Reaching souls in Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

  Greetings from Cameroon, the country of our birth that we love and pray for it daily. It has been a while since I have reported because of very poor internet receptivity in my area. Also, the phone that I was using to receive the internet went bad. Thanks be to God I have a better phone now. I hope all is going well in your area. We are doing our best amidst the challenges.

Our students were out of Wotutu into 19 different locations preaching, teaching, nurturing the congregations, and evangelizing different areas. You can see brother Daniel Ako sharing the gospel by way of house-to-house evangelism.

Our early morning program has been less far reaching in the past months as our machines are not in good shape. Please, the “BACK TO THE BIBLE” program is helping us speak the truth daily. Pray for us and think about that plight. We need funds to help repair equipment.

In the month of July, we have a theme entitled, “GOD IS IN CONTROL.” I started exposing a series of sermons on that topic last Sunday. We are faced with a lot of challenges. But we have a God that is tougher than our tough times. He is in control. Our Christians and the world need to know that.

We are happy to have souls to obey the gospel as we send go and sent students to go out into the field to harvest.

The following statistic were recorded as the students were out in the mission field.

Total number of baptisms ================================== 26

Total number of restored =================================== 07

Total new congregations established ===========================02

PLANS

We are on and moving and we are exploring new areas to expose the truth to although with a lot of insecurity. We are moving because we know that everywhere with Jesus we can safely go.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you, and thank all those around you who are hearing our reports, praying us, and helping us realize our dreams. May God bless you all because you are all very important in to work here.

Please share our reports with others.

Elangwe and family

By the grace of God Director BVBIC-Wotutu

A new batch of students in India

Reporting Letter for the month of June-2021.

Respected beloved brother Keith Kasarjian the director of International Biblical studies   and coordinator Mr. Mark Reynolds and all the prayer partners of BVBI-Tirupati-India , we greet you all in the matchless name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. We pray that this letter finds you good health.

New batch:- We would like to report you that the God has blessed our first batch students , we were able to graduate 21 students on April 30th. We had summer vacations in the month of May, by the grace of God we have reopened our Institute in the 3rd week of June and classes have been began regularly. We are thankful to our director for the establishment of residential Bible Institute in our city which helps our students who travel from far places. We humbly need of your prayers for this second batch. There are some of the expected students were not able to travel due to lock down, requesting your prayers so that Covid-19 threat may be subsided in India. We are thankful to our director and coordinator for their love and dedication to make all the necessary arrangements for the second batch.

Covid-19 Relief :-   The Covid-19 second wave was so seriously and rapidly spread in our place in the month of May and June.  Several people suffered lot without basic needs for their survival. By the grace of God in  the month of “May “we could able to serve 121 families and we were able to support 50 families in the month of “June”. We have distributed rice and groceries for the hunger families in our local churches . We inform you that several people were died due to oxygen imbalance. We could able to purchase the oxygen concentrator and oxi meters  and needful of medicals to assist the covid-19 patients .  We are thankful to Healing Hands International for their compassion to provide funds for this benevolence service during the pandemic ituation.

Help to Visually challenged people:- We have been conducting special Bible Camps to visually challenged people for several years. They are facing several challenges for their sustain. We are happy to report you that Dr. Damon Vincent has helped 23 cots, 23 mattresses and 23 pillows for their comfortable living. We could able to contact Thedepalli Church of Christ in west Godavari-district , their preacher Mr. V. Sahadevudu has donated 20 iron boxes for keeping personal belongings .We appreciate their great love and concern for the visually challenged people.  One of the brother has donated them three audio bible devices which helps them lot to hear the word of God.

Baptism:-   We  rejoice to share with you that God has opened the heart of Mr. Sriramula Reddy, in the month of June he was able to obey to the water baptism and received salvation, please pray for his spiritual growth.

Vaccination  :- By the grace of God all our staff members and my family members were able to receive vaccination for covid-19.  We look forward for the second dose.

Back to the bible classes for the deformational leaders:- We  have been moved with great compassion to see the sincere people who are in wrong doctrine , it is our ambition to teach them and lead them in the truth. We have planned for 5 five days program from July 12 to 16th . We plan to invite 25-30 denominational leaders for the back to the bible classes . We request your prayers for this program.

After school Children Care Centre:-  There is leper colony in our city, about 100 families are living there.  We have opened “After school Children Care Centre “ in this colony. There are two volunteers who have dedicated to serve for the children. They collect the children soon after the school, they help them to complete their school home work , they help them for their spiritual growth and send them with evening meal. This centre helps to serve the little children. They grow physically, mentally, and spiritually strong. We are happy to report you that this project runs by the individual dedication of some members of lord’s church.

First Batch students:-  We are happy to report that the first batch students have been working hard in different places  to win the souls.  Please pray for their ministry.

Congratulations to our Coordinator:- We are happy to hear about the promotion that our coordinator has been received , all our students and staff members have joined with us to convey congratulations.  We pray for Mr.Mark Reynolds and his family members.

Thanking you.

Yours brother  in Christ.

B.Vijaya Kumar & Staff from BVBI-Tiurpati-India

Doing well in Lagos

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE - AGEGE

LAGOS NIGERIA

QUARTERLY REPORT

PREAMBLE:

To God Almighty be all the glory for the successful completion of the activities of the second quarter of the year 2021 –. April to June 2021.We are very grateful to the Almighty God, and very thankful to you in the United States of America for your prayers, financial and moral support that had brought about the success recorded by the Agege Weekend School during the quarter under review. May God Almighty continue to bless you abundantly, in Jesus name.

CLASS ACTIVITIES:

The class activities progressed smoothly and as planned during the quarter, not minding the political instability experienced in Nigeria in resent time. The quarter started with the book of 1and 2 Corinthians which was taught by James Luka, in the month of April 2021.The class activities continued in the month of May, with the book of Romans which was taught by Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo. This was followed by the second part of the book of Romans, which was also taught by Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo.

ADMISSION:

The door of the school is always open for new enrolment. During the second quarter of the year, 2021, the school at Agege admitted a new student in the person of Christian Bassey Okon.

CAMPAIGN/EVANGELISM:

During the quarter, the Agege Weekend School organized campaign/evangelism outing within the Agege environment. The campaign was a combination of both open air and door-to –door methods. As a result of a long list of prospects recorded during the campaign, a follow – up campaign was organized on the evening of 3rd of July, 2021.

CURRICULUM REVIEW

Keith Kasarjian visited Lagos in the Month of May, 2021. His mission was to introduce the newly designed Bear Valley curriculum/ syllabi to the directors of the Weekend schools in Lagos. On the 17th May 2021, he met with Etim Mfon, Timothy Iwe and Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo, directors of Ikorodu Weekend School, Lagos Island and Agege in that order.

STUDENT PROFILE:

May we present at this point our dear brother in the Lord, Ofonime Sampson Udoekpo. Brother Ofonime hails from Akwa – Ibom State, Nigeria. He is a driver by profession. He is married with four children. He lives in Ogun State, with his family. Ofonime was baptized into the Lord in the year 1991, at the Church of Christ, Minya Ntak Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. He is currently worshipping with the Church of Christ, Olowora. He recently completed the programme for diploma, and is currently studying for the advanced diploma here at the Bearvalley Bible Institute, Agege Weekend School, Lagos.

CONCLUSION:

We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Steven Ashcraft, Keith Kasarjian, the management of Bear Valley Bible Institute, the supporting congregations, members of staff of the school, and any other individual or group who contribute in sustaining this noble and divine work. We thank the Almighty God through whom all blessings flow. May He continue to endow you with more recourses and knowledge. On our part, we promise to continuously put concerted efforts in making sure that the good work is sustained, by the grace of God.

Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo; Bearvalley Bible Institude, Agege, Lagos, Nigeria

Special guest in Zimbabwe

JUNE 2021 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The Covid virus continues to wreak havoc in the world and Zimbabwe is not an exception. Cases continue to rise with several others succumbing to it. On the 29th of June, the government pronounced some new lockdown measures in an attempt to control the situation. Despite this scourge, activities continued at BVBIZ. We can report on the following;

1.0 IMPORTANT VISITS

In the month of June, BVBIZ had two important visits to the school. The first was from the Partners for Africa whilst the second was from Donnie Estep.

1.1 PARTNERS FOR AFRICA VISIT

On the 6th of June BVBIZ got a visit from Partners for Africa. This organisation has proved to be key in the schools agenda of developing workers for the Lord. Partners for Africa drilled a borehole at BVBIZ. A fellowship Sunday took place on this day targeting the 2 new congregations (Plasworth and Lot 64) that were established in the last quarter of last year.  Michael Houts taught the Bible class while Dorian Flynn preached. After the service, the team planted some fruit trees on campus. They also sponsored the food that was eaten at the fellowship. On the 7th of June, Brother Houts taught students from experience  on the subject “Christian Evidences.” Their visit was a great blessing to the school and the members who attended the service. BVBIZ remains grateful to this organisation. The following pictures are a summary of what transpired.

1.2 DONNIE ESTEP’S VISIT

Donnie Estep, our regional director, arrived in Zimbabwe on the 13th of June and left on the 20th. Besides visiting to appraise himself with the progress that the school has made, Donnie taught “World Religions,” one of our short courses. Students had a great time with him. From Gweru he travelled to Harare where he got an opportunity to interact with some of the students on the extension program. His visit has always been a great blessing to the school.

2.0 EVANGELISM

Evangelism is a key component at BVBIZ. Students practicum began in June. We can report on the following;

2.1 GREENVALE CAMPAIGN

From the 9th-13th of June BVBIZ  students and teachers camped at Lot 64 close to Greenvale in Gweru. A new congregation started late last year in the area soon after the death of one of our preachers Daniel Mabuya (MSOP, 2017 class).  Evangelism was done during the day and services held in the evening. Average attendance during the evenings was 80. On Saturday the 12 of June, a WBS seminar was held. 87 were in attendance.  13 people we baptized eventually. Also in attendance to give more experience to the students were two of our past students, Batsirai Tengurachepa of Redcliff and Tapiwa Madamombe of Kwekwe.

2.2 FIELD PROGRAM

Students shall be going for their first field practicum from the 25th of July to the 5th of September. This year’s program shall be shorter than the others done in the previous years. Lost days will be compensated next year. Congregations that have been approved to host the program so far include; Plasworth, Lot 64, Redcliff, Mashava, and Chiware.

3.0 PROJECTS

Projects remain key in the school’s drive to empower students with life skills and in the provision of a little more income to BVBIZ. The vision of the school is that in future, projects should be contributing a significant amount to the school’s budget. Broilers have been a success story so far. The following projects are being worked on;

3.1 MARKET GARDENING

One of the projects that is on the school’s radar is market gardening. The vision was made alive by a donation of $250 that was made by Donnie Estep and his family. The money was intended to hire a tractor to work on the land that the school had cleared. By the 30th of June, almost two acres of land had been worked on before the tractor broke down. The owner is currently repairing his tractor and we are hopeful that it will be brought to finish the work in the next few days.

The next stage will be to fence a small portion and lay a drip system on it. Between $1500-$2000 is needed to get things going.

3.2 GOAT PROJECT

Another project that the school longs to have is goat production. This will help in the provision of meat to our students and also provide some income into the school. To kick start the project a temporary goat pen is under construction together with another fowl run for the broiler project. The builders are not the usual ones that the school has been using but are students who are knowledgeable with such type of work. Making use of student skills has been very helpful  as it has helped the school to achieve much whilst keeping the costs low. Our full time instructor, Ishmael Mutichu, is also helping out as he has some experience also.

CONCLUSION

We are always thankful  to God for enabling many of you to partner with BVBIZ in its effort to fulfil its core business of training and developing workers for Christ.  These partnerships have been wonderful. May God bless you all.

Graduation in Zambia

June 2021 Report 

Introduction

We send greetings to you brothers and sisters! We give honor and glory to God our heavenly father who through His grace and the love fully expressed in Christ has granted us the opportunity to work in his kingdom.

We resumed classes in the month of June and the second week the students were privileged to study the book of Galatians with Donnie Estep and all of them did well.

Graduation at Bear Valley Bible Institute-Zambia

2020 class graduates

It was a very joyous moment to see the 2020 class students graduate. We were very grateful to see representatives from around the Copper Belt Province and beyond come and witnessed the honoring of our graduates. When Brother Donnie Estep finished teaching the short course he then graced the graduation ceremony on Friday the 11th of June 2021. It has not been easy due to the pandemic but we are grateful that Donnie came our way!

To mention but just a few of our graduates:

Austin Musonda came to us from Chibwe Church of Christ. He was very studious and he did his work here at Bear Valley Bible Institute Zambia with excellence. He was one of the honor students. He is currently studying at Mwekera Forestry College. He has been very influential in the new congregation that has started at the College campus. While at home in Chibwe, he conducts Bible studies and he preaches regularly. On the 13th June Austin preached at his home congregation and had a good number of responses, four souls were added to the church through Baptism and eleven (11) souls were restored  

 Sthembiso Magawa is currently studying at the University of Zambia. He is also one of our honor students. We are humbled to see how Sthembiso has grown both physically and spiritually. He is very committed to the service of God. He reports that he has started an online Bible study with other students at the University of Zambia. He also mentioned that they meet virtually every Friday for Bible studies. He has revived six (6) members at the University and also meets with Mutendere Church of Christ near the campus 

Vincent Simwanza was born and raised in Ndola. After completing his secondary school, he went to Mufulira a mining town of the Copper belt to work with his sister. He is also one of our honor students who graduated with a distinction. He is currently working with a communication company here in Luanshya and he is a regular preacher at Luanshya Central church of Christ. He also conducts all Sunday church Bible studies. We are so happy and glad to see Vincent become such a preacher! Just after graduation the following morning, Saturday the 12th June, our program went well in which we had invited all the women in the Churches of Christ on the Copperbelt at BVBI-ZAMBIA campus. They were seventy eight (78) in total and they represented 17 congregations of the Copperbelt Province. Vincent preached during this meeting and we had eight (8) restorations. The program is meant to strengthen the working relationship of women in the Church.   

Hornbye Mupengu was chosen during the graduation ceremony to deliver closing and farewell statement on behalf of his fellow students. He was the representative of class 2020. He was a very hard working student and he represented his fellow students very well. It was befitting for him to be a valedictorian during the graduation ceremony. Hornbye is congregating with Chifubu Church of Christ is Ndola and two (2) souls have been added to the Church in the month of June.

Nelson Sikazindu came to us from Chibwe Church of Christ in Baluba Luanshya district of the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. He followed his elder brother in Mpongwe district where he is helping with the farm work. Nelson and his brother are very evangelistic and they have since started a new congregation in their area. We visited and evangelized that area and it was very encouraging to the family there. Nelson needs our encouragement as he preaches in this rural area. We can see that the field is ready and the harvesters are still few.

We really honored these men for the sincerity and commitment they pledged at the beginning of their training. They have proved to be so and we continue praying that the Lord will help them to remain so.

Health situation in the country

Zambia is currently experiencing a third wave of Covid 19. We have witnessed transmissions taking place at household, community and institutional levels countrywide. Today we see our mortuaries struggling with space due to the increase in the number of deaths. Zambia health authority has expressed concern over the rising corona related deaths as the country continues to battle a third wave of infections. Today our test positivity shows a range of 10% to 37% across the Provinces an indication that we continue to have worrying rates of community transmission. As a result, all government learning institutions have been put on hold for twenty one days.

During this partial arrangement all our students are still here on campus. We have not sent them back to their respective home because two of our students tested positive of Covid 19. Please continue praying for one of our student Mike Kanyangala the percentage of blood in his urine is too high and he has been on medication for too long now.

Conclusion

We are grateful to all our partners in this Ministry of Training these men who continue to come forward to offer solidarity and technical support. We are truly grateful to Woodland Oaks Church of Chris for their commitment in supporting this work.

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

Back in class in Liberia

GREETINGS BRETHREN,

Once again the Lord has been very gracious to us since the last report send to you and we are very grateful to Him for that. We are so glad to to share with you the report of happenings for the month of May 2021 from the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Liberia. We truly appreciate God for your partnership with us directly or indirectly in this great work we have to do here in Liberia, West Africa.

REOPENING

After a very successful graduation of 16 preachers for our second batch, we now welcome 26 new students from all over the country (Liberia) into our next program. We are very happy to inform you that we have a very good beginning with this new batch in that they all reported to classes on the date set. Beginning this quarter, the following courses in the curriculum have been scheduled to be taught and by the following instructors:

1. Research and writing-- Bro. Calvin Jusu Johnson

2. Scheme of Redemption-- Brother Linen Cooper

3. Personal Evangelism-- Bro. P. Nathan Tears

4. Cost of Discipleship- Bro. O.D.K. Zakamah

5. Christians Evidences—Bro. Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

6. Old Testament -1-- Bro. Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

7. Computer Studies- Bro, Amos Dolo

8. General Agriculture- Meantor Bembo

9. English Languege- O.D.K.Zakamah

GENERAL MEETING

Before the reopening of the school, the director organized a general meet for all staff of the school. The meeting brought together all the teachers and support stuffs of the school. Everyone was appreciated by the director During the meeting and  the flood was open for anyone who has something to say and make suggestions for the smooth operations of the school's future. The curriculum and the new syllabus was also discussed in the meeting with each staff and instructor taking with them the courses they will be teaching for the next two years. It was a very successful meeting.

APPRECIATION

We want to that all of you so very much for supporting the work in Liberia. Without you, this effort would not be possible. May our good Lord bless you.

In Him,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr,

Director- BVBI-Liberia

Near tragedy in Sierra Leone

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR MAY, 2021

It is with gratitude in our hearts that we pen down this report. The Lord has been so gracious to us and we also firmly believe that He has been to you too, our brethren and supporters. We are sending greetings to your family members and to all the saints who have been directly and indirectly involved in promoting the work of the Lord in Sierra Leone. While we go further, please may you patiently read below for the details of the report for the month of May.

STUDENTS UPDATE: The KBVBI (Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute) has fourteen students currently, all of them are intact and in good condition of health and are faithful in pursuance of their course in the school. ACADEMICS/CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES: As the current set of students neared the completion of their academic work, three courses were covered for the month of May: The Book of Revelation, Hermeneutics III, and computer. The classes ended successfully to the glory of God.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM: Our weekend evangelism program has been rewarding. However, for the month of May, only two souls were baptized (Jenneh Morowah and Susan Tengbeh). We plead that you help us to pray for their spiritual growth. Thank you!

CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST

Embarking on campaigns has proven to be so helpful to the conversion of more souls and the strengthening of local congregations in Sierra Leone. This being true, we embarked on campaign during the month of May. This time, our campaign was directed to Burma III, an out sketch of Kenema. The congregation of the Lord’s Church at Burma III requested for the campaign in order to help strengthen their local congregation. And on the 24th- 28th May, the campaign was carried out. This campaign helped to restore nine members and four souls were baptized.

ACCIDENT

The month of May posed a challenge to us, but God rescued us. The Director of Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute, Peter Sahr Makundu was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident on the 7th May. This accident occurred between Shegbwema and Tondola, all in Kailahun District. As he journeyed down to Koindu, on his way back to Kenema, while he was riding, thick darkness mysteriously covered his face to the extent that he couldn’t see. So he lost control and hit his head on a very big rock. The helmet on his head split and he fell down unconsciously. He was rushed to the hospital here in Kenema, but his case was so crucial that he was later transferred to Freetown, at 34 Military Hospital. Several scans were done on his spinal cord. To the glory of God, nothing happened to his spinal cord except pains which he is recovering from as we speak. As we write, he is coping very well and God is mindful of Him. He was visited by the Director of Bear Valley Bible Institute, Guinea and other brethren. On his behalf, the faculty staff and students of KBVBI are saying a big THANK YOU to our generous coordinator, Brother Steve Ashcraft, Brother Keith, Brother Robert Dahn, Brother Francis Musa, and all those who supported him financially and spiritually. We are so much grateful to all of you, and may the good LORD, the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, bless and favor you in a way that you can’t imagine. Thank you so much!

STAFF’S AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Joseph Missailie Jr.

Joseph is one of our committed staff of the Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Sierra Leone. He was born on September 22nd 1992 at Kenema. He was baptized on December 12, 2008. Since his conversion, Joseph has proven to be a dedicated brother. He served as a song leader for IDA Church of Christ in Kenema for some times. His desire to serve God more devotedly propelled him to enroll at Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is an Alumnus of our school. Upon his graduation at Bear Valley in 2019, he proceeded to enroll at Sierra Leone Eastern Polytechnic where he bagged a National Diploma in Education. He preaches for Burma III congregation where our campaign was directed as stated previously.

CONCLUSION

In brief, for the month of May, we had six conversions and nine brethren were restored to their usefulness before God. We continue to be grateful to God, our sponsors and all of you who are praying for us. The staff and students of KBVBI say, “Do have a blessed month ahead.”

Thank you so much for reading through.

Peter Sahr Makundu

Director

Struggling in Myanmar

A cordial greetings to you from Myanmar. I hope and pray that everything is going well with you and your larger family. As for me and my family, we are doing well. Thank God.

The work of evangelism in Myanmar has been restricted by the pandemic and the coup. Now the third wave of covid-19 is spreading again and taking many lives especially in Chin state and Kalay area. Many are sick and shortage of treatment.

We loss brother Thian Lian on June 27 which is a great and terrible loss for the work in Myanmar. He is like a father to me and to many others for our spiritual journey and a great leader in the work of the Lord in Myanmar, but we trust that God must have another, better plan for us. We also lost a good teacher and faithful brother Edward from Shan state, the eastern part of Myanmar on June 27. He had stroke before.

The worst thing about the situation in Myanmar is no vaccines, not enough hospitals, doctors as many doctors protest the coup by Civil Disobedience Movement, and not enough supply of oxygen and other equipment to treat the victims of covid above daily needs. Moreover, the peaceful demonstration is still going on with fighting in some parts of the country. Almost a thousand people had died since the coup. The civil people ask the junta to accept the result of the election in November 2020 and the junta will do whatever to protect their power and some foreign countries endorse it. Sorry for telling all about the trouble in Myanmar.

Brother Sian Thang and his family visited his native place in Chin state because of the coup and unexpectedly loss his elder son in accident on the way on March 18. They are still being locked down in their place due to covid-19.

Meanwhile, God opened some doors for us to travel and evangelize to some areas where the covid-19 and the protest are not high or partly lifted. On May 22-28 of this year, myself with other two evangelists traveled to Ngaphe township in Magway region and visited two congratulations and work with them. We brought some relief funds that we got from the brethren from USA to the brethren as people have been struggling with covid-19 and the coup. The help in need is more appreciated though a little and everyone expressed deep gratitude for the help.

God touched the hearts of people through His power of the gospel as we presented it as simple as it is and two persons (mother and daughter) gave their lives to the Lord by being baptized on May 23 after worship service. Pictures attached. We had such a good time of fellowship with other brethren after a year and a half of separation.

We could make another trip to Pyay, Thayet and AungLan townships on June 5-9. We visited four congregations and worked with them as we distributed some relief funds. The results of the help and preaching brings the same respond every where. On June 5-6, we had Bible study with young people in Pyay and two young man and one young girl obeyed the gospel on June 6. We rejoiced with the brethren and with heavenly hosts as people are being saved and added to the family of God. Those newly born into the kingdom are in the care of older Christians and leaders to grow. Let's keep them in our prayers.

There are two booklets that have been translated into Burmese ( Back to the Bible- written by Charles Box and Lessons on the Church of Christ-written by W.C. Graves) which need to type and do the proceeding work when the situation of our country get better and funds available for it.

We the Christians in Myanmar express our deep gratitude and heart felt appreciation for your undying support for the work and time to time help as needed. God has been using you to meet the needs of His people and others around the world including Myanmar. Even though you cannot visit us, we thank God for the technology to get help from you. Your second mile help for the covid-19 lockdown and the coup struggle are greatly appreciated as the ordinary people are suffering emotionally and physically. I trust that the same fellowship will remain in the future.

Brother Thian Lian, before he died, was distributing some rice to three congregations in Chin state as we got relief funds from World Evangelism Team, and the result was three souls being saved by the Lord. Whenever we got relief funds, we tried to distribute it to all the churches depends on the amount and the needs of the people as fair as possible.

Once again, I would like to express my deep gratitude and heart felt appreciation for your love and undying support for the work to continue. I trust that you are praying for us and we are praying for you.

Yours in His kingdom work

Philip Van Biak Lian

Classes resume in India

Dear Brethren in Christ,

I bring greetings from Vishakha Valley Bible College, India. First of all, i thank you all for your kind prayers which is keeping us safe and protected from Covid-19. Even though there were several people that were dead, including several preachers, we are thankful to God for keeping us protected to carry out His mission of spreading the Word and Training Men.

We thank the brethren at Lake Houston & Strickland for helping us to held the graduates and other preachers who are in desperate financial struggle due to the corona Pandemic. From last two months congregational worship has been banned so as public or group meetings, it has affected the financial situation of our preachers. Few congregations has come forward toto help, we have helped over 100 preachers in this area, below picture showing the wife of Brother Appa Rao who was killed by Covid-19, so we helped this widow by sending Rice and essential goods. Our prayers of thanksgiving to our God for your love.

We are thankful to God for making us able to resume the classes at Vishakha Valley Bible College, we shall have all the students by next week, some have not been able to come due to transportation and local Corona restrictions. However, we have begun the classes and trying to keep everything straight since we lost lot of time due to corona since spring 2020.

Well, I will remain for now, thanking God for His mercy and thanking you all for your prayers of encouragement. Please continue your prayers as Corona third wave is what’s been discussed here so much, we are very much intimidated by the stories we hear in the News channels, our government is not able to keep the country vaccinated, it is very true that 1 billion people is what keeping us behind, since its a huge number providing vaccination to all is just a impossible task, however we need your prayers so that God would continue protecting our nation, thank you.

We love you brethren,

In Christ,

John Dean M

Vishakha Valley Bible College

Nationwide tension in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you from God our Father and from Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Here is the report of some of our June 2021 activities.

OVERVIEW

1. Weekend Evangelism & Campaigns

2. Fourth Semester Classes

3. Nationwide protest on June 12 led to postponement of Classes in Lagos BVBIN

4. Final TP(Teaching Practice)

5. WBSFUW RECRUITED OVER 1,000 NEW STUDENTS

WEEKEND EVANGELISM / CAMPAIGNS:

In spite of the tension in our country, Nigeria, the students and staff carried out successfully the weekend evangelism / gospel campaigns in the six centers throughout the weekends in the month of June and the Lord added two denominational pastors into His Church, one in Butubutu village and the other one in Ajia town. To God be the glory and honor.

FOURTH SEMESTER CLASSES AND INSTRUCTORS:

This fourth Semester Classes begin on May 24 and will come to an end on July 23 before the students embark on a month Teaching Practice.

Bro.Andrew Adeolu is handling 1st Corinthians and Homiletics-3; Bro. Lawrence Dada is handling Pastoral Epistle and Christian Ethics; Bro.Guda Silas is handling Greek and The book of Revelation; Bro.Oladokun Samuel is handling Music in NT worship; Bro.Emmanuel Godwin is handling Foundation of Mission and Church Growth; Bro. Isaac Olaniyan is handling Life of Christ-4(John) and Church Leadership & Administration; Bro. Makinde John is handling Islam and Church History while I (Bro. Makinde Ebens) handling Fundamentals of faith and Homiletics-2(Practical).

NATIONWIDE PROTEST ON JUNE 12,2021 LED TO POSTPONEMENT OF CLASSES IN BVBIN WEEKEND SCHOOLS IN LAGOS:

The Nigerian youths were seen on the streets of major towns and cities protesting against the bad government, high cost of living, insecurity, unemployment, etc on the day set aside by President Buhari regime to celebrate democracy in Nigeria.

In Oyo State, the protest was reported to have kicked off in Mokola, Ibadan. The placards spotted with the protesters across the country had different messages such as "Buhari Must Go" " Insecurity" No food for us and our kids" " Poverty" etc. A deep look at the protests across the country Nigeria showed that the masses were unhappy with the current administration.

All the metropolis turned a "ghost city" with shops and restaurants kept under lock and key. The Policemen were positioned in some important area to prevent the break down of law and orders while few people who went out that day resorted to trekking as they found it difficult to get bus or motor bikes to transport them. Due to the tension that Saturday, the BVBID permit us to postponed the June 12 classes in Lagos State to June 19. To God be the glory, June 12 have come and gone!

FINAL TEACHING PRACTICE OF JULY 24-AUGUST 22,2021:

In preparation for this session final teaching practice, the School authority/management introduced three Internal Lectureship in other for the students to be well equipped for the task before them .

1. Our Morning Devotion now centered on WHAT CHRISTIANITY IS ALL ABOUT with over fifty (50) sub-topics from Matthew 5-7 & Galatians 5:19-23.

2. Wednesday Chapel between 5:00-6:30pm centered on ADD TO YOUR FAITH (2 Peter 1:5-11)

3. Sunday morning Bible Class centered on THE BASIC BIBLE DOCTRINE.

AUGUST GREAT WORKSHOP 2021 FINALLY CANCELLED:

The much awaiting Great Workshop for WBSFUW and Evangelists in about twenty (20) States of Nigeria was cancelled due to the insecurity, kidnapping,etc in our country Nigeria.

Therefore, the leftover VOTI volumes 107-109 and other materials kept for Great Workshop 2021 will be posted to Churches, WBSFUW, BVBIN Schools that can avoid the cost of postage.

WBSFUW RECRUITED OVER 1,OOO NEW STUDENTS:

Our WBS OFFICE in Ibadan received about 200 packs of WBS correspondence Courses (Church and Christian Life) and 63WBS Bible from Overseas in the month of June for WBS students of Faye Bach and West Olive Church of Christ (AZ-025) Peoria in Oyo,Osun and Ekiti States.

In Osun State, Bro.Kayode Eniafe visited four High Schools in Ikoyi( Baptist High School,Vine Model College,Unity School and Olaoye Precious Model College) and shared 37 packs of WBS correspondence Courses and 13 WBS Bibles. He also recruited 117 new students from Muslim Grammar School,Ikoyi through the use of WBS introduction course.

In Ekiti State, Bro.Emmanuel Godwin visited two High Schools (Ogotun High School and Methodist Comprehensive High School,Aye-Ekiti) and shared 63 packs of WBS correspondence Courses and 49 Bibles to the WBS students in that two Schools. He also recruited 59 new students via WBS introduction course from Community High School in Igbara-Odo and Grace Land International College in Ogotun-Ekiti.

Bro. Andrew Adeolu and one of our students (Bro.Imbia Maxfield) visited Lamini Basic School and Ogidi Grammar School in Ona-Ara Local Government in Ibadan and shared 48 packs of WBS correspondence Courses to the WBS students of Faye Bach in the two Schools.

In Ondo State, Bro. Matthew Rowland visited three High Schools in Akure town (Liberty College,Akure Secondary Commercial School and Omoluorogbo Grammar School) and shared 1,000 WBS introduction course and over 700 Introduction course were returned so far from the three Schools.

All the returned courses and about 1,000 introduction course materials will be posted Lord's willing before July 15 to Bro. Joel Coppinger of World Bible School of Tulare County, California for distribution to teachers in America and Canada.

ABOUT A STUDENT:

Bro.Oviri Iruo-0ghene Careson is one of our year-1 Students. Admitted into the school in 1999. Born on February 19,1996 at Amori road,Mesogar-Sapele,Delta State by Bro.and Sister Julius Oviri. He was converted in 2014 at Church of Christ,Mosoga-Sapele, Delta State. His mission is to be fully equipped for the work of ministry. He is the son of the preacher at Church of Christ, Mesogar-Sapele ,Delta State.

CONCLUSION: We are deeply appreciative of your supports and help in many ways. May the Lord bless you all is our fervent prayers, Amen.

I remain yours in His Grace as a servant..... Makinde Ebens (The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE, IBADAN and WBSFUW)

A new class in Kenya

This is KSOP'S 5th in take student's report for quarter one year one, 2021. We had began this intake with 18 students- 16 of them are new ones while the other two have been back to finish up the courses they had missed under the 4th intake, for they were one quarter late when they initially joined KSOP. These two are Duop john Yat and David Okinyi Mwai. Duop has now completed all the courses. Mwai will come once again for first and second Thessalonians.

The African instructors who had taught in this quarter are CharlesOgutu, Nixon Ochieng and Elias Omollo.

Regular courses taught; Genesis, Acts of the Apostles, English Skills, Homiletics I and the Fourfold Gospel

Short courses had been; The one true church and Personal Evangelism

We have closed the school for two weeks as from 28th May and the students will resume the classes as from 14th June, 2021.

While in School we had involved half of the students participate for 2 and a half days in evangelism outreach another county which resulted in planting one new local congregation- called Nyandiwa church of Christ. One had attended the gospel meeting at Ragengni where one was immersed in Christ also.

Again, on 22nd of May, we involved all the students to go help Ebuyangu congregation evangelize their community. one of our current students called Geoffrey Sang had been going back to strengthen his home local congregation called Kipseonoi and had baptized 3 souls in Christ. So in general the students have Baptist 7 souls, restored 14 individuals and planted one new congregation.

It is out prayer that Covid 19 will go down and we continue serve the lord. Be blessed.

In his service,

Elias

Doing much good in French-speaking Cameroon

Calvary greetings from Mbanga Cameroon. We praise God for another gift of light. The church and the school in Mbanga are doing pretty good and are growing in number and also spiritually. The staff and leadership of Mbanga bring to you an update on the work that has been going on in Mbanga since last month. 

It is good to inform you that all of the students who came for this batch are still present in school. In former batches some would have abandoned by now with numerous family problems and calls from back home. But he who is ready to follow Christ does not look behind but takes up his cross to follow Him. Some of them have lost father, son, and even mother already in this first term but they are still doing their best to meet up with their studies. 

Even though they are still in the observation period, some of them are already going out for week end evangelism to some needy congregations. Some others carry out personal evangelism to our own neighborhood here in Mbanga. The little effort they are putting forth during this work in the neighborhood is starting to gain ground which could yield to potential fruit in the future. 

It was good to have a first baptism conducted by a student of this new batch. Bro Souleyman from the Bertoua assembly, today a student in the Bear Valley Bible Institute Cameroon – Mbanga, has opened the door of harvest. It's TRUE that we are still in the planting season in Mbanga but God can do what no man can do. This is why this batch can harvest crops planted by former batches while they are also busy planting new ones. 

The students are also preparing for their exams. After exams, they will take their short courses and then go for their first field work. We met sister Thierita this day. She surprised the students with food on campus during their break. It was a great gesture from this sister in the Mbanga assembly. She has done this with every batch of students since she was converted into Christ. May God keep on blessing her family in Jesus’ name.

The church in Mbanga also gave a small support to the students who lost their properties during the fire incident. An envelope was given to each of them to restore to even a little extent some of their needs. It was just as a sign of loving concern. The Mbanga congregation also handed a separate envelope to the just graduate who was still using the dormitory while he was waiting to look for a room in the Mganga neighborhood. He is one who was going to stay behind and help us in the Mbanga assembly and as a speed test instructor and discipline master to the Bible students. 

Lastly, an envelope was also handed to the director of the Bible college in support of the ongoing reconstruction work on the campus. We want to say thank you to the Mbanga Balong assembly for their love and generosity.

We are almost finished with the reconstruction work on the campus. The rooms already have a new look with the new pant. Left for us to take care of, is new windows that are to be amaco type. Thank you so much to the Frisco assembly, The Pattonville assembly, David Ballard and the Bear Valley mother institution. Remain bless in Jesus’ name.

We also used some time to check on the student’s dormitory rooms to see if there were any abnormalities in any of them. It was a surprise check when they just finished their class. The dorm check was done before anyone could get back to the dormitory at the end of class. We checked their beds to see if they were well dressed. We checked their toiletries. We check to see how neat or nasty their rooms looked. We also checked their belongings to make sure not had come to school with any dangerous stuff or other things against the internal rules and regulations of the school. We thank God that no such thing was found in the search. Let's put them in our prayers so that one will not be tempted.

The director, on one of his mission trips, decided to check on some graduates of the last batch. It was so great to meet with the former students who today are colleagues and fellow slaves in this work. We had some good times together sharing experiences in the field and also giving advise on how to go about this work. We had time to discuss with brother Beni of the Bayomen assembly. We saw some blocks and the side that the church was able to build on her temporal building. 

Some of them presented their difficulties. It was not easy to bear with, especially when I saw how some of them were sleeping on benches with no mattresses although they were still happy to do the work of an evangelist.

Our congregation in Mbanga has grown beyond her worship place so during our fellowship meal last Sunday, we decided to move outside the worship hall which is actually the classroom for our Bible college. I think the length of this canopy is telling us the size of the building we should aspire to build on the church land that is not too far from the school campus. 

We want to thank you for reading all of this. Put us in your prayers as we travel today night to Bertoua for the planting of a new assembly in that town. "Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism."

Remain bless from the bureau of the slave in Mbanga.

Ititi Benedict

Tamale gets a visit from Steven Ashcraft

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE - GHANA

APRIL 2021 REPORT

The operating report for the month of April 2021 was very impactful by all standards. In the month of April, we were engaged in many activities. Many of these activities gave us the confidence of great advancement for the Tamale campus of Bear Valley Bible Institute.

BROTHER STEVEN

It’s always a joyful experience to have Brother Steven in our midst. Once again this year, we had the privilege of having him in Tamale in the month of April to strengthen, educate and motivate us to fight for the Kingdom of God. His presence saw us have a series of discussions and meetings concerning the growth of the school and the Churches in Northern Ghana. He educated us on how to use the syllabus that has been developed for all Bear Valley Schools. We also had a brief look at the challenges with these syllabuses.

Mechanization of the well, Making farms to support the feeding of the students were also deliberated. The way forward of the continuation of the building project for the Kpalsi South Church wasn’t ignored. His coming to us was very necessary as it has always been. May the Lord continue to give him long life, good health and prosperity in all things.

LECTURESHIP

Brother James Legend taught the Life of Christ one in the first week of April as the students prepare to go on break to have some rest and take care of their family and congregational activities.

MECHANIZATION OF THE WELL

Mechanization work for the well we had by the grace of God and the help of our brethren from Healing Hands International started in the month of April and we are hopeful to complete everything in the month of May God’s willing. We hope to acknowledge the efforts of all Brethren who are helping us in Bear Valley Tamale to have a much conducive environment to progress the course of Christ. God bless you all.

ALL NIGHT PREAYER MEETINGS

The director (Daniel Adjei Mensah), has seen the need for us to strengthen the element of prayer for the school, Churches of Christ and other relevant issues. He decided we host one prayer night every month in the school that will involve congregations within and around Tamale who are interested in participating. The maiden one took place in the month of April. It was an excellent experience.  

KPALSI SOUTH CHURCH OF CHRIST

We are determined to work to increase the numerical growth of the local congregation of the Kpalsi South church. As a result of that, we are not giving up in preaching the Gospel to all who are ready to hear the word. As difficult as it is, our efforts are bearing fruits gradually. One soul was added to the church on the 25th of April, 2021. May His name be praised forever; amen.

PERSONAALITY PROFILE ON LAAR PAUL

Laar Paul is our focus for this month. He was born in the year 1993 (28 years) at Kpinkpanyoung in the Upper East Region. Kpinkpanyoung is just a few kilometers away from Togo. He was born to Mrs. Laar Asibe and Mr. Laar Kojo, both residents of Kpinkpanyooung. Both parents were pagans. He was baptized into the church on the 25th of August, 2005. His last circular education was Bawku Technical Institute, which lasted between the periods of 2015 to 2018. The Kpinkpanyoung congregation was planted in 2003, by brethren from a nearby congregation in a village called Garu. Paul grew to see the need for a preacher to help the congregation as they were struggling to govern the church for the lack of leadership. He chose the path of Christ in preaching the gospel by getting enrolled into the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Tamale, in the year 2019. He graduated successfully with a Diploma certificate in the year 2021. He has managed to convert his mother into the church, hoping the Lord will do the same to his father too.

Brother Laar Paul is married to Janet Laar with two children. They currently live at Kpinkpanyoung where he preaches for the local congregation which has a membership of over 200. Paul is one of the dedicated young preachers in the Upper East Region.

We praise God for His kindness and mercy towards us.

Thank you,

Bear Valley, Tamale.

Reaching out in Nigeria

Dear fellow servants of Most High God.

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Below are the summary of our activities in this month of May 2021.

OVERVIEW:

1. Birth of the Lord's church in Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti State.

2. Voice of Truth International Volume 109 shared.

3. Fourth Semester Classes Commenced.

4. Ajia Church Auditorium.

5. Bro. Keith Kasarjian's visit to Nigeria

BIRTH OF THE LORD'S CHURCH IN ARAMOKO TOWN, EKITI STATE:

In obedient to the Master order in Matthew 28:19-20, some of the staft, students and some of our graduates preaching in Ekiti State evangelized Aramoko Ekiti town from May 3 till 9,2021 and started the first church worship in Chief Eluku house, Temidire Steet, Oke-Egbe Area of Aramoko town with five converts, eleven students of BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan and one of the instructors named Bro.Emmanuel Godwin.

We were lucky to get an incompleted building for the sum of N200,000 in Temidire Steet, Oke-Egbe Area and the school was able to assist in the payment of N100,000 while the remaining balance of N100,000

VOICE OF TRUTH INTERNATIONAL VOLUME 109 SHARED:

Free distributions and posting of VOTI Volume 109 commenced on May 3 and as of May 20,our records show that over 5,000 copies of the recent publication of VOTI has been distributed across the Republic of Nigeria.

Report reaching our office shows that the recent publication also aid the Lord's church in converting many souls into Christ's body during this month seminars and campaigns..

FOURTH SEMESTER CLASSES BEGIN ON MAY 24 :

This session last semester classes commenced on May 24 and will come to an end Lord's willing on July 23,2021. Then, followed by a month practical work, that is, Teaching Practice between July 24 and August 22,2021. The one month Teaching Practice will cost us between $500 to $700 because most of the students will be working with young congregations across the country, Nigeria.

The instructors for the 4th Semester Classes at Ibadan are :Bro. Isaac Olaniyan, Bro. Emmanuel Godwin, Bro.Makinde John, Bro. Guda Silas, Bro. Oladokun Samuel, Bro. Lawrence Dada, Bro. Andrew Adeolu and myself (Bro.Makinde Ebens).

BROTHER KEITH KASARJIAN'S VISIT TO NIGERIA:

The Director of BVBID Extension program, Bro. Keith Kasarjian visited our troublesome country, Nigeria inspite the insecurity in our country between May 16 through 24 and met with most of the BVBIN Schools in our country starting from Lagos and ended his trip in Abia State.

We appreciate so much is great commitment to serving the Lord and humanity. May the Lord keep on blessings all the gospel ministers throughout the world is our fervent prayers in Jesus Christ name, amen.

ONE MONTH VOCATIONAL TRAINING/BREAK:

The just concluded Vocational training/break of this session resulted in the conversion of thirteen souls and restoration of eighteen erring brethren. All our students and staff were actively involved in the weekend evangelism / campaigns in their different locations and thanks be unto the Lord for making the month fruitful.

REPORT FROM FELLOW WBSFUW:

1. Bro. M.B.Archibong, one of the World Bible School Follow Up Workers in Uyo reported the conversion of four (4) souls on Wednesday, May 19 as the result of the just concluded WBS seminar in Mkpara Otop Village.

2. Bro. Lawanson Akinola, one of the WBSFUW in Ekiti State reported that two souls were added to the Lord's body on May 23 as the result of his follow up in Ilogbo -Ekiti, Ekiti State.

ABOUT ONE OF OUR YEAR-2 STUDENTS :

Bro.Silas ,Wayne Chisom is one of our year-2 students. Born on March 14,1988 at Aba, Abia State by Bro. & Sister Silas of Okpuala Umugwor Village. Become a member of the Lord's church in 2006. A BSC holder from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,Umuahia,Abia State.

His mission after the August graduation is to become one of the seasoned ministers of God in the Eastern States of Nigeria.

OUR ACCOMPLISHMENT:

With God on our sides coupled with the financial assistance of $820 rendered by Austin Chapel Church of Christ, we were able to evangelized Aramoko Ekiti from the early morning of May 3 through the noon of May 9,2021. We give God be the glory and honor for making our dream of planting the Lord's Church in Aramoko town a reality.

CONCLUSION:

We appreciate you all for your partnership and great support. May the Lord keep on blessings all our joint effort in Christ Jesus, amen.

I remain yours in His Grace as a servant......

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan and WBSFUW)

Keeping on in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,  

I'd like to share with you the latest news from Ukraine. First of all, I'm very thankful to God for His mercy to us. Finally, the strictest quarantine measures were lifted from our region and we were declared "the yellow zone". It means that the public transportation is working again, the stores can reopen with some caution and masks requirements. On Monday we will resume the classes in the Institute building. Before that for almost a month we only had online studies. It's a good way to learn but our students and Instructors missed personal interactions.  

Last month our students had Epistle to Galatians (Instructor Dmitry Galiuk) and the Book of Revelation (Andrew Zhuravlev). 

This year we will graduate three students - Iliya Zhuravlev, Nazar Semikoz and Bogdan Antipenko. One more student who was in the class, Marianna Medved, is behind academically and mostly likely will have to graduate next year.  

In the beginning of May my family and some of our students were able to attend a Christian Seminar in the Carpathian Mountains alongside many representatives of the Church of Christ congregations. The host was Dmitry Galiuk, the Minister of the Church of Christ in Chernivtsy and our active Instructor. I was given an opportunity to be one of the speakers and present the ministry of our Bible Institute. It was a good time, considering the long quarantine restrictions in our country.  

We are getting ready to publish next book - the Commentary on 1 and 2 Kings, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. The book printing is supported by Jim Mettenbrink.  We are very grateful for his partnership. During a few recent years we were able to print and send copies of these books to every local congregation.  

We are very appreciative of your prayers for us. And we request prayers for the next school year recruitment, as well as the Church growth in Ukraine and worldwide.  

Our students and Instructors send their greetings and thanks for the financial aid and spiritual support.  Your brother, Dennis Sopelnik 

The inaugural graduation in Tirupati, India

Reporting letter for the month of April-2021 

Our warmest greetings to you in the matchless name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.  We Pray that this mail finds you good health. If you permit we would like to send you brief report concerning our BVBI. I humbly request your pardon for the delay of reporting for the month of April-2021.

The success of two years preachers training Program: - We congratulate all our teaching staff, non-teaching staff and students of first batch for their great dedication to complete the first batch successfully. We appreciate the teachers for their hard work to complete the syllabus prescribed by BVBI. There were few classes that   were suspended in 2020 due to Covid-19 but in order to cover up those classes we had continual classes from September 2020 to April 2021, even  we did not have the break .  We continually had classes, all the students were able to cooperate to attend for the daily classes, writing their note books, completing their home work, memory work and weekly examinations.  We don’t find words to appreciate the guest brothers from out  side who could able to teach few courses . We are grateful to our International director for visiting us and encouraging the students and teachers. We are thankful to our Coordinator Mr.Mark Reynolds and Mr.Damon Vincent for their dedication to teach few courses. We appreciate Mr.John R.Vaughan , Mr.Jonathan Winchester , Mr.Mathew Bowling who were  able to visit from Graymere church and encourage us. We are thankful to Mr.Larry Nokes and Mr.Dennis Widner who visited us from Foothills church of Christ and encouraged  us. We are thankful to sister.Linda smith (from Woodson chapel church of Christ )and sister Jackie Hill who were able to visit us from Berry’s  chapel church of Christ. We are thankful to Mr.RayHart for visiting and teaching . It was  sad to miss Mr.Jerry Bates ,lord willing he may visit in the future.

We are grateful to guest teachers Mr.G.Prabhudass, Mr.G.David who came from Chennai and taught few courses. We are thankful to Mr.Vijay Kiran and local police officer for teaching basic legal principles.

The Graduation Ceremony:-  God has  blessed our graduation ceremony which was held on April 30th, 2021.  We feel sorry to miss the presence of our International director and our coordinator , but we are grateful to them for allowing us to go ahead and organize the event . We are happy to share with you that all the students, their parents , teachers, some of the church members and friends were able to participate to witness the program. We did our level best to reduce the number of  attendance due to covid-19 threat.

 All the students have gracefully received the beautiful Certificates  of  Diploma of Biblical studies . We request you to pray for the 21 students who were graduated.

Building Owners: -   We have taken one building ground floor for the college and opposite another building for the hostel. The college building owner had a proposal to sell the building but now he changed his mind and willing to cooperate with us to continue the program . We thank God for this provision. The college building owner’s  family was staying in the upstairs but now they have vacated and moved to the main city area, it is our ambition to occupy the upstairs building and develop the  library.

Agricultural  Garden:- By the support of Healing Hands International we could able to establish the A.G. Garden , it is growing and growing. We have established two other sustainable Agricultural Gardens at KGBV-School in Chittoor-Dt and another one at Poolathota-village.

Covid-19 second Wave threat:-  It is terrible and heart breaking situation in India, the second wave of Covid -19  is spreading so rapidly , so many people are infected and several people are dying , hope that you are aware of the situation by watching the international news . Our local church members were badly infected, unfortunately my sister-in-law was died last week on Friday with covid-19, I am proud to mention that she was the one who sent first admission to BVBI-Tirupti. Please pray for my brother Ezra who has been under treatment. In fact I was infected by the virus , last  20 days I have been in house isolation with good treatment , God has blessed the treatment and heard the prayers of saints which helped me to restore my health condition.  My words fail to share with you about the great service that my wife and children invested for my survival, kindly pray for them and their health. God has put the boundaries around my family members from the infection though I was living in the same house.  We  Praise God for His great protection, yesterday I have consulted Pulmonologist for the check up,  the oximeter tells that there is 97/ oxygen level in my body. We request you to continue to pray for my health.

Healing Hands International’s  Relief Fund:- We are happy to  report you that HHI has immediately responded and released relief support for this emergency crisis created by the second wave covid-19.  There is partial local lock down has been announced in our place, this causes poor people to suffer without proper food and medical help. It is our plan to support about 121  families by using HHI support, we would like to send you report soon we complete this project.

BVBI-Tirupati ‘s  Second Batch :-  In our country the month of May is too hot and all the schools and colleges usually closed for summer holidays  , we have announced summer vacation . it is our plan to reopen the BVBI in the first week of June-2021. We request you to pray for second batch preachers training program.

Thanking you.

Yours brother and sister in Christ.

Vijay&Swarupa,  behalf of BVBI-Tirupati-India

More souls saved in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Ekwendeni – Malawi

April, 2021 – Report

Introduction

Hello everyone!

When we read in the Pastoral Epistles, we are encouraged by the charges of Paul to the young preachers Timothy. As Timothy was at the church at Ephesus he encountered the false teachers and many problems which started to discourage his faith in Christ. This is why we see Paul’s charge to Timothy in his second epistle chapter 4:2 – “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season”. This means Timothy was encouraged to preach the gospel when people are ready to hear it or not.

We are also in the challenging time where our faith is tested, but the apostolic command of Paul still speaks to us – “Preach the word!” when in covid-19 challenging time or not having covid-19 challenge, always Preach the word!. We are always ready to do this command. This month of April, we had Brother Keith who came to visit and see how the work here in Malawi is going on. We hope he had a successful trip and back home. It was good meeting him after 5 years missing. After Keith left, we had a preaching campaign at the end of April, we have helped 4 souls come to obey the gospel and be added into Christ. We always are thankful to our students for the great work they do both in class and out of class.

Preaching and Teaching

This Month of April we had some outreach and most importantly the campaign we had at the end of April which helped 4 souls saved. We are also happy that we have been of great help to the congregations around Ekwendeni, especially Chinungu congregation which uses the advantage of the school. The brethren at Chinungu are always ready to use the student in their pulpit and even their evangelistic work. Many souls around Ekwendeni have the opportunity of hearing the gospel because of the BV school. The teaching work is also progressing well that we have managed to cover lots of courses within a short period of time. We are having some campaigns to be accomplished before the end of June. Because of funds limitations, we may be doing campaigns in areas near the Ekwendeni area. One student who asked to be let go home for his family problems, has reported that he has helped a congregation be restored which stopped worshipping for a period of 5 years. About 31 souls have been restored to Christ. This is amazing!

 Short course teacher

We are thankful to God for the brothers who come to help us manage to finish the course in time. Brother Blessings Nkhamanga and Brother Navie Theu are always ready to come to help us whenever we need them come teach a short course. We are hoping to have Navie back in May and also Brother Donnie who is also the coordinator for the school will be coming at the end of May along with some 2 brothers who want to see the school progress. They will stay with us up to the beginning of June. We pray that their coming will make the work easy for us as we will have a little rest.

We want to thank the Bear Valley Bible Institute International for committing funds to this course. Otherwise without your involvement financially all what we have achieved would not be there. We pray that God will always keep on blessing your families as there are still souls to be saved and be trained. Your support is still needed! Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls!

Yours faithfully

Ephron and Clergynton

Student evangelism in Lagos

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – LAGOS ISLAND CENTER,  February 2021 - April 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Greetings from the staff and students of Lagos Island Center of Bear Valley Bible Institute Extension Programme, Nigeria. We once again thank God that we are found worthy to be part of this great work in Nigeria and Africa in general. The new normal is becoming part of our life these days in our nation. Nigeria needs your prayer as we are facing serious insurgency. Insecurity has taken over many parts of the Country. However, God is faithful in caring for the elect. Lagos where Am working is relatively peaceful and secure as it is the commercial nerve of the country.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES: We have successfully completed 17 circles in our center. In this last quarter: Marriage & Family life was taught by Odoh Emmanuel, Genesis to Deuteronomy handled by Oluwafemi Adewuyi and Congregational Development was just concluded by Godwin Emmanuel. 10 students were regular in this quarter out of 14 students who registered in the school presently. I was in Butubutu Ibadan for their 19 Annual Bible lectures. It was a great and eye opening discussion about Satan and his Mission. Happy to serve as one of the speakers. I also witnessed the ordination of additional Elders in Jakpa congregation in Warri Delta state where Bro Abiodun Adegeroge also spoke during the program.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM/MARKET EVANGELISM: The Market Evangelism Public Preaching in the month of April was successful. We visited Ondo Plaza in Balogun in the popular International Trade Fair Market Ojo, Lagos. I spoke from Mark 5 on the topic: Only Jesus Can Help You. We will be going there coming Thursday on one on one discussion. We had a soul obey the gospel two weeks ago from this effort. Also I just came back lst night from Aramoko in Ekiti state where Bro Ebens Makinde, his students and Preachers in the area spent a week in campaign for Christ. 3 souls were added to the church as the time of filling this report and we hope that a congregation will start worshipping this Sunday in this area.

WBS ONLINE STUDY HELPER: I want to thank Bro Doug Wheeler for helping me out in contacting Edie Connel who has been of help in navigating the new platform of the Online WBS Site. Helping students learn online is a very interesting work with its challenges. Am having 561 Certificates awarded, 3741 lessons completed and 20 active students presently.  

CONCLUSION: Glory be to God for the good work going on in this part of the world through your prayer and support. Thanks to Stoney Point Church of Christ for their support and prayer for us. Also thanks to the authority of Bear Valley Institute for increasing our support. Studies are continuing in our center and we hope more students will come in soon.

Thanks and God bless you.

TIM IWE                            

Lagos Island Center Director

Graduation in Liberia

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE- LIBERIA

APRIL REPORTS

PROLOGUE

Warm greetings to you all fellow laborers in the Lord's vineyard! We give honor and glory to God our heavenly Father who through His grace and the love fully expressed in Christ has granted us the rare opportunity to work in His service.

FACULTY MEETING

Before the end of our last quarter, we held our last faculty meeting which was very successful. This meeting brought together all of our staff members to discuss the future of the school and our then up coming graduation ceremony. In this meeting, all our staff members who are preachers were also encouraged to speak with their congregations to please help the school with whatever they can to encourage our American brethren who are supporting the school. We will need more or extra help for this batch because we are taking in 26 new students instead of 20 students. That is why we are asking congregations to support the school and individual brothers and sisters to help the school.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Our classroom activities ended with Brother Steven Ashcraft, who is the coordinator for Bear Valley West Africa extension Program teaching our last short course. Brother Steven spent over a week with us in Ganta, Liberia teaching Bible geography and had a wonderful time with the students. It was great having him around especially teaching a class and staying for the graduation.

GRADUATION AND MATRICULATION CEREMONY

After two and half years of intensive studies at the Bear Valley Bible Institute-Liberia and in the face of a very serious pandemic (COVID ) that affected the whole world , we finally graduated our second batch of students and welcome twenty six (26) new students from all over the country in to the program. Sixteen (16) students graduated and was awarded Diploma in Biblical Studies, Diploma General Agriculture and Diploma in Computer Studies or IT. Five other special awards was given to some hardworking students. We had awards given to the Dux ( Best Student Award in Bible, Second Best Student Award In Bible, Most Humble Student Award, Best Computer Student Award and Best Agriculture Student Award.

Our graduation ceremony was overwhelmingly attended by so many people including, Bear Valley directors from Guinea and Sierra Leone, the city government, parents and love ones of our students, Church members and preachers from across the country, foreign guest etc.

PRAISES AND APPRECIATION

Many of our students have called back to appreciate the school for the lever of education they have been imparted with from the school. Many of their families, parents and preachers have also call back to say thank you. Some confessed that that the preachers from our school are doing very well and for that, the churches at their locations has a great future.

Conclusion-

On behalf of BVBI- Liberia and the Churches of Christ in Liberia as a whole, we like to express our profound gratitude indeed to everyone who supports in any way the school here in the Republic of Liberia. May God richly bless all of you!

Brotherly,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- BVBI-L

Great progress in Zimbabwe

APRIL 2021 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The training of preachers is a critical component in the growth of the church.  A lot of diligence goes into it. Soldiers going into real combat are never trained in a day. Such is the case for a soldier of Christ. Ours is a spiritual battle. The task of winning souls to Christ is ever present in our minds. At BVBIZ, in April, we continued to put one block on top of another to achieve this. The teachers did their bit whilst the students did theirs as well. The view is to produce a well trained soldier for Christ through various activities. The following are some of the few things that we can report on.

1.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS

A number of subjects have been done and completed. These include Hermeneutics, O. T History, Homiletics, Acts, Personal Work II, Life of Christ, Galatians, Godhead and 1 & 2 Thessalonians. The term will be ending on the 8th of May and another one start on the 10th of the same month. This class shall be having less of breaks this year so as to catch up on lost time.

2.0 AN IMPORTANT VISIT

BVBIZ was blessed on the 20th of April by the visit of Keith Kasarjian, BVBI International director. He took time to tour and access the school and also appraise himself of the progress made so far.  He also had time to interact with students and give some words of encouragement. Much appreciation goes to him and his sacrifice to come and see the school.

3.0 INFRASTRUCTRE DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Teachers House

Brickwork on the teacher’s house was completed in the month. 

3.2 OUTSIDE SINK

An outside sink for the students’ laundry was constructed and completed in the month.  Only plumbing  components needing about $80 are still to be bought and worked on.

3.3 SKIRTING

Skirting was done and completed around the hostel. Falling rain had been affecting the good paint work that was done. Walls were becoming dirt due to water falling from the roof. The same shall be done for other buildings before the next rain season. Gutters will also be needed to complete the job.

4.0 FIRST FELLOWSHIP AT SITE

The first ever fellowship was done on the 24th of April. The program was organised by the Plasworth  congregation and held at the BVBIZ campus. 164 were in attendance and this went beyond the local congregation’s expectation.

5.0 DONATIONS

BVBIZ always welcome donations in cash and in kind. These are critical in the running of the school. Moving to the present site was a step in the right direction but also caused a challenge in the schools evangelism efforts. Bicycles are now needed to solve the transport challenge. A call was made far and wide and two responses came. The first bicycle was donated by Zimbabwe Missions and another one was donated by Keith Kasarjian. Since students go in pairs, the congregation at Greenvale will be serviced. 10 more bicycles are still needed by the school. Bicycles are ranging from $100-$150 depending with type.

6.0 EVANGELISM

BVBIZ places strong emphasis on evangelism. Presently, a lot is being done to fine tune the students before they embark on full-fledged evangelism. Whilst it is not yet in full mode, students have been helping two congregations namely Greenvale and Plasworth. Two souls were baptized at Greenvale in the month. We glorify God for this addition.

CONCLUSION

Several activities took place as highlighted in the above report. We remain grateful to God for making this possible. To our various partners locally and abroad, may God continue to bless you abundantly.  It is through your efforts and sacrifices that BVBIZ has gotten this far. To God be the glory!