Reaching Souls outside of Accra

KOFORIDUA EXTENSION SCHOOL

REPORTS FOR SECOND QUARTER (APRIL – JUNE)

Prologue

Thanks be to God for seeing us through another quarter of learning and other activities.

Students

Two additional students have been added to the class. They are Agbogbo Mensah Kwaku and a lady named Priscilla Bay. The students’ population is now seventeen (17).

Courses

Three courses have been taught. They are congregational development by Kwabena Gyan-Mante, Bible Geography by Paul Larbi Young and Minor Prophets by Kwabena Gyan-Mante.

Students Activities

Students continue to play active roles in their various congregations that they worship as they teach and preach. One Ahiaba Agbenyegah to mark the tenth year of the church that he is working with establishment with the theme, “Ten years, what next?”

Plans Ahead

On July 23rd, Lord’s willing, students are going to visit eight congregations around to advertise for students. Then from September 26th – 30th we will be at a small to preach publicly. After that will be for an establishment if the Lord will in November when all underground is completed, we need your prayers.

Additional tables and chairs

Two tables and chairs have been bought for the use of our two new students.

Library

A shelf has been built with some few books from Bro. Kwabena Gyan-Mante’s library. We are waiting for books to fill it to help the students with their learning.

Conclusion

Once again, we continue to be grateful for your support. We pray together we could bring many to the Lord’s Kingdom for salvation.

208 bibles studies in Nigeria

With a thankful heart to God Almighty the maker of the entire universe,  I wish to once again profoundly appreciate the entire family of Bear Valley School for prayer and support we continue to receive. This has grossly enabled us to carry out our class activities, evangelism, teaching and preaching every week in our various congregations here in Taraba -Nigeria.

In the past three months, (April - June), brother Aorabee Terkule, Sr taught Leadership in the local congregation and Christian Ethics, while I, Elkanah Itom Madaki, taught Church History. Funds for the months were received and properly used.

Apart from our normal door to door evangelism, we had an intensive Campaign for Christ in the city of Yola in the neighboring Adamawa State. The three churches of Christ that meet in different locations within the city were fully involved.

In total, we were able to conduct two hundred and eight bible studies involving three hundred and seventy people. Seven souls were united with Christ through water baptism, eleven souls were reunited with Christ and one congregation restored.

I am glad to also inform you that one of our instructors (Egbwakoteh Bala ) got married on the 18 April 2023).

Yours in Christ, 

Elkanah Itom Madaki 

Special efforts in Cambodia

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 was happening at IBISR’s school in Siem Reap Cambodia during June 2023. We would like to thank you for taking the time to read this report and look at these recent photos.

Adding to the Family!
We were full of much joy that we saw three souls put into Christ by being baptized! It is always such happiness to see souls added to our family. All of them are from Siem Reap Church of Christ. Two of them are a couple and they have a son.  Please pray for these new babies in Christ so that they may grow in the image of His son Jesus Christ.

Short course:
Brother Wes Autrey taught I, II Timothy, and Titus which has helped our students very much as we are young Christians and young preachers.
We are so pleased to brief you on the short course in those books. We spent time together for two weeks in the classroom. In class, we have a lot of fun and study together. The students very much enjoyed the class. We were pleased with how the 15 students from Battambang and 12 students from Siem Reap joined together both virtually and physically in sacrificed their time to make that course finished successfully.

Lady Bug Camp:
Christian camp in Cambodia was attended by the students, staff of our institution, and including the ladies from Siem Reap and Battambang Church of Christ members. In that camp, we had 43 female participants who are Cambodian Christians from different regions. What a beautiful day for Christian ladies in Cambodia. It is a very great time for ladies to spend time studying God’s words and having fun together for two nights and three days without men. We are thankful to Wes Autrey and his wife Teri for their big love for us in Cambodia. 

Prayer:
We always need your prayers for encouragement. Remember our new brothers and sisters in Christ who just got baptized into Christ.  And also remember (Mai) one of our students in IBISR’s Bible school just lost his grandma one week ago.

Servants of Christ.
Piseth Rin and Darat Run.
Co-Directors IBISR

Evangelism in Enugu

BVBI ENUGU STUDY CENTRE - NIGERIA

April to June 2023 Report

The second quarter of 2023 ended with 9 students as one of the students dropped due to challenges of the family and economic situations. Also Bro. Nwaba Raphael (One of the Instructors) relocated to Calabar by the month of May 2023, so the centre is left with 2 instructors but 2 persons have been contacted to come for interview for the replacement of Bro. Nwaba Raphael of which hopefully the interview and submission of the necessary documents will be concluded this month of July 2023 so that the new instructor will handle the month of August 2023.

The students went to 2 congregations on different Sundays for campaign in month of June 2023 and will still visit other congregations in this July and August. Please note that their visitations are done on Sundays, therefore their studies are not affected.

From January to June 2023, the students have been able to cover 6 courses in addition to the ones they covered in the past years.

Within the 2nd quarter, the center was seriously involved in evangelisms organized by Akwuke congregation and their efforts are highly felt.

Appreciation/Conclusion

We are grateful to the wonderful coordinators of BVBI outside and within. The financial/material supplies and prayers are highly appreciated; words are not enough to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you, may God bless and keep you all, may His mercies and steadfastness never depart from us all in Jesus name - Amen.

Thanks and remain blessed.

Bro. Patrick Makwe P.

For BVBI Enugu Study Centre

5 more souls added in Lagos

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE

IKORODU - LAGOS, NIGERIA

The students and the staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Ikorodu Study Centre greet everyone of you in Jesus name (Amen).

1. The number of students in Ikorodu Centre is 18.

2. The lectures we have treated from April to June are:

April: 1 Corinthians- teacher: Bro Gbenga Ilori

May: Hermeneutics Introduction: Teacher: bro Okoro Chinyere

June: How we got the Bible: Teacher: bro Suleiman Usuff

3. Campaigns on the month of May 1st 2023- this involved both students and teachers. We had open air evangelism and house to house evangelism. Five souls were baptized and three were restored back to the fold (Church)

4. In Ikorodu Study Centre, we have three teachers: bro Mfon Etim, bro Okoro Chinyere and bro Lucky Uzoyare.

5. Seven of our graduated students are now preachers in various congregation of the Lord's Church. They are: 

Bro Gospel (Ijebu)

Bro Israel (Ebute)

Bro Duro (Erunwen)

Bro Tola (Adamo)

Bro Benson (Ekiti)

Bro Akinyemi (Ijede)

The Students and the staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Ikorodu appreciate you for your contribution to the spreading 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 out brothers and sisters. God bless you, Amen.

 Bro. Mfon Etim Adeh

(Director, Ikorodu Centre)

A new congregation in Nigeria

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA       

AGEGE STUDY CENTRE 

REPORT FOR SECOND QUARTER 2023

May all glory and honour be ascribed unto God Almighty for His grace and mercy towards all of us at Agege Centre during the second quarter of the year 2023. We glorify the name of the Lord for giving us the required enablement to carry out all our activities and programmes as scheduled and in line with the Bearvalley Bible Institute laid down rules and standard.

CLASS ACTIVITIES

All class were carried out and completed as scheduled and as required by the Bearvalley Bible Institute in the quarter under review.

Three courses were successfully completed during the quarter in the following order:

1. The book of I Corinthians was taught by Brother Gbenga Ilori in the month of April.

2. In the month of May, Brother Suleiman Yusuf taught the course – How we got Our Bible.

3. The quarter rounded off with Hermeneutics, which was taught by Brother Etim Mfon. To God be all the glory that the courses were completed in line with the required procedure, with tests, assignment and examination completed at the end of each month.

CAMPAIGN (EVANGELISM)

The centre continued to evangelise Aboru, a town in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State in an attempt to support and strengthen the newly planted church (congregation) in the area. We however, need prayers of all of us so that the gospel will penetrate the area as the area is highly populated by Muslims which has made it more difficult to preach there. We believe that with prayers and hard work, we will very soon start having positive results, to the glory of God.

APPRECIATION

One thing very obvious is that without the efforts and supports of our sponsors and directors, the programme would witness set-back and may not operate successfully. We therefore appreciate the efforts of our sponsors and directors, especially Brother Keith Kasarjian who has made it a point of responsibility to visit on regular basis to ascertain the progress and challenges we face and give suggestions on how to improve on our activities. He made such visit this quarter, precisely in the month of May.

May God continue to bless all of you. We also appreciate the support of Chad Wagner on his relentless efforts to keep the programme going, as well as every other supporters and sponsors of the programme; may God Almighty continue to bless you in your endeavours to expand His kingdom on earth.

STUDENTS' POPULATION

We owe God all the gratitude for adding more students to our centre. We started the quarter with ten (10) students, but by the grace of God, we ended the quarter with fifteen (15) students. Our prayer is that God should continue to increase the number of students more so, those who truly desire to learn and preach the word of God (the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection), in order to expand the kingdom of Christ on earth and prepare the world populace for eternal life in heaven.

CONCLUSION

We once again appreciate the blessings of God Almighty and the support of our directors and sponsors which has enabled our centre to thrive in our programmes and activities. Our prayer is, May God almighty continue to empower and enable all of us to relentlessly continue to contribute our parts in training dedicated men and women who desire to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo

Bear Valley Bible Institute Agege Study centre                           

Lagos State, Nigeria

Much activity in Ibadan

Beloved in Christ Jesus.

Grace, peace and mercy be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer.

Below is the summary of our June activities in the Lord Jesus Christ.

 OVERVIEW

1-.Weekend Outreach

2. Fourth Semester Classes Concluded

3. Church of Christ, Ijero-Ekiti restored

4. World Bible School follow up team

WEEKEND OUTREACH

The students and staff of BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan continued in the evangelization of both rural and urban area of Western States of Nigeria throughout the weekends in the month of June and the Lord added five souls to His body and two erring brethren restored to the Lord’s glory.

FOURTH SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED

The last semester for 2022/2023 session began on May 08 and ended on June 30, 2023. Bro Isaac Olaniyan handled LOC-4 (Book of John), Pastoral Epistles and Research-2; Bro. Kayode Eniafe handled Homiletics-2(Practical), Church History and the Book of Revelation; Bro. John Makinde handled Islamic Religion and Elementary Greek; Bro Samuel Effiong handled Christian Ethics and Bible Geography; Bro. Israel Tajomavwo handled Fundamentals of Faith-1, Church Growth 1&2 while I, Bro. Makinde Ebens handled Foundation of Mission, Homiletics-3(Advanced) and Church Leadership & Administration. Next academic class will begin on August 14,2023 Lord's willing.

CHURCH OF CHRIST IN IJERO-EKITI RESTORED

With the financial assistant from a close associates of our Grand Patron(Bro. Doug Wheeler) named Rod & Robin Thornton, we( BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan staff and some students) and some WBSFUW( Bro. Olusegun Amos, Bro. Lawanson Akinola) were able to restored the Lord’s church in Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State which was planted in 1993 by the effort one of SWSE- foundation members (Bro. Adebowale Olayisade) but disbanded ten years ago due to the sickness and financial incapability of Bro. Adewunmi Funso, the preacher.

We worked in the evangelization of the town of over 10,000 populace from June 15 through 18 with three evangelists from Ekiti and one from Osun State in house-to-house evangelism during the morning time and Open-air-Bible Lectureship  in the evening time.

To God be the glory, our efforts was blessed with two restoration (Bro & Sis. Adewunmi Funsho) and conversion of two young ladies(Oluwatosin and Oluwadarasimi).

The school provided food and waters plus transportation fare to all the participants while Bro. Adeyiwolu Isaac (one of our graduates and a present Degree students) accommodated all the participants(Nine from BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan).

WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL FOLLOW-UP TEAM

Our WBSFUW were able to distribute over 2,000 WBS Introduction lessons in the months of May & June to get more students to enroll for the free Bible Correspondence Courses in Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States.

To God be the glory, over 500 was returned to the WBS Office in Lagos in May and over 200 in this month of June plus other WBS lessons from the students.

ACCOMPLISHMENT

With the intervention of Bro. Keith Kasarjian and the financial support from Bro. Joseph Smith of Healing Hands International, we were able to redig our first borehole that stop functioning in the early days of May 2023. In fact,”…God caused all things to work together for good to those who love Him…” Rom.8:28.

The problem with the first borehole on May, now give birth to the second borehole in the school community. Rod & Robin Thornton of Westside Congregation in Oklahoma who happens to be a close associate of our Grand Patron (Bro. Doug Wheeler) assisted us in getting a second borehole for the School in Butubutu Village, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria which will be opened for use in two or three weeks time.

ABOUT A STUDENT

Bro. Asang Abel Rimamnda was born in the year 1998 by Mr & Mrs Asang Samuel at Badji village located in the North west region of Cameroon. He was converted into the Lord’s church in the year 2016 at a refugee camp in USSA Local Government Area of Taraba State by Bro. Japhet. Got an admission into BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan in the year 2020. He is presently one of our year- 2 students. His purpose of coming here is to be a sound gospel minister both in Nigeria and Cameroon.

UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Our students will embark on a six weeks practicum, that is, teaching practice on July 01 through August 13, 2023.

2. Our  WBSFUW will make visit to Igarra in Edo State,Idofin and Omu-Aran in Kwara State between July 6 and 14,2023 Lord’s willing to encourage the brethren and Churches of Christ in this two States of Nigeria.

3. Some of the BVBIN & SWSE  instructors will participate in this year Great Workshop, a program for WBSFUW and evangelists in the Southern states of Nigeria and Abuja (FCT) between July 26 and 29, 2023 at Port - Harcourt, Rivers State 

CONCLUSION: 

We deeply appreciate you all for your moral and financial supports toward the growth of the Lord’s Church in Africa, Nigeria in particular.

May the Lord keep on blessing all our work together in Christ Jesus, Amen.

Sincerely His & Yours,

Bro. Makinde Ebens (The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW)

Liberian school finishes the school year strong

May 2023 Operation Report

Tracts Received

Bro. Fester G. Lee, Dean Of Students BVBI-L on Thursday May 18, 2023 left for Monrovia to receive from Bro. Alfred Beyan some Bible Tracks donated by Mission Printing to BVBI-L. Unfortunately, there were some mistakes in allotting those tracts to the appropriate locations from Monrovia. Tracts designated for Ganta were mistakenly taken to Sierra Leone. Later, Bro Ashcraft suggested those tracts are returned to Ganta from Sierra Leone. But, considering the cost of transportation and custom formalities at the border, we also suggested that those tracts remain be Sierra Leon and be used.

How be it, Bro. Beyan assisted us with few cartons of his consignments for the evangelism work in Nimba County.

Below are the categories of tracts and number of cartons received from Monrovia:

1.      47 cartons of GTI Tracts

2.      16 cartons of the Preacher

3.      2 cartons of the Used Library books

4.      75 cartons of tracts from Bro. Alfred Beyan

We appreciate and recognized the efforts of Mission Press for taking the gospel out to needed and defending the truth. Those tracts and many others received in the past have tremendously helped the evangelism works here in Nimba and will carry us a long way in improving the works of God’s Kingdom in this part of the world.

Please keep us in your individual prayers as we take on the task of propagating the gospel. 

Meeting with the Landlord

On Sunday May 28, 2023, we received on BVB-L Campus Mr. Sylvester Zorr, the Landlord of the school compound from Monrovia to do a final assessment on the school building for renovation work. The administration on May 4, 2023 informed him of the deteriorating condition of the three buildings on the compound. The main building used for schooling is leaking seriously from the roof (the director’s office, Staff bathrooms and the class room). After his assessment, the landlord asked the interim administration to find a constructor to do a comprehensive estimate for those buildings and get back to him.

We discussed with him also to review the lease agreement, and it was accepted. We are yet to come up with the date for the revision.

Concluding With Batch Three (2021, 2023 School Year) 

Come July 31, 2023 Bear Valley Bible Institute-Liberia Extension will be finally concluding with Batch three (2021-2023 School Year). We are so grateful to God first and appreciative to the Bear Valley Family for their numeral supports bringing us this far in managing this batch in the mist of numeral challenges.

The interim administration appointed in December 2022 to steal the affairs of the school, has unanimously worked with the Batch three year two schedules for quarter six (6) and seven from February 20, 2023 to date and has successfully absolved most of the require courses except few for the month of July 2023 which will bring us to the end of this batch, getting us to prepare for their graduation.

As the school year comes to an end, we have successfully concluded Quarter six (6) which runs from February 20, 2023 to May 14, 2023 teaching all ten courses (nine Biblical courses, a general Agriculture course and a computer course (introduction to Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Suit). A week break was given from May 1, to May 7, 2023 and classes resumed on Monday May 8, 2023 to conclude quarter six which ended May 14, 2023.

Below are Quarter six courses:

1.     Short Course - Bible Geography

2.     Short Course - 1, 2 Timothy & Titus

3.     Old Testament IV

4.     Life of Christ IV

5.     Christian Ethics

6.     Romans

7.     James

8.     Homiletics II

9.     Computer Study

10.     Agriculture

Quarter seven begins May 15, 2023 and ends July 31, 2023 bringing us to an end of the school year 2021-2023 for Batch Three.

Agriculture And Computer

 Our studies at the Bear Valley Bible School in Liberia are not limited just to classroom activities, gospel campaigns and evangelism. Our students are taken through the skills in general agriculture and Computer Science with the anticipation of supporting their families through computer knowledge, crops production and animal rearing after their graduation from this institution. This special program is hugely focused on the practical aspect than theory.  Presently on the farm we have cabbage, sweet corn, hot pepper and garden eggs (Bitter Balls).

We are very much grateful for this special skill being allowed by the Bear Valley School to upgrade our students for their future ministry. 

Weekend Evangelism And Preaching Assignments 

As we continue to mode the minds of our incoming gospel ministers, the BVBI-L administration keeps engaging her students to the practical aspects of their training.

As a requirement of the school, our students continue to engage the communities in and around Ganta city where the school is located, including other congregations in Nimba County during their regular weekend campaigns. This measure is put in place to enable the students carry on the practical aspect of their training in various congregations in the County. They are involved with door knocking (house to house evangelism) and preaching the gospel.

To accomplish these weekly tasks in the face of various challenges that have to do with transportation, rain falls and bad road conditions in our county, the instructors continue to make individual sacrifices by providing means to send the students out to various Congregations during the week ends for practices. They leave every Fridays to their assigned areas after school to enable them carry on their door knocking (Personal Evangelism) before Sunday Worship Service.

This has been working very well, because the students used the evening hours to visit members and people who are back home from their daily duties, encouraging them for church services the following day.

Since the introduction of this exercise, their works in those different locations has tremendously help the work in Liberia especially in Nimba County.  Twenty one (21) baptism has been recorded from eleven (11) congregations visited by our students and many backsliding brethren restored. This effort is not only affecting the church positively, but helping the individual students with great experiences on field work and what to expect in the future of their own ministry.

Please keep them in your daily prayers for God guardians as they continue this key aspect of their careers.

Kind Regards

The Administration

BVBI-L

Peru school learns more about planting churches

Greetings dear brothers and sisters.

We are halfway through the course, thank God we have Abraham Alata and Andrés Nuñes in charge of the courses this bimester (The Deity and Planting Churches). They have written a brief review on the progress of their respective course, which I will share so that you can read what they themselves have written about it:

Abraham Alata on the course "Divinity":
The course on Divinity has fallen into my responsibility, which will be taught for the space of 2 months during 8 Saturdays 4 hours every Saturday from the months of May to June. During the first month we have been talking about theology as the study of God, how can one know God, general revelation and special revelation. During the month of June the following topics will be covered: the Trinity and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Additional reading material has been handed out. The evaluation of the students consists of quizzes every Saturday, memory verses, a final exam, participation, notebook notes, and the reading of the distributed material. There are 8 students in my course, 5 in person and 3 online. There is a student who has been coming sporadically.

Andres Nuñez on the course "Planting Churches":
Duration time: 2 months (May and June)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The brothers who are participating in the course are 7 . Since May 2023, I have the pleasant opportunity to continue teaching my classes as a teacher at the Bear Valley Bible Institute Peru School. On this occasion with the course "Planting Churches" motivating students with great enthusiasm, to know, learn, and know how to Plant a new Church. At first, during its development, they were very struck by the fact that evangelism is the main base, then discipleship, and in the end the church is fully established in the chosen place, but with a missionary vision.
The course consists of three main points that are:
I. EVANGELIZE (With strategies that work) TO EVERYONE (John 3:1:21; Luke 5:1-11). How to evangelize?
II. DISCIPLE (Up to the highest level, Life Transformation) (2 Timothy 2:2). How far to teach.
III. PLANTING CHURCHES (With a global missionary vision) Reproduction of churches (Acts 9:31). What kind of churches? With World Missionary Vision.
Up to this moment the brothers are understanding that lately and until now many mistakes are being made in establishing new churches in another place, since campaigns are carried out for several days, souls are won, then they are abandoned to their fate, because nobody is left to teach them and if someone is alone it is for a few days, then they are still alone.

In the end the work always remains unfinished and the work was in vain. So the students are seeing and learning what is most important for the new church established in any part of the country to be more solid, strong and committed to the Lord. The students are very eager to participate in the evangelism, campaigns, in any activity carried out by other churches, they feel that desire to attend and support the work of the Lord.

Thank you for taking a little time to read about the progress of classes at BVBI-PERU.

Your server Juan Abanto.

Successful gospel meetings in Zambia

June, 2023

Report

Introduction

We send greetings to you brothers and sisters! We give honor and glory to God our heavenly father who through His grace and the love fully expressed in Christ has granted us the opportunity to work for Him in His kingdom. The month of June has been loaded with a lot of activities at our learning institution and outside and especially on the Copperbelt where we are.

We have good news and sad news from one of our student body. 

Alumni update:

Mathews Mwale currently in Lusaka west of Zambia has been involved in evangelism with the church and as a result of this effort we have recorded three conversions of three young males. We have also recorded two conversions and one restoration from Northern Province of Zambia where Reuben Museka is working.

Lackson Mwangala, one of the beneficiaries of the Chicken run project at BVBI-Zambia, was given fifty broiler chicks, two broiler starters, and four broiler finisher to raise them and has so far done a great work with the church in Chiwempala Chingola. We have recorded eleven restorations through his preaching.

Our June/July Gospel Meeting-2023

We had a very successful gospel campaign which was held at Church of Christ in Mufulira on the Copperbelt province. Mufulira is just thirty minutes (30) drive from the boarder of D.R.C Congo; eleven congregations were present at this meeting for five days. We also had two brothers from Congo and promised to spread the news about our meeting. We hope next year we are going to have more brothers from there. All our students were involved in the activities of the meeting and were teaching in groups as seen in pictures below.

We had a similar gospel meeting in August last year and the theme of the Gospel meeting was “The will of God”. The lessons are still being talked about by those who attended the meeting. Brother Cephas ably delivered the message; this time brother Fred Kanangu delivered the massage under the theme “The World and the New Testament Church”. He also taught about “Social Media and the Church” the bottom line: Avoid getting lost in the negative effect of Social Media.

The total number of those who attended the meeting was two hundred and eighty-five (285). At the end of the meeting we recorded three Baptisms and four restorations. Many Christians are encouraged with such meetings and vowed to advertise the meeting to many Christians back to their home congregations to attend next year if God is willing.

On sad news, a student lost a child

Arnold Silangwa one of the current student body, lost his only child last month. Burial took place on Friday, 23rd June, 2023 in Mansa, Luapula Province of Zambia. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his family.

Good news!

We are happy to announce that through BVBI-Zambia and with the help of Healing Hand International the Church of Christ at Mikomfwa, Luanshya now has a borehole with a solar system in place. This is the place where we as Institute in Zambia expect to meet most of all the churches of Christ here on the Copperbelt province to sharpen and encourage them to hold on to faith and keep the doctrine of our master Jesus Christ. When we hold gospel meetings the challenge has been water now with availability of water such meetings will be very successful

The cry has been water for so many years and it has now come to pass the community will benefit too. Indeed Jesus said that when we show loving concern for others, we do it to him.

In conclusion

Our hearts are always thankful to Woodland Oaks Church of Christ for financial support and all the encouragement in this noble mission. In deed you are among the great servants in the history of the church of Christ as you encourage us to be among those greatest servants as we follow the footsteps of Jesus. We pray that God will bless the work that you all are involved in.

May our God bless the entire Bear Valley Bible Institute International as we serve Him, Please stay safe and well.

In His service,

Cephas and Fred

Jerry Bates visits Zimbabwe

               JUNE 2023 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The month of June had its highs and lows at BVBIZ and in Zimbabwe in general. Zimbabwean citizens saw sharp increases in prices of basic goods and services. The school was not spared either. However, in the midst of this challenge, classes continued, evangelism took place while the projects side had notable developments. These and more are reported hereunder.

CURRICULUM PROGRESS

Several subjects have so far been taught and completed. These subjects include; Church Growth, Church leadership, Christian Spiritual Formation, James, Romans, Major Prophets and Advanced Homiletics. Others are still ongoing.

EVANGELISM

Evangelism remains a critical component at BVBIZ. Each students participates in evangelism as part of training. We can report on the following

ZVISHAVANE CAMPAIGN

Besides field programs, weekend preaching and holiday preaching,  one week campaigns have been on high demand from several congregations in the country. Unfortunately, the school has not been able to satisfy this demand. This year alone, BVBIZ went to Buhera, Gokwe, Chivi, Zvishavane and in July it will be at Chisumbanje. Two congregations were subsequently established at Buhera and at Chivi near Mashava. The BVBIZ team (both students and teachers) joined hands with other experienced preachers who included Brothers Madyira (snr), Kufa, Madamombe, Kasimu and Chauke. Great appreciation to the Zvishavane congregation for providing food to the team. Zvishavane is one of the difficult areas to work in but the seed was sown. 2 souls accepted Christ whilst a great burden was left on the resident preacher, Tinashe Moyana to make follow ups.

 PRACTICUM

Students on the parallel program entered the second month of their practicum. The full time class will start its on the 16th of July. This is an integral part of training at BVBIZ. The next report shall focus more on events that will be transpiring in the field. However, this month we include a report from one of the students in the field. Please find it at the end of this report.

VISIT BY JERRY BATES

BVBIZ was blessed to have Jerry Bates from the 25th to the 30th of June. He taught the book of James during his stay. Students were left at another level. Students were also blessed by his presence, as he had to share the hostel with them. Through him, BVBIZ has been a major center for the distribution of World Evangelism books to preachers, congregations and prisons in need of them. Students have also been using the books in their practicums. On the 29th of June, Jerry was also privileged to visit Hwahwa prison where he gave an encouraging sermon to the inmates. The prison authorities were excited with the visit as well.

FOWL RUN FOR LAYERS

Preparation for a layers project sponsored by Healing Hands International (HHI) moved to another stage in June with the partial completion of the fowl run. The structure 25m x 3.2  The point of lay hens numbering 250, are expected to arrive in August. BVBIZ remains grateful to HHI for this gesture after having sponsored the construction of a greenhouse and purchase of two by 500 litre extra water tanks.

POWER CHALLENGES

As an organization, certain challenges creep in which directly affects operations. One such example is that of power. The school’s solar system is currently unable to sustain the school. It is currently overwhelmed. It usually goes off between 8pm -10pm depending on the weather conditions during the day. This is heavily affecting students as they usually make use of the evenings to do assignments and general reading. This issue has become an urgent need within the school. To mitigate against this challenge, we are exploring possibilities.

CONCLUSION

BVBIZ continues to appreciate many, far and wide, who keep on partnering the school one way or another. Your efforts are not and have not been in vain, as graduates continue to be channeled into the society whilst those in school have been transforming communities through the Word. May God to continue to bless you as you continue to partner with the school in its effort to train many people for the cause of Christ. God bless!

Ghana extended school adds new students

END OF SECOND QUARTER REPORT, 2023

ASH TOWN EXTENSION SCHOOL, GHANA

Prologue

Be in peace, brethren in Christ. We give God praise for bringing us thus far. The following describes what took on in Ash Town Extension School during the second quarter 2023.

 Admission of New Students

Two students were admitted this quarter. Their names are Bro. Samuel Owusu Akoto of Opeikuma Church of Christ and Bro. Ebenezer Otoo of Rock city Church of Christ, all in Kasoa, Ghana. These brethren are church leaders who seek to broaden their Biblical Knowledge.

 Class Activities

Three courses were taught this quarter. Wisdom Kwasi Yirenkyi covered first Corinthians, Emmanuel Yaw Amoo-Gyimah handled Second Corinthians and Emmanuel Aggrey taught the Old Testament Part 3 (Wisdom Literature). There were Thirteen (13) students present in the previously mentioned classes.

Evangelism

Students embarked on door-to-door evangelism in the neighborhood of New Market, Kasoa on May 6th, 2023. Ten (10) students participated in the activity.

Students Profile

Mr. Oppong Isaac is the student profile for this quarter. He is fifty-four (54) years old right now. He is happily married with three gorgeous kids. He works at Ultra Com Holdings. In the year 1986, he was baptized in the Lord’s church. He now worships with the Gomoa Nyanyano Church of Christ where he serves as a Preacher for the congregation. The congregation consists of sixty (60) baptized adults and thirty (30) children. According to Bro. Oppong, he is happy to study at Bear Valley Bible Institute in order to better comprehend and defend the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

We appreciate the Leadership of Bear Valley and the financial assistance provided by the brotherhood this quarter. We pray that God will restore whatever they have lost. Amen.

Reported by Larbi.

A good second quarter in Mombasa

Dear brethren,

Greetings in the name of the Lord.

We hope that the Lord has kept you safe and sound as you continue serving Him diligently. We are all fine and the students are trying their best to absorb from the instructors.

This is the end of our second quarter as well as the beginning of our third quarter this year. This is our third year since the Bear Valley Mombasa began. In the quarter that has just ended, Paul Taught World Religions Class, John Taught Ezekiel and Daniel and Francis taught the Preacher and His Work class. We're glad that the students are improving their faith as days go by.

Moreover, through the students' evangelical efforts, there have been three baptisms in the last quarter. we thank God for this effort that they are making. Paul and Francis have been doing follow up in some of the congregations here, and three members have been restored so far.

Paul will begin next quarter with the class of Godhead, to usher in the third quarter. We pray that the Lord may guide us through the next quarter. We also pray for the grace of God to guide all the students and give them renewed energy for evangelism. We pray that God may continually guide us in this noble work that we may fulfill our call.

The Teachers are continuing with the teaching and edifying the Church, and we are hopeful for more restorations and baptisms as well. May the Lord be gracious to you all. Thank you for all your continued support and prayers.

Blessings,

Francis

Special guests in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the great country of Cameroon. We do hope this report meets you doing well and of a sound mind. God is good and He is faithful towards us and the work entrusted in our hands. We do hope you are doing good in all that you do.

The last week here was a busy for us as we were engaged in so many good works for God’s glory. A total of 9 missionaries came from different places in the United States of America to work for the Lord in different capacities.

One taught in the Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Wotutu, others did one on one evangelism, some were involved in medical consultations, dispersing of medications to those sick, and the sending of some severe cases to a hospital for further treatments. There were also visits to the Brightland Christian Orphanage, and a Vacation Bible School. God stood with all of these programs and they went on without any problems. To Him be the glory and honor.

On June 2nd, I was at the airport waiting for Gods servants as they flew in to Cameroon to serve God. 9 of them arrived safe and sound and were received by the brethren in the Wotutu congregation with open arms.

Minister Michael Crowder, and his wife Ethel, came from the Northside Church of Christ in Nashville. He came to teach a short course to our students on “THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH,” while his wife, sister Ethel Crowder was involved in teaching the women during women’s class and was also actively teaching children during the VBS. Brother Michael is a great teacher of the word. Please keep this great couple in your prayers.

PLANS

From the 30th of June we have a mass evangelism in Mudeka village. Thanks be to God; we have a new evangelistic van that can carry 19 passengers. We shall storm the community with the gospel which is far more powerful than bombs. Keep this program in your prayers as God leads us to that community.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you very much for your time and patient with us during the time of our delay. We thank you very much for your prayers and support which is the wheel that keeps this work going. God is seeing and will reward you in due season. Please share our reports with others who may share it even further.

            God bless you all.

            Elangwe and family

         By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Souls are being won in Malawi!

Introduction

It is always good to hear people being saved from the kingdom of Satan to the kingdom of Christ. Preaching is always a difficult work when it comes to making someone leave his or her wrong belief, and come to Christ. But since we do the work and the good Lord change the hearts of people, it becomes joy to us when many lost souls are being saved. We praise God

We are looking forward to the end of the holiday in 2 weeks time when students will be coming back. Students are on holiday, but the reports coming shows they are not resting. They are preaching and teaching the gospel, and the results of the work they are doing is outstanding.

Baptisms

We have received good news from our students in Karonga, Ntchisi, Mzimba and Kasungu that the Lord has added souls to Christ. The number of baptisms which has reached us is karonga wovwe 4, kasungu 8, ntchisi 3 and Mzimba 5 giving us a total of 20 baptisms. Apart of this good news we have another awesome news! New congregation established at Chazgovu village in Euthini Mzimba district.

New congregation established!

On of our former graduate, who is also helping us distribute world bible school lessons in villages, went to euthini where we have more than 100 WBS students registered through our school BV Ekwendeni. He was called to help some get into Christ last month and he found that the distance from where people are to a meeting place is far, a suggestion for the new congregation to be established was given. I helped Saliwa organize the campaign and we called preachers to go and preach. The campaign stated on the 22 to the 25 of June. The Lord did wonders in a period of 3 days that 15 souls were saved! The new congregation is established! Keep them in your prayers . The chief has said will give land to the church to build a church building, but has also given the church a nursery room for kids that  temporarily should be used as a meeting place for the church. He has asked us to go again and preach since the area is big and many have not been reached. We plan to go with the students this second semester!

Word of thanks!

We always thank Bear Valley Bible Institute International and the working hand in hand with the Hillcrest to help us teach and reach out to the lost souls. Without your support and prayers nothing we could be able to do on our own. There's still a wide door open for us to reach out to the lost souls - Matthew 28:18-20! We are ready to go!

Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls.

Your brothers in Christ,

Ephron and Clergynton

Graduation upcoming in India

Dear brethren,

I bring greetings from all us at Skinner’s Garden and Bikkavolu. First let me thank you for your prayers which encouraged us to successfully finish the training of Men to be preachers. God has blessed our efforts total 12 students have been qualified to receive the course completion Diploma, which we call this as a Bachelor’s Degree. We are very much uplifted by this accomplishment, thank you all so much for being a part of this. We have scheduled the graduation ceremony on the 7th of July. We are thinking about making a good celebration on the eve of this accomplishment.

Usually, for any graduation program so far we are providing them a Bicycles,  Rechargeable Mega Phone , Christian Literature. It is really a big time of celebration to encourage these 12 men for the successful completion of the course of education. All of them have come forward from various back grounds, we must appreciate them for their sacrifice and commitment to complete this course by being away from their families in order to prepare themselves to carry out the gospel to their communities.  These 12 men have successfully finished their schooling, in fact we have started with 15 but ended with 12 successful students. We are grateful to God who showed mercy on us through the wonderful contribution from the new supporting congregations. During the terrible Covid season we had to loose few students, however we had over come that struggle by keeping remining with the same enthusiasm and sprit.  

These men have dedicated their lives to carry out the gospel starting from their communities and people around. They have been trained both in the class room and out of the class room, probably had the best out reach training who can ever get as a Preaching student.  They had handful experience in conducting Bible Studies, Gospel Meetings, Campaigns and other church related work. We are so thankful all the faculty who strived to pursue this task of sending some effective evangelists into the Real World Ministry

The director of Bear Valley International Schools, Bro. Keith Kasarjian will be our honored guest during the Graduation ceremony, we are thankful that this brother is coming forward to bless this occasion, we are very much excited since this is the first graduation ceremony of the Bikkavolu Bible College, which is a Bear Valley International School.

Lectureship: After a long long time we are conducting the Lectureship at Bikkavolu, of course this is for the first time after we established Bikkavolu Bible College, a Bear Valley International School. I have attached a PDF document for all of you to look at, we have selected a topic which we consider as very need, kindly pray that the speakers would do the right job to help the preachers, leaders, to be preachers and members of the church would get at most benefit. 5,6th of July is the lectureship, 14 lessons have been lined up and 9 speakers would be speaking according to the given topic, it will be recorded as well as available live on YouTube. we are excited about this, pray that our Lord would bless our efforts in keep the Church on the Truth.

Kindy pray for the lectureship and also for the graduation ceremony, come see us some day. We praise God for blessing us to reach this mile stone besides Covid and also financial difficulty after the school was established in 2019 July. However, our Lord has lead me to kind people like you to convey not only the need but the great program of Training our Men to carry out the gospel to the lost millions. It is amazing to see how God has worked out everything, that has lead to this success point, we are very much uplifted by your kind concern and support.

Please convey our heartfelt gratitude to the brethren at your congregations, we remember you all in our prayers daily, God bless you all.

In Christ,

John Dean M

God blesses His own in Ukraine

How are you, brothers and sisters? In spite of all the hardships that our country is facing we have been able to finish this academic year. This year has been full of trials and  tribulations. We had to relocate our Bible Institute to the city of Chernivtsi, this was and still is the safest place in our country. During this year I had to commute back and forth from Bila Tserkva to Chernivtsi and supervise the academic process. Every time it took me approximately eight hours to travel one way. I couldn’t relax because of the constant air raid sirens, missile attacks on our cities, black-outs and power cuts, lack of heating and of water. 

But God is above all of our problems and He has kept us alive and well. As l look back, I can see how God has  revealed to us our strengths and weaknesses. God has shown us where we should labor.  This year three students graduated. One of them (Alexander) has already started work as a youth minister in the church in Chernivtsi. He has been preparing himself for this type of work during the last two years. Two other students (Anton and Timothy) are helping with the church ministry in the city of Kiev. That congregation doesn’t have a  full-time minister, and the local brethren are taking turns doing preaching and teaching. Over there, these graduate students are learning how to preach, prepare and conduct summer Christian camps. They work mainly with the youth and invite others to participate in youth group meetings.

The new school year will start in September. Now is the practice time; therefore, they are gaining experience in the labor of the church. Last week we drove to Kramatorsk (which is located twenty  miles from the frontlines) and delivered humanitarian aid, both to the local Christians and visitors who attend the Sunday worship services. This time we distributed humanitarian aid to 50 persons. Before we arrive, they get registered and then they look forward to our visits. Of course, there are many more people who are in dire need but it would require much more resources. Therefore, we help, first of all, those who are in the greatest need. There is a group of refugees in Bila Tserkva, roughly 20 persons, who regularly attend our worship services on Sundays and Wednesdays. They are studying the Scriptures, asking questions, and we are trying to help them to adjust to a new life in the city. 

There are also people who show up only once in a while but we still hope that they would commit to become regular visitors and maybe, later on, become members of the local Lord’s church. We have been conducting this type of work during the last year and only now we can see the fruit of our efforts. Naturally, some people make an appearance only to receive humanitarian aid but we’re praying that God will touch their hearts through our service.

We are very grateful for the assistance and for the prayers of the brethren who are supporting our ministry and helping us in our work.  May the Lord keep each one of you.

Your brother,

Dennis. 

Evangelism challenges in Accra

Monthly College Report - May 2023

We praise God for His wonderful works in the month of May 2023. We acknowledge His presence and direction in all our endeavors. Here are some of the major activities that we engaged in during the month.

Academic Activities

The second quarter of the academic year which commenced on April 9 has been going on smoothly and is expected to end on June 9. We have been busy with academic work and practical evangelism. The students and staff have demonstrated enthusiasm and excellence in their studies and work.

 Gospel Campaign

We conducted a gospel campaign in Twerebo, a town in the Eastern region near the new school project. During our visibility study, we found out that about 98% of persons cohabitating and native of Ga. These made communication very difficult. Sammy had some knowledge of the language yet he struggled much to communicate in this language. Also, due to multiple marriages and cohabitation, they found it difficult to repent in that state. Sometimes, the ladies fear giving in to baptism because they might be beaten by their men. Others also wait to hear permission from their spouse. Due to a local festival, we were not allowed to preach publicly or use loudspeakers. We opted for door-to-door evangelism and personal contacts. We did not record any baptism or restoration, but we sowed seeds of the gospel and hope to follow up later. On Sunday, we were given one of the rooms of the Anglican School building for the meeting. On our next meeting on Sunday, the Pastor of the Anglican church ceased us from using their facility for meetings. Since then George and Sammy have been visiting the village on Saturdays to evangelize.

This has been my first time encountering such challenges in evangelism and have been very sad yet, I am much grateful that as we keep on with our weekly visitation, some are coming back to their senses on what we have told them.

Moreover, we are planning that Sammy with the students will take over their information centers to further explain the need to deny the world and come to Christ after the town’s local festival. I strongly believe that God will make a way for His chosen people.

School Building Project

The construction of the wall around the school compound is completed. The wall will ensure security and safety for the school property and personnel. We thank God for the generous contributions of our supporters and partners who have made this project possible.

Radio Programme

The college has started using the opportunity to preach on the radio. The director, Bro E. O. Larbi who initiated the programme with an engaging lesson on the radio has made a great impact in promoting the college and addressing counseling issues, and also bringing people to know Christ. We have received positive feedback and inquiries from listeners who want to know more about the gospel and the church. We still need more funds to sponsor the programme and reach more souls.

We thank God for a fruitful month and for the safe return of Bro Stephen Ashcraft who visited us in May. We appreciate his support and encouragement. We also thank all our supporters, partners, friends, and well-wishers who have been praying for us and supporting us in various ways. May God bless you all.

Tirupati, India school welcomes new students

Reporting Letter for the month of June-2023.

Respected prayer partners of BVBI-Tirupati-India, greetings to you in the most holy and matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray that this reporting letter finds you all well. We are sincerely thankful to our director and coordinator for their commitment and sacrifice to serve for the smooth function of BVBI-Tirupati. We appreciate our teaching and non-teaching staff for their hardship and cooperation.  We would like to share a brief report for the month of June.

Entrance examination for new batch:- We have began the 3rd batch . As per our director we sent the examination question paper  we have conducted an Assessment of Bible Knowledge Test. There are 20 students who were able to qualify the test.  There are another 20 part time students who are willing to study the word of God by online system,  Our teachers are interested to help them and encourage them. These part time students are already working in the field, they are preaching in different local churches in rural areas and some are working in urban areas.

Campaigning :- We travelled 100 KM and conducted campaigning at Micro Tower colony, Kota-Mandal, Nellore, A.P . We visited door-to-door  in this village . We conducted a gospel meeting. We had 50 to 55 people for the meeting.

Baptisms:-  Two souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ in the village where we did campaigning . The local preacher Mr.Ch.Nathaniel and his family members were encouraged .

Gospel meeting:- We conducted a gospel meeting at Vidyanagar on June 6th . There were 100 people who attended the meeting.

Prayer meeting at Poolathota-village:- We were able to attend a prayer meeting at Poolathota-village on June 29th. Our students lead the songs.

Benevolence:- In north east of India one of the state Manipur due to internal problems there is no peace. The members of local churches are suffering  from basic needs. My friend who is  brother in Christ Mr.Thanglien has been working in the state of Manipur. We inform you that BVBI-Tirupati identified the need and encouraged the concerning brother in India who published in the media. God has blessed the efforts, collection was Rs.7,48,844-00( seven lakhs, forty eight thousand and forty four rupees)  contributed by the local churches and Individual members for the basic needs of the members of local churches in the state of Manipur. We are humbled to share with you that first contribution was donated by our local churches.

Vegetable Seeds distribution:- In India now a days farmers are using more chemicals for cultivating . We are happy to share with you that we have conducted awareness camping for the rural women and encouraged them to cultivate organic vegetables at their house premises itself. We distributed seeds freely to 30 families.

We are thankful to you for the establishment of BVBI in India  which is the best platform for educating young people to sow the seed of God’s word to spread His son’s kingdom (Col 1:13).

Thanking you.

Yours brother in Christ.

B.Vijaya Kumar & Staff from BVBI-Tirupati, India.

New congregation planted by Lusaka, Zambia school

The Courses Covered

The courses covered in the second quarter of the year 2023 were 3 giving us a total 18 covered so far. About 12 students attended classes in the quarter under review. We recruited 2 more students.

Outreach programs

The Bear Valley Bible Institute planted one congregation at Mutamino Village and the brethren congregate at Chinkuli Combined School, Chongwe District after camping for three days from 2 to 4th June 2023.

In May, the Bear Valley Bible Institute students in conjunction with the Chilenje Church of Christ facilitated at the planting of one congregation at Shantumbu in Lusaka Rural.

One of the students (Michael) continued preaching to the incarcerated at Lusaka Central and Kamwala Remand Correctional Facilities and about 10 inmates have registered for baptism.

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

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