Evangelism efforts have great results in Tamale, Ghana

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA

MAY 2023 OPERATING REPORT

It is by the grace of God that we are not consumed. We give Him the glory for His grace upon our lives. May His name be praised now and forever.

LECTURES AND ACADEMIC WORK

Four courses were taught successfully in the month of May, 2023. These courses are Godhead, Christian Evidence, Life of Christ 1 and Homiletics 1. Brother James Legend taught Godhead, Ernest Adjani handled Christian Evidence, Life of Christ 1, Albert Tamanja Malir and Isaac Akumoliga taught Homiletic 1 respectively. God be praised for the lives of these Brethren.

TREES IN THE COMPOUND

We wish to celebrate Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi, the Coordinator for Bear Valley School in Ghana for his efforts in helping to plant different kinds of useful trees in the compound of the school. We have started benefitting from these trees.  Four of the Mangoes planted by him have started bearing fruit. In the month of May, we had a bountiful harvest of Mangoes that brought smiles to the faces of students and all inhabitants in the compound. We Thank the Lord for that.

EVANGELISM WORK

We wish to give God the honor for the gradual successes we are making in our evangelistic efforts in Tamale Township. Due to the collective efforts of the staff of Bear Valley Tamale, a founder of a denominational Church (Jesus Revelation Ministry) was converted into the Lord’s Church. His name is Emmanuel Yobe Kombat. Efforts have been made after his conversion to help convert the rest of his followers for Christ. He is very cooperative and submissive. He has also picked up form to join the preaching school in Tamale. We wish to thank God for the life of our Director, Daniel Adjei Mensah who has taken up the responsibility to study with the followers of Brother Emmanuel Yobe Kombat. We believe the Lord will surely help us together with the efforts of Brother Emmanuel himself to convert these prospects into the Lord’s Church.  

REPAIR OF WATER PUMPING MACHINE

The water pumping machine that help us pump water into our tanks for usage broke down towards the ending of April 2023. Efforts to get it fixed were not possible. We thank God that our able regional coordinator, Steven Ashcraft gave us the go ahead to purchase a new and an advanced one to help us continue to supply water for the school and the community as well. We wish to praise the Lord for all who in diverse ways makes things work successfully for us in our efforts to serve our make in this deprive part of Ghana. God richly bless you all.

We will continue to pray with you all as you pray with us.

The Lord blesses us all,

Bear Valley, Tamale.

Owerri, Nigeria students making a difference in the Lord's church

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA, OWERRI CENTER REPORT APRIL -JUNE 2023

It is with gratitude to God that we are privileged to be found useful in the  service of helping to mold great men for the service of God and humanity. 

We encountered several challenges this quater ranging from security to economic challenges but it didn't deter us in our resolve to  be consistent in our efforts to maintain  high standard in making sure we produce disciplined and productive  Bible teachers.

It is unfortunate that 3 of our students have been out of class since this quater, one had domestic accident that led to fracture, the second one is suffering from partial stroke while the third is suffering from unconfirmed ailment as the cause of the sickness is yet to be ascertained after going for several medical tests.  We keep praying for them for God's healing mercies.

Due to prevailing security situation, we still have lessons sometimes weekdays and Sunday evenings depending on situation on ground. Not minding the challenges now, the students are dedicated and in high spirit.

Presently we have 12 students. Although the high cost of petrol and its scarcity in the country is taking its toll on the students as the cost of transportation has skyrocketed they still attend lectures. So far we have concluded course 116 and the students are doing well. Next month we will commence with course 117

EVANGELISM 

Based on our  discovery of disunity and lack of love and cooperation among preachers and congregations here in Imo State which is occasioned by lack of well trained teachers, preachers and leaders in congregations which have adversely affected evangelism, we visited several places last quater to see how we can foster unity among brethren and congregations,  the visits yeilded results às we hosted the first preachers and church leaders Bible summit in May  with the Theme:- PROTECTING THE CHURCH FROM DESTRUCTIVE ELEMENTS.  This being  the first in  series of seminars, workshops, lectureships and gospel meetings that we are  embarking  on. This is because when you go and evangelise and win souls into disunited congregations, the convert will leave.

Also we are happy to inform you that the school played a very vital role in restoring peace in Umueze Mbutu congregation which had  crisis between the preacher and two factions in the church leading to non members coming to mediate. To the glory of God sanity has been restored and the preacher and few others in the congregation will soon be our students as they promised.

We have also started arrangements for our anniversary lectureships which we intend hosting God willing from 29th September to October 1st. We are still working on how to be of help to  brethren from far   locations from owerri city requesting if arrangements can be made to come to their locations and give them lectures, this solely depends on the number of interested students. 

INSTRUCTORS

One of our instructors dropped due to circumstances he didn't reveal to us,  we had to quickly get a replacement in the person of OGBONNA ONYEKACHI VINCENT, a graduate of School of Biblical Studies, Jos who is highly cerebral and dedicated 

We still remain eternally grateful to God,  the parent body and the school authorities for giving us the privilege of having a study center in Owerri Imo  state.

We will continue to create  awareness as we have started advertising for new admissions. 

 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

Gueckedou, Guinea school mourns the death of a student

Greetings from the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea.

Please receive our Activity report, June 2023.

Introduction:

Every day that God permits for us is an opportunity to do His work for the conversion of lost souls to Christ in His eternal kingdom. As we work with Bear Valley International, our strategic partner, it is our duty to report to here the result of all activities of the month as follows.

I-Teaching:

This activity consists of entrusting the word of God to students in the hope that they will be able to pass it on to others for their edification leading to salvation.

Indeed, 3 subjects were taught in June namely:

1-Homilitics 2 by Niouma 2 Kamano

2-Gospel according to John  by Fara François Tenguiano

3- Books of the Major Prophets by Antoine Fassa Tolno

Due to their volume, 1/3 of the days in June were devoted to teaching the books of the major prophets.

Il-Evangelism:

Our primary objective is to redeem lost souls from Satan's yoke and to lead them to eternal freedom in Christ. In this spiritual battle during the month under review, 25 people were saved after being baptized in obedience to Christ our Lord and Savior in the congregations of Gbolonin, Yabema and Kendessoua.

Thanks to the Holy Spirit who helped to convince the sinners and to achieve these results.

III-Construction:

Two congregations have reached wall hight with their worship hall construction work and have received financial assistance for roofing. These are, Kendessoua and Kölöadou.

The rainy season which is now in full swing has slowed the work, but not stopped it.

IV-Black page:

We regret to announce the death of brother Antoine Tolno, one of our current students at the Bible Institute. He was born in 1985, a father of 2 children who fell sick and had left us on the 2nd of June 2023 to undergo treatment in his village. In less than 2 weeks later on the 11th of the same month, his family called to inform us of his death. Indeed, we have lost a brillant student. With the financial assistance of our coordinator Steven Ashcraft, the administrative staff, his fellow students and some church members travelled to Kolibada Tolo, his native village 35 km from Gueckedou town, for the funeral. Although he died young, we are happy that he was in the Lord which gives us hope that the soul of our brother will rest in peace. Amen

V-Documentation:

It is with great pleasure to inform you that we have safely received the study materials sent by French World Outreach /Barry Baggott, Mission Printing and other brothers in Christ residing in the US. We assure you that these documents will be put to good use for study, evangelism and edification. May God bless you abundantly in the Lord for all your efforts to build up the Church in Guinea.

Conclusion:

We bless God for His grace to give us life, health and to do his work.

Next, we sincerely thank Bear Valley International for their unceasing spiritual, moral, especially financial and material support in the growth of the Lord's Church in Gueckedou and elsewhere.

We especially thank our coordinator, Steven Ashcraft, for his sacrifice of time, materials and finances in God's work in Guinea.

We also thank Barry Baggott, Karen Ashcraft and other brothers in Christ who have sent us teaching, evangelism and edification materials.

In short, we thank all those who contribute to the flourishing of the church of Christ in Guinea.

May God bless each one according to his or her good works.

Amen.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Benin, Nigeria school is busy evangelizing

I am excited to present the quarterly report from Benin Schools, for the second quarter of the year 2023. The quarter is blessed with many spiritual and academic exercises that have inspired the students and the instructors and have ignited the fire in the churches in Benin City and its environs towards evangelizing the lost world.

We have successfully studied Homiletics, the Life of Christ and Research Methodology for the quarter. The instructors, Brothers Andrew Osato, Enne Everest and Dunia Christopher are dedicated to the business of impacting the students with the requisite knowledge to the standard of the international schools.These three courses are viewed by the students as the nucleus of their studies. Research method exposes the students to better methods of gathering, storing and disseminating data in regards to glorify Christ and his Church. The Life of Christ has helped to broaden the horizon of the students exposing them to things they never knew before and Homiletics has helped in turning around the pulpit the right side up in all the congregation where their members are our students.I have receive calls from some congregations appreciating Bear Valley Bible Institute for the great job.

On April 29th 2023, the instructors and the students stormed the church of Christ, Iguosa on a one day crusade for Christ from 8am till 4pm. We had between thirty-eight and forty-two attendees from the two schools including the three instructors on a hired Bus. Although no baptisms were recorded on this day, we gathered that the congregation received lots of visitors the following Sunday and the membership are following up with visitors.

On May 19th 2023, we were elated to have an August visitor in the person of our amiable international director, Brother Keith Kasarjian. Brother Keith’s visit was timely as he took time to orientate all the students, who had wrong concept of the modus operandi of the school mission and vision. He encouraged all present to be hard working because it pays in the long run. On Sunday the 20th of May, Brother Keith taught the Sunday school and placed the entire congregation in the right frame of mind to be joyous as Christians in the midst of a decayed world in its facets taking his text from the book of Philippians 4. God bless brother keith for all the sacrifices. On his way from Warri, Delta State to Benin City, he was held in traffic jam for about four hours in hunger and thirst. May his labour in the Lord not be in vain in Jesus Christ. God bless the entire Bear Valley family. We appreciate your support.

Yours in Christ,

Dunia Christopher For Bear Valley Bible Institute,Benin City, Nigeria.

Great progress in Lilongwe!

Here in Lilongwe, the month of May was busy and full of excitement. As always, there were classes, students encouraging one another, and plenty of hard work. But, this month was special. It was the first time in 10 years that both the Kastners and the Mayfields were in Malawi. 

Daniel Mayfield, a classmate from Bear Valley, accompanied Leann and I on a survey trip 10 years ago when we came to Malawi. At that time, Daniel was engaged to Miranda who is now his wife. Daniel and Miranda are now working in Kingfisher, Oklahoma and have three lovely children. Don Garms, who is a deacon in Kingfisher came with Daniel to help out wherever he could on campus.

Daniel did an amazing job teaching the book of Romans. His deep knowledge of the book as well as his endless energy showed through in his teaching. He exegeted many passages which helped the students know how to apply the principles they learned early in their education. Daniel spent many hours discussing the major themes of the book as well as some of the hard spiritual concepts. Even after Daniel had left for northern Malawi, the students were still talking about how much they had learned from Daniel. 

In addition to teaching, Daniel connected with the students on a personal level. After class, he would change clothes and go play soccer with the guys. One afternoon, he went on a run with several of them. It was a blessing to have a man who can connect with the students on a spiritual level as well as a personal level. 

While Daniel was teaching, Don and I took some time to catch up on some projects around the campus and the church. We spent three days painting my house. It was one of those things that was important but not urgent. Having an encouraging man like Don come just to work was what I needed to get it finished. After painting the house, we went to the church building and made the provisions in the brick wall to hang the doors. From talking to Don I could tell he had experienced a lot of things in his life. But hanging a door on a mud-brick building was a new one for him. He later said that he had been very blessed from the experience. Have no doubt, Don was not the only one blessed from his time here. Daniel was right when he said Don was a true Barnabas. 

Two weeks after Daniel and Don left, the students and I gathered up the needed supplies and headed to the church. In a matter of a few hours, we had hung the homemade doors, patched a few holes in the wall, and plastered the pulpit with cement. It was eye opening to see some of the students who are quiet and reserved in class shine brightly in a different environment. I could not ask for a better bunch of guys to start this school off. Please continue to pray this Bear Valley effort. 

In Him,

Dale Kastner

Sustainability in Zimbabwe

MAY 2023 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The month of May was a packed one in terms of activities at BVBIZ. Several developments both in classes and outside the classroom were noted. Besides classes that went on well, training of students in life survival skills and development of the school’s projects base took center stage in the month. These and more are reported below;

1.0 TRAINING

BVBIZ aims to be a college of excellence that produces holistically empowered, highly qualified and competent servants of God through a robust training and development program relevant to the community we are operating in. To achieve this, the school continues to inculcate life survival skills in students. Training of students in a number of areas have been a regular feature in the school’s curriculum as we continue to prepare them for life after school. Some of these are reported hereunder;

1.1 ROAD RUNNER AND GOAT PRODUCTION TRAINING

BVBIZ was privileged to have Brother Tatenda Tizora facilitating a workshop on the 1st to the 3rd of May tagged the One Cock Project geared towards the profitable production of free range (road runner projects). The workshop also dedicated time on goat production.  Students, BVBIZ staff and some members of the community attended this workshop. It remains a talk in both the school and community.

1.2 SUSTAINABLE GARDENS TRAINING WORKSHOP

From the 15th to the 17th of May, BVBIZ hosted a Sustainable Gardening Workshop facilitated by Healing Hands International. The workshop benefited both the students and the community. The workshop came with several lessons ranging from composite making, use of drip system, preparation of beds, planting, disease control, and marketing of crops among many other notables.

1.3 PROJECT PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION TRAINING

In order to drive the schools goal of having viable and sustainable projects, staff members needed training in Project Planning Monitoring and Evaluation. This training successfully took place on the 17th of May and was facilitated by Brother John Dube. Two guest preachers who had attended the sustainable garden workshop were there as well for the program.

2.0 PROJECTS

2.1 APPRECIATION

Praise Chiruka who was our projects assistant cum administrator left BVBIZ on the 5th of May. She had been with the institution for one complete year. The school appreciates her contributions to the school including fine tuning our projects drive. The school wishes her well in her future endevours.

2.2 HEALING HANDS INTERNATIONAL (HHI) DONATIONS

Healing Hands International took BVBIZ to another level by donating funds towards three areas that are key in the school’s drive towards viable projects.

2.2.1 EXTRA STORAGE TANKS AND GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION

Greenhouses are an important component in horticulture. The costs of setting them up is usually prohibitive. A greenhouse has been on the school’s wish list for long. BVBIZ is happy to report that HHI chipped in with funds for its construction. The funds were also to cater for trellising poles, trenching, fencing, laying of drip system, seedlings and initial fertilizers and chemicals. The target was for a 20m x 30m greenhouse. Instead of one, after recommendations and consultations, two were eventually put up with each measuring 10m x 33m. Further to this, a tank stand and 2 x 5000 litre water tanks were also installed.  BVBIZ faculty and all stakeholders are grateful to HHI this gesture. As of the 31st of May, the fence, fertilizers and chemicals were outstanding.

2.2.2 FOWL RUN AND LAYERS PROJECT

The intended layers project sponsored by HHI started taking shape during the last two days of the month with the arrival of 8000 bricks for the construction of a fowl run. The target is to have 250 hens.

3.0 OTHER DONATIONS

3.1 FUNDS

BVBIZ is grateful to many brothers and sisters who continue to donate in both cash and kind to ensure the training and development of preachers continue. These donations, despite the size or level continue to make a huge difference in the school’s operations. BVBIZ remains grateful to the Chirenda family who contributed $110 and the Mpofu family (Ngosilathi and Katie) who donated $500. May God bless these two families and all others who have been collaborating the school one way or another.

3.2 ALUMNI DONATION

Individual members of the alumni wing have been wonderful in collaborating the school one way or another. These members took their support to another level when they mobilized resources and bought a 50-inch Samsung Television set, a TV stand and a decoder for students. This huge gap was filled. The present student body is very happy with this development. The faculty wishes to express its profound gratitude to the alumni wing for this great gesture of giving back to their school.

4.0 PRACTICUM

The conventional class shall start its field practicum in July whilst those on the parallel program began on the 1st of May as detailed in the previous report. The following areas/congregations are going to benefit from our July – September 2023 program;

Mufakose – Harare

Kuwadzana –Harare

Chisumbanje-Manicaland

Paradise Park-Gweru, Midlands

Chivi-Masvingo

5.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS

The following subjects are under consideration this term; James, Church Growth, Christian Spiritual Formation, Major Prophets, Church History, Advanced Homiletics, Romans, Greek and Church Leadership. The following intended workshops seminars have already been done; Sustainable gardens workshop, roadrunner (free-range chickens) production, goat production and lastly Project Planning Monitoring and Evaluation for staff members.

6.0 WHERE ARE THEY?

Each month BVBIZ endevours to trace the whereabouts of one of its graduates. This month, we focus on Simangaliso Jamela (Class of 2021).

Simangaliso Jamela is married to Synodia chinanga and were blessed with one girl. He grew interest in the word of God back while he was still at primary school when a congregation was planted in his home area. Since then the grace of the Lord has seen him through. He enrolled with BVBI in the year 2018. With the grace of God, he graduated with a diploma in Theology in 2021.

He worked briefly with Sipaba church of Christ in Mawabeni, Matebelaland South, under the work of Zimbabwe missions. He then moved to assist with the work at Amazon church of Christ in 2021 until date. This is a growing congregation that is within the premises of Amazon Christian Academy, a church school that was built by Partners for Africa. Apart from being a preacher of the word, he also teach languages at the school.

CONCLUSION

We thank God for what he has been able to do through and for  BVBIZ in the month of May. Our appreciation continues to go to our sponsors and partners for your unwavering support and to many others for your moral and spiritual support. Your feedback and suggestions are always highly appreciated. May God continue to bless every one of you. To God be the glory!

Students reaching the lost in Zambia

Introduction

Warm greetings to you all brothers and sisters! We give honor and glory to God who always gives us the rare opportunity of working in His Kingdom. We also thank Him for this privilege of sharing what is happening here at BVBI-Zambia especially during the month of May, 2023.

Students are currently on a short break. They will resume their training on 12th June, 2023.

The following are the courses for the third quarter:-

1.       Old Testament 2 (Study of the History: Joshua - Esther)

2.      Life of Christ 2 (Teachings: Sermon on the Mount, Parables, Judgment)

3.      Old Testament 3a (A Study of Wisdom literature-Job)

4.      **Elective** (Writing skills, English, World Religions)

Short Courses 1 Corinthians, Prison Epistles: (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon

As they continue their break, they also continue to be fully involved in the life-line of their respective congregations. In our evangelism we concentrated much in three districts, namely Mufulira, Mporokoso and Mbala. In all three we had our students preaching and is still going on.

Reports from bvbi-zambia alumni

1.      Gershom Chansa

Currently working with Vincent Simwanza in Livingstone has given us a good report concerning their labor for the Lord. Having visited members of the congregation and doing evangelism, they have restored seven members to the sheepfold.

2.      Austin Musonda

Has during this short break worked with Prince Chisupa one of our current student and their labor has yield good results. Together they are currently preaching to the youths at their home congregation, this has resulted in three souls being added to the sheepfold. They have also strengthened home Bible studies.

3.      Lackson Mwangala

A recently married man preaching in Chingola town on the Copperbelt province has been also chosen as a deacon of the same congregation he is preaching to. He has continued to strengthen the youths and recently baptized two of them. Beside this work Lackson is one of the beneficially of our Chicken run project, he was given fifty chicks to raise of which he seem to be doing very fine

4.      Simon Nkhazi

He is now working with Daniel Manyoni, Daniel is one of our current student just on a short break together they have baptized two young ladies and a gentle man. Simon is now known to be a hard working preacher beside his studies as a healthy worker

5.      Joseph Ilunga

Joseph has a dual citizenship between D.R.C and Zambia is currently working in Tshala Township of Katanga province of D.R.C. Joseph has also recruited Tshibamba- Muyeye Tresor together they have build a congregation from three to twenty three membership as seen in the pictures attached below. Tresor now want to enroll at BVBI-Zambia. we keep on praying for our brothers and sisters in D.R.C for their steady spiritual growth.

6.      Clive Kabika

Is teaching in one of the private schools in Kalomo District of the Southern Province of Zambia. He remains a great influence at Church of Christ in Kalomo. The report indicates that, he constantly has Bible studies during the week at the Church premises and participates fully on Sunday services. A number of men and women have been baptized and others have recommitted their lives to the service of Christ because of his efforts. We give God the glory!

We have constantly received encouraging news not only from Clive but from all our alumni. We continue soliciting for your prayers for these faithful men. We as the Institute we are now making preparations to be meeting our alumni at least once in a year at our Institute.

Baptisms/Restorations

We have recorded seventeen baptisms in the month of May and we have also recorded twenty-two restorations. Five were attended to with their physical needs and eleven were prayed for with different needs including sickness.

Mid-Week worship service

The mid-week worship service at Mikomfwa Church of Christ continues to take place every Wednesday. All our students attend this service it is also a good time for our follow ups of Bibles studies we conduct during a week.

Copperbelt Leaders Meeting

In conjunction with BVBI-Zambia, the leadership from the congregations of Church of Christ in the Copperbelt makes every effort to develop and equip all leaders in every congregation in the Province. We had a very successful leadership meeting in Mufulira a Town on the Copperbelt province bordering D.R.Congo. The Institute is now making a great impact in training Leaders on the Copperbelt, this came to light as we met on the 27th May to plan for a major meeting which will take place from 30th June to 4th July this year.

 The emphasis is then squarely placed on developing consistent leaders who are in tune with the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. Leaders representing all eighteen congregations in the Copperbelt meet after every three months to sharpen one another. 

We have constantly received encouraging news not only from Clive but from all our alumni. We continue soliciting for your prayers for these faithful men.

Conclusion

Our hearts are forever indebted to you brothers and sisters in the Lord’s Church “Church of Christ” for financial support and indeed to all our partners for every encouragement we receive concerning the work here in Zambia, Africa. May God continue blessing you in all your endeavors, you are all always in our prayers!!

In His service,

Cephas and Fred

Many successes in Guinea

I salute all of you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here is the report of the activities for May 2023

Introduction

After 31 days of varied activities, we here at the Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute are grateful to Almighty God for all that transpired despite the challenges and would like to share with all our supporters the following events of the period.

I - Teaching

During this month of May, which marks the end of the first year of the present batch of 13 students, 4 subjects were taught as follow :

1- Hermeneutics 2 and 2 Corinthians by Antoine Fassa Tolno

1- The Prison Epistles by Niouma 2 KAMANO 

2- The Gospel of Luke by Francis Lawaley.

Results of the evaluations were satisfactory.  

Il- Evangelism

The joy for this activity is immense because our efforts were fruitful yielding a total of 30 people who obeyed the saving gospel. Of these, 26 of them are the first fruits in the village of Gbolonin where an assembly of the Lord's church was planted. 

This great success was the result of a 2 days evangelistic campaign following the rapid training of church leaders organized last April. A "rapid training" of church leaders is a program designed (by Steve and the school staff/evangelists)  to prepared men to be able to lead congregations planted following the training. 

 III- Construction

It is important to point out that the construction of worship halls is having a positive impact on the Lord's church in Guinea as a whole and particularly in the Gueckedou area which has the largest number of congregations in the country. May God be glorified for this and we are grateful to you, the Bear Valley Bible Institute International supporters and to all who are in  partnarship for our success. 

That's why our people are continuing the work, despite the difficulties and natural constraints (rain) that congregations encounter in building the walls even before receiving financial assistance. You will see attached below the Dento house with the roof, the walls of the Kendessoua and Kissidougou buildings.

IV- Sad news

This part of the report is divided into two sections

1- Desolation in Yende Bawa:

 We are sad to inform you that there is was a great desolation in the village  of Yende Bawa where we planted a congregation on February 22, 2023. Following a violent wind that occurred on 17/5/2023, about 40 houses collapsed 35 of which were for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Besides the buildings, huge other material damage was also recorded, with 12 persons injured but not life-threatening. We are truely thankful to God for His grace. 

2- Deaths

We regret to inform you of the death of our brother in Christ, Tamba Nestor kamano on May 28, 2023 as a result of a brief illness. He was a graduate of the first Bear Valley class in Gueckedou (2018-2019) and was now the preacher at the Ouende Kenema congregation. We have lost a brother and a vacuum is created!

 V- Suggestions and recommendations / Appeal:

With this report we ask all our brothers and sisters of good will and for the love of God, for your spiritual (prayers), moral, material and financial assistance for the consolation of our brethren at Yende Bawa and for the family of the deceased, Tamba Nestor kamano.

Conclusion

To God be the glory for his grace that sustains us. To the Bear Valley International, and in particular to our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft, our gratitude and thanks for your unconditional support of God's work in Gueckedou, Guinea. Lastly,  to all our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere, sincere thanks for your every contribution to the growth of the church in Guinea. 

May God bless us all.

Amen

Progressing in Chad

BEAR VALLEY MOUNDOU-CHAD

ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2023

Dear Coordinator,

It is with great joy in our hearts that we take this opportunity to provide you with some information on the activities of our training center. We hope this little report finds you in good health. Above all, receive our sincere greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Here is some information on the activities of the center for the month of May, including one week in April.

Recently our students were actively involved in evangelism and as a result 18 baptized, 16 restored, 02 new assemblies planted. During the holidays, there were 5 more baptisms, which gives a total of 23 baptized.  We glorify the name of the Lord!

Quarter break was from April 28 to May 29, 2023

The vacation went very well. Our students have sown the gospel a lot in their respective families. We believe they will reap the rewards of their labors during the next vacation. The students returned to the center a week early. The reason is, to take the course on "The Holy Spirit of God." This course was missed in the first term, because of the change of program, and the trip the director took to Cameroon for the graduation of outgoing evangelists.

The Second Quarter: from May 29 to July 27, 2023

Our second quarter officially started this Monday, May 29, 2023. We have on the program for this quarter: Overview of the Old Testament (Josué-Esther), Overview of the Bible (the life of Jesus 3 and 4), Homiletics 1, Hermeneutics 1, and the Church of the New Testament. We ask prayer for the success of this trimester.

This is some information about the past quarter, as well as prayer points for the current quarter. May the Lord, whom we all serve, bless you in all things!

In Christ,

Your servant Datoudji

More conversions in Sierra Leone

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR APRIL, 2023

Full Time and the Extended Programs

INTRODUCTION                               

It is true that life goes along with challenges and it was those challenges (sicknesses) that made us not to have sent our April report till now. However, in the midst of all, God has been at the center. If not an overstatement, then we will say that the month of April 2023 has been the most successful month for us since the establishment of Bear Valley in Sierra Leone. The month of April captures the conversion of so many souls, evangelistic seminars, campaigns, appointment of a preacher, and the continuation of academic activities. Please may you keep on reading for the details of the highlighted activities we do this under the following subheadings:

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Academically, our 18 full time students continued their classes successfully. On the other hand, the second semester of the first year of our extended students came to an end at the end of March. Therefore, they were given a two-week break from the 1st to the 8th April, 2023. They resumed their third semester on the 15th April, 2023. Please keep on praying for our students as they have committed their lives to studying in order to minister for the Lord.

EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN AT PANGUMA

In our January report, early this year, we informed you that we established a local congregation at Panguma, a predominantly Muslim territory. And that 5 Muslims were converted which made up the 13 converts during our one week campaign. Moreover, we informed you that there are still more people there that will come to the Lord if another campaign is being directed there. So in April (17-23), we went for another campaign at Panguma. During this one extensive work, 9 souls became obedient to the faith. We even pray for more people to come to Christ in Panguma as we send our students and staff there week in and out.

ALUMNI EFFORTS AND THE SCHOOL’S WEEKEND EVANGELISM

As you know, our graduates are busy working in the field. They are serving as preachers and evangelists in some congregations in Sierra Leone. In the month of April, our graduates from the various parts of Sierra Leone converted a total number of 12 souls and restored 15 brethren.  They continue to share their challenges with us such as financial constraints, lack of mobility, etc. If the Lord blesses anyone and wants to support some of them that have totally given themselves to the ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Again, as you know, our students and staff are always sent on the field to practicalize what is being taught in the classroom. Thus for April, from our weekend evangelism, 8 souls were converted.

 EVANGELISTIC SEMINARS AND MASSIVE CONVERSION OF SOULS

Since the existence of the school is to purely impact local congregations and to bring many people to Christ, we organized evangelistic seminars in Kenema, Kailahun, and Koindu. These seminars were purely conducted in order to motivate brethren to be more involved in the work of evangelism. Again, these seminars were geared toward empowering our evangelistic team members with better skills on evangelism. The seminars took place from April 27-30, and they carried training and door-to-door evangelism engagements. In order to augment our efforts, our coordinator brother Steve, who is so evangelistic offered us some financial aid. Moreover, he had some of our brethren from Nigeria (Eric Okomado, Ikenna Princewill, Chidi John, Blessing Onoura, and Osita Onoura) who came and joined us to do this marvelous work. The work was so successful that we had 47 converts in all of the places that the seminars were conducted. This is amazing, isn’t it?

So for the month of April, when we combine the total number of converts from the school weekend evangelism and campaign, alumni efforts, evangelistic seminars, it sums up to 76 and 15 restorations, apart from the evangelistic teams efforts which take the next section. Please brethren, let us continue to pray for all of these souls so that they can remain true to their calling.

As you know, apart from the evangelism that is done by the school exclusively, we have also set up evangelistic teams. For the month of April, the Evangelism Teams were able to carry on the following activities:

KOINDU TEAM

As reported earlier in the month of March, the Koindu Team was not able to conduct its first Gospel Campaign due to the painful demise of its leader, Emmanuel Focko. However, a new leader has now been appointed and by God’s grace, the Koindu Team has now successfully conducted their first Evangelistic Gospel Campaign in Yengema Community from the 11th -16th April 2023. During this campaign, the Team members led by Brother Omoru Sahr Focko converted nine souls which marked the establishment of a new congregation. Since then, the team continues to conduct weekly evangelism to nurture these new converts and add more souls to the church. The team usually goes on Saturday to conduct evangelism and worship on Sunday. The Team is grateful to the School Administration for supporting the work by providing the PA system. However, the Team continues to plead with the School Coordinator Steven Ashcraft to also help in providing Motor Bike to aid the work in terms of mobility to be regularly visiting the new converts, mission trips, and effective gospel campaigns.

KAILAHUN TEAM

The Kailahun Team continues to be actively involved in evangelism. As reported earlier, they conducted their first Gospel Campaign at the Kossiala Community. Also, they conducted their first Gospel Seminar at Kossiala from the 26th – 30th April, 2023. At this spiritual exercise, nine souls were added to the church. Michael Sahr Triyoh taught on “Understanding the New Testament Church” while the team Leader Brother Alfred B.N. Tengbeh taught on “How can one be added to the New Testament Church.” On the 30th of April, the number of congregants was 62. This new congregation has eighteen converts altogether (8 males and 10 females). The team continues to nurture and strengthen this new congregation by conducting daily weekly evangelism and worshipping with them on every first day of the week. The team continues to appreciate Brother Steven Ashcraft for his financial support and most importantly, for providing the team with a PA system. This PA system was effectively used during this seminar and will be effectively used during the subsequent campaigns and seminars. In fact, the availability of the PA system has encouraged us to continue to work for the Lord since we were desperately in need of it. May God continue to bless you richly with our dearly beloved brother Steve. However, we are still not without challenges in terms of mobility. We pray that may God bless you in no time for you to provide us with at least a new Motor Bike to ease mobility cost. Also, as the new congregation continues to grow, we are facing challenges in terms of worship structure. However, we are putting plans together to see that we erect a structure by early next year. Your support in whatever little way it may be will be greatly appreciated.

KENEMA TEAM

The Kenema Team, headed by Brother James Borniea also continues to carry out its Evangelistic activities. Since the establishment of the new congregation at Hanga, they have continued nurturing and strengthening it by daily Wednesday Bible Study and weekly evangelism. They usually go to Hanga on Saturdays for evangelism and worship with them on Sundays.  Even though Hanga is a completely Muslim dominated community, yet the Lord has called out some from among them to be added to the church. The school administration together with the team members has observed that another massive Evangelism Gospel Seminar Campaign should be held in Hanga to strengthen the new congregation.  The team is grateful to the school coordinator for providing them with the PA system to aid the work.

FREETOWN TEAM

The School Administration has now been able to have a formidable team in Freetown headed by Brother David Thoronka. Having a Team in Freetown has been a challenge. As it is common with metropolitan cities, many people there are always busy. However, there are always those that are committed to the cause of Christ. The Freetown team comprises six members. The team is scheduled to launch its first Gospel Campaign from the 23th -28th May, 2023 at Songo Town. The Theme of their first campaign is: “Launch Out into the Deep” (Luke 5:4)

KONO TEAM

The Kono Team also continues to carry out its evangelistic activities. As reported earlier, their first gospel campaign was launched at Kuyor where they started a new congregation. They continue to be involved in weekly evangelism, visitation, and restoration. In April, the Team converted four souls. The team is grateful to the school coordinator for providing a PA system to aid the work. The PA system will be used effectively for the work of evangelism. The team is still not able to provide pictorial evidence since none of the team members has any smartphone. However, the field work continues to be done.    

BO AND MAGBURAKA TEAMS

As for the Bo and Magburaka teams, their activities will be reported as we continue in this year. They did not conduct any evangelistic campaign so that they could establish congregations like the other teams, but they were also able to engage in personal and door-to-door evangelism. They are also working harder.

APPOINTMENT OF A PREACHER

Sometimes ago, we informed you that the influence of the school in the affairs of the local congregations all over Sierra Leone is worth noting. Since God wants the Church of His Son to be led in a manner prescribed by Him in His holy writ, we encouraged one of the local congregations here in Kenema, Kamanda Street Church of Christ to take this concern seriously. The congregation appointed Brother Benjamin Tamba Thomas, one of our students in the extended program and our computer instructor as their preacher. The event was officiated by some of our staff and it ended very successfully. May we put Brother Benjamin in our prayers so that we will always have the grace to carry out the Master’s mandate.

CONCLUSION

Thank you dear brethren for patiently going through this report. We continue to appreciate your partnership in all aspects. May the Lord keep us till we could meet to share the good news of another report.

 Thank you very much.

Peter Sahr Makundu

For the KBVBI SIERRA LEONE

Guest teacher in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Ekwendeni – Malawi

May, 2023 Report

Introduction 

Holiday is here again as we end up the first semester with good news! It has been a very productive semester with good news and visiting teachers than ever before. We always say it is holiday time but in reality it is not as the students work tirelessly in their home congregations. The students will be out of school for one month 2 weeks and will be doing lots of door to door preaching and teaching.Some of our former graduates are reporting good news too from the good work they are doing. This month we were also blessed by the visiting short course teachers from the USA. The former graduates have reported 21 baptisms and 67 restored. Out of the 21 baptized, 4 of them are those they are studying with us through world bible school. We have 301 students registered and some who have already finished the 7 series of courses have received an ESV Bible. To God be the glory!

Teaching 

This semester has come to an end and students have gone for holiday after spending 4 months of classes work. The semester ended with the course on Romans taught by Daniel from the USA. Daniel was accompanied by one of the deacons from where Brother Daniel is preaching. Both of the two are good Brothers with the great zeal to help Malawi grow in the knowledge of the word. We hope they will come again to help us teach.

Evangelism

Some of our former graduates have reported good news to us and we are also glad to share with all who read our monthly reports. Brother Shadreck from Pharombe reported that 5 souls were added last 2 weeks as a result of his preaching door to door; Brother Takesure reported 9 souls saved and 67 more restored; brother Saliwa reported 4 souls being added to the church and also Brother Mateyo reported 3 souls baptized. We are very thankful to hear that our graduates are doing what has been planted in them. This is always encouraging news to every teacher locally and internationally. We are also praying daily for the WBS students who are registered through BVBI- Ekwendeni. We have witnessed many souls being baptized out of 301 total registered. Only this month 4 have been baptized. Praise God!

We are so thankful for the BVBI-International for the strong bond with the Hillcrest church in Missouri, this has brought a change in the school here in Malawi. We pray that the fellowship will continue for the betterment of the school progress here in Malawi. We pray for your families to prosper as this work still needs your help and support. Working as a team will easily destroy Satan’s kingdom. Matthew 28:18-20!

Yours brothers in Christ,

Ephron and Clergynton

Pressing on in Ukraine

Greetings to our dear brothers and sisters and churches. I am very grateful for your prayers and the assistance that you provide for the people of Ukraine. We still have a war going on that everyone is tired of, except for the aggressor. The Russian army artillery shelling rains down on the entire territory of Ukraine; the Russians are striking with hypersonic missiles. Both the military and civilians are dying alike every day. Many refugees are coming to us; we have distributed thousands of food packages but it seems like there’s no end to this.

People need food, clothing; many of them are resentful of their lives and angry at God. Many children are psychologically traumatized; they and their parents are calling us on the phone to get in line in order to obtain humanitarian aid. And all of this is happening far from the battlefields; at the frontlines there’s only death, pain and grief. New cemeteries are growing like mushrooms after the rainfall. We don’t even know the exact numbers of the fallen soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Bible Institute

Last month the following subjects were taught: the Book of Galatians and the Book of Revelation (teacher Denys Sopelnyk), Prison Epistles (Vitaly Rodichev). The month of May is the last month for our three graduates. It was a very difficult period for these guys. At first, it was the Covid 19 quarantine which forced everyone to stay at home in order to avoid the virus. Then the war began which made people move all over the place. During that time, we experienced massive missile and drone air attacks, in addition to blackouts and energy cuts. In a word, the reality is such that there was no quiet time during their studies. I am very grateful to all the teachers who, in spite of the hardships, found the time and made the effort to make sure that the preachers’ preparation program continued in Ukraine.

Church in Ukraine.

We are still trying to visit the town of Kramatorsk once a month where we are taking the humanitarian food aid. In May we made a second trip to that frontline town. It’s only twenty miles from the frontlines. We are distributing food packages and conducting evangelistic lessons; we also are inviting the people to attend our worship services on Sunday. Thank God, we have good results. People do come and listen to the gospel message even on the days when there is no food packages distribution. May the Lord keep and protect His church. Thank you for your love.

Your brother,

Sopelnyk Denys

Tyler King visits Cebu, Philippines

Report for month of May 2023

Tyler King from BVBI Denver visited and taught a class to BVBI Cebu students:

The students of BVBI Cebu, Philippines had a great opportunity learning the prophetic books of Ezekiel and Daniel from Tyler King. Brother Tyler is currently working as the Director of Development with BVBI in Denver, Colorado. It was his first time visiting and teaching in Cebu and he has already made good relationships with our students. Brother Tyler did a great job teaching these 2 OT books and our students really enjoyed the class. We are looking forward to having him in Cebu and study the Bible with him again.

Ten souls baptized by one of our students:

Ronel Romano, one of our students from the Province of Negros Oriental reported ten baptisms last May 1. These souls are now added to the church in Kilaban, Negros Oriental. These were the results of their evangelism and Bible studies. We give back all the glory to God.

A History of the Visakhapatnam school

Dear brethren in Christ,

Greetings to you in Christ name. India has been very fertile land for cultivating Christianity. Over 50 yrs of mission efforts has helped the church to be established in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The great effort of evangelism has given wide open opportunity to establish congregations in the state it all started in Urban areas, gradually spread to villages, and later it took a very high speed in going into the most remote areas like villages that do not have water or electric facility. Further into villages/hamlets where there are no roads, where one can only reach by walking for hours. Efforts of missionaries have given wonderful results of acquiring more souls to Christ and churches began to grow in number, spirituality, and Leadership.

As the years go by, the older dedicated men who were the reason for the first phase of evangelism and  acquired wonderful results through their dedicated efforts, now needed someone to carry forward the responsibility of Evangelism and Leadership. Since the Evangelism opportunities were wide open, missionaries have looked into some other avenues like translating and publishing  Christian literature as well as FM Radio Broadcasting. This increased the need for more, Bible educated preachers and leaders to reach the lost. This has given opportunity to start full-time preacher training schools in India.

The establishment of the church in the City of Visakhapatnam has a history of over 50 years; however there was no full-time preaching school established. Brother Muppidi Samuel Raju, who was the founder and director of Visakha Valley Bible College had noticed this opportunity of establishing a full-time school in Visakhapatnam, which is a big industrial area where people from surrounding districts and states like Odissa, Bihar and Chattheesgaudh often travel. The Elders who are overseeing the Bear Valley Bible Institute were looking for a place to establish a school in India. So, after a thorough examination and discussion done by the brethren who represent BVBID, the Elders gave permission to start the School at Vishakhapatnam with the monthly support from Lake Houston Church of Christ, Houston, TX under the oversight of the Elders of Strickland Church of Christ who have known brother Samuel Raju since the year 1999.

In the year 2008, the school began with great excitement in the City of Visakhaptanam. Everyone in the church rejoiced with this new establishment. Several men and  untrained preachers showed great interest to join in the school, and rushed to get admission into the new full-time school. God had given a great opportunity to brother Samuel along with two preachers from the Visakha area along with his son, Muppidi John Dean who is a graduate of HCU, AL. This new school got everybody’s attention in the city and around, which lead to teamwork in reaching out to some weaker congregations and remotest place where there is need of evangelism. It resulted the preachers getting together every month starting from Visakhaptnam reaching to the neighboring districts such as Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam. The program called ‘Preachers Fellowship Meeting’ furthered the opportunity of providing education to the local men who would carry out the gospel to their own communities and also working preachers being edified.

As the years went by there was need for providing space to more students along with the congregation that had been established in the school premises. The school premises were owned by Samuel Raju and his wife, who both willingly dedicated it for the mission purpose, which had been a long-time dream of brother Samuel Raju. With the help of the brethren, the school started to expand it wings of training men to preach. Gradually, the school facility has been able to have a space for the students to live, study, learn, worship, eat, cook, store and also to host guests. We are very thankful to the brethren who made this possible, especially the Elders at Strickland and brother Jerry Bates. We were encouraged through Jerry and Paula’s regular visits and listening and understanding the mission field information. They have always responded so positively which enable us to publish thousands of Gospel Tracts, Hymn Books in Telugu Language and distribute hundreds of Bibles to graduates of our school. We are very thankful to Jerry and Paula for their great encouragement to the school as well as to the students.

Our school is known for not only a full-time school but also provides practical education to the students. This is an essential program that has to be in the training program, it makes the students to be more practical in learning to preach. The great model our Lord presented through training His disciples for three and-a-half years motivates us to conduct a program called ‘Gospel Campaign’ . it’s a program gives a great opportunity to reach out to strangers with a gospel tract, opens up an opportunity for a Bible Study, and to recommend the local congregation in that area. Every time we conduct this, it provides our students a practical education, at the same time it helps the local congregation and the minister in reaching out, getting to know the people around.  Also annual programs such as Seminars and Lectureships give the students to learn and organize the programs and also to serve in their capacity. Moreover, youth program like VBS/Youth Rally/ Future Preacher Training Program gives more understanding of the avenues to work in the mission field to help establish a congregation and to edify them.

So far 6 batches of successful students have been sent into the real world ministry after their graduation. So far 100 graduates have bee sent out to the mission field. We heard there are 106 congregations that are in operation to date. So the 15 years of efforts under the leadership of Brother Samuel Raju has given these encouraging results.  We humbly praise God for all the short course teachers who have made all this possible, to God be the glory and to the leadership of Bear Valley International.

Love from all the students, faculty and staff at Visakha Valley Bible College .

In Christ,

John Dean M

Visakha Valley Bible College

Tirupati, India students busy with gospel meetings

Reporting Letter for the month of May-2023

To all  prayer partners of BVBI, greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We pray that this reporting letter may serve us to find you all good health. We thank you so much for your continual prayers for the smooth function of BVBI-Extension centre at Tirupati, A.P, India. We are happy to a share brief report for the month of May-2023.

The Month of May Summer in India: Sun heat is so high during May in India. The old people tell us that they never experienced this kind of hot temperature previously like the summer season during this year 2023. But God is kind enough to protect us.

Gospel meetings at Karnoon disctir, A.P; The summer is a suitable season for evening gospel meetings. Our BVBI student Mr.Yovel and his wife Mrs.Sujanthan, along with another student Mr.Yuvaraj and his wife Mrs.Swapna are from karnool district in A.P , state. It is about 500 miles away from Tirupati. They conducted 3 days of gospel meetings on May 8, 9, and 10 at their village. We had more than 250 people gathering for the night meetings, and during the daytime, we had Bible studies. We are happy to share with you that more than 150 people were in attendance for the Bible class.

Gospel meetings at Vidyanagar, Nellore  disctir, A.P;- We conducted two days of gospel meetings at Vidyanagar on May 12th and 13th.  We had more than 200 people in attendance for the meeting.

Baptisms:- By the grace of God 17 souls were baptized in the month of May. We request you to pray for the new souls so that they grow in the image of His son Jesus Christ.

Bible studies for the village people:-  Our BVBI students have started group Bible studies at 15 places. They are teaching wonderful lessons for the spiritual growth of the people.

Campaigning :- we conducted campaigning at Poolathota village on May 18th, and encouraged the village congregation in that village.

Audio Bibles distribution campaigning for the blind people:- We have conducted bible camp for the visually challenged people and distributed audio Bibles for 50 people at Nellore

My west Godavari district  Travel:- Myself and a previous BVBI student, Mr.John Wesly, travelled by train from Tiripati to Narasapur. We conducted 3 meetings in the Narasapur area. We visited some of our BVBI students and encouraged them.

New batch for 2023:- All the Indian schools will be reopen from June 12th onwards, we would like to open our school the second week of June 2023.

Skill Training: After the completion of  2 years training our students need a livelihood to sustain and preach the gospel as many of them come from poor family backgrounds. Therefore today our faculty members and myself consulted with a nearby skill training center. They would provide part-time skill development courses  to our students during their leisure time and weekend days to establish dairy farms, sheep farms, poultry farms, piggery farms etc.. to improve their livelihood . We would like to encourage our students to have self-employment and do the evangelism in India after completion of Bible training at BVBI.

We are thankful to our director and coordinator for their love, sacrifice, and commitment to establish BVBI extension centre at Tirupati, A.P, India.  We are ever grateful to  them for their hard work and and all your encouragement. We request you to pray continually for BVBI extension centre at Tirupati, A.P, India.

Thanking you.

Yours brother and sister in Christ.

Vijay

Students grow in the Lord in Uganda

Brethren, 

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

Its always my joy and where the opportunity is to give thanks to God always for you and making mention of you in our prayers constantly bearing in mind the work of faith and the lobor of love and the steadfastness of hope that is found in our Lord Jesus be multiplied to you more and more. Amen.

It has been a while, almost three months, but with the protection,  He is still keeping us. The school has closed and students are in their break for one month and three weeks. They are expected back on 28th July and classes begin on 30th.

The school has been going on very well. Students are showing the great desire to study which thing is encouraging the teachers, giving them positive energy. Very much impressed with these great men.

Comparing to the first weeks, we see the fears that these men had is disappearing with too much hope that their two years at Bear Valley Uganda will be of great importance to the church as well as them as preachers. 

This  period of time, I made a visitation program to some of our congregations I have never been to. This I did because two years are not too far to the next intake.  This was an encouraging trip and the congregations I was able to visit promised to send preachers when the right time is there. On this trip I found out that many of our congregations are not able to have access to communion cup, with this I request that if any brother from over there comes here, please do us a favor and carry some for us.

May God bless the work of Bear Valley all over the world.

Until all have heard,

Raymond

Kenya students lead door knocking campaign

Dear brethren

Thanks again to God the Almighty to have given us opportunity to update you with student's report for this 3rd quarter of their first year- sixth intake at the Kenya School of Preaching Kisumu.

In order for the students to prove that they love and appreciate the training here, they have maintained their number 20- no one wants to lose his chance. The current students have been very instrumental to the Tieng're congregation that meets close to the school. We had a gospel meeting at this congregation in the first week of May, 2023 where the students were the team leaders in the groups of preachers who went to knock doors in the community around the church and helped baptize those who believed. On two occasions, a group of four students went on their own to visit a local congregation called Wang' Arot where they edified, evangelized and baptized new converts. On Saturdays they would help the Tieng're local church preacher Nixon to evangelize while on Sundays they would aid in church services. The total number of baptisms they had conducted are 12, both at Tieng're and other churches. 

The school has closed today June 2nd for June holidays till July 3rd, 2023 when we will again carry on with the classes. This time, teachers we have had are: Charles, David, John Paul and Elias. They are the ones who have taught 7 courses of this quarter. 

We ask for prayers on behalf of the students that they may reach home safely. Again we ask prayers for the work ahead of them in their home local congregations. We really appreciate the brethren and congregations that stand with us in supporting the work which goes on at this school. We pray for you just as you pray for us. We ask that our God will not forget your tireless efforts directed to K.S.O.P for his name's sake. 

Below are some baptism pictures that the students took and the other which we took together when we had visitors in the school.

Thanks very much and may the Lord bless you all.

Elias Omollo

Accra, Ghana school conducts campaign

Monthly Report - April 2023

We begin this month's report with gratitude to God for another successful month at our college. As we reflect on the past few weeks, we are filled with gratitude for His faithfulness and provision. Here are some highlights of the month:

Academic Activities:
We are pleased to announce that the second quarter of the academic year began on April 9, and academic activities are in full swing. Students and faculty have resumed classes with renewed zeal and dedication, determined to achieve academic excellence. The second quarter is expected to end in June, and we are confident that it will be a successful one.

Gospel Campaign:
The Gospel Campaign team at our college recorded two baptisms and restored one member this month. It was an inspiring moment for us all, reminding us of the impact of sharing the Gospel. We are planning to hold our next campaign in Duayeden, Trebo, and Botokora. We urge everyone to support us in prayer and contribution as we reach out to these communities with the Good News.

School Building Project:
The construction of the wall for our school building project is in progress. We are grateful for the team of skilled workers who are working tirelessly to ensure that the project is completed according to schedule. We believe that this building will provide better facilities for our students and enhance the quality of education.

Radio Programme:
We have started utilizing the opportunity to preach on the radio, and it has been a fantastic experience so far. Our Director, Bro E. O. Larbi, has started with an interesting lesson on the radio, and we believe that it will be instrumental in reaching out to more people with the Gospel message.

Digital Library:
We are delighted to announce that we have set up a digital library on campus, spearheaded by Bro Stephen Ashcraft and Bro Samuel Sasu Ntim. This is a significant step towards enhancing studies and research at our college, and we believe that it will have a positive impact on our student's academic journey.

In conclusion, we thank God for a fruitful month and for the safe return of Bro Stephen Ashcraft. We believe that with His continued guidance and provision, we will achieve more significant milestones in the coming days.
Report by E. O. Larbi

Liberian students attend county-wide lectureship

Bear Valley Bible Institute–Liberia

Ganta Nimba County

April 2023 Operation Report

CLASSES IN PROGRESS

Since the resumption of classes in February 2023 under the Interim Administration, the school is progressively functioning well. Upon completion of Quarter Six (6) beginning from February 20, 2023 – May 14, 2023, all courses scheduled for the quarter were successfully completed. Ushering us into quarter Seven (7) beginning May 15, 2023.

FIRST GENERAL STAFF MEETING 

The interim Administration of the Bear Valley Bible Institute – Liberia called a General Staff Meeting on April 15, 2023 to discuss the way forward to a successful completion of the balance terms for the present batch (Batch Three). Highlighted in the meeting among other issues were recruitment plans for new students and campaign strategies to improve upon the previous one.

 STUDENTS FIELD TRIP (April 27 – 30)

Upon completion of quarter six (6) final examination, we took the students on a field trip to attend a four (4) days annual Lectureship of the Nimba County churches of Christ (Thursday April 27-Apil 30, 2023) to a town called Mieplay Yeisely, lower Nimba County about four (4) hours’ Drive from Ganta.

The field trip was meant to familiarize the students with the practical work of the church and acquaint them with other brethren of the Lord’s church in the county.   

Meanplay Yeezly congregation is managed by one of the batch three (3) students, Freeman Zlahn and was established in January 11, 2017 by the Late Bro. Harris M. Wonlah formar graduate of the Bear Valley Bible Institute (Batch One), Bro. Peter Karmie, minister of the Bahn congregation and Bro. Fester G. Lee minister of the Sanniquellie Central Church Of Christ and Dean of Students Bear Valley Bible Institute – Liberia.

The Fellowship was well attended, about 700 persons representing 23 congregations across the county including BVBI-L and the Campus Ministry with Forty-four (44) baptisms.

Saye Ganlarkpor

Harare, Zimbabwe school gives the water of life both physically and spiritually

HARARE EXTENSION – JANUARY TO APRIL 2023 REPORT

INTRODUCTION
Our year opened with our weekend lessons on the 13th and 14th of January followed by 11th and 12th of February and March 18 and 19. From April 10 to 21 we had our April block in Gweru. The dedication of these men and women continue to be an inspiration to us, their local congregations, and even their families.
As always we give our sincere appreciation to Bear Valley Bible Institute International for the partnership. Thank you brothers Keith, Mark and Donnie for being actively involved in this work on behalf of our great institute.

STUDENTS 2023
A.SEPTEMBER 2021 CLASS
1.Kufa Fadzai
2.Mandebvu Nhamo
3.Manjeya Tafadzwa
4.Manyati Wilbert
5.Masarakufa Witness
6.Muhura Nyevero
7.Nyahuye Maxwell
8.Suwari Philip

B.DECEMBER 2022 CLASS
1.Gofa Lovemore
2.Billiat Benny (Snr)
3.Billiat Benny (Jnr)
4.Nyikayaramba Rigason
5.Gwaze Track
This class started in December 2022 in Bindura, that is 09-22 December 2022. The lessons were done at Hermann Gmeiner School in Bindura Mashonaland Central Province.

STAFF COMPLIMENT
From January to this April 2023 the following have also given their time to lecture:
Mathew Muchingami            Kudakwashe Madyira
Ishmael Mutichu            Lovemore Manyanhaire
Lovemore Manyanhaire is a preacher currently serving with Mazowe church of Christ. He is coming in to help in Personal Work.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
1 . MARK REYNOLDS VISIT
On the 13th and 14th we hosted Mark Reynolds in Harare. He had the opportunity to meet with the September 2021 class. We are grateful for his visit.

During his visit brother Mark Reynolds noted our community challenge of water and he went on to source for us a 5000l tank from Healing Hands International. We are so grateful for his hand in the life of the community. On behalf of the church and community I also extend my sincere gratitude to Mark for helping us have this tank installed. The community has benefitted a lot.

2 . APRIL 2023 CLASSES
From the 10th to 21st of April 2023 Harare Extension School students were in Gweru. Classes were done from 07:30 to 17:30 hours daily, that is ten hours of learning daily. During this period personal work practicum was also done. Lovemore Manyanhaire was on the ground teaching and leading the students into the homes too.

3 . Taking Bear Valley Bible Institute To The Churches
On 29 April 2023 I had the opportunity to make a presentation at the Mashonaland West Province Annual Lectureship. More than three hundred people were in attendance. With the help of our former students and current ones we managed to distribute flyers containing BVBIZ information. The influence of BVBIZ continues to rise. All the four above and myself were invited to be speakers during that provincial lectureship.

CONCLUSION
My sincere appreciation to Bear Valley Bible Institute International for supporting this work and working with us as partners in this great work of equipping men and women for ministry. Our commitment remains strong as we continue focusing on the work of teaching and equipping men and women.

I thank you and may God bless you always.

Stay blessed and be a blessing to all,
Howard Suwari