Training church leaders in Ghana

KOFORIDUA EXTENSION SCHOOL

Second Quarter Report, 2022

We are always thankful to God for our lives and for seeing us through another quarter of services in His kingdom. We are also grateful to you for the beautiful support that keeps the school going.

Students

The current number of the school here is 13. These students are workers who are taking the courses.

Classes

We have had three courses read. Christian Evidence and Galatians were taught by brother Larbi young, while Brother Kwabena Gyan-Mante took them through the Preacher and his work.

Activities

The majority of the students are playing some leading role in their various congregations. They teach and preach as well. We have had 10 souls baptized as the result of the output of these students.

Next Campaign Schedule

We have had a meeting with the students and have scheduled our next campaign for the first week of October 4th to 9th. Students have been assigned to prepare to speak during this programme. During this meeting, we planned to advertise the school to these congregations and to look for interested brothers to be enrolled. This will be on July, 31.

We are grateful also to you for a table and chair seat to be used by the instructors.

Student’s Profile

Brother Alex Obu is one of our students at Koforidua extension school. He was born in Koforidua but comes from Somanya in the Eastern Region. He is a Graphics Designer by profession. He is married with two (2) children. He has been very productive in most of the church activities. As part of his services, he helps in teaching and preaching in the local churches planted by the mother church. He is also active in the school activities such as public preaching, and house-to-house evangelism.

We are grateful to God for this quarter and its activities.

It is our prayer that the Lord will protect us to the next quarter.

Pressing on in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters,  

This summer I, as well as many other Ukrainians, will remember for a long time. We are still in the heat of the warfare and Russian missiles still strike our peaceful cities. The state of being stressed out and being in danger is a part of everyday life for millions of people who are in this country. The most difficult situation is in the Eastern part of the country where the military forces of the occupants obliterate cities and villages. Many civilians from those regions try to leave their homes and relocate to the safer parts. At the times like this, the Church is presented with a lot of opportunities to demonstrate God's love and help out the people who lost their houses and their income. There's everything necessary in our church building to house the refugees and make them comfortable. As of this moment, we host a few families in the church building who are looking for a place to rent permanently in the city of Bela Tserkva. We ask for your prayers for peace in Ukraine. 

The students from the Bear Valley Bible Institute are busy with summer practice. They work alongside the congregation in Chernivtsy. These days they have VBS for the children of the refugees and the students are involved daily. They are also presented with the opportunities to have the Bible studies with the refugees. Also the church is very involved in social volunteering, students can visit with the people, cook the meals, etc. Many, of course, come to get some financial and physical aid but there are some who having been helped ask to fulfill their spiritual needs. It's very inspiring when people ask to tell them more about salvation through Jesus Christ. In Chernivtsy and Lviv our graduates, now preachers, baptize people almost every week and the Lord adds the saved ones to the Church.  

It's hard for everybody during the war. Usually we think that the most vulnerable (children, women and elderly) are suffering but, sadly, everyone goes through the trials. I ask for your specific prayers for the ministers and the Church workers. Every day for hours they have to listen to personal stories of loss, suffering, persecution and sorrow. They are the first ones to stretch out the helping hand and support in the time of crisis. It's very hard mentally to be emotionally invested in these stories while finding out the words of comfort and come up with good advice. Hundreds of pounds of food, medications and hygiene products are distributed to the people who leave their impact on the hearts of the ministers. Apostle Paul knew what it's like and only now we understand how it happens in real life - 2Cor. 11:28: "And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches ".  

We are grateful to all American congregations, brothers and sisters in Christ who support the ministry to the refugees. The church of Christ in Ukraine provides a lot of help to the needy. It demonstrates how much the Lord loves us. 

May God keep you safe!  

Your brother,  

Dennis Sopelnik

Training in northern Togo

Report : Extented Program 

BVBI - Kara, Togo 

Tuesday, 30th June 2022 

INTRODUCTION 

Greetings from the Churches of Christ around Kara-Togo. 

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, for your desire to continue to help us for the Great Commission we all doing here in north of Togo true your help. 

OPERATING REPORT

1- Actual number of Students : 07

2- Number of the Instructors : 03 

3- The courses that are being taught:

     a- Genesis  by KAGNON Luc 

     b- Matthew  by Rodrigue 

     c- John ( Gospel according to John)  by Fidele 

 4- Congregational Activities 

     a- Worship and edification 

We thank God for the Bible college school here in Kara. With the students, the worshipping and edification of churches becomes easier. We are making groups for studies for each congregation. All this helps us to establish a follow-up program for churches to build strong and mature congregations in the future and these mature congregations will have the ability to plant other congregations. Thus, twice in the month each congregation is organizing itself for door to door evangelism in their locality to help the church to grow in number.

Currently, another challenge for us in and around Kara is the church doctrine called “One Cup” which wants to destroy our efforts by deceiving our members with their “false teaching.” Faced with this problem, we have prepared a series of lessons that we are teaching to all congregations to prepare our members to be strong against this “One Cup” doctrine. So, the Bible said in Acts 20:30 – “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves”. This situation needs your prayers seriously. 

We thank God with the arrival of our zealous Missionary Steven on June 7th to 14th, 2022 in Kara here. We had not seen him in two years due to the closure of the Togo borders as a result of COVID. He solved many problems wisely and gave to the Bible school Instructors many advices and teachings to help them to be able to help our students. We spent a week of joy with him. We ate together with him. He is very simple. We hope to share again these good times with him. We are blessed by his arrival here in Kara. 

     b- Campaigns 

As COVID19 is gone, we began once again with our evangelistic campaigns. This program is well needed to help congregations to grow in number with the help of other preachers in various localities. This program is also helping us to plant other new congregations. Since January we organized three (3) Campaigns in Lassa (a new congregation), in Tchitchao, and in the city of Kara. During these campaigns we had some people baptized. We need your prayers for these new Christians to continue to be the faithful.

5- Up Coming programs 

We are currently planning on having “a denominational program”. This program is going to help us to discuss and teach the truth to denominational leaders and pastors in the area and be able to bring them into the church. Some of them could become students in the Bear Valley Bible College. This program is also another good way to help the church to grow. This program is going to be directed by Rodrigue. We pray for the success of this program. 

We are planning on having recruitment campaigns in Dapaong, Korbongou and Kara. We plan to have more students in our Bible school. 

We are also planning on having a Preachers Seminar in Kara on July 5th to 7th, 2022 on the topic : The Preacher and his work.

We are planning on having other seminars concerning Men and Women and Congregations Leaders before the end of the year. All those programs need your prayers.

 6- Radio Program 

We continue to preach the gospel on “Missionary Radio”. This radio station is a denominational one. Now, the owners of this station are not allowing us to take questions during our preaching as they did in the beginning. They also remark that the denominational pastors are not allowing their members to continue to listen to our radio time because our preaching is different. This brings confusions among their members. Our desire is to go and preach on the public radio. So, everyone is going to hear the truth. And God willing, we are going to have people to discuss and study with them personally. Additional funds will need to be raised to move to the other radio station since it is more expensive.

In Christ,

Fidele

18 baptized in Dar es Salaam

We are continuing well with academic activities here at Bear Valley Bible Institute Dar es Salaam.

At Temeke, the Book of "Revelation of John" is being taken this month. At Mbagala "Christian evidences" and the Monday class is "Church planting"

The number of students now remains 23. This is due to 13 student yet completed courses from both centers Temeke and Mbagala. The number of Teachers is 4 as well. Who facilitated 3 classes, 2 classes in Saturdays and one Mondays

School evangelistic campaign produced good at Vikindu, Mwanambaya na Tabata where churches are already planted. Mwanambaya is latest work with 28 are gathered every Sunday. Thank you for support from Brother Chad in Tabata. Mwanambaya also need some support of Chairs, building and washing equipment related to Lord's supper utensils bibles etc.

According to teachers and students evangelism work, January to June 18 people were baptized. One seminar was conducted related to "How Missionary works cooperate with Churches" another seminar will be at Aug 8th on "How Bible Colleges cooperate with Churches on evangelism"

We have 13 students completed diploma course and we expect to have their graduation Nov 2022 from both centers Temeke and Mbagala. We will discuss more about how we can make their Graduation ceremony.

30th April 2022 we had meeting with all students at Temeke, it was normal meeting. Students are thankful a lot on how they enjoy studies at school.

To the moments we work more on finding new students to fill the gap of those who are leaving school by graduation. Last week I met with 15 students who stopped studies, and 10 promised to come back in August. And we are conducting campaign to all congregations in Dar to send us student from August

God Bless you,lets pray God each other for his work before us

56 students in Port Harcourt

SECOND QUARTER 2022 PROGRESS REPORT FROM BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE RIVERS STATE NIGERIA.

The Director, teachers and students of Bear Valley Bible Institute in Rivers State, Nigeria are very grateful to the Almighty God and our sponsors for the great success and progress of Bear Valley Bible Institute in our location.

We are glad to report that our two centres in Port Harcourt and Ahoada are running smoothly with a total of 56 students. The two courses per month which we started January 2022 are on going without hitches. In a few days from the time of this report which will be the end June 2022, we will be done with a total of 12 courses, meaning that by the end of this 2022, we will complete 24 courses.

Here is the list of the12 courses which we have completed in just six months of the year, 2022:

(1) Personal Evangelism 2 (Principle of Church Planting)

(2) Old Testament 3 (wisdom literature, the books of Psalms and Job).

(3) Church History 1

(4) Public speaking  2

(5) A preacher and his works

(6) Marriage and family life

(7) Galatians, 1,2 & 3 John

(8) Life of Christ 2

(9) Church History 2

(10)    Revelation 1

(11)   Romans

(12)   Advance Hermeneutics

Indeed, we are very grateful to the international director of Bear Valley Bible Institute, Keith Kasarjian and Chad Wagner, the President of the African Christian Schools for their recommendations of our centres which led to the approval by the President of Bear Valley Bible Institute international.

EVANGELISM AND SOUL WINNING IN OUR CENTRES

Our centres are very active in evangelism in Rivers state Nigeria. Our evangelism outreach has led to the conversions many souls to Christ. We have also restored many backsliders and revived many dying congregations in Rivers State Nigeria. We want to use this report to continue to solicit for support for a congregation that was established by our students and teachers which still exist with one of our student as the preacher. The young and the congregation and the student preacher need financial support to enable the young congregation to grow.

In this quarter, our students and teachers participated in a one day evangelism outreach with the Church of Christ Rumuodomaya Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria on of May 22, 2022 and one baptism was recorded. The new convert is worshiping with the local congregation.

This report is written and sent by ANTHONY E. OLURIA (Director of Studies BVBI Rivers state, Nigeria

A great start for a new school

Greetings from Taraba State Nigeria, with hope that this will find you growing well in all spiritual affairs in the Lord’s vineyard.

Our first quarter ended last week Saturday successfully. Therefore, on behalf of the board members, instructors and the students of Bear Valley Bible Institute Taraba State, may use this medium to register our appreciation to the entire family of Bear Valley Bible Institute, Denver, Colorado.

I also appreciate the effort of the instructors for making the quarter hitch-free, and also for taking classes on Fridays and Saturdays which helped us to complete the quarter at a good time.

To date, there have been 6 courses taught, 102 Bible studies were conducted, 4 baptisms were recorded, 3 restorations, and 1 congregation revived. To God be the glory!

Elkannah Madaki

Director, Bear Valley - Taraba State

A great quarter in Sunyani

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL – U.S.A

SUNYANI CAMPUS - BRONG AHAFO COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES - WEEKEND DEPARTMENT

REPORTS FOR 2ND QUARTER 2022

Thanks and glory be to God for His providential protection for us throughout this quarter

1) CLASS SCHEDULE:

All instructors carried on the teaching responsibilities effectively during this quarter, all 24 students participated in classes. Few absentees were recorded as a result of sickness and early morning rains.

2. COURSES TAUGHT:

Courses were taught by all the 3 instructors – Daniel Kyereh Mensah, Thomas Gyabaa and Rexford Agyare-Minta. In all six courses were completed with examinations

a)    How we got the Bible

b)    Cost of discipleship

c)     Pastoral epistles

d)    Intertestimental period

e)    Hermeneutics 2

f)      Christian Leadership

3) PRACTICAL VISIT TO LODGE NSRAM CHURCH OF CHRIST IN AHAFO REGION:

On Sunday 8th May 2022, all our three Bible Instructors accompanied the student body to visit the above mentioned congregation. As part of their practical progamme, our students led in the programmes.

4) STUDENTS PERSONAL CAMPAIGN:

As our student have been visiting their respective churches, they also organize individual campaigns on some of the weekends

5) COLLEGE CAMPAIGN:

A three day campaign was held at Nkwabeng North area in Sunyani during the first week of June 2022. All our students participated effectively; on Sunday June 5th four souls were baptized at Sunyani Central Church of Christ.

6) Number of Baptisms recorded during the quarter through the efforts of staff and students were 8 souls

7) Number of students at Sunyani Campus is twenty four (24) the first year students are ten (10) as the final year students are fourteen (14).

8) STUDENT PROFILE

We are glad as we start to provide you with the profile of our students.

We introduce to you Joseph Kyere-Mensah, one of our final year students. For your information he was the first student to enroll for the Diploma in Biblical Studies in 2018. Joseph will be 39 years in November 2022. He is married to Mrs. Selina Kyere-Mensah who is a nurse by profession, with 3 children, 2 boys and one girl.

He has been a youth leader, an adults Bible Class teacher, a sermonist and a member of the evangelism ministry. Joseph is a member of the Sunyani Central Church of Christ, a congregation that numbers about 350 members.

He is a product of Berekum College of Education and a graduate of Catholic University College – Fiapre, where he had his BSc in Education. He presently teaches at the Sunyani Senior High Model School. He is among the final year class and will complete this course on July 31st 2022. He plans to start a new congregation in Sunyani.

Joseph has been very grateful to God for the support he and his colleges have received from Bear Valley Bible Institute International.

Spiritual and physical planting in Takoradi

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR JUNE, 2022

1.     CLASSROOM WORK

Full time students resumed from their holidays on 30th May, 2022. Classes for the academic term started on Tuesday, a day after they returned from home. They are now in the second term of the 2nd year of their studies. Serious academic work continued for the whole of the month of June.

Our part time students did not go on holidays and so their studies have been going on from the beginning of the year to now.

On 13th June, brothers Keith Kasarjian (director of international studies) and Kojo Acquah Benyin (Bear Valley Bible institute country director) visited the school and donated Bibles to the students.

 2.     PERSONAL EVANGELISM AND BAPTISM

So far as there is life, we will continue to propagate the good news to the world. The month of June was no exception as preachers and students affiliated to west coast school of preaching continued to spread the gospel to people all over the country. We are happy that many are getting to know the truth in God’s word and that God is blessing their efforts with some baptisms.

 3.     SCHOOL GARDEN

The garden that we started in the month of May, by the help of good rains that we are experiencing, has flourished so well.

Thank you,

Joshua

Big improvements in Guinea

I-Introduction

Every day that God gives for us is an opportunity for us to glorify, worship and serve Him. Although each day's outcome of activity was different depending on the circumstances, in all the average result has borne us fruit as you will see in the content of this report. The writing of this report is articulated as follows:

II-Teaching / Classroom 

This component which contributes to the edification of the students took place during all the working days of the month with four teachers handling the following subjects:

Development of local assemblies - taught by Antoine Iffono; the Epistle of James - taught by Balla Kamano from Kissidougou;

Principles of Biblical Counseling - taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno and 1, 2 and 3 John which were taught by Niouma 2 Kamano.

The students' evaluation result of each course was successful. 

III-Evangelism

Evangelism is at the center of our mission. We are happy of the fact that there is harmony amongst the staff to carry out this activity in several forms.

Firstly, we do door-to-door and personal evangelism in homes not only to convert new members, but also to edify older ones.

Secondly, the radio program is our mass evangelism broadcasting the gospel every Tuesday in defense of the faith and announcing the Lord's Church to all. This activity has a possitive impact in the Gueckedou area. 

The result of all our evangelistic sessions resulted to 11 baptisms that the Lord Jesus has added to his church.

III-Building / Worship hall construction 

We are glad to hear from our Coordinator and to express our gratitude that a certain American brother (unknown to us) has expressed his good will and has committed to finance the cost of a good number of worship hall roofs. In response to that good news the congregations are full of joy and even though we are presently in the wet season, some have begun to put up structures. The congregation at Damas immediately started and has now reached the roof level.  We are optimistic that in the days to follow other congregations will also reach wall height.

IV-Suggestions and Recommendations

By the grace of God, the Almighty who has granted us life and health, we will do His will by serving Him according to the gifts He has accorded us. 

Notwithstanding, as humans we are limited. That's why we need your spiritual /prayers and material support. We also have need for Bibles for the new converts as well as some means of transport - motorbikes to facilitate our movements. Your moral and technical support is as well expected.

Lastly, but not least we need your prayers for our brother, Francis' evangelism plan to be commenced soon in the Kissidougou area which is less evangelized. Pray that the plan be realized with great success to the glory of God

V-Thanks/Appreciations 

We thank God first of all for his great love to give us breath and health and to serve him. We also thank the Bear Valley Bible Institute Administration for the spiritual, moral, material and financial support in order to train evangelists to save souls and to build the church of the Lord in Guinea. We say thanks to our kind and able Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his love and effort for contributing to the growth of the church of Christ in West Africa and especially in Guinea. We also thank the cheerful donor for his willingness to help the congregations to make permanent metal roofs.  Barry Baggott and Ken Stanley are to be thanked for their commitment to God's work in Guinea.

Finally, we thank all who contribute in any way to the growth of the church in Guinea.

May God bless each one accordingly. 

In Jesus name.

Amen

Another new school in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, ASH TOWN – KASOA, GHANA

SECOND QUARTER REPORT

Prologue

Peace be unto you brethren in Christ. We thank God for thus far He has brought us. The following are the events that happened in the second quarter of Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ash town.

Matriculation

Students were matriculated into the school officially on 23rd April, 2022 at Church of Christ, Sarpeiman where graduation and matriculation was held for Bear Valley schools in the southern Ghana.

Classroom Activities

Four courses were taught this quarter. Bro Larbi Emmanuel handled Hermeneutics I, Personal Evangelism 1 and New Testament Church. In all, fourteen (14) students were present. Scheme of Redemption was handled by Bro Wisdom Yirenkyi. Fifteen (15) students were present for this course.

Door to door Evangelism

On 21st May, 2022, students embarked on door to door Evangelism in the neighborhood of Ash town, Kasoa. Thirteen (13) students participated in the activity. No baptism was recorded. However, some of the prospects have been visiting the church for further studies.

Meeting with leadership of Ash Town Congregation

There was an interaction between the director and the Ash Town church where the director had to introduce himself. A request was also made to the church to secure a place to establish a library for students of the college.

Bro Keith Kasarjian’s Visit

During class on Scheme of Redemption, Bro Keith, Director for Extension schools from Bear Valley, visited Ash Town school. He had interaction with students on how studies were going and informed them that pdf books will be given to their Director to be given to them. He also assured them that Bear Valley is developing a website for access to aid them in their research work.

Student Profile

Our student Profile for this quarter is Mr. Teye Oberkoh Micheal. He is a member of Ash Town Congregation. He is a mental health nurse by Profession and works in the neighborhood. He is currently the teacher for New Convert class in Ash Town Congregation and is very active in all church activities. He is respectful, humble and hard working.

Conclusion

We are grateful for the support from Bear Valley Institute of Denver, Colorado, USA throughout this quarter.

Reported by Emmanuel Larbi

Progress despite challenges in Trinidad

This year proved to be a tough one as well but by the grace of God we made it through. Our intake was small and made up of two students as we could not shake the bushes as one loving brother put it. These remained faithful through to graduation. They were joined by others doing the degree. The two graduates Crystal Dasrath and Judy Francis are at the centre while from left are Justin Neptune, Ricky Rogers, Maudlin Chase, Reuben Pitman and Rodian Bancroft. Cuthbert Cumberbatch from the island of Nevis could not be here and we missed him dearly. The Arima congregation had fifteen to also participate in our outreach program and they graduated with certificates for course completion. Larry Waymire, the regional coordinator for Bear Valley Bible Institute, who was also our Featured Speaker and to the right, Dominic Dos Santos, Director TSOP. Larry is well loved in the church and school here. Truly a Christian gentleman.

Every year our school takes a moment to recognize the sterling contributions of brethren especially in service of evangelism. This year the honourees were Shirley Pascall, who took care of all the foreign Directors since inception of the school. She continues to march for the Master especially among small congregations and prison. Her passion for evangelism and teaching children contributed to her receiving a special award from the school. Michael Harris, an elder from the church in San Fernando, makes an emotional statement about sister Shirley that moved the entire congregation to stand in honouring her.

Other honorees included Stephen and Patsy Barrow, Anthony and Bernice Payne, Gilbert and Marina Neptune and Carol Samlalsingh. These brethren continue to work the vineyard daily impacting lives and making a difference for the Lord. Rodian Bancroft from Surinam spoke on behalf of the degree students and urged them to stand strong as they go forward                                                

In terms of baptisms, we continue to march to the gospel call and as a result we had seven others added to the Lord. We recognized that Covid 19 may have increased people’s search for righteousness as even now some 20 have been added and at least20 Bible studies are in progress.

We continue to also reach out to congregations and the church at Point Fortin just concluded training for elders. They are expected to be heading toward appointing soon. This is awesome for the entire twin island state as more congregations benefit from the schools involvement.

Our new website was also launched and is open for new applicants for September 2022. Visit us  at https:// www.tsop.me

Continue to pray for us.                              

 In His service, Dominic Dos Santos

Lusaka, Zambia students conduct a gospel crusade

INTRODUCTION

The Bear Valley Bible Institute – Lusaka, wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude for the support the brothers and sisters from here and abroad are providing in the Lord through the established Bible school in the capital city of Zambia. In this regard, the college pledges to uphold the mission of the church through the Bear Valley Bible Institute of growing the body of Christ spiritually and numerically in Lusaka and Zambia as a whole.

EVANGELISM PROGRAMS

The Lusaka Central Church of Christ held a Gospel Crusade that took place at the Estimer School Ground in the residential area of John Laing, one of the nearby communities of the congregation from June 14 – 18, 2022. The Gospel Crusade was conducted with the help of the Gospel Chariot Crusade Mission from South Africa that was in Zambia in the months of May and June.

It is important to note that the key foot-soldiers who were on the ground evangelizing and distributing invitation flyers in the community were the Bear valley Bible Institute students. In addition some of the students were the main speakers at the arena. In response to this noble task, fourteen baptisms were recorded as shown below and thirty more people showed the desire to know more about baptism.

A.   Twelve (12) were baptized during the crusade period (June 14 - 18, 2022), and

B.    Two (2) were baptized through follow ups made after the crusade.

THE TRAINING SEMINAR

It is also worthy to note that during the crusade period, the students were among the participants that underwent a four day seminar (June 15 – 18) on the Four Fields Discipleship Multiplication Training:

1.    The Empty Field

2.    The Gospel Field

3.    The Growing Field

4.    The Harvest Field

At the end of the four days training program, certificates of attendance were awarded to all who attended from first day to the fourth.

 TEACHING OF NEW CONVERTS

The leadership at Lusaka Central Church of Christ have entrusted the teaching of new converts to the Bear Valley Bible Institute students and the program commenced and is spearheaded by Philip Jere, Michael Sitwala, Emmanuel Moonga and Syalwindi Syakwasia.

 We always thank you for your continued support and God bless.

Zambia students and staff hold campaigns and gospel meetings

June, 2022

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 love fully expressed in Christ has granted us the opportunity to work for Him in His kingdom.

The month of June was packed with a lot of activities of evangelism for the school so much that by the ending we were still out in the field. The students have divided so well the time between their studies and personal evangelism. As mentioned in our previous communiqué that a great amount of students’ time is devoted to putting into practice what they learn in class, which is bearing much fruit.

New congregations planted

We can gladly report that we have a newly established congregation in Luwingu district in the Northern province. Our students worked tirelessly in this district about 43 kilometers west of Luwingu township.  This was a meeting at a residential place where our students invited the entire community to hear the gospel of Christ. The response was marvelous as our students interacted with the audience through preaching, which was a dialogue, engaging the audience during the time of teaching. The congregation has been established with 17 members and is growing. We are doing the best we can to remain in touch and attach them to the already established congregations in that district for the fellowship of Christians. The community in this area is still very zealous to hear the gospel and due to limited time we had to leave, but we intend to get back at a later date for face-to-face interactions. The first-day assembly was conducted at this same house of a new convert.

Our second congregation has been planted in Mpongwe district of the Copperbelt province with a new membership of nine. The place of meeting was acquired by one of the old members of the church who has restored the same area and a place seems to be a neutral place of meeting since these are farm areas. During the time of our preaching, we discovered that other family members of the church of Christ are residents of these farm areas, and were not worshipping. These members were restored back to the sheepfold. Please pray for us that such efforts may continue. 

We have another new congregation in Mbala district of Northern Province which has started with thirteen member. They began meeting at the house of one of our current students by the name of Reuben Museka and now they are meeting at Kamiyanga primary school. The head teacher at this school is very cooperative and one of the teachers, who is acting as vice to the head by the name of Martin Lengwe, is now a member. Please pray that this congregation continues to grow. Reuben needs to be encouraged to go back after graduation and see this congregation grow. Reuben’s passion for preaching is so great.

Copper Belt Churches of Christ Gospel Meeting (2022)

The meeting started on 1st July 2022 and ended on 4th July, 2022 at Twapia Church of Christ in Ndola District of the Copper belt Province of Zambia. We are using the Zambia trade fair holiday to strengthen the churches of Christ on the Copperbelt. Every year we have these holidays and we are using every opportunity as the word of God encourages us to do in Ephesians. 5:16  The theme of the Gospel meeting was “The will of God”

Brother Cephas Mwamba was one of the Keynote speakers at the meeting. He ably presented a lesson and did a very superb job! 

Every one of our students participated in the program during our four days of spending the nights in the cold. The program included adults, youths, and children. After worship on the first day of the week, the meeting ended on the following day (Monday) after lunch.

Statistics at the end of the 2022 Gospel Meeting: 

Attendance - 348

Congregations – 20

Baptisms – 3

Restoration -5

BVBI-Z 2022 Graduation

We look forward in anticipation to having a graduation ceremony on 15th October 2022. This will be our third graduation ceremony since the beginning of this school here in Zambia, Africa. At the end of their studies at BVBI-Z, God willing, eleven men will be graduating. They are very excited to graduate and go back to work with their respective congregations. We are very confident that these students have been diligent in their work and conduct during the tenure of their studies at BVBI-Z.       

Recruitment for 2022-2024

We have continued receiving applications from prospective students for the next intake (2022-2024). We have already interviewed most of these men. As said in our last report, there are some places that we need to go and talk to the respective church leaders of these men. Other places have very poor communication networks and it is extremely difficult to speak to them on the phone. Hence, traveling from one place to another becomes very important. When the process is done, we pray that we will have an exciting new intake which will probably start by the first week of October 2022.

A call to help in selecting elders

After our gospel meeting, we received calls to help in selecting elders in two congregations, Brother Fred Kanangu and Cephas Mwamba are tasked with the process. We intend to move with all our students to the end of this process. We anticipate more evangelism in the month of July and August

The health situation in the country

Zambia and most of the sub-region countries here are now in the cold season. The cool season starts from May 28 to August 2. During this period the transmission rate of Covid-19 is said to be very high. However, we are thankful to God that the transmission rate has remained negligible even during this time, and because of this, the government has allowed public assemblies to go on normally. However, they have emphasized that people must adhere to Covid-19 health protocols. 

 Conclusion

We are grateful to all our partners in this ministry of training these faithful men. We are truly grateful to Woodland Oaks Church of Chris for their commitment to supporting this work.

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

Attached are the pictures from the activities of the month of June.

Student practicum in Zimbabwe

JUNE 2022 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The month of June saw BVBIZ going a notch higher in the training of  men and women towards God’s cause. Students continue to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable them to impact society positively with the saving Gospel. This report is a capsule of what happened in the month of June at BVBIZ.

1.0 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

The month of May and June saw prices of commodities rising significantly. Operations at BVBIZ have not been spared either as the cost of food and fuel rose significantly. The economic impact is being felt in the school and definitely, the rest of the country. Despite this challenge, BVBIZ continued to fulfill her mandate in many ways.

2.0 TERM ENDS

The 2020 intake ended their classes on the 4th of June.  Examinations were also written successfully. Great appreciation to all the teachers and the students for making the term a success. This class has already started its second practicum which shall end on the 20th of October before the students graduate on the 29th of the same month. This last term saw the following subjects being taught successfully; Elementary Hebrew, Revelation, Preacher’s life and Work, Church Administration and Governance, Education in the Local Church, Foundation of Missions,  Minor Prophets, Geography of the Bible and Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics.

3.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS

The 2022 class which commenced its studies on the 15th of May have started their journey at BVBIZ well. The following subjects are being undertaken this term; How We Got the Bible, Personal Work, Scheme of Redemption, New Testament Church, Pentateuch, Public Speaking and Christian Evidences.  In terms of life survival skills students have begun learning poultry production (both layers and broilers) and Horticulture (introduction). As is the culture at BVBIZ, students take turns to take care of the broilers that are being raised on campus. The same will be done once the layers projects begin most probably in early August.

4.0 EVANGELISM UPDATE

BVBIZ students began their second field practicum on the 5th of June and are now in different centers.  The program commenced with the 2020-2022 class camping at Shurugwi up to the 19th of June. Several experienced preachers graced the occasion as well and their presence provided the necessary experience to students. Some came for a short time whilst others stayed for longer. The following were the brothers; Mutichu, Mashaba, Mudhlozera, Madamombe, Madyira, Monyamane, Chuma and Kufa. BVBIZ greatly appreciates these brothers for their sacrifice. The program saw three souls getting baptized. Two students remained in the area after the program to continue with follow ups. Students began to systematically go to their various camps from the 15th of June to continue with their practicum. The next report shall contain more information regarding what is happening in the field

5.0 LAYERS PROJECT UPDATE

US$520 has been raised. This translates to 52 birds. BVBIZ is excited by those who have already done their part as it means the project will be able to see the light of day. The target figure is $3000. Your opportunity to partner BVBIZ is still there.

6.0 UPCOMING PROGRAMS

6.1 PREACHER’S RETREAT

There shall be a preacher’s retreat at BVBIZ which shall run from the 26th-28th of October. This program shall be open to all preachers. Details of this program shall be availed in the subsequent reports.

6.2 GRADUATION

This year’s graduation ceremony shall take place on the 29th of October 2022 soon after the Preacher’s Retreat.

CONCLUSION

 When all is said and done, BVBIZ remains grateful to God who continue to strengthen and guide everyone. Great appreciation goes to Woodland Oaks and Bear Valley Bible Institute International for their unwavering support. To our many partners in Zimbabwe and outside Zimbabwe,  thank you.    

Fiji school tackling tough classes

We are about midway through the school year.  The students are doing great!  Currently, our full time students are having two challenging classes: The morning session is on the book of Revelation and the afternoon session is on Christian Evidences.  They are up to the challenge and really enjoying the classes.  In our Monday night program, they are studying Christian Leadership.

We have been fortunate to have some very generous sponsorships this year.  A church in middle-Tennessee donated four new computers for our students to use at the school.  Also, a very generous donor had donated funds so that all the students in the Bear Valley International Schools could have a copy of the AP Study Bible, produced by Apologetics Press.  This has really come in handy for our students, especially as they are studying Christian Evidences right now.  

We want to thank all of you for the prayers, generosity, and kind words of encouragement.  You make this program possible and have blessed so many.  May everything we do bring glory to God.

Rocco Pierce  

Nsawam Ghana extension schools conduct campaigns

Nsawam Extension Schools 1 and 2

Second Quarter Report, 2022

Report on activities held for the second quarter at the Nsawam Extension School.

Classes

Effective teaching is ongoing with the combined class on our schedules for the quarter. Brother Amoo-Gyimah is the teacher for the quarter on Life of Christ II, III, and IV. Lessons from these courses are helping our students in the teachings of the churches and their way of life. Furthermore, examinations and research papers in MLA format are being instructed to be submitted by the end of the quarter. We are grateful that students are picking up gradually in the writing of papers according to the new syllabi.

Personal Campaigns

Our students in various congregations are working hard in house-to-house visitation which helps to bring more souls to the Lord in their personal evangelism, information center preaching, article writing, and visitor’s classes. This is helping since it equips them with the field work and experiences of practical evangelism.

Campaign at Akwamu

The students of Nsawam school joined with the Accra school to partake in the campaign from Monday to Sunday. During the campaign, the students did their best to the preaching of the gospel, and private evangelism during the day and in the evening. Three (3) were won, two ladies and a gentleman.  

Congregations Benefitting From Our Students

We shall always thank our Lord Jesus Christ for His kind protection in the ministry and the Bear Valley School of preaching and her instructors for the truth being taught to our students. Most of the congregations appreciate the truth our students are teaching in various congregations; this has a great impact on the congregation. We love to hear this as it adds credit to the academic instructions. We pray always that such will continue till our Lord comes back.

New Admission

In this quarter we have admitted two new students.

Also, we had one additional student from West Coast, who is joining to further his education with the Nsawam school.

Some Baptism Records

Through the serious efforts of the instructors and the students in evangelism, some prospects gave themselves to the Lord. We had four baptisms added to the church at Nsawam.  

Keep remembering us in your prayers.

Reported by Sammy

Accra students encourage local congregations

Accra Report

End of June, 2022

Peace from our Lord be with us now and forever.

It is with much excitement to report on the various activities held at the end of June, 2022.

Academic 

First and foremost, June marks the end of the second quarter and vacation. At this period, revision, examination, and submission of research papers are submitted and marked for the preparation of transcripts.

All instructors participated in their courses as assigned for the quarter. We thank God that none of them fell ill. They are very healthy for the beginning of the next quarter.

Impact of our Student’s Visit to Local Congregation

Every local congregation wishes to have our students and instructors teach the church and to hear the truth on the teachings obtained from the school. It really impresses us when we hear such reports from the congregations. All the students have been assigned to teach in the local church. Just recently one student has been ‘employed’ by Doboro North church in his first year in the school. The rest of them are spread throughout the congregation and help with preaching and teaching the gospel.

Keith Visit to Extension Schools

We thank God that our brother Keith arrived safely in Ghana for the purpose to visit the extension school to see the progress of the schools. During his visit, he went to Cape Coast and Takoradi with Kojo. On his return to Accra, he went to Ashtown and Accra East with Sammy. 

Campaign at Akwamu

There was a campaign at Akwamu, a suburb of Nsawam by the school. The weekend students at Nsawam and the regular students did marvelously well. The campaign started on Monday and ended on the following Sunday – (7 days and evenings). Many prospects still call for studies with the students. Three baptisms were recorded. Two women and one man. 

May the Lord’s name be praised.

The Holy Bibles (World Bible School Edition)

We thank God for the Holy Bibles, which were donated to the school. God bless you for the Bibles. During our last campaign, we had three baptisms. These Bibles were given to them in order to motivate them to see the need to “take heed to reading” and studying. Keep praying with us for the Lord to add daily as we minister on the field.

Black Box Projector

We received a black box containing a projector and HDD with numerous lessons. Having gone through the lessons, we realized they would be very helpful for the students as part of their studies. Also, it will be good for the new convert class and evangelism activities. We are grateful for this and will use it extensively to aid our research work.

Personal Evangelism

This ministry is one of the core mandates of the Bear Valley Schools in Ghana. During the vacation, some of our students dedicated time to stay in the school to evangelize in the local areas with the purpose to revise what was taught to them during the Akwamu Campaign. This service has been profitable as the people there receive the truth. We are preparing with the entire student body to follow up to win more souls.

We shall continue thanking God for His protection and guidance through these activities.

We ask you to keep remembering us in prayer.

Reported by E. O. Larbi, Director.

Much progress in northern Ghana

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MAY, 2022

We continue to make progress in our efforts to serve our master Jesus Christ in Northern Ghana. We wish to report on the things that took place in the month of May, 2022 both within campus and in the field.

STAFF MEETING

We had a very effective staff meeting in the Month of May, 2022 to discuss and to review some of the things that were necessary. Participants were as usual Brother Adjei Mensah, Albert Tamanja Malir and James B. Legend.

We had some discussion on the budgetary allocation running of the school and the prices of things were almost doubled, recruitment for the next batch of students as this current batch is almost gone. We also saw the need to run some seminars every quarter with the aim of refreshing and strengthening preachers in the field as well as keep them connected with the school. Furthermore, we deliberated on ways to continue with our school farm. We did last by selling the produce we harvested last year to reinvest on this year's farming.

We also considered the need to have some local leadership training for localities in an effort to train able leaders to help in the governance of congregations locally. It was a very fruitful meeting.

VISITATION AND RECRUITMENT

As students were still on break, between the 19th to the 22nd of May 2022, Brother James B. Legend embarked on a three days visitation journey to the Upper East Region. On this visitation journey, he visited the Sandema congregation, Bazua congregation and the Poyameri congregations respectively. Brother Elijah preaches for Sandeman, Isaac Akumoliga for Bazua and Francis Mbugri for Poyameri respectively. All these preachers are graduates of Bear Valley Tamale. They were all strengthened and encouraged by his visitation. He worshiped with the Sandema congregation on the 21st of May, which was the first day of the week.

He took advantage of his visit to Bazua to meet with three of our graduates to discuss the need for them to work in the interest of Christ and the school that helped empower them to become great tools for the Lord. These preachers are; Baaba Elijah, who preaches for Agatusi congregation and had benefited from the motor bicycles that were bought, Francis Mbugri of Poyameri congregation and another beneficiary of one of the motors and Isaac Akumoliga of Bazua. They also dialogue on the necessity of working together to strengthen evangelism in the area. This meeting was also a very fruitful one.

SCHOOL GARDEN AND TREES

Mango Tree: One of the Mango trees planted in the compound of the school by our able Coordinator (Kojo Acquah Beenyi) produced some beautiful fruits. His labor of consistently planting different kinds of trees, both edible and medicinal, isn't in vain as we have begun enjoying as inhabitants. God bless him for his efforts.

Irrigation: The ground-nut we sowed for our piloted garden was ready in the month of May, and was successfully harvested and enjoyed by the students. It brought joy to many of them, seeing fresh ground-nut at this time of the year. You scarcely see fresh this time of the year in Ghana, especially Northern Ghana. They produced very well. We hope to do better this year in the dry season.

ACADEMIC WORK

All our students reported back to school successfully on the 29th of May, 2022 for us to resume classes. On the 30th of May 2022, lectures began with Brother Daniel Adjei Mensah as he started with the Christian Ethics. Classes continue to run successfully in a very peaceful and harmonized atmosphere to God’s glory.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

The Kpalsi South congregation continues to work in harmony with the school both numerically, physically and spiritually. As an effort to share Christ with the community, we continue to have a door to door evangelism as a church and sometimes with the help of the students, who are also by their location when they are on campus, members of the church. We are certain the church is making great progress in the right direction.

May His name be praised forever; Amen!

Thank you,

Bear Valley Tamale

Liberian students plant a new congregation

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We bring you greetings from Liberia Bear Valley Bible Institute, West Africa. We appreciate God continually for your partnership with us in this work of our Lord directly or indirectly in Ganta Liberia.

NEW CONGREGATION STARTED BY THE STUDENTS

It was believed for years that Neigbien, a town not too far away from Ganta where the Bear Valley extension school is located was possessed demonically with bad witches and wizards making the town very fearful to many people. For this reason, many churches have been afraid to take the gospel. It was said that the Catholics, Pentecostals, and the Methodists started there before but could not stay because of the evil practices carried out there by the people.

Meanwhile, we recognized the fact that many souls were returning (dying) without Jesus and there was a need to take the risk. We planned, prayed about it, and moved into Neigbien with the undiluted and saving gospel of Christ. We spent five (5) days in the town from house to house and public preaching. This effort led finally to fourteen precious souls surrendering their will to our Lord Jesus and getting baptized for the remission of their sins. The church has been meeting there ever since and by God's special grace, it is taking root in such a town. Two of our current students and a leader from the Ganta church go there every week. In fact, they go there twice a week, (Sunday and Wednesday). Please brethren, please pray for this town that God will save them as He did with Nineveh.

ANOTHER GIFT FROM A BROTHER

Our brethren in Liberia and up Nimba, are slowly getting to understand and accept that the school here is training our own brothers for the work of ministry for which all of us should get involved. One such brother who has seen the need to surprise the student is brother and sister Cliton. Brother Clinton and his wife brought 40 neckties as a gift for the school and promised to come back again as he gets blessed by God. The students were so happy that they all immediately put on the tie and stood for a photo to show appreciation to the family for their help.

REPORT FROM AN ALUMNI

We receicved great news from one of our former students. Brother Alex Power went back home and had been struggling among 11 denominational churches to be able to win souls for Christ. Brother Alex needs our help to buttress his efforts in evangelism and encouragement. He has started the Lord's church in his home town and is worshiping regularly with those he baptized and some visitors. He is married with four children. His only source of feeding his family and preaching is little farming.

CONCLUSION AND APPRECIATION

We are very grateful to all of you brothers and sisters who are helping us financially to do the work here in Liberia, West Africa. It is truly a wonderful blessing of partnership for spreading the word of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We continually pray in appreciation for your help and for the lost we are taking the gospel to so that they can be able to see the hand of God in their lives and submit their will to him. Thanks so much for everything. God bless you.

In Christian Love,

Bro. Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- 

BVBI- Liberia

43 students in Warri, Nigeria

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – WARRI CENTER, JANUARY 2022 - JUNE 2022.

INTRODUCTION: Greetings from the staff and students of Warri Center of Bear Valley Bible Institute Extension Program, Nigeria. We are grateful to God Almighty for His abundant grace and the enablement of the Spirit toward the great work in Nigeria, West Africa. The struggle for improved preacher education is gaining grounds despite the huge political challenges experienced in this part of the world. By the power of the Almighty, we have weathered the storm to this point.

INTRODUCTION OF THE PTI CENTER

You will recall that in our last report that final arrangements were being made toward the establishment of a new center at (Petroleum Training Institute) PTI Warri. We kick started academic activities on the 8th of January 2022 with 16 students. On April 3oth we had the 2nd matriculation ceremony. We had 19 students from the PTI Center and 3 students from the DSC Center. The program was well attended. The eldership of the Okoh church of Christ supported the program as usual and it all ended in praise.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES: 

DSC CENTER

Academic activities started off at the DSC center in April of 2021. We have successfully completed what the student tagged “Year 1 academic session” and thus considers themselves as sophomore students of the Bear Valley Bible institute. This came with great joy and euphoria that they were able to conclude the first year of the program. However, the DSC center has continued to experience fluctuation in attendance. Out of the 30 students enrolled at inception, seven have since dropped.  Out of the seven had one death and one person relocated. Another suffered health challenge. Another got a new job that made it difficult for him to continue. Family challenges affected one of the sisters and so on. On a good note, we have four new students enrolled in the program at DSC center, three (3) of whom were part of the matriculation ceremony. Thus, at DSC center we have 27 regular students.

PTI CENTER

The PTI center is about 6 months old. Academic activities are on top gear. The matriculation ceremony further encouraged the students. So far, six courses have been successfully taught. ‘How We Got the Bible’ by Solomon Usim in January. ‘Old Testament Survey I’ by Godwin Ojocheogwu in February. ‘Writing Language and Research’ by Solomon Usim in March. April had Meredith Ovwromoh take ‘The Life of Christ’. In May, Abiola Vincent taught the ‘New Testament Church’. Currently in June Solomon Usim is taking ‘Christian Ethics’. Moreover, out of the 16 students the center started off with, 14 students are regular. Gladly, before the matriculation, we had 4 more students in addition. So we can confidently say that we have 20 students at the PTI center.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM: The church of Christ 6 Okoh street, Iyara Warri applied to the school in February to enable her host a 2-day gospel evangelism around the church area. There was massive attendance by the students for the two days and a baptism was recorded. The church has since continued follow up work with the prospects.

CHALLENGES: Some of the preachers are coming from far and its hard sometimes because of transport fare to meet up. Things are getting more difficult in this country, but we thank God for the grace to keep up.

CONCLUSION: To God be all the glory for the good things and especially for the entrant of God’s word in the life of preachers of Delta state extraction. We are grateful to God and to Bear Valley family. Every time I watch the preachers gather and see their reactions toward the many new things they are learning, I feel very fulfilled that the churches will grow tremendously. In fact, we will have a new understanding and ministry focus. Educating preachers is one of the best things that has happened to our congregations. Thank you all for the good work. May our loving father bless you all in Christ Name Amen.