Kisumu, Kenya

Dear brethren,

Today marks the end of our second quarter of the first year of seventh class students at Kenya school of Preaching- Kisumu. We have a break till we resume classes from April 14th to June 6th, 2025. We are thankful that the students are going to have opportunities to meet again with their family and church members and be able to serve them even  better as they increase in Biblical knowledge. It is our prayer that the Almighty Lord be with them and give them journey mercies. 

We give thanks to our able regular local teachers, Charles and Phabian, who had taken the last six weeks to see that these courses are taught: Introduction to Hermeneutics, Life of Christ 2 (The Gospel According Mathew), and English Skills 2. We also appreciate our short course instructor Dr. Michael Reese, who had earlier in January, this year, taught 2 courses,  the Godhead and Christian Evidences.

May the Almighty God continue to keep and uphold them in their effort to impart Bible knowledge to the students.

Thanks to each and everyone who receives this report and endeavors to support the school and the work going on here.

May the Lord bless you abundantly

Your servant Elias Omollo.

Sign language added to curriculum in Zimbabwe

FEBRUARY 2025 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

February 2025 was a month with a difference. A month that saw BVBIZ adding more building blocks in the training of God’s vessels in view of the tasks that awaited them. Instructors, in ensuring that students receive the best and relevant content, take meticulous care in the process. This report details progress made in classes, in construction, on projects, at board level, student profiles and other notable activities.   

1.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS

To date, a few subjects have already been done and completed. These include Ethics, Entrepreneurship, Sign language and broiler production training. The following is the list of subjects being taught this term including their instructors.

Entrepreneurship Skills Development                                 S. Chiunga

Broiler Production (workshop)                                            S. Chiunga

Greek I                                                                                 K. Madyira

1 & 2 Corinthians                                                                 I. Mutichu

Denominational Doctrines                                               M.Muchingami

1 & 2 Thessalonians                                                             D. Estep

Wisdom Literature                                                               I.Mutichu

Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics                     I.Mutichu

Sign Language                                                                      C.Muzambi

Peter and Jude                                                                      H.Suwar

2.0 YOUTH TRANSIT PROGRAM

The youth transit program that the school hosted from the 7th of January ended on the 7th of February. The following main issues were at the centre of the program; moral development, career guidance, entrepreneurship skills development and doctrinal aptitude development. Core modules included the New Testament church and its worship, Christian Ethics, Denominational Doctrines, Study skills, Career Guidance and Entrepreneurship Skills Development. The youths were being prepared for life in college or university. Since the church loses a number of young people at this stage, it is hoped that this program will assist the youths to remain faithful and be agents of change to their mates. The attendees received certificates of attendance to the program.

3.0 SIGN LANGUAGE

BVBIZ has made several inroads in its attempt to produce highly competent graduates who will be able to communicate God’s word to everyone at any level. One strategy was the inclusion of Sign Language and Theology of Disability as subjects to the curriculum. Method Moyo (a 2022 graduate, working as a chaplain at Cure Zimbabwe Children’s Hospital in Bulawayo and preaching at Bellevue Church of Christ in Bulawayo) teaches theology of Disability. Charles Muzambi, a 2021 graduate advanced in Sign Language though he is working with Warren Park congregation in Harare. The teaching of sign language is a partnership between Rutendo Foundation and BVBIZ. This partnership has enabled every student to receive the necessary training in this area. The current class did its first level of training in February. The second level shall commence early next year. The parallel class will undergo the same training as well. After the first level training, one student, Takudzwa Chitura was moved to say the following;

 Steps towards Inclusivity: Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe's Ground breaking Initiative

In a remarkable stride towards inclusivity, sign language has been added as a course for preachers-in-training at Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe, an emerging church of Christ preacher training college in the heart of Zimbabwe's Midlands province, marking a significant step towards inclusivity. This innovative initiative, which attempts to close the gap in the church's outreach to the deaf and other minority groups and make the gospel accessible to all. The school started teaching sign language 5 years ago.

According to John 3:16, the Bible tells us that "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse emphasizes how God's love and salvation are available to everyone. Communication hurdles have, however, frequently impeded the church's capacity to reach everyone, especially those with physical impairments. One important step in removing these obstacles is the addition of sign language instruction to the curriculum at Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe.

The students' progress in this new course has been greatly aided by Minister Muzambi, the sign language instructor. In turn, the students have demonstrated their dedication to inclusive ministry by exhibiting amazing acceptance and eagerness in learning the language.

The impact of this project on the church's outreach to the deaf and hard-of-hearing people is extensive. The institute is giving preachers the tools they need to share the gospel with a previously unreached population by teaching them sign language. "So, how can they call on the one they have not believed in?" wrote the apostle Paul. Furthermore, how can they have faith in someone they have not heard of and how are they able to hear if no one is preaching to them? (Romans 10:14). Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe is just getting started on its path to diversity with the introduction of sign language. Other such actions that could be included are:

1. Accessibility: Making sure that those with disabilities may physically access church facilities.

2. Inclusive worship: Including components of inclusive worship, like communion tables that are wheelchair accessible and audio descriptions for worshippers who are blind or visually impaired.

3. Training on disability awareness: Educating church leaders and members on disability awareness, support, and etiquette.

4. Community outreach: Forming alliances with nearby groups that assist those with disabilities in order to make sure that the church's outreach initiatives are successful and inclusive.

Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe's faculty succinctly states that inclusion is not only morally required, but also mandated by the Bible. As ministers of reconciliation, it is our responsibility to dismantle obstacles and construct bridges. BVBIZ is making a big stride in meeting this obligation by offering sign language as a subject.

To sum up, Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe's decision to offer sign language instruction is a ground-breaking move that serves as a strong model for organizations and churches around the nation. We would be wise to take the institute's lead and make daring efforts to close the divides that divide us as we work to build a more compassionate and inclusive community.

4.0 PROJECTS UPDATE

BVBIZ projects continued well in the month of February. Crops such as tomatoes, cabbages, green paper, maize and covo continued to do fairly well. Butternuts failed to meet our expectations. More cabbages and yellow paper will be grown in early March. Goats, cattle and poultry projects are still ongoing. Incessant rains and ever-changing temperatures slowed poultry projects a bit but the resolve is still ongoing. Harvesting of the tomatoes in the green houses began on the 26th of February. Produce from such projects have been key in lowering the food budget and provide a bit of extra income for the school’s operations.

5.0 CLASSROOM BLOCK PROGRESS

Construction of the classroom block to the seal level began on the 3rd of February and ended on the 6th. Incessant rains then stopped progress on the structure. The inspector passed the level on the 20th and builders were back on site on the 22nd to continue with the work. BVBIZ wishes to thank all those individuals who made a contribution towards this project including Woodland Oaks church of Christ. Current available materials should enable us to reach the roof level only. After this, resources will be needed for window frames, doors, plastering of the interior, floors, ceiling, plumbing and electrical wiring. 

6.0 STUDENT PROFILES

The conventional class has 14 students. There are two couples and eleven single students. The following are their names, congregations and provinces of origin:

7.0 STRATEGIC PLAN WORKSHOP

The 2025-2029 BVBIZ strategic plan is currently being finalised. The 2022-2024 plan ended in December 2024. The strategic plan will act as a blueprint for the school until 2029. After getting inputs from various stakeholders, the second stage was a strategic planning workshop, which took place at the Avondale Church of Christ premises on the 22nd of February 2025. Management, board members, alumni representatives and representatives from the ambassadors’ wing attended the event. Bro. Lavert Zungunde (commonly referred to as the strategist) of SPED Empowerment and Development (Pvt) (Ltd) and a board member, was the facilitator.                

CONCLUSION

We thank God for what He has been able to do for the school in February. We look back and see God’s hand and favour following us. This would not have been possible without your financial, moral and spiritual support.To the partners and sponsors, may God continue to bless you.  We always look to the future with hope that indeed, through these efforts, the gates of hades will not prevail against the church (Mt 16.18).  Classes proceeded well, progress was registered on the projects, progress on the classroom block continued, the formulation of the school’s strategy is in full swing, the board’s progress was registered and the youth transit program ended well. For all these and more, God’s presence was remarkable. To Him, be the glory forever and ever!

Beautiful cooperation in Zambia

February, 2025 

Introduction

The month of February has been declared by world standards as a month of love between the two genders male and female, and especially those in marriages. We at BVBI-Zambia declared it for us to demonstrate our love for God, with the understanding that evangelism does not end with bringing a person to Christ, but, it has to continue with the maturing of that person he/she too begins to bring others to Christ. We had a good experience with our new students as we interacted with the youths and all the members of the Lord’s Church at large. We also have some exciting news as we coordinate with our Alumni in reaching out to various communities throughout Zambia.    

LEADERSHIP MEETING IN LUANSHYA DISTRICT

We had a good start with leadership meeting in Mpongwe district on the copper belt province; in this meeting we had seventeen leaders from 5 congregations. In our meeting we discussed on being one mind as we worship and evangelize, and we also looked at worship atmosphere when we meet it was a good step in a right direction. 

It was agreed that such meetings should be held quarterly so that unscriptural practices may not creep in our midst as we worship God. 

YOUTH MEETING AT BVBI-Zambia

On the other development we organized the meeting for the youths in Luanshya District churches of Christ to make good strategies as we do evangelism. It was a one day workshop and our students and youths from three congregations in Luanshya interacted well on the same. We would like to see them all develop into the great leaders in the church of the Lord. They live in a world where there are many temptations beckoning them to abandon the way of truth and righteousness, but on this day we had a combined prayer so that their  deliberate commitment and the wonderful grace of God can keep them focused on the importance of living a godly life.

 We also had 4 youths from the neighborhood that were attracted with the same meeting at BVBI-Zambia. This meeting presented a good platform for our new students to interact with many youths from churches of Christ in Luanshya district. 

We are planning to take our students in Central province in April this year in order to meet and interact with many youths in the church as we teach and do evangelism for our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.  

SCHOOL PROJECTS UPDATES

Our Institute has acquired a land which is measured 60*100 meters where we expect to build and do extra activities for our students as they learn and acquire skills for life. First we have a field where we have planted maize and soya beans, though the fields are not that big but they have provided a good platform for our students to learn some skills in Agri-business.

We are also making feeds in order to raise sasso or free range chickens of which every student is participating well, we are intending to do more on these projects as we Train preachers here in Zambia. 

WORK WITH OUR ALUMINI

We are so excited to write this report on the work as we coordinate with our former students, we have Joseph and Steven Ngosa who worked together in Baluba and their labor yielded good fruit. We have recorded two (2) Baptisms and 7 restorations, they have continued to do the work and we are expecting good results in the month of March.

We also received Sthembiso Magawa (2022 graduate) who is currently studying Medicine at the University of Zambia and he is in his fourth year. He came when they went on recess for two weeks and used his time at BVBI- Zambia to interact and encourage our current student body during his stay we also recorded one Baptism and 1 restoration.

In Northern province we have 4 of our former students working there in Mporokoso and Mpulungu Districts respectively, in Mporokoso where Ishmael and Mike are preaching we have recorded 5 restorations and 1 baptism and in Mpulungu and Mbala where Reuben Museka and Levy Silungwe have combined forces we recorded 4 Baptisms and 3 restoration, our aim is never to lose contact with our former students as we preach and encourage Christians, please keep on praying for us that we may bring them together for fresher courses most of our students are looking forward to this day for their revival.

Conclusion

We continue to praise Yahweh because of the work you support here, thank you Bear Valley Bible Institute International indeed we are a big family. We are eternally grateful for the partnership that we have with you in the Lord and the financial support that we have continued receiving from Woodland Oaks Church of Christ.

 “I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have, I can reflect light into the dark places of the world… and can change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise”. God bless all of you for loving God.

In His service,

Cephas and Fred

Three more souls added to the family in Cambodia

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord Jesus! We are grateful for another opportunity to share the wonderful works that God is doing through our ministry. It is always a joy to witness His grace and faithfulness in our session.  In this report, we are excited to update you on IBISR.

IBISR's Academy:

We rejoice in the dedication and hard work of our students who faithfully go to the villages every weekend to share God's word. Their commitment to spreading the Gospel is a blessing, as they bring the message of salvation to families and children in these communities. 

We ask for your prayers for these students that God may strengthen them, fill them with wisdom, and use them as vessels for His Glory. May the villagers' hearts be open to receiving the word, and may the children grow in faith as they hear about the love of Christ.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer. May God continue to bless and guide His servants in this mission.

Application week:

We are grateful for the work God is doing through us every weekend in RunDeik New City. Each gathering is an opportunity to share the Gospel, and we thank Him for opening doors for His Word to be heard.

We kindly ask for your prayers for the place where we meet, that it may remain a place of peace and worship, and for the people who come to listen, may their hearts be open to receiving the truth, and may they welcome God into their lives with faith and joy.

Adding to the Family!

With great joy, we share the wonderful news that three new souls have been baptized and welcomed into the family of Christ. This is a time of celebration, as heaven rejoices with us (LuKe 15:10). We are grateful for God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. 

These are their names: Kiry, Miy, and Roth.

As they begin their faith journey, we humbly ask for your prayers. May they grow in the knowledge of God's word, stand firm in their faith, and be a light to those around them. Let us lift them together, asking the Lord to guide and strengthen them in their walk with Him.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. May the Lord bless and keep you all.

In Christ's Love.

Piseth Rin and Darat Run.

Co-directors of IBISR.

Great gospel results in Kenya

Dear brethren, 

Today marks the forth day since we at KSOP resumed classes from Monday January 13th of 2025. This is the 7th class of 2024 to 2026. Classes began with Dr. Michael Reese teaching two short courses in two weeks - The Godhead and Christian Evidences. After he shall be done then we, African instructors (Charles, Phabian and Elias) will come in to teach 5 other courses: Introduction to Hermeneutics, Homiletics 2, English Skills 2, The Book of Matthew and Old Testament II (Exodus to Deuteronomy).

We are so happy to share with the brethren the good work which our current students managed to do in their home congregations during that long holiday. It had been by God's mercy and grace that many gospel meetings (34) had been conducted and supported in November/December, 42 local churches were served by the students, door knocking carried out in villages and centres, lessons taught and Bible questions answered. All these resulted in 74 baptisms performed, 25 erring church members restored and untold numbers received edification.

We do not know much about current students, for it is still early but, surely, they have started very well and we give God the glory due Him! This encourages us more than anything else. We hope that sending them to different congregations while in school will add to their knowledge and experience as they meet and learn from different mature preachers in sound congregations. They will implement what they learn in class and at the same time meet challenges in their evangelism trips.

We still ask prayers on behalf of these men and for the work at this school as we pray also for God's servants everywhere. May you be blessed so much.

Your brother Elias Omollo.

Graduation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Dear brethren,

We are good and continue with the work of God in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

We have 29 students in Dar es Salaam right now. Temeke has 15 students and Temeke has 14 students for the Saturday program. We also have 14 attending our Monday classes. Our teachers are still progressing: Iddy, Kihwele, Justine and Essau Ruheta.

Evangelism is doing well through classes in cooperation with their teachers.

Thanks to Brother Chad Wagner for coming here to Dar es Salaam in December. He attended our graduation ceremony and conducted a very huge evangelism workshop with more than one hundred participants.

Apart from that, we are also excited about our new location for Temeke class shifting to another nice place. Around this February, we will start using this place which will house our program much better than our current arrangement. 

May God bless you more and more for what you are doing here Dar es Salaam!

The new year is off to a good start in Accra, Ghana

Overview 

As we begin the year 2025, we reflect on our initiatives and activities at the Bear Valley Bible Institute (BVBI). January has been a month of growth, outreach, and preparation as we look forward to the new year schedules. 

Staff Meeting: A staff meeting was held on January 8th to discuss the following key points:

Schedule and the topics for the Top Radio program: The house planned and selected topics for the year

Student Support Services: Discussion on enhancing academic, spiritual and financial support for students, including counseling and mentoring programs.

Event Planning: Planning for upcoming events, including the 7th Graduation and the 8th Matriculation ceremony and lectureship for the Alumni 

Classroom Activities: Throughout January, our class sessions focused on several key areas:

Church History: Students engaged in a comprehensive review of the early church, exploring significant events and figures that shaped Christianity. 

Information and Communication Technology (ICT): This course covered the integration of technology in modern ministry. Students learned about digital tools for outreach and engagement.

Pastoral Epistles: A deep dive into the letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus, focusing on leadership, church organization, and pastoral care.

Major Prophets: The class studied the messages and themes of major prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary society.

Greek: The students started their study of Koine Greek, focusing on the learning and writing of the alphabet.

Every afternoon is a session where students are given fifteen minutes and are assessed on their preaching skills.

 Radio Program 

Our radio program continues to be a vital outreach tool for BVBI, allowing us to connect with the community and share the Gospel.

Weekly Broadcasts: our topic for the month is still on the church of the Bible, specifically on the New Testament Worship. The church of the Bible has been selected again for the month of January because listeners are asking many questions.

Audience Engagement: We saw an increase in listener interactions, with many reaching out via phone calls and social media and to share how the program has impacted their lives.

Campaign for New Students: 

As most of the students are through with their course, January was dedicated to our campaign for new students:

Visitation letters: Letters has been sent to churches, requesting their approval to campaign in their churches.

Scholarship Opportunities: We promoted scholarship programs available for incoming students, incentivizing applications and providing financial support for those in need.

The campaign was fruitful and five (5) students has been admitted 

Planned Visitation

Looking ahead, we have several planned visitation initiatives to strengthen our community ties and outreach efforts:

Scheduled Visits: we have visited the Akwamu and the Akotuakrom congregations in the Eastern Region of Ghana on Wednesday evenings, our presence motivated them and as a result increasing church attendance. This is being done to strengthen and edify the local congregations established by the school to grow and assist in evangelism.

Conclusion 

January 2025 has been a fruitful month for the Bear Valley Bible Institute, with successful outreach initiatives and preparations for the new year. We are excited about the impact of our radio program, the progress made in the response to our campaign for new students, and the upcoming planned visitations. As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of equipping leaders for service in the Kingdom of God.

We remain grateful to our partners, alumni, and friends’ prayers, encouragement and financial contributions

May the Lord bless our endeavors as we strive to fulfil our mission.

By E.O. Larbi

Another new school in India starts strong

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – CHENNAI

WORK REPORT

SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER, 2024

The Extended School Programs:

We are so happy to inform you that in the past four months we have worked hard to get the success in completion of four months (September - December 2024) in Extended Program, the conversion of souls and the nurturing of congregations through Special Bible studies, Gospel Meetings, Lectureships and Seminars etc.,

Academic Updates:

The students were fully committed to their studies and wrote the exams successfully. Our hard-working staff also continued to be very busy both in the classroom and on the evangelistic field.

So far, we completed Three Courses:

1.        Biblical Studies: OT Survey 1 - Study of Law: Genesis to Deuteronomy

2.       Apologetics: How We Got The Bible

3.       Apologetics: Christian Evidences

Currently we are studying the Fourth Course

4.       Elective Course: Cost of Discipleship

The students also completed writing exams on Three Courses:

1.        Biblical Studies: OT Survey 1 - Study of Law: Genesis to Deuteronomy

2.       Apologetics: How We Got The Bible

3.       Apologetics: Christian Evidences

 Conversions:

In the past four months (September - December 2024), 04 people were baptized.

 Conclusion:

We are so eager to use every opportunity which our Lord grants us, to work even more harder to train the students in the best way and also to edify the congregations.

Thank you.

In Christ,

Bro. G. J. Prabhudoss

(Director, Bear Valley Bible Institute – Chennai)

New Indian school begins strong

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – ARAKKONAM

No. 6, Jayaram Nagar, Maveripettai, Ammanur, Arakkonam

WORK REPORT

OCTOBER TO DECEMBER, 2024

 The Extended School Programs:

We are so happy to inform you that in the past three months we have worked hard to get the success in completion of three months (October - December 2024) in Extended Program, the conversion of souls and the nurturing of congregations through special Bible studies, Gospel Meetings, Lectureships and Seminars etc.,

 Academic Updates:

The students were fully committed to their studies and wrote the exams successfully. Our hard-working staff also continued to be very busy both in the classroom and on the evangelistic field.

So far, we completed Two Courses:

1.        Biblical Studies: OT Survey 1 - Study of Law: Genesis to Deuteronomy

2.       Apologetics: How We Got The Bible

Currently we are studying the Third Course

3.       Apologetics: Christian Evidences

The students also completed writing exams on Two Courses:

1.        Biblical Studies: OT Survey 1 - Study of Law: Genesis to Deuteronomy

2.       Apologetics: How We Got The Bible

 Conversions:

In the past three months (October - December 2024), 04 people were baptized.

Conclusion:

We are so eager to use every opportunity which our Lord grants us, to work even more harder to train the students in the best way and also to edify the congregations.

Thank you.

In Christ,

Bro. G. P. Shyam Sundar

(Director, Bear Valley Bible Institute – Arakkonam)

Campaign in Tirupati, India

Reporting Letter for the Month of January-2025

Date : February 1st, 2025.

Respected beloved brother Keith Kasarjian our director , beloved brother Mark Reynolds- our coordinator and all the prayer partners,  greetings to you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. We pray that this reporting letter may serve us to find you good health. We thank you very much for your prayers and encouragement. We would like to share brief report for the month of January -2025.

Classroom work:  BVBI-Tirupati-India  classroom works are seriously going on. Our teachers are dedicated to teach and students are active in attendance as well as following the teachers, doing their memory work, taking tests, writing assignments, and taking notes while teachers are teaching .

Note Book writing:  Students are writing good notes and all the teachers are active in checking their notebooks and giving marks for the notebook writings.

Campaigning : January 18th, 2025 we have conducted campaigning at Chillamathru village. This village is located about 100 km away from the Bible school. It was the first time the village people heard about Jesus Christ. About 75 people from the village attended the meeting but several people heard the gospel message by our  sound system.

Three funerals: In the month of January there were three funerals that we attended . We were invited to share the word of God. We have noticed that during funerals the hearts of the people are very tender and receptive to receive the word of God even though we never expected to stand in the funeral service.

Two comfort meetings: In India it is our culture  to conduct prayer meeting after two weeks of the funeral service.  During the prayer meeting all the relatives, village people, friends and church members gather to comfort the family members. I had an opportunity to share the word of God at two comfort meetings in the month of January.

Zoom Bible Classes: In the month of January we conducted zoom classes every Tuesday and Thursday. We have completed the book of Acts, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and are currently studying James.

Bible Seminar: In the month of January 20th&21st we participated in the Christian Growth Bible Seminar at Rajamandry.  We are very happy to report to you that Dr. Damon Vincent was the resource person for the seminar.  He invited me to present

Baptisms: In the month of January three souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ. We request you to pray for the new souls.

 Our Coordinator Mr. Mark Renolds’ Indian mission trip:- We are very happy to report to you that our coordinator Mr.Mark Reynolds has visited India safely in the month of January-2025.  His trip has been a great encouragement. I was happy to translate his lessons on Sunday worship service at Nellore.

Home Bible studies: We conduct home Bible studies regularly. Right now three newly connected families are studying, and Lord willing soon they will be baptized.

Staff meeting: We are happy to inform you that we had a staff meeting to discuss a few agendas for the welfare of the students and their progress .

Extra subject: out of students interest during the weekend, we introduced the hotel management subject  for the students so they might be able to support their work as preachers after they graduate.

We thank you for your prayers and encouragement. The Bear Valley Bible Institute is a wonderful plant farm to train the young people. We are ever grateful to you for your prayers, encouragement and assistance for the smooth function of the project.

Thanking you.

Yours brother,

Vijay

Visitors in Cebu, Philippines

Highlights of Year 2024 for BVBI-Phils

International Teachers

This year is a very special for the students Bear Valley Bible Institute Philippines for we were visited and taught by several international instructors from the US. In February, our students had a privilege to study the Minor Prophets with Jonathan Moore. Brother Moore has been travelling to Israel and other Biblical places for many years and his knowledge on Biblical Archaeology helped our students more on what happened during the life of the minor prophets.

We had another set of guest instructors in July as brothers Greg Pollock and Jon Lucius took turns in teaching our students the Scheme of Redemption. We have several young people from Dumaguete City auditing this course.

The following month, brother Shane Fisher and his wife Emily visited Cebu and Shane taught a course on 2 Corinthians. This is their first time visiting our Cebu and we had a good time working together.

Finally, Jerry and Paula Bates came back to Cebu and taught again for our students at BVBIP in November. Jerry taught on the course Personal Evangelism - Foundation of Missions. Our students learned a lot in this course and Jerry did a wonderful job teaching this course. We greatly appreciate the work of our fellow brothers and sisters travelling hundreds of miles teaching the word of God.

Worship Leading Seminar

I had the opportunity to conduct a 2-day Seminar on Worship Leading this December 9-10, 2024, to the students of PIBS and BVBIP. We had great a seminar and we also talked on how to improve our leadership skills and encouraging them to share these things to the men who are leading in their own congregation.

Baptisms

Our God has truly blessed our ministries this year and we have several people who responded well to our evangelistic efforts. We have a total of 30 baptisms this year which resulted from personal Bible studies and visitations. We pray that God will continue to bless our ministries this coming new year.

Neil Emperado

New students arrive in Uganda

Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus. 

The love of God that surpasses everything. God  has dressed us with joy in that we are still called His children. I bring you greetings from my family,  though we have had some challenges of sicknesses but our God is faithful. He is leading us through. 

We are more than glad to tell you that we are now having our third intake in class. The reporting started on 17th January 2025. Fifteen students have arrived to begin their study in the word of God.

All in all the school is going well and classes are running smoothly. 

Thank you so much for all the support you give to let us run this work smoothly. 

May the almighty God bless you. 

Six new students start classes in Trinidad

Greetings to all. Happy New Year!

Classes began January 6, 2025, with our six first-year students. They pursued Sign Language, the gospel of John, Ezekiel, and the Christian Home. These six students from Trinidad (3), St. Lucia (1), and Grenada (2) have meshed into one of our most cohesive classes in recent years. One of the Grenadians is originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, giving a nice cross-section of the Caribbean.

After completing about three months working in a neighboring congregation, they worked in the Panco Lane congregation, where they conducted the song services for the month of January.

January also saw the beginning of another Master's Class. Six students, which rapidly expanded to eight, took the beginning classes. Denton Landon conducted the classes here in Trinidad. They are now working on all the assignments.

Kathryn Purdom

Students resume classes in Gweru, Zimbabwe

                                                             JANUARY 2025 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

We always give glory and honour to God who gives us the ability and zeal to advance the cause of His kingdom. The new year brings with it some renewed vigour to work for God and be busy in His vineyard. At the same time, we are always grateful when we look back in the month of January and see the hand of God in a number of areas. To Him, we remain grateful. This report gives a glimpse to some of the activities that transpired in the month. Classes began successfully, the youth transit program commenced well while the materials for the classroom block continued to be gathered. These and more are reported in detail below;

TERM RESUMES

The current term began on the 7th of January. All students who had taken a well-deserved rest returned to continue with their studies. The following subjects are being taught this term: Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics, Wisdom Literature, Denominational Doctrines, Prison Epistles, Peter and Jude, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Sign Language, Entrepreneurship Skills Development, Horticulture and Greek 1. A chaplaincy and broiler-production workshop will also be done.

YOUTH TRANSIT PROGRAM

The youth transit program that the school hosts every January took place from the 7th January and will end on the 7th February. The following main issues were at the centre of program; moral development, career guidance, entrepreneurship skills development and doctrinal aptitude development. Core modules included the New Testament church and its worship, Christian Ethics, Denominational Doctrines, Study skills, Career Guidance and Entrepreneurship Skills Development. The youths were being prepared for life in college or university. Since the church loses a number of young people at this stage, it is hoped that this program will assist the youths to remain faithful and be agents of change to their mates.

PROJECTS UPDATE

The much anticipated cattle project officially took off this January with arrival of two heifers and a calf. One heifer was bought last year and gave birth to a calf whilst the other was bought in early January. Great appreciation to brother W. Manyati and I. Machingura for giving the seed to purchase the first cow whilst Woodland Oaks enabled the purchase of the second one. The next task is to get another heifer and a bull. These are small beginnings and a lot can be expected from this project.

The goat herd currently stands at 12. Five were slaughtered in 2024 alone. We are hoping the goats will increase in 2025. The school is also running a broiler and layers project. On the horticulture side, there are about 1600 plants in the greenhouse with almost the same number outside it. The school has maize, cabbages, green paper and butternuts as well.

CLASSROOM & OFFICE BLOCK PROGRESS

To date 34000 of the 35000 bricks needed to finish the structure have been bought. Pit sand, river sand, concrete stones, brick force, dump course, doorframes and cement were bought. Great appreciation to all who have contributed towards the construction of this structure. With these materials and others being mobilized, we are assured of completing the superstructure and fixing the roof. Builders are expected on site around the first week of February. Subsequent reports shall be highlighting the progress being made.

CONCLUSION

As we start this new year, we would like to thank everyone who contributed this far, one way or another, to BVBIZ, that is, materially, financially or morally. Your support this year will also go a long way in training workers for the Lord. The school could not been where it is now without your support. Our gratefulness will not be enough without Woodland Oaks and Bear Valley Bible Institute International. May the God of heaven remember you all as you do your part in the furtherance of this noble work.

New students begin classes in Zambia

Introduction

New Year’s greetings from BVBI-Zambia to you all brothers and sisters in the Lord and master Jesus Christ!  We hope and pray that you had a wonderful experience in the first month of the brand new year. We continue to pray that you have a year that is filled with things that mean most to you and energize you for a happy and healthy 2025!

The school has resumed classes besides the disturbance of cholera outbreak in Zambia especially in Lusaka province. All our students have come back in one peace and eager to complete their final year. We have had a good beginning of the year looking at the activities that took place with both our current student body and our Alumni. 

BVBI-ZAMBIA NEW SCHOOL YEAR

We have started with fifteen new students for 2025-2026 intake with two married students David Musmuko and Trust Siamachila. The rest thirteen are singles and come from five provinces of our country Zambia with the following names, Daliso Mbewe, Fenwell Sichoonda, Chalikosa Elvis, Lenard Chanda,Peter Chivumba,Warry Skalomo, Samwel Zemba Misheck Kapalu, Rupiya Masiye, Charles Mwape and Matthews  Chileshe. The school is going on well and we are very confident that we have another good year of teaching and preparing preachers. 

Our visitor

We were so delighted to meet with our Extension Director Keith Kasarjian from our main campus in Denver USA. Though it was just a one day visit we shared a lot as school administration and he also had time to teach our students on the Importance of Preaching. His visit was a great encouragement to us and we were invigorated.

In the same capacity we are looking forward to the coming of our Country coordinator Donnie Estep who we are expecting to visit in March this year. We just wish the two servants of the most High the blessings from above. 

New babes in Christ

We have recorded three (3) Baptisms in Luanshya through the preaching of our new students. And we have recorded one in Kanfinsa constituence of Kitwe where Boyd and Jally are preaching. We also recorded two from Northern province through Levy Silungwe and Reaben Museka In Mbala together we have recorded five (6) baptisms. God bless the new addition to the Church

Restorations

We visited Mufulira district on the copperbelt where we also distributed gospel literature at Church of Christ in Kamuchanga Township. Nine (9) restorations were recorded eleven souls had promised to be in worship service the following Sunday service. We gave contacts of every soul we came in contact with to the leadership of the church there. We also recorded three (3) restorations in Lusaka province where Daniel Manyoni our former student is preaching in Mtendere. On the same development sixteen (16)  souls in Baluba  Chibwe where Prince Chisupa, Joseph Musonda and Austin combined effort in preaching. Six  (6) restorations where recorded in Southern province were TRyvin, Abiton and Daniel our alumni are preaching now. Together we have had twenty (34) restorations. 

.Conclusion

May our God continue to bless you for Loving God, our prayer is always that those we train would like to see them all develop into great leaders in the Church of our Lord. Winning souls is our business, may God be with you always as we labor in His vineyard.

In His service,

Cephas and Fred

Producing results in Gweru, Zimbabwe

DECEMBER 2024 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

Training and development of workers for God’s vineyard continued in the month of December. Students who went on break continued to be active in their home congregations whilst others went for a thirty-day holiday attachment. The parallel class, on the other hand, continued its classes. There were developments as well on the projects side. The gathering of materials for the classroom and office block is gathering momentum.  These and more are reported below.

HOLIDAY PREACHING

All students who went on break remained active in their home congregations. Reports of their work from their local resident ministers, members and leaders have been very encouraging. Four students chose to forego the holiday and chose to go and work with congregations for 30 days on an attachment basis. Their work has been wonderful. Great appreciation goes to these congregations and resident ministers for providing accommodation, transport and food for these students. The effort saw 11 being baptized, 25 sermons preached and over 65 lessons taught to prospects.

END OF YEAR STATISTICS

The following statistics are a summary of the work done by students as they did their practicum in 2024. These statistics are captured from the students’ reports.

Total hours                               2925    (in evangelism)

Sermons preached (church)     350

Sermons preached (funerals)   8

Devotions conducted               320

Bible classes taught                 185

Baptisms                                  92

Restorations                             15

Prospects                                  2003

Counselling sessions               45

Hospital visitations                  18

WBS courses distributed         320

Tracts distributed                     1170

Congregations started              1

 THE PARALLEL PROGRAMS

The parallel class which meets during weekends and whenever the Gweru class goes on break met during the December block. The first class with 10 students took place at Nhowe where the BVBIZ director was the teacher. The subjects taught there were Denominational Doctrines and Hermeneutics I. These subjects will continue in February. The second parallel class with 8 students came to Gweru campus and were taught Christian Ethics by Ismael Mutichu and Christian Evidences and Greek by Kudakwashe Madyira. Greek is an ongoing subject. These two classes will commence their supervised practicum from January 2025 until their graduation in 2026.

CLASSROOM & OFFICE BLOCK UPDATE

Progress toward the construction of the classroom and office block was registered in the month. The following individuals/families honoured their pledges in December; Manjeya family $95, Nyoni (W) family $20, Zungunde family $25, Mpofu (S) family $50 and Mashaire Family $100. From these amounts and those raised in October and November the school has so far bought 15 cubic pitsand and 14 000 bricks at a cost of $2155. More materials will be bought in January.

 PROJECTS UPDATE

Projects remain a key component in the training and development agenda of BVBIZ. Not only do they assist the school on the income side, but students are exposed life survival skills as well. In terms of poultry, the school has broilers and layers. In terms of horticulture, notable progress made in December with the planting of a tomato crop both in outside the greenhouse. A total of 3200 plants were planted. We also planted 600 cabbages and about 1500 butternuts. Green paper and green beans will be planted in early January.

To improve on the viability of the projects, BVBIZ has engaged Gray Ndoro, one of our former students, to oversee the running of the projects. Though he is engaged elsewhere in Gweru, he will be at BVBIZ on Saturdays and Sundays whilst he operates remotely during the week. Soon after graduating at BVBIZ in 2001, Grey went to Rio Tinto Agricultural College where he graduated in September 2024 with a Diploma in Agriculture.

CONCLUSION

Finally, we thank God for the journey travelled. We appreciate everyone who stood with BVBIZ throughout the year. Your efforts made a huge impact to many people in the country. We also thank Woodland Oaks and Bear Valley Bible Institute International for their unwavering support. To the teachers, students, board and the church, thank you. Several local partners who collaborated with BVBIZ, one way or another, thank you. We keep wishing all of you a blessed, spiritually fulfilling and prosperous 2025. To God be the glory!

South Sudan school flourishing

Greetings to you all and happy Merry Christmas and New Year!

My prayers that God will guard and protect us to see what the new year awaits us all!.

Some of our 15 students are doing fruitful jobs delivering the knowledge they have gained from school to their varies congregations.

We conducted 8 campaigns:

* 6 in Aweil area by 2 students that resulted to 11 baptisms.

 * 2 in Juba which resulted to 1 Baptism 

* There were 2 new congregations planted; one in Aweil called MALOU-CHUAI CHURCH OF CHRIST and one in Ayuai area called MANKIIR CHURCH OF CHRIST.

We now have 3 new teachers that will be part of us in teaching which make our number as 7 teachers. The school will open in January 10th and classes will start on 13th January Monday 2025 to May 2025. Attached below are the photos of students participating at the church activities, teaching, compaign and baptisms.

We the teachers and members of Lord's church in South Sudan 🇸🇸 appreciate and give thanks to the Bear Valley donors and administration, not forgetting God who make all this possible.

May God bless us all to continue do his work!

Regards 

Jacob Ajak.M

BV-SSSOP.

Looking at a bright future in Malawi

Hello, everyone!

It is amazing to recall what God has done to us and how we have managed to achieve many things in the year 2024. As the year goes to an end, on behalf of BV school in Ekwendeni, Malawi would like to send seasons greetings to you all!

The year-end report has been already send to Donnie, who will send it to BV international. As Ekwendeni school, we plan many things every year without knowing the future, but one thing we know is that God is in the future and because of this understanding, we have hope for 2025 as well. We will always plan for the future!

 Evangelism

As we are waiting for our classes to start on the 3rd February 2025, we are receiving good news from our former and recent graduates. We have some news reported to us by brothers Chitekwe, Takesure, Saliwa and Alex that through their effort in preaching this month of December the good Lord has added 17 souls to the church and 14 more souls restored. We are always proud of our graduates for the good work they are doing in the congregation they worship. Gaod bless their families.

 Trip to Lilongwe!

I was excited to be Lilongwe from the 2nd to the 6th of this month of December. Brother Dale and his family hosted me as I taught the book of James through that week. I enjoyed my time with them and also was encouraged the way the students showed cooperation with me. All went on well.

We are always thankful for the partnership between BV international and Hillcrest church for the support we received every month. This helps us greatly to achieve many things at school and also in our families. God, keep on blessing you and your families, too. We pray that this continues for the betterment of the Lord's church as many men need to be trained and souls be saved. Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls!

Yours sincerely 

Ephron and Clergynton

Studies continue in Lima, Peru

Greetings dear brothers and sisters

Once again I come to you with some report notes regarding the courses that have been given in the last two months and the next two that are about to be given.

Last two months we taught “The Life of Jesus IV” and the “Epistles to the Hebrews”, these courses have been taught by Brother Abraham Alata and by myself (Juan Abanto). Once again it has been a gratifying experience and one of much learning for both the students and the instructors.

We have had a total of 17 students in this last two months, many more brothers have awakened their interest and desire to take classes at the institute. We hope in the Lord that these numbers continue to grow. We continue to do what is necessary to ensure that this is so.

This Saturday, January 4, we will begin two new courses, I am referring to “The Pastoral Epistles” and “Foundations for the Missions” with Abraham Alata and Andres Nuñez as instructors.

On the other hand, the teachers of the institute were invited to participate as speakers in the last annual intercongregational conference, which was attended by around 120 people. It was a pleasant experience of instruction and communion and an opportunity to talk a little more about the institute.

We appreciate the spiritual and material support to make it possible for this ministry to continue. Please continue praying for us.

Bearing fruit in Accra, Ghana

Bear Valley Bible Institute – Ghana, Accra

Monthly report- December 2024

As we conclude the year 2024, we reflect on our initiatives and activities at the Bear Valley Bible Institute (BVBI). December has been a month of growth, outreach, and preparation as we look forward to the new year.

Classroom Activities  

The month of December began with two short courses with Bro. Shadrack Oppong on personal evangelism 2 and Bro. Kojo Acquah-Beenyi on New Testament Church II (The New Testament Worship)

Radio Program 

Our radio program continues to be a vital outreach tool for us, allowing us to connect with the community and share the Gospel. Weekly Broadcasts: our topic for the month is still on the church of the Bible, specifically on the New Testament Worship. Audience Engagement: We saw an increase in listener interactions, with many reaching out via phone calls and social media and to share how the program has impacted their lives.

Evangelism at Bedeku

Our evangelism efforts at Bedeku have been a significant focus this month, with several successful initiatives:

Community Outreach Events: We organized two evangelistic events, which attracted over 500 participants. These events included one week evening public preaching and house-house outreach activities aimed at establishing a new congregation and strengthening a near-by church.

Training Sessions: Our faculty conducted training sessions for local leaders and volunteers, equipping them with effective evangelism strategies and resources to continue the work in their communities.

Follow-Up Efforts: We initiated follow-up visits to those who attended our events, resulting in several new contacts who expressed interest in learning more about Christ and the church.

Campaign for New Students: 

In preparation for the upcoming academic year, December was dedicated to our campaign for new students:

Promotional Materials: We created and distributed brochures and digital content highlighting our programs, faculty, and the unique opportunities available at Bear Valley Bible Institute.

Open House Event: We hosted an Open House, attracting prospective students and their families. The event included congregational and campus tours with faculty to attract potential students.

Scholarship Opportunities: We promoted scholarship programs available for incoming students, incentivizing applications and providing financial support for those in need.

Planned Visitation

Looking ahead, we have several planned visitation initiatives to strengthen our community ties and outreach efforts:

Scheduled Visits:  we have visited the Batanyaa and Amissakrom Ekroful congregations in the central Region of Ghana, our presence motivated them and as a result we had one brother Christopher Arhin baptized. This is being done to bring local congregations established by the school to come together and assist in evangelism, church strengthening and encourage partnership and support.

Alumni Engagement: We are planning a reunion for alumni in January which will include workshops, networking opportunities, and a chance to share how BVBI has influenced their ministry work.

Conclusion 

December 2024 has been a fruitful month for the Bear Valley Bible Institute, with successful outreach initiatives and preparations for the new year. We are excited about the impact of our radio program, the progress made in evangelism at Bedeku, the response to our campaign for new students, and the upcoming planned visitations. As we move into 2025, we remain committed to our mission of equipping leaders for service in the Kingdom of God.

We remain grateful to our partners, alumni, and friends’ prayers, encouragement and financial contributions

May the Lord bless our endeavors as we strive to fulfil our mission.

By E. O. Larbi (Director)