New graduates get to work saving souls in Tirupati, India

Reporting Letter for the month of April-2023

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray that this reporting letter finds you well. We take this opportunity to share our April-2023 Report.

Students:- By the grace of God all the students from BVBI-Tirupati, A.P , India have done a wonderful job in completing their course. We conducted our graduation ceremony on April 1st, 2023. . We share with you that all the students have moved to different places to spread the word of God ( 2 Timothy 2:2). We request you to pray for the students so that they may continue to sow the seed of God in the hearts of unsaved people.

New Batch:- We humbly inform you that in the month of June a new batch will begin their studies. BVBI has been permitted to recruit 20 students. We request your prayers for the new batch of students.

Teaching faculty:-  We appreciate our hard working teaching faculty for their hardship in using their time and energy to complete their syllabus which has been prescribed by BVBI. They have taken responsibility to guide and encourage the students as they have gone into the battlefields to win lost souls .

Conversions:- In the month of April 5 souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ. We request you to pray for these new souls so that they may grow in the image of His Son Jesus Christ.

Campaigning:- In the month of April we conducted a campaign at Aruru-Village on April 12th. It is 100 miles away from the BVBI-Tirupati.    We are happy to report that students and staff (about 30 people) visited this village and proclaimed the word of God. We had more than 250 people in attendance for the meeting.

Street meeting:- We conducted a street meeting at Kotara-Village on the evening of April 7th.  The entire village people was able to hear the gospel.

Benevolence:- Our BVBI students and staff were involved in the distribution of clothes to 30 widows who live in rural areas.

Gospel meetings :- In India there is hot summer in the month of May, but is the most comfortable month for evening gospel meetings . One of our students Mr.Yovel and his wife sister Sujatha invited BVBI staff and students  for the gospel meetings at their native place on 8th ,9th  and 10th ( at Karnool district which is 450KM away from Tirupati.) We request your prayers for the travel and meetings.  Another gospel meeting, Lord willing, BVBI staff and students may join for the success of the gospel meeting which will be held on May 12th and 13 th by our local church.

BVBI participation at Funeral service :-  Last Sunday after the service BVBI students and staff were able to participate at a funeral service at Poolthota-village and comfort the family members.

Youth meetings:- Lord willing on May 9th day time and 10th day time BVBI is planning to conduct a 2 day youth camp at Karnool district. We request your prayers.

We are ever grateful to you for the establishment of BVBI extension centre at Tirupati, A.P, India which is the  best platform to train the young people in India. We express our gratitude and thanks to you and all the prayer partners. We request your continual prayers.

Thanking you.

Yours brother in Christ.

B.Vijaya Kumar

Bear Valley Bible Institute enjoys a great reputation in Zambia

MARCH, 2023

 INTRODUCTION

We give glory and honor to God the father as we send this report for the activities here at BVBI-Zambia in the month of March. Our students continue to make good progress in their gaining knowledge of the kingdom of God. To Him is the glory forever and ever!!

The first quarter went so fast and we are in the second week of the second quarter. We have been trying to learn and know each of our students. It is indeed great to meet these men and to get to know them.   

BRIEF PROFILES OF OUR MARRIED STUDENTS (2023)

ARNOLD SILANGWA

Arnold Silangwa born on 11th May 1995 in the family of three, Arnold is the only male child. He has done business enterprenueship and community health work of which he has obtained a certificate; he also had the opportunity to study clinical medicine for one year. Arnold is also a qualified psychosocial counselor and has a certificate in the same field from one of the Universities.

Arnold got married in the year 2022 and has a daughter by the name of Eunice. He came to BVBI-Zambia from Mansa district of Luapula Province of Zambia. He is very studious and passionate in what he is doing. He wants to complete his studies and yearns to go back to Luapula and make a difference for God.  

OBED SILWIMBA

Obed Silwimba is a native of Luanshya, born on 30th October 1961. Obed obtained a blasting license in mining. He got married in 1985 to Charity Lwando and together they have four children. He is the oldest member of the student body. Each intake we have students like Obed. They are regarded by their fellow students as “headman” of the village. They begin their studies on a very low pace and eventually they progress steadily with the rest of the students. The first quarter that he has spent at BVBI-Zambia has started to refine his trajectory of his preaching life. He needs prayers and encouragement as he pursues this ambition.

LEVY SILUNGWE

Levy Silungwe was born on 1st June, 1999 at Mbala General Hospital in the Northern Province of Zambia. Levy completed his high school education at Mpulungu boarding School in 2018 and obtained a grade twelve certificate. He worked as untrained teacher at Monile Private School in Kabwe central province and at Mkushi college of Education respectively for one year and half. Levy loves sports for he played football for Zambia Air force (ZAF) in Mbala Northern province. Levy has also obtained a Certificate in sports Teacher course under Northern Star Academy.

He got married in June 2022 and together with his wife has a daughter. He is a member of the congregation that he helped to start. He is regarded as one of the upcoming leaders. The brief time that he has so far spent here has shown us that he is one of our best students. He loves the work of preaching and he looks forward to graduate after two year and go back and preach. 

SHORT COURSE

Brother Kennedy Mukuka taught Personal Evangelism 1, a course which has helped our students very much as we evangelizes. The next short course will be in May.

OUR EVANGELISM

We have had a good time in spreading the gospel in Luanshya district and outside Luanshya with our students, though certain circumstances have been difficult and stressful due to heavy rains we have experienced this year, we should say for sure that our evangelism has produced much fruit as far as extending the kingdom of God is concerned.

We have made home visits and most of Christians have been very complimentary of the visits. We extended our visitations in two hospitals and during our tour questions like: Who is hurting right now? Who seems to be slipping away spiritually? Who needs to know about Jesus? challenged us as we labor and had experienced them. In deed Jesus said that when we show loving concern for others we do it for Him.

BAPTISMS

Lovness, Lucia and Ired all of the Chisenga family were added to the Lord’s Church on 5th March. Richard, Silangwa and Ishmael were added to the Lord’s Church on 17th March. What a joyful sight to see souls saved, May these precious souls walk with God till death.

RESTORATIONS

We have recorded twelve (12) restorations in three districts on the Copperbelt province, from Chingola district four (4), Ndola district three (3) and Luanshya district Five (5). We have continued to do more in Evangelism by following our Master’s footsteps.    

NATIONAL YOUTH LECTURESHIP (2023)

The 2022 youth lectureship was conducted in Ndola, Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Bear Valley Bible Institute was recognized and was given time to introduce the school. The Dean of students, Cephas Mwamba ably outlined the purpose of why the school exists. He also appealed to those who would want to come and be trained to do so. Because BVBI-Zambia is the place to be! This year will not be different because the 2023 youth lectureship will be conducted in Kalomo, Southern Province of Zambia, and the same appeal will be done by the school. These events are very good platforms for advertising the school. The lectureship starts on 7th April, 2023 and ends on 9th April, 2023

CONCLUSION

We continue to be grateful to God for the privilege of helping these men prepare for the wonderful work of preaching. We are also thankful to Woodland Oaks church of Christ and all our partners in this noble work. May God richly bless all of you!

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred 

Cambodia students put their evangelism training into practice

We send our greetings to you all brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ! We give honor and glory to God who has given us this rare opportunity to work in His Kingdom. This is another good time to report what is happening at IBISR’s school SiemReap Cambodia during the month of March 2023. We really want to thank you for taking the time to read this report and look at these recent photos.

IBISR’s Academy:

Earlier this trimester, we completed the book of Prison Epistles, 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles.

Annual Seminar:

On the 8th of March, the IBISR has attended the secular workshop during the International Women’s Day (IWD) presented by my wife Ratana and myself.

It was a nice presentation and well prepared for maturing in our faith topic. This topic is absolutely beneficial for newly and the old baptized brethren. We had such a great fellowship with one another.

Application Week:

Since our students have finished some courses related to spreading the gospel to the world, it has been a couple of weeks that we have been working on the application of training our pupils to practice real evangelism by visiting our brethren in three different places. Each weekend,  Darat and I rotate in leading the students to share the words of God in three villages such as Ta Kamm, Sam Buor,  and Kouk Khnang villages.

A Weekly Virtual Chapel:

Every Friday, Wes Autrey, our coordinator, and his wife Teri Autrey give essential God’s truths in both male and female groups through virtual meetings. We are exceedingly respectful and grateful to them for dedicating a valuable moment to present God’s words through virtual meeting every Friday. From 9:30-10:00 A.M (Cambodian Time).

We always gather through an online meeting with our brothers, from Phnom Penh, Battambang, and Siem Reap every Wednesday. We rotate the teachers every week.

Piseth Rin and Darat Run. 

Co - Directors IBISR. 

A new congregation in Zimbabwe

MARCH 2023 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

Preachers are not trained in a day. Several building blocks are needed and are laid carefully till we get a quality and competent product. At the end of every month, we look back and see how far God would have taken us in this endeavor. It is our joy to report on the building blocks that we laid in the month of March. God’s favour has been upon BVBIZ and to this, we remain grateful as we do our part in the Kingdom. Furthermore, God continues to use several of you to get us this far. Because of your partnership and involvement, progress took place in several fronts as reported hereunder.

1.0 CURRICULUM UPDATE

As the terms draws to a close on the 5th of April, the following subjects were taught and completed successfully:

Wisdom Literature 1 (Job-Ecclesiastes)

Islamic Studies

1 & 2 Corinthians                         

Denominational Doctrines II

1- 2 Peter, and Jude

Research Methods

1 & 2 Timothy, 1-3 John                                                       

Greek I.

Examinations are currently in progress.  Classes for next term shall resume on the 25th of April.            

2.0 BOARD MEETING

The school board of Trustees held its meeting on site on the 11th of March 2023. The proceedings of the day started with a tour of the site in an effort to appraise themselves on the developments currently taking place on site including projects and infrastructure. Great appreciation to these members for their continued oversight of the school including its activities, finance and programs.

3.0 23 BAPTISMS, ANOTHER NEW CONGREGATION PLANTED

In February, BVBIZ assisted in the establishment of the Buhera congregation. Twenty-four (24) were baptized leading to the establishment of the congregation there. From the 13th-18th of March, the BVBIZ team consisting of students, teachers and 3 alumni members, that is, Brothers O.Kufa, Madamombe and Moyana, camped in the Chivi area in Masvingo, about 12km from Mashava in an effort to plant another congregation. Joining the team were Brothers I.Masvaya, D. Mugova and T.Chihanja all from Masvingo. The program consisted of evangelism during the day and then an evening service between 7-8pm.  The effort saw 23 souls being baptized during that week and a congregation subsequently established. This brings the total baptized within two months to 47 leading to the establishment of two new congregations. These two congregations brings to 14 congregations that the school has established since its establishment in 2016 with over 1300 conversions made.

4.0 NEW PUMP INSTALLED

The school encountered a problem down pump to its borehole. This had began to affect the new crops in the garden. However, great appreciation to brother Hailey Mlangeni of Partners for Africa for quickly chipping in by providing funds to acquire a new pump which has since been installed. Some crops had to be planted again whilst others picked up again when pumping of water started.

5.0 CROPS

Crops in the school garden picked up well in the month of March. Crops that had failed to do well due to water challenges were replaced. By the ending of March, the maize and water melon crops were germinating well. Tomatoes, potatoes and cabbages were also doing well. More cabbages and tomatoes were planted again in the month of March. BVBIZ runs these horticulture projects 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.

CONCLUSION

In March, lessons were conducted, conventions made, a congregation started among many other notables as reported above.  We always thank God who makes this possible and for many of you who empower BVBIZ to take another step by your encouragement, suggestions, financial and material support. To all who continue one way or another, to contribute to this work, thank you. Through you, God is glorified, workers developed and God’s kingdom expanded. May God bless you all. 

Lusaka receives guests

The courses covered in the first quarter of the year 2023 were 3 giving us a total 15 covered so far.

Month

Course

January 2023 - Book of Romans

February 2023 - Church Planting

March 2023 - Church History

About 12 students attended classes in the quarter under review

In respect of outreach programs

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 the 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.

Reaching out in Mombasa

Dear brethren, 

It is our pleasure to write to you, hoping that the good Lord has been with you all along. We thank God for His grace and for being faithful. 

It is also our pleasure to let you know that we began this quarter well. Paul began with the class of 1&2 Peter; John Kimani came in with the Book of Romans and now Francis has gone through Pastoral Epistles which are 1&2 Timothy and Titus. so far all is going on well.

The students are doing evangelism well since we began this year. We've had two baptisms through their efforts. Most of these students have prospects, and so we're encouraging them to follow up every prospect that they have. It is good to note that the teachers and a combining effort of the students helps to see to it that we evangelize together with them. we believe that by God's grace, we'll do more harvesting of the lost souls.

Students like Ishmaale Khadive, Anderson Guyo and Edward Ochieng are doing it great on the part of evangelism, and we thank God for their efforts and commitment to preach the Gospel.

We're engaging some preachers to Mikindani Church of Christ, whose preacher was transferred to Nairobi the company he's currently work for. We're sending some preachers to minister there, but Francis is taking care of the congregation by alternating between Jomvu Church of Christ and Mikindani Church of Christ. 

The next class will be the class of World Religions, and Paul will be teaching this Class. We hope that the students will enjoy it as they do to all other classes. we're pleased to teach generals who will conquer the world for Christ, and by faith, it will be done.

We thank you for your every support materially and spiritually. God bless you as you keep the Lord's work here in prayers.

Thank you.

Yours in Christ

Francis and Paul

Learning practical Christianity in Malawi

As a dress rehearsal of sorts, the youth competed in a mock Bible bowl against Dale. Every question came from Ephesians 4. Although they went neck-to-neck for awhile, the youth gradually pulled ahead as questions were taken from their weekly chapter questions that Dale was not privy to see.

Two weeks later, the youth tackled their own dads with questions coming from the entire book of Ephesians. With 9 weeks of preparation, the youth were more than ready. On the morning of the competition, one of the oldest youth was plagued with fever & fatigue due to malaria. Through the four rounds of competition, he helped his team to victory and took third place overall. The youth took 1st, 2nd & 3rd places: Alyssa, Moses, & Ganzan.

Make Me a Servant

...Lord, make me like You. For you are a servant, make me one too.

In the women’s program, we have been studying how to become servants for the past eight weeks. At the beginning of each class, we try to sing the referenced song that I translated into Chichewa.

Malawian moms are diligent to take their young children to the equivalent of wellness checks. Springboarding off that concept, each of us completed a spiritual wellness check to see how we are coming along as Christians [ie took temperatures (hot, cold, lukewarm), checked attitudes, considered our walk (mobility check), evaluated our spiritual age (milk or meat), and performed home inspections].

Next, we considered what servants look like and how to start thinking like a servant. This is where we noticed that being a bondservant of Christ is not something we do but who we are.

In Week #3, we went a little deeper into the heart. Having the heart of a servant included being in fellowship with God and loving our brother/sister as the two go hand-in-hand.

At the halfway point, we stopped and spent an entire class applying what we had learned so far. We played a game that taught us that by listening carefully to what others say about themselves, their families, where they came from, etc, we can learn how better to serve them.

As soon as we start serving, we must also start renewing. We carefully studied the book of II Thessalonians to see why the church in Thessalonica needed the encouragement “to not grow weary and lose heart” found in 3:13 and how Paul, Silvanus, & Timothy encouraged them.

In Week #6, we looked at ways to continue growing in faith and how to keep our cups full.

Finally, we concluded with the ultimate servant: Jesus Christ. We began with His superiority and then took a closer look at who He served, why He served, and where He could/could not serve. 

Let the Show Begin...

As a grand finale to the “Make Me a Servant” class and as the students are going home on break next week, Alyssa and two of our workers put on a puppet show for everyone on campus.

The puppet script based on a children’s story book illustrated that some people may applaud the changes they see in us, compliment the lessons we teach, or give us praise for spiritual growth. Other people may lavish us with criticism, make comparisons between us and others, or remind us of our mistakes or who we used to be. Both can be distractions as we should only care about what Jesus thinks about us.

The Dunbel Glaston Family

Dunbel was born in 1970 in the Dowa district of Malawi. Thokozily was born in 1978 in the Nkhotakota region. He married Thokozily in 1998. They have 7 children ranging in age from 24 to 1. Currently, they are also caring for their granddaughter for a few months while her mother is moving. Dunbel was baptized in 1993 and Thokozily was baptized in 1998. Interestingly, she was converted by her husband. 

Before coming to Lilongwe, Dunbel and his family were living in Phwamphwa, a small village east of Rumphi. He worked with his sons as a goat butcher. Dunbel  had almost 30 years of preaching experience preaching before coming to school. However, he wants to get an education in Bible to become a better preacher. 

Between the 8 students who are enrolled, Dunbel is by far the most passionate speaker we have. He is not afraid to raise his voice and drive home that point. He is also an older man who wants to be molded to become a better worker for the Lord. Thokozily is a very concerned about the souls of her children and the influence the world is having upon them. She deeply desires for all of her children to get that crown of life in the end. Please pray for this dedicated family as they work hard to become more knowledgable workers in God’s kingdom.

A new batch of students in Uganda

With great pleasure take this opportunity to greet you all brethren in the name of our dear Lord Jesus Christ. I always call it a privilege to have this communication passed on to you. 

Last month ended very well having had our students all together taking in the cold environment of the Entebbe area. Men are showing a heart of hard working and steadiness.  

Many of them thought we were going to begin from the book of Genesis, we read it and go to that of Exodus on and on. This created a smile on my face on how they thought how easy things were and very ready to finish in just the shortest time. But all in all men are ok only that two got sick and were treated.  They are continuing with classes as usual. 

And on additional to that, water is scarcity.  Now that students are many, the utilization of water is too high. That is a big challenge to us beginning from last intake. 

The 7th year in Fiji has begun

Our Seventh School Year Has Begun!

It is so exciting to be back in school! On February 20, we kicked off our seventh school year for the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa. Currently, we have three full-time students enrolled in the program. Tuisamoa Papamau and John Nakabea are returning students. We have added Peter Lanyon. We expect all of these students to continue the excellent standard of past graduates of BIR. 

So far this year, we have completed four courses. We currently operate on a three-week rotation schedule. We teach two courses at a time for three weeks – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each class involves 30 hours of in-class time. To date, I have taught two courses: Language Skills and Research (which focuses on some foundational principles like outlining, using library resources, and using digital resources for ministry) and Homiletics 1 (which focuses on how to develop sermons and preach). Brother Emosi has taught a text course on Life of Christ 2: Mark and Bobby Whippy has taught a text course on Prison Epistles. Next week, we will begin our next two courses with me teaching Intertestamental Period and Emosi teaching 1-2 Peter and Jude. 

In addition to our full-time program, our Monday night program has started back up a couple of weeks ago. That program continues to be run by brother Emosi Sailo. Currently, Emosi is teaching a course on the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy). There are seven students taking that course, including a couple of new students who have never attended the night program! 

On a more disappointing note, this year we were supposed to have had an international student join us from Pohnpei, Micronesia. The missionary in Pohnpei had been working with us for months to get a student to our program. Unfortunately, all of the travel arrangements fell apart at the last minute. There is no direct route from Pohnpei to Fiji, so travel between the two nations requires multiple layovers in various island nations. The problems began about a week and half before the student was schedule to leave for Fiji when Australia approved the student’s transit visa to travel through Australia but denied visas for his two young children without providing any reason for the rejection. After several days of trying without success to find answers, the missionary looked into alternative routes.

Ultimately, he was able to find an alternative flight route that bypassed Australia. Everything seemed fine until the night before the flight, when the missionary received an email from the airline informing him that one of the destinations had just passed a regulation a couple of weeks before requiring all transit passengers (even those who are not leaving the airport) over the age of 5 to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. While the parents were vaccinated, the young children were not. It would have taken three or more months to meet the requirement. After scrambling at the last minute, it was decided that there was no feasible way for the family to get to Fiji to attend the school. We are so grateful for those who worked so hard to try to make this happen, and we are sorry that it did not work out. However, we remain confident that God is wiser than man, and we trust that there was a reason things did not work out. 

Visiting BIR Teacher

Over the last three weeks, we were blessed to have Bobby Whippy visiting with the school. Bobby received his training attending a school in New Zealand for three years. Dad has known Bobby since he was teenager, and he first introduced me to Bobby more than eight years ago. During all of that time, Bobby has always shown himself to be a dedicated servant of the Lord. Dad had originally invited Bobby to come teach a course in 2021. Unfortunately, that trip was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. When the health issues came up with Mom, we were glad to invite Bobby to come and teach the course he was originally scheduled to teach two years ago. While here, Bobby taught a course on The Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). Bobby did a great job teaching for us!

A Special Note to Brag on Our Students

I want to take a moment to talk about the quality of our students. Over the past few weeks, I have been reminded about just how special our students are. This year, Brother Tui has volunteered to oversee the Sunday youth class and the youth activities for the year at the Raiwaqa congregation. In addition to that, he regularly leads singing on Sunday morning, is a part of the preaching rotation, and teaches a Wednesday night singing class once a month. Before Covid, Brother John had never preached or taught a Bible class. He is now a part of the regular preaching rotation, often volunteers to teach the adult Bible classes (which are done on weekly volunteer basis for Sundays and monthly for Wednesday nights), and helps with counting and recording the contribution each Sunday. This week, we are on a school break. When I drove past the church building on Monday, John was using his free time building benches because we are short on seating space. Brother Peter is currently attending one of the other congregations in the area, but on Sunday night he accepted an invite from the elders at Raiwaqa to come as a guest preacher. 

I was recently surprised to learn that not one of our current students have completed a high school education (which is not uncommon for men in Fiji). Yet they continue to work hard at their studies while becoming more and more involved in the work of the church. Truthfully, they are some of the most active members in their congregations. The school is making a big difference in their lives, and we can see the real growth taking place in their preaching, teaching, and Christian service. 

Nigerian schools work through tumultuous times in their government

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – WARRI CENTERS

JANUARY –MARCH 2023

INTRODUCTION

This is another opportunity for us to express our profound gratitude to God Almighty for His graciousness toward us. The gospel work is growing and the current awareness is permeating the fabrics of the Nigerian space. The Bear Valley Family and her excellent workers are reaching out and are getting more courageous in disseminating the Word into hinterlands. Our gratitude again, goes to the Bear Valley Family in Denver USA for their unflinching support. We pray for all those working hard in this partnership as well as our support groups that God continues to keep us strong as we carry on the gospel work.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

DSC CENTER

Studies started in high spirit at the DSC center of the school. Godwin Ojocheogwu discussed the book of Galatians. The book of Galatians emphasized that Christians are justified by faith and not by the works of the law (Circumcision, Sabbath, animal sacrifice etc) as meritorious works. A total of twenty-one (21) students wrote the exams.

In the month of February, Solomon Usim, taught Church History. The study emphasized the prophecy of the departure from the New Testament teaching as well as the persecution that lasted through the first three centuries. The study concluded with the history of restoration. A total of eighteen (18) students sat for the exams.

In the month of March, Abiola Vincent Ojoade taught the course, The Life of Christ III. In the study, Luke presented Jesus as the Son of Man, who came to seek and save the lost. A total of twenty (20) students sat for the exams.

PTI CENTER

The PTI Center resumed studies in January and Solomon Usim taught the course Christian Evidence. The course had a great impact on the students as many of them found new reasons to believe in the existence of God. The study material was elaborate and strengthened the faith of both the students and the instructor. A total of eleven (11) students sat for the course.

In the month of February, Meredith Ovwromoh, handled the course 1st and 2nd Peter and Jude at the PTI center. The General Epistle was written to strengthen the faith of Christians under persecution elucidating the dramas that comes with living a Christian life and the reward that awaits those who will stand firm till the end. Twelve (12) students wrote the exams.

Moreover, in the month of March, Solomon Usim, taught the course Homiletics. The course focused on sermon preparation delivery. It helped the students understand that in sermon delivery, they must not just be prepared but it must be manifestly and undoubted be clear that they have been prepared during the delivery. Further, the course insisted that preachers must preach the word in season and out of season. Finally, we must stay with the Scripture in the preparation and delivery of sermons. A total of twelve (12) sat for the exams.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM

On the 18th of February 2023, one of the Bear Valley students, Michael Itenegbedia, preaching for the church of Christ 4, Ejemuderoke Street, Off PTI Road Effrune, Delta State, invited the students for a one-day door to door evangelism. The students came out in their numbers and evangelized mainly, Ovie Palace Road and its environs. The evangelism yielded two baptisms. The Bear Valley Evangelism programme has revived evangelism especially in my own congregation, the Church of Christ Okoh. The revival has led to baptisms to the glory of God’s name

CHALLENGES

The first quarter of 2023 has been one of a kind. The Nigerian experience has really been a difficult one. We started the year with the news of a new monetary policy aimed at creating a cashless economy or recouping monies that were not in circulation and were not in the banks. It was that so much money was hidden by citizens in various secret vaults. Deadlines were given by the Nigerian government, requiring every citizen to take their monies to the banks. After the monies were deposited, the new naira notes were not given out by the banks, thereby creating a cash crunch. This created a terrible situation for the country such that there was no cash to buy or sell and bank transfers were so poor. Petrol scarcity exacerbated the already existing epileptic power supply. The effect of all these were that Bear Valley students paid more to get to school, that is, for those dedicated ones, while some could not attend for the same reason. The election created a tense situation for all. Thanks be to God that we navigated through all that and are recovering gradually. We solicit your prayers for a better Nigeria.

BREAKDOWN OF THE FIRST QUARTER’S EVENTS

1.     Number of Students- forty-seven (47)

2.     Number of Campaigns held by students/teachers this quarter- one (1)

3.     Number of Baptisms from Evangelical work by students/teachers this year- twenty-one (21)

4.     Number of New Congregation Planted-None

5.     How many Teachers are in the school? Four (4)

6.     Number of Churches Restored-None

CONCLUSION

The first quarter has indeed been fruitful. We pray for more grace and support as we navigate through the second quarter. We pray that God guides and protects all our support groups and our coordinators who travelled to oversee the works over here and in different countries of the world.

Doing good in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Ekwendeni – Malawi

March Report – 2023

Introduction

March has ended with both good and sad news! But if we summarize all, the name of the Lord is always PRAISED! March took us to the end of the second month since we started our classes this year of 2023. Many things have been accomplished such that 6 courses have been finished. We have received news from some of our former students that 13 souls have been added to the church and also 13 more souls restored.

The sad news is about deaths; we have had heavy rains in different districts of the southern part of Malawi where 10 districts were affected with the floods. Two of our students are from the south and one has lost his biological brother and the other one lost his father. It is sad news! Below is the detailed report.

Teaching

As we are in the middle of our classes, a lot of work has already been done. We have had short course teachers who come to help us and with our full time teachers six courses have been accomplished in just a period of 2 month.  Now the Pentateuch II is in progress. We are thankful for the zeal of the teachers who are committed to doing this noble work of training men to be faithful preachers of the true gospel of Christ – 2 Timothy 2:2.

Cyclone

We have had heavy rains in some of the 10 districts of Malawi in the southern region of our country. These rains were due to the so-called “Cyclone Freddy”. This caused rivers to flood, houses destroyed, people and animals killed and crops being taken away leaving people with no hope for food and shelter. The very sad news is the loss of lives! Lot of brothers and sisters in Christ are also homeless and grieving for their loved ones who died and some still missing up to date. We have our 2 students who lost their relatives. One lost his brother and another lost his father. But looking to who sends the rains, we always say PRAISE GOD! We cannot blame God for the rains. We have a saying "Whatever comes from heaven has no case to answer”! We thank God in everything.

Good News!

As it is always good to share the good news, we have had reports from some of our former students who like to share with us the reports of the work they are doing. This time we had reports from 4 of them. Brother Shadreck from Pharombe reported that 1 souls saved and 2 more souls restored; Brother Mateyo from Kasungu reported that 2 souls saved and 7 more restored; Brother Takesure reported that 8 souls saved and 4 more restored and also Brother Saliwa reported 2 souls saved! Which means 13 souls in total have been baptized and 13 souls restored! Keep the newborn babies in Christ in your daily prayers that they grow.

We are thankful to BVBI International and the Hillcrest brethren for their continued support! God bless you all!

Your fellow workers for Christ;

Ephron and Clergynton

Graduation upcoming in Port Harcourt

FIRST QUARTER 2023 PROGRESS REPORT FROM BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE RIVERS STATE NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA 

2023 is a remarkable year for us at Bear Valley Bible Institute in Rivers State Nigeria. We are preparing for the graduation of 35 students from our two centers in July 29th, 2023. The graduation ceremony is going to be our first graduation ceremony and so, we are working hard to make the event great and successful.

ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS AND ADMISSIONS OF NEW STUDENTS AT OUR TWO CENTERS

On January 2023, we began the entrance examinations and new admissions process into our two study centers.  We conducted the entrance examinations in three locations with the hope to begin a third center in Rivers state. On February 2023, we admitted 11 new students in Port Harcourt center and 9 new students in Ahoada center. We got 16 prospective students at a new location which is far away from the locations of the existing two centers.  We are requesting for the approval of the third center in Rivers State to enable more people to be trained in the school.

FOUR WEEKS PRACTICAL FIELD WORK BY THE OUTGOING STUDENTS

At the end of January 2023, we concluded the last course with the outgoing students and on the second week of February 2023, we sent them out for the 4 weeks practical field work while the lectures continues   with the remaining students and the newly admitted students in our two centers.

As at the time of writing this report, we are still gathering the field work reports from our students that went to various congregations within and outside Rivers state for the field work. Nevertheless, we had gotten the report that our students had recorded 9 baptisms and 5 restorations. Two of our outgoing students had received employments letters to work with two congregations in Rivers state Nigeria and some other outgoing students had received invitations for interview in some congregations within and outside the State. We are happy that the students we trained are being accepted everywhere they go. We are also happy that we have not heard of any misconducts of any kind from the students we trained. We give God all the glory and we appreciate Bear Valley Bible Institute International for the great support.

Reports from:

Anthony Ejike Oluria,

Director BVBI Rivers state Nigeria, West Africa

Mourning losses in Guinea

Hello brethren.

Hope you all are doing well. Here is the report of activity for the month of March 2023.

Introduction

Every day that God makes is an opportune day for us to do His work. We are sharing with you what has occupied us during the 31 days of March 2023 in the vast field of the Lord. The activities took place as follows:

I - Teaching

In this month of March 2023, the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea taught 3 lessons to edify the students, so that they are able to function in the required capacity of evangelistic mission for the salvation of the world.

The lessons taught were the following:

1-  1 Corinthians by Antoine Fassa TOLNO

2- The Gospel according to Mark by Niouma 2 KAMANO

3 - The Poetic books by Balla KAMANO

Il - Evangelistic campaign

To put into practice the biblical theories learned in class, we started the evangelistic campaign on March 28, 2023 which should extend until April 5, 2023. We have video projections in the evenings followed by preaching the following day.

The days are being dedicated to a door to door evangelism and with the support of the Holy Spirit of God, a total of 14 people thus far have obeyed the gospel having been baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.

III- Construction .

Before the heavy rains started, five local congregations seize the opportunity offered and started to build their worship halls. But due to some difficulties, only one congregation among 5, the assembly at Fouedou was able to reach the level of roofing in March to benefit the required assistance.

IV- Black page

The experience of life shows that there is not only happiness or good things and events that happen, but that man some times expect the undesired surprise. Job had answered his wife by the question "...Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" - Job 2:10.

Indeed if last month, February 2023 left us with a smile and gladness in our hearts, then the month of March 2023 surprised us with sad news that brought down our joy.

Firstly, on March 01, 2023 we learned of the death of brother, Emmanuel Foko who was the Assistant Director of Sunset Bible lnstitute in Koindou, Sierra Leone.

Secondly on March 03, 2023 we were shocked by the cruel death of Tamba Emmanuel KAMANO in Gueckedou, Guinea.

He was an instructor at Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou, Guinea

Subsequently, Abel Lelano, one of the graduates of the 2nd class, was severely hit by a vehicle. He was in coma for 7 days in the hospital at Gueckedou before he was evacuated to a special hospital in Zao, N'Zerekore. We thank God for his case, because he is recovering little by little.

V- Suggestions and recommendation

We want  to take advantage of this report to ask all people of good will to take a positive look for possible support at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou. The reason is that we are in a favorable area for the gospel of the Lord.

We ask all the brothers and the sisters to pray for brother Abel Lelano who is till sick.

Conclusion.

In the image of all that precedes, we thank God for having kept us alive to do his work.

We thank Bear Valley International in general for their incessant spiritual, moral, financial and material support and in particular we thank our tireless coordinator Steven Ashcraft for the strategic management of the school.

We also thank the one who is financially assisting the construction of the houses of worship in Gueckedou.

Finally, we thank all those who contribute in any way to the development of the Lord's church in Guinea.

May God render to each one according to his works.

Amen.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Persisting through challenges

Happy Lord’s day brethren, I greet you all in Christ Jesus. I am so delighted with humility to report to you about Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Taraba State, Nigeria. The first quarter of this year was full of challenges. First of all was the naira crunch which affected our evangelism outings because it was almost impossible sometimes to access the bank notes for payment of transportation. There was also acute shortage premium motor spirit (PMS) which complicated issues. Notwithstanding, by God grace, we are able to scale through. Our classes were also distracted by election schedules but, we also rescheduled and also fixed classes on Fridays.

We began our second year in January with ten students in the classroom but ended up with 15 for the quarter. Brother A. Terkule JNR took the students on The Life of Christ (Mark) while brother Bala Egbwakoteh taught Wisdom Literature, 1st/2nd  Peter and the book of Jude.

During evangelism under the period review, 48 studies were conducted involving 89 persons, 12 studies were dropped and 36 are hopeful to be continued. We recorded one baptism. Our first campaign for Christ for this year is scheduled for April at Yola town. We are soliciting for your prayers as we are hoping to revive the church that meets at the army barracks. The church had internal conflict and the brethren scattered leaving only one family worshipping.

We have also received funds for this year budget and that of the first quarter has been expended. We are also in need of printed evangelism materials that we can handout to our prospects that can study on their own. We are also happy to inform you that our students teach and preach every Sunday in various congregations in and around Jalingo city.

Our plan for the second quarter is to start a congregation in Kusuwan-Ladi village where a brother just relocated for farming business. He has invited the school to come and help him work to establish a church there.

Thank you for the love you have for God and the work here in northern Nigeria.

Yours fellow servant,

Madaki I. Elkanah

(Local Director)

A new school in the country of Chad

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE MOUNDOU-CHAD

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2023.

 Mr. Coordinator,

If we consider March 27 as the date of the start of the academic year, then our activities have lasted five weeks. If we consider March 13, the date of the new system, the start date, then we have totaled three weeks of lessons. 

 We can say this:

 OUR ACTIVITIES

1. The instructors have zeal for teaching.

2. The students participate well in class, despite the slowness of some who have been out of school for some time.

3. We had two, weekend evangelistic outings in the city. They were held on March 18thand March 25th. We were satisfied with the welcome given to our evangelization teams by the surrounding population.

We also had an out-of-town evangelism outing.  Four students participated in this outing from March 17 to 19, 2023. Two students joined the brothers of the church and went 87 km from Moundou. On this occasion, God added 10 souls to the church. Two others went to the village of one of our students. They went door to door. They had no baptisms but the gospel was presented by them.

HEALTH

Having changed environments and food systems, some students had health problems. These different cases of illness were managed by the center's pharmacy fund and by the service of one of our students, brother MIANHOUNOUM CLOTAIRE, who is a Technical Health Officer. We glorify God for that.

MY REMARKS

As for the starting of the school, we can say that everything is fine. Our first challenge is light. We believe that the central solar installation system can remedy the electricity problem.

May God bless you in Jesus Christ!

Your brother,

Datoudji

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