In Ukraine they are excited about the used van they have been able to obtain to help them in their evangelism. The previous van last 16 years and they are already putting this one to good use. Read all about it HERE
Busy in His business in Nigeria
Dear fellow ministers of God.
Greetings from BVBIN and SWSE Ibadan and fellow WBSFUW in South West States of Nigeria.
Our end of the years programs commenced earlier than scheduled. We shall be working on December 7-10 at Jago villages,Oyo State and Ileogbo town of Osun State in evangelizing in morning time and Open Air Bible Lectureship in the evening .I will be leading a group that will work in Jago village while Bro. Kayode Eniafe will lead the second group to work with Bro. Ayobami Ogunjimi and other preachers and WBSFUW in Ileogbo.
On December 15-17,Bro.Kayode Eniafe and Bro.Dele Shotola will be leading some of our students to evangelized Igbara -Odo in Ekiti State with Bro. Adebowale Olayisade while I will be busy working with Ikorodu Congregation and SWSE campus in Ikorodu, Lagos State and on Sunday will be speaking at a day Bible Lectureship in Meiran congregation, Lagos State on The preachers and the church.
On December 22-24,we all shall be working with Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation, Ibadan in a three day mass evangelism.
On December 25-27,we shall be working with Bro. Emmanuel Nwaorji and Bro. Dele Shotola in a three day Indoor Bible Lectureship .
On December 28,2017 through January 4,2018 ,all our students will return to their respective congregations and return to the school Lord 's willing on January 6 for the rounding up of our second semester classes and tests.
WEEKEND EVANGELISM /CAMPAIGNS :We divided ourselves in to five groups for weekend evangelism and campaigns. A group of four worked with me in evangelizing Kute area of Ibadan. Another group of four worked with Bro. Dele Shotola at Felele and Molete area of Oluyole L. G. A while another group of four worked with Bro. Samuel Peter Ortserga in evangelizing Jago and Badeku towns of Ona -Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State. Another group of four worked with Bro. Emmanuel Godwin and that group were blessed with two converts . And the last two group worked with Bro. Kayode Eniafe and Bro. Abraham Idu Yeje at Asejire, Osun State and Akinwande village .
POULTRY FARM : thanks be unto God for using The Healing Hands International via Bro. Ebenezer Udofia for sponsoring a small scale poultry farm in our school compound. This program is costing over N800,000 for a start. Presently, the Healing Hands International via Bro. Ebenezer Udofia have sent us the sum of N700,000 which was used in the construction and purchasing of 140 layers which is at the point of laying.
WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL PROGRAM : Bro. Akilapa Samuel Timileyin, Bro. Samuel Ogunleye, Bro. Obey Rimamsikwe and Bro. John Serimam join Bro. Kayode Eniafe in the recruitment of over 1,000 prospects for the free WBS correspondence courses in Oyo, Ondo and Osun State in the last three weeks while Bro. Ukori Godwin Johnson assisted in sharing some of the next courses for students in rural areas of Okitipupa and Ode -Aye towns of Ondo State in the last two weeks.
APPRECIATION : We appreciate you all for your great contribution towards the growth of the Lord 's church in Africa most especially in Nigeria. May the Lord keep on using you and us for His glory in Jesus Christ name, amen.
Have a great and wonderful day.
Yours in His Grace......
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi ( Director of Studies & Chairman of Administrative Council, BVBIN and SWSE Ibadan and WBSFUW )
Classes, evangelism, and poultry in Takoradi
Dear Brethren,
We are happy to report to our operation for the month of November, 2017
CLASSROOM WORK
Classroom work was successful for both the full time and part time classes. All full time students (13) and (16) part time students were in attendance. Also, all five instructors were present making us have a successful teaching and learning period
PERSONAL EVANGELISM
The students continued their personal evangelism and visitation in the villages around the school. Both students and instructors’ efforts resulted in the baptism of seventeen (17) souls. The provision of the motor cycle has greatly enhanced the evangelism and visitation schedules of the school
POULTRY
Again, we are happy to report to you that we had a very successful operation of the poultry project. All two hundred and forty-three (243) have been sold. We already have placed an order for three hundred day-old chicks to be delivered on Monday, 11th December, 2017. We also have placed an initial order for twenty (20) bags of broiler starter feed.
CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST
Our intended campaign for Christ which was fixed for the second week of December has again been re-scheduled. The brethren at Axim where we intend to have the campaign have reported to us that there have been a severe water shortage in the area. Taps are not flowing and the brethren believe until the problem is over, it would be difficult for us to have the campaign as planned. We are in talks with Shama congregation and would go there if our discussions are concluded successfully.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Charles Mensah
Challenges and excitement in Kenya
Greeting from Kisumu Kenya.
This first week of December 2017 makes the end of 1st Quarter, 2nd year at the Kenya School of Preaching, Kisumu. The school had gone through various challenges occasioned by a disputed presidential election in August. The dispute led to daily violent protests and demonstrations that led to unfavorable environment for training and learning in general. The school had unusual breaks in two quarters to let the students go home to vote and to also seek refuge in a familiar territory and next to family when bullets were flying over the school and teargas was being felt within the compound. We thank God for keeping us safe during the dark period that led to several lives lost in Kisumu.
Whereas many families were mourning the loss of their loved ones through police brutality, KSOP family were also mourning the death of a student called Kevin Chabii. Everyone was shocked by the sudden death of this young promising preacher after a short illness. He left behind a widow and a daughter. We thank the Charlotte Avenue church and all the brethren who kept us in prayers and assistance during the time till burial. This was the first death of a student while still in school and was indeed challenging.
Despite the above, the faculty kept the school calendar on course and all the classes we taught as required by BVBI. Thanks to our coordinator Mike Reese and Peter Ray Cole who came to Kenya in the midst of the political crisis and taught two short course classes besides evangelizing the local villages within and outside Kisumu. Thanks for putting the Kingdom ahead of your very own lives. David Wasonga, Elias and Charles taught the other five classes and are excited to confirm that all went well.
The students have been great in class and in the field, two gospel meetings have been conducted in Bomet and Nakuru by the KSOP students, one “back to the bible” and another “Restoration plea” to bring people back to the New Testament church and worship. Personal evangelism has also been on top gear by the students and a total of 17 baptisms reported and 51 bibles studies established. Remember the students showed their zeal in the villages while the protests and demonstration were going on in major towns.
For almost six years now, KSOP has been using leased property to conduct the training. The property has served well despite the hiccups here and there. To overcome the hiccups that the school has been going through, Christians for Kenya bought land in Kisumu, 4km west of Kisumu International Airport. The buildings are going on well and we expect the students to move to the new facility in March next year 2018. Brethren, this is a milestone to Christians in Kenya and East Africa. We can’t thank you enough but great rewards awaits in heaven.
From Kenya, we wish you all Happy December holidays.
Blessings,
Charles Ogutu
David Ballard visits Cameroon
I am in Cameroon and wanted to give everyone an update on the work here on behalf of the directors. Randy Martin is teaching the book of I Corinthians in Wotutu while I am teaching the book of Galatians in Wotutu. Robin Martin is teaching “Holy Women of God” to the wives in Wotutu while Brother Glenn with Brother Giresse translating are teaching “The Home God’s Way” to the wives in Mbanga.
The construction of the Mbanga Campus is almost complete and the construction of the Wotutu campus is about to begin.
The two schools are still working together at times and independently at times in endless evangelism. Souls are continually being won to the Lord and new congregations are being established on a frequent basis.
On Friday, David, Ititi, and Elangwe will start on more than a week long journey to the hinter lands of English Cameroon. We will be visiting some of our graduates who are working in some of the most remote and physically challenging villages in Cameroon. We are happy to be able to encourage the congregations, little children, and ministers face to face like the little boy in Mujuka. Jesus loves the little children and I do too.
We thank you for your continued prayers and support. This is your work. We are happy to be a part of it.
We give God all the glory. May we honor him in our efforts.
Blessings in Him Ephesians 1:3,
David Ballard
BVBI Coordinator
Successful evangelism in Zimbabwe
INTRODUCTION
We always give glory and honour to God who gives us the ability and zeal to advance the cause of His kingdom. We are always grateful when we look back in the month 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 issues, successes and challenges that transpired in the month of October.
ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
The past few months have seen the prices of consumer goods increasing because of a number of challenges the country is facing, both politically and economically. The following extract is a capsule of the situation;
Consumer prices in Zimbabwe increased 2.24% year-on-year in October of 2017, accelerating from 0.78% in September. It was the highest inflation rate since May 2013. On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 1.54%, following a 0.38% rise in September.[1]
Cash shortages have also continued to haunt the majority of people. The shortages have remained the same for a number of months now. This is the environment that BVBIZ exists in and the school has not been spared either by these scourges. The rise in inflation has put more strain on the available resources. Our prayers are that things normalize. In the meantime, we request your prayers for both the country and the school.
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND CHURCH DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
On the 17th and 18th of November, the school held a strategic planning seminar in partial fulfillment of the subject “Church Growth.” Brother Zungunde, a specialist in the area, was the facilitator. The 17th was reserved for students only while a combined and practical session was held on the 18th. Church leaders from 3 congregations in Gweru benefited from the session. The major goal is to see congregations growing, strategic planning being a major ingredient. It follows that churches do not grow by accident or through haphazard methods or chaotic exercises but through a spiritual and well thought out and planned effort.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
The current students at BVBIZ are left with just one term and a field practicum to finish their studies. The school is now increasing efforts to systematically develop them for the other life beyond BVBIZ. One route is to have experienced preachers in the field sharing their experiences and survival skills to the students. On the 16th of November, Brother George Muhura from Kadoma spent the day with students. The thrust was to help students to appreciate the need for self-development and to remind them of some survival skills to use as they preach.
EVANGELISM
Practicals are key at BVBIZ. Weekly evangelism programs continued in the month of November. Students went to different areas in the month namely; Julena, Mkoba 12, Mkoba 17, Nahville, Insukamini, Mambo, Harben Park, Kwekwe and Gokwe. The efforts resulted in 7 baptisms.
The rain season is here. On the 25th of November, the school planted almost a hectare of maize. We are hoping to plant about a hectare of sugar beans later in the season. These will go a long way to cushion the school in terms of food requirements.
HOLIDAY PREACHING
BVBIZ appreciates congregations that have requested our students to work with them during their 5 week break. The following table shows the students who availed themselves to the work and the congregations involved.
CONCLUSION
As BVBIZ goes for a break, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed one way or another to BVBIZ, materially, financially or morally. We appreciate all visiting teachers whose knowledge, dedication and sacrifices have taken BVBIZ to another level. The school could not be where it is now without your support. May the God of heaven remember you all as you do your part in the furtherance of this noble work.
Brotherly,
Mathew Muchingam
Graduation in Tamale
School Re-opened:
The term began with our eighteen students reporting on November 5th. For the first time in several years all the students reported on the day before re-opening day and organized themselves for the school and the academic work. They began their first class with Francis Ayine on Old Testament and at the same time preparing the ground for the upcoming lectureship and graduation.
All our instructors are well committed and taking their lessons very serious with the students. The school management team and the board of directors are all up to the task and everything is fined.
Lectureship and Graduation:
The school organized three days lectureship and graduation to past out the five dedicated students who have successfully finished with their two years course of studies in the school, past students, and current students. The theme was: “WORSHIPING GOD IN TRUTH AND IN SPIRIT”. The topics and speakers were:
1. Worship in the Old Testament-Anthony Antumwini
2. Worship in the New Testament-Kojo Acquah Beenyi
3. Lord Supper (do this in remembrance of me)-Ken Kesse
4. Giving (God loves a cheerful giver)-Francis Ayine
5. Prayer (pray without ceasing)-Timothy Niligirni
6. Singing (praising God and speaking to one another)-Thomas Donzie
7. Preaching (preach the word)-Keith Kasarjian
8. Worship in Spirit and Truth-Steven Ashcraft
The attendance was: Past students 28, current students 18, other preachers 9, board members 7, Church members 32, and American brothers 2 making a total of 96. Everything was fine and we had a sweet fellowship. Both the current and the past students were greatly edified.
We want to express our gratitude to Brother Steven and the brethren in USA who took it upon themselves to sponsor this program. May the good Lord bless all of you for your love and kindness.
The students graduated were:
1. Dokurugu Enoch Bilfort from Bakpaba
2. Mbun Akudugu Ezekiel from Baku
3. Madan Simon Gnayor from Saboba
4. Joseph Konlaan from Abese
5. John Tobu Nignan from Gbingbaliga
Students Produced Maize
Our students did some farming this year and their labour was blessed with good harvest of maize. Currently the maize is stored. In the recent 2-day lectureship, we all ate two meals daily from food prepared with corn and that saved the school some money. We are planning to grow some peanut (we call it groundnut) and yam too.
Grateful
We are grateful to have brother Keith Kasarjian visit us at Tamale. He spoke at our lectureship and was the Guest Speaker at the school’s graduation.
Sincerely,
Alex Jabado
Graduation in Arusha
Charles Heberth emceed the commencement service for the 2017 graduation of the Arusha Bible School and the Andrew Connelly School of Preaching on Saturday, December 2, 2017, in Kisongo, Tanzania. It was standing room only, as Christians from all over the region came to watch these brothers and sisters graduate. The graduation began with a few moments of silence in memory of Cy Stafford, who passed from this life since the last class’ graduation.
The staff and faculty at the school, Heberth, Ahimidiwe Kimaro, Desdery Massawe, and Michael Mitalani, David Bayi, Mason Norman, and Todd Storks, were on hand to congratulate these 15 men from ACSOP and 5 from Arusha Bible School. The graduation highlights the importance of the work going on in this part of Tanzania. Bible studies and baptisms occur each week and the dedication of the men and women to teaching the distinctive truth of New Testament Christianity is most clear.
Neal Pollard
Minister, Bear Valley church of Christ
The Director goes to Ghana
From Nov. 10-18 it was my pleasure and privilege to visit all 3 Bear Valley extensions in the country of Ghana. I was accompanied by West Africa Regional Director, Steven Ashcraft, who also planned everything. We had originally planned to visit the graduation in Kpalime, Togo, but political unrest made it too dangerous.
We began in Accra, the largest city in Ghana, and visited the school in Nsawam/Doboro, which is on the outskirts of the city. This school has 12 full time students (who will soon graduate) and 30 in the extended program.
From there we went across to the city of Takoradi to visit the West Coast School of Preaching. I taught in this school in 2011 but have not been able to go back since then, so this was enjoyable for me. It was good to see some brethren that I had not seen in a long time and to visit with the current student body.
From there we made the long drive (12+ hours) to Tamale in northern Ghana. Tamale is a city of nearly a half million people and is 95% ethnic Muslim. While converting Muslims to Jesus remains a difficult challenge, the men trained in the Bear Valley extension there are doing an outstanding job withstanding against error. We were privileged to be able to attend the graduation and to witness the matriculation of the new class of 18 students!
We were blessed with safe travel and the fellowship of likeminded brethren. Counting those in the extended programs in Accra and Takoradi, there are nearly 100 students in Ghana. Please pray for them.
Brotherly,
Keith
Donnie Estep report
Southern Africa (Zimbabwe & Malawi) Report
October 2017
I recently returned from a very fruitful and enjoyable trip visiting our schools in southern Africa, beginning with Zimbabwe, then finishing up the final week in Malawi. During my visit (September 29-October 23) I had the privilege of teaching in and meeting with our directors and staff at each of these schools. What a blessing it is to be a part of this great work and see firsthand all that God is doing through us to accomplish His purpose in saving souls and training men to preach.
Ishmael a teacher at BVBI-Zimbabwe along with a brother from one of the churches in Bulawayo (Hailey Mlangeni) met me at the airport to take me the 2 hour trip to Gweru where the school is located. I was carrying with me 3 months of financial support (October/November/December) given to me by the brethren at Woodland Oaks to be delivered to the school in Zimbabwe.
I enjoyed my time teaching the students and witnessing their progress as they continue to mature in their knowledge and experience as preachers! They have come a long way over the last year and a half. I taught the book of Romans and each of them did an outstanding job as they seemed to grasp this most challenging study in the short time I was with them. I look forward to attending their graduation in June of 2018.
These brethren are always planning and working to improve the school and find innovative ways to help fund the various projects as well as involve the local churches in helping to train these young men. They continue to do an outstanding job and I appreciate Matthew and the staff who in spite of the challenges keep moving forward!
While there I was blessed to stay with a wonderful family (Raradza family) that not only provided me with a comfortable place to sleep and do my work but prepared delicious meals every evening along with great conversation and fellowship! They are an amazing family and a blessing for the church and school in Gweru! I am thankful for their gracious hospitality.
My final stop was in Malawi where the director Marc Veary and Bear Valley coordinator Ephron Vincent Mbano was there to meet me. I arrived in Lilongwe about 6 pm Sunday evening. We drove north to Mzuzu where the school is located arriving some time around 11 pm that night. I had to begin teaching the book of Ephesians Monday morning. This was the final class that the 15 BV students would need to complete as they would graduate the following Saturday along with the other 25 Mzuzu students. Although I was tired from traveling, seeing the students and all the staff at Mzuzu Bible college always refreshes me. It is exciting to be around faithful Christians that are so enthusiastic as they work, study and evangelize!
Marc and Christine are such great hosts, it is always so good to see them and enjoy their company, fellowship and hospitality. They could not be any more accommodating and gracious than what they have shown me over the last few years. Marc along with his able staff do an outstanding job in running the day to day operations of the school and in their training these men to be effective Gospel preachers! They have (and will have) approximately 45-50 students including the Bear Valley students for the new school year beginning February 2018.
I have enjoyed teaching these students the last 2 years and I am confident in their ability and potential as they return to their homes, towns and villages. The church in Malawi will reap these benefits for years to come. I have seen firsthand the positive affect the school is having on the local churches and the communities as a whole. Please continue to pray for these brethren and the great work that God is doing through them! They are not just reaching the northern part of the country where the school is located but they are evangelizing even the southern and middle regions as well. They continue to do an outstanding and effective job.
The potential is great in Malawi and all of southern Africa including Zimbabwe in fulfilling God's mission, saving souls! There are many other things I could say and would be happy to share with you if you are interested. If you are wanting to learn more or have an interest in supporting this work, or for that matter any of the Bear Valley extension schools please feel free to contact me or Bear Valley at www.wetrainpreachers.com.
I am grateful to have a small part in this work and I am most thankful for all the wonderful supporters we have who pray daily and support these schools financially. I am especially thankful for Woodland Oaks and their commitment to world evangelism, also the congregation at Williamson Area that not only "puts up with me" but also so graciously allows me to travel twice a year to visit our brethren in Africa. "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Donnie Estep
Po Box 313
Ragland WV, 25690
Cell Phone (304)784-5416
Office (606) 237-4673
Email: donnieeatep@wv.net
Progress in Takoradi
Dear Brethren,
We are happy again to report to our operation for the month of October, 2017
CLASSROOM WORK
We had a successful classroom work for both our full time and part time classes. All thirteen full time students and sixteen part time students were in attendance. Also, all five instructors were present which enabled us have effective teaching and learning period.
VISITING INSTRUCTORS
Brothers Mike Kiser and Bill Dillon from the US visited the school from 23rd to 31st October, 2017. Brother Mike Kiser taught the book of Hebrews while brother Dillon taught the gospel of John to the full time students.
PERSONAL EVANGELISM/VISITATION/BAPTISM
The students continued their personal eangelism and visitation to the villages around the school. Both the efforts of students and instructors resulted in the baptism of fifteen (15) souls.
MOTOR CYCLE
We reported in our last report the securing of a Motor Cycle by an anonymous donor. This has greatly helped in the evangelism and visitation to the areas noted above. We thank the donor and pray for God’s continuous blessing for him/her.
SPECIAL REPORT ON STUDENT – PATRICK TIEKU
We give a special report on the above student who has been very active ever since he came to this school. Very active in visitation and evangelism. Below are his particulars/information
1. Full Name: Patrick Tieku
2. Congregation: Accra Central, Greater Accra Region
3. Age: 34 years
4. Date of Baptism: 2011
5. Support from Congregation: NIL
6. Reasons for Attending Preaching School: Left his job to come to school because of his interest in the preaching work.
7. Marital Status: Single
8. Number of Children: NIL
He goes out five times a week spending an average of four (4) hours in visitation and evangelism work. He presently has over twenty prospects he visit and study with.
CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST
Our intended campaign for Christ has now been fixed for the second week of December. Funds for the campaign has already been provided by the Howe church.
May the good Lord bless all our sponsors. Very grateful to you all.
Thank you and God bless you all.
CHARLES
Good news from Ukraine
I recently told you about the 20th Anniversary celebration in Ukraine and now Director Denis Sopelnik has sent a report with pictures from that day, along with other happenings in Ukraine. See it all HERE.
Good things happening in Accra!
REGARDS!
Ebenezer, How far the Lord has brought us! The end of October and we have only November and December left for our second batch of students in their two years’ studies. They are counting the days daily.
Having directed by the school authorities, the teaching and non-teaching staff, the students and the congregation on visitation, extend her regards and appreciation for the numerous support you provide all times.
We in one accord say, the Lord keep you safe physically and spiritually and to restore in abundance the lost you made monthly for the growth of the school and the augment of the truth.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
Attendance and Classes Hours
Instructors and Students are doing well to comply with the said time for reporting to class. As ordered by the Director and the staff, time is prudentially used to achieving the aim at the end of the day.
Method of Teaching
One of the best efforts made all times as instructors provide the necessary teaching methods and skills for the understanding of each course. The use of prescribed handout and other additions aid lessons to be understood and make the class more enthusiastic and lively.
Weekend classes
Always effective with part time students and instructors having their lessons taught as meeting academic expectations. Our Part Time department keeps on growing, we now have 30 students doing the Friday evening and Saturday classes.
WEEKLY VISITATION
As part of the schools’ field work, the students have been attending to their assigned places weekly to help the church in the ministry. The churches are grateful for the students provided to them as they are renewed always during Bible class and exhortation. Enclosed are pictures showing the students and their performance at their assigned congregation.
WORKS ON THE BUILDING
Work on the rented building is in progress and it is about seventy percent complete. Even though it is not completed yet, the work done has been beneficial to both students and the instructors.
NEW CONGREGATION
The new congregation established by the school is growing. One of the students, Dennis Boye Laryea goes there every week end to worship with them in Bible teachings and training the men to lead services. We plan to do a follow-up early next year.
OUR SCHOOL GOES INTERNATIONAL
Three of our 12 students in the Regular department are from Liberia. After their graduation they plan to go back and work in their home country. They came to Ghana as refugees and they are going back as Ambassadors of Jesus and preachers of the Word of God.
STUDENT’S PROFILE
We are glad to introduce to you one of our finest preacher, Emmanuel Akotuah. He is 55 years and has a wife with four children. He is preaching for one of the three congregations in a suburb of Accra our capital called Achimota. His congregation is called Main Road Church of Christ. This congregation is ten years. He has preached for this congregation for just one year and the attendance has rising from 180 to 230.
According to him the school had helped him to acquired much Bible knowledge and that is helping him to help the congregation with Bible knowledge and also able to train other men in the church.
Guest teacher in Sierra Leone
Hello Christian brothers in Christ,
We are greeting you in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
We love you and wish you everything you could wish for yourself. You are really important in our lives. As we can now boast of training seventeen (17) matured men in the gospel to preach God’s word in the vineyard.
Lectureship – during this quarter, we are blessed with the teaching of Brother Dahn Robert of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Liberia (Director) who helped us in restructuring and teaching the undiluted word of God to our students in Sierra Leone. Brother Steven also was here on a visit to oversee the work done by us in Sierra Leone.
We are grateful to these two (2) brothers for coming at the right time.
Thank you
Ishmael
Classes back in session in Nigeria
Dear fellow ministers of God,
Greetings from BVBIN and SWSE Ibadan and my fellow WBSFUW team in South West States of Nigeria. Most of our students returned early this morning for the second semester classes from November 13 through January, 19,2018.
Our three days Open Air Bible Lectureship with Bro. James Olasankale and the Omu -Aran congregation from November 9-12 resulted into three conversions and one restoration.
I spoke on the first day of the program on Christ and His Church while Bro. Kayode Eniafe spoke on How to be a candidates of heaven. The BVBIN and SWSE Ibadan was represented by me, Bro. Makinde, Bro. Kayode Eniafe, Bro. Paul Akinwale, Bro. David Akinola and Bro. Adedoyin Olusola while some of my fellow WBSFUW team in attendance are Bro. Dele Shotola, Bro. Jeremiah Dada and Bro. Victor Fasonu .
The program was divided into two sessions, house to house evangelism in the morning and Open Air Bible Lectureship in the evening.
REPORT FROM STUDENTS ONE MONTH VOCATIONAL TRAINING / BREAK : Even though our year one students were sent out for a month vocational training, they also served the church in their community on Saturday house to house evangelism while the year two students served in various Congregations for the period of one month. The one month exercise resulted into fifteen conversion and eighteen restoration.
Women's conference hosted in Tamale
BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE, GHANA
OCTOBER REPORT, 2017.
Break:
As usual we have come to the end of the second term classes successfully and the students will be back to school on 6th November from the three weeks break. They are to use this break time to visit their families, congregations and their farms.
Administrative Activities:
Administratively, everything that needs to keep the school running is in place as everyone contributes his part to give the best service to the Lord. It is our prayer that we will move from one step to another as long as the growth and the development of the school in the Northern Region of Ghana is concerned.
The school land papers are still going under registration. The amount needed has been paid to the Lands Commission and they are going through their procedures to get the land registered and then hand over the papers to the school.
Personal Evangelism:
We held one week personal evangelism in Tamale Township with all students involved and it was a very good experience with the Muslims as usual. We debated with them about Jesus as the son of God and not the prophet as they were describing Him.
We also told them plainly that the eternal salvation of mankind is found in Christ Jesus and not in Mohammed. At a point some were getting the understanding yet some of them were still pushing them not to come closer to the point. So we left them here as we bRought our week long evangelism to an end hoping for another chance to meet them again on the same topic.
Annual Northern Sector Women Fellowship (ANSWF):
This year Annual Northern Sector Women Fellowship hosted and supported by the school has made a significant difference than the years before. This year 32 communities sent the representatives of 152 members to witness and take part of program which has never happened before.
Your brother,
Alex Jabado
Camp in Cambodia
Blessings to all who reads this update. We just finished the country-wide camp of churches of Christ with the theme being "United in Christ" (Eph 4) at a new location and it was a success! The church in Siem Reap had the most attendees and travelled the furthest to get there (7 hr drive). We had the most diverse group attending (family, couples, singles, villagers, city-dwellers, children of Hannah's Hope, elderly widows, students and staff of IBISR) totaling 63 people.
We are thankful to Julie (missionary in PP) and the BEST center for organizing every year and also to Sokhom Hun and Cambodia BIble School (CBS) who hosted and provided the facility for us to meet this year. The speakers were excellent and the campers were grateful and enjoyed themselves in fellowship of other Christians. Im personally thankful for an environment where i can take my children to learn about God and for them to enjoy good Christian fellowship.
I will be resuming my Romans class til November 17th. The students are doing really well and are excited to complete Romans. Then I will teach a one week short course on Personal Evangelism to end my teaching quarter. After that I will also fly to Vietnam with Sophean for his follow up examination of his surgery on Nov 30th. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to serve God here in this part of the world.
in Him,
Phanat
Prayers requested in Wotutu
Dearest in Christ,
Greetings from this part of the globe. We are doing better and God is still blessing us in all that we do. We still do not have internet in our area as before. That is why it is difficult to send my reports on Sunday as I used to do. We thank God that we can use any available means to make known His work and to appreciate you who are standing with us as we do this work. We do hope you are doing great. Please, please pray for us and pray for the situation of our country.
Students are doing better in health. Christians are doing better in health, but many are sick here. As I write this report my mom is seriously sick. I took her to the hospital yesterday. This morning I was called that she had a tough night. She has malaria and typhoid with general body pains disturbing her. After this I will need to check on her but I will appreciate your prayers for her. Her name is MAMI JULIE.
This weekend I went out from south west region alone on my normal season routine visit to our newly established congregation. I went to some mountainous regions in the north west and ended up in Mbeme village where we have a congregation that we established eight months ago. It was great for me to see things and to evaluate the work the students are doing there on a weekly basis. I was impressed with the growth and the soundness of the congregation even though they face many challenges.
PLANS
We plan to go to Kompina village with our sister preaching school in Mbanga to evangelize the community and to help establish a congregation there.
We are invited to attend the annual Bible lectureship in Nso from the 23rd to the 30th of November 2017. Many members of the Wotutu congregation want to be part of that evangelistic program. Our van will not contain all of us.
APPRECIATION
We thank God for using you to get this work to this level. God alone will bless you and reward your thoughts, prayers and support. Please share this work with others.
Elangwe and family
By His Grace Director BVBIC-Wotutu
EVANGELISM IS OUR MISSION AND OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM.2TIM2:2 2TIM4:2
Graduation in Chimala
The Chimala Bible Institute celebrated graduation on Friday, November 4, 2017. There were 16 graduates from all over southern and eastern Tanzania. Richard Rogers spoke at the graduation and it was well attended. Several of the area congregations were able to attend the graduation and support and encourage the new graduates. In fact, there were over 200 in attendance at the graduation!
Joseph Haonga, CBI director, wrote: "It was an historical graduation is what most of the people said. Their reason was the attendance. We invited all congregations around Chimala and any one out of Chimala who afford to come was free, and the graduates were allowed to invite their preachers families and friends as they can. The were more than 200 people attended, and the blessing gifts to the graduates and staffs was great. And they promised to work for the Lords Church and giving great cooperation with CBI and all congregations. We thank the one who gave it was very great encouragement to all who witnessed that great event. The graduates were very thankful all to the school to provides suits for them as you see they were very fun and amazing. We appreciate all the supporters. "
We are praying to God to bless all who made this to happen and may He continue to make this being happening forever and ever Amen.
Thanks,
Joseph.
"
Things are going great in India!
Dear brethren in Christ,
I bring greetings from Visakha Valley Bible college to you in the precious name of Lord Jesus Christ our saviour. Hope this message finds you all good. First of all let me thank you all for your prayers, God has been blessing our efforts in this time of growing opposition to the Christianity in India.
It has been a long time since I have written a full length report about the preaching school activity in Visakhapatnam. First of all we are thankful to God for blessing us to run this preaching school.
Jerry Bates Visit:
We had a great visit of brother Jerry Bates, it was good two weeks of work we had. As usual he has done a tremendous job of teaching the Master’s Class students for these two week. While he was here, we were bit concerned about how the government/Intelligence would react, thankfully nobody had showed up at the school checking on them.
Master Classes:
We had more students this time even though a couple of students were absent. We had 13 students who regularly attended classes for these two weeks. It was great time of learning and fellowship. All the students really admire brother Jerry Bates’ patience and his simple way of teaching those students who are not eloquent in English. Most of the students had turned in their due work, this inspired rest of the students start working on their assignments as well.
About the Van our Gospel Chariot:
Attached are some pictures showing the Van and how it is being used. Recently when Jerry stayed with us, our van was the mode of transport. We have brother Nageswara rao who is a recent graduate is helping to drive this van to transport students to attend gospel meetings and bible classes in the city area. It is a greatest blessing to the School. We thank the elders and mission committee at Lake Houston for helping us to purchase this van, we admire brother JY Brown for encouraging the congregation to provide for this need.
Trade Education:
This new trend of Preacher Training we implemented first time at our school. We have discussed about it earlier after seeing the possibility and adjustment of time and other things we finally have decided to provide some time for the students to learn a trade. Our students have started learning Tailoring as part of the Trade Education. This program has brought a new spirit of learning in our students; for four days in a week, one hour each day the tailoring instructor would come and teach a theory class, followed by a practical class.
Also we found one of our graduate who is capable of teaching basic computer education to our students, with that he is able to help our students to teach how to use computer and make a word document.
Need:
Mega phones are a big time need for preaching in rural areas and also motor cycles, we pray that that our Lord provides this need to help our graduates who working in very remote areas where there is bus facility. Kindly pray that our Lord provides.
We are need of more books, if you find anybody those who are interested to share their books with us, we would be glad to have them. We are thankful to all those who donated their books, they have been a great help for the Masters Class students. Our students have been learning to do more research, certainly it is an accomplishment, hoping that it would continue and reach the highest point of making it as a habit.
Gratitude:
We always thank God for giving such a kind heart to the brethren who are behind this preaching school. Strickland church of Christ for overseeing the work and Lake Houston church for considering to help regularly to run this preacher training school. We appreciate your kind support also for your prayers. We hope and pray that our supporting churches would continue to support our mission spot for the years to come.
From all of us at Visakha Valley Please convey our greetings to your families and Church families as well. We pray for you daily..!!
In Christ,
Samuel Raju Muppidi, Director
John Dean M, Dean
Visakha Valley Bible College