Student campaigns in Nigeria

Dear, fellow soldiers of Christ.

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

Below is the report of some of our activities in the month of October 2023.

OVERVIEW:

1.FIRST SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED

2. ARAMOKO-EKITI, EKITI WBS SEMINAR

3. REPORT FROM FELLOW-MINISTERS

4. CHAD WAGNER’S OPEN HALL READY FOR COMMISSION

5. BVBIN-DEGREE PROGRAM

FIRST SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED

The first semester for the year 2023/2024, which began on August 14, concluded on October 6, 2023. Our year-1 students were sent for different Vocational Studies, while our year-2 students were dispatched to congregations within the Southwestern States of Nigeria to assist in evangelism and the edification of local congregations that requested our help.

Lord willing, the 2nd Semester classes will commence on November 6, 2023, and run through January 24, 2024, with a two-week break from December 16 through December 31, 2023.

 ARAMOKO-EKITI WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL SEMINAR/ REVIVAL 

In continuation of the four WBS Seminars sponsored by Rob and Robin Thornton, five of the BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan instructors, named Bro. Israel Tajmavwo, Bro. Odeyemi Durojaiye, Bro. Oladokun Samuel, Bro. Eniafe Kayode, and myself (Bro. Makinde Ebens), along with the company of five of our year-2 students and two WBSFUW members (Bro. Shotola Dele and Bro. Adedoyin Sola Rotimi), conducted a three-day WBS Seminar in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State from October 19 through October 22, 2023.

The three-day seminar featured Mass Evangelism from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and Open-Air Bible Lectureships from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm daily. Some of us stayed behind after the Saturday Open-Air Bible Lectureship to worship with the church in Aramoko-Ekiti.

Other Ministers/WBSFUW members who attended the event were Bro. Emmanuel Godwin, Bro. Amos Olusegun, Bro. Adeyiwolu Isaac, Bro. Akinola Lawanson, Bro. Akinyemi Jacob, and Bro. Ajibade Oluwansola.

Even though there were no conversions, we give thanks to the Lord that a couple who had left the church a year ago returned with their four children. Our final scheduled event is coming up on November 10 through 12, 2023, in Asejire, Osun State.

THIRD BATCH OF BVBIN DEGREE PROGRAM

The 3rd batch of our degree program will commence Lord’s willing on November 27 through December 8,2023 with Research and Writing-1 and Fundamentals of Faith -1.

Hopefuly , eight of the successful students in the 2nd batch will be graduating during our 21st Leadership Seminar of March 2024.

ABOUT A STUDENT

Bro. Murphat Victor Chinagorom is one of our year 2 students. Born on March 11, 2001, in Mbutu-Ngwa, Abia State. He became a member of the Lord's church on May 28, 2017, through the efforts of Bro. Uzoma Alozie, the evangelist of the Church of Christ in Mbutu-Ngwa, Abia State. He gained admission into our ministerial program in August 2022. 

Currently, he is assisting the Lord's church at Felele-Rab, Ibadan, alongside Bro. Eniafe Olukayode. His mission after his training is to become a competent and sound minister of God.

CONCLUSION

We thank you all for your partnership, encouragement, and support. May the Lord continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.

I remain yours in His grace and love as a servant,

Makinde Ebens Olufemi 

The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW 

More souls saved in Sierra Leone

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER, 2023

Full Time and the Extended Programs

INTRODUCTION                               

We bring you greetings again from the Bear Valley Bible Institute Kenema. As our 3rd Graduation exercise comes closer, we become busier day by day. We have been enjoying God’s favour in our efforts to train men and women to proclaim Christ in this Muslim-dominated country. Evangelistically, the school has been so engaged. Our students have been helping many congregations to also nurture them to maturity. Please keep on reading for the details of this report.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

As we write this report, our students in all the two programs are committed to their studies. Classes went on successfully and all our staff are also intact. We are grateful to God.

EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS AND THE CONVERSIONS

As we have always informed you, the school’s existence here primarily is for bringing souls to Christ, therefore, everyone in the school here understands this. And with our conviction, we have been cooperating with local congregations to evangelize the entire Sierra Leone and other countries like Guinea and Liberia. In this effort, for the past September, 14 souls were converted. Apart from this, 3 new congregations were established at Dangbaidu, Sandemande, and Kpalahun and a local congregation at Kangama was strengthened.

 APPRECIATION FOR THE DIGITAL LIBRARY

It was in August of this year that our coordinator, Steve Ashcraft, for the first time set up a digital Library for us. This library has been so helpful and useful to us, the staff and the students alike. Moreover, through the support of our Bear Valley Family in the USA, we got additional computers that are working very effectively; we want to appreciate you all, dear brethren for your love for the souls here.

CONCLUSION

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!

Peter Sahr Makundu,

Director,

The Bear Valley Bible Institute, Kenema Sierra Leone

Great work in the Philippines!

Dear Brother Keith,

Third quarter went so fast and well with our students as they have just finished the subjects on Christian Evidences, 1&2 Peter, and 1&2 Thessalonians. It is so amazing to see our student’s continuous growth and improvement. Their sending congregations are so glad to see them improving as they are now participating in the works of the church particularly in delivering sermons in their worship services and even conducting Bible studies.

We were able also to attend the Music camp that was held in Aurora Isabela this year where they learned basic worship leading, note reading and song composition and before they concluded the said camp, they were able to present their newly composed song.  

In Christ Service,

Baldomero Lagua Jr.

BVBI-Luzon Philippines

Making adjustments in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters, as well as the congregations,

We are very grateful for your prayers and your help that you constantly send to our country and the congregations of the Church of Christ.

The winter time is approaching and we are praying that we will have the opportunity to live through the colder time of the year. The warfare continues and, sadly, thousands of people die daily for the ambitions and desires of the handful of people with the power.

The Ministry of the Bear Valley Bible Institute.

In September Jim Sherman taught "Family Life", Terry Harmon taught the course on Homiletics and currently Vladimir Paziy is teaching "How we got the Bible". The studies are taking place on-line and we are trying to adapt to the new realities. In December we plan on starting Masters' program and we already have 6 students.

The Ministry of the Church in Bila Tserkva.

Last Sunday two people were baptized. It's a joyful event for the Church and for the Lord. An elderly couple from Kharkiv region stopped in Bela Tserkva fleeing from the war. During the previous year we helped them out, sent them food and helped in resolving their social problems. Some brothers would take them to the doctors' appointments, helped them make their living place more comfortable. They got attached to the church and experienced our love and care. They started attending the services regularly, studying with us the Word of God. As the result these two babies in Christ got on the way of salvation.  We pray that they will be an example for the group of other refugees who also attend our services regularly. Every Wednesday we keep on distributing the food packages and preaching the Gospel to newly resettled citizens of our city. This is a  good  opportunity to meet people and establish some friendships.

May God keep you safe and take care of you,

Your brother Dennis Sopelnik.

Kumasi, Ghana students conduct campaign

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, KUMASI

 REPORT FROM JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023

INTRODUCTION

To God be the glory great things He has done for helping us to end another quarter.  Kumasi campus was privileged to get a wonderful support from the Bear Valley Bible Institute in the first quarter for which we are grateful to God for the opportunity.

ACTIVITIES                                                               

·     Two (2) new courses have been completed (Godhead and Old Testament History)

·     Two Students have embarked on a weekend follow-up at Wamahiniso in the Ahafo Region

·     Participation in the Truth be Told Lectureship

ACHIEVEMENTS

·     Students were enlightened at the Truth Be Told Lectureship

·     A room has been rented at Wamahiniso for follow-ups

·     2-set of Student’s mattresses has been purchased.

·     A timetable for the remaining courses in each quarter

·     Building of a good reporting system and a standard office setting is in progress.

·     One of the Students who got sick has recovered and have joined the class

Report by Alex Akosa Karikari

Uganda students finish exams before break

Greetings in the dear name of our lord Jesus christ. 

We bring you greetings from students and the staff at large here in Uganda. The men at Bear Valley Uganda are greatly giving  a difference taking classes  and for the long time but still  the willingness to know is more increase. Teachers are working so hard to see that these men get out from here when they are real soldiers of Christ.  We continually seek for your payers. 

Students have a break off for the long holiday this Friday.  They are expected to report early January  for their second year in class.  Let's pray that God may protect them in the holidays until we see them back to the campus. 

We haven't recorded so many challenges during  this time  though some can't always miss.  Four students  got very sick, but with God's grace, they were able to recover and continued with classes  One of our students recently lost his father  not even a week ago. Pray for him  as he encounter so many  challenges at home. I was able to go be with him in this trying moment. 

The challenge of water has been another big one, always have us in prayers that with time, this may be solved to ease our staying here.

With all these God is faithful because he has been with us and giving us all ways possible to overcome what comes our way. May his name be blessed. 

May the almighty God bless you so much. 

Until all have heard 

Raymond 

Takoradi school celebrates graduation

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER, 2023

 CLASSROOM WORK

The regular students were on holidays from 1st – 30th September. The part time students continued studies for the first two weeks in the month.

The third week of the month was used to prepare for the graduation of 2021/2022 academic year students.

September was the month for graduation and Seminar. Ten students graduated during the 17th congregation of the school which took place on Saturday, 16th September, 2023.  The program was very successful and well attended. There were numerous awards for the graduating students. The best graduating student was awarded a laptop and books and most evangelistic students were also awarded books. In all, it was a very memorable program.

Seminar followed from 18th – 21st September, 2023 at the Twin city special school. The theme for the seminar was “be ready to give a defense”. It was a very educational and informative seminar. We had great speakers who presented marvelous topics and lessons. Preachers and church leaders across the country attended the seminar.

 PERSONAL EVANGELISM AND BAPTISM

Week in week out, our students are involved in evangelism. To engage our students during the vacation, we joined them with our just graduated batch to embark on a week evangelism to strengthen a local congregation a week before their graduation. The congregation is being handled by one of the just graduated students. There are several personal and public evangelism efforts throughout the country. As always, God continues to bless our efforts with some converts. All the preaching was done by the students and the graduands.

Tamale staff work to convert denominational souls

Another milestone has been reached in the journey of the Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies, Tamale in the month of September, 2023. The month of September brought us great memories and encouragement in our efforts to push the agenda of God forward. Indeed, the month of September, 2023 is a memorable month for us in Bear Valley Tamale.

UPDATE ON ACADEMIC ARRANGEMENT

Students were on break in the whole month of September, 2023. This break is in line with our academic arrangement for the year. 

DENOMINATIONAL PROGRAM FOR CONVERSION

We give glory to God for the successful beginning of the denominational program put in place with the help and collaboration of Brother Steven Ashcraft and the resident staff in Tamale. In our efforts together to go the extra mile to make an impact in our evangelistic work, especially in Tamale town, we all saw the need to come up with a program where we recruit some denominational Church leaders, pastors and members into the school, for a special free lesson, directed towards converting the campus. It is our hope and prayers that we succeed with ours too. Currently, fourteen people have been recruited into the program. They have so far had five meetings.  It is our hope and prayers that conversions take place, some of them could be migrated into our next recruitment for the Diploma Course when they are converted.

SCHOOL BUS PURCHASE

One of the major transformational events that took place in the month of September 2023 was the purchase of a bus for the school. Getting a bus for the school has always been a top issue for us as an Institute. We struggle almost all the time we embark on evangelistic journeys. So, getting a bus has always been a great deal of matter before us in our meetings. We give the glory that this dream has been fulfilled successfully, by the help of Brother Steven and that concern for Kingdom Business. A sprinter Bus was purchased in the month of September to aid our work and movements, especially, our evangelistic journeys. We give God the glory for all the individuals who have made any kind of sacrifice to make things easy for all the time, especially, helping us have a bus for our evangelistic work. God bless you all for your great service to God. We also thank Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi for always standing for our interest as an Institute, anytime we are on the right direction. God bless you all.

VISIITATION AND SEMINAR

In the month of September also, Brother Albert stood in for Brother James in a three days seminar hosted under the Zabzugu District by the Jomoni congregation. The seminar brought together four congregations dealing with the issue of True Christian living. Emphasis was placed on the Christian relation to the society and that of the family. Brother Albert Tamanja was the main speaker, and it was a very successful event. He took the opportunity to advertise the school to the participants. We praise God.

KPALSI SOUTH CONGREGATION

As one of our efforts and strategies to keep our youth and children active and ready for the future, the church has programs in the course of the year that give the youth the opportunity to lead in worship. In the month of September, we had a three days program, where lessons directed towards the youth and children were taught. We also gave the youth the opportunity to officiate in worship on the third day, which falls on the first day of the week.

Furthermore, after worship, the children were given the opportunity to play some Biblical drama and recitation of scriptures and books of the Bible. It was a very inspiring moment, as little kids were able to memorize Bible verses and recite Books of the Bible from Genesis to Malachi, and from Matthew to Revelation. Indeed, we believe the future is bright for our congregation in Kpalsi South.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

28 years old Dickson Anonzah Akumbila is the person we briefly profiled in the month of September, 2023. He was born on the 4th Day October 1994 in Bolgatanga, in a community called Sumbrungu Amogerebiisi Kunkuam. Brother Dickson is Single, living with his mother and sisters in a house known as Amoah guure yire. He completed S.H.S in 2015, baptized into the church on the 4th day of March 2021 by Brother Jacob Awintoya, preacher for the Sumbrungu Congregation. Having the desire to work for the Lord, he enrolled into the Bear Valley, Tamale preaching school.  He is part of the current 2023/2024 batch.

We thank God for how far He has brought us. Amen.

The Lord blesses us all,

Bear Valley, Tamale.

Good instruction in Warri, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

We express our sincere gratitude to God for His benevolence towards us. The growth of the gospel work in Nigeria is noteworthy, with a widening sphere of influence. The Bear Valley Family here in Warri centers, especially its dedicated members, have been instrumental in disseminating the Word to remote areas. We extend our thanks to the Bear Valley Family in Denver, USA, for their unwavering support. We hold in prayer all those involved in this partnership and our support groups, hoping for continued strength as we advance our gospel mission.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

DSC CENTER

In July, at the DSC center, studies commenced with enthusiasm. Godwin Ojocheogwu led a comprehensive discussion on the book of Romans, emphasizing that men are saved by grace of God, through Jesus Christ, not by the works of the law because no man can perfectly keep the law. The just shall live by faith. A total of twenty-one (21) students completed the associated examinations.

In August, the book of 1 Corinthians was discussed. Solomon Usim gave a background to the possible reasons for the many problems in the Corinthian church. The first four chapters dealt on issues related to hero worship. Chapters 4-6 expounded on the problems and proffered solutions on how the church should discipline her members. Marriage related problems in chapter seven; The phrase “Concerning the things you wrote to me” was elaborated on. Things Sacrifice to Idols in chapter eight; in chapter nine, Paul defended his apostleship and his burning desire to preach the gospel. Chapter ten and eleven dealt with the examples of the children of Israel in the wilderness and head covering respectively. Chapters twelve to fourteen dealt with Spiritual Gifts. Chapter 15 was basically on Resurrection while chapter 16 was closing formalities. Nineteen (19) students undertook the related examinations.

In September, Abiola Vincent Ojoade taught classes on I and II Thessalonians. At the end of the course, Students were able to understand Biblical teaching concerning the second coming of Christ, the Man of Sin and the various Christian Responsibilities stressed in the books. A total of nineteen (19) students sat for the associated examination.

PTI CENTER

The long-awaited course on hermeneutics was taught in July. Solomon Usim explained that the essence of hermeneutics is Correct Biblical Interpretation. He exposed the lessons and explained exegesis from eisegesis. Navigated through deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning and highlighted among others, the roots of negative interpretations. Thirteen (13) students successfully completed the course.

In August, Meredith Ovwromoh taught Prison Epistles. The Supremacy, Sufficiency, and Centrality of Christ as LORD! Christ, as Creator and God, is superior to any idea, philosophy, religion, or mysticism.  He is over trends, traditions, and even the Jewish laws that pointed to Him.  No one can gain salvation or fullness without Jesus Christ. A total of thirteen (13) students sat for the exams.

Additionally, in September, Solomon Usim taught the course 1 Corinthians. Solomon gave a background to the possible reasons for the many problems in the Corinthian church. The first four chapters dealt on hero worship. Chapters 4-6 expounded on the problems and how the church should discipline her members. The phrase “concerning the things you wrote to me” was elaborated on. Marriage related problems in chapter seven; Things Sacrificed to Idols in chapter eight; in chapter nine, Paul defended his apostleship and his burning desire to preach the gospel. chapter ten and eleven dealt with the examples of the children of Israel in the wilderness and head covering respectively. Chapters twelve to fourteen dealt with Spiritual Gifts. Chapter 15 was basically on resurrection while chapter 16 was closing formalities. Fourteen (14) students completed the associated exams.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM

There was no gospel campaign majorly because of the Four Field Discipleship Multiplication Programs going on around the area.

NEW INSTRUCTOR

You will recall that sometime in 2021 and 2022, two of our instructors moved. Kumayon Kumasi (Evang) moved to Ogun State to continue his ministerial work there. Similarly, Osita Onuorah (Evang), the former director, moved to Abuja in 2022. Thus, there was a need to fill in the space. During the May visit of Keith Kasarjian, President-BVBID Extension Program, discussion on the replacement was made and agreed. The relocation of Osita Onuorah (Evang) led the Okoh Street church of Christ to secure the services of Iduh Creed Odike (Evang), a fresh graduate from School of Biblical Studies Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Odike thus became a suitable replacement. Therefore, in July a letter of recommendation was written to the appropriate authorities and approval was granted. The Bear Valley family here appreciates the tremendous support the Warri center and the Nigerian schools at large enjoys. We pray that our loving father blesses the work more abundantly.

CHALLENGES

The economic situation in Nigeria is worsening by the day. The dollar to naira exchange rate affects every commodity. This may be attributed to bad governance. The students travel from afar to attend and the increase affects the transportation cost. However, to God be the glory, some of them are keeping faith with the programme.

THIRD QUARTER'S EVENTS

·      Number of Students- forty-seven (47), twenty (20) at PTI and Twenty-seven (27) at DSC

·      Number of Campaigns Conducted by Students/Teachers in This Quarter: None.

·      Number of Baptisms Resulting from Evangelical Efforts by Students/Teachers This quarter: Nine 17

·      Number of New Congregations Established: None

·      Number of Teachers at the School: Five (5)

·      Number of Churches Restored: None

CONCLUSION

It has been another quarter of fruitful endeavor. Classes have been superb and both Staff and students are in high spirits. The year is fast coming to an end and we are grateful to God for being with us all the way. We are thankful for your prayers and immense support. We pray the school will continue to help preachers and teachers in the area to improve more and more in Christ name amen. We pray for more, safe passages for all the Bear Valley Family as they travel around the world for the sake of the gospel. We pray for those supporting the work, that the Almighty God will continue to bless their endeavors more and more in Christ’s name amen.

Lilongwe, Malawi school perseveres

We have been operating on reduced power since two batteries have been sent back to the manufacturer for factory defects.  As the factory is in another country, it is taking months to get back up to full power.  

The students have adjusted to getting up early instead of staying up late since the lights in their houses and in the study hall have been going out at 8 p.m. (right after they have finished eating supper and spending time with the family).

As the company was working to install one battery as a “loaner”, we moved chapel outside so we could stay on schedule at the preaching school.  Things like those, which could derail everything, instead are viewed as opportunities.  It was nice to meet outside for a change… a reminder of church camp!

Loss & Sickness Plague the School

A third student wife has lost a parent in less than a year… that’s almost half!  Yet, they are persevering! 

A 1 1/2-year-old contracted a bacterial infection and needed transport to and from the hospital for 3 days to get daily antibiotic treatments intravenously. She is recovering fully!

Meet the Bodwin Phiri Family

The seventh and final student family we would like to introduce is the Bodwin Phiri family. Bodwin is 36 years old, and his wife Doreen is 27. They were married in 2017. Bodwin and Doreen have a daughter, Anjellina, who is six and a son, Onesius, who is two. They are what one would call a cross-cultural family as Bodwin is from Northern Malawi and Doreen is from the Central Region. Bodwin grew up attending the church and was baptized in 2005. Doreen was baptized in 2016. 

Before coming to Bear Valley Lilongwe, Bodwin and Doreen farmed a little and ran a small grocery shop in their village. In addition, Bodwin was a brick layer. Both Bodwin and Doreen are very hard workers. They want to put their great work ethic to use for the kingdom of God. After school, they plan to return to their village near Karonga and continue in their prior professions. They also want to plant new churches and spend more time evangelizing lost souls. 

As a director, I find myself noticing little things about each person on campus. It’s interesting to see the significant changes in their lives during the relatively short time they are here. Doreen came quite reserved but outspoken when the time was right. It was easy to see she had great potential. This especially came to light when in a matter of weeks she lost her mom, sister-in-law, and Bodwin about died from cholera. Now, her intelligence, confidence, and godly determination are shining brightly. Bodwin came as a wallflower. It was not until the second hermeneutics class that I heard his “loud voice”. He has come out of his shell and is revealing a deep desire to learn. They are going to do great things for the kingdom. 

Please join us in prayer for this wonderful family.

Dale Kastner

Showing the love of Jesus in Cambodia

Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,

I hope this report finds you well. I wanted to provide you with an update on the recent activities and progress made by our student group in October.

First, I am thrilled to inform you that one our students delivered a powerful sermon last Sunday. The congregation was deeply moved by the message, and it was truly a testament to the growth and dedication of our students. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to spreading the gospel and their ability to inspire others through their words.

Additionally, I wanted to share the exciting news that our student group embarked on a village outreach program. They visited a nearby village and actively engaged with the local community, sharing the gospel and extending their support to the church there. The reception they received was heartwarming, and the impact they made on the lives of the people in the village was truly remarkable.

During their visit, our students not only shared the gospel but also took the time to encourage and uplift the local church. They offered words of encouragement, provided practical assistance, and fostered a sense of unity and fellowship among the members.

As we continue to support our students in their faith journey, I kindly request your prayers for their continued growth in faith and knowledge. May they be strengthened in their commitment to the Lord and inspired to deepen their understanding of His teachings. Pray that they may continue to be effective ambassadors of the gospel, bringing hope and love to those they encounter.

Thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. Together, we can empower these young individuals to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

Servants of Jesus Christ. 

[Piseth Rin and Darat Run]
Co-Directors of IBISR.

Donnie Estep visits Malawi

Hello Everyone!

We are grateful to God that we have reached this far in the year 2023. We have just ended our second semester and all the students have gone home for their practical work. We expect them back in early February. We were also excited to have Donnie with us for a short course. This month of October a lot has been achieved and good news from our former students is always encouraging. More in the details below!

Teaching

So far so good a job has been done. We have done more than half of our curriculum and next year will be the final for this class and then graduation. Before the close of the second semester we hosted brother Donnie who was teaching the book of "Hebrews". Donnie was excited to see how quickly our students are growing in knowledge. The first year class is always challenging especially in the first semester but as they go along they improve and their understanding becomes Joy to every teacher.

Evangelism

We have received news from some of our former students like brother Saliwa, Takesure, Shadreck, Mateyo and some men who are working with the school; brothers Abishai and Kennedy. They have reported of souls being saved totaling to 46 in the months of October and 14 more souls restored. This always puts the school on the map when we hear from our graduates. We pray that God bless their families physically and Spiritually as they continue doing this noble work.

Holiday

Our students are now gone for a 3 months holiday. It is a long holiday for them to have enough time to preach, teach and encourage congregations. And also, we in Africa depend on farming as a source of finding something to put on our tables and the rains starts in November whereby everyone is needed to be working on his field of crops. The school will open in the first week of February, 2024.

We are always thankful to God for the Bear Valley Bible Institute International and the partnership with the Hillcrest church in Missouri for the every month support. Our currency has been devalued 2, if not 3 times this year putting everything rocketing up high in prices. Life is not the same. But your support and prayers make us move forward. Keep helping us and you have your reward hereafter. Many men have no biblical education and many souls are not saved. Let's join hands to fulfill the ministry. Your involvement is still needed.

"Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls"!

Yours in Christ,

Ephron and Clergynton

Evangelism is the goal in Togo

Report for September 2023

I give thanks to God for this month which has just ended and for the lives of the brothers and sisters of all the congregations who have taken part in church and school activities in southern Togo.

May the Almighty bless all those who contribute to the evolution of work in Togo and elsewhere.

Evangelism:

Every Friday for students, every Tuesday for Kpalime zone evangelists, every Thursday for Kpele zone evangelists and every Wednesday for Agou zone evangelists. At present, evangelists in the Atakpalime zone have started evangelizing every Wednesday. It's a very effective method that involves everyone, even the lazy ones, I'd say, are involved and encouraged. The total number of people baptized this September is 13.

During the month of September, the students occupied the areas of the city where:

 1. TSIVE district, (2 times).

2. Quartier Zomayi (3 times).

BVBI

The quarter ends this month and the third quarter begins mid-October 2023. This quarter's courses will be sent to you in next month's reports. There are 15 students who have completed their courses and are waiting for the next ones. Every Wednesday evening and Sunday, they visit local churches to teach and exhort. At the end of each month, there is a general evaluation for all the students, enabling the teachers to take steps to help and improve each student's level of biblical knowledge.

All teachers enjoyed their academic work and practical work, either through evangelism or working with local churches. This development encourages work and other programs such as evangelistic campaigns in different regions, conferences and seminars. Evangelists are involved in many of the activities organized by the school.

Saturday courses

There are 15 Saturday schools in southern Togo, with a total enrolment of 150 students from all denominations, some of whom have already been baptized and some of whom are already planning to join the two-year BVBI training program. They will join the institute after the class of 2023-2025. This strategy of bringing together denominational leaders (members, pastors, prophets and apostles) to first evangelize and teach them, has resulted in a large number of converts becoming members, and how a new assembly in the locality. This is a good way of planting churches in certain areas of southern Togo.

1. Kpalime (10)

2. Temedja(10)

3. Adeta(10)

4. Amoussoukope (10)

5. Lome (10)

6. Blita (10)

7. Notse (10)

8. Kati (10)

9. Danyi (10)

10. Amakpape (10)

11. Kpele-Ele (10)

12. Datcha (10)

13. Amlame (10)

14. Heheatro (10)

15. Dalave (10)

Churches

Churches of Christ in the south of Togo have recently been hit by rainstorms, such as those in AMOUSSOKPE, TSABOME, TEMEDJA and LAVIE-APEDOME. Without sheds under which to gather, they have been holding Sunday services under very difficult conditions.

Women's conference

Conferences are often organized by region. In September, it was at NUKAFU in Lomé, where women from our region were to take part in the third conference of the year, from October 1 to 4, 2023.

Theme: The role of the Christian woman in the home.

Text: Proverbs 31:11-31.

Evangelists

Still on the move for the salvation of souls, gathered on September 4 to define how to proceed to evangelize a greater number and plant four (4) churches by the end of this year 2023.

Strategies are defined as setting up a system called zone work divided into five:

1. kpalime zone

2. Agou zone

3. Kpele zone

4. Fiokpe area

5. Atakpame zone.

To succeed, you have to work as a team. All these teams, made up of 55 evangelists and brothers of good will, are always on the move to evangelize. Another team is being formed with students from Blita and surrounding areas for the central region.

Public preaching success in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, KOFORIDUA-GHANA

THIRD QUARTER REPORT - 2023

Introduction

We need to be grateful to the Almighty Father for seeing us through another quarter: July – September 2023 with so much blessing that we cannot count in this Kingdom.

Students

A new student came for form and started lectures. This adds up to (18) eighteen students here at Koforidua extended school with the exception of one student who stays far from here but is determined to read the course. The rest are doing well in attendance.

Classes

We have had three courses taught. They are the book of Romans by Bro Paul Larbi Young. The Gospel of John by Bro. Kwabena Gyan-Mante and the book of Revelation by Paul Larbi Young.

Students Activities

Two students were leading two congregations where these congregations do not have preachers. They are Edward Amoako for the Church of Christ- Asokore and Alex Obu for the Okorase congregation. We are having public preaching with a small congregation that one of our students is leading, the Osabene congregation from 3rd October to 8th October, 2023 with every speaker from our school. The service on October 8th will be led by our students. We pray for good weather for the programme.

On July 23rd the students visited some nearby congregations to advertise for students. Out of that we had a soul obeying the Lord as the result of the visit. We pray and hope we will get the result of this visit. It is something we will continue to do as time goes on.

Plans Ahead

We have in plan to start a congregation in a nearby town before the year ends if all things being equal. Pray with us.

Conclusion

Finally, we would like you all to pray with us for Bro. Kwabena Gyan-Mante who has not been doing well for some time now. Thanks be to God for he is responding to treatment.

We continue to be grateful to all what you are doing in the expansion of the Lord’s Kingdom.

Great news from Nigeria

REPORT OF BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – BENIN CITY

EDO STATE, NIGERIA FOR JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2023.

I am delighted to present the report of Benin schools for this quarter.

Academics

We have successfully completed the following courses for the quarter in both schools:

Old Testament II,

New Testament Church

Worship of the New Testament Church.

Brothers Dunia Christopher, Andrew Osatohamwen, Inne Everest and Fidelis Daniel did justice to the courses.

Evangelism

The schools in collaboration with the church of Christ Owie Street, Off Saint

Saviour, Benin City and The Church of Christ, 80, Useh Road, Upper Siloko

Road, Benin City, invaded the host communities with the undiluted gospel of

Christ on the 29 th of July and 30 th of September respectively.

Baptisms

As a result of the collective and individual evangelistic prowess of both the school faculty members and the students, ten souls were added to the kingdom of Jesus Christ through water baptism during the quarter including a denominational “Pastor” and his wife.

Additional Instructor

Brother Daniel Fidelis has been added to the school instructors making the number four. Fidelis attended Western Nigeria Christian College, Abeokuta, Ogun State and school of Biblical Studies, Jos, Plateau State where he bagged Diploma in Ministry and Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies respectively. He is currently

preaching in the same congregation with Brother Dunia Christopher.

Student testimony regarding the school, by Bro. Solomon Itobore Aibangbe

Enrolment as a student in BVB1, Benin City has satisfied my greatest need of knowing and applying the word of God in my Soul-wining exercise. We have been groomed or how to interpret scriptures and also on how to make presentations in a more compelling manner that makes sense to our hearers. It has further deepen our interest in research and notes taking in the aspect of memorizing Bible verses, we have been groomed in a way that we can recall relevant bible passages when the need arises. We now have access to materials that have enrich our library, and enhanced our vocabulary. More importantly our evangelism program is helping to mold us and prepare us for the task ahead. I can say we are being trained and equipped to be a relevant gospel preacher in our present generation. Through our class discussions and group assignments, team work is encouraged; this will positively make us work together in the future to achieve more for Christ.

Appreciation

Words are not enough for us to appreciate our sponsors for their financial support. We pray God reward you immensely for all you are doing to ensure the growth of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

We also thank for Brother Keith Kasarjian, Chad Wagner, Olufemi Eben Makinde, Solomon Usim, Victor Fasonu and all the BVB1-Nigeria Directors for their encouragement.

We pray God blesses them and their families.

New school in Chad doing well

Report of activities for the month of September 2023

BVBI-Moundou-Chad

Mr. Coordinator,

May the peace of God our Father, and the grace of Jesus Christ our Savior, be with you!  We hope this report finds you truly healthy. The campus assembly, and the students, through this report, send you their most distinguished greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Once again, we have the opportunity to let you know about the activities that we carry out at the center, of whose activities you have the honor of coordinating activities. In the following, you will find information regarding studies and evangelism.

We must begin this report by first saying thanks to, to the Creekside congregation, and the entire Bear Valley family, for all the sacrifices you make for us.  Receive our fraternal greetings in Jesus Christ and may God bless you abundantly!

As for the students' classes, praise God, everything is going well so far. The third trimester went very well, all the way through the fifth instruction week. We will begin, God willing, tomorrow October 2, 2023, the last instruction week, with the course, “Christian Evidences.”  We pray for a good ending.  Exam results are improving this term, thanks to the acquisition of our generator, which allows students to revise their lessons. Once again, thank you for the generator.

Speaking of evangelism activities, God has shown his support of our evangelistic activities by adding souls to the kingdom. These activities have produced fruit today, with three souls obeying the gospel of three souls in the waters of baptism.  Let us keep them in our prayers.  The campus assembly is slowly becoming known.  We see regular visits from our visitors.  Let us remain in prayer for these visitors, and for who assemble, all as we study the Bible with them.

On October 7, we will close the third term with the departure of students for the one-week internship which will be followed by five weeks of vacation.  Let us always remain in prayer for their internship and vacation stay.

These are a few words of information, Mr. Coordinator, that we would like to send to you in order to encourage you to continue to help us, in the mission entrusted to all of us, by the Lord.  

May God bless you in Jesus Christ!

 In Christ,

Your brother Datoudji

A new congregation in Ghana

ASH TOWN EXTENSION SCHOOL, GHANA

Introduction

Greetings, beloved brothers and sisters in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We come before you with hearts filled with gratitude as we acknowledge the blessings bestowed upon us by our Heavenly Father. It is with much joy and excitement that we share with you the notable happenings that took place during the third quarter of our time here at Bear Valley Bible Institute in Ash-town.

Classroom Activities

This quarter, three courses were offered to our students. Emmanuel Larbi taught the Gospel of Luke (Life of Christ 3) and John (Life of Christ 4), while Emmanuel Gyasi- Quansah covered the Book of Acts. These courses attracted 14 students who actively participated in the classes. 21 courses have been taught so far.

Students Profile

Our student profile for this quarter is Brother Isaac Ekow Arthur, born on July 26, 1973, at Winneba. He is currently 50 years old. He is happily married to Sister Janet Addae Arthur, who is also a student at this institution and has five children. He works as a carpenter for a living.

He was baptized into the Lord’s Church in December 1999 at Nsawam Road Church of Christ. He now worships with the Church of Christ, Pious, in Kasoa, where the leadership of the congregation has appointed him to serve as an acting Preacher and will later make him substantive Preacher for the Congregation. Brother Arthur is excited to study at Bear Valley Bible Institute in order to acquire in-depth knowledge of the Word of God and ensure that he is not misleading his listeners.

Gospel Campaign and Church Planting

The director met with the leadership of the Ash town congregation on four Sundays to collaborate and plant a church at Adam Estate, Kasoa. The whole programme was structured to take place from September 27th to October 1st, 2023.

From September 27th to September 30th, 2023, house-to-house evangelism was done from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and public preaching was also held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each night.

Adom Estate Congregation was officially inaugurated on Sunday, October 1, 2023. At the end of worship, five visitors were baptized, and eight members were restored.

Brother Kingsley Oti, an old student of Bear Valley, and Brother Emmanuel Aggrey, who is an instructor of Bear Valley, Ash-town, will be serving as preachers of the congregation, while students who reside in the same community will be helping with teachings and other duties assigned to them.

Follow-ups will be done since we have all the particulars of the prospects we engaged.

Lastly, the director will update Bear Valley on the progress of the congregation every quarter.

Conclusion

We express our gratitude for the guidance and support shown by Bear Valley Leadership and the Brotherhood in their generous financial assistance for the quarter. May we petition that God returns and replenishes whatever they may have suffered any loss in. Amen.

Saving souls in northern Togo

OPERATING REPORT BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE  KARA – TOGO (Third quarter 2023)

EXTENDED  PROGRAM ; BVBI- KARA- TOGO

October 5th, 2023

INTRODUCTION

The Congregations of the Church of Christ here in the north of Togo and my own family send you their greetings. We welcome your great desire and love to keep helping us for  the Great Commission ordered by Our Lord in Marc16 :15-16 through this Bible training Institute here in Kara (Togo). By this noble support we are together engaged to look for souls anywhere in  the world. So, we are very thankful. May Our God continue to give you a lot of wisdom and patience in the fulfillment of this Great Commission around the world.

OPERATING  REPORT

1-      The Current number of students : 09 (a student was recruited into the army)

2-      The courses already taught during the second quarter :

a-      Revelation by KAGNON  Luc

b-      Roman by KPODENOU  Rodrigue

c-       Denominational  doctrines by BEDJELSI  Fidele

3-      The courses that will be taught during the fourth quarter 2023 :

a-      General episties by TALAKI  Nicodeme

b-      Galatians to 2Thessalonicians by KPELEVI  David

c-       1Corinthian by BEDJELSI  Fidele

4-      Instructors’ meeting :

The Instructors focused this quarter on the practical training again with students. As we are really evangelists by our ability to evangelize, the instructors worked at Lassa Ahodo with the students where we want to implant a new church. The population has well received the gospel but without any baptism there for instance.

Instructors noted with dissatisfaction that one of the students became a soldier. So, they have always encouraged students to put more effort into their studies.

5-        Congregational  Activities :

a-      Worship and edification :

Students continue to help with other local Preachers by worshiping with the local congregations. With the arrival of local Preachers I am a little released to now better organize the work. We truly pray that these evangelists are truly spiritual to strongly help the work of the Great Mission. Some evangelists in the past and in the worries to help work showed great jealousy and worked against us and against the work of God. With the arrival of other local evangelists and also the help of the brethren of Kpalime, we really want to put the foundations of the unit in the work and the true collaboration that are necessary to succeed the work of the Great Commission. This unit and collaboration helped with the help of Bear Valley students to baptize during this quarter 5 people including 4 women Soumdina Pida and a man in Lama. All this in a joy atmosphere. This Bear Valley Bible School is a great help to enlarge step by step the Kingdom of God in northern Togo where the denominations are well organized.

b-      Seminars : We organized two seminars :

-          One seminar for young people in August 2023. The general topic is titled : « Christian youth and modernism ». About 60 young people participated in this seminar. They returned to their localities very happy after two days of work during holidays.

-          One seminar of Men and Women on September 13th and 14th, 2023. The general topic is titled : « Christian can experience success ? ». About fifty (50) Men and women participated. Many were absent because of the work of the fields.  

c-       Practical work with students : Once a month we go out with students to meet people with whom we share the word of God. These moments are time for students to learn practically how to do this work of evangelism.

d-      Denominational program : We are organizing this work with Kpalime evangelists to put the posters in each locality and create Biblical Study Centers with those who are in the denominations  to help them understand the truth and prepare them to be students at the Bible Institute Bear Valley.

6-      Radio Program : We continue to preach the truth through this local radio « Kozah fm » . Some are happy with this preached truth. Others are not happy. But this issue also helps us meet some with whom we share the truth. We pray that God continues to support us in this issue. We would beg you to put this program in your prayers.

7-      Up coming program :

-          October : The work with Kpalime evangelists to go in different villages and put the posters (Denominational program)

-          December 2023 : Campaign in Kara and North christians yearly camp.

In Christ,

Fidele

Fruitful seminar in Guinea

We saluate you in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Please see below our report of activity for September 2023

Introduction

God's work is an excellent work whose blessing is shared between those who support it financially, materially and those who carry it out in the field. We, the Bear Valley of Gueckedou, reassure all our donors that their efforts are not in vain.

We humbly ask you to read the five points of our report as follows:

I- Teaching

We resumed classes on the 3rd day of September after a three-week vacation. In turn, three subjects were taught to edify the students and their spiritual growth.

Christian leadership was taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno to engage them in their role as leaders in their respective congregations.

They received courses in Church History.

Balla Kamano begun teaching the so-called Minor prophets books, which will run until the beginning of October.

II- Rapid training

This working method, initiated and supported by our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft, is sincerely beneficial for the church in Guinea. For in short time we convert fervent members of denominations to be valiant servants in the Lord's church. This time, two able-bodied young men, Abraham and Faya, working in the denominations, accepted Jesus as their savior after understanding the biblical truth of their salvation. We focus on Abraham's conversion, which was truly courageous. For he was the piano player in the denomination, so he was one of the popular entertainers. But he preferred eternal salvation to the ephemeral prestige here below promoted by denominations.

This rapid training provided leaders for congregations in need of evangelists to administer the five elements of worship.

Some of these students immediately aspire to follow training at the Bear Valley Institute in Gueckedou for the two years program.

III-Bible camp

In the August report we informed you of a Bible camp at N'Zerekoré in the Mohomou congregation.

With God's grace, the planned program was successfully completed. The seminar resulted in three interests.

1- Brothers and sisters from different congregations received common teaching from one speaker per theme.

2- The fellowship of brothers and sisters in the church as mentioned in Acts 2:42.

3-In all sincerity, remember that this meeting was a way for God to highlight the importance of Bear Valley in Guinea through the brilliant teaching of one of the Institute's graduates, who amazed the audience. Many people understood that Bear Valley is blessing source and a driving force to boost God's work in Guinea.

We note the financial support of our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft for the rental of a mini bus to transport the 25 members of the congregations and the 12 students of the school.

IV-Radio Program

Radio is one of the means of spreading the gospel that reaches a very wide audience. The preaching team, led by brother Saa Robert Kamano, is always at work exhorting, rebuking and reminding apostates to return to the Bible and pagans to repent and follow Jesus Christ.

Meeting at Foya 

The penultimate day of the month was devoted to the meeting of the administrators of the respective Bible schools Bear Valley of Gueckedou, Sunset of Koindou and 21st Century of Foya. A number of evangelists working with these schools also took part in the meeting . The aim of the meeting was to: - come up with a common plan to evangelize the Kissi country,

- Share experiences in school administration and church development.

- Censure certain practices that do not benefit the Lord.

A work plan will be communicated to us in the next few days.

V- Suggestions

We are asking all people of good will to help us with an additional motorcycle to replace the one we bought in 2018, which is in a state where the maintenance expenses are more than the work. The acquisition of this motorcycle is a way for us to do the work efficiently.

Conclusion

Considering the above information, we can say that Bear Valley is a source of blessing for us to intensively do the Lord's work.

This is why we thank Bear Valley International for their commitment to activating the growth of church  Christ in Guinea.

We will never cease to thank our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his determination to accompany Bear Valley International's program in Guinea.

Our thanks to all those from near and far who support God's work in Guinea spiritually, morally, financially and materially.

May God of mercy give us the health, peace and wisdom to do his work.

Amen.

Niouma 2 Kamano 

Continued improvements in Accra

DOBORO – ACCRA

REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER, 2023

Class

As this month marks the end of this third quarter for our 6th batch students, we are grateful to the Lord for bringing us so far. All courses were successfully completed with all exams and quizzes. All students took part in the exams without challenges. Currently, we are on vacation and hoping to resume on October 1, 2023.

Furthermore, we were grateful to the Lord for the safe arrival of our dear brother Steven in Accra. He met with the bachelor's degree students on examination on Greek 1 and reading Greek 2.

During the vacation, Sammy had a class with the Nsawam Extension School on computer studies where the students were introduced to the Digital Library which was promised and programmed by Keith and Steven. The students were very happy with it as they had never dreamt of having such a library. According to them, this has made it easy for their research work. Their request now is that it could be accessed in their various schools and wherever they find themselves.

Moreover having met with some of the bachelor’s degree students, Sammy introduced them to the digital library on how it could help them in their research assignments.

The administration is preparing to introduce the Digital Library to our present students and the alumni during the upcoming “TALK” with Keith and the staff.

Introducing our new evangelism team and request for P. A. System for our campaigns

Some students added to the Evangelism Team:

We are fortunate to have these brethren who have dedicated themselves to team up for campaigns of which Brother Wisdom Yirenkyi is the coordinator. Currently, three students who will be completing their Diploma programme in December 2023 have been introduced to this ministry and are willing to dedicate themselves to this task. These dedicated brethren are Ebenezer, Asante, and Silas. These men stay around and are already in the field and are taking part in the radio programme of which E.O. Larbi is currently preaching. Having met, we decided to organize internal and external campaigns in areas under survey.

As part of our campaign plan, we have organized house-to-house, info center preaching, public preaching, and tract distribution programme. We are also planning to organize children or teen Bible classes in the community where the school is located.

All schedules for the programme will be communicated in due course.

Students Profile

One outstanding student by Name Fredrick Owusu is on this day presenting him on our profile. He is married to Gladys Owusu and is blessed with two (2) children. The family are members of the church of Christ located at Bediako Michel Camp – Tema, Greater Accra. His effort is helping the church grow spiritually and numerically. At present, he is ministering to two hundred and twelve (212) members.

He is one of the best students whose participation and attendance in class is marvelous. He is serious with his class, campaign activities, social services, and motivating his classmates.

He is one of the benevolent students who has dedicated himself to providing and serving the students and the staff breakfast each morning because of his cooking skills.

The school has appreciated his effort in the ministry and services to the school and we pray that the Lord grant him knowledge and good health to serve the Lord.

Report by E.O. Larbi