Pray that God gives our prospective students a safe passage from their location to Wotutu.

 APPRECIATIONS

Thank you very much for all your prayers and support to make the work here keep moving. God is watching and we know He will certainly reward you in due time. Do your best to share our report with others.

 God bless you as you continue to serve Him this week.

 Elangwe and family

 By His grace Director BVBIC-Wotutu

An update from Tirupati, India

Respected  International director Mr.Keith Kasarjian , our coordinator Mr. Mark Reynolds, supporters and prayer partners of BVBI-Tiurpati , A.P,India behalf of our Bible college we convey our greetings to you in the precious and matchless name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ . We hope that this reporting letter may serve us to convey gratitude and thanks to each one of you for your love, prayers and encouragement.

We heard about the Corona virus has been rapidly spreading in US and causes many people have been hospitalized   and many people are dying . We bleed in our heart and feel sorry  to hear about this news. We continue to pray for you and your nation.

By the grace of God BVBI-Tirupati has completed three semesters successfully and fourth semester has started. In this semester  we have completed the  book of  1.Galatians, 2. First Thessalonians( and ) 3. Second Thessalonians, 4.First Peter, 5.Second Peter and 6.book of  Jude. According  to Indian president guidelines our indoor classes room work has been suspended an due to  Corona virus threat .

The number of positive Covid-19 cases and deaths continue to increase in India, but thankfully not at too high a rate. Let us continue to pray that the Medical scientists and Researchers could come up with a cure and vaccine soon. That the virus is more easily managed. In the meantime we pray all of us be safe and do not be infected with the virus. God is faithful. He cares for His own.

Assignment work : During this lock down period students have been busy in writing assignments from the completed syllabus , they need to spend 8 hours per day to study and write the assignment . All the teachers are available for the students to clarify their questions and doubts by using text messages, whats App , skipe, zoom, e-mails , phone calls etc…

Benevolence: This is the time all the members of lord’s church have been struggling along with citizens of our country  during this lock down period which was started in March 22nd midnight , the govt has been trying level best in meeting the needs of the people by  supplying food packets but still hundreds of the people in need .Therefore all the students and teaching faculty have been moved with great compassion and helped  the needy families in their own local churches, we approached  the capable members in the local church personally and collected some contributions , by using this money we purchased rice , groceries , fruits and vegetables and provided to the neediest families  in the local churches. By the grace of God beside students and staff  we have distributed rice and groceries to 20 families in the Vidyanagar church , we have helped vegetables to 150  families in total village which was under the RED-ZONE and second round we have provided vegetables and fruits to 25 families.

Online classes: According to current news from the Govt  the lockdown period suppose to be completed by May 17th, 2020, if not we will be started to teach our courses by using zoom-app, we already contacted all the students to download the zoom app, they are ready for the online classes .

HHI-Vegetable  garden :  myself and few students  have been regularly working  for the AG vegetable garden  to keep healthy and greenish. We try to keep all the guidelines whatever we learned in our HHI-AG workshop training  given in Zimbabwe  for the maintenance of the hunger garden .

Staff meeting: Before the lock down period was started we had our staff meeting on March 20 Friday , we discussed several things regarding the discipline, punctuality  and character development of the students and their  home works, kitchen work and gardening works etc...

Students and Sundays:  As we began the 4th semester we are planning to send the students to neighboring local churches to teach the word of God , we are happy to report you that there are several local churches are available  in and around the Tirupati-city. We know several local preachers who are interested to receive our students for the Sunday preaching .

The progress of the students : All the students are able to follow each teacher in the class room  , they are  given home work, memory work , weekly exams . Teachers observe their class room running note books. BVBI-Tirupati is trying  level best to maintain the good standard in preparing effective spiritual soldiers for the sake  dying souls in our county. We strongly believe that only the word of God is solution for all the spiritual problems. All the students meet in the morning and evening  for the student’s devotions. Happy to report you that they use to have prayer, singing, bible reading and preaching  . Each day two  student get opportunity to preach the word of God (Morning and evening). As they earned one year preaching experience among the students that helped them to develop boldness to teach the word of God.

We extend our thanks from the bottom of our hearts to the director Mr.Keith Kasarjian  Our coordinator Mr. Mark Reynolds  for their commitment and personal care and concern for the smooth function of the Bible college . We don’t find words to appreciate their guidelines and encouragements. It was the life threat time when Mr. Mr.Keith Kasarjian has visited in 2020 March because of Covid-19. We praise God for his safe travel with good health . We sincerely thankful to his great efforts to visit us and encourages us. We also thankful to all the prayers partners of our Bible College.

Thanks to all the visitors who could able to visit us from US before Covid-19:

We humble our self and remember all the visiting’s of our beloved brothers and sisters who visited BVBI-Tirupati and encouraged us just before The Covid-19 threat . We are thankful to Mr.John R. Vaughan( Graymere church of Christ ) Mr.Jonathan Winchester(Graymere church of Christ) Mr.Matthew Bowling (Graymere church of Christ), Mr.Larry Nokes (Foothills church of Christ(Mr.Dennis Widner(Foothills church of Christ) Mr.Damon Vincent(Sunset church of Christ) Mrs.Linda smith(WoodsonChapel Church of  Christ) and Mrs.Jackie Hills(Berrey’s Chappel Chuch of Christ) and Mr.Reyhart(4177 Bethlehem Church Road, Wickliffe,KY 42087) and  Mr.Peter Solomon( Kumaran Nagar church of Christ-Chennai) Mr.V.S. Immanuel (( Kumaran Nagar church of Christ-Chennai) Mr.M.Devasagayam( Arakonam church of Christ) Mr.David Martin -Chennai) etc..

Prayer Request: The every month  rents of  the Bible college building and student’s  hostel occupies the much of the monthly budget , we humbly request you to pray for the own building for the BVBI-Tirupati, India. Our present building owner has a plan to sell the building, if God opened the doors to own the building, it would be a great blessing to have permanent building for the BVBI-India, the RENTS  what we pay for the BUILDING would be saved and utilized for educating the young men for eternal life.

Thanking you.

Yours brother and sister in Christ.

Vijay&swarupa, Behalf of BVBI-Tirupati-India

A new intake of students in Zimbabwe

APRIL 2020 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

As the world continues the struggle to contain the Covid19 pandemic, our hope and faith remain pinned on God to continue protecting you and eventually help expects to come up with a medical solution. It is a time when governments, church leaders and other leaders at various levels should depend upon God and make the right and necessary decisions. Certainly, it has not been easy for many, BVBIZ included. However, we are grateful to God for seeing us through the month of April, through under an extended lockdown. We can report on the following;.

1.0 CHANGE OF PROGRAMS

Due to the COVID19 pandemic and lockdowns that have ensured, our programs at BVBIZ remain on suspension. The new intake which was supposed to start classes on the 13th of May will now start at a later date depending on the prevailing situation and government pronouncements. The field practicum which should have commenced on the 25th of April remain suspended also. Our apologies to all congregations that had gone out of their way to prepare for the coming of students.

2.0 NEW INTAKE

To date, 14 students (12 singles and a couple) have been accepted. This is the school’s third intake since its inception in 2016.

3.0 SITE DEVELOPMENT

In April, there was some progress that took place to the hostel that had been under construction since September last year. The following were done successfully; digging of septic tank, digging of soak away tank, plastering of the structure, rough floors, installation of four exterior and three interior doors. The new intake is expected to commence classes at this new site once the lockdown is uplifted and if all things are equal.

4.0 MOVEMENT TO THE NEW SITE

BVBIZ will be moving to the permanent site at the end of May. Though difficult but it is exciting. It is difficult in that the structure is not yet fully complete. Rather than continue paying rentals, BVBIZ management has given a notice to the owner of the present facility which the school has been using. Funds meant for rent will now be able to slowly pay for some of the outstanding materials that are needed. At the end of May, therefore, BVBIZ shall officially move to the permanent site.

CONCLUSION

When all is said and done, glory and honour should always be given to God Almighty who gives each of us strength even in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic. Our prayer at BVBIZ is that God be with you all during this difficult moment.

An update from one of the schools in Lagos

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Report From Ikorodu Lagos State -- Nigeria ( Weekend Class)                                   

Greetings from the staff and students of Bear valley Bible Institute Owutu Ikorodu.Here is the summary of the first quarter of 2020 report.                                   

1. The diploma students are still regular in class since January 2020 to March. We experienced the lockdown at the end of March and April which paralyzed the school activities. Before pandemic on February we have carried out campaign for 2020. We had seven baptism twelve restoration.                             

2. Number of students: we have twenty- eight students in Ikorodu campus, out of this number we have three sisters, fifteen preachers, and ten Congregational teachers our students are serious and regular in class.                                               

3 Lecturers and lectures: our  Lecturers are doing well regular and very active.The subjects treated so far , this quarter  are :

Public speaking 2( practical homiletics -- brother Makinde Ebenezer.

Old Testament 2( study of the history, Joshua -- Esther)--- Mfon Etim

Prison Epistles( Ephesians, Philippians, closians) --- Lucky Usoyare

James --- Mfon Etim                                                     

4. Corona virus has paralyzed the lectures for some weeks. In Lagos we have observed lockdown from the federal government.The lockdown took  us one month before the federal government lifted  it in Lagos State. Since the lockdown has been lifted our weekend lectures have comment. Our students are glad to come back to the class.                               .                                 

We grateful to God for keeping us safe from covid 19. We are grateful to you for your support to see that Africa is well-grounded in the word of God. May our almighty God bless and protect you and keep you safe from covid 19 in Jesus name amen.               

I remain your fellow soldier of Christ.                 

Brother Mfon Etim ( Ikorodu Director)

Extended school in Greater Accra

KASOA, GHANA

QUARTERLY OPERATIONAL REPORT

JANUARY – MARCH, 2020

The school in Kasoa is a growing one as like the village city of Kasoa itself. There are over 30 congregations in this city and that calls for the need of many men to be trained and evangelize this heavily populated city. Right now we have 19 students and forms are picked all the time.

The month of January was welcomed with class started on Friday 10th. We had all attending. Kojo started the year with them in the study of The New Testament Church I. Roger Asante also took the class in the study of The Old Testament III. 

The school was closed on March 28, 2020 and the date to be resumed will be determined by the outcome of the spread of the virus. 

In the months of January, February and March, the activities of the students recorded 13 baptisms. 

There is a nearby village one of the student want to plant a church there. When funds are available, there could be a campaign to have a congregation planted in the village. Praying that the Good Lord will see us through this hard times as prices for all essential items have gone high. 

Trusting God to richly bless you for your love and support to the work in Ghana.

First report from a new school in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE - SUNYANI, GHANA

NOVEMBER To DECEMBER, 2019

1. COMMENCEMENT OF SUNYANI CAMPUS

The Brong Ahafo College of Biblical Studies was accepted as a Campus of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Sunyani on November 1, 2019

2. NUMBER OF STUDENTS

The former sixteen students of the College enrolled for the Bear Valley Course but one has traveled to U. K, thus making the present number of 15 students. All the fifteen students were present at the inauguration of the Bear Valley programme on November 1, 2019.

3. LECTURES (CLASSES) PERIODS

Classes at the Sunyani Campus are scheduled for Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Friday Evening Classes: 6:30 – 9:30pm 

Saturday Evening Classes: 7:30 – 3:30pm

We are presently using the Church Auditorium as our main Lecture hall, when there is a church programme we move to our basic school block.

Students sleep at the ICT room of the school as others also sleep in the auditorium.

4. COURSES OFFERED

A. Before the starting of the Bear Valley programme, we have already taught the following courses:

Course  Lecturer

a. The New Testament Church Daniel K. Mensah

b. Biblical Hermeneutics  Daniel K. Mensah

c. Old Testament Survey  Thomas Gyabaa

B. After the starting of the Bear Valley programme, we are teaching the following courses:

Course  Lecturer

a. The Preacher and his work Daniel K. Mensah

b. Homiletics   Daniel K. Mensah

c. New  Testament Survey  Thomas Gyabaa

It is our consistent prayer that the good Lord will continue to bless the good works of Bear Valley Bible Institute.

DANIEL K. MENSAH 

DIRECTOR: SUNYANI CAMPUS

MONTHLY OPERATIONAL REPORT

JANUARY – MARCH, 2020

Thank God we are alive and seeing His Glory. There was panic all over, thank God it is now dying down but we are being curious and that all the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus are being observed.

Our fellowship with Bear Valley International has been a blessing as we now have the needed logistics in place and that is helping with the teaching and learning in the school. Our students are happy with the lunch provided and the materials the school provides. Praying that God bless your work and that for Him.

We have 15 students and all are attending and well participating in all the activities of the school. We had The Preacher and His Work, Homiletics and The New Testament Survey taught beginning from January. Daniel and Thomas Gyabaa were the instructors. 

Our impending campaign for March was cancelled due to the restrictions of people and we plan to have it when all the panicking are over. However, we had 4 baptisms from the reports from the students in their works as leaders and preachers in their congregations.

We are still waiting for the Course Materials from you (we made that request in our last report) as that will help and guard us in our lesson preparations. 

Thanks, continue to pray with us as we do for you.  

Good news from Liberia

GREETINGS

Hello to all of you who are reading this report from the Bear Valley extension School in Liberia, West Africa. It has been a great privilege and blessing to be part of God workforce in teaching the truth in His kingdom here in this part of the world. We are so very grateful for this opportunity to serve. Many thanks to all those making it possible through their willing sacrifices for the sake of the kingdom. So far, all has been moving very well.

GRADUATION IN GUEKEDOU, GUINEA

The dean of students for the school in Liberia in person of Brother Fester G. Lee and myself were privileged to be part of the first ever graduation ceremony of the School Guekedou Guinea where 15 evangelist were trained to expand the kingdom of our Lord. It was a very beautiful program that brought together, if not all the congregations in Guinea, then most of them including congregations and preachers from Sierra Leone. The graduation also welcome 20 new students into the program with the hope of training more men for the Lord's work force in that part of the world.

BIBLE GEOGRAPHY CLASS

It was planned earlier this year that Brother Steven Ashcraft would come to Liberia and teach a class in Bible Geography for a week beginning March 16, but the class could not come on because of the issues of the corona virus and the worried of possible travel restrictions across Africa. So Brother Steven has to leave to avoid any traveling problems. He met shortly with the student on Monday morning the 16th of March and horridly left with a taxi to Monrovia and left Liberia.The students felt so bad, but have to accept the situation since we had no control over the happenings.

THE CORONA VIRUS NEWS

The news of the corona virus is fast spreading across the world making Liberia no exception, but Liberia is still very safe with no regulations from our Government yet about this disease that could possibly course fear in people. So Liberia is still very claim and running normally. We assure you of obeying any pronouncement from the government that will help keep all of us safe against this deadly pandemic.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM

Our students continued their weekend evangelism in engaging the communities around the school campus in weekends house to house evangelism and distributions of tracks. This is a compulsory requirement for the students to get them practice for the future as trained gospel preachers. As usual, their weekend work includes visit to the hospitals and prison. Presentations and reports are made every Monday morning to evaluate their weekend field work. Meanwhile, this effort is not only making the church known or have great impart on prospects they come across, but helping the individual students with great experiences on field work and what to expect in the future of their own ministry.

Conclusion

We want to thank all of you so much for supporting the work in Liberia. Without you, this effort would not be possible. May God richly bless you.

In Him,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- BVBI-L

Using social media for good in Ghana

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR MARCH 2020

Dear Brethren,

It is by the grace of God that we all are alive this day. We are safe here, and we hope you are too. Though, the pandemic has stopped us from doing what we love best—to serve our Lord with the ability that He has given us, yet the little that we can do as well as keeping ourselves safe from Covid-19, we are able to do.

CLASSROOM WORK

At the beginning of the month of March, classes for both the regular and part-time students were going on smoothly until the third week when our president placed a ban on all gathering including public and private schools due to the Coronavirus infection. The Covid-19 cases in our country keep rising each week. It started with 2 and now, on this 2nd day of May, 2020, we have 2,074 confirmed cases with 17 deaths and 212 recoveries. Our students are prepared to return to school the moment the ban is lifted. So we are all praying that, this pandemic will be over for us to return to classroom.

PERSONAL EVANGELISM

Though the Covid-19 has brought life to a halt, yet, we manage to preach the gospel in every possible way that we can. As the director of the school, I have not ceased to teach the gospel on the radio and Facebook live streaming. To use my time wisely while staying in the home in this Covid-19 period, I have started a new Facebook live streaming program with the theme, “Do You Understand What You Are Reading?” And to God be the glory that I get over thousand views each week on this program. Also, some of our students (both past and current) continued with their house to house teaching. While some were doing street preaching, others also engaged in a chariot (van) preaching. The Lord blessed our efforts with 10 baptisms.

ENROLLMENT FOR NEW STUDENTS

Through many methods for securing new students for the next academic year, we currently have eleven (11) young men who are preparing to be enrolled in the school come January 2021. And we are going to intensify our search for new students from the month of June, God willing.

We thank you all for every way that you support us. You do encourage us so much in what we do. God bless you.

For the Master.

Joshua

Graduation postponed in Accra

Accra

March Report, 2020

We shall always thank our God Almighty for wonderful protection in this “world war” of covid-19. Statistically, the number keeps increasing from 2 to 2000 plus yet, His protective hands are upon us and also holding fast to all safety directives by our noble president.

We are eagerly seeking the Lord’s mercies and healing power over the brethren and everyone over the entire continent; those quarantine, in hospital, and uninfected.

We hope this shall come to pass. All these are to our lessons and increase in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Class Activities

In this month, we spent two weeks for two short courses which were taught by Kwabena Gyan-Mante on Personal Evangelism I and Shadrack Oppong Sika on 1 & 2 Thessalonica.

We had all our 10 admitted students present for all the courses until completion and vacation.

Vacation & Reopening

The school vacated after their last short course with bro. Shadrack on 20th March, 2020. Reopening of the school was decided among the administration and the conclusion was to abide by the period directed by the government upon temporally closing down all institution until further notice.

Based on this, the schools shall resume according to the government’s order.

Campaign

We organized a campaign activity in Central Region at Ada-Ngyiresi, a one-week campaign. Three days in both twin towns (Ada and Ngyiresi), dawn, day and night preaching.

Seminar & Graduation Postponed

As we normally do for our graduation after completion of the 50 courses including English and Computer studies, these activities could not come on as a result of the covid-19. This was postponed to next year 2021 if the Lord permits, according to Kojo’s correspondent with Steven.

We are hoping that all things will work well for us at the end of this year, 2020.

Pray with us.

Great things in West Africa!

Dear West Africa Missions Support Team,

We pray that all of you are doing well in this challenging time.  Karen and I are currently in Arkansas, and we thank God that we are both healthy and safe.  Over the past month, I have been working from home to coordinate our schools and activities in West Africa. In the middle of March, the pandemic forced me to return to the USA early.  We have suspended classes at many of our schools, although a few in less affected areas can continue.  We have also needed to reschedule graduations, seminars, and other activities due to government restrictions.  We are fortunate that technology allows me to continue the work overseas.  Through the telephone and email, I am able to stay in contact with our directors and evangelists as we all work our way through this global calamity.  

This newsletter outlines some of the significant happenings at the preacher training programs throughout West Africa.  We have now reached over twenty-five full-time and extended programs with around 500 students in the countries of Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Cameroon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.  We also have additional students pursuing a Master's and Bachelor's Degrees in special programs in Ghana and Nigeria.  Our Lord is truly blessing this work.

Making the most of their time in Zambia

April, 2020

Dear brethren,

Greetings! We always pray that you are all fairing well in these days. The advent of COVID-19 pandemic has really brought many things to a stand-still. Nothing much is indeed happening especially where most of governments have introduced stringent measures to observe social distancing. We delayed the closure of the Institute until the second week of April, we realised the emergence to close when we had one case of covid 19 in our own town. We closed on 14th April and we continues to pray to reopen soon.

We have constant communications with all our students during this time. They have reported that they are busy with the assignments given to them when we suspended classes and using the opportunity to conduct Bible studies, in selected homes of believers. A month ago all forms of social gatherings in Zambia were prohibited. Even if the adherence to these measures were followed, we saw a very sharp spike to the cases of this pandemic.

As the church in Luanshya we have  continued to meeting in our homes as we observe the activities that are done on each Lord’s Day. While doing this we observe all the recommendations given by health Ministry in combating COVID-19. And as teachers we have also continued to use opportunity to teach during this period and as a result we had a soul (Ronald Bupe) added to the Lord's Church and two souls restored.

May our God continue to strengthen the bond that is existing and the partnership. We pray that God will bless the work that you are involved in. We continues to pray for your safety and wellbeing.

In Christ,

Cephas and Fred

Classes in Lagos

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – LAGOS ISLAND CENTER,  March - April 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Our God is faithful and the only one that has sustained us till date. The pandemic called COVID 19 cut the world unaware including Nigeria. Our program is not unaffected with the government planned remedy. Our program was closed on the March 30th when Nigerian government gave an order of no movement.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES: We were blessed that Bro Frank Ekpodikpo who started Old Testament 2 (Study of the History: Joshua - Esther) was able to finish his class and conduced an exam before the unplanned break started. The break has taken majorly the month of April.

Looking at the new information and plan from the Nigerian government, activities will gradually be restored from the 4th of May. Join us in praying that there will be no reason for lucking down Lagos State again. We intend to resume class in the 9th of May and Bro Oluwafemi Adewuyi will be taking the Book of James in our center.

WBS ONLINE STUDY HELPER: I want to thank God for the grace given me to use this lockdown period to the glory of His name. I was able to grow my WBS Online Students from 1,254 in February ending to 1,716 as of the 1st of May 2020. Knowing that many people are at home, it is a good time to reach out with the gospel from the comfort of my room. 4 prospects are under serious follow up presently as they have indicated interest to obey the gospel. Two are from South Africa and the other two are from Nigeria.

CONCLUSION: Let us continue to pray for one another in this work so this challenging time will become history. Thanks to all who are assisting us here to do the work of the Lord.

Thanks and God bless you.

TIM IWE

Lagos Island Center Director

Providing the cure in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Ekwendeni, Malawi

April, 2020 Report

Introduction

It is not always time for battles for the soldier, sometimes you stay indoors resting, polishing the gun but also even being at rest you maybe prompted for a battle you didn’t plan. As a soldier you just stand on your feet and fight. Corona is real and we are all saddened to see our brothers and sisters dying throughout the world. This corona has affected our plans this year, but the hope we have is that Corona will eventually go a way as it is preventable, but the word of God will stand forever!

Despite the pandemic, the call to preach and save souls is high and as soldiers of Christ sometimes we fail to stay in door when there’s a call for a soul to be saved. This month we have had three calls which we could not ignore. Two souls wanted to be baptized, and congregations in Mpamba eastern Nkhataby in the Northern region of Malawi wanted an urgent lectureship on leadership lessons which some failing to understand scriptures started erring in its interpretation, hence causing divisions. Because of the social distance issue, only two from each congregation attended the lectureship. We are limited in number of our gatherings by the government and we as Christians have to obey Romans 13:1-3. We are glad that we used our opportunity to help in all these situations. As I am reporting, two souls have been saved and about 22 congregations in Nkhataby understood the lesson on church leadership and there is unity among the brethren. God is good!

Evangelism

Even though we are challenged by the corona virus, but we are thankful to God that through this IT (Information Technology), we are able to reach many with the gospel as we stay in doors. Through whatsapp we have been preaching to some people and 2 souls have responded to the gospel. We didn’t hesitate for the call but went to baptize these 2 men. God is saving His people in the midst of the pandemic. We hope for more souls to be saved once this block is gone Corona Virus!

Encouragement

Paul was eager to preach the gospel in the midst of trials and struggles of being at the point of old aging; still he was willing to preach no mater the challenge. We can also preach as we stay safe! Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day 2 Corinthians 4:16; Jeremiah 20:9; Mark 14:38. The one who wins soul is wise Proverbs 11:30

We the Bear Valley Bible Institute Malawi, want to thank you all for your continual support though you are challenged by the pandemic economically. Without your involvement in this work, we would have failed. Therefore, we always pray that God continues blessing your families as we still need your hand to help. We also pray that God will rescue us from this pandemic and make our plans start working normally. God is able! Stay safe.

Yours truly,

Ephron and Clergynton

An extended school in Accra, Ghana

Nsawam Extended School

First Quarter (Jan – Mar) Report, 2020

Praise be to God for continually showing His love towards us in Nsawam district. We are grateful to the Lord and all brethren in US. Our humble plea to the Lord is that may He keep His mighty hands and blessings on us.

We are greatly managing in these dangerous days of covid-19. It is our prayer that it will reduce in infection as Ghana has not yet discovered any medicinal aid to cure this virus. Though, with the help of God, some infected are gradually recovering yet, many are catching up the virus. May the Lord see us through this year.

Additional Students admitted

Within this quarter, students of Nsawam School have increased with 5 students currently, summing up to 30.

Class Activities

At this period, we did two courses, World Religions and Bible Geography by Sammy until we close down the schools according to the president’s directives to curb covid-19.

Class Participation and Attendance

Effectively, our students participates well with lots of questions and contribution. Research assignments, quizzes and other class works are well participated and students are interested with the lessons. We have minor challenges with attendance due to their jobs. Fridays, few attend class while on Saturday, we have almost full class. Some travel as far as outside Greater Accra Region which restricts their attendance such that some can be in class one or two times for a month.

We are putting down some measures to curb this challenge.

Campaign

The students of Nsawam joined in with the full-time students to participate in the campaign central region (Ada and Ngeresi). There were no baptisms recorded during the activities.

Student’s Profile

Brother Seth Attamah is 54years and has married to Ema Afea Attamah. They are blessed with two female children. Bro. Seth is a preacher at Dome CFC Church of Christ with eighty (80) adults and forty (40) children in attendance. He is a weekend student in one of the Bear Valley extended schools in Nsawam - Ghana. He is one of the proactive students who is working hard in the study of the Bible. He really participates effectively during class activities. In most of the campaign activities and preaching, he is there to execute to perfection per my recommendation and brave in leadership. Among our brother’s hobbies, he loves to sing.

We are grateful to have our students in effective studies to the glory of God and the school.

Pray with us always.

Doing what they can in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon, the land of our birth and where we dwell. We send greetings to you from this far end. We are hopeful that our greeting will encourage you as our prayers go up to God on your behalf for the COVID19 pandemic that has pushed the activities of the world to a stand-still. God is watching what is happening and we have that spiritual insurance that His children, anywhere in the world, will be safe.

Last week went on well in BVBIC-Wotutu. Students are learning as we maintain the rules as stipulated by our government and WHO. We are having grace that the BVBIC-Wotutu is on while all other schools in Cameroon are closed down because of the pandemic. We are praying for you in the USA who are topping the list now for the highest number of infected and confirmed cases.

Even though the COVID19 news is still on and is in Cameroon, the good news about Jesus is also highly needed in all locations. We are being careful as we still drive around in locations to preach and to nurture. I stopped by a village market along my evangelistic route to buy food. I bought plantain and bananas. Many people are hungry here. Families are lamenting for food so we take the risk of exposure so that we can share with those who don’t have access to go. Even with my face mask on, my voice can still come out and the word can be preached. Keep us in your prayers.

We do house to house evangelism. When we get to our mission fields, we share the gospel from house to house and heart to heart. Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism.

Our pigpen is ready, our pigs will be bought within this week, and the farm will start. Keep the growth of this farm in your prayers as our aim is to help the current students and subsequent students learn how to keep pigs. By doing so, it will help them as we aim to have many piglets that will also be used as graduation gifts to the graduates as they go to their congregation and start their own pig farm. It will help them to have some pork to eat and also have pigs and piglets to sale to make money which will be of great help to them.

The greatest weapon, the Bible, has been made available by you for us to put it in the hands of new converts. They will use it throughout their lives. Please, always keep our work in your prayers as we work tirelessly to keep the wheel going.

 PLANS

We are planning to go to Batoke for mass evangelism next month. We will also to go to the Supe congregation to mediate a problem that is there.

Entrance exams for the next batch of new students will be in Wotutu on the 9th of May 2020.

 APPRECIATIONS

God bless you. Thanks very much for your prayers and support. The electricity in our area of Cameroon is not stable now. Because of this we have to spend more money on gas for the generator for our students to be able to keep on studying. Please share our reports with others. God willing, next week we shall be able to give another update about the work here.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director of BVBIC-Wotutu

Adapting during the pandemic

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ Jesus . 

Grace and mercies be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from Jesus Christ ,our Redeemer
We deeply appreciates God on your behalf for all your supports  for the growth of the Lord's church in Africa most especially Nigeria . 

Below is the summary of our activities for the month of April 2020.

OVERVIEW
1.WEEKEND EVANGELISM
2. A MONTH BREAK
3. VOTI VOLUME 104.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM:
In spite of the global pandemic, COVID -19,the students and staff of the BVBIN AND SWSE IBADAN  carried out the weekend evangelism using public address system from junction to junction and sharing of gospel tracts in Butubutu, Panu,Eletu, Ajia and Egbeda town on the first three Saturdays in April (April 4,11&18) .This was done with adherence to safety guidelines put in place by the government for prevention of the spread of COVID-19, as well as with the consideration that these villages/towns are near remote areas.

Nineteen brethren actively participated in that of Group A which help in evangelizing Butubutu,Panu and Eletu  villages; eight in Group B that covered Egbeda town and it's environment and sixteen in Group C that evangelized Ajia town.
The residents were very receptive and many of them developed interest to know more about Christ and His Church, and we promised to pay them a visit after the Corona virus pandemic is over.

A MONTH BREAK:
Due to the present global pandemic, Corona virus, over 75% of our students left the school compound in Butubutu village early this morning to their respective States immediately after the morning devotion before the National lock-down which may commence on Sunday night for another one or two weeks.
Fourth semester classes will commence Lord's willing on June 1, 2020.

VOICE OF TRUTH INTERNATIONAL:
We deeply appreciate Bro.Jerry Bates,Sister Betty Burton Choate, Bro.Louis Rushmore, Bro.Byron Nichols and the rest of World Evangelism crew for their dedication in serving the Lord and humanity through the printed pages which they expressed by sending funds for the printing of 6,000 copies of VOTI Volume 104 for Nigerian brethren and friends of the Lord's Church across the country.

ABOUT A STUDENT:
Bro.Oviri Iruo-Oghene Careson was born in February 1996 at Amukepe-Mosogar,Delta State. He become a member of the Lord's church in the year 2014. He is presently our chapel prefect. One of our year -1 students working every weekend at Ajia town in the evangelization of Ajia and in the nurturing of the new congregation in Ajia. His mission after his two years training in BVBIN AND SWSE IBADAN is to be a missionary in the English speaking part of Cameroon.

TEN THOUSAND WBS CORRESPONDENCE COURSES PRINTED:
We shall be through with the printing of 10,000 copies of WBS introduction courses for the recruitment of more correspondence students by the end of this month.
The 10,000 lessons will be shared among the WBSFUW in Nigeria immediately the schools are re-opened.

SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT:
With the help of the Almighty God and the support of my fellow ministers and Instructors coupled with the encouragement from Bro.Steven Ashcraft(Director, BVBID -West Africa Region),I was able to put my lessons on Evangelism -1&2 and Discipleship Training together in a volume for the use among the brotherhood in Nigeria.

UP COMING PROGRAMME:
Due to the spread of COVID-19, our BVBID Degree program that was supposed to come up on April 20 through May 2 has been re-postponed to May 18 through 29,2020. We hope that the global pandemic will soon be over. We shall soon celebrate the end of this global virus.

CONCLUSION:
We thank you all for your faithful commitment to serving the Lord. May the Lord keep us safe and sound till death in Jesus Christ name, amen.
I remain yours in His Grace as a servant.. Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi
(The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE Ibadan and WBSFUW)

New students in Ghana

Praise be to God for His lovingkindness through out the month! We have been safe in all our doings healthy and kicking. We are grateful to our brethren out there.

Attendance & courses

All instructors were present according to their period assigned to them.

Interestingly, there has not been a single day that the class has not been full of students. For this month, we had all students participating effectively in class works. This month has been the continuation of courses under study for the quarter. Courses, other than short courses have been completed with examination.

New Admission

In January, we admitted 7 members into the school and in February, we had 3 men in addition making 10 students for now. The first student with asterisk, is the one who was admitted in 2018 but could not complete his courses and now added to the new batch to fully complete them. He will be graduating with the last batch during the graduation. With exception of him, 9 students have been admitted. The three men who came in late, will be re-sitting to learn the courses and write exams. We have other members who has promised to come upon school resume in the next second quarter.  

The following students are currently admitted for this year:

1.       Ansere Kofi *

2.      Philip Abruquah

3.      Paul Kingsly Oti Jnr

4.      Edmond K. Yawson

5.      Richard Yankson

6.      Frimpong Rockson

7.      George P. Buah

8.     George Amenyo

9.      Kwame Peter

10.    Azaglo God’sway

Advertisement

The staff and students are eagerly on advertising for more students for the full-time programme this period and on vacation.

In conclusion, we pray always that the Lord will see us through this quarter and we eagerly praying that the Lord will safeguard you and everyone from the said virus spreading wide world.