Ukraine school and church continue to persevere

Dear brothers and sisters, families and congregations,

I'd like to sum up the results of 2022 and share with you some plans for 2023 in my letter.

First of all, my country was forced to face unprecedented warfare. All kinds of the most contemporary weapons, missiles, bombs and explosives alongside the newest technologies are being used in Ukraine. Even the air raid alerts don't come up in time as the supersonic missile of the newest generation hits and completely destroys 9 story apartment buildings with peaceful citizens inside. This full fledged warfare has lasted 10 months by now leaving behind hundreds of victims, millions of refugees, total blackouts, lack of heating and water. This is how the last year ended. It’s horrifying and saddening. But there's a little light in the end of the tunnel - God's promise and His salvation. Last year there were many baptisms. Thousands of care packages were distributed. Thousands miles of the roads driven evacuating people. As well as thousands of opportunities for inviting people to salvation.

We are no heroes. We just want to live in a peaceful country and do our job. We have not stopped studies in the Bible Institute in spite of the war. The Institute was relocated closer to the Romanian border and the classes continue. We have 6 students and 3 will graduate this year. One more student whose name is Dennis could have been here in the classroom but sadly has to be in the cold and damp tranches somewhere in Kharkiv region. He's protecting peaceful people from the aggression risking his own life.

My family worships with the congregation in Bela Tserkva, a city not too far from Kiyv. Unfortunately, most of the missiles are targeting Kyiv and its region destroying our energy infrastructure. We found ourselves in the trying circumstances. However, the church congregates every Sunday and works with the numerous refugees. Almost every Sunday we minister to them by distributing the food packages, sharing in their needs and helping them to adapt in the new place.

The answer to the question, "How much longer of this horror?" is in God's hands. We trust Him completely and wholeheartedly learning to find some good in everything. It feels like a holiday if we have 4-6 hours of electricity during the day giving us the chance to complete our daily chores. We are learning to appreciate everything we have and thank God for every moment.

As for our plans for the next year, we will keep working for the Lord. We have 2 potential students and some prospects for joining the Lord's family. These are happy happenings and they give us strength to move forward.

May God keep all of you. Many things would be impossible to accomplish without your help. We appreciate each and every brother and sister in Christ who keeps praying for us and supports us in this difficult time.
Your brother,
Dennis Sopelnik.

Nine souls added to the Lord in Sierra Leone

Bear Valley Bible Institute Sierra Leone
ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR DECEMBER, 2022

Full Time and the Extended Programs

 INTRODUCTION                    

Wow! So just like that 2022 came to an end? Well, the good news is that when we analyzed all the activities we undertook at KBVBI in 2022, and we couldn’t think of anything else but to express our gratitude to God Almighty who made everything possible. In addition, we continue to mention and register our appreciation to our beloved brethren who are directly or indirectly supporting our work here. We are so thrilled to bring you this end of year report for the month of December 2022. We are even hopeful that more will be done for the Lord in 2023.  In December, classes continued, a Bible Lectureship was held, our students went on a 2 weeks festival break, some souls were converted while some erring brethren were restored, and the marriage ceremony of one of the staff was conducted. For more details on the above activities, we encourage you to keep on reading.

CONTINUATION OF ACADEMICS AND THE VISIT OF A NIGERIAN STAFF

In the month of December, our students (full time and extended) continued with their classes. We were also privileged to host Brother Emmanuel Abiodun Adegoroye, one of the Bear Valley instructors at Abuja center, Nigeria. He taught our full-time students for 9 days (5th-9th and 12th-15th December, 2022). He handled the course, “Intertestamental Period.” Brother Emmanuel’s vast experience and knowledge (he taught Greek and leadership classes at the School of Biblical Studies, Jos: An Affiliate of the University of Jos, Nigeria for 18 years and presently preaches at Kado Church of Christ in Abuja) helped to shape the understanding of our students so much.  We are grateful for all the sacrifices he made to come over and impact our students.

A SHORT FESTIVAL BREAK

Our full-time students were given a 2-week festival break (22nd December-5thJanuary, 2023). Moreover, the extended students were expected to resume on the 7th January, 2023. We are thankful to God for the committed students He has given us; every one of them is always eager to resume back to school. We continue to covet your prayers for them to remain steadfast and diligent.

CONVERSION OF SOULS AND RESTORATION

As the Gospel continues to spread, more souls are waiting to respond to it. Therefore, for the past December, the Lord added 9 souls to His church here and 2 brethren were restored. We plead with you to continue to pray for these new babies in Christ.

BIBLE LECTURESHIP

On the 16th December, 2022 a Bible seminar was held at the Bear Valley campus. This seminar was organized by the school in an effort to continue to teach local congregations the importance of embracing the effective practice of leadership in local congregational levels. Great leadership lessons were taught and we were once again blessed with the effort of Brother Emmanuel Adegoroye who was one of the speakers. Seventy church leaders and brethren from various congregations attended the program. The attendance got affected because it rained heavily here on that day and some who had planned to attend couldn’t come. However, we remain grateful for those who came.

THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY OF PETER SAHR MAKUNDU

You would recall that in one of our recent reports, we invited you for the wedding of the Director of the school, Brother Peter Sahr Makundu which was scheduled to be held on the 2nd and 3rd December, 2022. By the Lord’s will, the wedding successfully came to pass; Brother Peter got married to sister Patience Admire Makundu who worships at one of the congregations here in Kenema, Kamanda Street Church of Christ. The Makundus wish to thank God Almighty who, in His providential care made everything happen. We are grateful also to the whole Bear Valley family for your contributions to the success of this marriage. Brother Steve Ashcraft is being acknowledged also for supporting us prayerfully and financially.

STUDENT AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Patrick Mani Manga

Patrick Manga is one of our committed and serious minded students. He was born on September 23rd, 1998, to Mr. and Mrs. Momoh Bockarie.  He hails and lives in Koidu city, the headquarter of the Kono District in Eastern Sierra Leone. Brother Patrick worships with the Ndomaina Street Church of Christ in Koidu, a congregation where his father serves as a preacher.  He was added to the Lord’s Church in 2018. Since then, he has been actively involved in the activities of the church. At the congregational level, he has proven to be a very evangelistic and truth-loving brother. Upon his conversion, he was enrolled into the WBS Correspondence Course and completed successfully. After this, Patrick longed to further his studies in the Bible, hence the opportunity to enroll at Bear Valley emerged. At the school, Brother Patrick, together with the other four students from Koidu made a request to the Kenema Bear Valley administration for the campaign to be taken to their territory. And this request was granted last year in August.  Not only that, Patrick serves as the secretary for the current congregation that was established at the Bear Valley Campus in 2021. At the end of this report, Patrick’s picture will be attached.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

We want to also inform you of some of the challenges we are facing in doing this work of the Lord; one of those numerous challenges is road accidents. On the 5th and 9th December, 2022, two of our staff- Academic Dean (Michael S. Triyoh) and the Students’ Dean (Joseph Missailie Jr) were involved in terrible motorcycle accidents. This happened while the both of them were going for congregational visitations as it is part of our programs to be involved in external missions. Michael’s left eye was so badly hit that he needed to undergo surgery while Joseph’s hands were also bruised. However, they are responding to treatments and we plead with you that you join us to pray for their complete rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

December 2022 as the closure of the year 2022 was not a bad month for us at all. We remain grateful to God for all that was achieved for the Master. Moreover, we continue to appreciate you and pray also for you daily, our dearly beloved brethren. We look forward to meeting in the New Year, Lord willing.

Nigerian students emphasize Christian education to young people

LAST QUARTER 2022 WORKS REPORT

The year 2022 has ended and we thank God for His promises to us, just as he promised to give us (John 10:9-10). We thank Him for life and strength to do his work as we continue to thank all the saints for your fellowship with us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this part of the world, until now.

We were able to visit and worked with eight of our congregations and held several youth Bible classes and distributed several Bibles and study books, such as, Voice of Truth, and some study literatures from Gospel Gazette.  God blessed these works with some of our youths who had become weak. Many returned and joined in the Bible class and promised not to turn back again. There were seven baptisms from Ihe Town congregation, Olepe congregation in Ette Town and Effech Town Congregation.

The great interest the youths have to study the Bible with the visiting evangelist resulted in the plan to hold a one day Seminar in Enugu Urban to study the importance of Christian Education in Development of the church.  The date of the Seminar is 28th January, 2023.  Help us pray for this work as we hope to motivate the youths in Bible learning to enable them to live according to the word of God and join in teaching others.

Thanks for your support that has enabled us do these works.

Your brother,

 Herbert Nwankwo Chukwu

West Coast school graduates another batch of students

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR DECEMBER, 2022

Happy new year from all of us at West Coast school of Preaching to you all. It has been a great and prosperous year. Many wonderful things have been accomplished by the grace and mercies of God.

We enrolled full-time students in January 2021 and by the grace of God they have successfully completed their two years studying about 46 courses. Their last day with us as our students was on 24th December, 2022. On this day, Joshua Kwame Aidoo gave them a few words of admonition after some singing and prayer.

It was all joy and smiles as they shared with us some fun moments during their stay with us on campus.

The part-time students have been given a break from 24th December 2022 to 13th January, 2023.

 Both past and current students of Westcoast school of preaching have been busy with the Lord’s work throughout the year. From the beginning of the year into the new year, week in and week out our products are somewhere within the country doing the Lord’s work.

December was not left out, as there were various evangelism appointments in the month. Some of our current students did a lot of follow up at Mpintin after the last campaign for Christ there.

 Currently, we have a past student who has been travelling to Kenya occasionally to restore churches whose doctrine have been corrupted. Also, one of the students who just brought their two-year program to an end, after teaching them a Church Planting course, decided to plant a church in one of the villages in his area.

Thank you.

Joshua

A new class of students in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

We send a special new year greeting to you all over there in your various families. We do hope you have entered the year 2023 with joy from above and in good health. We are joyous and healthy here.  God is faithful to us all as we made it into the year 2023 without much problem.

2023 is here and 2022 is gone into the annals of history. For all that was done there in 2022, we give thanks and glory. We also give God in all that was not done when we were not able to meet up. We are alive and we have hope! We will do our best to continue from where we stopped off in 2022.

December 8, 2022 was another time for graduation. It was the 6th or the Zeta batch graduation. Eighteen students happily put on their academic robes after two years of studies and development, to graduate to join many others in the wilderness to preach the saving message. This is a picture of the graduates with their wives, as well as 5 missionaries from America and Cambodia, who witnessed the graduation alongside 1040 others who were in attendance. It was colorful, and it was also time to celebrate hard work. Keep them in your prayers as they are in 18 different locations preaching and teaching in congregations of the Lord’s church.

On the 1st of January 2023, the new students were already in Wotutu to start their classes on the 2nd of January. It is always a pleasure for us to welcome them in our home and to enjoy a first fellowship meal with them. They are in Wotutu, and the road is ahead of them to undergo their training. The road is a good one! Their choices to become preachers are good ones! God has given them to us so that we can encourage them and motivate them to stay focused toward their calling.

On the 2nd of January 2023, we started classes, and 22 of these freshmen started their journey with me teaching, “HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE.” Some of them have been preaching before this time, and it is our goal that they pay attention to the classes so as to learn more to add to what they already have known before this time. We have a very rich agenda for them for the first quarter. The courses are “HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE”, “OLD TESTAMENT 1”, “LIFE OF CHRIST”, “PERSONAL EVANGELISM”, “GREEK LANGUAGE”, AND OTHERS.

PLANS

We are starting our weekend evangelism by taking the students to different locations for them to know the terrain here, as some of them come from far away from the south west region.

 APPRECIATIONS

Thank you for trusting in us, and for the many ways you partner with us to keep this work moving. You have done well, and we pray for your continuation so that we can do more as we start up with the ETA batch. The 7th batch is rolling! Only God knows what the future holds for us and the work, as the global economic crisis deepens to affect basic commodities and services. We pray for God to help us here in Cameroon.

God bless you as you make a great day.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Prayers needed for Haiti

Prayers are needed for Haiti. The gangs have now taken over about 60% of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Many congregations are meeting in private homes to avoid being overly exposed. The Haitian government is almost nonexistent. Many police officers are trying to make a difference but are outnumbered, and the gangs have more and bigger weapons. Prayers are needed for Haiti. 

Despite the breakdown in society, the work of the Lord continues. In 2010 the Lord opened a door of opportunity for the gospel to move forward, which continues today. Thousands of souls have obeyed the gospel, several denominational churches have been converted, and many new congregations have been planted. To God be the glory for all that has been accomplished. 

We now have twenty-four students enrolled at the International School of Theology. Currently, we cannot meet on the campus of IST because of gang activity in the area. Our local director stays in contact with me several times a week. He and the teachers have tried to take every precaution to ensure the safety of our students. The students and teachers have not allowed the problems to stop them from reaching out to lost souls. In 2022 they were able to baptize 137 souls into the body of Christ, and two new congregations were planted. I have not been able to travel to Haiti since January 2021. I am thankful for our men in Haiti who care for the work. Please continue to remember them in your prayers. 

Early on January 6, a group of gang members came over the school's front gate. The guard alerted our caretakers, and they escaped over the back wall. There was no damage to the facility, and for that, we are thankful. Most likely, they were looking for items that could be quickly sold. We were most grateful that Oral and Olia, the caretakers, and their two boys escaped unharmed. Continue to pray for peace in Haiti. 

First ever graduation in Uganda

Brethren,

Grace to you and peace  from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God in all my remberence of you, and always making mention of you with joy in my prayers for the work you are doing in the kingdom, your participation in the work from day one we dreamed this work here in Uganda. 

More than to say, here I come with all joy to share the happiness that burst our hearts bringing people from different places of the country  to witness the graduation of the ten men we have been having at Bear Valley Uganda. We did not cease to let them know that we are just but commissioning them for the work.

THIS BOOK OF THE LAW SHALL NOT DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH   BUT YOU SHALL MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT SO THAT YOU MAY BE CAREFUL TO DO ACCORDING TO ALL THAT IS WRITTEN IN IT FOR THEN YOU WILL MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS. 

January 6th was a bright and joyous day that was the long waited day for our students. The graduation attracted  many people including the police superintendent of the area who gave us his  speech of appreciation to having been good people and encouraged the people around to imitate doing good and knowing God.  

The men having proved  not only from class, also in the field, rightly handling the word of truth.  We witnessed ten men going out for the noble cause of winning lost souls to Christ.  The students thanked the school faculty and our tireless supporters for the good work having been done in their lives. And they prayed for the next intake.

We were moved by their heart to pray for those coming after them, meaning they are having their school  at heart. This I report to you that we have  been able to select 20 students from the applications we received from various parts of the country for the 2023-2024 intake. Pray for us and their success. 

May the Almighty God bless 

Until all have heard, 

Director- Bear Valley Uganda .

Raymond

Training preachers in Peru

Greetings dear friends,

Grateful for God's care, love and mercy, we close the year 2022 with great expectations for this year, in which we hope to do things much better than last year.

Since our last report we have taught 2 additional courses: Hermeneutics and A.T.1. and we are about to start the course of Acts. Our students continue their commitment to instruction and performing to the best of their ability in their respective congregations. Two of our students have had complications with their health (Victor Quijandría and Mariela Ramirez), in the case of Mariela she underwent surgery in mid-December, after an arduous fight against cancer, she has finally undergone surgery and is now in recovery process, with great expectation to continue with his instruction.

Share a brief review from one of our students about the Hermeneutics course: "My experience in the course was very interesting, I saw the importance of studying hermeneutics in order to stay and help to stay in the truth of the gospel of Christ, the very teacher well and with a lot of patience we look like kindergarten children, but the teacher Juan Abanto was very patient and I saw his care in teaching, thank you brother Juan Abanto, God bless you” (Ethel Lapa).

Here, I share some notes regarding the course given in December by brother Abraham Alata: “Teaching the life of Christ part I was an exciting experience. We cover the intertestamental period and a brief introduction to each of the fourth gospels. The students were fascinated to discover that much of the information we read in the gospels comes from the intertestamental period and I believe that this course helps them to consider other aspects such as the cultural, economic, political and social background. It was also a blessing for me” (Abraham Alata).

The next course (the book of Acts) will be taught by brother Andrés Nuñez, we are already making all the preparations to start this coming January 7th. On the other hand, we are also with great expectation for the visit of the director of the international extensions, our brother Keith Kasarjian, with whom we will have, God willing, a very active weekend, on the one hand our I Biblical Seminar on Saturday January 21 on the Biblical Administration of Finances and a tour of some of the local congregations on Sunday the 22nd to encourage the brotherhood and inform about the benefits of participating in the Bible Institute.
It has been a pleasure to share some things related to the institute here in Lima – Peru, a hug from afar and our best wishes in your respective ministries.
In Christ, Juan Abanto

More souls saved in Cambodia!

From the Siem Reap International Bible Institute

We really want to thank you for taking the time to read this report and look at these recent photos.

IBISR

Our school has completed the books of Isaiah; 1, 2 Samuel; 1, 2 Corinthians. Now we are starting new studies in the books of 1, 2 Kings and 1, 2 Chronicles as well as the Prison Epistles. Darat Run and myself (Piseth Rin) are the teachers of those classes.

Seminar

We attended a joint seminar on New Years Eve with many other members of the Lords church in Cambodia. Over 100 members attended in Komport Province. It is always good to strengthen our faith - but especially good on this time of year when we can show Cambodia this is a time of renewing and refreshing.

Donating Blood

Some of our students and staff donated blood to the patients in the local hospitals.  This give us a sense of giving whatever we have to give and it sends the message that we care about physical life and eternal life at the same time.  The hospitals appreciate our giving and it gives us opportunity to represent God in a way that the world is grateful for.

Adding to the Family!

Last month we had 6 new souls added to the Kingdom of Christ and last week another made the decision to follow Christ as well!  So we rejoice in the 7 new souls added to the church and thank God first and all of you who had a hand in supporting the spreading of the good news of salvation!  Praise the Lord!

See Photos.

Prayers

• Please remember the new converts as Satan no doubt wants them to turn away from God.

• Sister Kong who is in the hospital - who is the mother of one of our students. As a note to remember - we evangelize from one family member to another in many cases and praying for the students and their families strengthens their faith and peaks their interest in Christianity.

We are blessed to be called Christians and blessed to have a loving God who cares for us through servants like you. We pray for all of you to have a faithful and hopeful New Year in Christ,

Piseth Rin and Darat Run

Co - Directors IBISR

18 more baptisms in Zambia

Introduction

We send greetings to all of you
brothers and sisters in the Lord!

It is again that time of highlighting some activities that are happening in this part of the world and the school in particular. And as a school we are very delighted to report the following vital signs of upward mobility as far as the school is concerned.

I.                New Intake

All is set for the 2023 academic school calendar. We look forward to the start of the new intake and to get to know the new students. The courses that will be taught for are as follow:

Normal courses: Old Testament 1 (Study of the Law: Gen. - Deut.)How We Got the Bible, Christian Evidences.

**Elective** (Writing skills, English, Cost of Discipleship)

Short Courses: God’s Plan of Salvation (Scheme of Redemption), Personal Evangelism 1 - How to Conduct Bible Studies (one on one)

2.     School van and three library computers

We are so happy to report that we received the funds through Church of Christ in woodland Oaks to purchase the School van which we have done and we also received funds through our country coordinator Donnie Estep to purchase our Library computers, we have bought three of them and they are placed in our Library.

There is no doubt we have fervently prayed for these tools we now have and glory be to our God for you brothers for your donation.  These without doubt will contribute to affect our work in a positive way. Brother Donnie Estep played a very huge role in this and we keep thanking God for him. As we always say that he is such a rare breed in the Kingdom of God.

3.     BVBI-Zambia Alumni

We are also very happy to report that all our Alumni are actively involved in expanding the kingdom of our master. We are very glad to inform you that through the efforts of our alumni many souls have been saved to the glory of God. 

The school administration where invited in southern province where Vincent Simwanza is currently working. And brother Cephas Mwamba Spoke to encourage the gathered people with the word it was indeed the moment of refresher to our spirit.

The following is a full list of some of our former students indicating where they are serving the Lord and what they are actually doing.

Clive Kabika (2017) - Clive has started work with a private school in Southern Province. He is working with the Church of Christ in Kalomo District. And the reports are over-warming we are working on visiting him and the congregations in the area

Andrew Mwila (2017) - Andrew at first struggled to establish himself after graduation and now is working as bricklayer and he is now preaching at Church of Christ in Chilanga of Lusaka District. He is married and has a daughter

Joseph Musonda (2017) has been working in Luapula province and the leadership in Mansa highly recommended him, Joseph is now on the Copperbelt in Baluba District working with the Church there. He is married with a daughter and His work for Christ is highly recommended by the Leadership in that area. Very soon we are visiting Baluba District for evangelism as a school.

Boniface Sianjina (2017)- working very hard to establish a Church in Kafubu block, in this area we have a open facility for correctional services in Luanshya district and Boniface has been working there together with the Church at Mikomfwa. He is now involved in raising broilers for Business. Borniface is married with three daughters.

Albert Phiri (2017) - the young man was partly trained as a soldier before he was trained at Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Zambia as you can see him on the picture in uniform. Albert struggled a little bit for years now after his graduation to settle, he is in the village of Mpongwe district on the Copperbelt province. He has two daughters and the wife deserted him. We as school administration are helping him to establish a congregation in the village where he is doing farming. Albert has potential to continue being a powerful preacher he is today

Vincent Simwanza (2020) - has been offered work at Livingstone School of Evangelism in southern province and he is training others. Vincent has betrothed Beverly and they are getting married in December of 2023 here at Bear Valley Bible institute in Zambia. He is actively involved in evangelism and has brought many to Christ today. Besides this work, he is also a good painter and a bricklayer.

Sthembiso Magawa (2020)-Sthembiso is at University of Zambia, Lusaka campus. He is in his second year and he is pursuing medicine. He is actively involved with the Church of Christ students’ fellowship at (UNZA). He fellowships with Church of Christ at Central in Luanshya whenever he is home. Sthembiso' determination to work for God is great.

Gershom Chansa (2022) - The leadership of Chingola says that they could not have gotten any preacher better than Gershom. Gershom is helping a congregation at Chiwempala church of Christ in Chingola. This congregation is very small in terms of numbers. They could not handsomely support a preacher. But one elder and somebody else in the congregation have singularly taken upon themselves to do whatever they can in a small way to support Lackson and Gershom. It is almost three months and encouraging numbers of baptisms and restorations are being recorded daily.

Matthews Mwale (2022) - Matthews went back to his home congregation in Luwingu district of Northern Province of Zambia. Just like Reuben, Matthews likes the work that he is involved in. and that work is the work of preaching. We as a school are constantly in contact with the Leadership to where Mathews is preaching. Above all they have both recommended prospective students who we are expecting now

Arclay Kabaya (2022) - upon graduation, Arclay went back to Siavonga district of Southern Province of Zambia. He is planning to start tomato farming to supplement his preaching. He has already gotten a place where he will be doing this project. He is very actively involved with the church in Siavonga.

Baptisms recorded: we have recorded eighteen (18) souls saved for the month of December and We give glory to God for our preachers we are training! We continue soliciting for your prayers and any support for them.

Restorations:  we have also recorded eleven souls (11) restored in the same month of December 2022, this happened in three districts namely Luanshya, Chingola and Ndola the entire Copperbelt province has thirteen Districts, now with our Van available we will be able to move in all these districts for evangelism. 

We believe that the school is on firm ground on its pledge to train faithful men who will be able to teach others also. And we give a special thank you to our amazingly supportive family and friends of Bear Valley Bible Institute-International and the Church of Christ is Woodland Oaks

You are always in our prayers! We wish you all God’s speed and Happy 2023.

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

New school is off to a great start

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL, ACCRA EAST

FOURTH QUARTER REPORTS

Courses taken

The fourth quarter started on the 1st October 2022 and ends on Saturday 31st December, 2022. The courses taken within these periods were four:

•    The Life of Christ:

o    Galilean Ministry

o    Judea Ministry

•    The New Testament Church 1 (One True Church)

•    Godhead

Report on the students

In The fourth quarter because it was getting to the close of the year some of the students  busy in their businesses others used to travel a lot during the week ends. This as a result affected our classes. It reduced the average attendance from twelve (12) in the third quarter to eleven (11) in the fourth quarter. However, the zeal and commitment was still high. The students were so much committed, even suggested to me that we should use Republic Holidays for classes to cover the day they were absence. The decision on this has not been taken yet.

House to House Evangelism

Bear Valley, Accra East students are using Gomoa Asebu church of Christ for rehearsals. In every week at least one student is sent to Gomoa Asebu to go and help the church in their worship and house to house evangelism. The Gomoa Asebu church was planted by Nmai Djorn church of Christ and was supported by the students of Bear Valley, Accra East. Mostly the evangelism team is dominated by the Bear Valley students.

On 1st- 2nd October 2022 I sent the students to Santor in the Greater Accra for house to house evangelism and worship. They also visited and talked to the members who were not regular at church service.  Santor church was also planted by Nmai Djorn church on 18th February, 2018.

As part of Gomoa Asebu evangelism, Nmai Djorn church in collaboration with Bear Valley, Accra East presented the used clothes to the church at Gomoa Asebu.  The clothes are from local and some also from one of our church sisters who is in USA.

In addition to the used clothes, the church also did fruit fellowship. Though it was a fruit fellowship however, one of the members brought Fufu, one of the staple foods in Ghana for the fellowship. She said Fufu is her fruit.  This also brought joy in the church. One of the students who was sent to Asebu on that day was Benjamin Forson, enjoyed the fellowship.

Lectureship

On December 04, 2022, Nmai Djorn and Santor churches in collaboration with Bear Valley students organized a lectureship. The theme of the lectureship was “the significance of church planting” and “why should I support evangelism with my money”. The occasion was also used to raise funds to support our missionary work, particularly that of Gomoa Central (Gomoa Asebu-Pomadze).

Feasibilities Report- in the Town where our new church is to be planted this year

Concerning the new church to be planted this year by Bear Valley Accra East, I and one of the students, Danial Nkansah carried out the feasibility studies in December, 2022. The town chosen is Gomoa Pomadze, in the Central Region. (Gomoa Pomadze is under the Gomoa Central District). The community is a twin community, i.e. Gomoa Asebu-Pomadze.

In our studies we discovered that the people of Gomoa are the largest indigenous Fante groups in the Central Region of Ghana. Their communities are divided into three districts, Gomoa Central, Gomoa East, and Gomoa West. They have many communities with vast lands, but sadly many of their communities are growing without church of Christ.

Gomoa Pomadze has developed into a complete town with many significant places, such as Universities, private schools, hospitals, police post, uninterrupted water and electricity supply. Indeed it is a very beautiful community located at a junction. Considering its rapid development, it is clear that in future it is going to be a commercial town/city.  Since we also have a church at Gomoa Asebu a twin community of Pomadze we are very familiar with the place.

With their religious background - we saw in our studies that there are many churches such as Pentecostals, Charismatics, Methodist, SDA, Jehovah’s Witnesses. Others are Christ Apostolic church, Assemblies of God, and “one man” churches all have fully established in those communities. (Pentecost alone has five (5) churches, Methodist has four (4) churches, SDA  has one church, and Jehovah 1 etc.

Ethnic groupings and language spoken- In our studies we saw that the people of Pomadze are indigenous Fante group. They are 100% Akans speaking community.

Business in the community- We discovered that some are petty traders, self-employers (provision stores) mobile money operators and salary workers. 40% of the people in the community are farmers. This means that at any point in time some are in the town and can respond to our gospel call.

The Road Network - The town has link roads to major towns and cities within Ghana such as Swedru, Winneba, Mankesim-Cape Coast and Accra.

We are looking for a temporal place of meeting. The meeting place will determine the date in which the church we will be started. The feasibility studies reports and expenses that will be involved in planting of Bear Valley, Accra East first church are yet to be presented to the Coordinator, Mr. Kojo Acquah.  Concerning the meeting place I will update the Coordinator, Mr. Acquah as soon as the temporary place of meeting is acquired.

The Projections

1.    I have planned to work hard so that more students will be enrolled as students of Bear Valley to acquire training to be able to conform into the image of Christ. Also to help defend, advance and uphold the true gospel of Christ.

2.    I have designed a program on how the two of the churches I have planted particularly (Nmai Djorn church of Christ and Santor church of Christ, in the Greater Accra) will organize a joint worship once a year to raise fund to support the Gomoa Central missionary work (especially to be able to provide T&T for the students of Bear Valley, Accra East whom I sent every week).

3.    It is my planned that if God gives me life I will ensure that church of Christ will be planted in all the fifteen communities across Winneba and Swedru road (in the Gomoa Central).

New school in Nigeria is off to a great start

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA, OWERRI CENTER REPORT 

Bear valley bible institute, Owerri  imo state was inaugurated on Saturday 1st of October 2022.

Classes began on 8th of October 2022 .

The school started with 22 students that passed the entrance examination,  among the students are 2 serving elders, 2 medical doctors,  2 academic doctors.

Presently we have 14 regular students, 6 students left to continue their education in the university while 2 left because of work transfer.

So far we have taken 3 courses and the students are doing well.

During the entrance examination a 12 year old boy walked in and requested to take the exam, after interviewing him we decided to allow him take the exam and surprisingly he scored over 75%. We decided to allow him to come for lectures to avoid discouraging and dampening his spirit.

EVANGELISM 

Our first students outreach was supposed to be held in partnership with the church at Obosima on the 17th of December but was cancelled due to security reasons as there was sporadic shooting from midnight till late morning in Owerri. It is rescheduled to hold sometime in January 2023.

Also we have observed that most preachers here are not properly trained thereby creating some doctrinal issues here and there. This has posed a certain level of challenge which we must surmount,  I was privileged to speak to a gathering of some preachers in imo state on the challenges facing the church and how to protect the church from destructive teachings. They agreed to partner with the school to organize workshops,  seminars, and lectureships to tackle some of the issues that are threatening the sanctity and unity of the church.

NEW STUDENTS 

We are hoping to have 11 new students by January if they all pass the entrance examination. 

We are grateful to the parent body and the school authorities for giving us the privilege of having a study center in imo state,  

Imo is big, through the awareness of what we are doing is growing! We have several people interested in studying with but are far from us.  I trust God will make a way for all who are interested to benefit from the school. 

Even though we are just starting,  we promise to maintain a high standard  and surely we will make the school proud.

Yours because of Christ 

Chinedu Akandu 

Director

A new congregation in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – PAPAASE (KASOA, GHANA)

REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER (OCTOBER TO DECEMBER) 2022

Gracefully our Lord God through His Son Jesus Christ have taken us through the year 2022 and ushered us into the New Year 2023. The hard working teaching staff and their students the Bear Valley Bible Institute-Papase (Kasoa-Ghana) would like to review our performance in the just ended quarter.

As usual we cannot do that without our profound gratitude to our sponsors. It is our heart desires Lord God and prayers that the Almighty God to continue to replenish bountifully.

I.            PLANTING OF CHURCH

During the month of October last year, the student body with the director did visibility and survey studies a town known as Mankomeba (few minute drive from Papaae), we are glad to inform our readers that the ground is fertile for planting the Lord’s church in the township. 

Brother Daniel Kwadwo Nkrumah who will be graduating hopefully in March, is likely to be the preacher for the newly yet to be planted Lord’s church. Daniel lives in the town with his family. Besides, there are few Christians residing in the town. House to house evangelism is already under way in the township. We are of great hope that souls will be won into the Lord’s kingdom.

Our budget is ready submitted to the Bear Valley authorities.  Currently, we waiting to hear favourable from the authority than in March we kick the ground running.  

II.            CAMPAIGN FOR NEW STUDENTS

The last quarter of the year, sew the school involiving in house to house evangelism at Mankomeba. Besides, students did visit sister churches campaigning for new students.

III.            OFFICE EQUIPMENT

Our office at the school is furnished with a laptop and a printer of which we are grateful. However, we lack writing desk and chairs in the office. Probably, a fan or an air conditioner will be of great benefit to the school and the office.  

IV.            DISTINGUISH STUDENT

Our distinguish student for the quarter is Brother Raymond Brakor. The hard working student is also a leading member of the Lord’s church at Papaase. Below are the pictures indicating Brother Brakor and his wife.

Students preach and teach to help local congregations in Togo

OPERATING REPORT  BEAR  VALLEY  INSTITUTE  KARA – TOGO (FOURTH  QUARTER 2022)

 INTRODUCTION

My family and the churches of Christ in the north of Togo send you their Greetings. We are so thankful for your love and your desire to help us fulfill the Great Commission here in the North of Togo. We continue to pray for you.  May God give you great wisdom, a lot of patience in this mission of salvation of souls  around the world.

OPERATING  REPORT

• Actual number of Students : 10

• The Courses already taught during the second quarter : Exodus and Levitique by Kagnon Luc – Church Planting by Rodrigue – The Church of the Bible by Fidele.

• The Courses that will be taught during the first quarter 2023 :

• Biblical Introduction  by KPODENOU  Rodrigue

• Ezra  to Esther  by KAGNON  Luc

• Hebrews  by BEDJELSI  Fidele

Worship  and  edification :

Students continue to help by worshiping with the local congregations. These Students are helping me a lot and this allows me to plan my time to help each local church in the completion of their program. Each congregation has a program for door-to-door evangelism. People have a hard heart and do not want to convert but we always continue to talk to them and also pray for them. 

We have particularly applied for the help of the Kpalime Training Center for Kara’s local church . The brethren of Kpalime came to help for door-to-door work. At the end, in a very good atmosphere, we baptized a woman and a man. With the efforts of some of our  students, we also baptized a man for Kara local church and a woman for Tchitchao local church. The evangelization campaigns to help local churches are a source of motivation for brothers and sisters from local churches.

Campaigns : We have organized up from October to December  two campaigns to help the local churches of Lassa and Tchintchinda.  All those campaigns are very important to build step by step local congregations.

Practical work with Students : Once a month we organize this work with students to allow them to be in teachers in local congregations to practice theoretically.

Yearly  Camp : This end-of-year Camp should be done in Kouka but it did not take place. Finally all efforts have been made to organize this Camp in Kara with a participation of about 70 people. The general Topic were: « Spiritual disciplines, spiritual release sources. » 

We seize this favorable opportunity to wish you our best wishes of health, longevity. God bless you. May God  protect you  all during the year 2023.

In Christ, 

 Fidele.

New school in Ghana is excelling!

BEAR VALLEY, CAPE COAST

REPORT FOR FOURTH QUARTER OF THE YEAR

DECEMBER 2022

PREAMBLE

Halleluyah, halleluya, halleluyah!!!  By the grace of the almighty God, the Bear Valley Bible Institute center in Cape Coast has successfully completed one calendar year. We are so thankful to the Lord almighty for guiding us to achieve such a feat.

OVERVIEW

The Cape Coast Study Center has been doing very well as it keeps attracting interest and attention of the people of the central region. Brethren from all around the region keep calling to make inquiries about our programs and activities.

This is largely due to the high level of scholarly work of the lecturers and the testimony of transformation seen in our students. The school is fast gaining popularity with very sound Christian doctrine at the heart of everything we do here.

The school is now blessed with a student population of 27, with Bro VICTOR EKOW WILLIAMS joining us as a transfer student from the Kasoa study center at the beginning of November.

The school went on recess after the third weekend in December. Since the school went on recess five prospected candidates have contacted the school to being lessons with us when the school reopens in January. If all of them make it to school, it will bring our numbers to a total of 32 students by January next year. 

During the year, we were privileged to have been visited by the ever involving Bro Steven Ashcraft, Bro Kojo Acquah (the Ghana Coordinator) and also Bro Keith Kasarjian, who is the International Coordinator of the Bear Valley Schools. The school has been doing very well with constant support from our sponsors who have shown more than just a desire for students and lecturers alike to get the very best of biblical knowledge to go out there and make fishers of men.

SUPPLY OF RESOURCES

The school received some materials from our Coordinator, Bro Kojo. They were very helpful as we found it easier in preparing to embark on a house to house evangelism. We would be much grateful to more supplies of the Preacher’s Box in the future. The new students who keep on joining the school find the school very attractive as they are fascinated with the quality of teaching materials and classroom supplies available. Bear Valley Cape Coast is surely the place to be when it comes to acquisition of Bible Knowledge.

COURSES

At the end of the December, the fourth quarter of the year, we have successfully completed eleven courses. These are: HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE, THE BOOK OF ACTS, RESEARCH METHODOLOGY & WRITING, HERMENEUTICS, COST OF DISCIPLESHIP AND THE BOOK OF GALATIANS. THE OTHERS ARE 1 &2 CORINTHIANS, OLD TESTAMENT (GEN - DEUT), PERSONAL EVANGELISM, AND SCHEME OF REDEMPTION.

We have been able to get this far because of our unique strategy of meeting even when it is a holiday and not necessarily a school day. Students are currently at home reading on the book of Romans as we hope to commence the next school session with it.

PROJECTIONS FOR NEXT YEAR

As a school we have strategized and agreed on some evangelistic missions next year. We want to start off in March where we hope to collaborate with our host church to organize a one week community broadcast in the catchment areas of the school. This area comprises about five adjourning communities and suburbs.

 The next plan will be to go into a rural community where there is no church established there to campaign and evangelize such a community. We have tasked ourselves to take care of such a church when it is established so that we can nurture its growth into a matured community of believers.

It is our hope that our benefactors will make available both financial and material resources for such exercises when the time comes, because these exercises has to be sustained until a total growth is realized. Already the school/class has elected two people from amongst them to be in charge of the new church that will be established and it gladdens my heart the seriousness these students put into it.

Souls being reached in Philippines

Before this year ends, allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unending love, prayers    and support for Lord’s work that BVBI Philippines-Luzon continue to accomplish. In spite of the many challenges we have gone through this year, still thankful to God that we were able to surpassed these challenges and keep the mission work moving in reaching out the lost, edifying and strengthening the weak brethren and training more gospel preachers on this side.

We are so grateful for the success of the two-day Annual Lectureship and Gospel Meeting that was held last September 9-10 hosted by the Ilagan church of Christ in cooperation with Bear Valley Bible Institute. We are blessed for the visit and presence of Brother Mark Reynolds as our guest speaker for this said event. Our BVBI students and teachers are so glad for this lectureship and happy to meet brother Mark. The leadership of Ilagan is looking forward to do this every year in order to strengthen and help the brethren grow in their knowledge in the word of God and opportunity as well to promote the school. We also have a successful gospel meeting in the evening. This is to give opportunity for non-members to come and hear the gospel preached in the first night and concluded with the scheme of redemption in the last night.  

Our students also participated in the door knocking campaign that was conducted in Guibang last December 10. As part of their training in the field, they distributed religious materials and talk to people by doing religious survey in order to find interested prospects for Bible studies. We concluded this year’s class with our Homiletics subject. Our students delivered their sermons as their final requirement to passed the said subject.

We also rejoiced for the humble heart of Renz and Mariel, who have surrendered their lives with the Lord through the watery grave of baptism. They were being immersed by brother Anthony one of our BVBI teachers. They are now under the care of the Ilagan church of Christ. Kindly pray for their continued spiritual growth and maturity.

Once again, thank you so much for working with us in the Lord’s mission in the Philippines and for keeping us always in your thoughts and prayers. May this coming year will be another year of prosperity and progress as we continue to train more gospel preachers, bring the good tidings to the lost and bear more fruits in the Lord’s Kingdom.

Happy Holidays, wishing you a Prosperous, a Blessed and a Fruitful Year Ahead!

Baldomero Lagua Jr.

BVBI Philippines-Luzon

Director

Exciting plans in Accra

ACCRA

December Report, 2022

To God once again be the glory and honor for a successful end of the month. Below is a summarized report on school activities in the month of December

Academic Activities

All academic activities were concluded to bring the term to a close. Students have departed to their respective destinations safely.

School Building

As reported last month, the school building project is in good progress. Workers are currently laying rods for decking. The hope is that they complete this by the end of the year as stated in earlier reports.

Next Year Plan

The academic board met for a discussion on plans for the coming year, 2023. The following activities were discussed and agreed upon:

·         Lectureship to educate past students on contemporary issues – June 2023

·         Forming of Campaign Team to spearhead the school’s campaign programmes

·         Graduation Ceremony – March 25, 2023.

Dates for these activities are tentative and subject to review in the next staff meeting.

Social Media Evangelism

We give much glory to God that students, both past and current, are actively utilizing the social media platforms such as WhatsApp and YouTube for evangelism in the form of texts, audio, and video. We pray to God to grant such brethren more strength to continue the good work and inspire others to emulate them.

We also have our brother Benjamin Forson who has been doing well evangelizing on social media to draw attention to “women pastors who are not to publicly lead” who have their own establish-movement.

We really appreciate his effort as a student in teaching the word through this media.

Student Profile

We are grateful to introduce our brother and student Silas Agyei who has been a faithful brother and an evangelist for a couple of years. He started school with us in January 2022. He is a young man of 29 years and single. His parents are believers and an evangelist at Medie church of Christ. The members of this congregation are 37. Silas has been very helpful and active in all school activities and evangelism. Mostly, he reads the local Bible for the preachers during public preaching. Academically, he has been doing well.

We admire our brother as he endeavors to work hard in teaching and exhorting the church, and in all aspects of services.

It is our prayer that God gives him the strength to do more in His vineyard.

Acknowledgment

We thank God so much for a peaceful month and term. We also express our gratitude to the management of the Bear Valley Bible Institute USA for their support both physically and spiritually. We glorify God because of the efforts of all the members of the staff and pray that God keeps blessing them. We also thank God for local brethren who also contributed to the development of our dear college. May God bless us all, Amen.

These are updates for the month. We request that you keep praying with us.

We are grateful and appreciate your effort and the brethren in Ghana for their marvelous contribution and prayers.

God bless you all.

Reported by: E.O. Larbi

A new school in Nigeria

The Church of Christ has been in existence in the ancient city of Benin Kingdom for about six decades now without a formal training school for preachers and workers. Efforts by frontline preachers in the past to establish a preaching school in this city failed. Thus, we have had lots of preachers with little or no formal training. The few trained ones had their training in distant places like Jos in Plateau State, Akwa Ibom State, and Abeokuta in Ogun State.

It pleases God almighty that at this time we should have, (according to most students and instructors), “a preaching school on a platter of gold”. This was made possible by Brother Keith Kasarjian who has sacrificed and endangered his life for the cause of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Brother Kasarjian paid a visit to Benin City on August 11, 2022, against all odds. He planned to spend a reasonable amount of time with us to get to know us but that time was reduced due to some technical difficulties at the airport. Despite the challenges, Brother Kasarjian pushed through and came to Benin City where he met with the leadership of the Church of Christ, Ezoti, at 12, Ezoti Lane, Off Ezoti Street, Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State. He gave us orientation about Bear Valley Bible Institute International and the possibility of establishing a study centre in Benin City. This proposal was greeted with much excitement.

After about one month of Kasarjian’s visit, we received the good news that approval has been granted for Benin City to have a study centre. We advertised and brethren in Benin City and environs, who had long anticipated such an opportunity applied and within a month we got over seventy prospective students. This number was, however, reduced to fifty-six after the entrance examination as some could not meet the cut-off mark.

The inauguration was done on October 3, 2022.

Lectures commenced on October 8, 2022, with all fifty-six students in a classroom. Approval was given for the number to be divided into two separate classes (A and B) for healthy classrooms in the same location due to the availability of facilities and the strategic location of Ezoti Congregation (which is situated at the centre of Benin City)

The following courses have been taught: Old Testament 1 (Genesis), to the general class of fifty-six students in October, by Andrew Osatohamwen, Everistus Nne taught Bible Origin (How we got the Bible) to class B while Dunia Christopher taught Evangelism 1 to Class A in November. In December Osatohamwen took class A on How we got the Bible while Dunia taught Evangelism 1 to class B. Examinations have been conducted on all these courses.

The national coordinator, Brother Makinde Olufemi Eben visited us on October 22, 2022. His visit was inspiring as he took his time to furnish all the students and the instructors with the requisite information and humbly answer all the questions from the students.

Future Plans

On evangelism, the first outing of the school is scheduled for December 31, 2022. The school shall be preaching in Utagban community with a young congregation made up of three families. We hope that the Lord will add souls to his church through this exercise. 

The school plan to start a new semester on January 7, 2023.

Summary                    

Bear Valley Bible Institute International, Benin City centre commenced lectures on October 8, 2022, and successfully concluded the semester on December 24, 2022.

Appreciation

We thank God almighty for giving us this privilege to have a preachers’ training school of international standard. Our gratitude also goes to the management of Bear Valley Bible Institute International for their show of love and care. We thank Brother Kasarjian for his leadership style. He is a good leader. We assure you that all resources are being managed prudently to the glory of God.

Successful campaign in Nigeria

Report Of Bear Valley Bible Institute Weekend School, Ondo State October to December 2022.

What a glorious and eventful year in 2022 for the School here in Ondo State. We blessed God for His grace upon all the Instructors and students for their resilience, and love to teach, and study God's Word with the School. We are thankful to God for His safety, protection, and divine intervention throughout the 2022 academic session, Glory, honor, and Majesty to our God in heaven above, Amen. We are grateful to God for the vision, love, Sacrifice, and support that was given by Bear Valley Bible, Institute, Denver, Colorado, USA. We also extend our gracious thanks to the Church at Bear Valley Church, particularly the Eldership for their resourcefulness. Thank you, All.

Evangelism Report: From October to December 2022, the School embarked on evangelistic activities in the two centers in Ondo State. First, in the Ondo City center, we carried out evangelistic work in the Igba area of Ondo City in October and November 2022. At Ondo center, we were able to baptize a denominational pastor. We are working on him and his Church. Personally, l was invited to speak at Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ikorodu center, Lagos State, and Ekiti State in October and December 2022 respectively. As a school, we did house-to-house on two occasions with Open-air preaching on November, 18-20, 2022. It was three days of open-air preaching and mass evangelism in the Igba area including an area called Federal housing Estate, Igba, Ondo city. We are planning to commence worship as the Church fully in 2023 because three Christian families were living in this area already. We need your prayers!

In the Akure center, the students and the instructors were fully involved in evangelistic activities in Alade at Idanre. I am happy to inform you that we were able to establish the Church with the help of Leo Church of Christ at Alade town in Idanre local government area of Ondo State. The Leo Church with the help of a family was able to construct a meeting place for worship there! This is good news! In the year 2022, we were able (both instructors and students from the two centers) with the help of God to have baptized 40 new members to the glory of God!

Classroom activities: from October to December 2022, we had 4 courses altogether. In the Ondo center, brother Philemon taught "Prison Epistles" in October, while in the Akure center, brother Akilapa taught "Christian Evidence". In November 2022, brother Akilapa came to the Ondo center to teach "Christian Evidence", while brother Philemon Ohaebuka goes to the Akure center to teach "Prison Epistles". In December 2022, brother Victor Fasonu taught "Leadership" as a course at Ondo Center, while brother Damilola Oke taught "New Testament Church" at Akure center. We are thankful for His grace so far.

Brother Joseph Oluwabamiwo is one of the older students in the Ondo study center. He is around 65 years old. He is well behaved elderly brother among the students. He is ready to learn in the classroom. He is very gentle and polite in all things. All the instructors love him. He is willing to gain more knowledge to work closely with the preacher in his local church where he worships God. We are grateful to God to have him in the school.

Financial report: from October to December 2020, we received support from the school. Thank you, Bear Valley sponsors for your love and support! We appreciate your leadership.

Miscellaneous: we are grateful for the help received from the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Denver for standing by us for the growth and development of the School in Ondo State.

We are grateful to God for helping us to end the 2022 academic year in peace and the joy of the Lord! As a school in Ondo State, we are very focused and determined to continue to maintain Bible standards for the School.

Fasonu Victor, Coordinator,

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ondo State

More courses taught in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, ASH TOWN – KASOA, GHANA

FOURTH QUARTER REPORT, 2022

Introduction

May our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’s peace protect us now and always. From the beginning of this year, 2022, til present, Our Lord has been compassionate to us. We are very appreciative of him, as well as the entire Bear Valley School leadership team and brotherhood, for their unwavering support of the school in a variety of ways.

Classroom Activities

Three courses were taught this quarter. Godhead was covered by Wisdom Kwasi Yirenkyi, Emmanuel Yaw Amoo-Gyimah handled Homiletics 2 and Emmanuel Larbi taught the Life of Christ 1(Matthew). There were fourteen (14) students present in the aforesaid classes. During this time, there were discussions, presentations, quizzes, assignments and examinations.

Admission of New student

This quarter saw the admission of one new student.

Evangelism

On October 15, 2022, students embarked on door-to-door evangelism in the neighborhood. The exercise was taken part in by eleven (11) students. On Sundays, students went out on evangelism at the location of their practical training.

Provision of resources

The Coordinator, Mr. Kojo Acquah Beenyi, has sent us commentaries on the Life of Christ by David L. Roper. We are grateful to Bear Valley for providing us with this book, which will enable us to carry out this program.

Student profile

This quarter’s student profile is Isaac Yankson. He is 43 years old and was baptized in 2000. He has three wonderful daughters and is married. He works as a driver and carpenter. When believers of the Lord gather on Sundays, he teaches, leads songs, and exhorts. He added the following remarks regarding Bear Valley: “since moving to Bear Valley, I have earned the confidence to stand in front of a huge crowd and teach and exhort. Additionally, I have acquired more methods on how to do personal work. Bear Valley deserves my gratitude for providing me with this chance.”

Practical training

During this quarter, students began their practical training at the various congregations that were assigned to them.

On December 11, 2022, the Director visited Akweley Newtown Church of Christ, which is located in Kasoa, where three students were tasked with helping the congregation. The students were Brother Isaac Arthur, Brother Anthony Kwesi Eshun and Sister Janet Addae Arthur. On that steadfast day, Sister Janet taught the children’s class, Brother Anthony taught the Bible class and Brother Isaac exhorts the congregation. Their strengths and weaknesses were addressed with them after worship in order to improve their presentational abilities. The leadership was questioned by Brother Larbi regarding the aforementioned students and contributions to the church. The feedback from the leadership was positive.

Overall, the practical training was successful. Since they had the opportunity to interact with brotherhood congregations, the students were thrilled about it. In the upcoming years, they anticipate seeing more of this.

Conclusion

We appreciate all the help we have received from Brother Steven, Keith, the Brotherhood and the school authorities, including the regular operating funds, prayers, instructions and development of our faith in the Lord.

We also appreciate the contributions made by our instructors, the director and the coordinator to the success of the school’s development. We want to hear from you all in 2023.

Reported by

Larbi