New church plant thriving in Ash Town, Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, ASH TOWN, KASOA – GHANA

First Quarter Report, 2024

INTRODUCTION

We thank God for ushering us into the New Year 2024. May His name be praised forever and ever. Below are happenings in the first quarter 2024 of Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ash town, Kasoa, Ghana.

ADMISSION OF NEW STUDENT

The school admitted Sister Evelyn Owusu, a University graduate who showed interest in studying the Bible with us during this quarter, making our number add up to 14 students.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Three courses were taught during this quarter. The book of Galatians, Pastoral Epistles and World Religion were all handled by Emmanuel Larbi. Fourteen students took part in these courses.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Students who preach for local congregations taught and exhort brethren during this quarter. Brother Michael Oberkoh Teye was very instrumental during this quarter. He assisted Rock City congregation in Kasoa in Sunday Bible Studies and public preaching. Nyanyano Church also invited him to give a health talk during this period. The rest of the students also helped their respective Congregations in Teachings and exhortations.
UPDATE ON ADOM ESTATE CHURCH

The Director visited the congregation for the first time after its establishment to see the progress of the church on 24th January, 2024. Baptized members in attendance on that day was 48 and the children were 27 in number. I was glad to see three students leading the congregation. Sister Charity Boadu Quansah who is also a current student, has handled the children's class since the church started.

After service, I met with the leadership to discuss my observations with them and gave out suggestions on how things can be improved.

In March, I visited them again to see whether the suggestions I gave them have been implemented. There has been improvement since the last time I visited them.

FOLLOW UP

On the 3rd February, 2024, students embarked on follow up at Adom Estate community using the prospect forms they had filled during September, 2023 Campaign.

BAPTISMS

We had three (3) baptisms as a result of students' efforts.

DIGITAL LIBRARY

We have received a digital library from Bear Valley, USA, which will help us in our program of study. Students have been introduced to the library and have started using it. We are grateful to the School for giving us this library.

STUDENT PROFILE

Samuel Owusu Akoto is our student personality for this quarter. He is 35 years of age.15thMay, 2004 was when he got baptized. Samuel is married to sister Doris Aziegah who is also a member of the Lord’s church with two children. He is a Janitor for a Savings and Loans institution in Kasoa. He is a Youth leader at Opaeikuma church in Kasoa. He helps the church in teachings and exhortations. He is industrious. Sam says since joining Bear Valley School he has got much knowledge in sermon preparation and it has also challenged him to study more.

CONCLUSION

We are very much grateful to the Leadership of Bear Valley Bible Institute, USA and the Brotherhood for supporting the school in all aspects. May the good Lord richly you all and replenish whatever you have lost.

Reported by Larbi.

Church plant plans in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, NSAWAM, GHANA

FIRST QUARTER REPORT, 2024

Introduction

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. The following were our activities for the first quarter of 2024.

Classroom Activities

There were three courses offered this quarter; Homiletics 2 and Hermeneutics 2 both taught by Emmanuel Amoo-Gyimah and Galatians, taught by Wisdom Yirenkyi.

Evangelism and Church Planting

Preparations are still ongoing to ensure that our campus plants a church at Akotoshie in Accra this year God willing.

Impact on Congregations

Our students continue to teach and preach in their local congregations and make a massive impact. What we hear of our current students is nothing but praise. This certainly is due to the sound teaching our students receive at the feet of our instructors. Long may this continue.

Student Profile

Brother Shadrack Ojun is the student we are focusing on for this quarter. He is one of the leaders of the student group at Nsawam. He attends the Nsawam Road church of Christ where he serves as a new converts’ class teacher. He also works for the World Bible School. He is very promising and we are glad to have him with us.  

Conclusion

We are grateful for Bear Valley’s assistance during this quarter. We pray God’s blessings in this regard. And brethren, please continue to pray for us.

Kind regards,

N.Y. Aidoo

Gaining valuable experience in Uganda

Greetings in the mighty name of our lord Jesus Christ. 

The month of March has been a good one. The work of the lord gives a difference in many parts of the country.  We thank God for strengthening his people in this venture. 

Bear  Valley Uganda is growing - the men are pushing on to the heights of learning.  Last Sunday  through our  evangelism programs, one soul was baptized by one of our students, who goes every Sunday to help evangelize communities.

Bear Valley Uganda is planning evangelism that will take us to all the four corners of the country.  Men went home on Friday to go first meet their families for a few days so that we can set the ball rolling until the end of the month, which is when we will be closing the term officially.  We will work hand in hand with the congregations from where these men come from. This is having them take the practical part of what they are studying in class. 

We just finished Homiletics 2. It has been a week of laughter and crying as men receive criticism for the sermons they have been presenting.  I loved the class and enjoyed teaching them.  Pray for the success of this program as men go out to the lost souls. 

We always pray for you and for the continued support given to us such that these men train. May the almighty God continue blessing you .

Until all have heard, 

Raymond 

Great things happening in Benin City!

FIRST QUARTER REPORT OF BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.

Greetings from all of us at Bear Valley Bible Institute, Benin extension school. We thank God Almighty for the Bear Valley family for the unflinching support given to us to aid our commitment to training preachers and providing manpower to local congregations in Benin City and its environs.

We had seamless academic activities in the first quarter. In both centres, Galatians, Romans, first and second Peter and Jude were taught by brothers Andrew Osatohanmen, Enne Everest, Daniel Fidelis and Dunia Christopher respectively.

On evangelism, the school collaborated with a very young congregation for a one day street evangelism where we did house to house preaching and also position our public address systems at two different locations for open air preaching. Brother Fidelis Daniel, an instructor at Bear Valley spoke in one of the locations on “The New Testament Church” Brother Felix Ehigiator, the Preacher of Iguosa congregation spoke on “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” There are testimonies to the fact that many of the people we met during the outreach were in church on the 1st of April, 2024. We will continue to follow them up and pray that God give increase in due time.

Similarly, the family of Brother Matthew and Sister Chidinma Megwai are presently in grieve as a result of the demise of their son. The young couple are students of Bear Valley school but lost concentration since the birth of their baby, Kedrick nine months ago as the baby was diagnosed of a hole in the heart. He passed away on the 27th of March, 2024. Remember them in your prayers.

The management of Benin School has from inception been providing lecture materials in hard copies for the students free of charge to encourage them despite the high cost of printing materials. This would have been difficult but for the support of the Bear Valley family. Thus, we say thanks to all our sponsors, once again. 

The individual and collective efforts of the staff and students of Bear Valley, Benin Centre is yielding results as we record baptism on regular basis.

God bless you all for your work of love.

Dunia Christopher,

Bear Valley Bible Institute,

Benin City, Edo State

New school in Nigeria is doing well

Calvay greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Below were our report from Onitsha BVBI Center:

1. Courses taught and the teachers that handled them for the period under review:

a. Christian Evidence (114)- Onyekachi Vincent (Awada center). Chidi Chbunna (Okpoko center), January  2024.

b. Wisdom Literature (115)- Faith Jonathan Chimeremeze (Awada center),  Eneh Everest (Okpoko center) February 2024.

c. The Scheme of Redemption (116)- Nwigwe Innocent (Awada center), Aniamalu Felix ( Okpoko  center) March 2024.

2. We have 39 students. (24 Awada,  and 15 Okpoko)

3. Evangelism: we could not go for our evangelism for the month of March because one of our students held his wedding ceremony on 23rd of March 2024, which many of us participated and I was the one that preached wedding sermon that day. But brother Everest Eneh and I in the course of our visits to congregations for sensitization, we had three souls baptized into Christ after our teaching and sermon at church of Christ, 29 Akpulu  street Okpoko.

By the grace of God we are trying our best to uplift and protect the image of Bear Valley Bible Institute over here. Some of our students are really doing us proud in many congregation were they handled items of worship. Our teachers were also leaving up to expectations.

Ezeh Chijoke Shedrack

100+ Bible studies in Taraba State

I bring you greetings from the school in Taraba State hoping that this report will meet you growing in spiritual things.
I am also glad to let you know that the school is making tremendous impacts on all the congregation of the churches of Christ in Jalingo city and it's environs as our students and instructors continue to teach and preach every week.
102 Bible studies were conducted under the period reviewed, and four souls were united with Christ through water baptism. A family of five was restored back to Faith.  The school wishes to use this medium in expressing her profound gratitude for the gift of Projector and the public address system.

We are going to launch the PA on the 11th to 14th of April in Gollong Area, where we will be holding three day outreach. During the outreach, we shall be having door to door evangelism during the day , while open air preaching will take place in the evening. The radio program will hopefully resume this week Saturday, the pre-recording has been done.

Our classroom activities continue effectively with the aid of the Projector. Bala Egbwakoteh taught the two Epistles of Paul to the early church in Corinth, and Terkule Aorabee taught Christian Ethics. 

You're beloved,

Elkanah Itom Madaki

Lectureship in Owerri

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA, OWERRI CENTER REPORT   - JANUARY -MARCH 2024

The quarter started in high spirit as all the students enthusiastically attended class. By January ending, we hosted a lectureship with the theme:-  STUDYING TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED.

We had brethren and unbelievers from different places within Owerri in attendance not minding the challenging security situation and we were blessed with a baptism. Due to certain circumstances here, We  organise  lessons sometimes weekdays or Sunday evenings depending on situation.

I recommend to you one of our students Dr Obinna Nweze, a medical doctor, a devout student who has consistently supported supported other students financially and also through his financial support made the hosting of our lectureship in January a success.

Presently we have 18 students.

EVANGELISM 

Our  plans with some congregations in Mbaise area to organise a three day evangelism this quarter  yielded result as the event held from 28th to 30th march. Although there was no baptism,vwe believe God will surely give the increase.

Also it will be recalled that I informed us of disunity and lack of love and cooperation among preachers and congregations in Imo State which is occasioned by lack of well trained teachers, preachers and leaders in congregations, we are still working working hard on it and by God's grace the first preachers and church leaders workshop which is being organised by the school will take place in June .

 We are still working on the best modality of help to brethren from far locations from Owerri city requesting for arrangements to come to their area and give them lectures, this is dependent on the number of interested students. 

We deeply express our sincere gratitude  to God,  and we really appreciate the parent body and the school authorities for giving us the privilege of having a study center in Owerri Imo state. We will continue to do our best in this service of molding men for the service of God and humanity.    We reaffirm our promise to maintain a high standard  and surely we will make the school proud.

Yours because of Christ 

Chinedu Akandu 

Director

Coordinator visits Gweru, Zimbabwe

          MARCH 2024 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The month of March was filled with activities, both in and outside the class. Lessons were done successfully whilst development was registered on the infrastructure side of things as well. The school also had an exchange program that took place March. Besides these, this month we give an update with regard to the upcoming May 2024 intake, parallel classes and upcoming field practice.  

1.0     2024: A DROUGHT YEAR

Crops have generally failed in the country due to the El Nino phenomenon. The president declared the 2023/2024 cropping season a national disaster. BVBIZ is not spared either due to the erratic rains. For the past four years, the school has been self sufficient in terms of maize (the staple food) and beans. It is going to be a different scenario from the month of April until the end of the year. The maize that the school had planted failed as well. This has budgetary implications as the school is now buying buying maize to feed the students. Compared to 2023, food expenses every month have gone up by about 65%.

2.0 TERM ENDS

The school term ended on the 26th of March. The following subjects were done and completed succeffuly during the term; Theology of Missions, Community Development and Poverty Alleviation, Revelation, Church Administration and Governance, Preacher’s Life and Work, Strategic Management for Churches, Bible Geography, Teacher Training and Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics. Examinations were written successfully during their last week of studies. Great appreciation goes to both teachers and students for making the academic sessions a success.

3.0 PARALLEL CLASS (PART TIME)

Classes from the parallel program proceeded well as well. The Harare class did Church leadership and Advance Homiletics (still ongoing) in March whilst the Nhowe class did New Testament Church and Personal Work (still ongoing). Both classes shall do the block classes in April. The following classes will be taught in Gweru; Advanced Homiletics, Church Leadership, Greek studies and Pastoral Epistles The following subjects will be done at Nhowe; Sign Language, Life of Christ, Scheme of Redemption and Christian Evidences. Some of the subjects will be carried over into the next session.

4.0 VISITING TEACHERS

In March, BVBIZ was blessed to have Donnie Estep visiting. Donnie is the  BVBIZ regional director for Southern Africa. He arrived on the second of March and departed on the 9th for BVBI-Lesotho. During his stay, he taught the book of Revelation. We always cherish his visits.

Another visiting teacher who came was Panganai Toperesu. He taught a short course; Community Development and Poverty Alleviation from the 14th to the 15th of March. The subsequent week saw brother Nkosilathi Mpofu visiting as well. He taught Theology of Missions. We remain grateful to all these sacrifices that the visiting teachers make.

5.0 EXCHANGE PROGRAM

From the 15th to the 16th of March, Africa School of Bible Missions’ (ASBM) teachers and students visited BVBIZ for an exchange program. This was a first of its kind for the two schools. ASBM is based in Bulawayo. The visit was characterized by fellowship, games, chapels and Bible quiz. Ndebele lessons were done as well. It was refreshing to both students and teachers.

6.0 INFRASTRACTURE DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

6.1 FENCE AND TEACHERS HOUSE

Floor tiles, ceiling and a solar system were successfully fixed at the teachers’ house. The available funds could not permit painting to be done as the other three developments costed a bit more than anticipated. Painting, therefore, remains outstanding. On a different note, the fencing of slightly above half of the school premises was successfully completed in the month. This covered a distance of about 970 metres (500m being diamond fence and 470, game/field fence).  This fence has enhanced the much needed security on the premises.

6.2 CLASSROOM BLOCK

The construction of the much anticipated foundation to the classroom block with offices has taken long than expected.  This is due to the delays by the Vungu Rural District Council in approving the plan. Its health department had noted a few changes that needed to be made in terms of its layout. This has since been done and we continue to wait for its approval.

7.0 FIELD PROGRAM

Having completed their classes, 2022-2024 intake is now commencing its final field practicum. The field practice ends on the 13th of October whereupon students will come back for their graduation. The first round of practicum took place in 2023, over and above holiday preaching, weekend preaching and the famous one week campaigns which take place every term. 

Munyaradzi Muzoma shall move from Mt Darwin to Nembudziya during the second half of the program whilst Chris Marunga remains at Mt Darwin. Borrowdale shall benefit from the program during the first half of the practicum wherein the students will then move to other areas specified on the list. It is anticipated that a new congregation at Mutora Growth point in Nembudziya will be established. The whole district (Gokwe North) has only two congregations and if the Mutora call succeeds, the congregations will become three.  Munyaradzi Muzoma and Chris Marunga also have a task of establishing a new congregation at Mt. Darwin. We request for your prayers towards these efforts.

8.0 MAY 2024 INTAKE

To date 15 students (13 males and 2 females) have been accepted for the May 2024 intake.

CONCLUSION

As reported above, classes progressed well in March, an exchange program took place, and the fence was fixed successfully with the recruitment of students for the May 2024 intake now at an advanced stage. Despite the challenge of drought in the country, God continues to see us through every month. To him be glory and honour, forever and ever, Amen! We continue to appreciate all our partners far and wide for standing with BVBIZ in one way or another. You financial, moral and material support continue to enable the teaching and moulding of preachers to proceed. May God bless you all!

Baptisms and Restorations in Luanshya, Zambia

INTRODUCTION

Once again we so delighted as we write to you this report concerning the work of which the Institute here has been involved in during the month of March. We continue give glory and honor to God the Father, who by His grace has continued to do marvelous work in our lives. We continue to share Christ within copper belt province and Zambia at large.

We as the institute we are in a leading role with the understanding that growing Churches can be determined by the way men conduct their worship services, and the way they value their services.

The meeting of Church leaders

In our effort to foster church growth here on the copper belt province, we have been motivating members of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ for excellences. We have continued to call leaders from the six congregations we have in Luanshya district. We meet quarterly and our first quarter meeting in 2024 was held on 30th March and meeting went on well in Baluba. We had eighteen (18) members from six congregations and the meeting went on very well. The next meeting will be held in June this year and every leader is eagerly looking forward to this meeting.

We continued the journey in our mission, and we just returned from meeting leaders from all eleven districts on the copper-belt in Mufulira on 5th and 6th April. The Leaders who represented fifteen congregations, we met to sensitize each other about some of the challenges faced by each individual congregation. The meetings went on so well and we will continue to meet in Mufulira until we have the gospel meeting in October this year. We will continue to have such meetings which are normally held at different congregations but for the past two years the meetings had been held at BVBI-Zambia campus. We should report that the meeting went on very well with the fellowship meal at the end.

We thank the women who dedicated their service to God and saw to it that preachers eat so well after 12hours of meeting. We have attached picture of women who cooked.

The Outreach in the Eastern DRC (“The Macedonian Call”)

We have continued to work with our brethren in DRC and they have been inviting for us as a School to go and help them evangelize their area. But, the instability of the region had made it impossible in the past to answer to that call. But word has reached us that the situation has really improved.

We are very much aware that the lost in that part of the world are in need of our help. We need to respond immediately, for we know that we are qualified to respond to this call. We need to raise enough funds to go and come back; we are also doing our best to have at least two or three prospective students to come from there in our next intake.   

The Macedonian call is an event that we read about in the Bible, but it is based upon the principles that are present in our lives today. Those who are lost in the world today are in need of what we have to share. And that is the word God!!

The visiting of our coordinator

Brother Donnie Estep visited the school from 18th March, 2024 to 22nd March, 2024. He taught a short course on the book of 2nd Corinthians to the students. It is great to have Donnie visit the school. We always look forward to have men like Donnie come to campus of the school. During this time our students are taught by such a great teacher and we are rejuvenated in our work as members of staff. We pray for God’s speed in whatever he does!

Graduation for 2024

The first quarter is really gone very quickly. The students are only remaining with not many quarters and then they graduate. For the sake of planning, the school has suggested that the 2024 graduation be held on 27th the last Saturday of October, 2024 at the school campus. Please keep us in your prayers for the success of this event.

Bible Studies and Follow-ups

The students have maintained their zeal in conducting weekly Bible studies in different homes of Christians. They have also continued with the follow-ups on non-Christians. They continue to make good progress in their gaining knowledge of the Kingdom of God and application of this knowledge in the field.

For the reason above we are still appealing through our co-ordinator Donnie that our students may have bicycles to easy their work for our master. To Him is the glory forever and ever!!

Additions to the Body of Christ

We have recorded eleven (11) Baptisms for the month of March. We keep praying for the Newborn babies in Christ to continue growing in the knowledge of God to attain salvation.

Restorations!

We have recorded twenty three (23) restorations both our Alumni and current student body have worked tirelessly to achieve this number, we have compiled this number within copper-belt, luapula and Northern Province

Conclusion

Going to heaven is a life long race as we read in in Hebrews 12:1 "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

May our God be with you always. We are also very grateful to all our partners in this great work of God. May God bless all of you in all your efforts for Him!

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

Nine souls baptized in Cambodia

IBISR’s Report for March 2024

 We are sending 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 happened at IBISR’s school in SiemReap Cambodia during March 2024. We want to thank you for taking the time to read this report and look at these recent photos.

 IBISR’s Academy :

Currently Darat and I are continuing to train our students in the subjects of  “A preacher and his work" and "family and marriage".  Our students are happy and satisfied with their studies in those subjects.

Special Opportunity:

IBISR’s school brings our students together to teach and preach God’s word to people living in the new area called (Run Ta Aek). We are so enjoy that God allowed us and preach His word there.

We share with the love that God has given and taught us to love others as ourselves (Mattew.22:38), So we showed our love by sharing food, rice, and ingredients with 12 families. The most important thing is to share the gospel with those families.

Adding to the Family!

It was with much happiness that we saw 9 souls put on Christ in baptism. It is always such a joy to see souls added to our family. Most of them are from Leang Dai and Sombuo villages. Please pray for these new babies in Christ so that they may grow in the image of His son Jesus Christ.

 Seminar:

We attended a joint seminar in Phnom Penh city. Our students and staff enjoy studying the topic of Commitment, which was taught by Brother Sokhom Hun. Over 200 people attended that seminar. It is good to strengthen our faith and to know more about God’s will.

Prayers:

Without your prayers and care, we can’t do these things. Continue praying for our new plan to go to the new area and share God’s word with the lost souls. We take our students with us to do that work. Please pray for us in Cambodia to do that work. May our God open their heart to receive God.

Also, Please pray for new babies in Christ so that they may grow in the image of His son Jesus Christ. 

Servants of Jesus Christ.

(Piseth Rin and Darat Run).

Co-Directors of IBISR.

New school in Brazil!

I will share what God has done thus far with the school In Brazil ever since the partnership with BV has been established in January 2023:

A. February 2023: 

- The school board was created and is composed of 6 godly men. (Pic 1) 

- We met 2 or 3 times per month until the end of the year to discuss guidelines and operation. 

B. May 2023:

- The Bear Valley Bible Institute Brazil was officially and legally constituted. (Pic 2 - Constitution Day and People Involved) 

- The school now has a Brazil National Registry of Legal Entities number. 

- We started working on the calendar, recruiting instructors, and inviting potential students.

C. June 2023: 

- We officially announced the school at the Central congregation (Pic 3) and had nearly 20 applications just from Central. 

- We started advertising the school in the remaining congregations in Belo.

D. July - September 2023: 

- All the classes for the 23/24 calendar year lined up. 

- Opened a Bank account for the school.
- Created a platform in which students can register for classes each semester.

- Talked to the elders at Central and they gave us the best classroom in the church building. We remodelled and improved it (acoustic, screen, board, camera, etc). (Pic 4)

E. October - December 2023:

- Board members/ Instructors' Zoom meeting with Denny and keith. (Pic 5)

- Classes started in October (Pic 6 - First day of the very first BV Brazil class)

- Two courses offered (Pentateuch I and Biblical Church)

- 20 students 

- ⁠3 souls added to the Kingdom

- We prayed for all of the students after service in December, and handed them a declaration of course conclusion for the first semester. They all got A. (Pic 7)

F. January - March 2024:

- Two courses offered (Pentateuch II and Acts)

- 20 students 

- ⁠1 soul added to the Kingdom

Inaugural graduation in Lesotho

INTRODUCTION

The period of January-March marked a great period in the history of BVBI in Maseru and the church in Lesotho as the school had its first graduation. One of the students was ordained as an elder. Donnie Estep visited and 7 baptisms were recorded. These and more are reported hereunder.

1.0   ORDINATION

On the 7th of January 2024, Likhama Leuta, one of the students was ordained in the office of Eldership. Likhama is a serving member of the Lesotho Defense Forces and holds the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1. During the ordination, the army delegation came to witness the occasion and they were pleased to see their serviceman ordained. The school and the church were praised by the army delegation for the good work of producing such great preachers like Likhama Leuta. Maseru church of Christ has 4 Elders now.

2.0   GRADUATION

The graduation ceremony was a historic event in the churches of Christ in Lesotho, the first of BVBI in Maseru. This took place on the 10th of March 2024 at Maseru church of Christ premises. The main reason the graduation was held on a Sunday was to motivate church members to join the school and also to pass the message to other congregations that this is a serious school, not Bible study. This has attracted several people who promised to enroll in April. 9 men and a lady graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies. The names are as follows:

1.       Moalosi Solomon Monyane

2.       Likhama Peter Leuta

3.       Moshe Libe Ts’oene

4.       Neo Johannes Ramonyenyane

5.       Mekhoa Phiela

6.       Tsokolo Anthony Moliko

7.       Tankiso Raphaelo Rahlao

8.       Tankiso Edwin Mohono

9.       Motse Christe Kolobe

10.   Paballo Mateboho Ramokhele

The school would like to thank Brother Donnie Estep for donating the funds to buy the graduation gowns. The students looked great in those gowns. The gown remains the school property.

 2.1 VISITOR

The school was privileged to have a brother Donnie Estep as the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony. BVBI in Maseru appreciates the services he rendered and the sermon he preached at the Maseru church of Christ. Lesotho welcomes you all.

3.0   CURRICULUM

Three courses have been covered: In January Brother Robert taught the epistles of John, in February, Tawanda taught the New Life Behaviour, and in March Brother Tawanda also taught Old Testament 1. On average 15 students attended each of these three courses.

4.0   EVANGELISM

Students are engaged in evangelism. The school is planning to establish two more congregations in Maputsoe about 80-100km from Maseru and Sebalabala village about 75km from Maseru. The students and the instructors have gone to these two places several times for evangelism and the response is overwhelming. In Maputsoe there are about 6 Christians who are not meeting for worship. The school is mobilizing these Christians and other prospects so that they can start meeting on Sundays. If the funds allow, BVBI in Maseru would want to send four students, two to each of these congregations to help conduct services and as a way to practice what they are learning. The school is eager to have more campaigns and plant more congregations provided funds are available.

As a result of the evangelism the school is doing locally, 7 souls were added to the church through baptism.

5.0   BOREHOLE

The school requested a borehole and thank God, in March, Healing Hands International drilled a borehole at Maseru church of Christ premises where the school is operating. The school would like to thank Brother Keith for liaising with the HHI. The school and the church have access to clean and drinkable water.

CONCLUSION

The school is thankful to God and the sponsors for the great work of partnering with us to train preachers in Lesotho. Thank you all involved, the school's prayer is to engage in more evangelism and plant more congregations in Lesotho. Pray for Christians as Lesotho is currently experiencing drought. 

--

God bless you

In His arms,

Tawanda Mwadiya

Students progressing in Cape Coast

BEAR VALLEY, CAPE COAST

REPORT FOR FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR

MARCH 2024

PREAMBLE

The Bear Valley Bible School in Cape Coast has successfully completed two calendar years. We are currently in our third year by the gracious mercies of God. The first set of students who were admitted have been ushered into what is hopefully their final years of studies if all things go according to plan. It has really been an exciting period of studies in the last two years, and it just keeps getting better. 

OVERVIEW

The Cape Coast Study Center is arguably one of the best bible school outlets in the region. It is expected to make serious inroads in the country by the time people start seeing and hearing our graduates preach and teach in the various congregations. Starting with just a little over ten students in the February of the year 2022, the school keeps on attracting students from across the region. Our numbers now stand at 38 with an average weekly attendance of 24 students. 

The improvement in our student’s enrollment is a testimony to the good works we are putting in here as we keep attracting interest and attention of the people of the central region. Brethren from all around the region keep calling to make inquiries about our programs and activities. And for tis we have our students to thank for, as they have proven to be very good ambassadors to the school and the Bear Valley name.  

SUPPLY OF RESOURCES

We received laptops and routers as portable library resource in the beginning of March. Directors were invited to attend a meeting at the Accra center where Bro Steve and his spouse took us through training on how to use the library. It was very educative and useful. (Picture 1)

As the director for my study center, I also took students through a day’s training on how it works and they were amazed about the idea behind it. They expressed their surprises about how it actually works without an internet facility which will make them work with it more easily and get to read more on a wide range of issues. (Picture 2, 3 and 4)

The school keeps receiving resource materials from our Coordinator, Bro Kojo and Bro Sam. The materials have been largely helpful in delivering good quality biblical education to ready Christian minds and hearts.  Once again, we would be much grateful to obtain more supplies of the Preacher’s Box in any future supply of materials to the school. They were very helpful when we embarked on our house to house in the last quarter of the last year. I believe if we are able to get them before the end of April, it will be much helpful as we will be embarking on a weeklong evangelism programme in one of the rural communities. 

COURSES 

As at the end of the March, the first quarter of the year 2024, we have successfully completed the following courses: THE LIFE OF CHRIST 2, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN AND THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH 2

We hope to continue with: THE OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY, THE GODHEAD AND CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES in the next quarter.   

PREPARARTIONS FOR EVANGELISM 

The school is planning on a weeklong evangelism programme at Gomoa Mankoadzi, a rural community located close to Winneba. Tentatively, we are hoping to embark on this outreach from the 29 of April, to the 5th of May, 2024. As part of our preparations to embark on a week-long evangelism campaign, students were asked to make mock presentations so that we can fine tune our notes and strategies for outdoor broadcasts. Other preachers and speakers have invited to be part of this programme like the one we had last year in Cape Coast.   

PROJECTIONS FOR NEXT QUARTER

As a school we have strategized and agreed on some evangelistic missions in the next quarter. We have had some practical training for the students, and we will be kicking off in APRIL. We hope to collaborate with our host church to visit the prospects and converts we encountered last year on our evangelism programme.

We are also planning to visit the local congregations of students on specific dates to help revive and encourage the local and rural churches. A schedule for this programme is currently being prepared by the course reps and the students’ welfare team.  

REPORT PREPARED BY

DANIEL BIRIKORANG

DIRECTOR

Campaign in Lagos

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA AGEGE STUDY CENTRE

REPORT OF FIRST QUARTER, 2024

It is a thing of joy and worthy of giving praises to God that the activities in the first three months of the year, 2024 had been successful.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

The classroom activities were conducted successfully according to the School's guideline and curriculum.

In the month of January, Bro. Noel Brain Otuwho taught Course 120; Pastoral Epistles.

In the month of February, Bro. Ani Augustine taught Course 122; Homiletics.

In the month of March, Bro Okoro Chinyere taught Personal Evangelism.

CAMPAIGN(EVANGELISM)

The school, in conjunction with the Church of Christ, 9, Igbinadun Street, Ojodu, Lagos, conducted Evangelism rally/house to house campaign. This took place on the 30th of March, 2024 at Ojodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

BAPTISM

Follow-up work on the school's earlier outing at the Church of Christ Ifako/Ijaiye where I serve as preacher resulted in the baptism of a soul-Brother Clement on Sunday 7th January, 2024. To God be all the glory that since then, he has been regular in worship and other programmes of the church including evangelism.

LECTURESHIP

Some of our students and instructors participated in a three day Bible lectureship organized by the Church of Christ, Onilekere, Lagos, between Friday 29th - Sunday 31st March, 2024. To God be the glory, it was a successful programme.

APPRECIATION

We, at Agege School are highly appreciative of the efforts of the School's Management and Administration, especially Bro. Keith Kasarjian and Bro. Chad Wagner. They are always on hand to render advice, correction and other forms of help that help the programme to run smoothly. We also appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of the sponsors. We pray that God Almighty should continue to bless all of you, and may God continue to give the management more wisdom to continue to direct the school at the right path.

Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo

Progress in northern Togo

OPERATING  REPORT  BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE  KARA – TOGO (First quarter 2024)

EXTENDED PROGRAM ; BVBI – KARA – TOGO

April 1st, 2024

INTRODUCTION

Greetings from Kara in northern Togo. As we walk together to accomplish the great Mission, we appreciate your willingness to continue to support this Bible School that helps in the formation of brothers who will be able to play a great role in the plan of salvation that the Great Mission requires.

We pray unceasingly that God will grant us peace, courage and good health, so that together we may continue to strive for the fulfillment of the Great Commission order contained in Mark 16 : 15 – 16. Your love in this work gives us the courage to always strive to enlarge Christ’s Kingdom.  

OPERATING  REPORT

1-      The number of students : 09

2-    The courses already taught the first quarter :

a-      Isaiah, great prophet by KAGNON  Luc

b-      The Minor Prophets by TALAKI  Nicodeme

c-       1 Corinthians by BEDJELSI  Fidele

3-    The courses that will be thought during the second quarter 2024 :

a-      Job and the Psalms  by TALAKI  Nicodeme

b-      Jeremiah and Lamentations  by KPELEVI  David

c-       2 Corinthians  by BEDJELSI  Fidele

4-      Instructors’ meeting :   Instructors continue to motivate students  and deploy the student’s behavior that negatively marked teachers in his absence despite the motivations.The students had to express their wish to learn computer science. This technology also helps the student in this research.

5-      Congregational Activities :

a-      Worship and edification : The challenges of laying the foundations for the church in northern Togo are enormous.  There are : The challenge of unity, the challenge with the plethora of denominations.

In the face of all these challenges, a teaching program is planned for all local churches and an awareness campaign in all northern regions to help evangelists work together to expand the Kingdom of our Lord. Our prayer is that in the future we will be totally united in answering Our Lord’s prayer before going to the cross in John 17 :17.

With the arrival of the new evangelists to help the work in the north , we organize these local existing churches to grow spiritually and digitally. A program has been set to feast to help these churches. Students participate in this program and are sent to these churches for adoration Sundays. And our first goal is that these churches become masts and also to implant other churches. So, we have set up effective leadership to enable each local church to worship without the presence of the evangelist. This will help us plan for future church plantings.

b-    Door- to- Door evangelism :

The door to door work during these 3 months led us to convert a total of 8 people, including 4 women in Soumdina- Pida, 2 men in Lama, a woman in Landa  and a man in Kara- University. A door-to-door evangelism program is rigorously followed to help each local church grow numerically. For the moment, this comprehensive evangelism work is a success story among the evangelists in Kara. We pray that God will continue to help u_s in this direction.

c-       Seminars : We thank God for the life of Karen Ashcraft who organized a two-day conference March 1-2, 2024 for 10 Congregations for women who care for children’s class. Each Congregation sent representatives. Karen wisely imparted her knowledge to these women, who left very happy with the gifts they received during the conference. The conference took place in a room at the Hotel Meka in Kara, where the cool temperatures made the participants very happy, as it was extremely hot in Kara in March.

My family is always blessed by Karen’s arrival in Kara. Before she left, we shared a meal together at the Hotel Meka. During this moment of sharing, she had to give a lot of advice to my daughters who make huge efforts at school and promised to do much more in their studies. It was a moment of great joy when we remembered her last visit to Kara a few years  ago. We remain grateful for her love in Christ. Our Mighty God continues to give her long life, strength and many benedictions.

d-      Missionary travel : We have with Steven, the very zealion Missionary for the salvation of souls in Africa and especially in West Africa carried out a missionary trip passing by Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Guinea. In Ivory Coast, we have traveled to the cities of Bandougou, Bouake, Yamssokro to encourage teams to come and work together, very beneficial to have good results in the conversion of lost souls for Christ. In Liberia was held a conference of Zealous Evangelists from Sierraleon, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Ghana,Togo and Liberia. Efforts have been made to put together ideas to channel and motivate the evangelistic team in each country. It is a very beneficial trip. This trip allowed us to know some countries, meet and know the other evangelists of other countries. This trip is solving some division issues in countries. We pray that these kinds of meetings will continue to take place in the future. It is a good start to maintain the unit in the body of Christ in Africa.We pray a lot for Missionary Steven, who inspires us all. May God give him much wisdom, patience and iron health and a long life for the realization of his vision in Christ. This missionary  journey  began on January 14, 2024 and we returned on February 4, 2024.

e-      Denominational Program : This program had started well from our return of the trip after some hesitation. This program began in 3 localities : Atchangbade with 11people ; Soumdina-Pida with 13people and IBBV kara with 6people.

f-       Radio Program :   We use this program as a means of evangelization for the surrounding communities. It’s also a way of getting in touch with certain listeners with whom we are in conversion discussions. Other evangelists help to preach the gospel on the radio.

In Christ,

Fidele

Graduation upcoming in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Greetings from students and staff of BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan.

 Below is the summary of some of our activities for the month of March 2024.

OVERVIEW

1. Felele-Rab and Igbo-Oloyin Outreach

2. Weekend Evangelism 

3. Third Semester Class continue

FELELE-RAB AND IGBO-OLOYIN OUTREACH

The three days mass evangelism outreach of March 01-03 and March 08-10 at Felele-Rab and Igbo-Oloyin,Ibadan was blessed with three conversions and two restoration.

Seven of BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan students,three instructors and two WBSFUW plus other brethren from sisters congregation in U.I. (University of Ibadan)  and Apete participated in the spiritual exercise in Igbo-Oloyin,Ibadan.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM OUTREACH

The students and staff of the BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan actively participated in weekend evangelism in 9 different centers in Oyo,Osun,Ogun,Lagos and Kwara states in this month of March.

The Lord crowned our joint effort at Asejire-Osun state , Lagos and Butubutu village-Ibadan with seven converts. 

To God be the glory and honor.

THIRD SEMESTERS CLASSES CONTINUE

This semester continue as scheduled despite the tension in our country,Nigeria due to the high cost of living.

Our able instructors continue putting on their best in lecturing and instructing the students.

The instructors for this third semester are; Bro Isaac Olaniyan,Bro. Eniafe Olukayode, Bro. Makinde John, Bro Samuel Effiong, Bro Durojaiye Odeyemi, Bro. Israel Tajomavwo and myself, Bro Makinde Ebens while sister Oyenuga Esther and Bro Folorunsho Richard continue serving as our computer operators.

This semester classes commenced on February 19 and shall come to conclusion, Lord’s willing on April 12,2024.

We have twenty-three students in our Diploma year-1 program, while Advanced Diploma (Year-2) program have eight students.

ABOUT A STUDENT

Bro. Afolabi Emmanuel Olajide is one of our year-1 students admitted into the ministerial department of BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan in year 2022.

A native of Ipetumodu in Osun state,born on July 07 1997 at Moro,Osun state. He became a member of the Lord’s church in April 8th , 2017. His mission after training is to become one of the seasoned ministers of God in the Western states of Nigeria.

In conclusion. Thanks for your partnership, encouragement and support. May your days be long on the surface of the earth to eat the fruits of your labor. May the Lord continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus name, amen.

Sincerely yours in His Grace & Love as a servant...... Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (The Chief Servant of BVBIN &SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW )

Two years of war in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It's already the middle of March 2024 and the cruel and merciless war in Ukraine continues. Two years of the constant terror and bloodshed. People learned to function in stress. The social programs' funding gets less and less money. The people got poorer considerably. With these events in the background we appreciate so much the most valuable help from our American brethren who sacrificially give towards the needs of  refugees. This way we spread the Gospel and the people also receive a chance to be saved.

The Bible Institute faithfully continues its ministry. In February and March we had the following subjects - Minor Prophets, part 1, The Wisdom Literature (Instructor Dennis Sopelnik) and the Book of Job (Dmytro Galyuk). After each course the students have to take the written test and also the oral part of the testing. Our online studies definitely don't substitute the personal presence but it's the only safe option of keeping the studies going.

We keep working with the refugees in Leipzig as well. For us it's a wonderful opportunity to have fellowship with Ukrainians and share the Gospel with them. We don't have a lot of opportunities for the evangelism here so we try to use every chance we have.

I'd like to request your prayers for our bothers Dennis and Valentine who are in military now. Our student Dennis got married recently and he was allowed a short leave for the occasion. He was on the front line position with 0 distance to the enemy, it means he occasionally was 100-200 meters away  from the enemy trenches. A lot of fellow soldiers who had been drafted with him lost their lives. We keep him in our prayers at all times and it was God's good will to keep him alive.  And one of our Instructors Valentin is also in the military serving as  an officer in the headquarters. He aged considerably in the recent six months. His physical health deteriorated due to the constant stress and lack of sleep.  Both of them, as well as thousands of our defenders,  need your fervent prayers.

I'm very thankful to all of our preachers who try and help the needy. As an example I will tell about a very interesting event that happened in Bela Tserkva. Our brother in Christ and the local preacher Konstantin contacted one humanitarian fund. Those people came with their own pizza baking equipment and literally in the back yard of the church building cooked and gave away free of charge a lot of pizza. All the refugees who are in the city were told about the upcoming event and hundreds of people had a joyful feast. Of course, it was only a one time  event that doesn't resolve the humanitarian catastrophe but the people got a little hope for rejoicing. I wish you could see the eyes of the children who were given free pizza. They swallowed their slices in seconds!

The world has always been cruel, and only the love of God helps and keeps it in existence.

May God keep each of you.

Your brother,

Dennis Sopelnik

Prayers desperately needed for Haiti

Haiti Report

The International School of Theology (IST) in Haiti has faced many problems over the past four years due to gang activity. The area where the campus is located is where there has been considerable violence, including kidnappings, house raids, and killings. To make matters worse, the area that had to be traveled through to reach IST is home to some of the worst gangs. Therefore, we have not been able to use the campus since 2020. While classes have continued and many souls have been saved, the students and the teachers have been in danger almost daily.

The past two weeks have seen the violence increase drastically. The airport was attacked and had to close for several days. Two of the largest prisons were attacked, which resulted in more than 4,000 prisoners escaping and several left dead. Banks, churches, schools, hospitals, and businesses have been attacked, causing many to close. In the past three months, more than 3,500 people have been killed, kidnapped, or injured by gang activity. The roads are blocked with burning tires, and gunshots can be heard throughout the city of Port-au-Prince. The United States recently sent Marines to reinforce security at the US embassy. The embassy has evacuated all non-essential personnel. The prime minister resigned at the demands of the gangs and the request of some Caribbean leaders. The country is on the verge of total collapse. Please pray for Haiti.

How does this affect the school of preaching in Haiti? Our teachers, directors, and students have put their lives in danger each time they travel to and from class. Half of the class has often been unable to attend due to the blocked streets. Due to the increased violence, we have decided to suspend classes until further notice. We hope to resume them as soon as possible, but it may be August before we can start regular classes again. Our local directors will continue to check on students and help provide food and medical care when needed. The students and teachers regularly work with about twenty-five congregations and will continue their work as much as possible. 

Our goal remains to train preachers and teachers of God's word. While we may have to pause regular classes, the work will continue. We know who is in charge and will make way for His message to be proclaimed. There will come a time when the violence will stop, and we can travel again to Haiti. There are people in Haiti who are hungry for the message of salvation, and we plan to see that they have an opportunity to hear it. Please pray for the work, the students, the teachers, and our directors. 

Larry Waymire

Special guests in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute 

Ekwendeni - Malawi 

Hello everyone!

The progress still continues as we are looking forward to the graduation of our students this year. It is their second and final year in class with us. Teachers and students are in a very serious cooperation at the moment, making sure that everyone gets his assignments finished before that joyous day of graduation.  Everyone with unfinished work, will not enjoy this day of receiving diplomas as he will not have it.

This month of March,  we were blessed to have our visitors from the USA.  One of the 2 brother Charles Gunter stayed with us for two weeks and the other one stayed for 3 days. The students were so happy to have brother Charles teach them the book of John.  The grades they got showed that they have learnt alot.  We are always thankful to have visitors come to help us teach.  This makes the work easier; and also it makes it said rightly " Blessed is the home that receives visitors "!

Evangelism 

We are in rain season and it is difficulty to take our students out for door to door preaching. However,  we have our graduates in many districts of out country Malawi and always send us good news.  This month we received news from brothers Mateyu and Takesure,  they have reported 13 baptisms and 4 souls restored. 

School Land extended 

We are also glad to share the joy we have that the chiefs have given us another portion of land (1 hactor). This is one way of appreciating the development we are doing in their village.  We are so happy that most of our plans will work out well. We need enough place to build teacher's houses and also a library.

God continues blessing your families as this work still need your involvement.  

Your's fellow workers in Christ,

Ephron and Clergynton

Many conversions in Sierra Leone

Bear Valley Bible Institute Sierra Leone

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR MARCH, 2024

Full Time and the Extended Programs

INTRODUCTION

As we march through the month of March, we want to begin this report by honoring God for His providential care. As a family (staff and the students of KBVBI), we keep on recognizing  you, our dear brethren, supporters, partners and readers for your continual demonstration of the love that you have for God thus seeking to save the lost through training.

In March, we went on a short 2 weeks break (full time program only) and resumed classes again; souls were converted, evangelistic training seminars were conducted; and the graduates kept on working harder on the field.  Here is more information on the highlighted activities:

RESUMPTION OF CLASSES AND CONVERSIONS BY STUDENTS

At the end of February 2024, we informed you that our full-time students went on a break for two weeks. They were told to record all their activities with their respective congregations, so that upon resumption, they would turn in to the administration. They went on break indeed and resumed classes on March 15, 2024. Our students come from the various congregations and parts of Sierra Leone including, Kono, Tonkolili, Kenema, Kailahun, etc. Therefore during the break, they were greatly involved in evangelistic and congregational work. As a result, 10 souls were converted and some congregations were strengthened. Apart from the souls converted during the break, 3 others were converted by the staff in the month of March. This is especially important to the school administration because we do not want to train and graduate pulpit ministers who love to see themselves as administrators only and would be fighting for positions in local congregations. Rather, we want to train preachers and evangelists who see the growth of local congregations as the bedrock to intense evangelism. Our part-time students continued their classes and are also involved in evangelistic activities. We desire your prayers for all our students to continue to be committed to the course of Christ.

EVANGELISTIC SEMINARS AND CONVERSION OF SOULS BY THE EVANGELISTIC TEAMS

You are already aware of the active works of the evangelistic teams across the country. So training seminars were held in Freetown and Bo and before the end of the program for the stipulated period, 7 souls were converted and the evangelistic team members were strengthened again with more skills to continue promoting God’s evangelistic mission. Apart from the seminars at the above places, the Koindu team also cooperated with the brethren in Nongoa, Republic of Guinea and conducted an evangelistic campaign which led to the strengthening of the Nongoa Church of Christ and the conversions of 4 souls.

ALUMNI UPDATE

As we keep on informing you that our existence as a school is to train evangelists who would find interest in field work. With that background, you have been reading through our reports of the works of some of our graduates. For the past months that we didn’t share their update with you, they have been working tirelessly. Many of them are leading local congregations, are part of the evangelistic teams and are very recognized in the churches of Christ in Sierra Leone for their contributions. They have been able to convert 22 souls and restored 3 fallen congregations and 10 backslidden brethren. They are to be prayed for and also appreciated for their tireless efforts. 

CONCLUSION

As we marched through the end of March with fruitful activities, we anticipated that April would be more fruitful. Thank you for patiently reading through while noting all the details. May we get your response, suggestions and ideas on how we can improve as a school. We look forward to meeting in April 2024 again, if the Lord tarries to come!