Evangelistic campaigns in Lagos

The students and the staffs of Bear valley Bible Institute Ikorodu study centre greet everyone of you in Jesus name Amen.

1)The number of students in Ikorodu study centre is 18.

2)The subjects treated so far from January 2023 to March 2023 are:

-January -The book of Romans, the teacher was Bro Mfon Etim

-February - Old testament-4 (Major prophets), the teacher was Bro Emmanuel Odo

-March - Acts of the Apostles, the teacher was Bro Timothy Iwe

3) Campaigns: On the month of January 6th 2023 the students and staffs went out for open air and door to door evangelism, three souls were baptized and seven were restored back to the fold (church).

 -Another Campaign took place on March 24th 2023. Two souls were baptized.

4)In Ikorodu study centre we have three teachers; Bros Mfon Etim,Okoro Chinyere, and Lucky Uzoyare.

The students and staffs of bear valley Bible institute Ikorodu appreciate you for your contribution to the preaching of the gospel in Nigeria.

We say thank you for the opportunity to work with Bear Valley Bible institute. We are grateful to you. Thank you for supporting us to train our brothers and sisters God bless you Amen.

Bro.Mfon Etim Adeh.

Director, Ikorodu study centre

More conversions in Nigeria

Report of Bear Valley Bible Institute, Weekend School, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria between January to March 2023.

May all glory, honour and Majesty be ascribed to our heavenly father for His loving-kindness towards us as a school. We thank our sponsors, the Bear Valley School, Denver Colorado, U.S.A, for their support since the commencement of Benin City School in Edo State, six months ago. We are grateful. May God Almighty continue to bless you all and greatly reward your labours in the kingdom of Christ.

Below is the summary of the activities of Benin City School from January to March 2023:

Academics:

Three courses were treated this quarter. They are as follows:

1. Christian Evidence by Andrew Osatohamwen

2. Hermeneutics 1 by   Eneh Everest

3. Scheme of redemption by Andrew Osatohamwen

Students were examined in the above courses and their performances were generally satisfactory.

Evangelism

The school went on evangelism in Ugbine village to strengthen the young congregation. We were forty-five in attendance including the three instructors. The preacher of the village church, Brother Festus Oghogho, is a student of BVBIN-Benin.

We also Evangelise the school neighbourhood with 50 students in attendance including the three instructors.

We are working on restoring the Church of Christ, University of Benin, Ekewan Campus. The last time the Church had her worship was four years ago. This was due to a lack of human resources. Benin school in collaboration with the Church of Christ, University of Benin, Ugbowo campus has started preaching in the area. Hopefully, the Church will resume its worship by April 2023.

Baptism 

We have had thirteen baptisms from January to March.

A new school doing well

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA, OWERRI CENTER REPORT JAN-MARCH 2023

Bear valley Bible Institute, Owerri  Imo Itate was inaugurated on Saturday 1st of October 2022.

Classes began on 8th of October 2022 .

Following the inauguration of the school in october last year, we have been consistent in our efforts to maintain a high standard to make sure we produce disciplined and productive bible teachers. The new year started on a good note with two students that dropped coming back.

Unfortunately the current security situation in Imo state has forced us to have lessons sometimes weekdays and Sunday evenings depending on situation on ground. And the days we lost because of the general elections was regained by general consensus of the students. Even though the security situation is not really normal,  the students are dedicated and in high spirit.

Presently we have 16 students, even with the currency and petrol scarcity and high cost of transportation, they strive to attend lectures. So far we have taken 6 courses and the students are doing well.

EVANGELISM 

We discovered that there is so much disunity and lack of cooperation among preachers and congregations here. This arose from not having well trained teachers and leaders in Imo state. They do not come together for gospel meetings or evangelism, so I decided to visit from place to place and bring the preachers together in the name of the school.  I am glad to inform us that the first preachers bible summit to treat some doctrinal issues troubling them will be held by the school on the last Saturday of April 29th 2023.   This will be the first in the series of seminars, workshops, lectureships that we will embark on.

Due to the publicity the school has recieved,  we have brethren from some locations that are far from Owerri City requesting if arrangements can be made to come to their locations and give them lectures,  this I told them that I will get back to them, on this I suggest if I can get approval,  I can work it out the instructors while they all come to owerri during examination days. 

We still remain eternally grateful God, the parent body and the school authorities for giving us the privilege of having a study center in Owerri, Imo state. In over 45 years this is the first bible school in the state. The state is big and we will continue to create  awareness

 We believe and trust God to make a way for all who are interested but having distance as barrier to benefit from the school.  We reaffirm our promise to maintain a high standard  and surely we will make the school proud.

Yours because of Christ 

Chinedu Akandu 

Director

Lectureship in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus.

All glory and honor are due to the Almighty God for His Grace and for preserving our lives through out the first quarter of year 2023 and for the success of this year 21st Annual Leadership Seminar.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our supporters both home and abroad. May the Lord continue to bless our work together in Jesus Christ name, amen.

To whom much is given, much is expected. It is on this note that I am offering my solemn gratitude to Bro. Chad Wagner (The SWSE-Patron and International Director of BVBIN ) ,Bro. Larry and Sister Patty Goodin (The International Director of WBSTC), Bro. Steven Ashcraft( Director of BVBI- West Africa Region), Bro. Keith Kasarjian (President of BVBID Extension Schools), Bro . & Sister Bill Pennell, Bro. Zachary and Sister Kim Van Tassel, Sister Cherry Llord and family, Bro. & Sister Doug Wheeler and associate, Bro. Dorman & Sister Donna Lough, Bro. Jerry Bates and World Evangelism crew, Bro. Richard Renfro and the Mission Printing International and you all our well wishers and supporters. Thanks for being there always. Here is the summary of our activities for the month of March 2023.

OVERVIEW

i- WEEKEND EVANGELISM/ OUTREACH

ii- 21ST ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

iii-END OF 3RD SEMESTER CLASSES

iv- WORK COMMENCE ON OUR CAPITAL PROJECT FOR YEAR 2023

v- THREE PACKAGES OF WBS CORRESPONDENCE REC

 vi- TWO  WEEKS DEGREE PROGRAM

vi- NIGERIA BANKS RATION OLD NAIRA NOTES AS NAIRA CRISES BITES HARDER

WEEKEND EVANGELISM :

The staff and students of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN continued actively in the weekend outreach in eleven different centers for the first two weekends in the month of March in spite of the tension caused as the result of fuel scarcity and cashless transaction introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria. And now that the students and in holiday/ vocational training and practicum, the weekend outreach will continue as usual.

Our joint effort in this month of March 2023 was blessed with five converts.To God be the glory and honor.

21ST ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR 2023:

This year Annual Leadership Seminar of March 7 through 9 was graced by over 120 brethren from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos,Ondo, Kwara, Edo, Rivers and Abuja- The Federal Capital Territory.

The seminar centered on " The Ministers of God: Life and Works which featured 13 able speakers from the noon of Tuesday till Thursday evening. 

All the participants went home with two copies of VOTI Vol.114 & 115, a box of Mission Printing International Materials and two WBS Bibles.

At the end of the three days program, five out the twelve first batch of our Degree Students (2020-2023) were awarded with SWSE- certificate to appreciate their sacrifice for the two and half years program.

END OF THE 3RD SEMESTER CLASSES:

As scheduled, all classes, projects and tests for this semester came to an end on March 15 with special chapel service at Doug Wheeler Event Hall in Butubutu Village, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Our twenty-two year-1- Students are now in a vocational training beginning from March 20 through April 30, 2023 while the six year-2- Students embarked on practicum (preaching trip) to be supervised by some of the Instructors.

WORK COMMENCE ON OUR CAPITAL PROJECT FOR YEAR 2023:

All is now set to commence work on the school capital project for the year 2023 which is the construction of an open hall of 50 by 90 feets for some of the school events that may come up during the hot weather while the students of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN continue making use of Doug Wheeler Events Hall for their classes, morning and evening devotion, Wednesday Chapel and other events during the raining season.

In other for us to commence work as planned, I apply for the loan amount to the sum of 2.5 million Naira on March 17 that was approved on March 24,2023.

THREE PACKAGES OF WBS INTRODUCTION COURSES ARRIVED:

In accordance with our goal as a school of Evangelism and Biblical Studies, we requested for WBS Introduction courses from Bro. Ron Pottberg and WBS Office in Texas early this year and thank be unto God that Bro. Ron ordered the WBS Office in Surulere, Lagos to get 16,000 copies of WBS introduction courses for our use in Western states of Nigeria. 

And presently, we have about 800 introduction lessons to be posted to Bro. Larry and Sister Patty Goodin of WBSTC.

TWO WEEKS DEGREE PROGRAM:

The second batch of our Degree program continued their two years studies on March 6 through 17 with Congregational Development-2 and Interpretation of the Scriptures-2 by Bro. Ayobami Akanji (an elder serving in Isheri-Osun congregation, Lagos State as well as the principal of our Degree program) and Bro. Isaac Olaniyan respectively for the period of two weeks.

Next class now slated for August 2023 with myself- Bro. Makinde Ebens who will handle Advanced Homiletics-2 while Bro. Chad Wagner will continue his Greek lectures via the Internet for the next one year with the students.

NIGERIA BANKS RATION OLD NAIRA NOTES AS NAIRA CRISES BITES HARDER:

With the Naira scarcity still rocking the nation, Commercial Banks have begun to ration the disbursements of old N500 and N1,000 notes to their customers amid uncertainty over whether the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will release the old currencies in its custody.

However, despite the CBN announcing the legal status of the old N500 and N1,000 currencies exactly ten days after the Supreme Court judgement mandated the use of old N500 and N1,000 currencies as legal tender till December 31, 2023 the naira scarcity still persists across the country, Nigeria.

According to findings, most of the banks were paying only N5,000 to each customers over the counters , while a few banks paid N10,000 only and only few banks loaded their ATMs and most of them were disbursing only N5,000.

Those of us that can't be on queue as early as 5:00am were forced to buy money from POS centers.

ABOUT A STUDENT:

Bro. James Isah is one of our year-1- students.  Admitted in year 2020 to our ministerial department. Born to Malam Isah family of Samolaka Village in Niger State in year 2000. He became the member of the Lord's family in year 2020. Happily married and blessed with a kid. 

His mission after his diploma certificate is planting of the Lord's Church in his village.

ACCOMPLISHMENT:

With the help of the Almighty God coupled with the financial support of $1,500 from Bro. Bill Pennell and family, we were able to host over 120 brethren in the just concluded 21st Annual Leadership Seminar of March 7-9,2023 at the permanent site of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN.

The school succeeded in feeding all the participants three times a day and providing transportation fare to our guest speakers and some brethren including the women who helped in the kichen.

COMING EVENTS:

We(the instructors and our year-2- students) shall be working with the Lord's Church in Idanre ,Ondo State from March 31 through April 2 in three days house-to- house Evangelism and open-air Bible Lectureship. Also, we shall be working with the Church of Christ, Ijebu-Ode , Ogun State from April 6 through 9 in church planting at Erinle- Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State where one of our graduates, Bro. Gospel Opeyemi will be ministering. 

CONCLUSION:

We are very grateful unto the Lord for His mercies and providence. And to you all for your partnership and great contributions toward the growth of the Lord's Church in Africa most especially in Nigeria. May the Lord continue to bless our work together in Jesus Christ name, amen.

Sincerely yours in His Grace as a servant,

Makinde Ebens (The Chief servant of BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan And WBSFUW)

Prayers for Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters, as well as congregations,

The war keeps destroying our cities, towns, villages and people's lives. But, on the other hand, it gives the Church an opportunity to come to the front in ministering to people. I wrote on many occasions that we were using this difficult time for humanitarian services and Gospel preaching. Hundreds of people get help and hear the preaching about Christ. Our time can be compared with the years of the Soviet Union's collapse when hungry and uncared for people used to come to the huge Palaces of Culture (Soviet community centers) with the desire to hear the  missionaries preaching the Gospel.

In my letter today I'd like to tell about the wonderful ministry started by our alumni Oleg Fofanov. Upon graduation he had preached in Konstantinivka. The church had been established there many years ago and he was happy to work there. When the full fledged war actions started he moved his family to the the Western Ukraine, to the city of Uzhgorod. It is the regional center and highly populated city close to the border with Slovakia. Last year they decided to establish a new congregation there and started assembling on Sundays. First, it had been a relatively small group of people, later many more relocated Christians joined them. We are very  saddened and keep praying for the church of Konstantinivka. Almost everyone from the church there left the city but now we have another opportunity to worship and minister in Uzhgorod.

Tragically, many Eastern cities (like Konstantinivka, Avdiivka, Bakchmut) are turning into piles of ashes daily. Before the war those places numbered the most congregations of the church of Christ. We trust God and His mercy only.

The Bila Tserkva Church of Christ.

We still distribute grocery and personal hygiene care packages. These days people come to the church building even on the days when there's no announced distribution. And some of them study the Bible with us more extensively. I'd like to ask for prayers for God's fruitfulness in Gospel preaching, that the planted seed would bring fruit.

The Bible Institute.

Last month our students had 1 and 2 Peter and Jude (Instructor Dennis Sopelnik), Hebrews (Albert Bagdasarian), Biblical Geography (Valentin Tsyopa). In the end of the month the students will have a week of evangelical practice. Usually students are taught to do street evangelism. We would place a table with Christian tracts and other literature, distribute the tracts and invitations to  the Sunday services. But during the last year our methods were changed. It got dangerous to be outside due to the missiles attacks and also because men could be given the drafting summon by the military recruitment department. One can end up being drafted even with zero military experience. So we moved all activities inside the walls of the church buildings. It seems to be safer.

We ask you to earnestly pray for the return of peace and end of the military activities. Many congregations were very generous with aids for refugees and people who found themselves homeless.

May God keep you,

Your brother,

Dennis Sopelnik

Ghanian schools combine efforts in gospel campaign

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE - GHANA

POST OFFICE BOX TL 925

FEBRUARY 2023 OPERATING REPORT

February 2023 was a very active month for us in Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies, Tamale, both within the school and externally. Indeed, it is a month that must be accounted for.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

We had one soul added to the Lord’s church in the Kpalsi South congregation to God’s glory. The church is growing gradually in all areas of it by the grace of God.

Also in the month of February, one soul was added to the Lord’s church in Kpalsi South congregation. We praise the Lord for the conversion.

JOINT EVANGELISM TO UPPER WEST REGION BY TAMALE AND ACCRA SCHOOLS (LAWRA TANCHARA SUSU)

On the 30th of January, 2023; the Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies (TIBS) in Collaboration with the Southern Institute of Biblical Studies (SIBS), embarked on a one-week evangelistic campaign to Tanchara Susu under the Lawra district in the Upper West Region of Ghana. We left Tamale around 10:00am of the 30th of January, and arrived at Tanchara Susu around 9:30pm of same 30th. It was late for any activity to take place, so we rested.

Work started on the morning of the 31st. We started with morning devotion, breakfast, and then divided ourselves into groups and went out for the door to door studies. We return for lunch around 12pm and went back till around 4:45pm.

A movie on the passion of Christ was showed around 6:00pm to 8:00pm, followed by the public preaching. Preacher Thomas Donzie Preached on “sin and it’s punishment.”

We continued with same plan on the 1st of February, 2023 with Brother Ebenezer Amoasi giving the evening sermon on God’s Plan of Salvation. On the 2nd, same plan was followed with Brother John Acquah teaching on the Church in the evening public preaching. The same plan was followed on the 3rd with Brother Abraham Bambale speaking on Worship of the Church.  Brother Silas Adjei preached on the 4th of February, 2023 in the public preaching after the door to door studies in morning movie in the evening on God’s Judgement. All the brethren who spoke, we excellent on point and were clear with their messages. The programme was indeed great and profitable us who participated on it. We also had a good number of baptisms. Among these souls was youth dominance. We had young men who are capable of working for Lord if properly trained. We had two (2) baptisms on the first day, seven (7) on the second day, one (1) on the third day, 8 on the fourth day and 5 on the 5th day. This gave us a total number of 23 souls. Three (3) souls were also restored respectively. Worship on the first day of the week was a spirit filled one.

Brother Snell Kwesi Owusu Odame stayed backed to care for the congregation under our mission minded preachers plan. We thank God for the great grace released upon us all to fulfill His command given to us His followers in the gospels.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

We returned back from Tanchara Susu to continue with our academic activities with the new batch of student smoothly. Upon returning, Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, the Coordinator, was already in to take the students through the Cost of Discipleship. Brother Albert Tamanja Malir took them through How We Got The Bible after Brother Kojo, followed by Personal Evangelism one by Brother James Forkuor, Scheme of Redemption by Director Adjei Mensah and Research and Writing by Brother James Bisong Legend. These courses, coupled with Hermeneutics one which was treated in the month of January were the courses taught in the first Quarter for this batch of students.  

COORDINATOR’S VISIT

Brother Kojo’s visit was very essential and fruitful as he taught the Course of Discipleship as well as dealt with other issues too. He had a meeting with the staff to encourage us and also discuss some of the pertinent issues necessary for the development of the school with us. As is his culture, he went round the whole compound and the garden to visit all the trees and flowers and also correct some wrongs around the compound. We were edified having him with us in the month of February.

 We thank the Lord for the month of February, 2023.

Thank you sirs,

Bear Valley, Tamale.  

Sierra Leone school baptizes 9 during campaign

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR FEBRUARY, 2023

Full Time and the Extended Programs

 INTRODUCTION                              

We bring you salutation from Kenema, Eastern Sierra Leone. We are thankful to God for keeping all of us alive till now to share in the report of the work of the ministry here in Sierra Leone. As we informed you in our January report, the year 2023 has started favorably for us here at KBVBI. The month of February was not an exception. In February, our fifth quarter for the full-time students ended, souls were converted, the evangelistic teams continued their good work of evangelism, our coordinator, Steve Ashcraft visited and taught a class, and one of our committed and young staff, Emmanuel Focko became critically sick.  As we go further, please we employ you to keep on reading for the details of the above activities.

END OF FIFTH QUARTER

It continues to excite us as our students are doing well academically, evangelistically as well as morally. On the academic background, we are in our final year. The first quarter of the final year came to an end at the end of February. In that quarter, 8 courses were covered; these courses included: Life of Christ IV: The Gospel of John, Old Testament IV: Major Prophets, Church History, Pastoral Epistles, Historical Bible Geography, Intertestmental Period, Computer Studies V, and Basic English Grammar V.  All of these courses were handled by local teachers (5) and international or foreign teachers (2)

CONVERSION OF SOULS

The Gospel needs to be preached now more than ever as the world is turning into something else. Because of this need, the KBVBI were evangelistically engaged in the month of February. Therefore for the month of February, our evangelism resulted in 9 converts.

THE VISIT OF BROTHER STEVE ASHCRAFT

Just like Paul who could guide some local congregations when he was not present with them but through his writings and messages, our coordinator, Steve Ashcraft has been hugely involved in the work here. In fact he spends hours sometimes holding meetings with us online. So on the 7th February 2023, we were privileged once again to have him here in person.  He spent a week teaching the full time students Historical Bible Geography. This class was so educative, informative and transformative that some staff also attended. Brother Steve is so much appreciated for his encouragement and mastery of the subject matter.  He also met with the part-time students for the first time since their admission on January 15, 2022. He encouraged them to remain true and committed to their studies especially as the studies are meant to equip them to evangelize Sierra Leone. Brother Steve’s love and passion for evangelism is worth coveting and commending! If I look at his age (I am currently half of his age) and I see the zeal he portrays for evangelism, I am challenged and motivated to do more and to be more involved in the work of evangelism. During his time with us, we spent hours strategizing for effective evangelization of the entire Sierra Leone, apart from the effort of the school. We are very grateful for having such a coordinator who is not only concerned with administration but also evangelism. With him as our coordinator, I know through God’s help we will do a lot in the next few years as you shall be reading our reports. We are so deeply grateful to Bear Valley through Brother Keith for all they are doing for the lost souls here.  

EVANGELISTIC TEAMS EFFORTS

We have been informing you that through Brother Steve’s help and brilliant ideas,  evangelistic teams have been formed in various parts of Sierra Leone in order “to turn Sierra Leone upside down for the Lord.” Those teams have been working really hard as it is really a huge task to turn people to Christ in this Islamic-dominated territory. The targets of those teams are: to win more souls unto Christ, to establish and sustain at least 25 congregations this year, to restore dying congregations, to strengthen members in various congregations, to train church leaders to be effective in leading the newly established local congregations and the existing ones, to organize lectureships that will be aimed at teaching the members to grow in faith so that they can at all times contend earnestly for the faith as there are so much false teachings that have permeated our society. As the year unfolds, will be getting the exciting reports of this great evangelistic movement by the special grace of God. We appreciate all those that are supporting this evangelistic teams' vision and dream.

EMMANUEL FOCKO’S CRITICAL SICKNESS

In our June 2022 report, we gave a profile and the works of Emmanuel Focko vividly. He is one of our trusted and committed staff, one of the evangelistic team leaders, the preacher of the Lord’s Church at Weima which he established upon graduation, and an Alumni of KBVBI. Emmanuel had hepatitis B long ago but he never knew. So in late January, his stomach started projecting and his eyes were turning yellow. With these symptoms, he was taken to the hospital in early February. After conducting the tests, the doctor alerted us that Emmanuel has hepatitis B and Liver Cirrhosis, and that he be transferred to Freetown for better medication. Some brethren here contributed money and some of his family members assisted also. But there was still more need for more money to assist in his treatment. Fortunately Brother Steve was still here with us, so he assisted with some funds for his treatment.

CONCLUSION

We thank you so much for taking your time to read our report. Your prayers for the work here are so badly needed at this crucial time when many people do not care about God anymore. Thank you for your financial support also, for they are really acknowledged.

Bikkavolu, India school reaches out to their community

Dear Brethren in Christ,

Greetings from Bikkavolu Bible College. By the grace of God everything is going good with our school. As this quarter is coming to an end our students are getting ready for the exams, which are scheduled to be in the last week of this month.

We are getting ready for a one week short course to be taught by brother Mark Reynolds at Bikkavolu. We are hoping to join students from both the schools for this class. We are looking forward for brother Mark’s visit. Right now brother Irven Skinner from Duffee church of Christ, MS is visiting with us, he spent couple of day teaching Epistle to Titus to the students of the School.

We are happy to share some of the pictures showing our students in the outreach ministry. We are happy to see some of our students are very forward in using the every opportunity to build up a local congregation. Brother Syam, who will be graduating this July has begun working with a small group studying the word and conducting worship services. Last three pictures showing our faculty attending this gospel, meeting to strengthen brother Syam’s efforts in his home town. There are two more students that are working down this direction for which we feel very happy.

We are encouraging the students who are finishing the school to do this way, so that they would be ready to work in full capacity once they finish the school at Bikkavolu Bible College. We are hoping to have the first BBC lectureship in the month of July’23 during 5,6,7 and on the 7th we shall have the graduation ceremony. We are very excited about this.

We are so thankful to God for blessing our efforts in training men who are faithful and would be able to take/share the gospel with others. Establishing congregations is our ultimate goal by sending these faithful men in to the real world ministry.

 We are thankful to the brethren that are behind this wonderful Lord’s work. We thank so much for your prayers and support. God bless you all.

 In Christ,

 John Dean M

For Bikkavolu Bible College

West Coast school conducts public gospel meeting in Ghana

1.     CLASSROOM WORK

The new students have settled and classes are still progressing smoothly. They are going through the first bunch of courses. They are really enjoying the school and their studies. 

The part-time students are currently in the 1st term of their 2nd year. Joshua Aidoo, Douglas Armah and Nathaniel Brobbey are the instructors teaching the part-time class currently. Bro Joshua Aidoo teaches on Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Brothers Douglas Armah and Nathaniel Brobbey also teach on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. respectively.

2.     PERSONAL EVANGELISM AND BAPTISM

We have a clear understanding that the hope of the world is Christ and His church. We therefore train our students to always seek for opportunities to sow the seed of the word. The work of the Lord in the area of evangelism continued in the month of February. Public and private preaching of the gospel was done by our alumni and current students. For example, there was a 4-day campaign for Christ at Mpintsin church of Christ where Brother Joshua Aidoo preaches, and the school joined in this program. This time, the preaching was done in their worship auditorium but the public address system was mounted outside so that the message could go straight into the various homes. God blessed our efforts with some baptisms.

Thank you.

Joshua

Ondo State, Nigerian school conducts evangelism campaign

Report Of Bear Valley Bible Institute Weekend School,Ondo State January to March,2023.

Dear Brethren,

Calvary greetings to you, beloved brethren! We are eternally grateful for your support and platform given to us to operate as a School in Ondo State. We are equally thankful to all our sponsors for their support particularly Bear Valley Church and their eldership. Thank you! We thank God for your continuous prayers for a peaceful and credible elections in our country, Nigeria! As we are concerned, we have faired very well! We are grateful for your prayers in all things.

Evangelism Report: As our usual habit as a School, our evangelistic work at the moments is yielding precious fruits for God and the Church! All the instructors have agreed to organize evangelism on monthly basis! We have started the Church at Alade in Idanre local government as a result of our evangelistic work with the help of the Church at no 13, Leo Street,Akure! We will also organize three days open air and Mass evangelism starting from 31st to 2nd, April, 2023! Brother Makinde will be coming as invited speaker of the program! All the students will be there to participate actively in the work of saving souls into God's kingdom,the Church.

All the instructors goes out with 8 students, making 11 for evangelism on a monthly basis!

Also, in Ondo City study center, a brother donated a building for the Church at Oka, we have planned to establish the Church there! All our evangelistic efforts is toward that area! Our monthly evangelistic work is yielding several prospects in the area of Oka,Ondo City! We continuously request for your prayers always. We want to be fruitful for our God in winning souls for Him. All the instructors and the students were there doing the work of evangelism. 

In addition, l have been preaching the gospel on Radio in Ondo City, l am on Radio for three years now!  The Radio program streams it's program online! I have also started Television preaching program at Ondo City with StarTimes satellite (Kaftan Tv Channel 132). Every Sunday around 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm! Our God is blessing His Work for Him, Amen.

Classroom Activities: ln Ondo study center in January, 2023, Brother Oke Damilola taught "New Testament Church -1" while in Akure study center, Brother Victor Fasonu taught "Leadership" in January,2023. 

February, 2023, Brother Philemon Ohaebuka taught "1 & 2 Peter and Jude" at Ondo center while in Akure center, Brother Akilapa Timileyin taught "Pastoral Epistles".

March,2023, Brother Akilapa Timileyin taught "Pastoral Epistles" in Ondo study center while Brother Philemon Ohaebuka taught "1 & 2 Peter and Jude" in Akure study center. As a School, we are through with First Semester Year Two. 20 courses have been successfully completed to the glory of God, Amen. We thank God! we are making progress.

Brother Ebenezer Samuyiwa is one of the students of the School. He is well educated. He is around 66 years Old! He spent most of his youthful life in London! He is very attentive in the Classroom activities. He is the one that donated a building for the Church at Oka in Ondo City that l was reporting that the Church will start soonest in that area. Please, help to pray for him and his family.

Financial Report: We want to use this opportunity to thank Bear Valley Bible Institute,Denver, Colorado for their unfailing support! We will continue to appreciate your love and concern for the gospel in Ondo State! We have received support for our work from January to March, 2023! Thank you,all.

Miscellaneous: for now, we are grateful for the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Denver, Colorado. They have provided for the School at Ondo City! All expenditures are judiciously spent!

We are grateful for your kindness and generosity toward improving, sharpening our skills toward building versatile body of preachers! We will not relent! We will keep the banner flying to God's glory and His praise, Amen.

Fasonu Victor, Coordinator,

Bear Valley Bible Institute, 

Ondo State.

Liberian school resumes classes

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE -GANTA LIBERIA  OPERATION REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2023

ORIENTATION AND RESTRUCTURING OF ADMINISTRATION

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17, 2023 

The school was on break for two months from December of 2022 until February 2023 due to some needed changes in the school administration. Upon the arrival of the Bear Valley coordinator, Steven Ashcraft, on February 17, 2023 a new management team was put into place that consists of brothers Fester G. Lee, Oultarcious D.K. Zakamah, and T. Joel Weah. As it stands, the school is now being managed by the above interim management team until the completion of the present batch of students. At the reopening of the school and resumption of classes, an orientation was conducted with the students to educate them about the change in administration. Below are some photographs that were taken.

RESUMPTION OF CLASSES

On Monday February 20 – 24, 2023, Bro. Steven Ashcraft taught a course (Historical Biblical Geography). He also had the opportunity to worship with the Tokay Hill church Of Christ (Campus Ministry) during his visit. He departed Liberia on Saturday February 25, 2023, and the local instructors continued their classes. 

EVANGELISM

An evangelistic team was established for the sole purpose of strengthening and restoring weaker congregations, as well as establishing new ones. The evangelism team is headed by Bro. Morris Tiah as a team lead. 

PURCHASE OF STUDENTS' MATTRESSES

On March 1, 2023 Eighteen (18) pieces of Mattresses were purchased by the Administration and distributed to the students respectively to replace the damaged ones that were purchased by the previous administration.

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT

CASSAVA FARM HARVESTING

The students harvested the cassava and sold the produce at the total cost of $10,000.00LD or its equivalent $62.00USD.  

BAPTISM

On February 26, 2023 the campus ministry rejoiced over a new member added to the congregation.

We are so grateful to God for the resumption of the School. We are asking the supporters and all the brethren to be in strong prayers with the interim administration to hold unto the standard and principles of the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Liberia.

The Management Team - BVBI Ganta Liberia

Lusaka, Zambia school continues training preachers

Dear Bear Valley Supporters,

Greetings from Zambia!

The courses covered in the first quarter of the year 2023 were 3 giving us a total 15 covered so far. The students studied the Book of Romans in January, Church Planting in February, and Church History in March.

About 12 students attended classes in the quarter under review

In respect of outreach program:

1. Students had one outreach program to Chinkuli area, Chongwe District for evangelization with a view of planting a church in the area.

2. One of the students (Michael) preaches to the inmates and 14 souls were baptized in March.

3.Other students were involved in teaching new converts, Bible classes, and preaching in their congregations.

Guests received in the 1st quarter were: Brothers Donnie Estep and Keith Kasarjian in the months of February and March respectively.

Additional Instructors in the 1st quarter were: Brothers Herbert M’hango and Obert Mozha.

I submit for your information and record

Jonah Siyanga

Tirupati, India school conducts graduation for 23 students

Reporting Letter for March -2023

Dear brethren:

Greetings in the most holy and matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray that this reporting letter finds you well. We thank you so much for your continual prayers and encouragement for the smooth and successful operation of BVBI at Tirupati.

1.Class Room work:- In the month of March we have completed the books of Psalms, Hosea, Jonah, Nahum, Zechariah, and Malachi from of the Old Testament. We also completed 1 & 2 Corinthians, Revelation from the New Testament and Homiletics.

2. Examinations : - We  have given memory verses and  conducted transcription examinations from each course. Our Students were happy to complete their weekly and monthly assignment works.

2.  Campaigning for  visually challenged people:- On March 11, we have conducted special Bible campaigning for the visually challenged people at Nellore city which is 150 miles away from our BVBI. We have distributed audio Bibles to all the blind people who were able to attend for the camp.

3. Baptisms:-  In the month of March 3 souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ.

4.  Short course teaching  :- We are happy to report you that the short course “Congregational Development was taught in the last week of April-2023.

4. Benevolence:-

1. Our students were able to visit Sims hospital and provided assistance to Christian sister who was admitted, she is suffering from cancer.

 2. We have supported a few blind people and  widows.

5. Graduation Program:- We are happy to report that on April 1, 2023 twenty-three students completed their work and received their Diploma in Bible Certificate . We are grateful to Mr. Mark Reynolds for witnessing and presenting the graduation ceremony and encouraging the outgoing students. He preached a powerful sermon from the Book of Acts how that many rejoiced when the gospel of Christ was preached throughout Acts. However, there were some who rejected. There is always a response when the gospel is preached. We sincerely thankful to BVBI for your encouragement and assistance in several ways for this great cause of training young people in India.

Prayer request:-

1. We plan to conduct an entrance examination on April 20 for the next batch of students., We ask you to pray as Jesus did before He called his disciples (Luke 6:12-14). We often remember 2 Timothy 2:2 whenever we think about the students.

2. Pray for gospel meeting :- Indian weather changes in the month of April and May. It is going to be horribly hot season in April and May; therefore all the schools and colleges declare summer holidays in India during April and May . Our BVBI plans for conducting gospel meetings, V.B.S, and youth classes during summer season. Lord willing on May 12-13, we plan to conduct public gospel meeting. We request your prayers.

Thanking you.

Yours brother in Christ.

B.Vijaya Kumar

Souls are being saved in Guinea!

Introduction:

To you all, our supporters and those of you with interest to read and follow our updates, we send you warmest salutations in Christ's name. It is time once again for another monthly report of activities at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute and we are glad to announce that since the beginning of the school in 2018, the month of February 2023, as you will see, has proven to be the most productive month in terms of conversions. We encourage you to keep reading as we unfold the various points of this report which you will certainly find interesting and pleasant.

I- Classroom/ Teaching :

In all Bear Valley Extension Schools across the world, certainly the major activity of every working day of the month in the classroom is devoted to teaching. Those working days of the month of February 2023 were no exception at the Gueckedou school. There were 4 different courses by 4 different instructors in accordance to the schedule and therefore executed as follows:

 1-Hermeneutics 2 by Antoine Fassa TOLNO 

 2- Acts of the Apostles, by Emmanuel KAMANO 

3 Gospel according to Mark, by Niouma 2 Kamano 

4 How we got the Bible? by Fara François Tenguiano.

Each instructor completed his course by especially a written evaluation and the students output was satisfactory. 

II- Evangelism:

If there is more joy in heaven for one sinner who has repented than for 99 righteous persons needing no repentance, then there was exceedingly greater joy in heaven for the month of February 2023. This is simply, but notably because the month of February has climbed to the top of all other months in terms of conversions since 2018 when the Gueckedou Bear Valley school started. There were in all 3 new congregations planted totaling 102 persons who heard and obeyed the gospel as a result of various efforts of the different evangelistic activities. The 3 new congregations were established in the villages of N'Wokouma,Yende-bawa and N'Diafassou each with her initial or first day's conversion figure of 15, 30 and 37 who decided to repent and accept Christ respectively. 

No doubt the above result is the fruit of God's support through the Holy Spirit, the technical planning, managerial and financial support of our tireless Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft. The planning included the combination of both the lnstitute's preaching efforts and that of one of the evangelical teams being set up in the country. 

III- Construction

 It is true that spiritually, the Church is an assembly of believers and not a building, but humanly, in the eyes of the world, the value of the Church is greatly associated in the quality of its place of worship. So having houses of worship has an impact on the lives of people like the apostle Thomas whose faith was based on sight. By this we wish to announce that the donors who finance the construction of worship halls which indeed is a paramount need are doing an excellent work for the progress of the Church in Gueckedou and in Guinea as a whole. For the month of February 2023, 3 Congregations (Dento, Fassaba and 

Ledoumboulo) have reached the roofing level and 3 others (Fouedou, Dakadou and Köloadou) have started with the foundation work.

 IV- Personal profile

We would like to introduce you to Saa Many Koundouno, a graduate of the 2nd class of the Bear Valley school in Gueckedou. Before his conversion, he had an advanced life in juvenile delinquency. But when the time was fulfilled, he obeyed the Gospel and immediately manifested the desire to probe the Scriptures. Thus he was admitted at the Institute in Gueckedou in 2020. One month before the end of his training, he asked to go and start his ministry in his native village in Koindou KLB (Kondou Lengobengou). It was then when the school evangelism campaign was invited so that the church was planted in his home town of Koindou KLB. Motivated and zealous, he continues to explore new places to plant congregations like the Yende Bawa congregation. Best of all in his efforts to improve his spiritual life, we are receiving a good testimony from the people in and outside the church. 

V- Other information

We wish to mention the visit of our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft to Gueckedou during which period we had the opportunity to discuss about the perspectives of promoting the Lord's work in the next 10 years. Then, we planned evangelism activities and other things that can also contribute to the progress of the work in Guinea.

Conclusion

In view of all the above-mentioned success in our various activities, we first of all thank God for the good health and the Holy Spirit that strengthens us; The Bear Valley International Institute for their uncountable financial and material support for the progress of God's work in Gueckedou and in Guinea.

We also thank our able donors, who finance the construction of worship halls in Gueckedou.

We say thank you and again thank you to our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his sacrifice of being ready day and night to help us in any way he can.

Finally, we thank Ken and Barry, as well as all other brethren who contribute to the growth of the Church of Christ in Guinea.

May God's peace and grace accompany us all.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Preparing for graduation in Accra

ACCRA - DOBORO

February Report, 2023

It is a new month and we ought to glorify God for ushering us into it. Below is a summary of the happenings in the month of February:

Academic Work

Normal classes are in progress as we approach the mid of the quarter. All students are trying their best in assignments, projects, and class activities.

Building

The building project is also ongoing. Demarcations to be made for wall construction. Construction thereof is expected to start thereafter.

Graduation 2023

Final preparations are being made for the 2023 graduation ceremony which is scheduled to take place on the 25th of March if God permits. We implore you to keep praying for us for the event to be successful.

Church planting

We are grateful to God for a successful campaign in the Upper West Region. Having completed twenty (24) souls were baptized and seven (7) souls were restored.

Next church planting

The next church planting is planned to happen in April. We hope that the Lord sees us through it successfully.

Acknowledgment

We give thanks to God once again for a graceful month. We also express our regards and gratitude to the management of the Bear Valley Bible Institute USA for their support both physically and spiritually. We are grateful to God for the efforts of all the members of staff and students who work tirelessly for His name. We pray that God keeps blessing them. We also thank God for local brethren who are also contributing 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.

Student Profile

Emmanuel Gyasi-Quansah is a proactive brother and a fellow worker in the Lord. He was born on 9th September 1990. Emmanuel is married with three (3) kids. He was baptized on 9th September 2005 and has been in the preaching ministry for ten (10) years. He completed his diploma in Biblical Studies at the West Coast School of Preaching in the year 2018. He is currently enrolled in Bear Valley’s degree programme. Emmanuel is very active on social media, utilizing mainly YouTube and Facebook for his ministry since 2019 with 2,400 followers on Facebook and 66o subscribers on YouTube with the channel name (Rescue the Perishing – COC)

Donnie Estep visits Lilongwe, Malawi

Classes Continuing

Throughout the month of February, our men studied three different Bible topics. First of all, Donnie Estep came from America and taught the Scheme of Redemption before teaching the same in Ekwendeni. Following Donnie, Foster Zimba taught the students about the New Testament Church. I taught a survey class of Old Testament history from Joshua through Esther the third week of month. Leann is teaching a ladies class each Friday focused on servanthood and Navie is teaching the women the Life of Christ on Tuesday nights. 

The last week of the month was designated as a research week for the men. They used the week to catch up on assignments and papers. It also allowed them to do a little work in their gardens that help supplement their food stipend.

Now that their program is one-fourth of the way finished, the entire family is learning about the time required for their studies. This time comes at a cost to family time. All students, both men and women, were encouraged to set aside some time in the research week to spend time with their families in order to keep their relationships strong. 

Meet the Students

As a missionary and director, I feel it is very important to help you know the individuals you are supporting. It seems like the best way for you to meet the students is through a monthly introduction. For the next few months, I will introduce one of our families who are attending Bear Valley Lilongwe. Please take time and pray for these families by name. As you will see, they have left jobs, families, and homes to come and study God’s word for two years. 

The Wilson Phiri Family

Wilson was born in 1992 in the Kasungu district in northern Malawi. In 2020, he moved to the Nkhata Bay Area near Lake Malawi. Wilson is married to Cecilia who was born in 1990. Wilson was baptized in 2005 and Cecilia was baptized in 2014. They have been married for 10 years. They have two boys. Hubert is 9, and Blessings is 5. 

Before coming to school, Wilson cut wood with a hand saw, farmed, and did some contract farm work. After school in Lilongwe, Wilson would like to continue learning the Bible and help others grow in their Bible knowledge. 

Here are a few fun facts I see in Wilson and his family. Wilson is an amazing husband and father who has very well behaved children. Cecilia is a dedicated wife and mother who stays focused in her school work. Both of them have amazing smiles which show their inner joy and peace. Hubert is a quiet one who is always thinking like his dad. If I ever need to find Blessings, he is hanging out with his buddy, Flasko, maintaining the campus. Please pray for Wilson and his family as they work hard to increase their Bible knowledge. 

New students in Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Calvary greetings from Cameroon and precisely from Wotutu. We are doing better, and we give thanks to God. The church is healthy, and all of the ministries going on here are rolling on well. God is still leading the way.

Last week in Bear Valley Bible Institute was good as our students were busy writing their first exams in Bible College. All went well. We give glory to God for making it possible for them to have a taste of what it means to be trained to become a servant of God in the 21st century. Keep our daily efforts in your prayers.

After final exams, it was time to travel to different locations for mission work. Some students are going far with tracts, a life straw water bottle with aqua tabs, and mosquito nets. Our students went to different regions in Cameroon for the sake of the gospel. Some will be passing through dangerous communities because of the crisis in Cameroon.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you very much for all your prayers and for your time and timely support towards all the work that is going on here. God is watching and will definitely reward you in due season. Please share our reports with others.

Thank you very much.

We wish you a great day and a great time.

Elangwe and family

Gweru graduates are making a difference

FEBRUARY 2023 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The month of February saw BVBIZ moving to another level in terms of its activities. It brought new experiences to students as they began their evangelism season. Progress was registered as well in terms of the curriculum and projects. This report, as has become the trend, will also trace the whereabouts of one of the school’s graduates. These and more are reported hereunder.    

1.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS

Classes continued in the month of February very well. Some subjects have already been done and completed. These include 1-2 Corinthians, 1-3 John, Denominational Doctrines and Pastoral Epistles. Those that are still ongoing this term includes Greek, Introduction to Computers, Wisdom Literature, Research Methods, Islamic Studies, 1-2 Peter and Jude.

2.0 CROPS UPDATE

2.1 THE GARDEN

The month of February has seen increased activity in the school’s garden. Many different types of seedlings were planted. These include 1200 potatoes, 600 cabbages, 1000 tomatoes, watermelons, cucumbers and butternuts. The objectives of these projects is to improve nutrition among students, provide students with life survival skills and at the same time, help the school to get extra income through sales of these crops.

2.2 MAIZE

Maize is a staple crop in Zimbabwe. The school places more emphasis on this crop as it dominates students’ meals. Only about 1.2 hectares was made use of as we had challenges with inputs. The growth of the maize crop planted in late November is satisfactory. For the past 3 years, the school has never bought maize due to this effort. We are very hopeful that this will be the case again this year

3.0 TRANSPORTATION

The school’s Nissan Caravan, which has been down since October 2022 began to be worked on in February. Outstanding issues on it are the turbo, new suspension and labour charges. Close to a $1000 is needed to get it back on the road.

4.0 EVANGELISM

From the 18th -26th of February, BVBIZ team consisting of teachers, students and five past graduates camped at Buhera center. The task was to evangelize and assist in the establishment of  a congregation there. This was the first ever evangelism effort for the school’s 2022-2024 class. Other experienced preachers in the field namely brothers Siwedi, Mashaba, Zvinzvebu, Zimwasha, Abraham and Jongwe borught in a wealthy of experience as well. Great appreciation to the Marenga and Sadzi congregations for providing food to the preachers. Services were done everyday in the evening whilst every household within the vicinity was reached with the word. Within the 8 days, the whole area was reached by the Gospel. 24 were baptized during the week leading to the establishment of the congregation. Blessed Marufu, the school’s 2022 graduate was eventually left as the preacher there. The congregation was officially launched on the 26th of February. Several congregations that came to witness this development include Chivhu, Avondale, Marenga, Sadzi, Muzokomba with other individuals coming in their own capacities.

5.0 WHERE ARE THEY?

5.1 THE LAST GRADUATING CLASS

An attempt was made to trace the whereabouts of the last batch of students who graduated on the 28th October 2022. The following is the list and their whereabouts;

Bongani Sithole- Bongani is now working with Arisvale Church of Christ in Esigodini.

Thomas Musongora- Thomas is assisting with the work at Tsvingwe congregation, Penhalonga, Mutare

Christopher Mutambirwa-Christopher is working with Acturus congregation in Harare

Tinashe Moyana -Tinashe is working with the Zvishavane congregation

Method Moyo- Method is working for Cure Zimbabwe Children’s Hospital as a chaplain and assisting with the work at Nkulumane congregation in Bulawayo as well.

Edson Julius-Edson is the associate minister at Chivero Mission

Simbarashe Chitanda- Simbarashe is in private practice but is assisting with work at Hatcliff congregation in Harare

Thabani Dlamini-Thabani is working with Amazon congregation in Filabusi, Matebeleland South.

Tonderai Kafile-Tonderai is in private practice but at the same time assisting with the work at the Mabvuku congregation in Harare as there is no preacher there presently.  

Isaac Chipendo-Isaac is in private practice but assists with the work at Manyame congregation whilst at the same time worshipping at least once every month with Ziko congregation where he did his attachment during his school days.

Kudakwashe Simemeza-Kudakwashe is in private practice but assists with the work at the Highfield, Harare.

Tawanda Tinofa -Tawanda  works for an organization called Young Africa in Chitunwiza but assists with the work at the Chitungwiza congregation whenever opportuned.

Remember and Melody Mhlanga-The couple is working with the Glenview congregation in Harare

Michael and Samandra Kasimu-The couple is working with the Shurugwi congregation in Midlands.

Blessed Marufu- Blessed is now the preacher at the newly established congregation at Buhera Centre

Eric Mushonga-Eric began to work with Centenary congregation in Mashonaland Central but is moving to Karoi to join the prison ministry and assist with the work there beginning in March

CONCLUSION

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

A new batch of students in Zambia

Bear Valley Bible Institute - Luanshya, Zambia

February 2023 Report 

Introduction

The closing words in Matthew gives us three most important action words surrounding the directive that Jesus gave to His disciples. And these are (‘go,’ ‘baptize,’ ‘teach.’) These are basic assignments that our Lord gave us for making disciples. And as Bear Valley Bible Institute –Zambia, we hold fast to the same mandate that our Lord Jesus Christ gave His disciples. The school is on firm ground in this command as faithful men are taught in order for them to go and teach others also.

New Intake visited by our country co-ordinator 

The new intake started in the first week of January, 2023. The students have so far studied and completed one short course. We are always thankful to God for Brother Donnie Estep for giving his time and indeed life to teach these short courses. He taught the new students “The scheme of Redemption” from 13th February, 2023 to 17th February, 2023. It was indeed a very special treat to all the students. We pray for God’s speed upon him that he continues to labour in this noble work.

The students will soon have another short course to be taught by Brother Kennedy Mukuka. Kennedy will be teaching them “Personal Evangelism 1”.  This is one of the basic courses that are taught to new students. The emphasis of the course is always placed on how these new preachers can conduct Bible studies on one on one basis. We are also thankful to God for Brother Kennedy for teaching our students.

Baptisms

We have recorded six (6) baptisms in the month of February.  And it seems the new students are learning faster than anticipated. They are indeed committed to what they intend to do with their lives. We have always committed ourselves to this pledge as we contribute to their learning process. And we pray that we will have a very rewarding 2023 intake.

Restorations

We have recorded eleven restorations of which as Luanshya district we had three (3), Chingola district we had six (6) and Masaiti district one (1) and Mpongwe district two (2) we will continue to do the work as we still have calls to visit congregations in Northern province and Luapula province

A Visit with Students

The school had an opportunity to travel to Chingola District on the Copperbelt Province with some students on 19th February, 2023. This visit was an invitation from the elders of Chiwempala church of Christ. They wanted us to go and see how our former students, Gershom Chansa and Lackson Mwangala are doing in their ministry there. Upon graduation, Gershom and Lackson were asked to go and work with Chiwempala by church leaders there. And when we visited, we were very happy to see and hear all the positive things that these two young men are doing. 

They have started raising broilers for business as they preach too. It is indeed encouraging to see young men like these so committed to preaching and teaching. Our students had enough time to teach the youths and move around for evangelism in a community, after a fellowship meal we drove back to Luanshya in the evening.

Mid-week worship service 

We as the school meet at Church of Christ in mikomfwa. This has encouraged even the regular members to attend these services. We have continued to do evangelism in Mikomfwa and strengthening members there; we hope and pray that the Church is going to have a different impact in a community there. We plan to have a gospel meeting at this place with all the Church of Christ in Luanshya soon. 

We continue to pray that we have a borehole soon at this place for extra activities for the Church and the community at Large.

The school bus

The acquiring of the school bus has undoubtedly made the operations of the school to be effective. The bus is not just carry supplies of the school. As mentioned earlier, it also carries students to do their assigned duties to various congregations.  On Wednesdays they attend mid-week worship services at Mikomfwa church of Christ. And every Sunday some of the students attend their worship Sunday services at Mikomfwa church of Christ on a rotational basis. We are now doing more programs of the school because we have transportation. We are truly grateful to God for such a tool!   

BVBI-Zambia Alumni

Very good and positive reports about our alumni have continued encouraging us. Simon Nkhazi now residing in Mtendere of Lusaka province, has continued to do evangelism while working as a primary health worker in the ministry of Healthy.

Arclay Kabbaya has continued to thank the School here in Luanshya because of the change he has continued to make in his life, his text message to the school said “thank you for great work you have done by teaching me Church development I really appreciate your effort may God continue blessing you more than you deserve from Arclay” while working as a preacher at Church of Christ in Siavonga, he is also involved in business to sustain his life and he is making good progress.

Conclusion

We continue to thank God for the work He is doing here through us. We are very grateful to Woodland Oaks church of Christ for the financial support  that is sent to us each month. And we also thank all our partners for prayers and every support given to us. We will forever remain grateful to all of you!

Brothery,

Cephas and Fred

Lima, Peru school receives a visit

Dear brothers,
Once again I have the pleasure of writing a few lines with the intention of updating you regarding the work at BVBI-PERU, wishing that each of your ministries be greatly blessed for the glory of our God.

After our last report, I want to tell you that we were blessed with the presence of the Director of International Studies, our brother Keith Kasarjian, on January 21-22. His visit has really been very productive. On Saturday the 21st we had the I Biblical Seminar. On this occasion who was in charge of the presentations was Keith with the theme of "The administration of finances", there were 4 very instructive presentations and they were very well received by the members of the different invited churches. This is setting a precedent for what will be our future annual seminars either with foreign or local speakers.

On Sunday the 22nd we visited four of our sister congregations in different parts of Lima (IDC Los Angeles (south), IDC America (south), IDC Santa Anita (center) and IDC Los Rosales (north). The intention has been both the communion and the publicity of BVBI-PERU among the members of these congregations. Many of the brothers had already had the opportunity to hear Keith preach and it was nice for them to see him again. Keith's presence has certainly given him an added impetus to the institute here in the country. As a result of Keith's presence we had around 80 people at the conference, 4 congregations visited and an increase in students in our last course.

In the month of January the course of "Acts of the Apostles" has been taught, the person in charge of this class has been brother Andrés Nuñez and we are currently about to conclude the course "A.T. 1- The Pentateuch” Juan Abanto. We currently have 9 students (4 of them are formal students and the others are taking the course freely; several brothers have expressed their interest in taking the classes freely due to the difficulty they have with their schedules, but expressing their sincere desire to keep learning.

As of March 11, the institute will be teaching two courses every Saturday for a period of two months, following the suggestions of our director, with the intention of continuing to make it easier for the brotherhood to take the courses according to their availability. The courses will be "A.T2- Historical Books" Juan Abanto and "The Life of Christ 2" Abraham Alata.

On the other hand, we are making preparations for the V Bible Conference scheduled for April 8 in the city of Ica. On this occasion, in response to the request of the brothers in this city, we have decided to decentralize a bit and present the conference from another country point. We hope this decision will be fruitful with a view to promoting the institute more and more. The exhibitors will be the active teachers and one of our graduate students. We hope that all efforts involved are only for the glory of God.

We will continue working both in instruction and in the search for more students to make the work of the Institute more effective and efficient. We ask for your prayers for everything we have been doing and what we want to achieve for the Lord. God bless you!