A good start in Chimala

Chimala Bible Institute and School of Preaching is off to a great start this year.

On January 15 the Chimala Bible Institute (CBI) and School of Preaching began its new year with 32 students.  As the last year was closing, we thought our student body would be down this year due to a lack of funding, but at the last moment prayers were answered and a generous donation made it possible for us to have the 32 students. 

Our breakdown this year is:  12 in the first year students in the English program (BVBI), 10 first year students in the Swahili program, and 10 returning second year students in the Swahili program.  Three of our English students are Congo refugees, and we are thankful that after all of the government paperwork they were allowed to come. 

Some of our English students are also from last year’s graduating Swahili class.  This year we have also had a slight change in our teaching staff with Remmy Mfaume coming on staff to direct the English program.  We have even made a change in the Swahili program to where the Swahili students are in class all day just like the English students.  At this writing we are into our third week of studies with a great group of men and women. I am excited to be able to work with them not only in training them to preach and effectively study God’s word, but also as we go out into the villages each week.

The projects we began last year, we will be continuing this year.  These projects that are meant to help train the students in a trade they can use when they graduate and got back home, as well as provide food for the students.  We learned many things last year and thus will be making some changes in the program, and planning on adding some additional projects to the agenda.  Just a few days ago we got some pictures of the students working in the garden cleaning, preparing, and planting some new vegetables.  We also have over an acre of corn that was planted while the students were on break which is coming along very nicely and we look forward to it helping cut down some of our food costs.

I do not have a full record of what all occurred during the students November to January break, but I do have a report on what the 2017 graduates have done since their graduation on November 3 up to January 3, 2018.  The report shows that they have had a total number of 77 baptisms, 30 people restored, and one dead church revived.  This is a report of their work for just two months!  Think what they will be able to do in one year.  Many of these men came from the Mwanza area which is in the northwestern part of Tanzania and by bus 23 hours away.  God has promised if we will just spread the word it will not return void, and the efforts of these graduates prove that fact.

Richard Rogers.

My visit to Nigeria and Togo

As Director of Extensions, it is both my duty and joy to visit as many Bear Valley extensions as I am able, in a year. It was my pleasure to recently be able to visit the Bear Valley extensions in Ibadan, Nigeria and Kpalime, Togo. I was met in Lagos, Nigeria by local Director Amkinde Ebens, as well as Bear Valley team members, Steven Ashcraft and Chad Wagner.

The school near Ibadan, Nigeria currently has a total of 40 students. In addition to the classroom work, where they are learning the bible in depth, they also have a new chicken project, as well as a vocational training program. I am thankful for Makinde and his team, who do such a good job with the school.

From Nigeria I traveled with Steven to Accra, Ghana to obtain my Togolese visa and the next day we drove to Kpalime, Togo with Director Willie Gley. We went directly to the school where they were all anxiously awaiting the graduation, which would be the following day. 

At the graduation, not only did we witness the success of the graduates, but we were also introduced to the incoming class of 19 students. We are excited and hopeful about the potential of these men. Please continue to pray for them and for us.

God bless,

Keith Kasarjian

Director of Extension Studies

38 baptisms in Liberia

Hello Brethren,

We bring you greetings from the students and staffs in Liberia- Bear Valley Bible Institute, hoping all is well with you and your families in the Lord's name.

STUDENTS RETURNED

After a month break (Vacation), our students returned to the campus on the 17th of January in a very high spirit appreciating the school for the level of education imparted to them because their performances and contributions back to their local congregations have help the congregations greatly.

CAMPAIGN

Our first activity of the year 2018 was a campaign to a town called Tearyegbaplay. A year a ago we took up a very challenging gospel campaign to a very poor and faraway Town called Tearyegbaplay and baptized 26 souls and started a New Church (The Church of Christ) in that community. Meanwhile, our first worship in the town was carried out under a big tree because there was not big room in the whole town to host the church that Sunday morning of about 86 in attendance. It was so very sad leaving this new church with out a worship place almost at the beginning of the rainy season and without hope of ever having a worship place all by themselves knowing their poor conditions.

My Team returned and posted an appealed for help to give these brethren a worship place and by God's special grace, Brother Greg Grounds and Brother Steven Ashcraft help raised the money and now they have a worship place with the help of my campaign team. We were also blessed to have 12 baptisms on this mission.

MOTORBIKE

The school now also has another motorbike added on the one we already have before making it two bikes. Brother Steven Ashcraft help raised this additional funds for this bike. These motorbikes help the students go out of the campus during the weekends to faraway towns and villages to help encouraged weak congregations in teaching, preaching and evangelism as part of their practical training in the school. These efforts are helping many congregations in restoring members, strengthening weak brethren and exposing the Lord's church in those communities .Many thanks to brethren for this help.

STUDENT PROFILE

T. Joel Weah is a student of the Bear Valley Bible Institute- Liberia, born June 12, 1971 in Harper Maryland County, in the south eastern part of Liberia. Brother Joel is married with (7) seven children and they all are christian worshiping with the Harper church of christ with a membership of about(40) forty persons. He is a high school graduate with little knowledge in operating computer. Brother Weah is a very dedicated student, hard working and the matter of fact, he is our best student in the school and in practical teaching and preaching. He desires to further his education in the scriptures to enable him serve the school and the world.

APPRECIATION

Many thanks and appreciation to you for all your sacrifices that are making it possible for the Lord's work in this part of the world to go on. May God richly bless you.

In Him,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- BVBI-L

Classes and campaigns in Myanmar

Dear brethren,

Greetings in Jesus's name. I hope and pray that this mail finds you well. 

By God's grace and through your help, we could have our classes from January 8-19 and 25-30. Students participated at Pyay seminar with brother Daniel Hamm from January 20-23. Our classes went very well I keep all the record of attendance and grades. It was so good to meet brother Mark and and sit at his feet. He is such a wonderful teacher. 

From February 1-14, with three BV students and two other co-workers, we are going to some other parts in Myanmar to do some field work of evangelism and to encourage our brethren in those little  congregations. We really covet your prayer. 

Thank you very much for all you do and praise God for His love and grace which bind us together for this great work.

Humbly
Philip Van Biak Lian

Plans for improvement in Tamale, Ghana

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Tamale, Ghana

Back to School:

The school has re-opened and all the students reported back after they have gone on a break to see their families and the congregations while they also harvested their food crops on their farms.

Classes are ongoing and every activity is busy going on as it is expected. The students are very busy with their academic work and on the more serious note the instructors are taking their instructional time into consideration making sure that the teaching and learning meet the expectation.

Administrative Activities:

The management team is seriously working as usual within their means to make sure that all the Churches of Christ in the Northern Ghana come on board to raise the image of the school. With this plan, a regular visitation program is made. It is planned that our past students are visited and discuss the progress of the work. We are also putting more good plans in place to secure the integrity of the school. In this plan too the students as well as the past students are advised and encouraged to always live as the disciples of Jesus.

Repair works/needs:

There are some repair and replacement works to be done. Some doors need to be replaced. The toilets walls need to be plastered and painted and all the water closets need to be replaced. We also need water storage tank so we can have enough water all the time.   

Your borther,

Alex Jabado

Semester break in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus, 

Greetings from Nigeria most especially from BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan and fellow WBSFUW .

We end all our second semester classes and tests this afternoon in our main campus at Butubutu village, Ibadan. Our 25 year one students will now continue their vocational training in Ibadan, Lagos and Asejire -Osun State for the next two weeks, while the 15 year two students returned to their congregations to continue their services to the Lord. 

Lord willing, third semester classes will commence on February 12,2018 because of Bro. Bill Pennell 's visit to our campus in Butubutu village on February 19 & 20,2018.

WEEKEND CAMPAIGNS :Our weekend campaigns of January 19-20 at Egbeda town and Butubutu village results into conversion of three souls, two young girls at Butubutu village and a young boy at Egbeda town of Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State. TO GOD BE THE GLORY AND HONOR !

Your brother,

Makinde Ebens

Direcotor

School back in session in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

We bring to you the best of greetings for 2018. We are pleased to know that you are in 2018 safe and sound with a sounding blessing that God is preparing for His children. We are doing great here in the church and our dream to evangelize our communities, even though politically our country is in trouble. But, we are not worried about that because we are not politicians but preachers of the gospel. We spend time to pray for those in authority in our country so that we can enjoy better peace as we go about our dreams.

All our students are back in class from mission work as from the 8th of December. They had a wonderful time with congregations and made great encouragements and God blessed the work with 29 souls and 8 restored members.  A new congregation was established in the village of Mbalangi. We sent one student home named Abeya John to go and rectify his marital situation. We have given him some time to do that. If that is not done, then he will be dismissed from school.

We are back in class after mission work and vacation. We are on with our intensive studies. This quarter we have the following courses to teach the students as we prepare them for full time ministry by the end of this year. Old Testament 4, Church History, Inter-testamental period, World Religion, Greek, Church Music, and some others like Agriculture, Languages, and English and French towards evenings.

As usual, the instructors will have a friendly meeting at the beginning of the quarter. We sat as friends to discuss the work in front of us. We pray and encourage one another. It is always great to have people around you who share your dreams which mostly concern the growth of the church.

PLANS

We have double invitation to be in many locations this month and the months to come. A sister in Northwest heard about our evangelistic efforts and our zeal. She is inviting us to come to her village and establish a new congregation from the 22nd  through the 28th. Another congregation is inviting us to be in Batoke for lectureship.

APPRECIATIONS

God bless you as we have just started again in 2018. Thanks very much for your prayers. Thanks for your support in all kinds of ways. We pray that you continue to do what you are doing for this work. Thanks for the partnership. We are ready to partner again with you. God bless you as we think souls and go for souls.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director BVBIC-wotutu

EVANGELISM IS OUR MISSION AND OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM. 2TIM2:2 ;2TIM4:2

Successful campaigns in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus, 
Greetings and appreciation for your continuous support and love for the Lord 's work in Africa most especially in Nigeria. 

The school authority divided the students and instructors into four groups for the end of the years programs. The groups leaders are :Bro. Makinde Ebens, Bro. Kayode Eniafe, Bro. Abiola Joseph Olusoji and Bro. Isaac Olaniyan while the year two students most especially those of them serving as an evangelist of a congregations such as Bro. Emmanuel Godwin  ,Bro. Obey Rimamsikwe, Bro. John Serimam, Bro. Ukori Godwin Johnson, Bro. Akilapa Samuel Timileyin, Bro. Samuel Peter Ortserga, Bro. Samuel Ogunleye and Bro. Anana Abasiama Effiong. 

My group are with Ikorodu Congregation,Lagos on December 16 where I served as one of the guest speakers during the SWSE -Ikorodu campus second annual Bible Lectureship where I spoke on How to prevent the Lord 's church in becoming lukewarm. 

The Lectureship in Ikorodu Congregation was attended by over 300 brethren from 15 congregations in Lagos State and 500 VOTI volume 94 and Mission Printing booklets were freely distributed to all participants. 

Makinde Ebens, Director 

Time being used wisely in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE, GHANA

December Report 2017.

Break:

We have ended the third term classes successfully and the students have gone home and they will be back to school God’s willing on the 15th of January 2018. They are to use this break to see their families, congregations, and also harvest their crops on their farms.

Administrative Activities:

Administratively, we are doing everything possible to keep the school on its feet to have the bright future as an Institution which is so dear to the heart of God. It is our prayer that we will be able to accomplish this mission to the glory of the Lord Jesus.

Invitation to Tatale:

As it has been the sole aim of the management team to bring on board all the Churches of Christ in the Northern Ghana in the school, we are being communicating with the Churches daily in all we do here in the school and now they have come to appreciate our work. Most especially they appreciate brother Steven’s effort to support the growth of the Northern Churches. Also, the action of our past students in the preaching field is enough evidence that the school stands for the growth of the Church of Christ in the North.

Having received the invitation to attend the Annual Northern Bible Camp to speak to the congregation about the school and to also support the camp with our preaching equipment was so wonderful. The school supported the program with equipment both day and night for four days and enough time was given to speak at length about the school. Francis Ayine, Jabado Alex, and Niipaak Laar were there to talk to the brethren how it is important for everybody support to build the school. Many brethren were touched in their heart and a brother from Kuntumbiyili promised to give yams to feed the students and fulfilled his promise the following day. The school stands a chance of having a good future if we continue to teach the congregations the importance of having the Bible school at our door step instead of going to the South to attend the same such Bible school.

Repair Works/Needs

There are some repair and replacement works to be done. Some doors need to be replaced. The toilets walls need to be plastered and paint and all the water closets need to be replaced. We also need a water storage tank so we can have water all the time.

School Farm

We will continue to do some farm on the property like we did last year where we had a good harvested of corn. This year depending on the weather, we may do some yam or groundnut or both. In future we will need a flowing bore hole to do some farming whenever we want to.

Continue to pray with and for us. God bless you and We Wish You a Happy New Year.

Alex Jabado

Many activities in Arusha

ACSOP DECEMBER 2017 Report.

GRADUATION:

I greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s my hope that everyone is doing well in the Lord’s work. Now, I would like to share with you a short report concerning graduation this year. It is a good time that God has given us to see another group of students starting a new page in the big task given by our Lord, Jesus Christ – that is to go and preach the Gospel without forgetting the task of teaching all: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.Joshua 1:8 

The School had two different levels of graduates. We had fifteen from the bachelors program From Kenya we had: The Tanzania 2000 Mission has two sisters schools, which were also involved in this graduation. They are the Arusha Bible School and the Kilimanjaro Bible School. The Arusha Bible School under the administration of brother Desdery Massawe, had five students who graduated with a certificate.  In this case we witnessed Twenty students graduating, ready to serve our Lord. This was great privilege in the kingdom.

It’s my great hope that these men have all the skills needed to reach lost souls. This has been realized by the performance in the class and outside in the field while they were still students. These ACSOP students were involved in the Arusha campaign, and outreach in deferent congregations.

Youth  Camps.

In this year God provided us with two youth camps. Future preachers Training Camp and Tanzania Christian Camp. First camp FPTC we had sixty – one youth trained as preachers. It should be remembered that this camp is another tool we have to train preachers apart from ACSOP. One of the camper was baptized in this camp.

Second camp had one hundred and fifty campers, with eighteen adult chancellors and teachers. God provided ten baptisms in this camp. We thank God for this opportunity to serve His.  

First we thank God and our Lord Jesus for these wonderful events. Likewise we want to thank our brother Neal Pollard, for encouraging us ,  and also for being our keynote speaker in the graduation. Also ACSOP thanks all brothers and sisters who are not sleeping  in order to look for ways that they can fund the school so it can operate. Again these all would not be done without your efforts, also ACSOP faculty and the best missionary team we have. God is blessing the church abundantly on this side because of your efforts. Please continue to pray for us as we serve Him together.

In His service,

Ahimidiwe Kimaro

Director, Andrew Connally School of Preaching

A Bear Valley Bible Institute International extension school

Arusha, Tanzania

Graduation in Accra

SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES (SIBS), ACCRA

DECEMBER, 2017

APPRECIATION

The students are happy so also our instructors. Their praise to the Lord is that our God is mighty, good and loving kindness Who protects and provides our needs all times. We had never lacked either closed door to our prayer in request and thanks given. May His name be GLORIFY!

Our supplication to the Lord is that you shall never lack in times of need. May the Lord restore in abundance all your endeavors to put the school into good shape, seeking that the work is done and the truth is told.

COMPLETION OF SCHOOL AND GRATITUDE – 2nd Batch

18th December, 2017, as written on the upper corner of the Formica board by the students of SIBS, Accra, “7 Days More” has come to pass.

The students are greatly happy for the completion of their Diploma in Biblical Studies. With much temptation and struggles in their two-year stay on campus, the fruit of their lips is that “we thank you for your love, free tuition, accommodation, feeding, study materials, internet, and above all instructing them in the way of God through encouragement and exhortation.

The students appreciate the staff, especially brothers Keith Kasarjian and  Steven Ashcraft; the school directors, brothers Seth Osae Larbi and Emmanuel Odeng Larbi; the instructors, brothers Kojo Acquah Beenyi,  Yaw Amoo-Gyimah, Kwabena Gyan-Mante, Jonathan Obeng Agyeapong; the cook, sister Christiana Adziaka and the Administration for being with us in spirit and in love.

We are grateful for the presents, visit, and donation from the brethren.

THE FAREWEL MESSAGE BY THE STAFF

On Thursday, 14th December, 2017, was the last day for a visit to the students for their departure. Having stood up on behave of the staff, Brother Seth Osae Larbi, gave the students a farewell message.

His message was about our preparation for the field work and not just a mere completion but to fulfill our mission on this earth as preachers of the gospel.

Having done with the message he blessed us and with word of prayer. With a hand shake we salute each other.

PRESENTATION:

Brother Emmanuel Odeng Larbi presented Willmington’s Bible Handbook and Ministering Ethics to each student being what he has for our further study and research work.

TERMLY CAMPAIGN

This was our 4th campaign held on 4th – 10th December, 2017 at the township of Obeyeyie, Amasaman-Accra. In unify body: the current students, some of the past students and other preachers propagate the gospel for a week.

Minor challenges: Muslims and other traditional faith believers have dominated the area, yet with the help of God we had in all 8 converts, 7 new Christians and an old member who has just arrived in the town. Out of this effort we establish the church in this area with many of our contacts promising to come back. We were much grateful to the Lord for the wonderful things He has done.

NEW SCHOOL YEAR

The new year for the school, being our third batch of students is beginning on January 22, 2018. We have so far interviewed fourteen students and hopefully all would come to school come January 22.

As we beginning our new year, we wish you Happy New Year, praying that much good will be done and accomplished.

Summer break in Fiji

PROGRESS UPDATE: 

Bible Institute at Raiwaqa, Fiji

SUMMER BREAK

The school is currently in their summer break.  Seasons are reversed south of the equator.  In the words of one of the Fijian ladies to my wife, on a particularly hot day, “If is so hot, it feels like Christmas!” 

Our students are enjoying their summer break.  They have been staying very busy.  Movono has been able do some work in his plantation.  He also continues to preach for the Delaidamanu Church of Christ and teach a weekly Bible class.  

Some of our students were asked to speak on the Aliesa Lectureship.  This workshop was held on the island of Upolu in the neighboring country of Samoa, a little over 700 miles from Suva, Fiji (as the crow flies).  Three of our students (Emosi, Vili, and Va) and one of our teachers (Jason) along with four other members of the Raiwaqa Church of Christ flew to Samoa for the workshop which was held December 29 to 31, 2017.   The Theme of this Lectureship was “Being Approved By God” taken from 2 Timothy 2:15.  Emosi, Vili, and Jason taught classes during the workshop.  Sister Va taught the ladies’ classes.  

At this same time, Peter Lee, another one of our students, traveled by ferry to the northern island of Vanua Levu, Fiji.  He and his wife Moira worked with the Buca Church of Christ in Savusavu.  They passed out tracks in the city during the week and Peter preached for the church on Sunday.  

Lency, our first international student from the Solomon Islands, flew back to Honiara, Solomon Islands.  He then traveled to his home island (four days by boat) to spend time with his family.  During his stay, he is conducting Bible studies with his relatives and friends.  He sent the following text to my son, Jason:

"Hi brother,

l'm still in the village, here in my village they are all members of aglican church.  Only few individuals are from different religious groups. My family and I, we are all fine.  At the moment what I'm doing I'm easily teaching some of my relatives to understand the new testament church and the faith that we have in Christ.

Thanks,

Bro.Lency."  

LIBRARY UPDATE:

I flew to Denver to pick up 7 boxes of books, from Bear Valley Bible Institute at Denver to jumpstart our library.  These books along with another 7 boxes donated by John McCain, (Jason’s father-in-law) and 3 boxes donated by Tony and Cathy Duncan (from Cathy’s late father’s personal library) are being prepared for shipment to Fiji.

In addition to these books, we have had three more laptops and one desktop donated for our computer lab.  These resources will be invaluable tools for our students to use in completing their class assignments.

TEXTBOOK UPDATE:

Normally, Jason and I have been writing and printing our own textbooks. Because of the technical nature of the subjects, Jason and I felt it important to use some commercially published books from our upcoming classes on Greek and Bible Geography.  Due to the generosity of several congregations and interested individuals we were able to purchase 20 copies each of Basic Greek in 30 Minutes a Day, by James Found The Basics of Biblical Greek, by William D. Mounce, and The History and Geography of the Bible, by Bob and Sandra Waldron

Rocco Pierce, Director

An outstanding year in Liberia

Dear Brethren,

The month of December started very well both in and out of the classroom. Our fourteen (14) full time students are doing very well and are all in high spirit moving to the finish line. They all say hello.

Campaign

The school took up a campaign in a town called Garr Boosue to help a struggling and dying church and by God's special grace, the church has been restored and 12 souls were baptized and added to the Lord.

Agriculture Practical Farm

Our agriculture practicals continued to bring forth fruits. 98 watermelons were harvested and sold to help transport the students to the year end minister's network lectureship program in Weala, Bong County.

VACATION

The students and are now on vacationand will be coming back to school on the 14th of January 2018. We are hearing lots of good news from their ministers and church leaders about their evangelistic efforts in their church.

With your support, we were able to have seven (7) successful campaigns this year(2017). Four (4) of those campaigns were our normal academic campaigns for the school supported by Bear Valley, and the remaining three (3) campaigns were supported by the additional funds sent to us through brother Steven Aschraft. All of these seven campaigns efforts resulted in the follow:

1. 115 baptisms

2. 4 new congregations planted

3. 2 dying congregations restored

4. 43 falling christians restored.

APPRECIATIONS

We want to take this time to extend our sincere thanks and appreciations to you for all your sacrifices that are making it possible for the Lord's work here to go on. May God richly bless you.

Your Brother For Jesus Sake;

Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- BVBI-L

Wonderful in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the globe. We wish you the best for the season. We do hope all is well with you and the work. It was great to work with you closely this year of 2017 and we look forward to another blissful year ahead of us in 2018.

I am writing to share my annual report and how God has used us to accomplished great things in His vineyard here in Wotutu, Cameroon. Thanks for all your prayers and support. God bless you and keep you strong as we prepare to do more by His grace next year.

 Elder Randy, one of the overseeing elders in STC, along with his wife Robin, were in Cameroon to teach the students and their wives. He taught the students “1 Corinthians” while she was busy teaching the students wives “Holy Women of God.” They were great classes and were enjoyed by all.

Hinder-land mission took the stage after the short courses. Our destination was for 9 hinterland villages including my village where there are no passable roads. We trekked hours upon hours under a beautiful rain forest. It was hard, but our thoughts of souls motivated us to move on no matter the difficulties.

Our students are out to 19 different villages to preach, teach, and nurture congregations. They went out with new Bibles to give to previous converts. They went with the greatest weapon we have so as to dismantle hearts that are stubborn with the words of God. While in different villages, we shared the word of God and shared reading glasses to both Christians and unbelievers. It was a blessing to see some old people select glasses that would help them to see clearly again. To God be the glory.

We were engaged in preaching house to house and also from one market squares to another. Many paid attention and listened to the truth. You can see some of our graduates. It was awesome for some of our graduates whom we visited to welcome us in their area of work and share with us passions and visions about the work in their respective areas. WE ARE NOT ALONE AND WE SHALL NEVER BE ALONE WAS REITERATED AGAIN, bringing back that team work spirit to work together and developed the kingdom of God.

Brother David Ballard was the first white man to be in Mbiaka village. That is my home town. The children were really amazed to see him but they were not scared because they knew that some humans have that color as they watch that on TV and movies. They saw him live as a man that loves children. He was friendly with them and shook their hands. It was fun.

God bless you. Thank you for your sacrifice towards this success. God alone will reward you and replenish from anywhere you took resources to help make us be able to do the work smoothly. Thanks very much. Words cannot quantify our sincere gratitude to your efforts.

Do your best to greet families, church families, and neighbors around you. We lift up our eyes to heaven pleading for heaven to give us grace again to be partners in His work come 2018. We have dreams that will help us do more for the kingdom. God bless you as you continue to be a source of blessings to many.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

EVANGELISM IS OUR MISSION AND OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM.2TIM2:2 2TIM4:2

Evangelism in Togo

NOVEMBER, 2017

THE LORD CONTINUES TO ADD SOULS TO HIS BODY

The pure New Testament message continues to impact people in the Kloto Region. The Lord blessed our efforts in the month with five souls responding to the gospel by submitting to baptism.

CHARIOT MISSION

The van continues to facilitate our outreach programs which include: Dawn preaching, tract distribution and campaigns for Christ.

CHURCH OF CHRIST RECOURCE CENTER

Are the ones assigned to the center. The centre is stocked with tracts and other religious materials for distribution to the public. The centre is also used as a contact office where Bible studies are conducted.

The Agogome Church of Christ now has a newly constructed place of worship.

 WEEKLY RADIO BROADCAST

Radio broadcast is playing a vital role in the spread of the gospel. We reach people where we cannot travel to. Several have been converted through the radio program over the years.

PREACHERS’ MONTHLY MEETING

One of the strengths of the ministry in Kloto Region is the leadership. All the preachers in the Kpalime area do meet each first Monday in the month to encourage one another, discuss pertinent issues affecting the local congregations, plan the work in Kloto and enjoy a meal fellowship. They spend time together to pray for their congregations and for themselves.

 Report by Willie Gley

Out in the field in Nigeria

Dear fellow ministers of God, 

Greetings from BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan and fellow WBSFUW in South West States of Nigeria. 
The Mass Evangelism and Open Air Bible Lectureship held in Ileogbo, Osun State and that of Jago village in Ona -Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State resulted in to two conventions each. That is, two converts in each of the venue of the three days mass evangelism and Open Air Bible Lectureship. 

JAGO CONGREGATION : On Sunday, December 10, some of us worship with Jago congregation. Bro. Samuel Peter Ortserga led the church in songs, Bro. Andrew Adeolu taught on Holiness (Psalm 15)while I admonished the church on Building for the Lord from Nehemiah 4.
CAMPUS CHURCH : Bro. Timothy Adegoke led in songs, Bro. Abraham Idu Yeje taught on The collection of the Saints while Bro. Oba Justice Ugochukwu admonished the church on The Second Coming of Christ. 

ASEJIRE CONGREGATION :Bro.Kayode Eniafe led in songs, Bro. Dennis Okpachui taught on The Second Coming of Christ while Bro. Effiong admonished the church on Faithfulness. 
Other students were also busy working for the Lord in sisters congregations in Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Lagos and Ekiti States of Nigeria on the Lord 's day of December 10,2017.

Brethren, most of our students will be traveling to Igbara -Odo, Ekiti State and Ode -Aye, Ondo State on Friday for another three days mass evangelism and Open Air Bible Lectureship while I will be going to Lagos State to speak in the 2nd Annual Bible Lectureship organized by the SWSE, IKORODU campus on December 16 on How To prevent the Lord 's church from Lukewarmness and on Sunday morning will be speaking in Meiran congregation on The Church and the Preacher.

Beloved, we are proud of being a good partners with you all in the Lord's vineyard. May the Lord keep us safe till death in Jesus Christ name, amen. 
Your fellow soldier of Christ...... Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies & Chairman of Administrative Council, BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan and WBSFUW)

A great first year in Sierra Leone!

Dear Brethren in Christ.

We have come to the end of our fourth quarter in the first year of our program in Sierra Leone; we thank God for your support in different ways for the school. We hope and pray that the Lord will continue to shower you with his blessings.

We are sending you photos of our school activities undertaken during this quarter of school ending 2017.

CAMPUS MINISTRY-SCHOOL & CHURCHES RELATIONSHIP.

There is a cordial relationship between the school and churches in Sierra Leone -Kailahun, Kenema, Tongue, and Taiama. Etc.  

On the 27th -29th Oct, a fellowship meeting between students and the youth of Kenema churches of Christ was held at the campus followed by a football match between the students and churches combined which ended in a 3-2 victory in favor of the school

This event of the school was witnessed by both Steven Asheraft the regional coordinator for West Africa and Bro Robert Dahn the director from Liberia (Bear Valley).

HOUSE TO HOUSE CAMPAIGN-KENEMA TOWNSHIP

Our door to door evangelism is on Saturdays where students partner in collaboration with the youth fellowship churches of Christ Kenema.

CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST-KONO

30th Nov-3rd Dec, 2017 -Lectureship at Waima village in Gbane Chiefdom on Baptism was conducted where 36 members from a denominational congregation were converted and be baptized for remission of their sins through the effort of a student from that area by the name of Maxwell Temoindor. We instituted the lord supper and corrected other errors, like instrumental music in their worship, moving off shoes before entering the church edifice ect

EXPERINCIAL SHARING:

For the first time we hosted a short course lecturer from a neighboring country from Liberia to teach and share experience success stories in their school development such as large scale agricultural farming, extra classes conducted for part time students, Evangelism/ campaign, structural adjustment on teaching methods etc.

From lessons learnt from Bro Robert Dahn of Liberia we were able to correct our lapses and move forward. We hope this will be a routine process.

STUDENTS ACADEMIC WORK:

We have completed the first year fourth quarter of studies after going through vigorous training with our students in both academic and practical field work. The result will be published in due course to encourage students to give their best in the last year courses.

Yours in Christ

Ishmael 

Students finish their courses in Accra

SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES (SIBS) ACCRA

We thank God, the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ for making this year a peaceful year, though much challenges yet we are almost at the closed of the year through His Protection.

We are always thankful to you and the instructors for the great effort made to the students of the Southern Institute for the support and the sound doctrine.

The staff and the students say God bless you all.

KEITH KASARJIAN’S VISIT

On 10th of November, 2017, was Br. Keith Kasarjian together with Br. Stephen and Br. Osae Larbi last visit to the school in Accra (full time department) to see how the students were doing.

His visit was a motivation to us and the farewell message encouraging them to buck up with their studies. Having said this, he further went to check out the books at the library and finally prayed for the students and left.

The students’ message to him was that they appreciate his concern for visiting them from the beginning and ending of their two years studies in Bible knowledge on campus.

SCHOOL BLOCK

Almost all touches on the school block are accomplished. A small portion of the painting work and the fence are yet to be accomplished.

END OF ACADEMIC YEAR

The school’s vacation for the Christmas holidays also marks the end of our two-year programme for school. Our second batch of twelve students ends their two-year vigorous and research-work based classroom studies in December, 2017. Even though they are ending their studies in December, their graduation will be in April, 2018. Three of the twelve are Liberians.

SCHOOL VAN

The school is blessed with a van that became possible through the generosity of the brethren in America. The van is mainly for use for Gospel Campaign, excursion and also for the use by the American brethren when they visit for short course, graduation or campaign and other vital purposes.  

STUDENTS’ PROFILE

The sport line of November student’s profile is one of our finest students by name David Antwi. He is married with three children, all boys. He preaches for Achimota College Church of Christ. Achimota is a suburb of Accra, our national capital city, and there are three congregations by location where David handles one of them. David is grateful to the school, according to him, he is now able to handle right with the scriptures and the brethren are happy for his work. The church has seen growth since he began preaching for the past years. It will interest you to know that the only survived preacher among the five first batches of preachers for the church in Ghana is a member where David preaches.

PRAYERS NEEDED

Please pray with us as we are about to end the year and to enter a New Year.

Graduation in Zambia

The First Graduation for Bear Valley Bible Institute-Zambia

The first graduation ceremony was supposed to be on 14th October 2017 but it was postponed to 14th December 2017. We are very grateful as a school to see a sizable number of brothers and sisters come from around the Copper Belt Province to witness the honoring of our first graduates. It was also a very joyous moment to the six students that graduated.

Andrew Mwila came specifically for the graduation from Lusaka. He wants to settle in Lusaka and work as a bricklayer while he does his preaching. Since he finished his training here he has been a tool to some congregations in the capital city. As he goes back, we have no doubt that he will be used to the growth and glory of the Kingdom of God.

Clive Kabika and Joseph Musonda have already positioned themselves to work with Roan congregation. They have been involved in evangelism programs at Roan Church of Christ. Albert Phiri is making his living through farming in Mpongwe district where he has a small piece of land. He is a very valuable tool in this area where there is only one active congregation. He has a plan to establish more congregations with the help of the one which is already there.

Boniface Sianjina the oldest and the only married student among the graduates is also doing some farming to support his family. He preaches on a regular basis at Mikomfwa church of Christ. And Stephen Ngosa who happens to be the youngest among the graduates wants to stay in the city of Ndola where most of his family lives. He is looking for a job to support himself and he is also planning to get married as soon as he settles down. He preaches regularly for a congregation in Ndola.

We really honor these men for the sincerity and commitment they pledged at the beginning of their training. They have proved to be so and we continue praying that the Lord will help them to remain so.

We were also very happy to see all our ten new students witness the honoring of their colleagues. It was indeed a momentous time. This will really leave an indelible impression upon our lives and that of the school.

We are very thankful to all the elders and all brothers and sisters on the Copper belt Province of Zambia who found time to come and grace the occasion with their presence. Brother Thomas Nzobo one of the elders at Kitwe Central Church of Christ was our quest of honor.

The gifts (Bibles and T-shirts) from Brother Donnie Estep for the students added value to the graduation ceremony. We continue thanking him for his generosity and his commitment for the work here.

Training of these men could not have been possible without the financial support of Woodland Oaks Church of Christ. We are truly grateful to them for their commitment.

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

31 students in Haiti

The work at the International School of Theology – Haiti (IST) continues to move forward.  We now have a total of 31 full-time students.  We have seventeen students in the first-year class and fourteen in our second-year class.  The students and faculty are reaching to several locations throughout Haiti with the gospel.  We recently had a visit from one of the local government officials and he was very impressed with the work at IST.  The news of IST has traveled throughout Haiti and we get inquiries from congregations and individuals regularly.  Our teachers and directors are asked to conduct seminars and special classes.  We have also had people from other countries to request information about attending IST. At this time, we are not prepared to receive foreign students.  

 A new congregation will be planted on the campus of IST, January 14th, 2018.   Brothers Martial Viciere and Origin Beaubrun will serve as the ministers; both of these men are graduates of IST. Martial is now one of our teachers and Origin is one of the directors of IST.  There have already been several baptisms in the community through efforts of the faculty and students.   We plan to air our first services live via Facebook so I encourage you to join us on that day, if possible.  Since it will be stored on my Facebook page, you will be able to view it later.  

Our new facility is almost completed!  Due to the help of several congregations and the kindness of many individuals, we now have office space, three good size classrooms and a room for our visiting teachers.  We will now be able to add our third class in August of 2018.  There are still a few things that need to be finished but we can now use the entire building.   Our major need now is to make sure we have electricity.  Electricity in Haiti is never a sure thing on a daily basis.  We may go two or three days with no electricity and can only count on having electricity about four days per week and then only for a few hours. It is like this throughout Haiti.  Therefore, we are trying to raise $15,000 to purchase an 11KW generator and new batteries as well as install solar panels and finish the building. 

Thanks to all who help support the work in Haiti.  This is not my work but it is the Lord’s work in which I am privileged to serve. If you would like more information about the work in Haiti, you may reach me at 731.798.0136 or lwaymire@gmail.com.